Patrick Sheehan, Tonlegee

Patrick Sheehan from Tonlegee registered at Lack School in 1937. Paddy earns a place on this list in view of his key role in fundraising for the missions. When Bob Geldof launched the Live Aid concert in 1986, Paddy Sheehan, a bachelor farmer, seized on the idea and launched Wren Aid to coincide with Wren Day on St Stephen’s day, 26 December 1986. The objective of this charitable venture was to secure much-needed funds for a former neighbour, Fr Patrick Kelly, to assist his mission at Kakamega in Kenya. The funds were used for various missionary purposes, such as building the new church, building a health centre, the purchase of medicine and the provision of food for those in need.

Wren Aid was organised by a local committee chaired by Paddy Sheehan and assisted by the generous support received from the households in the area, from Lissycasey to Lisheen, Ballynacally, Kildysart and Cranny. Wren Aid differed from Live Aid in one significant respect. Live Aid was a one-off venture while Wren Aid became an annual event. It continued following the death of Paddy Sheehan in January 2000, channelling thousands of euro to assist Fr Kelly’s mission until his death in September 2003.

The Tonlegee Wren band