September 29th, 2015 was a historical day for Tralee and for the Sisters of Mercy as it marked the closure of the Mercy Convent, St. John’s, Balloonagh and the adjoining chapel to the great regret of the Sisters and the whole neighbourhood.
To celebrate this important event, the Board of Management of Scoil Eoin Primary School and Kieran O’Toole, Principal arranged to have the influence of the Mercy Sisters on the lives of the people whom they served acknowledged at a ceremony on 23rd September – the eve of Mercy Day. This began with Mass which was celebrated in the school gym by Fr. Pádraig Walsh, PP., St. Brendan’s Parish. In his homily, Fr. Padraig mentioned the exceptional part played by the Sisters since their arrival in Tralee 161 years ago, in the field of education, health and social issues at a time when Tralee, and indeed all of the country, was in dire need due to famine, fever and poverty.
Mass in the school gym
Mr. Kieran O’Toole said that he took over a very high profile school and undertook to uphold the Catholic ethos that was passed on to him when he became Principal of Scoil Eoin. The following is an excerpt from his talk:
Today, the eve of Mercy Day we mark the beginning of the school year 2015/2016 and we also mark the closing of St. John’s Convent here in Balloonagh. For the past 157 years St. John’s has been home to the Mercy Sisters in Tralee. For many of the Sisters, in leaving the convent, they are saying goodbye to what has been their home since entering religious life at a young age. We are in no doubt that this is a traumatic time for them all and we want to take this opportunity today to show our solidarity with the Sisters in our small way to provide, hopefully, some degree of comfort by acknowledging their wonderful work in taking care of the poor, the destitute and the sick and for their role in educating so many children in Scoil Eoin over many years – (originally in the western wing of the convent until the two storey school that now houses our 6th classes was built in 1890, 125 years ago this year.)
2015 marks a time of change and New Beginnings for the Mercy Sisters in Tralee. As they leave the convent and move out into the community none of us knows what lives they will touch or what wonderful work God has in mind for them.
The life of Catherine McAuley was a life shaped in many ways by circumstances of tragedy and grief and yet these all played a part in her journey to becoming a religious Sister. … Catherine’s inspirational life was marked in many ways by being uprooted from what had become home. Yet each upheaval led her on a journey to greater things. We hope the Sisters will find comfort, courage and inspiration in Catherine’s story as they now find themselves being uprooted from what has been their home for many years. Today, as we mark the beginning of a new school year in Scoil Eoin, I hope our students will be inspired by Catherine’s story and the wonderful vocation and works of the Mercy Sisters here in Tralee and throughout the world. Scoil Eoin is built on the legacy of the Mercy Sisters and the Mercy Ethos continues to be the core spirit of our school. Like the Red Door at the entrance to the Mercy House in Baggot Street, we hope the red door at the entrance to Scoil Eoin will offer the same welcome, compassion and generosity of spirit as Catherine McAuley offered during her lifetime and as Mercy Sisters offered and continue to offer throughout the world.
Today on the eve of Mercy Day we would like to take this opportunity to thank the Mercy Sisters for their contribution to education, healthcare and social care in the town and surrounds over many years but especially for your contribution to Scoil Eoin.
We wish you well in your new homes and wish you continued good work in the community. And now as once were Catherine’s instructions, we invite you to a ‘good cup of tea’.
Mr. Joe McMahon, teacher in the school also expressed his gratitude to those who had built up the school down through the years while he himself boasted of being the first “male nun” in Scoil Eoin! He distinguished himself as having prepared the Confirmation class for 25 years!
On behalf of the Sisters of Mercy, Sr. Dorothea Foley thanked the B.O.M., the Principal and staff, the priests of the parish, the parents and other invited guests for their presence and solidarity with us at this important event in our lives. She commended the excellence of the pupils who were so entertaining and well disciplined and hoped that they would carry the Mercy spirit with them into the future.
Another speaker during the day were Miss Ena Geary, chairperson of the Board of Management, who paid tribute to the dedication and tireless efforts of the sisters to improve the lot of others.
As a symbol of hope and trust she said that an oak tree would be planted in the school grounds to remind people that even small beginnings can expand into the future.
Planting the oak tree
Every Sister present was presented with a framed poem detailing their enormous contribution to the education of many generations in Tralee.
A reception of afternoon tea, served in beautiful china cups, was then held in the school hall which was beautifully and artistically decorated for the occasion. Catherine McAuley would be delighted with such style, as were all those present. We were entertained by beautiful singers and musicians who lent their talents for the afternoon.
The past was brought to life through the photos of the many teachers and pupils displayed on the walls and through the sharing of reminiscences. We all felt grateful and assured that the Mercy Ethos is in safe hands and alive and well in Scoil Eoin.
Moladh le Dia!
Baiste Ni Liaghain rsm
Eileen O’Shea rsm
Southern Province
