Major fundraising drive for St Senan’s Parish

A major fundraising drive is under way at St Senan’s Parish to clear debts of over €70,000.

The debt which arose a €1million programme of structural repairs dates back to 2000 and has been steadily reduced over the years. However as this is the 150th anniversary of the church administrator Fr John Byrne has been making a concerted effort to bring the outstanding debt under more manageable proportions with a view to eliminating it all together.

He had initiated a series of fund raising ventures over the past number of months and thanks to the generous response of parishioners the debt was reduced and now stands at just over €70,000.

Last week the fundraising drive received a major boost last week when Enniscorthy Credit Union presented a cheque for €5,000 to Fr. Byrne, saying the cheque reflected the Credit Union’s commitment to the community it serves. The presentation was made by Pat O’Shea, Chairman of the Credit Union’s Board of Directors, who expressed the hope the money would help Fr. Byrne in his efforts to clear the outstanding debt and in promoting celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the church.

Mr. O’Shea outlined the role of the Credit Union in the community life of Enniscorthy and spoke of how pleased he was at being able, through the Credit Union, to support such a worthy cause. St. Senan’s Parish Church, he added, has played, and continues to play, a most important role in the spiritual and community life of Enniscorthy. He said that the Enniscorthy Credit Union was delighted to be in a position to assist with its fund raising efforts.

Expressing his deep appreciation, Fr. Byrne said the cheque represented the biggest single contribution his fund raising initiative had received. He thanked the Board of Directors and the members of the Credit Union for their generosity before assuring Mr. O’Shea the Credit Union’s contribution would be remembered as a clear example of wonderful support for a worthy project in a time of need.

He wished the Credit Union continued success in the year’s ahead before saying that this was not the first time for the Credit Union to offer financial support to St. Senan’s Parish Church. He said that some years ago the Credit Union also donated a substantial sum for the upgrading of the Church organ.

Founded in 1866 by the late Richard Devereux of Wexford, St. Senan’s Parish Church is known as the ‘Little Chapel’.

Jimmy Gahan, fund raising committee; Tony Ennis. Enniscorthy Credit Union manager; Pat O’Shea, Enniscorthy Credit Union board of directors chairman; Fr. John Byrne, St. Senan’s parish and Billy Byrne St Senan’s fiance committee.