Celebrating the Resurrection
Dawn Mass, The Quay, Clarecastle, Sunday, 20th of April, 2025
One of the artifacts of interest in this beauty spot here, Clarecastle Quay, the Port of Clare in Cláir Átha Dá Caradh – the Bridges Fording the Two Weirs is the imposing anchor that keeps guard on the estuary. The impressive anchor is a memorial to the crew of 12 on the SS. Keeper, including four local men, lost when the ship was sunk at sea during the Great War. You can see their Anchor Memorial on the Quay. The light of heaven to them.
We recall and remember also all who worked this historical port that was an important hub of business adjacent to the 15th century O’Brien Castle and the 1749 British Army Barrcks. This area was crucial as a hive of activity and service for the region around the county.
We remember all the Clarecastle families who fished the river, those who managed the iconic Gandalow boats and all who worked on the loading and unloading of ships over the years.
We remember the Clarecastle River Pilots who guided the ships up and down the river and into the Shannon Estuary.
Today, this lovely spot of nature has morphed into a recreational amenity that gives peace and tranquillity to many who come here for fresh air and respite from the cares of the world. May that long continue and may the industriousness of human kind never disfigure or spoil the beauty of the surrounding area here in this remarkable estuary.
This year, 2025 we are in a jubilee year. The theme of that great year is Hope. The symbol or logo for the jubilee year of Hope is that of all in the Church being in one great big giant boat. People of all sorts of sizes and colours and variety are in and welcome on that boat. The captain of the boat, Jesus Christ is embracing a cross at the top of the boat. Just under that is a great big anchor to keep the boat steady and solid, not keeling over. At the bottom there are turbulent waves. Despite the waves, the virtue of hope in all the component parts of the boat keeps the boat sailing safely to port.
Over the past few days, we have reflected and commemorated on the Cross of Jesus Christ. We have been saddened and devastated by the cruel death and murder of our Lord and Saviour.
Yet, despite this, we did not lose hope. The anchor is steady. The anchor of solid faith. The Gandalow boat having a broad base is not prone to sinking. That sadness of loss and despair and death is now transformed into brightness, life and new beginnings in the Resurrection of the Lord.
As people of hope, anchored in the faith and Cross and Resurrection of Jesus Christ we rejoice in joy and happiness of this Easter morning.
May that open up and like the tide that will fill up here in a few hours time with the increasing light of day fill your hearts and souls as we depart from this Holy Event of Dawn Mass today in the Port of Clare.
The Lord has risen as he said he would, Alleluia, Alleluia! Tá Mac na hÓighe slán. Easter blessings to you all!