Retired teachers honoured at Castletown function

MEL Ireland (Mission Educative Lasallienne – Lasallian Educational Mission) held a function  for retiree Brothers and lay colleagues which was organised by Mr. Tom O'Neill from De La Salle College Waterford and Br. Tommy Walsh. It was the first of its kind to honour the retirees who have contributed greatly over the years to the functioning of our Lasallian schools in Ireland and who have provided an outstanding quality education to thousands of students.

It also provided an opportunity for retirees from all our schools, past and present, to reconnect and share experiences. 

On Friday evening 19th April, 20 members arrived in the De La Salle Centre, Castletown for the start of festivities. Celebrations started with dinner at 7pm, and afterwards the retirees moved to the Pastoral Centre lounge for further refreshments, chat, a bit of craic, and some sun-downers. Most of the guests stayed the night. 

The main events took place on Saturday 20th April when up to 70 people attended. At 11am they gathered in the Divine Child Chapel in the Pastoral Centre where Br. Tommy Walsh and Mr. Tom O'Neill welcomed everyone and shared a short address before handing out a beautiful Certificate to each member, signed by Brother Ben, our Visitor,  which read: 

I the undersigned Provincial of the District of Ireland, Great Britain and Malta acknowledge with joy and gratitude your outstanding collaboration with our District and your active and long-lasting participation in our work of education. Touching hearts, teaching minds and transforming lives has been central to what you have achieved.

My Council and I wish to demonstrate our gratitude by thanking you for your tireless efforts, your unwavering support and over many years your dedication to our Lasallian mission of human and Christian education. We thank you most sincerely for guiding, encouraging and shaping the many children you came in contact with.  Your hard work and commitment is truly appreciated. May you be proud of the work you have done, the person you are and the difference you have made and may the Lord through the intercession of Saint John Baptist De La Salle shower you with blessings.

Given at Castletown, Co. Laois in the De La Salle Centre,  20th  April  2024                                                                                                                                

At 1pm  a more than tasty lunch was provided for all. Some went for a siesta, others, including Br. Tommy Walsh, Br. Kevin McEvoy and Pat Walsh went for a hike up beautiful Glenbarrow in the Slieve Bloom Mountains with three teachers from Beneavin, Anna Baird, Claire O'Doherty and Nessa Farrell, while others just walked the grounds and visited the cemetery where many old friends are sleeping. 

Tommy, Anna Baird, Pat Walsh, Claire O'Doherty and Nessa Farrell on Capard Ridge near Rosenallis, Co Laois

 At 5pm a special Mass fitting the occasion was held in Miguel House Oratory. It was amazing how some 80 people could fit into such a confined space including some of the residents in wheelchairs. The organist for the evening was the one and only Br. Ben Hanlon himself and he sure did us all proud. Br. Ben welcomed all to our Eucharistic Celebration of Gratitude  with very suitable hymns for the occasion.

The chief celebrant was the Miguel House resident chaplain Fr. Joe Walsh and accompanying him were Fr. Eddie Kavanagh and Fr. Walter Cooke.  Fr. Joe gave a very uplifting sermon on the outstanding work done by the retirees in helping so many students in achieving great heights in later life. 

Countless photos were taken by Br. Frank McCallig during the course of the previous 24 hours, while there was a banquet for the guests in the central dining-hall. Some 60 assembled and no one was in any hurry home. Everyone enjoyed themselves . The banquet ended with the cutting of a special celebratory cake for the occasion. Br. Albert O'Driscoll found himself caught unawares to cut the cake. Tom O'Neill had his homework done and realised that Albert's birthday coincided with this banquet. As he cut the cake all sang HAPPY BIRTHDAY! After all Albert is only a young fella of 84 years! 

By 10pm most of the guests had gone to far flung parts of Ireland, happy but tired after a wonderful celebration of Gratitude.