Civic Reception Marks Local Contribution of Religious Orders

Extracts from an article by David Flynn first published on 4th May, 2024 in the Westmeath Independent.

In this article David Flynn reports on the bestowal of the honour of a Mayoral Address of Recognition to four religious orders for their contribution to education in the Athlone and Moate Municipal District. The orders named for this reward were:

Carmelite Priory

La Sainte Union

Marist Brothers

Mercy Sisters

These women and men “contributed to the education of many thousands of pupils, dating back to the eighteenth century”.

Margaret Farrell RSM, speaking on behalf of the Sisters of Mercy “told of the first of her Sisters arriving in Athlone in 1853 by boat up the Shannon from Limerick. Margaret recalled, “They docked at St. Peter’s Port, which is now known as ‘Sr. Bernard Quay’ .

Margaret noted that “our greatest legacy is the boys and girls who passed through our schools.

On this occasion scrolls were presented to each representative detailing the address of recognition.

Cllr. Frankie Farrell who brought forward the motion in recognition of the Religious Orders said, “ I think it was important to acknowledge the role played in the area by the religious orders that provided education for the people of the town.”

To read this article in full, please click here.