Canon David Monteith, formerly from Irvinestown
AMIDST the media circus surrounding the discovery of the remains of English King Richard III in a car park in Leicester, one Fermanagh man is high in demand.
Canon Chancellor of Leicester Cathedral, David Monteith hails from Irvinestown and admits it has been a very exciting time for the city and those in the Cathedral, which is in close proximity to the Grey Friars site.
Canon Monteith, the son of Molly and Mallvern, who live in Irvinestown, revealed that it is ‘unlikely’ he will be conducting the reinterment in Leicester Cathedral, but he will play a key role nonetheless.
“I imagine the interment will be left to Bishops or Archbishops, but I will be very involved in the planning for that, working with architects and liturgists.”
But, David is one of the select few who has seen the remains at first hand.
“I never imagined it would happen, but I got to see the body and that was an amazing experience, especially as it was the bones of someone who had died so long ago, but also the fact that this was a famous king.
“Seeing a skeleton is a bit strange too as you see what you will be like some day yourself, but it was still terrific to see such a famous relic of history.”
David has been working in Leicester for four years, and had previous stints in Wimbledon and the landmark St Martin’s in the Fields Church in Trafalgar square. He attended Irvinestown Primary School, before moving on to Portora Royal School to continue his education.
David rarely gets much time to visit Fermanagh, but returned in January for the wedding of his younger sister.
Since confirmation of the remains, David has become somewhat of a celebrity around Leicester, as the world’s media has descended upon his doorstep.
“Yesterday (Monday)I was very busy, I did some work for News 24 today (Tuesday) and I think I’m doing the 6 o’clock news tonight on BBC.
“There have been 33 film crews from all around the world here in Leicester, with television crews from Canada to all across Europe and around the world.
“It is very strange. We have the eyes of the world upon us, but I think it is important we take the opportunity to be as hospitable as possible.”
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