Dad makes cathlyns first communion day extra special

FOR Mayo junior football star, Barry Leonard, it was a case of 'get me to the pitch on time' for today's Connaught junior Gaelic football championship final between Mayo and Galway in Carrick-on-Shannon.

But Barry, who was selected at corner-back on the Mayo team, first had to attend a very important engagement - his daughter Cathlyn's First Communion, which was due to take place during 11.30 a.m. Mass in Lahardane Church.

With the Connaught final set to throw in at 1.30 in Carrick-on-Shannon, Barry was left with a real dilemma as there wouldn't be time for him to attend his daughter's First Communion and then get to the Leitrim venue on time to line out for his county in such a huge game.

However, the community of Lahardane, and especially the local parish priest, Fr. John Reilly, came to Barry's aid by bringing Sunday Mass back to 11 a.m. This allowed Barry time to attend Cathlyn's First Communion and then make Carrick-on-Shannon on time to take his place on the Mayo team.

It also allowed Cathlyn the chance to watch her dad play in the final. It's sure to be a First Communion day she will not forget in a hurry.

To round off a very special day for the Leonard family, dad Barry played a blinder for Mayo, who defeated Galway to win the Connaught title. In fact, he was named man of the match at the end of the game. A busy but hugely rewarding day then for the Leonard family.