DOWN THE ARCHES OF THE YEARS
Sister Loreto McLoughlin launches her MemoirDown the Arches of the Years by Sr. Loreto McLoughlin, Mount Pleasant, Ballinasloe, was launched in Woodford, Ballinasloe and Loughrea on December 5th 9th and 12threspectively. All three venues were specially chosen as each one formed a significant part of Loreto’s life story especially her home town, Balllinasloe. The book, which documents various stages of Loreto’s 80 years, has been very well received and she is delighted with the affirmation afforded her from many quarters for her efforts. Each launch was characterised by a spirit of joy and friendship. Family members and friends as well as past pupils, parents and colleagues were keen to purchase a copy of the book and also enjoyed the opportunity to meet one another over a cup of tea and an array of tasty refreshments.
Launch speakers Fr. Kieran O’Rourke P.P.Woodford, Senator Ronan Mullen from Loreto’s home parish and her niece Dr.Ann Doyle, each set the tone of the presentations while various readers of excerpts from the book and a variety of musical interludes, enhanced the proceedings. Sister Loreto expressed her gratitude to all who had assisted her in any way through the journey of writing to publishing her story. Ms Maura Cunnane, a Ballinasloe-based artist who designed the impressive cover of the book, got special mention. The Connacht Tribune, Westmeath Independent and Galway Bay FM have featured the memoir since it was officially launched and all coverage has been very positive. Loreto has also been enundated with mail, extending congratulations and thanks to her for sharing memories of times past and present. Her decision to publish ‘Down the Arches of the Years’ has been, she says, a rewarding venture in more ways than one.
Any profits from the publication go to an organisation called “The Little People of Ireland”. Her nine- year -old grand-niece Aoife who suffers from Achondroplasia knows all about that donation and even at her tender age, has thanked her grand-aunt. Loreto chose her title based mainly on Francis Thompson’s poem “The Hound of Heaven” Her call to serve God in the Mercy way of life is a core theme of her book so a line close to Thompson’s conclusion of his beautiful poem, “I am He Whom thou seekest,” seems apt as Loreto continues her journey in life. Her “joie de vivre” has permeated her writing and certainly has been the dominant spirit of the launches! Well done, Loreto!