The Ballyroan community rolled out the red carpet on Wednesday last as distinguished guests and church leaders made the trip to the village to celebrate the work of Sue Ryder and mark her centenary.
The event marked the coming together of the local community with the charity’s UK roots in a special Ecumenical service celebrated by local clergy Rev Patrick Harvey and Rev Fr. Paddy Byrne.
The congregation included the very active Ballyroan Development Group, special guests Reverend Rob Pestell and colleagues from Sue Ryder UK who represented the Anglican Church, Rev. Olivia Williams Church of Ireland, Tullow, and Avril Hogan of the Methodist Church Carlow.
Sue Ryder Ireland was established by former TD and Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Charles McDonald, who is the Irish branch's Life President, in 1979 with the Ballyroan facility officially opened in 1984.
Speakers on the day included Charles McDonald, Chairperson Seamus O’Connor and Secretary Seamus McWey who welcomed the distinguished guests and spoke about establishing and developing the Irish operations as the charity fast approaches its 50-year milestone.
Following the Ecumenical service, attendees toasted the day with a fine meal and also treated their guests to a rendition of the Skies O’er Ballyroan.
Sue Ryder Ireland champions independent living and provides a secure, comfortable home to 295 residents across their six residential care homes in Ballyroan, Portlaoise, Carlow, Nenagh, Holycross and Dalkey. They also have 26 charity shops across southern Ireland, with all profits from the shops going towards capital development.
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