Fr Henry leaves Kingscourt with gifts and memories

The people of Kingscourt bid a fond farewell to their former parish priest, Fr Sean Henry, recently with a special mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, followed by a reception in Cabra Castle Hotel. The chief celebrant was Fr Henry, assisted by the new parish priest, Fr Gerry McCormack; Mons Sean Heaney, PP, VG Tullamore; Fr Finian Connaughton, PP Drumconrath; Fr Seamus Houlihan, PP Nobber; Fr Patrick Donnolly, CC; Fr Michael Daly, acting PP, Kilmessan; Fr Leo Eustace, Redemptorists, Dundalk; Fr Declan Smith, PP Taghmon and Fr Phonsie Mackin, Bohermeen. The large attendance included members of Fr Henry's family as well as the newly installed rector of St Ernan's Church, the Rev William Steacy and his wife, Roberta. The combined choirs from Muff, Corlea and Kingscourt provided the music and the organist was Derek Eakins. Members of St Mary's Band, gave a recital of sacred music before mass. The readings and procession of the gifts involved school children and members of the organising committee. In his homily, Fr Henry spoke eloquently of his five years in Kingscourt parish. Fifteen local groups made presentations to Fr Henry: Claire Tinnelly from the Ministers of the Eucharist; Paddy Prenderville from the Parish Council; Ena McGinley, from the church readers, Frances O'Reilly from Loughen Lea ICA, Mrs Sadie O'Reilly and Mrs Majella Kelly,representing the people of the parish; Mairead Corbally, principal of St Joseph's School, Kingscourt; John Forkin, principal, Corlea National School; Michael Kierans, principal, Carrickleck NS; Clifford Kelly, Kingscourt Community Development Council, Mary O'Reilly and Mary Smith from Kingscourt Pioneers; Aonghus Byrne, principal Muff Ns; Matt Donagh, Kingscourt Handball and Racquetball Clubs and Margaret Greene from Kingscourt Apostolic Society. Philip Farrelly, presented him with a framed photo from the pilgrimage to the Holy Land and there were also contributions from other clubs, organisations and parishioners. Fr Henry thanked the organising committee and the various organisations and the people of the parish. He also commended the staff of the parochial house and in Muff, Corlea and Kingscourt churches. Fr McCormack thanked Fr Henry for his help and assistance, the organising committee and all involved in the Mass and reception.