Remarkable Sr Canice celebrates 100th birthday
CELEBRATIONS took place in New York on June 27 as Alice Walsh, known as Sr Canice Walsh, from Ballygub, Inistioge, celebrated her 100th birthday.
The day commenced with the celebration of Mass at Marymount Convent chapel in Tarrytown. The chief celebrant was Fr Andrew King from St Patrick’s Cathedral, New York – a former student of Sr Canice.
This was followed by lunch, treats, songs, blessings and the presentation of a custom made birthday cake, showing a photo of Sr Canice with Clodiagh Church in the background and the river Nore winding its way over a patchwork of south Kilkenny green fields.
Unfortunately, due to Covid 19 travel restrictions, members of Sr Canice’s family were unable to attend the celebrations. However, they sent video messages which formed a presentation for Sr Canice and her fellow sisters to wind off the memorable day.
Alice was the daughter of Richard and Mary Walsh and sister of the late William Walsh. She attended Woodstock school near Clodiagh.
In 1946, Alice entered the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary convent in Tarrytown, New York, taking the name Sr Canice.
She graduated with an MA from Hunter College, New York, and a Fulbright Scholarship enabled her to study for a time in India.
Sr Canice devoted her life to teaching in Sacred Heart of Mary schools in New York State as well as Illinois, Virginia, Rome, The Dominican Republic and British Columbia, Canada.
An avid reader all her life, Sr Canice also loves poetry and received the World of Poetry Golden Poet award on two occasions.
Except for difficulty walking, Sr Canice enjoys good health and, up to a few years ago, was a frequent visitor to Ballygub, where she enjoyed meeting family and friends.
She continues to read and stays up to date with current affairs around the world and in her native parish.