Brother Leo did great work for all at St Mary’s, Drumcar
FOR ten years, Rev. Brother Leo Clancy worked at St. Mary’s, Drumcar, the institution which looks after nearly 400 children, and for six of these be had been Prior.
During that time he endeared himself to all of whom had the privilege of coming in contact with him, and it was therefore not surprising that the news of his departure on Tuesday was received with very much regret by his many friends and acquaintances in the locality.
A kindly man, Brother Leo, as he was familiarly known, was nevertheless filled with verve, energy and enthusiasm and was vitally interested in the work to which he had devoted his life.
His one thought was the betterment and improvement of St. Mary’s and this was something he achieved in no uncertain manner. When he came to Drumcar in 1955 there were 150 beds and at the moment there are 370 beds in the hospital, a fact which speaks for itself.
Whereas ten years ago there were no teaching facilities for the children, through the good offices of Brother Leo, four classrooms are now utilised for the training of the kiddies. He was the prime mover in getting St. Mary’s recognised as a training centre for nurses taking the mental handicap diploma in 1958, and now he is known as the man who was responsible for the production of the wonderful colour brochure depicting the work carried out at St. Mary’s, which was the first one of its kind produced by any hospital in Ireland.
Certainly the locality in general is poorer at his departure. We wish him continued success in the work to which he has now been assigned. So far no replacement has been appointed for Brother Leo at Drumear.