News from the Castletown Community

Castletown has seen its share of comings and goings over the past few months. Sadly, Brother Michael Murphy passed away on 26 July and this was followed on 3 October when Brother David O’Riordan went to his eternal reward. Both Michael and David had spent many years in Castletown and their passing was felt not just among their immediate community (Brothers and staff) in Miguel House, but in the wider area as both men were well known locally.

Brother Mario Zammit Joined the community here on 4 July until early October and this was followed  on 15 July when Brother Albert O’Driscoll arrived with Brother Tim O’Sullivan from Johannesburg - Albert to the central community and Tim to Miguel House.

The District Council meeting here in June was followed by a three-day Retreat in July and Cemetery Day on 9 July. Albert, Mario, Stephen and Kevin travelled to Sligo on 14 September for what turned out to be a most enjoyable week’s holiday with Brothers from other communities. Sadly, Stephen had an unfortunate fall on Wednesday, 21 September the day before our departure from Sligo; Stephen remained in Sligo hospital for a further week and is recovering well in Miguel House.

The Ukrainian family that had been staying with us from the end of March left us for a residence in Mountrath at the end of September. We were delighted to be able to offer them a safe and comfortable space for six months and they were very appreciative of our hospitality when it came to their departure.

So, now we have three members in our community. Before coming here, Albert had spent six years in Victory Park, Johannesburg, ten years in Kilmacud and nineteen years in Ballyfermot. Brother Frank joined us from Stephen’s Street in Waterford where he was both Principal / Director for nineteen years; prior to that he had spent twelve years in Bagenalstown and eleven years in Ballyfermot. Both Albert and Frank have brought new energy to the community - their presence is truly a great gift.

The architect is working hard on the plans for the renovation of two floors above the kitchen; we will keep you in the loop about any further developments with that project.

Slán ages beannacht.

Kevin McEvoy