Latest news from Castletown Community
There has been a great buzz around our Centre here in Castletown over the past month or so and, for the record, here are some of the main events:
District Economic Council
On April 25th and 26th April the District Economic Council gathered here for their meetings and checked out the facilities and the renovations taking place. It was great having Kevin Humphrey, Matthew Sciberras, Br Joe Reid and Donal O’Brien with some extra help and support from Fergus Dunne and Dermot Howlin.
Mindfulness Group
This group numbered 34 adults who were vegetarians and spent their stay in strict silence during their retreat from April 26th to 28th. Doesn't it remind all of us how Retreats in our younger days were held?
Grásta
A pre-marriage group of five couples who spent Friday 26th and Saturday 27th April in Castletown following a very intense course in preparation for life together.
Special Gathering
On Sunday April 27th a nephew of the late Bro. Michael Murphy (who died on June 26th, 2022) from Newmarket, Co. Cork organised a special gathering and workshops in Castletown.
Some 100 participants attended a Mass in the Old Novitiate Chapel with Bishop Paul Connell of the diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise being the chief celebrant. A Dominican priest assisted in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
The hall was specially prepared for all after the Mass with soup and sandwiches and cool drinks. With two other groups in Castletown at the same time, it was all hands on deck to cater for everyone. By 6pm the group were on their way home. Needless to say, it was one of the busiest days we've had this year and our guests were loud in praise of their stay among us.
Half-door Club Set Dance Festival 2024
The Half-door Club Set Dance Festival 2024 was held from Friday May 3rd to Monday 6th. This is an annual Festival that has been held in Castletown since 2010.The main events were held in the Community Hall opposite the Old Mill beside the River Nore. During the event, some 70 guests slept and dined in our Pastoral Centre. It was pretty hectic to say the least. Several well-known bands in the country were at hand such as: Brian Ború Céilí Band, Abbey Céilí Band, Johnny Reidy Céilí Band and the Tulla Céilí Band. One of the chief organisers of this Annual Dance festival is Manon Hartsman from the Netherlands.
Choir visit
De La Salle Choir from Waterford College arrived Wednesday, 8th May, accompanied by Brother Ben and three teachers with 50 students ranging from 1st Year up to 6th Year. We provided a tasty supper for all and later in the evening all assembled in the Chapel of the Divine Child where a number of select pieces were sung. Even members of Miguel House care home were present including Br. Killian O'Sullivan, Br. Lawrence Broderick and Br. Martin Curran, Director. Next morning a hearty breakfast was ready at 6am before the group set off for Navan with the competition starting at 10am. No surprise to learn that the following week the College Choir won 1st Prize in Wexford town at another competition.
Emerald Diamond Group
From Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th May, the Emerald Diamond Group
with John, Ursula and Breda being the lecturers giving the course, were well tired but very contented with their stay. Some 35 participants in all were more than satisfied.
Founder's Day
Founder's Day Prayer Service was held on Friday May 10th. By 10am everyone was linked up to Heather who was chief architect in organising this special prayer session for the District.
Brigidine Sisters
Brigidine Sisters held a day-long meeting in our Boardroom on 15th May, with a delightful lunch in the middle of proceedings. They now use our facilities regularly like the Salesian Sisters.
Bro. Alphonsus Murphy, RIP
On Sunday night,12th May, Bro. Alphonsus quietly bade farewell and went home to the Lord. A fluent French speaker after spending four years in France and Bordigera in Italy he returned to Ireland in 1952.
He was very bright and obtained his Honour's Degree in UCD in just two years. He arrived in Mauritius in 1960 and spent 25 years in that island known as the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean. While in South Africa his eye sight failed and in 1993 he had to return to Ireland.
Most of his time back home was spent in Kilmacud. In 2022 he arrived in Miguel House where he was very happy and content. Since Christmas he was failing but never complained. Reaching almost 92 years of age is no mean achievement especially battling poor eyesight for the past 37 years.
On Wednesday evening 15th May a beautiful Prayer Service was in held in Miguel House Chapel with many relatives present. The Thursday funeral Mass was an occasion to celebrate Alf's life. Fr. Joe Walsh, the resident Chaplain said the Mass with Br. Ben at the organ and Br. Christopher Kelleher delivering a very endearing tribute after the Gospel. He will be missed big time in Miguel House but never forgotten.
Renovations to Community Residence in Castletown
The Building must be 250 years old, so no surprise that the work in hand is having a few hiccups with electricians and plumbers falling behind in their promises to finish on certain dates. At this stage all we can say is that work is in progress.
Annual Cemetery Day in Castletown
A reminder to all that the annual Cemetery Day will take place on Saturday July 6th, 2024 at 2pm in Castletown. All are invited to join in a Memorial Mass to celebrate the richness of the lives of your loved ones.
For more information text 087 1763729.
Did you know?
In 1881 when the De La Salle Brothers arrived in Castletown there were five pubs in the village and one of them was located where the Novitiate Chapel stands today. In those far off days there were 22 pubs in Mountrath. Obviously, it must have been a very thirsty period!
Brother Albert O'Driscoll
