Athlone native, Carmel Feeney, has compiled a collection, in book form, of her photographs of the Friary in Athlone.
An avid photographer, Carmel has worked in the Friary and been a volunteer for the last seven years, during which time she has taking many images of ordinary everyday life in the Friary.
These photos include religious celebrations, Christmas, Easter, St Anthony’s Novena, as well as the Blessing of Pets, Pilgrimages to Knock, Multyfarnham, Rome and Assisi. Also included are the Franciscans who served there until their departure in January and the young students who lived there while studying for the religious life.
Visiting Franciscans from abroad are also featured. They came during the summer to spend time with the Friars and to study English. They also enjoyed meeting the local people, visiting places of interest such as Ss Peter & Paul Church, Athlone Castle, Luan Gallery, Knock, Multyfarnham, Clonmacnoise and usually took a trip up the river on the Viking boat. Most of the visiting Friars were from Italy but some came from countries such as Lithuania and Slovakia.
Various views of the Friary, both inside and out are included, the Shrines to St Anthony, St Francis, the Sacred Heart, Our Lady, St Joseph and St Oscar Romero.
The book also includes members of the Third Order receiving their certificates on the occasions of their professions and 50th anniversaries. The Friary cleaners, flower ladies, volunteers, choir and the local parishioners who attend the Friary on a regular basis are also included.
The garden party was a big event every summer. Attendees came to meet the Friars and to relax and enjoy the entertainment in the lovely Friary garden.
‘St Anthony’s Franciscan Friary, Athlone - A Pictorial Memory’ consists of 37 full-colour A4 pages of glossy photographs of the Friary in Athlone. It retails at €15 and it would make an ideal Christmas Gift for friends near and far.
For more information on the upcoming book launch contact Carmel at 087 2304195.
