On Thursday night 29th October last, the parishioners of St. Patrick’s Parish, Ringsend said farewell to a dear friend, Father Finbarr Mullane.

Father Mullane had been Curate in the parish for ten years and the people of the parish had grown to revere and love him greatly. His leaving was a shock and a big disappointment to everyone.

Word had come from the Archbishop’s house early in September that he was to be moved to a parish in Bray, Co. Wicklow and on 1st October he packed all his belongings and departed, leaving a lot of tearful faces behind.

Father Mullane himself and the people realised that in the scheme of things this was something that had to be and they accepted it with fortitude.

The people of the parish were anxious to acknowledge and celebrate his outstanding contribution to the life of the parish for the ten years he was part of it and so a night was arranged in the CYMS Hall to do just that.

A group of parishioners got together to make all the necessary arrangements, a presentation gift, food, refreshments and music. Many hands were busy baking, making sandwiches and in general getting everything ready and on the night all was prepared.

The night itself was an outstanding success. About 300 people attended. These included Father Mullane’s two sisters, Mary and Lillian and their husbands and about 30 other relatives.

After everyone had partaken of the food and drink in good measure, Tom Sheridan made the presentation speech on behalf of the parishioners and the guest of honour replied. Father Mullane said he had been very happy in Ringsend and thanked the people for their gift.

Father Paul Spellman, Parish Priest then spoke and paid a warm tribute to Father Mullane for his work in the parish. Then there was music and dancing and singing and everybody had a grand time including Father Mullane himself.

Although there was an underlying sadness it was essentially a very happy occasion. The people of the parish were glad to celebrate this man and the time he had spent with them. He was left in no doubt about the high esteem in which he was held.

At the moment of his presentation Father Mullane received a prolonged and sustained standing ovation – truly well deserved.

Very many people contributed to the arrangements. Mary Thompson (O’Toole) did an excellent job on the night as Master of Ceremonies. Mary was a member of the organising committee, as were Sarah O’Reilly, Marie Connolly, Mary Lawless, Patricia and Jim Houlihan, Tom Sheridan and Dolores Timmons.

Many other people helped with preparing the hall, preparing and serving food on the night, and of course the vast bulk of parishioners contributed to the presentation gift.

At the close of the night a relative of Father Mullane thanked the people of Ringsend for “a wonderful night” and for all the happiness they had given Father Mullane over the period of ten years.

It was a memorable night which everyone enjoyed and a fitting tribute to an outstanding priest.

Tom Sheridan making the presentation to Father Mullane.