Westport’s Mac Bride Home celebrates 50 years

Last Wednesday, September 25, was a wonderful day in the Mac Bride Home calendar with its 50th anniversary of the official opening. Singing, dancing, poetry and wonderful food honoured the past, acknowledged the present and looked forward to the future.
For those of us who grew up in St Mary’s Crescent, Westport, it was a special thrill as Mac Bride Home is part and parcel of our DNA. This ‘home from home’ for older members of our community is more than dear to our hearts.
We call it Mac Bride Home rather than a Community Nursing Unit (CNU). The CNU term might be acceptable for HSE administrative purposes but it does not reflect the essence of what Mac Bride is, a home. People live in homes, not units. For many residents and the community it was, is and always will be, Mac Bride Home.
Director of Nursing Aoife Ní Chathasaigh welcomed all to the ‘marquee’ and set the scene for a marvellous day of celebration. Des Mulligan, HSE Head of Older Persons Services in the West, gave an inspired ‘few words’ by referring to ‘Mac Bride Home’ and the love that binds it together, from staff to residents and families.
Mary (Fergus) Higgins recalled being the first ‘attendant’ employed there. From No 33, St Mary’s Crescent, Mary recalled working with neighbours Josie McGreal (No 20), Maura Beckett (No 21), May Kenny (No 23), Mary O’Malley (No 32), Alice McNally (No 34), Nancy Casey (No 38), alongside Bridie Walsh (Mill St) and Ann Geraghty (Carrowbawn). Mary is now living back in the Crescent, in, if I may say (and I am biased!) the most salubrious No 1!
Brian Cusack, No 4, remembered his late father, Pádraic, who looked after entertainment in Mac Bride Home (now done by Michael Flanagan). He complimented staff on the care his late mother, Catherine, received there in her final years. His sister, Joan, provided a copy of the invitation to the original opening in 1974 and wrote an article in a commemorative booklet available on the day (thanks to Gertie Foley), while his brother, Declan, provided drone photographs.
Charlie Keating (No 14) remembered the Conlon Bros building Mac Bride Home (designed by Westport native Simon Kelly). Charlie sang ‘Wrap the Green Flag Round Me Boys’, written in honour of Major John Mac Bride.
John Mhicí Gallagher sang ‘Hurrah For Major John Mac Bride’ which he learned from his father. Richard Whyte recited the Keats poem ‘To Autumn’ before bursting into song!
Mary Mac Bride Walsh explained how she was the Major’s grandniece and also a ‘double’ first cousin to the Major’s son, Seán (who officially opened Mac Bride Home with the Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Henry Kenny, TD, in 1974). A plaque was laid under the tree Seán planted 50 years ago.
Residents settled into singing with Mary Jo, James Corrigan and Eileen Moane. Mary Lyons and Delia Sheridan sang along. More took to skipping the light fandango across the floor with Annette Griffin and John Staunton on stage. It was wholesome and heartwarming.
Fr Britus celebrated Mass while Frs John Kenny, Tony King and John Cunningham concelebrated. Holy Trinity’s Revd Suzanne Cousins was also present. Angela and Catherine provided sacred music. Staff and residents read the readings and bidding prayers.
Aisling Moran and team provided sumptuous food under the distribution eye of Mary Reidy and colleagues. Jackie Keane, Dagmar Fenn and Carol Corduff acted as ‘event co-ordinators, ushers, and directors’. All-colourful Noelene Cashin provided spectacular table decorations to complement the wonderful wall decorations of the Corduff family. Former staff were present to share in the jubilation.
The poignant description by Fr Augustine of Major John Mac Bride’s death was read in his honour. Will we ever honour the achievements of his son, Seán? He has slipped through history unnoticed – the only person ever to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the Lenin Peace Prize and the American Medal of Justice, he was also a co-founder of Amnesty International, served as UN Commissioner for Namibia, helped draw up the UN Convention on Human Rights and was author of the Mac Bride Principles anti-discrimination code… and he officially opened Mac Bride Home, Westport.
To say ‘a great day was had by all’ is a huge understatement.