'A Parting Glass' for Roscrea's CE Supervisor, Paddy Reidy
"The community owes Paddy a great deal of debt. We want to wish him a long and healthy retirement"
On Thursday evening last a large crowd assembled in The Stand in Roscrea to say a fond farewell to Paddy Reidy, Supervisor of Roscrea's very successful Community Employment Forum.
The group consisted of past and present members of the workforce, as well as representatives of the 13 sponsor groups and members of the management committee. Refreshments were served and memories of participation in the scheme over the years were shared.
In his address to the group, Chairman Steve Crofton recalled Paddy’s 16 years of service to the community. He outlined some of the various projects undertaken by the group under Paddy’s leadership and he recalled how the scheme changed over the years, from a FÁS one to its current role.
Under the FÁS system participants were given an experience of work only, but under the current scheme participants’ wishes to further their skills are considered with various training programmes being offered.
Knock and Clonakenny Tidy Village Committee - Ger Carey, Aine Bourke, Paddy and Mairead Delaney, Michael Costigan and Paddy Coady. Photo: PJ Wright
The community owes Paddy a great deal of debt. We want to wish him a long and healthy retirement.
In response, Paddy outlined some memories from his time as Supervisor. These consisted of various group outings and seasonal breakfasts together with recalling social day-to-day interactions between group participants, including himself.
While tall tales of 'The Perfect Picker', a phantom horse that never ran and the official first and only “Chain Gang” in Roscrea received riotous applause.
Paddy was very complimentary to the Management Committee and said the monthly meetings between the Supervisor and the Management Committee was the secret of the scheme’s success.
He welcomed his replacement Sharon Rowland to the scheme and stated that it was in good hands and wished her every success for the future.
Making a presentation to Paddy Reidy are Dick Conroy, Steve Crofton and John Byrne. Photos: PJ Wright