Sweet memories recalled at Carlow Sugar Factory gathering
Members of the organising committee pictured at the Sugar Factory Centenary Celebrations in the Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow. Front row: Carmel Whelan, Loretto Kenny, Liam Byrne. Back row: Pat McCarthy, Joe McDonald, Pat Whelan, Martin O'Rourke and Eddie Walsh Photo: Michael O'Rourke Photography
A LARGE crowd turned up at the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow for a special Mass to remember all former employees of Carlow Sugar Factory as part of the wider centenary celebrations.
Former employees and their family members travelled from all over the country for the occasion, which brought back memories in what felt more like a family gathering, reuniting old acquaintances and colleagues, some of whom had not seen each other for decades.
Fr Padraig Shelley, who is the son of former factory employee William Shelley, celebrated the Mass. He gave a fascinating profile of the sugar industry in Ireland over the years, including anecdotes told by his father to him which brought back memories for those in attendance.
In keeping with the theme of remembering the people who worked at the factory, former employees and their family members were involved in different elements of the Mass, such as the readings and bringing up the offertory gifts.
There was a number of special gifts brought up to the altar, such as a framed photograph of the first meeting in relation to the sugar factory in 1926, as well as a container of Irish sugar as it was sold before its closure in March 2005.
Following the Mass, around 150 people were welcomed to the ballroom of the Seven Oaks Hotel where the storytelling continued.
Liam Byrne, on behalf of the organising committee, expressed his condolences to the family of PL Curran, who passed away last week. PL worked in the sugar factory from 1962 until its closure in March 2005.
Mr Byrne also extended his gratitude to all of the sponsors who made the event possible.
“We approached ten sponsors who had a connection to the sugar factory. A big thank you to Clogrennane Lime, Dempsey’s Hardware, mayor of Carlow and former sugar factory employee Paul Doogue, Greencore, EPT Carlow, James Farrell Construction, Dan Morrissey Concrete, Seery’s Bakery, Michael Kehoe of Pipe Ltd, Swan’s Expert and the Seven Oaks hotel for hosting,” concluded Mr Byrne.
