Diocesan News19 Feb 13

New Charleville Centre (Tullamore) Opened By The Taoiseach

On February 2013, The Charleville Centre received its official opening by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, and dedication and blessing by the Bishop–elect of Meath and Kildare, the Ven. Leslie Stevenson. The Parish has developed the new centre, comprising a large main hall and a number of smaller rooms which can be used for a range of community purposes, without any grants, Lottery or government assistance. In his comments at the opening, the Rector, the Revd Canon Gerald Field, expressed his views that for a community of small numbers this a considerable achievement and also a reflection of the parish’s vision ‘to be part of the whole community in this area, providing the opportunity for the integration of the parish into the community, which is part of its vision for the future’. He concluded by saying, ‘Please continue to support us, yes, by using this facility, but also with your prayers, that the Charleville Centre might be something of a symbol of what all our churches, of whatever tradition, are trying to be here in Tullamore – being a serving Church in a needy world.’

Around 200 people, including parishioners, local councillors, local clergy, neighbours of the Centre, users of the Centre and members of Dáil Éireann gathered to celebrate this very proud day in the life of the Tullamore Union of Parishes. Mr Ian Colton was Master of Ceremonies for the day, introducing speeches by the Rector; Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr. Peter Ormond; Cathaoirleach of Tullamore Town Council, Cllr. Lar Byrne; and An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D. At the end of the formal proceedings a presentation was made to the Taoiseach by Mr Alan Wallace, who was instrumental in obtaining this distinguished guest of honour to perform the official duty.

Picture 1 – The Taoiseach, Enda Kenny and Canon Gerald Field

Picture 2 – The Taoiseach