Opening of new mosque in Mayo is clearly a symbolic moment

The opening of a new mosque in Castlebar represents symbolic momentfor members of the Muslim community.

Located at the N5 Business Park, beside the new centre of international protection at Moneen, the event provided an opportunity for Islamic people living in the town to extend thanks to Castlebar for the hospitality and warm welcome extended to them over many years.

They invited elected representatives to view the interior of the new Castlebar Islamic Centre and gain a greater insight of their religious, culture, art, way of life and cuisine.

It was a very worthwhile exercise and one described by Councillor Al McDonnell, cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District, as 'showcasing how much a multi-denominational and diverse society the county town has become'.

“We all value the huge contribution the Muslim community has made in Castlebar,” he stated.

First established in 2015, the Castlebar Islamic Centre previously operated from a residence in a local housing estate.

Now their new building, which incorporates a mosque and museum, gives them a spacious environment to worship, meet and celebrate their culture after many years of searching.

Castlebar and, indeed, Mayo owes a debt of gratitude to the many Muslim consultants, doctors and nurses who form an integral part of the medical staff at Mayo University Hospital.

They include Dr. Murtada Mohammad, Dr. Kamal El Mahy and Dr. Fabel Bennani, the three of whom were central to the establishment of the centre in their roles as directors.

Also a member of the board of directors is businessman Kamal Uddin, who stood as a Labour Party candidate in the 2020 general election in Mayo as well as the local elections the previous year.

He also contested the 2014 local elections and 2016 general election as an independent candidate.

As well as the aforementioned Councillor McDonnell, other elected representatives in attendance were Deputy Alan Dillon, Councillor Michael Loftus, cathaoirleach, Mayo County Council, and local councillors Cyril Burke, Blackie Gavin, Michael Kilcoyne and Martin McLoughlin.

As a show of appreciation for their attendance, they were each presented with an English copy of the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam.

In his address, Dr. Kamal El Mahy said the facility ‘meant everything’ to them and stated that ‘integration has been very important to us’.

Dr. Bennani told how he has been working in Castlebar for over 22 years and was delighted that he and his family settled so well here.

Arguably the biggest challenge of the modern Irish era has been embracing our many new residents and cultures into our society with a warm heart, with fairness and without discrimination.

Despite the negativity that still lingers in some quarters, the process has been a generally positive one despite the pressures and fears encountered on both sides.

Long may that remain the case.