Inaugural Gortletteragh Parish Calendar on sale locally

The Baronial Hall in the beautiful Lough Rynn Castle Hotel was the setting for the launch of the inaugural Gortletteragh Parish Calendar 2023, on Sunday, November 13.

The calendar, depicting scenes of beauty from all around the parish, is the first in a series of publications by the Parish Commemoration Committee, as it prepares to celebrate, in 2027, the 250th anniversary of the establishment of Gortletteragh as an independent parish and the bicentenary of the foundation of the St Mary’s Parish Church in 2024.

In addition to the beautiful photographs, there is short narrative to accompany each picture at the back of the calendar, with a map of the parish indicating the locations of the various scenes.

The committee of Fr. John Quinn P.P., Lorna Heslin, Aiden Kelleher, Enda Reynolds, John Reynolds and Sr Mary Reynolds, was established in autumn 2021, and has plans underway for the publication of a parish history and also a booklet outlining the many notable features of St Mary’s Church.

To lead into the celebrations, parishioners and visitors were invited to submit photos for inclusion in the calendar, with the independent photographer, who selected the images, highly impressed by “the magic, mysticism, character, timeless beauty and grandeur” of the parish.

Lough Rynn Castle Hotel Estate and Gardens who hosted the launch, also very generously sponsored the calendar, which was printed at DPS Print, Carrick-on- Shannon.

As guests gathered at the launch, they were greeted by the music of Clodagh O’Brien on harp and how appropriate this was, as Carolan the famous harper, had lived for a time at Lakefield, in the parish of Gortletteragh.

Fr. Quinn P.P. launched the calendar by presenting it to Eddie McCartin Drumgowna, whose contribution to all aspects of life in the parish, especially the GAA, is unparalleled. Following the launch, guests were entertained by the talented Grier sisters, Margaret, Helen and Jacqueline and their families, Clodagh and Cathal O’Brien, Jacqueline McNamee and Tara and Oisín Boyle while local photographer, Declan Gaffney was on hand to capture the occasion.

Complimentary copies of the calendar will be forwarded to all parishioners who are now residents of nursing homes, to acknowledge the contribution they made to their townlands and parish in their earlier years.

It will be on sale after weekend Masses, and also in Fox’s of Tooman, Paul's in Mohill and other local outlets and is an ideal Christmas gift for the many Gortletteragh people living throughout Ireland and indeed all over the world.