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Fr Sean Hanafin with sister Patricia (right) Nolan and her husband Don, nephew Donal Nolan with his wife Sarah and daughter Sadhbh. Photo by Dermot Crean
THE popularity of Monsignor Seán Hanafin was evident by the massive crowd who showed up to the Meadowlands Hotel on Friday night to wish him well as he takes a sabbatical.
A Tralee native, Fr Seán has been in St John’s Parish for the past eight years and was appointed Vicar General of the Diocese in December 2014, but he will now take a one-year break before moving on to another parish.
Well over 300 people enjoyed a slideshow of photos from Fr Sean’s youth and his time as a priest, along with music, chat, a special presentation and tributes from fellow clergy and parishioners from St John’s Parish.
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Speaking to TraleeToday.ie on the night, Fr Seán said he was delighted and humbled by the turnout.
“I’m not one to relish the limelight, but it is humbling and I’m delighted…if a little bit embarrassed. I’m very grateful to everybody for organising the night and to the community for the spirit of co-operation here. I’m in a leadership position but it was easy to be when there was a wonderful spirit amongst the priests and the staff. There was a great atmosphere and it’s evident here tonight,” said Fr Seán.
He’ll take some time off now, play a bit of golf and enjoy the break before getting back into parish life.
“I’m changing the pace of life. I’m six weeks into it and it’s wonderful. I’m coming and going from the town and I’m based here which is lovely,” said Fr Seán.
We wish him all the best wherever he ends up next year. Hopefully it’ll be near a golf course! Scroll down for photos…
Attending Fr. Sean Hanafin, parish function at the Meadowlands Hotel on Friday night Edward and Jenny Shanahan, and their daughters Danielle and Eavie. Photo: John Cleary.
Catherine Dwyer, Bill Looney, Kathleen Houlihan and Anne O’Shea Daly at Fr Sean Hanafin’s farewell celebration at the Meadowlands Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Pictured at Fr. Sean Hanafin’s parish function at the Meadowlands Hotel on Friday night. Left Joan Griffn, and Angela Dowling, both from Ardfert, Caroline O’Regan, and Margaret O’Shea, both from Tralee. Photo: John Cleary.
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Fr. Sean Hanafin’s family at a special celebration marking his retirement as PP of St. John’s, and pictured at the Meadowlandlands Hotel on Friday night. Front Sarah Nolan, Fionan Coakley, Donal and Sadhbh Nolan, Don and Patricia Nolan, back Brian and Ruairi Coakley, Fr. Sean, Blathnaid and Muiris Coakley. Photo: John Cleary
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Jimmy Mulligan, Tralee, on behalf of St. John’s Parish presented Fr. Sean Hanafin PP, with a gift marking his retirement as PP of St. John’s,at a function in his honour at the Meadowlands Hotel on Friday night. Photo: John Cleary.
Some of the crowd at Fr Sean Hanafin’s farewell celebration at the Meadowlands Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
All the very best to you father .have a nice break and a great adventure .we still talk of our lovely 40 th wedding mass you did for us .you will be in my prayers .