Greystones Pioneers celebrate 100 years in the parish
A CELEBRATION was held in Greystones last Saturday evening to mark 100 years of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association in the parish.
There was Mass at 6 p.m., celebrated by visiting priest Fr Enda Lloyd, as well as Fr John Daly, who gave an extremely interesting homily explaining the history of the PTAA. PTAA members seek to address alcohol-related problems in society, mainly through prayer, self-denial, and the promotion of positive life-styles.
Most of the congregation remained in the church after Mass for the presentation of silver, gold, and diamond pins, for membership of 25, 50 and 60 years.
There was tea and sandwiches afterwards, as well as a lovely cake which was emblazoned with ‘PTAA 1918 - 2018’.
Matt Boylan, chairman of the Pioneer Association, attended, and along with Sadie O’Shea made a presentation to Mary Fitzpatrick for her work for the association.
Mary is president of Greystones, as well as the Bray Deanery. The Bray Deanery takes in Greystones, Shankill, Enniskerry and surrounding areas. She was delighted to be presented with a lovely orchid.
Mary explained that there are fewer members these days, many of whom are in the ‘diamond’ era. She became a pioneer at her confirmation at the age of 12. Children then re-commit later if they wish to continue as pioneers, who say the prayer twice a day.