Fr. Andrew McNally R.I.P

On March 26th in the SMA Conference Centre, Dromantine Newry over eighty theology students gathered to pay tribute to Fr. Andrew McNally who died last year. A tree was planted in his honour beside the beautiful lake where he concelebrated mass for the student body on a memorable weekend which he had facilitated. Dean Colm Curry led a beautiful prayer service and Bishop Clifford was in attendance to pay his own tribute to the incredible work that Fr Andrew had initiated. The evening was cold and crisp with sleet and snow flurries and as we sang the hymn, Here I am Lord, we could not help but grin at the aptness of the line, “I, the Lord of wind and rain…..”. Andy would have enjoyed that.

Later in the comfort of the large lecture hall, moving tributes were paid to Fr Andrew by Bishop Clifford, Dean Colm Curry and Dr. Tony Hanna each of whom had worked closely with Fr. Andrew at various stages in his ministry. A beautiful Theology Cup was presented  in his honour to Margaret McMahon from Clonoe who was a worthy recipient of the inaugural trophy. Paddy McNally, brother of Fr Andrew, made the presentation and expressed his gratitude to all who had cared for his brother particularly in his final illness.

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