VISIT TO THE IRISH ASSOCIATION

VISIT TO THE IRISH ASSOCIATION

From 7th to 9th November, Jacqueline de Montjoye and I, have been warmly welcomed by AMASC-Ireland, the Irish National Association, in an atmosphere of sincere friendship.
We were received in Mount Anville, Dublin’s Sacred Heart school, by Joanne Sheehan, the National President, and several Committees in relation as well as by a group of Alumnae. We were entertained by several pupils, dressed in perfect uniform, playing music in the hall making this an enjoyable gathering to the sound of their musical instruments. A really nice dinner, prepared by alumnae, was served in the rooms of the Mount Anville former Convent, where they hold a wonderful Sacred Heart display.
On Saturday morning we gathered for a casual coffee morning at Sophie Barat Residence, created a little over twenty years ago, at the initiative of Irene Doody, a Sacred Heart Alumna, and still lead by her. Then, we discovered one of the bungalows.
In the afternoon, we went sightseeing in Dublin in the kind company of Jean Fitzgerald; and, in the evening, we were invited to a sumptuous dinner hosted by Hilda O’Connell, in her beautiful house.
AMASC-Ireland is an extraordinary Association, full of activities, projects and enthusiasm! Joanne, the President of the Association, leads it with energy and enthusiasm, taking care of each member of the Association.
We met with Christina Torsney, the President of MAPPA, Mount Anville Past Pupils Association, counting over 800 members as of now. The Association organizes mini marathons, ladies luncheons, etc… The Association works together with the National Association, in an effort to raise Funds, to support the Sophie Barat Residence.
The Sophie Barat Residence is a pleasant and very special place: it is composed of 28 independent bungalows, a large communal building with a dining room, a sitting room, a private library and a laundry room; there is a Coordinator residing on the premises. The Residence offers a unique type of independent living to valid Sisters and Alumnae of Sacred Heart schools. Irene Doody is the soul of this extraordinary project.
We have also been able to witness first hand Sarah Stapelton’s dynamic ways and her efficiency in leading the Benevolent Fund, which organizes diverse activities in order to raise the important funds necessary to provide optimal support to Alumnae with different individual needs, whether due to illnesses, lack of shelter, unemployment or because they are left in life with no one to take care of them… Last, but not least, I wish to express a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to a very special long time friend Perdita Quinlan, who was our Guardian Angel all along…
Paola del Prete
AMASC President (2018-2022)