Pictures taken at the Parish of Antrim 140th anniversary celebrations which took place in the Parish on Sunday, 14th November 2010. The Celebrations began with a photographic exhibition and were concluded by Evening prayer which was led by Bishop Treanor.
Monthly Archives: December 2010
Bazaar Back in Town
The Spirit of Christmas Past returned to Antrim last December with the staging of the traditional Christmas Bazaar in St Joseph’s Hall Greystone. After an absence of some ten years it was apparent from early in the afternoon that the event hadn’t lost any of its former attraction. A great crowd from every corner of Antrim Parish, from Ballyarnot to Tannaghmore and from Milltown to Muckamore turned out to enjoy the hustle and bustle of activity.
With great bargains to be had at the bakery and bric a brac stalls, and total delight from the winners of the many valuable prizes being promoted from the stage, there was much merriment all around and everyone enjoyed the welcome sit down and chat with a cup of tea and traditional fare.
For the children there was plenty in the way of excitement with games, face painting, food and, of course, the much anticipated arrival of Santa, who made his way through the Arctic conditions with the help of a police escort. Despite his busy schedule, Santa stayed long enough to ensure that every child got a chance to meet him and place any special requests.
Parish priest Fr Emerson expressed his delight and that of his colleagues at the massive success the day had brought and paid tribute to the sizeable army of volunteers who had combined to create that success. He especially thanked the local traders for their magnificent support and all who attended, most of whom had finished the afternoon somewhat lighter of pocket.
While the money raised was always welcome in the challenging times we now experience, Fr Sean was all the more delighted with the coming together of the Parish Community on such an enjoyable occasion. He promises, the 2011 Bazaar will be even bigger and better!
140th Celebration
THE PARISH OF ANTRIM CELEBRATED 140 YEARS ANNIVERSARY.
In November 2010 our parish marked the one hundred and fortieth anniversary of the solemn dedication and blessing of our present chapel, St Comgall’s Antrim, by the Most Rev Dr Dorrian, Bishop of Down and Connor on 30th October 1870. This notable landmark in the history of the Parish of Antrim brought together the past, the present and the future.
The day of celebration centred round a magnificent exhibition of documents, newspaper articles and photographs that told the story of our parish, which many of us either didn’t know or had forgotten. In the booklet published to mark the event Fr Sean Emerson said, ‘ it is not just the building that we are grateful for but the faith that the people of many generations have shared, are sharing and will share that is really important’.
On behalf of the parishioners and priests of the parish, Fr Sean Emerson PP warmly congratulated and thanked our sacristan Brendan Smith for the whole idea and presentation; his planning and organising of the day’s events and for his tireless work and great enthusiasm which inspired everyone who visited the exhibition.
A huge tribute was paid to the hard work and dedication of Father O’Loughlin under whose personal supervision St Comgall’s Chapel was built. During the building of the church he was obliged to reside in the Sacristy of the old church but before long he started building our present beautiful Parochial House. The parishioners were greatly honoured and welcomed Father O’Loughlin’s relatives who joined us from Donegal for Mass and to celebrate the memorable event.
As was fitting for the occasion the day finished with a dignified celebration of evening prayer in St Comgall’s Church led by Bishop Noel Treanor along with Fathers Sean Emerson PP, Felix McGuckin CC and Canon Malachy Murphy (Assistant Priest). The music and singing led by the choirs from St Joseph’s, St Mac Nissi’s and St Comgall’s truly added to the wonderful celebration and the parishioners were delighted to welcome back many of the priests who had lived and worked in the parish in more recent years who returned to joined us in marking the event.