The Convent of Mercy, Moville, in Co Donegal founded in 1863, played a vital role in the town for over 130 years. In 2003, it was acquired by North and West Housing to provide much needed accommodation for older people. Senator Cecilia Keaveney, who grew up close to the convent, has many fond memories of the building: “It does not seem that long ago that I went in for a final look around the old convent. It had an air of history about it and in some senses it was sad to think of that history being gutted. However, in recent months it has been a pleasure as I pass by every day to see my new neighbours settle into what is a beautiful facility and a tremendous resource,” she said.
The Convent Building
The newly converted residence, appropriately named ‘Taobh na Cille’, is located between the Catholic Church of St. Pius X, and the Methodist Church. A ‘state of the art’ building, it offers residents a comfortable and independent lifestyle in a very supportive environment. The presence there of one of our own, Sister Finian Hegarty, gives us an insider’s view of this rich, nourishing environment. Where once the voices of school children could be heard, now there are the busy comings and goings of residents, with winter Painting sessions, visits to Art Galleries, even getting on stage with a Theatre Company and all manner of other social and cultural pursuits. July 2009 saw the first of a 7 week computer course: most of the participants now have a home laptop, and are enjoying the wider horizons that being computer literate offers.
The name in Irish
With a focus on ‘independent’ living, North and West Housing extends its excellent provision of residential housing by fully involving tenants in all that relates to the quality of their accommodation, recreation and general services. This extends to inviting residents to be part of their outreach to people in need. Currently, Taobh na Cille residents are fundraising to support a Mother and Child Unit project in Miwaleni, Tanzania. Through hosting a Grand Music and Dance Night earlier in the year, they raised €1000 for the Alzheimers Unit of Carndonagh Community Hospital.
Sr. Finian Hegarty
Besides enjoying the beautiful ambience of Taobh na Cille and all the many opportunities that residing there offers, Sister Finian is frequently invited to offer spiritual support, lead services and be a Mercy presence to the other residents. The former convent, refurbished and extended to meet new needs, continues to sit proudly overlooking Lough Foyle, while Mercy within, ‘ever ancient, ever new’ tells a new story for a new day.
Chris Hegarty rsm
Northern Province
