Family with roots in Essexford in Louth celebrates 60th wedding anniversary

A family with its roots in Essexford, a townland in Killanny in County Louth, and who set up home in Leeds in the UK in 1966, celebrated the Diamond 60th wedding anniversary of their parents recently, and shared their story with the Dundalk Democrat.

Pádraig Dooley from Essexford and Margaret Swinburne from Killabrick, a townland in Donaghmoyne, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan were married on 29th January 1966 in St Patrick’s Church, Broomfield in the Parish of Donaghmoyne.

They travelled from Carrickmacross on the day they were married to Leeds, and stayed with Pádraig's uncle, John Dooley and his family, before making their own family home in Woodhouse, Leeds.

For many years they, and their children Louise and Patrick, lived in the Cathedral parish before the couple moved to West Leeds in the early 2000s. For over forty of those years, they served the diocese in various ways at parish and diocesan level.

In 1988, Pádraig and Margret began to work as housekeepers at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre, at Myddelton Lodge, near Ilkley, where they remained until the Lodge closed in 2000.

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In 2004, when Cardinal Roche became the Bishop of Leeds, Pádraig and Margret were invited to serve at Bishop’s House, where they remained until the spring of 2015, looking after the day to day running of the house and garden for Bishop Roche and his successor, Bishop Marcus.

Throughout all these years, while some of their work was carried out as diocesan employees, a lot of what they did was given freely and generously.

Below: Pádraig and Margaret on their wedding day

Pádraig and Margaret celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in Leeds, with a Mass devoted to them on the evening of Saturday 24 January, and with a party of their family and friends on Sunday 25 January.

Parish Priest, Fr Neil Byrne, offered the Vigil Mass for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time for the intentions Patrick and Margaret on the Saturday evening. Fr Neil was joined at the altar by Canon John Nunan, a long-standing friend of the Dooley family.

In his homily Fr Neil reflected on the day’s readings and how they offered a promise of hope, joy and light to believers in God’s abundant love, made manifest in the Lord Jesus.

Below: Pádraig and Margaret with their parish priest, Fr Neil Byrne (left) and family friend, Canon John Nunan (both priests of the Diocese of Leeds)

“Today” he said, “we see a beautiful living example of that light and faithfulness in our own parish as we celebrate Patrick and Margaret, who are marking their 60th wedding anniversary this week.

“Sixty years of marriage is a remarkable witness of love rooted in faith and love that has endured joys and sorrows, moments of light and times of shadow. Their commitment to one another reflects the light of Christ lived out day by day through patience, forgiveness, and perseverance.

“Patrick and Margaret remind us that the light Isaiah speaks of does not shine only in extraordinary moments, but also in ordinary, faithful love – in keeping promises, in walking together through life, and in trusting God in all seasons. Their witness is a gift to our parish and an encouragement to us all”.

At the end of the mass, Fr Neil presented Pádraig and Margaret with a Papal Blessing from Pope Leo XIV, which had been sent from Rome for the occasion by Cardinal Arthur Roche.

Fr Neil also revealed that Bishop Marcus had awarded the couple the Gold Medal of the Diocese of Leeds, ‘for prayerful and devoted service’ to the diocese.

Fr Neil remarked that in retirement Pádraig and Margaret, “even now, in parish life, continue to be a great support to me in countless ways as their Parish Priest.

“Their practical help, encouragement, availability, and quiet concern for the life of the parish are deeply appreciated and reflect the same spirit of generosity that has marked their service over the years”.

Below: Mary, Pádraig's eldest sister and Johnny Murtagh who were married in February 1966

It has been a significant time for the Dooley family recently. As well as Pádraig and Margaret celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary, from the same Dooley family in Essexford, Padraig's eldest sister, Mary, married the love of her life, Johnny Murtagh in February 1966 and also recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

They have lived in the village of Louth all their married life, surrounded by their family and friends. They are well known and loved in both the village and the parish.

Congratulations and the very best wishes to all in the extended Dooley family.