29 June 2017
By Mary Bermingham
mary@TheCork.ie
The Cork Pioneer Association held the 8th Fr Mathew Commemoration on Wednesday evening – 27th June – in St Joseph’s Cemetery in heavenly weather conditions. Members of the Ballyphehane Pipe Band led the parade to Fr Mathews graveside where Canon Michael Murphy P.P. Ballyphehane recited the prayers and in his comments praised the Pioneer Association for their work promoting temperance following on the work started and the example set by Fr Mathew.
Cllr Mick Finn (Ind) is the new Lord Mayor, just into the 2nd month of his 12 month term
Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Mick Finn laid the wreath and spoke of the good works of Fr Mathew promoting temperance at home and abroad. Fr Mathew did so much for Cork City, he was such a great advocate for the poor; setting up educational classes and he was responsible for acquiring St Joseph’s cemetery as a fit resting place for poor Catholics. The Lord Mayor thanked the Pioneer Association for honouring his memory with this event.
The President of the Cork City Region of the Pioneer Association, Sorcha Uí Laoghaire, thanked all present particularly the Lord Mayor for attending and for his kind words, Canon Murphy for leading the prayers so beautifully and Gráinne and Fionuala of the Ballyphehane Pipe Band for their excellent piping. Sorcha spoke of how the Pioneers continue to work promoting temperance by visiting the schools, holding events and attending promotions.
Refreshments were served by the City Region in the Togher community Centre after the ceremony.
