Free ice cream in Strandhill after return to Mass
PARISHIONERS at St Patrick’s Church, Strandhill, were treated to an surprise at the end of Mass last Sunday.
Canon Niall Ahern concluded the church’s first Mass since re-opening by announcing that everyone in the church will be given a free ice cream courtesy of Mammy Johnston’s.
The parishioners found this told Ocean FM. “He contacted unusual announcement humerous, me during the week to say he before being shocked to wanted to do something special find that the popular ice-cream and was thinking of treating specialists had indeed set-up a everyone to an ice cream and I stall outside the church. said we would be delighted to Neil Byrne of Mammy get involved.”
Johnston’s explained how this Neil could hear Mass in progress was arranged.“All credit has as he prepared to greet to go to Canon Niall Ahern,” he the parishioners – listening as he heard the reaction to Canon Ahern’s announcement. He said: “When I was getting set up there was an outdoor speaker and I could hear Niall announcing that Mammy Johnston’s have pulled up outside and there is an ice cream for everyone and there was a big laugh. The parishioners came out and thought it was a joke, but they were over the moon and it was a great reaction.” Neil said he knows the struggle of Covid-19 has impacted businesses and churches alike, but is taking some hope that scenes such as those at the end of Mass on Sunday are another step back towards normality.
“It has been a hard struggle for everyone. Churches have found it hard, businesses have found it hard, it has hurt everyone and it is great to see a bit of normality coming back.
“It is another big step as long as we mind ourselves, if we protect ourselves we are protecting everyone else.”