Columban centenary celebrations in Shrule

Ciara Galvin

THIS Sunday the Shrule community will mark the centenary year of the Missionary Society of St Columban establishing itself in the village.
Founders Fr Edward Galvin and Fr John Blowick chose the village for its ideal location close to Claremorris, Tuam and Galway. The Columbans set up in a 32 bedroom Georgian mansion in Dalgan, in January 1918. They started off with 19 students and before leaving for their longterm home in Navan, Co Meath, they had 200 missions in residence.
The Columbans played an integral part of the community of Shrule and the community are delighted that they have chosen to return to mark their centenary.
Speaking to The Mayo News one of the event organisers, John Muldoon, said they are expecting a big crowd of visitors, including a large number of Columbans.
“We have a great weekend planned. They were a big feature in our community, a lot of people worked there [at the house] and a lot were employed through catering,” said Mr Muldoon.
Mass will be celebrated by the Bishop of Galway, Bishop Brendan Kelly, in St Joseph’s Church, Shrule, on Sunday at 12noon, and the homily will be given by a Columban Father.
A plaque will be erected in the church grounds in memory of four local Columbans, Archbishop John Dooley, Lakeview, Shrule; Fr Martin Noone, Woodpark, Shrule; Fr Michael Moran, Glencorrib; and Sr Berchans (Nina Dooley), sister of Archbishop Dooley.
There will be a video and photo display in the local school afterwards.