My first appointment in September 1962 was to be curate here. I had come home from England and replaced Fr Eugene Clarke. My first Mass was here in the Church at 8.30am. I had no car and so Sonny Callaghan drove me down from Aughawillan. That was to be the beginning of a 10-year stay.  During that time I got to know the people well and they got to know me. There were three local shops, a forge, a post-office and Drumbrick Hall. The townland of Garryfluigh where five Keaney sisters were nuns in different parts of the world.

Times were bad and money was scarce. So much so, that the Parish Priest told me to go around with the altar boys to take up the collection. I wondered at this. And, the reason was that people would only put in 1/2d (a halfpenny) and not a penny. I didn’t go around and never did and look what you have today.

Corraleehan is a very religious area as is the whole area; great attendance at Mass and mission. The two schools of Clogher and Ardmoneen were a great head piece all that time until they were moved to Tuyllyveela and that high standard continued down the years.

The choir was always part of Sunday Mass, and that too originated in the schools. So the faith of the children was nourished at home and here in this church. Today is a glowing example of how people have lived up to the good example they got from those who went before them.

The Gospel spoke of reconciliation and coming to church and to Mass is one of the best signs of that reconciliation. The meeting of neighbours after Mass up at the road was always a special time. No rush, no hurry and all went home happy and looked forward to next Sunday. So, today will bring back many happy memories of days and years gone by. Of people who have died and houses closed.

I mentioned already the religious feeling in the area. This is evident today in the beautiful work that has been carried out on the church; the people must be very proud of it. I am very proud of it, Fr Tom and Fr Larry must be equally happy to have a lovely church to say Mass in. The Committee did a wonderful job. They will not be forgotten.

Fr Sullivan delivers his homily at the Rededication Cerermony