A special Mass of Thanksgiving in recognition of the years of service given to the community, by the Sisters of Mercy. Newport, was celebrated on Friday evening, May 23, in the Cuan Modh Day Centre, which was originally St Joseph's Convent of Mercy. Having recently lost Sr Consilio Murphy, the only remaining Sisters were Sr lmmaculata Brady and Sr Raymond Nolan, both of whom have moved to new homes.
Members of the community made up of the many organisations that the sisters had been involved with down through the years, took part in the Liturgy during the Mass, which was celebrated by Canon Eamon Concannon P.P. assisted by Father Declan Carroll CC, Mulranny. Newport Choir provided specially chosen hymns and music for the occassion. Following the Gospel as Canon Concannon began his homily the names of the seven founding sisters followed by all the sisters who were part of the Newport Community were read out, and the names of all these sisters were on display next to the altar. Canon Concannon gave a brief history of the foundation of the Convent in July 1887, and he then spoke about the very many ways that the Sisters of Mercy had been involved in the community and their huge contribution towards the spiritual, educational, cultural and social life of the area, from establishing the 'Lace Room' for the manufacturing of Newport Lace a craft that unfortunately died away, teaching children, which not only included the 3 R's, but piano, Singing and elocution, needlework and cookery classes, to forming the various church choirs children, men and mixed choirs -- forming the local Foroige Youth Club and acting as Readers for many years; being members of the Pioneer Association and the St Vincent de Paul groups from where they cared for and helped so many of the community who were sick lonely, in need in any way, or visiting those in hospitals, and all done so quietly and discreetly. Padraic MacEoin Principal of Holy Family NS, Newport, (where Sr Consilio and Sr lmmaculata taught) read the Communion Reflection, and at the end of Mass, both Sr Raymond and Sr lmmaculata were presented with bouquets of flowers by Dr Brian Lennon GP, Newport, and Jacqueline Nevin, representing the community.
Canon Concannon, on behalf of the Pioneer Association presented Sr Raymond with the Fr Cullen Medal, and Pat Gannon, President of the Westport Regional Pioneer Association presented her with the Fr Cullen Diploma which accompanies the medal.
Those present then relaxed and enjoyed some light refreshments organised by a small group of ladies from various community groups, while people recalled the old times and the memories and stories they held from their years at school in the Convent.
Those present provided the entertainment for the evening Eamon and Mary Connolly, Mary Teresa Geraghty, Baby (Elizabeth) Bracken, who was a pupil in the school in the early 1920s, sang 'Whispering Hope' and 'Danny Boy', Canon Concannon dedicated his song of 'The Best is yet to Come' to the sisters; Eamon Connolly sang 'The Brown Oak River' a song written by the late Peter Kilroy of Bleachyard, accompanied by his daughter Bernice on the piano; Mary then recited 'The Shape that I'm in'; Fr Declan gave a lovely rendering of 'Galway Bay' and Mary Friel sang 'Here's to Lovely Newport'. This was followed by John Joe Geraghty with 'A Madarin Rua' who also danced some Sean Nos dancing. However, the highlight of the entertainment that evening was a wonderful display of dancing by four year old Lilian Sheehy. daughter of Martha and Paul, and grand-daughter of Mickey and Sheila Walsh, Main St, who when she was asked to sing, politely refused saying 'No, but I'll dance' and dance she did in perfect time to the music.
Sr lmmaculata thanked everyone on behalf of herself and Sr Raymond for a wonderful evening; she thanked the organisers and those who attended on the night making it 'a night to remember'. Then the evening came to a close with the Canon leading everyone, in a verse of 'Faith of Our Fathers' As in towns and villages all over Ireland the Sisters of Mercy, their convents and schools are sadly missed. They encouraged and instilled so much in so many, they can never be forgotten. Each person who came in contact with them carries their own story their own memory.
The people of Newport now wish Sr Raymond and Sr lmmaculata many blessings and happiness in their new homes.
Western People Tuesday, June 10, 2008; Page: 55