Dear Editor, I would like to comment on the article on the parish of Sandyford, Kilternan and Glencullen. I am writing not just as a parishioner but also as chairman of a local soccer club Wayside Celtic FC which has over 500 members.
I have never at any time over the years felt that the parish was dishevelled or lacked energy. Some of the many initiatives that have been ongoing in the parish for a number of years include parishioners from all three churches being involved in The Way of the Cross every Good Friday with a big contingent of young people not only participating but also in helping the less able up the hill from Our Lady of the Wayside to St Patrick’s in Glencullen.
As a local club in the parish we have participated in family days in all three churches when events were either held in the church grounds or the national schools next door, whereas now the garden in St Mary’s have been fenced-off barring the parishioners from the garden with a No Entry sign to remind us we can no longer walk the grounds. The club has also been used by the parish for its retreats for Confirmation students from all the local primary schools. There have been parish retreats held over 3-4 nights and talks on theology, social policy and education.
Where for the last couple of years there has been three priests in the parish there have been times when we have had only one priest for various reasons, but they still kept the parish going which was not acknowledged anywhere in the article.
Possibly their greatest work was at the Church’s darkest time when reports were coming out: The Murphy Report, Ryan Report etc. Our priests gave everybody an opportunity to express their feelings in both an open forum and in private.
I am and have always been proud of my parish and the great teams that have been there over the years.
Yours etc.,
Michael Mason,
Chairman,
Wayside Celtic FC,
Sandyford,
Co. Dublin.