'Rock of strength': Councillors call for civic honour for dedicated Longford priest

There has been overwhelming support for the 'selfless' work of highly-regarded Longford priest to receive a civic honour at a local authority meeting in the Midlands.

Councillor Aengus O'Rourke called for them to bestow an Award of Recognition to Killashee-native Fr Shay Casey at a recent meeting of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District.

The TUS Athlone chaplain has been lauded as a pillar of support to young people at the third-level institution for about 35 years and in June he will celebrate the 50th anniversary of his ordination.

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Cllr O'Rourke described Fr Casey as a 'rock of strength and support' to students at TUS and he also praised his dedicated work at Marist College and Our Lady's Bower, schools where he offered similar support.

The local representative said Fr Casey had 'quietly and selflessly' provided support and pastoral care to young people and students from varying backgrounds in a hugely influential manner and he had contacted him looking for help for many students with housing issues.

Cllr O'Rourke stated Fr Casey was 'always looking out for those in hardship' and always eager to help as he described him as a 'salt of the earth person' as he said he believed it is entirely appropriate Athlone-Moate Municipal District bestows the Award of Recognition.

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Cllr John Dolan supported the call as he also spoke warmly about Fr Casey and he described him as a "genuinely lovely person".

Cllr Frankie Keena said Fr Casey does "massive work" as he also supported the proposal, while Cllr Vinny McCormack described Fr Casey as a champion and a strong advocate for all students in hardship and always willing to "help when the need was most".