Maynooth Union 2011

Maynooth Union 2011 was celebrated in St Patrick's College, Maynooth on 14th June 2011.

The Eucharistic Celebration at 3.00 p.m. was the highlight, with pride of place going to the Silver Jubilee Class of 1986.

Some of the assembly of priests before the celebration of the Eucharist in the College Chapel.

The Union Dinner gatered a host of priests from the Golden Jubilee Class of 1961 as well as the Diamond Jubilee Class of 1951. In addition, there were also priests from the other years with a multiple of five going back as far as 1946; - 1956, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1991, 1996, 2001 and 2006.

Fr Joe Mullin, Parish Priest of Rathgar in Dublin, gave the speech on behalf of the Silver Jubilee Class, and raised the spirits of the assembly with his recognition of the contribution of many of those present in the previous year.

The President of the College, Monsignor Hugh Connolly welcomed all the priests back to their Alma Mater, and assured them of a warm welcome in Maynooth at any time of the year.


Fr Tom Corbett of Roscrea gave the Presidential Address, and did not fail to challenge and entertain. He thanked Fr Donal O'Neill who is retiring as secretary of the Union, as his term in Maynooth is coming to an end, but welcomed Fr Paul Prior who will take over the duties of Secretary.

               Rev Eugene Mangan and Rev Patrick Bowen from the class of 1966

Rev James Tighe, Rev Tadhg Ó Móráin, Most Rev Thomas Finnegan and Rev Tom Beirne.
The Diamond Jubilee class of 1951 were given special recognition at the Union Dinner, when Cardinal Seán Brady presented them with an icon of the Good Shepherd in a beautiful case.

The current and past bishops of Killala were at the Maynooth Union, Most Rev John Fleming and Most Rev Thomas Finnegan.