Tag Archives: Ennis Cathedral

ENNIS-based priest Fr Ger Fitzgerald is attempting to break the world record for the longest journey on a land rowing machine, in aid of Clare Haven and Bushy Park Ennis. In order to get into the Guinness Book of World Records, the cleric must complete at least 5,280km on the rowing machine. The current record holder is Rob Bryant, an American man who covered a distance measuring 5,278.5km on a land rowing machine. “Last year, I attempted to cycle 30 miles every day for 30 days in aid of Barnardo’s Children’s Charity. With much support from my friends in Ennis, I was able to succeed and raised over €6,000 for the charity. This year, I wanted to do something different for a local charity and the idea I got was to attempt to break a world record. Given that I wouldn’t be very fit at the best of times and also given the fact that I have no patience for …

In his half a century in the priesthood, Lissycasey parish priest Fr Joe Hourigan cites his four years in Luton as a seminal time in his life. Originally from Limerick, Fr Hourigan has been parish priest in Lissycasey since 2000, having moved from Ennis, where he was based in the cathedral for 21 years. On coming home from England, he served in Ruan and Dysart for four years. However, it’s his time in Bedfordshire, 1968 to 1972, that helped shape his outlook on life. “In a sense, my growing up was a very kind of sheltered life. The Luton experience was very big for me. I found it a great joy. I was full of energy and I had loads of scope for contact with people. I became my own person there,” Fr Hourigan told The Clare Champion. He feels that he broadened his horizons in England. “For me, it was a great growth experience and I had a kind …