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A calm reflection at St. Raphael’s Centre – Youghal
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Sunday last (29th Nov. 2009), a new pond was opened at St. Raphael’s Centre, Youghal in memory of the late Richie O’Sullivan, who had been in residence there for 40 years.
Report: Becky Grice Photo: Michael Hussey Email: news@youghalonline.com
The Late Richie O'Sullivan's family and friends with St. Raphael's chaplain Fr. McGuane pictured beside the beautiful pond after the blessing
When Richie passed away in January of this year, his family decided to donate money to the centre to help renovate the old pond, where Richie had spent so many happy hours.
Richie's brothers and sisters with St. Raphael's chaplain Fr. McGuanet: John O'Sullivan, Helen White, Teresa Sheehan and Con O'Sullivan
Richie’s brother, Con O’Sullivan told the East Cork Journal, ‘There was always a pond at St. Raphael’s Centre, that Richie truly loved but, over the years, it fell into disrepair, which was a shame. The staff of St. Raphael’s had always been so kind to Richie, that it felt right to give something back and to also honour his memory. He was as much a part of the place as any other resident, and, because of this, there’ll always be a little part of him there.’
The official opening took place on Sunday last, with Fr. McGuane and Director of Nursing, Maura O’Leary present, as well as Richie’s brothers and sisters Con, John, Helen and Theresa, and their families.
Richie’s three other brothers, Donal, Michael and Kevin, were unable to attend but sent their love and thoughts on that special day.
St. Raphael's chaplain Fr. McGuane blesses the garden pond
The pond has fish and water-lilies in it and the O’Sullivans hope that the residents will find as much happiness at its side as Richie did.
The Friends of St. Raphael’s also made a donation to the cost of the pond, as did the HSE.
Staff nurse, Eleanor O’Riordan Martin and Maura O’Leary both thanked Richie’s family for their kind donation and stated that the new pond has ‘pride of place’ in the grounds of St. Raphael’s Centre.
Con O’Sullivan also paid tribute to the centre’s gardener Michael Roche, David Keane, who came up with the design of the new pond and the staff and residents of St. Brendan’s Ward, where Richie spent his last years.
The pond is a place for calm reflection for all the residents and, as Con hoped, Richie O’Sullivan will be a part of it forever. Report by Becky Grice, East Cork Journal
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