Priests get attached to parishes and people get attached to their priest. This is very much the case in Shanballymore, where Fr. Gerard Condon has ministered for 12 years - following the latest round of diocesan appointments, Fr. Condon was confirmed as the new parish priest in Killavullen/Annakisha.

Not wanting to let the occasion pass without some type of formal function, parishioners in Shanballymore organised a special Mass followed by a going away party in Shanballymore Community Centre on Wednesday, 12th November. There was a fine crowd in attendance and while tinged with sadness, everyone present wished this popular cleric well in his new parish.

Following Mass (in the community centre), Fr. Condon was presented with a painting of Shanballymore village by Martin Roche - the artist responsible for the attractive acrylic painting is Donal Deady from Castletownroche. Fr. Condon was also called upon to cut a beautiful farewell cake - baked and decorated by another local artist, Mary Kiely. A bit like the painting, this cake is a once off bearing the mandala tree of life.

FOND MEMORIES

A native of Curraglass on the Cork/Waterford border, Fr. Condon's first posting was to Hazelwood, before being dispatched to Rome, on his return from the Holy Sea, he was assigned to Shanballymore where he also held the position of dioscesan adviser for religious education. A scholarly priest who holds a degree in Jungian psychology, Fr. Condon also possessed the common touch and was a regular visitor to the parish's sick and infirm.

He was a steadfast supporter of Shanballymore National School and former principals, Mary Hernon and Michael O'Sullivan, were present to lend their good wishes to proceedings. Anne Hanley and her colleagues in Shanballymore National School Parents' Association, Rita O'Donovan and Deirdre O'Callaghan, also made a presentation to Fr. Condon.

The departing priest told the assembled crowd that he was leaving with many fond memories and being relatively close at hand (in Killavullen), he pledged to maintain the many friendships he formed in Shanballymore and to return at intervals.  

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