Hi Father Jim,
That was a beautiful event this morning. Lovely to see such a strong attendance! Well done on all the behind the scenes work to organise such an inclusive ceremony and thank you so much for your kind invitation to participate and speak this morning.
Below please find the test of my few words
Thanks again and please do not hesitate to call, email or message me if I can be of assistance on any matter or event
Míle buíochas,
Catherine
A chairde,
Many thanks to Father Jim and Father Dermot for the kind invitation to be here today as we gather as a community for such a wonderful and important cause. It is great to see such a strong turnout, and so many community groups, schools and clubs represented. In particular, it is so wonderful to see that the young people of Queen of Angels, Saint Olaf’s, Saint Tiernan’s, Wesley College, Saint Benildus, and Muckross Park here today. I am always so impressed by the depth and breadth of compassionate community spirit here in Balally Parish, and today is no different. It is something that you can all be proud of!
Today we think of Charlie Bird, and wish him well on his incredibly brave journey to climb Croagh Patrick while suffering from Motor Neurone Disease. And of course we think of Vicki Phelan who unfortunately cannot join him on that walk as she had originally planned and we wish her well.
We also walk in solidarity with all of those who suffer from this disease as we raise money for two worthy organisations, the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association as well as Pieta House.
As we gather here today with our friends and families, I can’t help but think of the many Ukrainians who have been so cruelly and unjustly robbed of their own families and friends and who’s communities no longer exist in the same capacity as before. We also walk in solidarity with Ukraine today too.
I know when I see such a strong, united, compassionate community like here in front of me today, that Balally parish is a place where Ukrainian people will be welcomed with open arms and will be well cared for. I’d also like to wholeheartedly welcome any new arrivals to our community here, and I hope they are settling in well.
The Céad Míle Fáilte we are famous for here in Ireland is needed more than ever. Already, the generosity and care offered by so many across the country in response to the war has been moving. It’s something we can be proud of as a nation, as we continue to work towards a peaceful end to this unjustified and unprovoked attack.
With that being said, I’d like to wish everyone the very best on today’s walk, and I hope it stays dry for us! It’s a special day for the community, and a day where we can all reconnect with each other after being apart for so long. Míle buíochas agus tabhair aire.
