Former Desertmartin rector pens books on cycling and his journey through life

The former rector of Desertmartin and Termoneeney, has written a new book about his experiences cycling Mid Ulster's roads.
Canon Kenneth Kingston has published a new book. INTT 33-16-kingstonCanon Kenneth Kingston has published a new book. INTT 33-16-kingston
Canon Kenneth Kingston has published a new book. INTT 33-16-kingston

Titled As I Cycled Along: Parables along the Way, Canon Kenneth Kingston’s story draws parallels between his journeys on a bike and those as a Christian.

The canon’s cycles took place just a few years before his retirement.

His 20-mile route took him through Mid Ulster countryside and the Tobermore area on a fundraising venture for the parish, which he believes has raised hundreds of pounds through sponsorship from parishioners.

A former athlete and keen road runner, Rev Kingston’s cycles have even taken him as far afield as Maghera.

“I had done quite a bit of road running, then I took up cycling when I gave that up although I had cycled all my life,” explained Canon Kingston.

“I just went out cycling every week. The book is about my experiences along the way and my observations.”

In his book, Canon Kingston draws parallels with a Christian’s journey through life.

He said: “In cycling, balance and movement are inseparably linked. It is extremely difficult for most of us, in fact impossible, to maintain a balanced position on a bicycle stationary or travelling in reverse. The same is true as we travel in the Christian journey.”

Rev Kingston was ordained for the assistant curacy of Enniscorty, Clone and Clonmore in the Diocese of Ferns in 1966 and served curacies in Omagh and Ballymena.

He was rector in Badoney Union and Desertmartin and Termoneeney and was appointed canon in St Columb’s Cathedral, in the Derry diocese in 1995.

The book is expected to be available at the parish’s vintage rally on August 20 or by contacting him on 86747905.

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