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A Message from Canon
Goaley
T he Centenary of a Church in any Parish marks a very important milestone
in its history. It is a time for celebration, not only for the Church
itself but for the whole parish community. We owe a deep debt of gratitude
to Fr. Walter Conway, the Parish Priest responsible for the building of
the Church of St Patrick in 1904-1905, but also to the people who
supported him so generously in difficult times and built this magnificent
stone Gothic Church for our Parish.
A Church touches
the lives of a person from their Baptism until their Funerals. A long
procession of people winds its way through the history of our Parish from
March 1904 until the present day. Reading through the Parish Church
records - Baptisms, FIrst Confessions, Holy Communions, Confirmations,
Marriages & Funerals, - we are reading the unfolding life story of a
people. We think of all who entered the house of God to worship and pray,
pobal De Ghleann na Madadh, bringing the work of their hands and minds,
their joys and sorrows, their hopes and fears, their laughter and tears,
to God's love and forgiveness. They departed to their life's work each
week having heard the Word of God, having shared in His sacrifice and
sacraments, to "go forth and serve the Lord and one another". We
thank God for the many graces and blessings that have come to the people
of Glenamaddy and surrounding areas through this Church in the century
that has passed.
Canon Michael Goaley
I would like to record our thanks to all who actively help in life of
this Church and Parish, the Priests who have ministered here, the Sisters
of Mercy, Eucharistic ministers, lay Readers, choirs, sacristan, servers,
collectors, altar society and all who prepare for and celebrate the
Eucharist. A special word of thanks to all who have been so generous, in
their weekly contributions to the restoration and maintenance of the
Church.
We rejoice that the Church has been declared a Protected Structure by
Galway Co.Council because of its architectural and heritage value, not
least its priceless Clarke windows. "How lovely is Your
dwelling-place, Lord God of Hosts".
May St Patrick, patron of our Church, always protect God's family in our
Parish. Cunamh chugainn a Phadraig, is Padraig Aspal Eireann agus Aspal
Ghleann na Madadh.
Centenary
Project
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The idea of a Centenary Celebration
was first mooted by Canon.Goaley P.P in 2003. He felt that this was
an occasion well worthy of celebration, and that it was an
opportunity too, to illustrate that the work done by many Community
Organizations, clubs and by individuals was inextricably linked with
the activities of the local Church in its service of the community.
The idea gathered momentum and it received strong support, an
Association was formed and divided into five Sub-Committees with an
overall co-ordinating committee of four appointed as an executive
group.
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The laying of the foundation stone of
1904 was commemorated at the opening ceremony on St Patricks Day
2004. The old stone cross from the roof of the Old Church was
carried in ceremony from the cemetery to the grounds of the present
Church where it will be part of a Centenary memorial soon to be
constructed. The transfer of this Cross was accompanied by the
Archbishop Michael Neary and many of the Priests who served in the
Parish, together with altar servers and the Church Choir.
Parishioners and others turned out in huge numbers to join the
procession from the Community Centre. They were led by the three
flag bearers who carried the National Flag, the Papal Flag and a
specially designed Centenary Flag bearing the Glenamaddy emblem and
club colours. The East Galway School of Music Band followed, leading
club members bearing flags and banners. The weather was fine for the
occasion which added considerably to everyone's enjoyment and gave
an opportunity to the many photographers to have some memories of
the day.
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The Cross was blessed in its new site
by the Archbishop, and after he had raised the Centenary Flag to
declare the opening of the Centenary Year, all entered the Church
for Mass. The chief Celebrant was Canon Michael Goaley assisted by
former and visiting Priests. Archbishop Neary presided and gave the
homily. He reminded the congregation of the difficult days of 100
years ago when Ireland was still suffering from the effects of the
Famine, the standard of living was low, but the people had a strong
faith and the Church everywhere - like Glenamaddy - thrived despite
all its difficulties. He complimented Canon Goaley on his work for
the Parish and congratulated all involved in the Centenary Year
celebrations and the many people involved in Community work
particulary in the area of care of the elderly.
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Following the Mass a social evening
was held in the Community Centre. Everybody who attended and the
numbers exceeded four hundred, received refreshments. There was
Music, Song and Dance. The Archbishop launched a special community
book entitled "St Patrick's
Church, Glenamaddy : The First Hundred Years 1904 - 2004".
This book provides an interesting read for anyone associated with
Glenamaddy. It was compiled, written and presented by the Heritage
Group of the Centenary Association. Numerous copies have been sold
for €5.00 each. The Co-Ordinating Committee wish to thank the many
people who helped to make St Patrick's Day such an outstanding
success, and we hope that the spirit of the day will prevail in our
community long into the future.
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Centenary Committee;
Mary Conneally PRO, Seamus Walsh Chairman, Patricia Keady Secretary,
Eileen Brennan Treasurer
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