Community News

CONFIRMATION

Congratulations to the boys and girls of St. Mary's Primary School on Bishop Street, who will receive the sacrament of Confirmation on this Saturday at the 11am Mass. Well done to their teacher who has prepared them well for this special event in their life.

TOM'S FINAL NOTE
There was a huge outpouring of grief in the parish upon hearing of the death of Corbally man, Tom Naughton, a man of many parts. Our sincere condolence to his beloved wife, Vera, daughter, Adele, and son, Mark, and relations. The highest respect was afforded Flutist, Tom, who was a former vital member of St. Mary's All-Ireland Prize-winning Fife and Drum Band. A most poignant scene we rarely see, this truly outstanding Band, followed the cortege as it made its sad short journey from its base on Mary Street and down Athlunkard Street, playing the appropriate dignified dirge, their sense of loyalty being palpable to all who witnessed. But then, this musical troupe are renowned for doing many things well, as well as musicianship, attention to detail being to the fore.

TOM'S BAND NOTATION

“Tom joined the Band in 1988 and is a dedicated member of the B.and. Tom learned his music from John McNamara, Conductor. Tom really enjoys playing with the Band, and is always putting that extra bit of practice. Tom has many hobbies and interests and enjoys travelling. He is an example to all members, as he hardly ever misses Band practice or outings and is always interested in affairs of the Band and willing to help out when needed” (From the Anniversary book celebrating the 125th landmark of the band, 1885 – 2010). Personally, I found Tom to be a most amenable and friendly man.

IRISH NAVAL ASSOCIATION

There was a strong and most respectable presence of the Irish Naval Association at Tom's Requiem Mass at St. Mary's Church, that was celebrated by Fr. Richard Davern. This Naval representation formed Guard of Honour as the remains were being transported into the church and again as the remains left the church. But, all was not sadness, as St. Mary's Fife and Drum Band in its own inimitable way, struck up 'Mary's Are We' and proceeded to play quite a delightful repertoire prior to the cortege leaving to take musician Tom to his place of rest.

CASTLEVIEW COFFEE SHOP

Well, who needs one, one might say? But when such appears on the horizon and faces the majestic free-flowing Shannon River, one sits up and takes notice. The old Widows' Alms Houses. Situated on Nicholas Street, with its newly-painted red shutters, is fast attracting both tourists and locals to its delightful Coffee Emporium. And, no doubt the added bonus is that it is catering to the Keith Earls (yes him!), brand of coffee, '11–14'. You may also avail of a delicious array of sandwiches while you are there, and all the while, absorb the delightful beauty of our aquatic crowning glory, the magnificent Shannon River. What more can anyone ask for in this glorious spell of sunshine we never expected. One could do worse than avail of this newly-sprung coffee amenity.

MASS OF REVERANCE

All are welcome to attend and witness the world premiere of Brendan Moir's Mass of Reverence 's in the Anglican Tradition on June 18th at 11.15am at St. Mary's Cathedral. This is an international collaboration between students from the University of Limerick, the Limerick School of Music, members of the Ancór Chamber Choir, and Peter Barley, Choir Master of St. Mary's Cathedral. Mass of Reverence is written in the original Latin. For those unable to attend, the performance will be recorded and released later on in the Summer on the composer's site (bemuse.bandcamp.com) and other platforms.#

CONFIRNATION

Confirmation will take place on Saturday, June 17th at the 11am Mass. We wish the boys and girls of St. Mary's School on Bishop Street, all the very best on their big day! And well done to their teacher who has prepared them well for this significant juncture in the lives,

SUPERB FACILITIES

Continuing on from last week's article on St. Mary's Rugby Club that celebrate their 8Oth birthday this year.
The facilities that the club have now are second to none having come on in leaps and bounds since those early days and having completed the first phase of the re- development which included a complete new playing surface which is one of the best in the country this is to be followed by the erection of floodlights which is due to be finished by Aug-2012. There is a lovely clubhouse with a capacity of 270 people to cater for any occasion and an all weather pitch which is 40m x 20m and floodlit. All this is complemented by three changing rooms, a referee’s room and showers, which is a long way from the days where the players used to wash themselves in the river after training and games.Now heading into our Seventy-first year it is fitting that our Junior side is now back playing in Division One of the Munster Junior league having won Division Two (Liam Fitzgerald Trophy).”

THE BRAVE FOUNDRESS
Grafted on to the wall which leads on to the Island Road are three or four expertly executed plaques where the information is clearly displayed regarding the very infancy of the Sisters of Mercy. Etched into one of these plaques is the following information: “Mother Catherine McAuley, Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy and mother Elizabeth Moore entered by this doorway on September 24th, 1838 to found St Mary’s Convent.”

FIRST SUPERIOR
Yet another excellent plaque states the following: “Mother Elizabeth Moore, first Superior of St Mary’s Convent, who established foundations in Kinsale, Killarney, Mallow, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Roscommon, Ennis, and Branch Houses in Mt St Vincent’s, Rathkeale, Newcastlewest, Adare and St Camillus Hospital.”

NEVER FORGET
I think it fitting to remember these wonderful nuns who gave their lives in the interest of teaching hundreds and hundreds of children throughout a lengthy period of time. We honour them for their dedication in very lean times and come what may, they never let us down. They were responsible for preparing boys and girls for the world, so to speak, many of whom did very well for themselves. We remember them with love and keep in mind possibly their tentative entry all of 185 years ago. They surely left their mark, and a highly respectable one at that!