The Rev Rosie Diffin was instituted as rector of the Parish of Kilconriola and Ballyclug in Ballymena on April 15. Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, conducted the institution. The Rev Peter Jones, rector of Mossley Parish and Connor Director of Vocations, served as preacher.

Rev Diffin previously served as rector of the Parishes of Kilcronaghan, Ballynascreen and Six Towns in the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe since 2020.

She began her ordained ministry as a deacon in Drumglass Parish, Dungannon, in the Diocese of Armagh in 2012. Ordained as a priest in 2013, she served in Seapatrick Parish, Banbridge, in the Diocese of Down and Dromore until 2015.

From 2015 to 2016, Rev Diffin acted as curate-in-charge in the Parishes of Kilmore and St Saviour’s, Dobbin, in the Diocese of Armagh. She then served as rector there until 2020.

A graduate of the Church of Ireland Theological Institute, Rev Diffin worked earlier in social security for the Northern Ireland Civil Service and in support for children in care in the Armagh area.