Father Mulvey Trust
The Father Mulvey Trust celebrated its achievements, before coming to a close on Friday 3 December 2010, at Strabane Library, hosted by the Western Education and Library Board (WELB) after 23 years in existence. The aim of the Trust was to develop the personal and social skills of young people and raise their awareness of their local community and contribute to its development.
The late Fr Mulvey, a well known priest in the Diocese of Derry, made a real impact on social and community life, with a particular dedication to education. He held appointments as Chair and Vice-Chair on various committees in education and at the time of his death was Vice-Chairman of the WELB. He was also a founder member of the Derry Credit Union in the early 1960s and helped set up the Derry Housing Association of which he also was Chairman.
Chairman of the Fr Mulvey Trust, Brian O’Neill, presented a cheque to the WELB on behalf of the Trustees to assist with ICT/Literacy projects at special schools throughout the Board area.
He said: “The keynote of today’s celebration is one of giving thanks. Following Fr Mulvey’s death in 1986 his family was consulted about the idea of establishing a Trust in his memory. With their approval, Bishop Edward Daly and Bishop Brian Hannon were contacted and they both readily agreed to act as Patrons of the Trust. The Trustees wish to record a deep sense of gratitude and thanks to both Bishops for their tremendous loyalty and unstinting support over the past twenty-three years.”
“Of course, without the immense generosity of those who contributed to the Trust with their donations, it would have remained just a good idea. This was a reflection of the commitment shown by Fr Mulvey, in so many ways, to his parishioners in this area”, he added.
In his final remarks, he said: “We wish to convey our heartfelt thanks to the WELB who have lent their fullest support to the work of the Trust since its inception. Successive Chief Executives have always encouraged the officers and staff to collaborate with the Trustees and we wish to acknowledge that the Trust could not have functioned for so long without their expertise and kindness. Nothing has ever been too much bother for them and we are deeply thankful.”
WELB Senior Education Officer, Paddy Mackey, said: “Fr Mulvey’s dedication to education was reflected in the various appointments he held throughout his life. The care and commitment he demonstrated within his local community was an inspiration to all.”
Thanking the Trustees, for their gift of £25,000, he said: “I am delighted to receive this cheque, on behalf of all special schools in the WELB area. I know that this contribution towards ICT/Literacy projects will enhance the teaching and learning experience and further help to inspire and challenge pupils.”
More recently, the Fr Mulvey Trust took the form of a poetry competition, which was promoted annually, to encourage pupils of post-primary school age within the WELB to enhance their interaction with text; motivate them to experiment with vocabulary and make writing an enjoyable experience.
Strabane Library will hold an extensive selection of the Fr Mulvey Memorial Trust Awards for view by visitors.
Notes to the Editor
Father Mulvey Memorial Trust Awards:
Vera Furness Award – Silver Salver
Father Mulvey Community Cup
The Dreamloon Anthology of Poetry and Teachers’ Notes 1997-2002
Special Schools in WELB area
Altnagelvin Hospital School and Tuition Service
Arvalee School and Resource Centre
Belmont House
Elmbrook
Erne
Foyle View
Knockavoe School and Resource Centre
Rossmar School
Ends…
For further information contact:
Angela Devine / Wendy Kangombe
Communications Office, Corporate Services, WELB HQ, 1 Hospital Road,
Omagh, BT79 0AW
Tel: 028 8241 1468/1534
Email: comms@welbni.org