Galway priest retires saying farewell to parish

A Galway priest has bid farewell to his parish as he hangs up his vestments and heads off into retirement.

New Inn and Bullaun parishes gave Fr Pat Kenny a huge send off with a “lovely celebration” on Thursday evening in the New Inn Church.

Father Declan McInerney, formerly of Eyrecourt, Clonfert and Meelick, is replacing Fr Kenny in New Inn and Bullaun after over a decade of serving the three communities.

Councillor Alan Harney wished Fr Kenny well saying: “It was lovely to be in New Inn this evening for a retirement celebration for Fr Pat Kenny. Across the parish, it is so clear to see the high esteem in which Fr Pat is held. Wishing him all the very best in this new chapter.”

One woman fittingly recalled how Fr Kenny had married them exactly 44 years ago to the date of his retirement.

She said: “Fr Pat married us 44 years ago today. Happy and healthy retirement Fr Pat. Such a lovley evening celebrating your retirement. The huge turnout was a very fitting recognition of all the good work you have accomplished over the years, and the connection you have with the people and the community and beyond. Continued health and happiness Fr.Pat.”

Speaking after his final mass in his old parish before moving, Fr McInerney gave a heartfelt thank you to several people who had helped him during his 12 years there.

He said: “As I reflect on Sunday evening’s Mass and gathering in the hall, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who helped make the occasion such a memorable and special one. I was deeply touched by your kindness, generosity and support, and I would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

“First and foremost, I wish to thank the organising committee for all the time, effort and care that went into arranging such a wonderful evening. Many thanks to everyone who was involved in preparing both the Mass and the gathering in the hall.

“Your hard work and attention to detail were greatly appreciated. I am very grateful to my fellow priests, Fr Brian, a friend of many years who travelled from Cork to be with me, and Fr Kieran, Fr Pat and Fr Michael, who concelebrated with me at the Mass. It was a great joy to share that special occasion with you.

“To my family, who travelled from Tipperary to be with me on the night, thank you for your love, presence and support. It meant a great deal to me to have you there. My sincere thanks also to the Sisters of the FMDMs along with Patricia and Linda, for their presence and support.

“I wish to acknowledge all those who contributed to the beautiful celebration of the Mass: our Eucharistic Ministers, Sacristans and Reader, and the children from both schools who led us in the Prayers of the Faithful, and the ladies who brought up the gifts. Your participation helped make the liturgy so meaningful and prayerful.

“A special word of thanks to our wonderful choir, who were exceptional on the night. Your music added so much beauty to the celebration. I also wish to thank Lorna on the flute for playing one of my favourite pieces of music. It was a lovely and very special touch.

“Thank you to everyone who cleaned and prepared the Church, ensuring that it looked so beautiful for the occasion. Your work may often go unseen and carried out quietly behind the scenes, but was greatly appreciated.

“I am grateful to Donal Burke for his kind words of appreciation on behalf of the parish, and to the Pastoral Council and Finance Committee for their support and kindness.

“My sincere thanks to Ms Treacy and Ms Kilmartin for the lovely presentation on behalf of the schools. It was a thoughtful and touching gesture, which I will treasure.

“I was also deeply touched by the wonderful presentation in the hall. Thank you all for your generosity and support. Your kindness means a great deal to me, and I will always be grateful.

“A special thank you to Carol, the Parish Secretary for all her help and support throughout my time here.

“To Michael Riddell photographer on the night many thanks for capturing the special moments at the Mass and the gathering in the Hall. As I look back on my 12 years in this parish, I do so with great affection and gratitude. It has been a privilege to serve as your Parish Priest, and I will always treasure the memories, friendships and experiences of my time among you. I have been blessed to share so many important moments in the life of this community, and I will carry those memories with me wherever I go.”

He finished by saying: “Thankfully, New Inn and Bullaun are only a short distance away, so I am sure our paths will cross again, and I look forward to meeting many of you in the future. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Fr Kieran every blessing and every success in his new role as Parish Priest. He is coming to a wonderful community of people, and I know he will receive the same warmth, kindness and support that you have shown me over the years. I ask you all to give him your continued encouragement and prayers as he begins this new chapter.

“Once again, to everyone who helped in any way with the organisation of Sunday evening’s Mass and gathering in the hall, and to all who attended and shared in the occasion, please accept my heartfelt thanks. Your presence, generosity and kindness made the evening truly memorable.

“May Our Lady of Clonfert watch over you, guide you and bless you all. With sincere gratitude and every good wish, Fr Declan.”