“Tears of joy”; “ What a generous welcome we got on arrival”; “ The sun came out on such a happy occasion”; “What a feast for the eyes and ears”; “Congratulations on this afternoon’s presentation and the booklet is a lovely keepsake”; “George Sherwood would have been so proud”; “ My late good friend George Sherwood would have really enjoyed it all”; “I could have listened to Harry and Ursula all evening”; “When is the next celebration in St Aidan’s?”
These are just some of the expressions of joy and pleasure during the cheese and wine party following the illustrated talk in Kilmanagh last Sunday. Over a hundred people supported the event as part of Heritage Week, including Minister Malcolm Noonan, Minister for Heritage, Virginia Teehan, CEO Heritage Council of Ireland, Regina Fitzpatrick, Heritage Officer Kilkenny County Council. The theme was “In Praise of Philanthropy” and celebrated the restoration and installation of important stained glass in St Aidan’s twenty five years ago. Tributes were paid to the late George Sherwood who was instrumental in setting the work in progress together with the parishioners of St Aidan’s. Special musical contributions from Harry Carpendale and Ursula Conlan included “The Last Rose of Summer” and two new compositions to mark the occasion: “Planxty George Sherwood” and “St Aidan”. Harry Meyer gave the talk. Jim Wellwood thanked all involved for their contributions.
