Tyrone teacher delivers inspirational testimony in Ballyhaunis

Michael Commins

TYRONE native, Meabh Carlin, a teacher based in Belfast, delivered a powerful testimony during the recent Mass for exam students of Ballyhaunis Community in St Patrick’s Church in the town.
Meabh (25) was the guest speaker at the ‘Mass of Hope’ which was coordinated by Ballyhaunis Pastoral Council, in conjunction with members of the John Paul 11 Merit Awards group from Ballyhaunis Community School, and supported by students from Scoil Íosa primary school. The capacity congregation heard Meabh relate the story of her faith journey in the aftermath of a serious accident at the age of 19 when she was knocked down by a taxi in Madrid and which left her on a hospital bed for six months.
“Almost every bone in my body was broken. My pelvis was broken in two places, with further injuries to my knee, heel, feet and spine. I was lying in a hospital in intensive care, getting anointed with the Last Rites. I knew in my heart I was going to die.
“The last thing I remember doing was praying the Hail Mary at the top of my voice. I felt this unbelievable peace wash over my body and fill my heart. In that moment, I knew God was real.
“I knew all the fulfilment I had been searching for could be found in Him, and I made a promise, that if I opened my eyes the following day, every blink of my eyes would be a prayer of thanks to God,” she told the congregation.
After three months in a wheelchair, Meabh progressed to crutches for a year and has now made a full recovery.
Readings and prayers of the faithful were delivered by students from the local area while the music for the occasion was provided by the Ballyhaunis Community School folk group, led by their teacher Anna Henry.
The celebrant was parish priest, Fr Stephen Farragher, and the ceremony was introduced by BCS students, Áine Duffy and SeΡn Óg Freyne.