Celebrating 50 years of care
ST MARY of the Angels has a place all to itself in the hearts of Kerry people as over 400 people gathered at the campus to celebrate its Golden Jubilee on Tuesday afternoon. Parents, family and friends showed their appreciation for the wonderful work carried out at the Beaufort-based facility and they looked to the future with ambition and confidence.
Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Ray Browne with Archbishop Dermot Clifford (the latter a former Chaplin at St Mary of the Angels). Fr Derek O’Connell, and others were also celebrants. The Franciscan Sisters, who founded the centre in 1968, were present, as was Sister Marie Rose Doyle and her family who have a long association with the story of St Mary of the Angels and its lands.
“Back in 1966 when the land was handed over, and again in 1968 when the facility was built, it was the community of Kerry that rallied together to support the services,” said Claire O’Dwyer, General Manager of St Mary of the Angels.
“This continues to the present day and people who have come across the place over the years have always taken it to their heart,” Claire added.
Best wishes were offered to St Mary of the Angels on the day by two former presidents, Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese, while Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, along with former Kerry footballers Aidan O’Mahony and Marc O Sé, planted an oak tree symbolising growth into the future.
Minister Brendan Griffin, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Norma Foley, and Mayor of Killarney, John Sheahan attended what was a memorable occasion for all present.