Golden milestone for Fr Shay Casey as TUS marks his 50 years of service
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Rr Shay Cleary in conversation with Professor Vincent Cunnane, president of TUS.Image 2 of 5
Fr Shay Cleary and Professor Vincent Cunnane, president of TUS, looking at a photo of a younger Fr Shay as part of the Jubilee celebrations.Image 3 of 5
Italian students Iñigo Ruiz, Guillermo Rodríguez, Claudio Palminteri, Lorenzo Caruso, Matteo Guzzon salute their friend Fr Shay Cleary during the Jubilee celebrations.Image 4 of 5
Fr Shay Cleary in conversation with Colin Fahy during the Jubilee celebrations.Image 5 of 5
Bernie Devery, Teresa McGrath and Nuala Martin with their TUS colleague Fr Shay Cleary, during the Jubilee celebrations.Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has marked the Golden Jubilee of Fr Shay Casey, who runs the Chaplaincy service at the Athlone campus, celebrating 50 years of priesthood and a lifetime of dedicated service to students, staff and the wider community.
The event, held at the Douglas Hyde Theatre at TUS on April 29, brought together colleagues, alumni, friends and members of the university community to honour Fr Shay’s contribution, particularly his unwavering support for students during times of challenge.
The event was organised by the TUS Alumni Office, prompted by graduates who had been supported by Fr Shay during their time in college.
Colin Fahy, a musician, a TUS graduate and friend of Fr Shay, held a fireside chat with him as part of the event, while a number of former students also praised his contribution on the night.
A message Mary McAleese, former president of Ireland, was read out: “Heartfelt congratulations on the wonderful milestone of 50 years of priesthood. Your ministry to young people in Athlone has been extraordinary – from the Bower Convent, to the Marist College, to AIT and now TUS Athlone. Through each chapter, your holistic care as chaplain has nurtured faith, offered counsel, and created a true sense of community for generations of students. Thank you for five decades of generous service, gentle wisdom, and faithful presence. Athlone is the richer because of you. Wishing you joy and every blessing on your Golden Jubilee.”
Speaking at the event, Fr Shay said: “I am humbled by the kind words and by all who have given their time so generously to mark this milestone. Everyone has been so kind, but I am always surrounded by wonderful people – staff, students from all over the world, parents, management, and so many others across the university. It’s that true community spirit that, day in and day out, makes it a joy to work here.”
Professor Vincent Cunnane, president of TUS, said: “Fifty years of priesthood is a remarkable milestone, but in Fr Shay’s case, it is not just the length of service that stands out, it is how that service has been delivered. His actions speak for themselves, as he has helped many people over decades.
“That was especially evident during the Covid pandemic, when he was a vital connection for students who relied on his generosity and commitment. His calling first led him to the missions overseas, but we are more than grateful that so much of his life and service has been given to our students and to this region.
"Fr Shay has helped shape the culture of care and compassion that defines TUS. He has had a lasting impact on so many people’s lives.”
Donncha McNamara, vice-president for Internationalisation and Alumni at TUS, as MC for the event highlighted how important a figure Fr Shay is in the alumni community.