All hail the unsung heroes

 

They’re the unsung heroes of Ennis, people who give of their time selflessly without seeking reward or recognition.

But their voluntary work doesn’t go un-noticed and this week the people of Ennis gathered to honour five people who have made a meaningful contribution to the social and religious life of their town.

People of the Year awards were presented to Sr Ann Boland, Ann Collins, Bella Hehir, Peter Lenihan and to the family of the late Francie Mahon.

A member of the parish team, Sr Ann, who lives at Woodland, has been described as “the small woman with the warm smile and generous heart”.

A native of Mullagh, as a youngster she dreamed of working with the black children of the Missions. So it was no surprise when she announced that she was joining a Religious Community of Sisters “The Josephites”.

Sr Colmcille Browne and Sister Dominic had visited the local school, inviting young girls to their way of life. Ann entered the Noviciate in Newmarket, Cork in 1948 and two years later she continued her studies in Australia. The trip down south to Australia took six weeks but Sr Ann has spent all her religious life in Australia, working in teaching and pastoral care in Western Australia and in the North West in Kimberley with Aboriginal people.

On her retirement in 1999, she had a choice to stay in Australia or return to Ireland. Sr Ann came home to Ennis. Her childhood dream of working with the black children came to pass with the asylum seeker and refugees who came to live in the Ennis community in the early 00s.

She helped set up Solas – the outreach group – and worked with the bereaved, families with new babies and children for the Sacraments.

Ann Collins, a West Cork woman from the Beara Peninsula, came to Ennis in 1964 when her late husband, Gerry, was transferred to work in the Munster and Leinster Bank. She has been a full-time homemaker and mother of three sons, Fergal, Killian and Eoin.

Ann has been very generous with her time for the community. Back in 1970, she became involved in the National Council for the Blind and over the years has served as chairperson, secretary and committee member.

The work of the National Council for the Blind is with the visually impaired, providing holidays at Lahinch or overnight stays. In recent years, that work has evolved to arranging social gatherings at Christmas and springtime and as with all voluntary organisations fundraising.

Ann has been a member of the Cathedral Altar Society and for years has faithfully washed the altar linen. She is a Eucharistic Minister at Cloughleigh Oratory.

Bella Hehir is a gift to any community. A native of Ennis from a large family, generosity and kindness are the hallmarks of her life. Some 20 years ago, her husband, Flan, had a serious accident and they were overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness and goodness of people. She says that, as a result of this kindness, she likes to give back to the community.

Bella and Flan have five children – Irene, John, Karen, Helen and Denise, who is in Australia and they are blessed with eight grandchildren. Their home is an open house.

Bella has been central to the Turnpike Residents’ Association, acting as chairperson for 11 years. They host an annual Christmas Party for the older residents and organise a funday for the children.

In the summertime, Bella and the neighbours are out on the weekly clean up of the area.

She has helped with the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. In recent times, she helps out in the Cuan Shop in the Community Centre. Bella and Flan have faithfully kept the plot in Drumcliffe, where the remains of the air crash victims in Shannon are buried.

Mark Twain once said, “Age is a matter of mind and if you do it mind it does not matter”. Peter Lenihan is testimony to this insight.

He is more Ennis than the natives people themselves. He first came to town in 1947 to work with the Department of Transport at Ballygirreen. In 1974, Peter was transferred to work at Dublin Airport.

In 1989, Peter and his wife, Mary returned to retire in Ennis. Their three children, Matt, Phil and Jacqueline were all born in Ennis – so Ennis is truly home.

Peter has given Trojan service to the St Vincent de Paul Society for over 30 years and two projects that Peter and his colleagues are particularly associated with are the SVP shop in Lower Parnell Street and the hostel for homeless men on the Clare Road.

Both ventures have made a considerable difference to the lives of vulnerable people in the community.
Peter has also made a significant contribution to Féile na h-Inse and served in the role as chairman for five years. When Ennis was awarded the Information Age status, Peter and a few of his friends embraced the new technology and produced an online magazine.

The final award of the night went to man whose life can be summarised by the qualities of care, commitment, community and craic. The late Francie Mahon was known by all as “the gentle giant” whose life and goodness touched the circle of his family and the wider community.

The first-born child to Seán and the late Bridie McMahon, Francie was one of 11 children. He had a great love of sport and was on the Éire Óg senior hurling championship winning teams of 1982 and 1984.

In 1987 he got involved in camogie which was a new dimension. He achieved great success with Éire Óg U-16 team and in later life with the county teams.

A County Council employee for over 42 years, Francie was a stalwart in his involvement in the Friary and at the Cathedral. He was a member of the Third Order of St Francis and served on the council. He had the responsibility for the Friary Parish Development collection each Sunday.

Commitment was one of his attributes and Francie approached his sickness with the same positive attributes that he lived his life.