CMAT, Roy Keane, Shane Lowry and Kingfishr make guest appearances as Patrick Kielty hosts his third Late Late Toy Show on RTÉ
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07 Dec 2025
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07 Dec 2025
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Gena Heraty is the Director of Special Needs Programmes at Nos Petits Frères et Sœurs (NPFS)
Spontaneous applause broke out in the Sacred Heart Church in Cushlough when Fr Britus first mentioned Gena Heraty’s release on Friday night.
The Mass was originally organised to conclude a 33 hour perpetual adoration for the safe release of Westport woman Gena Heraty and those kidnapped with her in Haiti.
READ MORE: Family of Gena Heraty confirm Mayo woman's release
Fortunately, very welcome events overtook the original purpose of the Mass as it was announced just over an hour beforehand that Gena Heraty and her colleagues had been released in Haiti.
The sense of relief and excitement at the news that Gena and her colleagues had been released beforehand was palpable.
Hugs and smiles before the Mass started reflected the weight being lifted off Gena’s friends and family in the community.
It has been nearly a month since Gena Heraty was kidnapped while running an orphanage for children with special needs in Haiti on August 3.
READ MORE: Hundreds pray for safe release of Mayo’s Gena Heraty at special Mass
The community has prayed for her safe return each and every day since at 7pm in the church.
The incredible timing of the news that everyone locally wanted to hear arriving just over an hour before the finish of the community’s 33 hours of appreciation for the safe release of Gena Heraty and those kidnapped with her in Haiti was not lost on anyone.
“This very day when our prayers have reached its fullness, God has heard us and granted us this extraordinary grace. Truly, God is gracious and kind, and he has made this day beautiful for us,” Fr Britus told the packed church.
Thanking the very many local people who prayed for Gena in the church, as well those from across the globe who joined them in prayers, Fr Britus exclaimed that “this is a powerful proof of what we in Cushlough community know so well, whenever we come together as a community to pray for faith, God listens.”
Further coverage of Gena Herarty’s release will be carried in Tuesday's Mayo News.
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