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Community comes together for Clones Feast Day celebrations

 

There was an inter-denominational gathering in Clones earlier this month for the St Tiarnach’s Day celebrations hosted by St Tighernach’s Parish Church.

Taking place on the Feast Day of St. Tiarnach on 4th April, it was the first public event attended jointly by Bishop John McDowell and the new Roman Catholic Bishop of Clogher, Bishop Larry Duffy since Bishop Duffy’s episcopal enthronement.

Other guests included Bishop Emeritus Joseph Duffy and Mrs Heather Humphreys, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

Also attending was Lisa Moore, the Cassandra Hand Rose as well as political representatives from the area, Senator Robbie Gallagher and Councillors Pat Treanor and Richard Truell.

The event was led by Mr Walter Pringle, Chairman of Clones Community Forum and the praise was led by Ballyreagh Silver Band and the newly formed Clones Community Choir, “Different Keys.”
The hymns included “O Worship the King all glorious above,” “The Church’s one foundation,” “Amazing Grace” and “O God, our help in ages past.”

A formal welcome to the proceedings was given by Bishop McDowell, who referred to the significance of the day and relevance it has in the Clones area. He said the lives of people in communities such as Clones are drawn together through events such as this and he commended those who organised it.
Minister Heather Humphreys said Clones was steeped in heritage and the spirit of St. Tiarnach lived on through the work of the Community Forum. She said that while Brexit had dominated their news, the Irish Government was determined they would not be going back to the days of a hard border.

Bishop Joseph Duffy who has published a book on St. Tiarnach, said they had in the Clones area something worth looking after and he was pleased to see the Feast Day event organised.

A prayer was led by Bishop Larry Duffy and the Bible reading was by Cassandra Hand Rose, Lisa Moore.
Afterwards, a number of people from Clones Community Forum dressed in capes as monks and led a procession to the Round Tower and the area close to the Sarcophagus or burial tomb of St Tiarnach who died in 549 AD.

Afterwards all those attending were invited to the Cassandra Hand Folk and Famine Centre for refreshments.



Guests attending the St. Tiarnach’s Feast Day celebration in St. Tighernach’s Parish Church Clones, were (from left); Mr. Walter Pringle, Chairman of Clones Community Forum which organised the event; Bishop Larry Duffy; Bishop John McDowell; Minister Heather Humphreys; Bishop Emeritus Joseph Duffy and Fr John Chester, PP Rosslea.