Two reasons to celebrate
The Parish of Togher in Co. Cork recently joined Canon Michael Riordan, former parish priest, in celebrating not only the 50th anniversary of his ordination, but also his 80th birthday.
Ordained in May 1959, Canon Riordan went as a missionary to Nigeria, returning to Ireland in December, 1961 to serve in several Cork parishes and eventually, Peru where he built a number of schools. He was appointed a Canon of the Cathedral Chapter in 2005.
Though no longer active in Togher parish, Canon Riordan remains very popular with parishioners. At the celebration Mass in Togher, Chairperson of the Assembly Noel Hayes presented Canon Riordan with an iPad to enable him to explore new methods of communication. Parishioners and friends joined the church choir in a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday as he was presented with the obligatory birthday cake.