Packed house for Nano Nagle celebrations

Last Friday afternoon, the Nano Nagle Birthplace in Killavullen was packed to the rafters as people gathered from far and wide to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the purchase of the birthplace in Ballygriffin by the Presentation Sisters from the Cronin family.

According to the director of the centre, Sr Lois Greene, in 1974 Sr Anthony Moloney, Superior of the Convent in Cloyne, the main instigator, contacted Presentation Sisters all over the world to ask for help financially to have the Nagle land returned to the Order from landowner John Cronin. The date of April 26th was chosen for last week's gathering, as it was the anniversary of the death of Nano Nagle in 1784.

Sr Lois said it was ‘delightful’ to be joined by the Congregational

Leadership team, Sisters, Friends of Nano, a group of Presentation educators from Australia, as well as many local people last Friday.

“All were welcomed by Sister Sheila Kelleher, chair of the Board of Management. The prayer service was preceded by lovely photos which showed the beautiful surroundings and the farming history of the land over time. They and the stories recounted, brought back many memories,” she explained.

“Sister Julie Watson, Congregational leader, opened the event with a historical account of the growth of this place and with encouragement to all to live the message of Nano for our time. The service of prayer and readings, interspersed with lively and meaningful songs, was led by the South-west Spirituality Commission and the local Community Team at the Birthplace. Sister Sharon Fagan of the CLT thanked everyone who participated in such a life-giving afternoon and invited all present to tea and a social.”

Music was provided courtesy of Rose O’Leary, Meadhbh O’Leary, and Ciaran Treacy, teachers of Cuisle Avondhu

Music, and TheAvondhu witnessed many happy and very well-fed visitors enjoying themselves throughout the afternoon.

The celebration can be viewed for the next several weeks at the following link: https://ontrackfilms.ie/live.php

(Pic: Marian Roche) Selma George, PBVM; William Cronin; Sr Lois Greene, PBVM; Elmar Cronin and Helena O’Leary at last Friday’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

(Pic: Marian Roche) Margaret Ó Raghaill, Mairéad Fox, Willie Fox and John O’Donovan, all Killavullen, at the Nano Nagle Birthplace last Friday.

(Pic: Marian Roche) Sr Selma George and Sr Lois Greene at the Nano Nagle Birthplace last Friday, in front of a beautiful display celebrating the life of the founder of the Presentation Order.

(Pic: Marian Roche) Tadhg and Margaret Ó Raghaill, Annakisha, with Sr Eucharia Fenton, Midleton Presentation College and Claire Fox, Midleton.

(Pic: Marian Roche) Paddy Jones, Mourneabbey (centre) with Susanne and Max Pille, Kilworth, in Killavullen on Friday.