Animals blessed at the Holy Redeemer church

FR Joseph Apust led a blessing of the animals at the church of the Most Holy Redeemer in Bray on Sunday, October 7.

It wasn’t quite ‘all creatures great and small’ as much as ‘all canines great and small’ this year, as just dogs and their owners attended the annual event.

The blessing was founded by the late Anne McCullugh over two decades ago. Anne was an animal lover who did a huge amount for animals throughout her life.

Her sister Maureen Masterson continues arranging the traditional blessing in memory of Anne.

A native of Dargle Road, Anne passed away in 2013 and is never far from the thoughts of her family members and friends.

While the dogs had it this year, there have often been cats, and on occasion such exotic animals as snakes, tortoises, hamster, and even a donkey.

The blessing took place on the steps of the presbytery and was very well attended by families and their beloved pets.

John Kenny, Skye Horan, Eli Horan, Glorvena Horan and Nicola Anderson with Douglas.

Ann O’Toole with Coco, Brandy, Basil and Sheba.

PJ Ferguson and Lucky.

Sarah O’Neill with rescue dog Penny.

Fr Joseph Apust leads the blessing.

Anne Byrne and Saffy.