MAYNOOTH UNION 2026
On 9th June 2026, Maynooth Union held it annual gathering for Jubilarians celebrating significant anniversaries of priestly ordination. Mention was made especially of those celebrating Diamond (Class of 1966), Golden (Class of 1976) and Silver (Class of 2001) Jubilees. Those celebrating other significant anniversaries were also present, together with members of the Irish Episcopal Conference who were holding their Summer Meeting at the same time. Particular acknowledgement was expressed for priests in attendance who were celebrating their Platinum Jubilee (Class of 1956): twins, Fr. Joe Kelly (Dublin) and his brother Fr. Matt Kelly (Kildare and Leighlin), together with Fr. Martin Madigan (Limerick).
Rev Gerard Fox (Down and Connor) was the chief celebrant at the Mass on Union Day in our beloved College Chapel, and the homilist was Father Derek Darby (Meath) – both members of the Class of 2001. It was the feast of St Columba, Abbot and Missionary, and Secondary Patron of Ireland. Those present were urged to ‘work for the Lord with untiring effort and with great earnestness of spirit. If you have hope, this will make you cheerful. Do not give up if trials come; and keep on praying’ (Rom. 12:11-12).
The Union’s guest speaker this year was Professor Tobias Winright, Professor of Moral Theology at St Patrick’s Pontifical University. His theme, Perspectives on the Ethics of War and Peace, was both timely and relevant for today’s world. Archbishop Eamon Martin spoke to the gathering after dinner in Pugin Hall along with the President of St Patrick’s College, Rev Dr Michael Shortall, and Rector of St Patrick’s National Seminary, Rev Dr Tómas Surlis.
Rev Dr Eugene Duffy, President of the Maynooth Union, gave the keynote address at the Maynooth Union Banquet drawing together various strands of the gathering and reminding us that ‘relationship’ is key to who we are as human persons and as priests. Human beings are created for relationship and communion — with God, with other people, and within society.
It was an uplifting occasion that those in attendance will fondly recall for a long time to come. It has been good to return, to reminisce and to pray together in gratitude and in hope for all that has been and all that is to come. We are already anticipating our next gathering in 2027.
