Galmoy Sacristan Ciss Fitzpatrick makes a presentation to Fr Ollie Maher from the People of Galmoy.
A big crowd gathered in Galmoy Community Hall on Thursday, August 28 to bid farewell to Father Ollie Maher who is transferring to Ballyragget and surrounding parishes.
Since the retirement of Fr Tom Coyle, Fr Ollie has been Parish Priest of Galmoy Parish for the last eight years, in addition to administering in Urlingford and Johnstown Parishes. Losing the resident parish priest was a big change for the Parish of Galmoy and, at the time people were wondering how the new arrangements of sharing a Parish Priest would work out.
But as we all know now, there was no need for concern as Fr Maher was the perfect solution and while resident in Urlingford he was so successful in slotting in to his new role, that the Galmoy Parishioners immediately felt as if Fr Maher was their very own P.P.
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Fr Maher brought much energy to his role and took a very active part in daily Parish life. He was a diligent patron of Galmoy National school taking regular interest in the progress of the local school. One of his regular messages from the pulpit was his praise of all the work done by the school and it’s importance in the community. He always took an active interest in the local community and was particularly proud of the involvement of so many young people in the local Church.
On Thursday night, Chairman of Galmoy Pastoral Council, Jarlath Duggan spoke glowingly of Fr Maher’s contribution to life in Galmoy over the last eight years.
Fr Maher himself, then addressed the gathering and was loud in praise of the amount of voluntary work in evidence throughout the Parish of Galmoy. The Galmoy Sacristan, Mrs Ciss Fitzpatrick then made a presentation to Fr Maher on behalf of the Parishioners. Martina Delaney composed and framed two lovely poems to adorn his new mantelpiece.
Musical accompaniment on the night was provided by the Galmoy Choir Group, while the Hall Committee provided an abundance of refreshments for the large gathering present.
Fr Maher will take up position in his new area this weekend, while Galmoy will welcome Fr Eamonn O Gorman as their new Parish Priest in association with the parishes of Urlingford and Johnstown.
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A jovial Fr Ollie Cuts the cake!
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