Community notes Sept 2022

Fr. Hickey Celebrates Mass At The Abbey

As you are aware by now, Fr. Patrick Hickey has retired as parish priest of Timoleague and Clogagh after some 22 years of priestly service. A mass at The Abbey was organised by a local committee of parishioners and friends as a huge crowd of people in brilliant sunshine said their goodbyes to a much -loved man of the cloth. During his time with us he had a special “gra” for the Franciscan Abbey at Timoleague and it was most appropriate that the theme of this celebratory mass had the footprints of Saint Francis all over it.

Fr. Hickey was joined by his brother Fr. Liam, parish priest at Ovens and by Fr. Cremin of Kilbrittain and Fr. Hayes of Clonakilty. Some 66 altar servers from Timoleague and Clogagh headed the procession carrying 16 specially chosen gifts by Fr. Paddy which were on the altar for the mass. Local musicians, singers and choir members added voice and song to this special occasion. Members of the Hickey family also played and sang during the ceremony.

At the conclusion of the mass, all were invited down to the Community Hall where a committee of local ladies saw to it that everything was in readiness for a “cupán tae” and some beautiful nibbles as friends and neighbours mingled and reminisced of Fr. Hickey’s time with us. The one constant about him was that he brought inclusiveness to a new level. He was a friend to all. It didn’t matter if you were Turk or Jew, from Barryroe, Clon or Kilbrittain, believer or non-believer, parishioner or non- parishioner, young or old or our friends and neighbours in the Church of Ireland community- he treated everyone the same.

He often remarked that he ran a Ryan Air parish. He was particularly proud of the two churches in the parish and saw to it that both were kept to the highest standards. People noted that he was in good health and could relax more now that he is relieved of parish affairs and that he can enjoy the many interests and pastimes that he holds dear - reading, writing, fishing and travel. He will also have more time for attending hurling matches. He will have a “new” team now in Newcestown and locals remarked that he will be most welcome at Argideen and Ballinascarthy games in the future.

People will have their own special memories of Fr. Hickey. It may be his thought provoking words of wisdom in “Fons Vivus” each week-end. The children and staff of both parish schools will recall his frequent visits. Callers to “Cuas An tSagairt” will not forget his warm welcome and generous hospitality during the stations or on the occasion of meeting in the front room. Parishioners will remember him dropping in and the sick and elderly eagerly looked forward to his monthly First Friday visits. Some of our memories can be shared publicly while others will be more personal and will be locked away in our minds and in our hearts – a treasure trove of memorable encounters over the years.

Mrs. Nora Mc Carthy of Kilmalooda presented him with a gift of appreciation from all on the occasion of his retirement. It was a joyous occasion of celebration but also a one with a tint of sadness. They say that nothing stays the same. Change always comes, even though many might prefer that it didn’t. We need to embrace it and move on with our lives. Fr. Hickey will do likewise. Slán agus beannacht ón bPobal Dé i dTigh Molaga agus i gClogach.