Councillors call for civic honour for Fr Shay Casey

A local councillor has called on the Athlone-Moate Municipal District to grant an Award of Recognition in honour of the "selfless" work of Fr Shay Casey, the TUS Athlone chaplain who celebrates the 50th anniversary of his ordination in June.

Calling for the honour to be bestowed on Fr Casey, Cllr O'Rourke said the chaplain was a "rock of strength and support" to mostly young people during his time in TUS, as well as the Marist College and Our Lady's Bower, schools in which he served a similar role.

"Beyond his official roles, Fr Casey has quietly and selflessly provided pastoral care, guidance and practical support to many students and young people from all walks of life for almost 50 years," Cllr O'Rourke said.

He said that Fr Casey had contacted him on numerous occasions seeking help with housing issues for students and was "always looking out for those in hardship".

"Fr Casey has many strings to his bow, he is a 'salt of the earth' person and I believe that this Municipal District has to honour him by means of an Award of Recognition," Cllr O'Rourke stated.

Offering his support to Cllr O'Rourke, Cllr John Dolan said that Fr Casey was a "genuinely lovely person".

"The great work which Fr Casey continues to do in our community must be recognised by the District. I know that he will be highly embarrassed by the acknowledgement and rightly so as he is the one individual who truly deserves it," Cllr Dolan added.

Adding his support, Cllr Frankie Keena said Fr Casey continues to do "massive work" with the student sector in Athlone and it is "only right that he should be formally recognised".

Cllr Vinny McCormack also stated that Fr Casey was a strong advocate for "all students experiencing hardship" and was always willing to "help when the need was most".