Anne Quinn sent ECI this report:
The Parish of Tuam celebrated a major environmental award recently with the recognition of its work by Eco-Congregation Ireland.
The Award was presented at the 10.30am Mass in the Cathedral by Eco-Congregation Ireland’s representative Catherine Brennan SSL. The Mass was concelebrated by Archbishop Michael Neary, Fr. Pat Farrgher and Fr. Brian Grogan.
Sr. Rose Gargan did the introduction and welcomed all. Apologies from Bishop Rooke and Dean Grimason of the congregation of St. Mary’s cathedral. Mark Molloy adjudicator for the Award and Frank Dolly Galway County Council.
Special guests included Fr. Brian Grogan and Phyllis Brady of Loving sister Earth; Maria Heneghan of Green sod Ireland and adjudicator for the Award; Linda Huxley of Swift Conservation Ireland; Jarlath Canney representing the congregation of Church of Ireland. Representatives of the Old Tuam Society, Riona and Pat Dwyer, and Dr. Anthony Claffey. John Cahill of The Holy Wells group and Tom Madden of Community services. Michael Waldron led the Tuam Tidy Towns group.
Archbishop Michael Neary in his homily spoke of climate change and our role as a wealthier nation in its prevention as it is often the poorer nations that suffer most. The necessity to change lifestyle and behaviour in order to protect the environment for future generations and the importance of work being done by Tuam Tidy Towns and its chairman Michael Waldron. He praised the young people in the schools including their reps from the Mercy and Presentation and their teachers and Youth reach Tuam.
Both his participation and the support of Fr. Pat and Fr. Sean are much appreciated by our group.
Sr. Catherine Brennan in a wonderful speech praised the co-operation of the various organisations in the parish as a true Eco-Congregation, mentioned the various events which raised awareness and valuable work being done to protect the Environment. Parishioners found her description and story of the actual plaque most interesting.
Delighted to Accept the award on behalf of Tuam Parish, Anne Quinn stressed the need for a combination of prayer and action, the ideals of an Eco-Congregation, as the basis for a solution to our mother Earth’s current problems. The award while acknowledging work done will also encourage further action.
Sr. Agnes Curley deserves special thanks for her hospitality to guests and her energetic involvement in many of the allied organisations which draws them together in a vital co coordinating role.
At refreshments after Mass and presentation of the Award, the many businesses which support and sponsor these organisations in the parish were thanked. These included the Currylea Hotel, O’Toole’s Supervalue for their ongoing support. Liam’s Kelly’s recent donation of a stone plaque marking the Abbey Trinity Holy Well was praised and Tuam Herald editor David Burke for his ongoing interest and support.
We are honoured and blessed to have received this award and be part of a great organisation which does so much to protect all Gods Creation. Furthermore Catherine Brennan’s warmth, love and enthusiasm inspired all who were privileged to meet her and we look forward to working together in the future.
