Fr Pat Lennon to launch memoir

A new book by Fr Pat Lennon, 'Come Here a Second Till I Tell You' is set to be launched on Sunday, July 19.

The event will take place in Páirc na nGael, Dromard, following the 9.30am Mass in St Mary's Church, Legga, hosted by Shannonside FM GAA commentator John Duffy.

The book, which was written over the past 12 month, reflects on Fr. Pat's life and ministry, including his years as a priest in Athlone, Ballinahown, Ardagh, Carrick-on-Shannon, and Dromard/Drumlish.

Fr Pat served in the Athlone area for many years during previous decades, before his retirement in 2024. Ordained in 1973, Fr Pat was a curate based in Kiltoghert parish until 1978, after which he served on the diocesan mission in Chipata, Zambia, until 1985.

When he returned to the local diocese he was a curate in St Mary's Parish, Athlone, and became its administrator in 1991.

Six years later, he was appointed as parish priest of Ballinahown, before going on to spend a second spell abroad on the missions, this time in Zimbabwe, until 2005.

He has since been based in county Longford and is retiring from his current role as parish priest in Domard.

In the book, he recounts his experiences as a missionary in Zambia and Zimbabwe, where he worked during periods of famine and political unrest, as well as several occasions when he narrowly escaped death.

The book draws on newspaper reports and photographs collected over many years, documenting Fr. Pat's priestly ministry, missionary work and community involvement.

It includes accounts of fundraising efforts that supported his work in Africa.

The book recalls his missionary work alongside Aughavas native Fr. Nigel Charles in Zimbabwe and includes memories of former County Librarian Seán Ó Súilleabháin, with whom he attended Moyne Latin School.

Fr. Pat's ministry in the dioceses of Ardagh and Clonmacnois is also documented through photographs and newspaper coverage.

The book has been designed and printed by Rapid Print in Longford.