The Athlone branch of the Knights of Columbanus, with members of the local community, made a recent fundraising pilgrimage to Clonmacnoise, in the process raising €6,000 for Athlone Meals on Wheels.
Addressing those who made the pilgrimage to Clonmacnoise, Grand Knight, Raymond Joyce, expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to the fundraising occasion.
“I believed it fitting on this particular occasion to reflect upon the projects hosted by the Knights these previous years.
“The year 2021 witnessed the Knights, in association with St Mary’s NS, produce a Nativity crib film and we were pleased that RTE aired this production on the people’s Angelus during the Christmas period, more than 500,000 viewing with each broadcast, The production was repeated again during the Advent period of 2022.
“The success of the crib project prompted us to launch a further initiative. The first Pilgrimage to Clonmacnoise took place in September of last year, the focus on this walk being the stations of the cross along the route with funds raised going to the LauraLynn Hospice.
“We raised over €5,000 on that walk and were successful again with our submission to RTE as they aired the production on Good Friday and in the months that followed. The project had a national focus and attracted money from around the country, the airing on TV helping people to be aware of the great charity that is LauraLynn.
“I must say that it has been a pleasure working this year with the people from ‘Athlone Meals on Wheels’. They contributed to a successful pilgrmage to Clonmacnoise. The local community embraced the idea of supporting this worthy cause, it was easy to approach people and as a result over €6,000 was raised. Committee members such as Pat McTiernan Francis McVeigh, Noreen Lenehan, Felicity Rattigan and Tom McTiernan were outstanding and we also would like to thank Mags O’Donnell, manager, for all her support.
“Without help from local community members, the Pilgrimage walk to Clonmacnoise would not be the success it turned out to be and we would like to express our gratitude to Francis Nally and family for permission to walk through their lands.
“Furthermore, cannot speak more highly of Angela Gaffey. Angela has a challenging health issue but despite this she was readily available on Sunday making and providing refreshments for the hungry walkers. She was ably assisted by Ned Egan BNM who went out [A1] of his way to carry people and food along the way.
“To the Nally brothers, Paul and Keith, who guided the weary walkers to the finishing line, we are very much indebted to you both for the tremendous work on the day and finally, to our own members, we say a big thank you. You were there when we needed you,” the Grand Knight commented.
