Thursday, December 30, 2010

Trust fund in memory of pioneering Derry priest comes to a close

A Trust Fund set up in memory of a pioneering Derry Priest came to a close this week after almost 23 years in existence.  

The Fr Anthony Mulvey Trust fund was set up in 1987, a year after the priest's death, 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 was a well-known priest in the Diocese of Derry and 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-chairperson of the Western Education and Library Board (WELB).  

Fr Mulvey was also a founding member of Derry Credit Union in the 1960's and helped set up the Derry Housing Association of which he was chairperson.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Trust fund, Trust chairperson Mr Brian O'Neill presented a cheque for £25,000 to the WELB on behalf of the Trustees to assist with Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and literacy projects at special schools throughout the board area.

He said, “Following Fr Mulvey's death in 1986, his family was consulted about the idea of establishing a Trust in his memory. With their approval, Bishops Edward Daly and Brian Hannon were contacted and they agreed to act as patrons of the Trust.” 

He also thanked all those who had contributed to the Trust down through the years, claiming that without their help, the Trust would have remained “just a good idea.”

SIC: CIN/IE