St James’s Church of Ireland in Mallow was the venue for hundreds of people to gather on Friday last for a hugely enjoyable celebration of Thomas Davis. Organised in co-operation with Mallow Development Partnership, this was the first time that all three secondary schools in the town, St Mary’s, Davis College and the Patrician Academy, came together for a joint event of this nature. Alongside the schools, there was participation by Thomas Davis Pipe Band which celebrates its centenary this year.
Thomas Davis’s vision of an inclusive Ireland was very much evident in the contributions by the young people as they sang and played and read poetry, much to the delight of the capacity attendance.
The Rector, Rev Meurig Williams, paid particular tribute to Tim Sheehan and John McDonnell of Mallow Development Partnership, saying it was an inspired idea of Tim’s to bring together the three schools in this way. “We were very keen to be part of this positive initiative and, given our close connection to Thomas Davis, it was obvious that St James’s should host this event and enable the young people of our town to use their musical and artistic gifts to the full,” said the Rector. “We want the church to be a place that brings different people with different backgrounds together, to celebrate what we have in common, as well as our hopes for a shared future,” he added. “We are also hugely grateful to all who donated so generously on the night. This will help us to ensure, not only the upkeep of the building, but also the quality of hospitality we can offer to everyone.”