BY JOHN FITZGERALD
An “absolute treasure” and “a compelling piece of social history”: Just a few of the accolades for a new book about a remarkable County Kilkenny care home
Mount Carmel in Callan has celebrated the 40th anniversary of its foundation and to coincide with this milestone, retired secondary school Principal Frank McKenna launched his book about the highly acclaimed care home.
It tells the story of how, in the late 1970s, a group of Callan volunteers convened to address the needs of elderly people in the district who wished to live independently but didn’t require full nursing home care. The group agreed on the need for a new service to cater for them.
But where could the home be built, and, just as urgently, how would it be financed? Callan was fortunate at the time to have a PP who could have doubled as a top-class Minister for Finance; such was his uncanny flair for fund-raising.
Cannon John Kennedy not only kick-started a wide range of novelty fundraisers for the envisaged home. He donated a staggering IR £35000 to the fund and then, to the relief and astonishment of all who lobbied or strove for the new facility, donated a site on which it could be built…located between two of the town’s most historic buildings, the Big Chapel and the old Workhouse.
Fund-raising for the home accelerated in Callan, and locals gave generously despite competition from other worthy causes…a sports venue and the proposed building of a much-needed new secondary school among them.
Eventually, Mount Carmel opened its doors in 1985. From day one, it enhanced the lives of those who availed of its welcoming space. It eased the pain of loneliness, and residents found a new zest for life.
They could move freely, visiting friends and family outside the home, or receive visitors there. They could avail of a range of activities, such as art classes and a day care centre, and trips to various parts of the country…apart altogether from being in a safe and friendly setting, and never again having to cope with isolation.
The home’s location was ideal, with its proximity to the post office and Paddy Moore’s shop, and in the early years Jackie Nolan’s bus stopped outside the home each day at 2.30 to facilitate residents who fancied an afternoon in the Marble City.
At the book launch, Fr. Liam Cassin, who moved from Callan Parish 40 years ago, shared his happy memories of Mount Carmel. He played a pivotal role in getting the project off the ground, his leadership qualities shining throughout.
Alluding to a recurrent theme of Frank’s book, he emphasized that; for all the importance of bricks and mortar, and the quality of the building that materialized; it was the wonderful staff and management of Mount Carmel that ensured its ultimate success.
They have, he said, brought light into the lives of the many residents who have passed through the doors of this lovely home-from-home.
Mount Carmel Board Chairperson Cllr. Matt Doran also underlined the dedication and professionalism of staff, equalled only by the devotion of the local community that has never faltered in supporting the home.
The residents over the decades have included just about all personality types and, as you’d expect, some “rare characters”, each displaying his or her own unique abilities and insights.
They got along in good times and bad, and showed great moral and physical stamina, supported by an ever-committed staff, during the cruel months of Covid Lockdown.
They bore the restrictions and sacrifices with dignity, as did the heroic staff that had to work longer shifts and, being human, succumbed at times to the impact of the Pandemic.
Locals rallied to the aid of Mount Carmel when the virus struck. Bernie Kirwan was one of them. She volunteered to help ease the burden of staff, saying she felt it was her “civic duty.” Others exhibited a similar degree of courage and humanitarianism, helping the home as it passed through that dreadful phase of local and national history.
Sister Loreto Crowley, one of the Mercy Nuns who offered crucial backing and years of unstinting service to the project, hailed Frank McKenna’s book as a “treasure” and an important piece of social history.
She recalled how Mount Carmel was “blessed” from the outset by the kindness of locals and the positive stances adopted by such enlightened clerics as Cannon Kennedy in Callan and the pioneering Bishop Birch, who initiated the life-changing Ossory Social Services.
Prior to the book launch a plaque was unveiled at Mount Carmel to honour the contribution of the Sisters of Mercy to the home, a tribute to the nuns whose achievements in the realms of care and education can be understated or overlooked in the modern age.
Hundreds queued at the bookstall as a rousing musical session commenced for Mount Carmel’s 40th birthday.
Unbridled joy filled the Parish Hall. Remembrance and learned words from the stage gave way to a festive air.
There was fun and laughter as the band took over: a fitting sequel to the birth of that compelling story of why a care home resident in Callan proclaimed:
“I’ll never be lonely again!”
Mount Carmel- supported care home by Frank McKenna is available from Callan and Kilkenny bookshops and costs E10.
