Community News

06/08/2024

GOOD MAN SEÁNIE

A fishing event that was organised by St. Mary's Park resident, Seánie Quinlivan, drew quite a large crowd of adults and children, despite the inclemency of the weather recently. Billed as a fun event it took place on the Canal Bank and it is hoped that this revival of fishing will catch on and afford children more outdoor pastime by participating in this leisure activity. Seánie, who has been steeped in all matters having to do with fishing since childhood and who is also an able boatman, has proved a positive force in bringing back this aquatic sport that can often result in catching a fish or two. Well done to Seánie!

OUR SHRINE

Our Shrine to the Blessed Mother is seventy years old this year, having been the first to appear in what was termed the Holy Year, 1954. Other parishes followed soon after. Throughout the years, this shrine has stood the test of time and for the most part was tended to by local volunteers. This unique patch has never been tampered with, a testimony to the respect people have had for it and have passed that respect down to their children. Standing at the entrance to the Island Field, it was renamed St. Mary's Park by the then Parish priest, Canon Lee.

O'DWYER BRIDGE

In Denis O'Shaughnessy's most recent publication entitled, 'The Story of Athlunkard Street – 1824 -2024' there is a very telling picture on page 57. It portrays a few men actually working on the construction of the new bridge in 1931, and depicts a man rolling a wheelbarrow. With the Athlunkard Street houses in the background, it is a precious piece of history, and writer, Denis, has a most interesting accompanying article. And it is thanks to many of his former publications that we have an amount of local Parish history to refer to, simply at the turn of a page. One might refer to them as 'ever ready files'!

GOLDEN JUBILEE

Heartiest congratulations to parish native, Canon Desmond McAuliffe, on his recent Golden Jubilee celebrations! We also acknowledge his step further in the eccleseatic arena on being becoming a Canon! Fr. Des, as he is locally known, has served the people well for over fifty years and has been a firm fixture at the Holy Rosary church for many years to date. Oft seen flying around on his trusted bike, his agility belies his most respected years. Of a quiet pleasant nature, the church and its people have been blest to have such an approachable hard worker in our midst. Our parish are proud of him and wish him good health, happiness, and fulfilment for the future.

LUNCHTIME CONCERTS

Beginning at 1.15pm and concluding at around 2pm, the Lunchtime Concerts at St. Mary's Cathedral are free, with a Retiring Collection. Tuesday, July 9th, Pilar Paradela will play the harp. On Tuesday 23rd, Keith Matthew (Tenor) and Liake Lally Maguire (Piano). Music by Faure, Wagner, Lalo, Lambert, Britten and Schumann. For information on all musical events at St. Mary's Cathedral, please log on to www.stmaryscathedral.ie

CHOIR BREAK

As the Cathedral choir take their holiday for the summer, we wish them all the best and thank them for the time they have devoted to enriching the Sunday Service with their exceptional musical input.

FLOWERS IN BLOOM

I make no apologies for mentioning yet again the magnificent floral display that surrounds the perimeter of our beautiful church. Built in 1932, this church replaced the former, much smaller building, where the choir enclosure was situated somehow above the altar. But, back to the present and that visual delight that has been created by the floral artist, Noel. I happened to meet Noel the other day as I was walking up, the now famous, Athlunkard Street. And does he love what he is doing, he surely does! Far from being of a proud nature, he simply sees his floral creations as part of his job. Our thanks to Noel for imparting such a simple joy to all!