Open-Air Mass on Pier

Congregation attending Mass outside BIM Centre

A special open-air Concelebrated Mass, was held on the Pier in Castletownbere on Sunday 6th August for all Seafarers, their families and friends.  Assisting Canon P. Sheehan were Fr. Donal O'Connor, Curate, Fr. Sean O'Shea and Fr. John O'Sullivan.  The readings were said by Ebbie Sheehan, Sheehan Fishing Co., and Mary Power, Fast Fish Ltd.  Prayers of the faithful were read by Pat Sheehan and Kevin Downey, fishermen, Pat Murphy, Shellfish de la Mer, Donal Healy and Mike Murphy, Skippers.  Gifts were presented at the Offertory by families of fishermen. Each gift represented the fishing industry and Lorna O'Neill explained each one as they were presented. They included:

Seafood:  - 'The platter of Seafood, which Fintan O'Driscoll brought to the Altar of God represents the Fruit of the Sea all around us.  We are reminded of the Parable when Our Lord fed the thousands of people with loaves and fishes.  The harvest of the sea is a very valuable product and reflects the expertise of our Fishermen and the tools of their trade.'

Model Boat:  'Margaret Downey-Harrington and Clare Sheehan brought the model boat or trawler as we know it, to the Altar.  The boat is the family asset to the fishing family.  Our fishermen take great pride in the upkeep and maintenance of their boats, to ensure the safety and comfort for all their crews.'

Plaque:   'Deirdre O'Driscoll & Vicki Power were the bearers of the Plaque and Trophy which are presented each year by Mna na Mara, to the 'Best Dressed Boats - 2 categories - <50' and >50'.  This is a tribute to all our fishermen who each year ensure that their boats are well maintained and looked after.'

Basket & Rope: 'Rachel and Blayne Sheehan presented the basket and rope to the Altar.  The basket is a traditional tool of the fisherman.  It has many uses on board a boat and some people might recall when our older fishermen would gather the sally twigs and make their own baskets during the winter nights. Alas, plastic has taken the place of many man made tools and our fishing basket is no exception.  The rope is also representative of the fishing trade.  If you walk along the pier, you can see the many different sizes of rope in use on each boat, along with the varying colours.'

Netting and Twine:  'Amanda & Stacy Downey, carried the netting and twine to the Altar.  Again the colours are always very striking.  The detail and expertise with which our fishermen plan make, repair and work the various types of fishing nets and trawls are to be admired.'

Book of Remembrance:  'Margaret (sister of the late Sean Cotter) and her Husband Peter brought the Book of Remembrance to the Altar.  This book is a record of names and details of all the people from our Port who were lost at sea.  The book is kept in the Assembly room in the BIM Training Centre, should anyone like to see it.  With love, we place it on the Alter at today's Mass and fondly remember all those listed therein and their families who grieve for them.'

Following the Mass, there was an Ecumenical Blessing of the Fleet at the Pier.