The Very Reverend Nigel Cairns has been installed as the new Dean of Derry and instituted as rector of the parish grouping of Templemore and St Augustine's. He succeeds the Very Reverend Raymond Stewart, who retired at the end of last year.

Cairns previously served as principal of Omagh Integrated Primary School. He is a native of Derry and his family was present for the service at St Columb's Cathedral.

The installation was led by the Reverend Canon John Merrick. Attendees included the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Grace Uí Niallais, and the former Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Lord Hay of Ballyore.

Representatives from other Christian denominations also took part, among them Fr Michael Canny, Vicar General of the Diocese of Derry, representing Bishop Donal McKeown; the Reverend Colin Jones of First Derry Presbyterian Church; and Fr Paul Farren, Administrator of St Eugene's Cathedral.

In his sermon, the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, the Right Reverend Andrew Forster, noted the historic nature of the occasion. He remarked that he was unsure when a Derryman last held the post. The bishop described Cairns as possessing a combination of humility and authority, along with a deep compassion for those who suffer. He also praised Cairns' understanding of the city's church traditions and his vision for the new parish grouping.