Good Friday at Shanley's Grave

More than 200 people visited the grave on Good Friday and a large gathering attended the Annual Blessing of Graves with prayers and readings and Hymns which commenced at 12 noon with people from all over the Midlands and some UK visitors also. Most of those people have been coming every year and especially Good Friday and other days throughout the year and it is reported that many favours have been granted. Fr. Shanley was born near Drunraney in 1781 and was one of eighteen children and was ordained in 1806, but during his time studying in Maynooth he was unable to come home because of his involvement with the 1798 Rising. After his ordination he was curate in Milltownpass and Meedin Parish and after 10 years he was transferred to Slane, Co. Meath for another ten years before being appointed P.P. for Milltownpass and Meedin Church, where he remained until his death in 1835 and during time there he was loved by all and especially the sick and poor.Because of his involvement with 1798 Rising he was a marked man and several attempts were made on his life and he had at least one or two miraculous escapes.To read more see this week's edition of the Westmeath Examiner.