New York-based former stage manager appointed Cork Church of Ireland priest

A FORMER stage and production manager on New York’s Broadway is set to exchange the boards for the altar when she takes up the appointment as a Church of Ireland priest in the Cobh and Glanmire Union of Parishes in the new year.

Reverend Elise A Hanley is to take up the appointment, announced at the weekend by the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, Dr Paul Colton, in February, she told The Echo this week.

While Reverend Hanley grew up just outside New York City, she has strong links to Cork as her grandfather sailed out from Cobh a century ago.

“My grandfather Michael Hanley left West Cork by way of Cobh to come to New York 100 years ago, and now I will make the return trip,” she said, declaring herself to be ‘thrilled’ by her appointment.

At present, Reverend Hanley is serving as an Associate Rector at St Ann and the Holy Trinity Church and Pro Cathedral in Brooklyn and previously she worked on the Upper East Side of Manhattan island.

She grew up as a Catholic and graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and worked initially as a stage and production manager on, off and way off Broadway.

She became a member of the Episcopal Church and, in May 2016, graduated from the Union Theological Seminary of the City of New York.

She was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Diocese of New York in November of the same year.

Married to Chris Ashley, who serves as a Chaplain at New York’s Presbyterian Hospital, they share their home with their dog, Ted, a mini rescue schnauzer, and four cats.

“I greatly look forward to meeting everyone and beginning our good work together,” she said as she anticipated her arrival in Ireland to begin her new role.

“Please pray for Chris and me as we prepare to move, and know that you will all be in our prayers.”