It was fitting that, since the Celebrations for the 130th anniversary of the Mothers Union began in All Saints’ Church in Raheny, where the first branch was established, the newest branch – in St Patrick Kenmare – held the final celebratory service of MU President Phyllis Grothier’s pilgrimage through all 12 dioceses of the Church of Ireland. The Church was specially decorated with bunting to give thanks for the 13 decades of MU service and support for families
Joining Phyllis on the last lap of the ‘MU Way’ were visitors from across the Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe, as well as the Bishop of Reading, Andrew Proud, the MU Central Chaplain, who spoke of the example set by Mothers Union members throughout the world, and his experience of MU hospitality in Ethiopia, where he and his wife Janice spent a number of years.
The Eucharist was celebrated by Canon Jane Galbraith, Diocesan MU chaplain; the local Rosen Choir gave a strong lead to the singing, and we were blessed by two of our young people, Anna Rawson and Laura Pototzki, dancing (appropriately!) to ‘Lord of the Dance’
Afterwards, but still very much part of the service, Phyllis, accompanied by Lucy Kavanagh, Diocesan MU President, planted a commemorative cherry tree in the Church garden; then both 
local congregation and visitors enjoyed a sumptuous Kenmare-style lunch with a magnificent cake.
local congregation and visitors enjoyed a sumptuous Kenmare-style lunch with a magnificent cake.