Fr Moore’s ministry still bearing fruit

Children from fourth, fifth and sixth classes at St Michael’s National School, Castlepollard gathered on the grounds of nearby St Michael’s Church on Friday evening to mark the 25th anniversary of Very Rev Fr Patrick Moore’s appointment as parish priest in Castlepollard.

The pupils brought the sapling of a King of the Pippins apple tree, which will be planted in the church grounds, to celebrate Fr Moore’s quarter of a century of service in Castlepollard – a ministry which has borne plenty of fruit over the years.

One of the most senior priests in the Diocese of Meath and vicar forane of the deanery of Fore, Fr Moore was appointed parish priest in Castlepollard in 1997. He was previously in Navan, Mullingar and Kilbeg. A native of Glenidan, he was ordained in 1968, and celebrated his golden jubilee in 2018.

“The 25 years have passed by so quickly, and I barely noticed it [the anniversary] until it was pointed out to me,” Fr Moore said on Friday.

“I hope I have done some good in 25 years, and I hope I will be able to live on longer to do more good. I thank God for giving me the grace to be alive and to do it, and all my family and friends and everybody who has been so supportive here.

“It’s a joyful moment in my heart, and thank you all for sharing it.”

Sean Byrne, principal of St Michael’s NS, said that he and his pupils were delighted to have the opportunity to recognise the silver jubilee of Fr Moore’s ministry in Castlepollard.

“Fr Moore has ministered to us in our school for the last 25 years. He served as chairperson of the board of management and led the school very well during that time,” he said.

“He’s always been highly supportive of us and helped our school to grow and develop during that time. So we thank him sincerely, and hope that he will be helping us out for many years to come,” Mr Byrne said.