Youth centre in Offaly launches student scholarship in honour of pioneering nun

A PIONEERING Sister of Mercy nun who has been a stalwart of St Mary's Youth and Community Centre for over four decades is to be honoured with a scholarship in her name.

The board of the centre has decided to establish a third level scholarship in honour of the contribution of Sr Genny Hassey to St Mary's.

According to centre manager, Stephen Lawlor, the scholarship will be for a local third level student who is pursuing a course in performing arts, teaching, youth work or social care, all areas dear to Sr Genny's heart.

The student will be selected from the three second level schools based in Tullamore – the SHS, Colaiste Choilm and Tullamore College – and awarded €4,000 each year for four years.

It may be expanded to take in schools in the surrounding area in the future.

The scholarship will commence this year and the selection process for the student has already started and should be completed within the next two weeks.

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A dinner to mark Sr Genny and fellow Sister of Mercy, Sr Ann, contribution to youth affairs, was held in their honour in the youth centre last year.

At the presentation paying tribute to Sr Genny, Denis Magner, chairperson of the board, said he had first met Sr Genny back in 1973 and said tshe was synonymous with the youth centre.

Board member, Marie White, said the late John Flanagan did “brilliant work” for the centre and without him the building would not boast either a gym or a kitchen. “He used always to say that he couldn't say no to Sr Genny,” she added.

Cllr Declan Harvey, then Cathaoirleach of Tullamore Municipal District, who is the council's representative on the board, said the youth centre was a tremendous success down the years and “helped a lot of families who had nothing.”

“What the youth centre has done for Tullamore since my youth is enormous,” he outlined.

Stephen Lawlor, manager of the centre, said both Sr Genny and Sr Ann had given huge service to the facility down through the years.

“It would not be here today only for them,” he declared.

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Mr Lawlor said the centre had helped “families who did not have whole pile” and many people had very happy memories, including of being on stage, from their years as members.

On a personal level, the centre manager thanked the duo for their support since he was appointed to the position and to the board.

Speaking on behalf of Sr Genny and herself, Sr Ann, said they really appreciated the effort which had gone into arranging the presentation and dinner and the support of all those present over the years.

“The centre is in good hands with a great manager, great staff and a great board,” she pointed out.