Tributes paid to Kells rector

Tributes were paid at a meeting of Kells Town Council this week to Rev Eric Russell, who has retired as Church of Ireland rector in Kells. New council chairman, Brian Curran, said that during his five-and-a-half years in Kells, Rev Russell had made a tremendous contribution not only to the Church of Ireland members, but also to the wider community, and to culture and heritage in the town. Cllr Curran said that the rector had been involved in many initiatives, including the building and opening of the new parochial school in Kells. He had also been involved in the modernisation of the two parish halls in Kells and Donaghpatrick. The town council chairman said that Kells owed a debt of gratitude for his ministry and for the valuable work he had done during his time here. 'I know he is leaving Kells today (Monday) and I wish himself and his wife Joan every happiness as they return to England,' he said. He was joined in the tributes by other members of the council.