The Athlone Chapter of the Knights of St Columbanus recently hosted a solemn ceremony at the Obelisk structure in Burgess Park along the banks of the River Shannon during which a cheque was presented to representatives from the Midlands Samaritans branch.
The Obelisk structure is a touching reflection and a symbol to those who have lost their lives in the River Shannon.
Addressing the gathering, Grand Knight, Ray Joyce, noted that the gathering at the Obelisk structure was a fitting occasion for the presentation of a cheque to the Athlone and Midlands Samaritans and the ongoing work they conduct assisting individuals in need during their darkest hours.
Fr Brendan O Sullivan, PP, Ballinahown, Boher, Pullough and chaplain to the local Knights in Athlone, presented prayers prior to the cheque presentation to Marie Moran and Deirdre Collins from the Athlone and Midland Samaritans.
Upon receiving the cheque, Marie Moran afforded appreciation to the ongoing support received by the Athlone and Midland Samaritans from the Athlone Chapter of the Knights of St Columbanus.
She complimented Padraig Dunne and Ciaran Temple on the realisation of a magnificent 2021 photographic calendar, containing iconic images of Athlone, which was produced in conjunction with the local Knights Chapter as a fundraiser for Midlands Samaritans.
“Due to Covid-19 restrictions many of their usual fundraising activities had to be curtailed so we arevery grateful for this additional donation.
“The branch is very busy in these difficult times and although currently we are unable to cater for drop-in callers, Athlone and Midland Samaritans volunteers are available to listen and support anyone struggling to cope anytime, day or night, every day of the year on freecall 116123 or email [email protected],” Ms Moran remarked.
