On Sunday, April 2015, the Slieve Bloom Association reached yet another birthday and celebrated its 40th Anniversary in Kinnitty with a sit-down meal and the launching of a booklet. The members are rightly proud of achieving this milestone. It is no mean feat to keep any organisation going for this length of time – often with quite small numbers, but by keeping focused on the aims continuing to get things done over the years (eg walks, signage, seating, bins, festival revivals). Also, as part of the festivities and in recognition of the huge amount of work he did over his long lifetime to prevent traditions, folklore and archaeological sites being lost in the area, a plaque was unveiled for Paddy Lowry RIP, who was one of the founding members of the Slieve Bloom Association.

The sun may not have shone, but the rain stopped just in time for the parade to the Village Green from the Mountrath road. Such was the esteem that Paddy was held in, that a large crowd followed behind the Association’s banner to where the plaque had been erected to the side of the bridge. The honours were performed by Liam Murray, Paddy’s nephew and Paddy Heaney, his great pal – one was rarely seen without the other in days gone by. Association Chairman Johnny Rigney called on a number of people to say a few words of tribute, including our Hon. President Derek Fanning, Scout troop Leader Jack Ryan, Fr O’Meara, the Mayors of Laois and Offaly – Sinead Dooley and John Joe Fennelly, Offaly Tourism Officer Amanda Pedlow and Paddy’s grand-nephew, John Murray.

We then adjourned to Kinnitty Community Centre for a meal to celebrate the auspicious Anniversary. Fr O’Meara said the grace before meals. There were contributions to the speeches by Mick Dowling, Cllr Seamus McDonald, Cllr Carol Nolan, Cllr John Glendenin, Cllr John Carroll, Michael Lalor and Mick Dunne, and Kathleen Culliton for Mary Culliton. The Rev. Janet White Spunner said grace after the meal. Mary Doyle and Derek Fanning cut the cake.
With everyone satiated, the entertainment began and was provided by Jimmy Brophy, with contributions from various guests.
A most enjoyable day was had by all there and the Slieve Bloom Association would like to thank the following sponsors for helping to make the day such a success: Carol Nolan, David Goodwin, Dan & Mary Lynch.

The association would also like to thank:

• Offaly County Council for their co-operation in facilitating this project.
• Those members who put up the plaque & are always ready to give up their time to do the hard work: Johnny Rigney, Christy Conroy, Leo Brophy and Dan Lynch
• Marie Egan Lynch and her hard-working and genial team for the lovely meal and great service.
• Derek Fanning and all those who contributed articles and photographs for the booklet ‘Celebrating 40 Years of Community Endeavour’

After such a fantastic day, we’re already looking forward to our 50th celebrations!
The next meeting is on April 30th at 8:30 in Kinnitty Community Centre. Please note that the AGM has been deferred until May.

Article and Photographs by Kathleen Culliton

Johnny Rigney, Chairman, under the Slieve Bloom Association banner

Leading the walk to the Paddy Lowry Plaque

Marching into Kinnitty with the Slieve Bloom Association banner.

The Scouts walk behind the Piper and Drummer in the parade to honour Paddy Lowry

On the walk to the unveiling of Paddy Lowry’s plaque

Liam Murray and Paddy Heaney unveil the Paddy Lowry Plaque

Sinead Dooley, Chairman, Offaly County Council, Johnny Rigney, Chaiman, Slieve Bloom Association and John Joe Fennelly, Chairman, Laois County Council

Sinead Dooley, Chairman, Offaly County Council and Johnny Rigney, Chaiman, Slieve Bloom Association at the unveiling of the Paddy Lowry Plaque in Kinnitty

John Joe Fennelly, Chairman, Laois County Council pays tribute to Paddy Lowry in Kinnitty

Some of the crowd listening to the speeches at the unveiling of Paddy Lowry plaque

Amanda Pedlow, Offaly Tourism Officer pays tribute to Paddy Lowry at the unveiling of the plaque in Kinnitty

The Scouts among the crowd listening to Paddy Heany’s tribute to Paddy Lowry

Jack Ryan, Scout Leader speaking at the unveiling of the Paddy Lowry Plaque

The crowd listen to Jack Ryan, Scout Leader as he pays tribute to Paddy Lowry

Derek Fanning, Honorary President pays tribute to Paddy Lowry at the unveiling of the plaque in Kinnitty

John Murray, grand-nephew of Paddy Lowry RIP and Johnny Rigney, Chairman of Slieve Bloom Association

John Carroll, Offaly County Council speaks at the Slieve Bloom Association 40th Anniversary Celebrations

Mary Lynch, Hon Secretary SBA listens intently to Michael Lalor’s speech

Michael Dunne, former Chairman of the SBA speaks at the 40th Celebrations

Carol Nolan, Laois County Council, speaks at the Slieve Bloom Association 40th Celebrations in Kinnitty

Seamus McDonald, Laois County Council speaks at the Slieve Bloom Association 40th Celebration in Kinnitty

John Glendenin, Offaly County Council speaks at the Slieve Bloom Association 40th Anniversary Celebrations

Derek Fanning, Hon. President speaking at the 40th Celebrations in Kinnitty

Mick Dowling, longtime member & former Chairman speaks at the Slieve Bloom Association 40th Celebrations

Mary Doyle and Derek Fanning, Honorary President of the Slieve Bloom Association, cut the cake.

Leo Brophy playing the Sax at the Slieve Bloom Association 40th Celebration in Kinnitty

John and Teresa Brophy at the Slieve Bloom Association 40th Celebration in Kinnitty

Camillus Boland recites his own poem at the Slieve Bloom Association 40th Celebrations in Kinnitty

Phil Conroy, Mary Doyle and Michael O’Rourke enjoying the SBA 40th Celebration in Kinnitty

Entertaining the guests at the Slieve Bloom Association 40th Celebrations in Kinnitty

Teresa and John Brophy, with Mary Doyle and Mick Dowling dancing at the 40th Celebrations

Mary Doyle and Michael O’Rourke step it out at the Slieve Bloom Association 40th Celebrations

Vera Murray and Mick Dowling take to the floor at the SBA 40th Celebration