Memorial bench unveiled in Waterford to beloved Tipperary priest 

A very special unveiling event took place in County Waterford recently honouring a priest from Tipperary who was immensely popular throughout the Déíse county.

The memorial bench and dedication ceremony took place on the village of Stradbally on Sunday, July 21. The bench, which was dedicated to the memory of Fr Jerry Condon, was unveiled by two members of the local Tidy Towns committee, Eileen Roche and Tessie Begley.

Fr Edmond Cullinan PP, dedicated the bench on behalf of the community and was assisted by Fr Michael Enright , Monsignor Joe Corbett, from Atlanta USA and Rev Jenny Crowley, representing the Church of Ireland community in Stradbally. 

Following the dedication prayers, Dave McKeon sang 'Slieve na Mban', the Tipperary anthem, in recognition of the fact that despite his love of the Déise, where Fr Jerry spent most of his ministry, he never forgot his native county, having originally come from Emly.

Many of his friends and family members travelled from Tipperary and Kilkenny for the unveiling, including his sister, Sr Maureen, from Bon Securs, in Cork.

Chairman of the local committee, Eddie Fitzgerald thanked Adrian Budds, from Budds Memorials in Youghal, for designing and creating the unique bench and planters and acknowledged his impressive craftsmanship. 

Mr Fitzgerald also thanked the local engineer, Maria Goff and Tom Whelan for helping with planning of the bench. Those who supported the fundraising effort to make the project a reality were also acknowledged on the day.

Mr Fitzgerald thanked the Tidy Towns committee for their dedication to the project and Dave McKeon for his fundraising efforts while Fr Edmond was praised for his advice and help as the community worked towards the unveiling day. 

After the formalities, refreshments were served in both Whelan's and the Cove Bar and there was a special surprise in-store for younger people in attendance with free ice cream cones served at Goff's XL to mark the occasion.