Slieve Bloom Association honours late Michael Dowling

THERE was a turnout of nearly a hundred people on Sunday for a special community event in the attractive village of Camross.
In beautiful weather the Slieve Bloom Association unveiled a memorial plaque near the church and the Poet's Cottage in the village, in memory of their long time member the late Michael (Mick) Dowling. On the same day the Association also celebrated its 48th anniversary.
Mass was held in St Fergal's Church Camross at 12 noon in remembrance of all the former members of the association. Fr Brian Griffin officiated. Mass was followed by a short procession and the unveiling of the plaque. Music and dinner was then provided in Camross Community Hall from 2pm.
John Rigney, Chairperson, thanked the piper, Colm Bowles, from Abbeyleix; singer Martin Delaney for the music; Mary Casey and Daniel MacDonald for the readings during Mass; Lar Hogan and his staff from Coolrain for the catering; Portlaoise scouts; members of the Slieve Bloom Association; Fr Griffin; the politicians who attended the unveiling including a number of local Councillors, Cllr Padraig Fleming Leas Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, and Deputy Carol Nolan; Danny Lynch and Liam Hand for carrying the Slieve Bloom Association banner during the short procession; photographer Charlie White; and all the Dowlings present including Mick's nephew Seán and grand nephew Shane.
Mick was a member of the Slieve Bloom Association for many years and helped organise many events, including the pagan festivals organised by the group.