Sisters of Mercy leave Clogheen after 135 years
After 135 years in Clogheen, the Sisters of Mercy are to leave the village, in a move that has saddened the community of Clogheen and even further afield.
Sister Elsie Walsh and Sr Áine Power are to move to Carrick-onSuir, Co Tipperary, and Callan in Co. Kilkenny, respectively. Sr Elsie was a teacher in Ballyporeen for many years, before working as an SNA in Ballygiblin school when she returned to Ireland from a spell in Wales. Sr Áine, as matron of St Theresa’s Hospital in Clogheen, was a ‘stalwart’ in the community, and the news of their imminent departure was met with sadness, but equally an outpouring of thanks for their contribution to the people.
HUGE CONTRIBUTION TO LOCAL LIFE
Cllr Marie Murphy spoke to TheAvondhu about the impact that Sr Elsie and Sr Áine had on the community.
“It’s a sad day after 135 years to see the Sisters of Mercy leave Clogheen. Sr Áine came to Clogheen 46 years ago in 1976 and she was a stalwart in the hospital, laying the groundwork for the fine facility we have here today. She retired as matron in 2012, but she has continued working in a wider capacity since then.”
“Sr Elsie came to Clogheen in 1985 and spend the next 10 years teaching in Ballyporeen school. She went back to Wales in 1995, but returned to Clogheen in 2001 and was an SNA in Ballygiblin national school for five years after that.”
“Both do untold work in the area that no one knows anything about. In their quiet way they are always helping people, and visiting people who are sick. Áine is great at baking cakes - they will be greatly missed. They have done amazing work down through the years, they and all of the Mercy nuns.”
“You couldn’t thank Sr Elsie and Sr Áine enough for the work they’ve done in Clogheen and the surrounding districts over the years. We wish them the very best in this new chapter in their life.”
‘YOU WILL BE MISSED’
The news that the two ladies were leaving Clogheen was announced towards the end of January, and the community expressed ‘deep shock and sadness’ on hearing this.
“Both sisters will be sorely missed and will never be forgotten”, said PJ English of Clogheen. “We wish Sr Elsie and Sr Áine every good wish for a long and happy retirement in your new abode. You will be missed. Thank you from the people of Clogheen, and further afield, for all you did for us.”
In January, a Mass in the Sisters honour was concelebrated by Bishop Cullinan, Fr Bobby Power and Fr Frawley. Presentations were made to the nuns by Cllr Marie Murphy on behalf of Tipperary County Council and by Fr Bobby, representing the many clubs and groups in the region. Flowers were presented by Mary O’Brien-Conroy, representing St Theresa’s Hospital, and Mattie Maher, the chairman of
St Paul’s Community Hall.
SINCERE THANK YOU
Sister Elsie and Sr Áine, representing the Mercy Congregation, this week expressed their thanks to the community for ‘the celebration of goodwill and regard for the Mercy Order’.
“Thanks to all who called to the Convent in recent days to wish us well in the future, as we move on to the next chapter of our lives. We will always remember the people of Clogheen and surrounding districts who supported us in our ministries over the many years. We wish to say a sincere thank you to you all.”