€400,000 extension to SVP"s Mornington holiday home

A €400,000 extension to the St Vincent de Paul Society"s (SVP) Ozanam Holiday Home at Mornington has greatly enhanced the vacation facilities provided there by the voluntary organisation. The widely welcomed project, which comprises eight en-suite double bedrooms and a sunroom, was financed entirely via the sale of a house generously donated to the local conference (branch) by the late Mr Frank Johnston of Colpe, Drogheda. The recent official opening was attended by the Bishop of Meath, Dr Michael Smith, who blessed the premises; SVP national president Mairead Bushnell, and SVP Drogheda area president, Billy Gavin, all of whom praised the enterprise and commitment of those involved in the undertaking, led by Kathleen O"Neill, conference president. Special tribute was paid to the exceptional generosity of Mr Johnston, whose gesture has helped to ensure the future greater wellbeing of thousands of needy people. The naming of the Johnston wing at the centre and the erection of a plaque honours his contribution. The Ozanam home, which has been operating in the coastal resort for the past 45 years, accommodates 62. It is a single-storey building to facilitate movement of disabled and older age group guests. It has previously been extensively renovated, and the purpose-built one-level extension is a further improvement of the society"s amenities at Mornington, now a flagship SVP resource of its type in the country. Kathleen O"Neill, who this year has seen an increase in visitor numbers, pointed out that 'there are many types of poverty, including loneliness'. She said she is convinced many come to them for the companionship. SVP Oriel Regional Council president, Michael O"Keeffe, from Crossakiel, Kells, lauding the work of Ms O"Neill and fellow members, said the SVP would like to see a wider awareness of the facilities at the Ozanam home, and he encouraged conferences to point these out to those whom they assisted. People of all age groups and from most parts of the country generally stay for a week and receive full board with entertainment each evening, usually provided voluntarily. The premises at Mornington is also used all year round as a day care centre by the HSE for the benefit of people in the east Meath locality.