Holiday for Passionists

It was Monday morning the 9th September and the Bus had arrived. Time to hit the road for the senrior religious from Mount Argus and other Passionist houses to get on board for the Annual few days break. This time the venue was the Clonea Strand Hotel situated on the coast not far from Dungarven.

Heading the group was Fr. Charles Cross C.P. (Vice-Provincial) and Teresa the full-time nurse in Mount Argus. From Crossgar came Fr. Paul Mary Madden, Fr. Hubert Hurley and Bro. Paul McKeown. Bro. Martin Denny came across from Prestonpans to help out.

Fr. Frank Keevins (Rector) led the Mount Argus contingent which included Bro. Malachy Daly, Fr. Andrew Kennedy, Fr. Linus Kelly, Fr. Eunan Doherty, Fr. Anselm Keleghan, Fr. Dermot Patrick Cleary and F. Jim Sheridan.

Monday was spent travelling down to the Hotel with a stop on the way for lunch. On arrival the men received a great welcome from the Hotel staff and management. Each religious had a room looking out on the sea and soon got familiar with the sea fragances and the gentle lapping of the waves.

Tuesday was spent settling in and exploring the Hotel facilities and the neighbourhood. The Hotel swimming pool, games room and golf course were visited and inspected. Plans were made. A walk along the sea shore served to blow away the cobwebs of the city.

Wednesday was a day out. A mini-bus was hiered and the group travelled first to Ardmore to St. Declan's Church and Round Tower. Then followed a scenic drive round Youghal before a lunch break at Tallow.

The highlight of the afternoon was the drive up the 'Vee' to view the landscape. Next was the stop at Mount Mellery Cisterian Abbey. Here the Abbot and monks gave the Passionists a great welcome, served sea and talk with questions on Mellery and the Cisterian way of life. As a special concession the party was then brought inside the monastery and given a tour of the monks' living quarters, dining room and private part of the Chapel. All returned tired to the Hotel for evening Mass before dinner.

Thursday was spent 'at home'. Some who had not swam in years ventured into the swiming pool. The more venturersome sampled the sauna and jacuzzi. On Friday they began the return journey home and arrived in Mount Argus refreshed and renewed and singing the praises of the Hotel and the few days together.