Michael Commins
Around 1,000 Foroige members are expected in Knock Basilica on Friday night, May 21, for a special Celebration of Youth. “Don’t Stop Believing” will be the culmination of a lot of work by around 20 committed adult leaders who have met on a weekly basis over the last few months to plan the big event. The guest speaker will be former Galway hurler, Alan Kerins, of the African Projects venture.
It is understood that around 50 clubs will take part in the celebrations in Knock which are being coordinated by the Mayo District Council of Foroige. Patricia Sweeney-Egan from the Knock Club says they delighted with the response. “The project provides a great showcase for the clubs in Mayo. Here in Knock we have been busy putting the final touches to our own presentation and we are very grateful to Fr Benny McHale for all his input into the venture.
“Brendan McGuinness from Lakehill Knock, who is also involved with the Tuam Diocesan Gospel Choir, has been very supportive. Maeve Rattigan and others will also be adding to the show. We have musicians from Bonniconlon and other areas coming too. Billy Freeley from Irishtown, the former President of Foroige, has been totally supportive all along. Michael Lynskey and many others have rallied around and it should be a truly special celebration on Friday night in Knock,” says Patricia.
After the showcase and presentation of projects, Mass will be celebrated by Fr Richard Gibbons, Knock. A choir featuring around 60 members will add significantly to the liturgy. Later, light refreshments will be served in St John’s Rest and Care Centre at the end of the night.
It is expected that the Knock venture will also attract a substantial number of parents and grandparents of Foroige members to the celebrations on Friday night.
