Tom Wall and Tom Hayes, past pupils of St Joseph’s, together with Peg Prendeville and Ruth Hayes
Everybody was very sad to hear of the accidental death of Tom O’Sullivan from Carrigkerry last week and extends sympathies to his wife and family.
Congratulations to Donie McGrath who celebrated a significant birthday with friends in Knockdown on last Saturday night. Donie and Anne are great supporters of the Killeaney club.
I, having been invited, attended the Mass of Reconciliation and Reunion of St. Joseph’s Christian Brothers Industrial School which was held in Raheen Church last Saturday afternoon. Bishop Brendan Leahy celebrated the Mass accompanied by Bishop Emeritus Donal Murray, Bishop Ray Brown of Kerry, Bishop Murphy formerly of Kerry, Fr’s Crawford and Madigan of Glin, and Fr Noonan of Raheen. A beautiful choir added to the ceremony. Before the Mass started Bishop Leahy asked former past pupil of Glin Mr John Hogan, now living in the USA, to light a candle in memory of all those boys who had since died.
He then introduced Brother Mullan to speak on behalf of the Christian Brothers. The Brother apologized to all who had been unfairly treated while under the care of the Christian Brothers. Tom Hayes, a former past pupil then spoke of how important the reunion day was to all who were able to attend. He stated that both Church and State had failed the boys while they were attending the Industrial School but emphasized that reconciliation was very important to all to help them move on. He was disappointed that the ceremony was not held in Glin as he felt it should have been. It was obvious that some of the men were very emotional during the ceremony. From a personal point of view I found it to be a very moving occasion thinking of the lives these now greying men had and how anxious they were to meet up with old comrades and to show off their families to them.
After the Mass Tom Wall’s book was launched in the Southcourt Hotel by Cathaoirleach John Sheahan. Unfortunately I could not stay for this as I had to be back in Ballyhahill for my own father’s anniversary Mass but I look forward to reading Tom’s story this week.
A meeting of the Loughill/Ballyhahill Liturgy group will take place in the Parish Centre beside Ballyhahill Church on Thursday night 31stOctober at 8pm.
Glin Library will be closed all next week.