Mullingar Deanery Pioneers enjoy busy, productive year

The Pioneers of the deanery have had a busy and productive year. As with all Pioneers, their aim is that through prayer and abstinence from alcohol and drugs, those who suffer because of addiction may be helped.

School Visits

During the last year members visited many primary schools in the deanery; they received a good response and approximately 160 young people joined the Pioneers. The aim and hope will be that their membership will help them to abstain from alcohol until they are at least 18 years of age and keep off illegal drugs for life. The committee would like parents to encourage their children to become Young Pioneers when our representatives visit schools. We are very grateful to the school principals and teachers who help us to keep this part of our apostolate on track. We are also sincerely grateful to Bishop Deenihan for his encouragement and words of wisdom on Confirmation days in our parishes, for the interesting and informative video he produced for primary schools and for his support for the Pioneer Association at all times.

Pilgrimage to Knock

We are grateful to Peter Fagan of Killucan Centre for organising a bus for the annual Pioneer Day in Knock in July. A large crowd was present on the day. The chief celebrant at Mass was Bishop Tom Deenihan, who delivered an interesting and uplifting sermon. The concelebrant was Fr Robert McCabe, Spiritual Director of the Pioneer Association.

Novena to Venerable Matt Talbot

We started our annual Novena to Venerable Matt Talbot in March and were delighted to be able to keep it going on a monthly basis through the following eight months. The venues were: Kilbeggan, Mullingar, Castlepollard, Rochfortbridge, Killucan, Ballynacargy, Tyrrellspass, Tubber and Multyfarnham. It is a powerful novena; its purpose is to assist all who suffer because of addictions and it brings with it many graces and blessings. We sincerely thank Fr Séamus Houlihan and the priests from the various Centres for helping us with our Novena.

Pioneer Ball

The 25th National Pioneer Ball in the Annebrook House Hotel on April 7 was preceded by celebration of Mass in the Cathedral of Christ the King by Bishop Thomas Deenihan, assisted by priests from the diocese. A delicious meal was served in Annebrook and music was supplied by Camillus Egerton. Heartiest congratulations are due to Rose Carey and her colleagues in the Leinster Youth Committee, who put Trojan work into an outstanding weekend that included bowling, a historical walking tour of Mullingar and outdoor Stations of the Cross in the Franciscan Friary in Multyfarnham.

Celebrations in Ballynacargy

Congratulations to Ballynacargy Pioneer Centre on their centenary celebrations in April. Mass was celebrated by Fr Tony Gonoude, who complimented the committee on the good work they do in the parish and the attention they had given to preparations for the occasion. The large attendance enjoyed a wonderful evening of feasting and music in the Parish Centre.

Deanery Mass

The annual deanery Mass celebrated in Castlepollard in August was well attended. The Centre had a further celebration in October when emblems and certificates were presented to members who were celebrating various milestones in their membership. Refreshments followed in the Parish Centre. Many thanks to Fr Moore, who always supports us in every way possible; thank you also to the sacristan and all who helped in any way.

Christmas Party

A most enjoyable Christmas Party was hosted by Mullingar Centre in December. David Smyth supplied a delicious meal and Santy made a surprise appearance! An attendance of approximately 100 members had a wonderful evening.

Wedding Bells

Best wishes to our young Pioneers William O’Reilly and Cathríona Kealy and also Daisy Carey and Darren Stenson, who were married during the year. May they have long years of happiness, good health and peace together.

Thank you

The deanery Pioneers are thankful to North Midlands Credit Union Social and Cultural Fund and the Westmeath Community Action Grant Scheme for their generous donations; members very much appreciate those and all funds are used towards promoting the organisation and helping our Young Pioneers.

Association members would like to thank all who supported them throughout the year at our church gate collections, through purchase of the Pioneer newsletter, support for draws and in other ways. Many thanks to Bishop Deenihan and the Spiritual Directors throughout the deanery who continually promote the ideals of the PTAA.

Sympathy

The deanery committee wish to send deepest sympathy to the families of members who died during the last year, many of whom had given long years of service to the association. We remember especially Mary Nea, who was an excellent secretary of the deanery for many years. May they all rest in peace.

2025 Deanery Committee

The committee for the coming year is: chairperson, Joe Monaghan from Castlepollard Centre; secretary, Peter Fagan from Killucan Centre; treasurer, Mary Riggs from Ballynacargy Centre; PRO Rose Carey from Mullingar Centre; and safeguarding officer, Rita Clarke, Rochfortbridge.

New members

The PTAA are always delighted to welcome new adult members strongly encourage people to join. They recognise alcohol as a gift from God, voluntarily do without the enjoyment of that gift, and offer that sacrifice for those who are struggling with addictions. If you would like to become a Pioneer, contact your nearest Pioneer Centre or any of the committee officers mentioned above.

Deanery meetings

Deanery meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month in the Parish Hall Rochfortbridge at 8pm. All are welcome.