Monsignor Horan’s birthplace commemorated

SET IN STONE?Fr John Kenny, PP Partry, blesses a stone at Tooreen, Partry, the birthplace of the late Monsignor James Horan, (1911-1986). The stone was erected by Partry Residents Association.?Pic: Michael Donnelly

Monsignor Horan’s birthplace commemorated


Ciara Galvin

The sun beamed down on the birthplace of Monsignor James Horan in Tooreen, Partry on Sunday, as the community of Partry attended the blessing of a newly erected stone, marking the spot where he was born.
The idea for the construction of the commemorative stone came about last summer when Tooreen native Tommy Joe Hennelly brought up the idea with Chairman of Partry Residents Association Jim O’Neill. The site of the stone is now located on the edge of the garden of Mr Hennelly’s late parent’s house, Nora and Pa Hennelly.
Speaking to The Mayo News Mr O’Neill said there was ‘tremendous goodwill’ about the project. “We had a lot of offers from people donating their time, wanting to give stone and helping with the stonework,” said O’Neill.
Nieces, nephews and grand nieces of Monsignor Horan attended the blessing by Fr John Kenny PP and co-celebrant Fr Paddy Staunton, along with a large group of the Partry community. Some of the Monsignor’s family took part in the Mass doing readings and offertory prayers, while his nephew Bart Horan brought along the Monsignor’s last car, a Ford Cortina.
Designed by Tommy Lally, Tommy Joe Hennelly, Jim O’Neill and Gabriel Burke, the stone was funded by the goodwill of the community and co-funded by the Partry Residents Association Lotto. “We had a lot given to us by so many people around and the profits from the lotto means we can do projects like this,” said the Chairman.
Mr O’Neill acknowledged that the people of Partry, ‘rallied around it’ and are very proud of what the Monsignor achieved in getting the airport in Knock built. “He was very determined and always seemed to keep things positive,” stated Mr O’Neill.