Hacketstown donates hundreds of Easter eggs to families in need

THANKS to the generosity of the people in the Hacketstown community, lots of children will be treated to delicious Easter eggs next Sunday. About 200 Easter eggs were donated after Fr Terence McGovern asked his parishioners to contribute to an annual collection that’s been going on every Easter for the past 26 years.

The tradition of the parish of Hacketstown donating chocolate treats to children in need began when Fr McGovern’s predecessor, Fr Jim McCormack, was stationed in the Co Carlow village after being parish priest in Killinarden, Tallaght. Fr Jim saw at first hand how some families weren’t as fortunate as others in Tallaght and so organised the first Easter egg donation in 1999. He had already initiated an annual donation of toys every Christmas to children in Tallaght and, inspired by that success, organised the Easter egg donation.

Even after all these years, there’s still a link between Hacketstown and Tallaght through Edel Byrne, a Hacketstown native who is a public health nurse in the Dublin suburb. She, along with community garda Pat Courtney, will ensure that the delicious chocolate eggs will end up with families who will appreciate them.

“We’re thrilled with the amount of Easter eggs donated and I’d like to thank everyone who donated to the cause,” said Edel.