Skydiving priest raises thousands for parish

The administrator of Carlow Cathedral had his prayers answered as he safely landed following a parachute jump on Saturday to raise money for the parish fund.

Fr John Cummins and parishioners Mark Carpenter, Marie Therese Byrne and Jo Brecknell, completed a tandem skydive at Clonbullogue Airfield following weeks of collecting sponsorship around the parish.

“It was an extraordinary experience,” Fr Cummins told The Irish Catholic.  “It was amazing being up there in the clouds and watching the scenery. It gives you a sense of the majesty, beauty and immensity of creation.”

Fr Cummins said he thought he was be “shaking and holding on to the sides of the airplane” but in the end the whole experience was calm and uplifting, although he said he wouldn’t do it again.

“It created quite a buzz around the parish and a number of supporters came to watch the jump,” he said. “Sponsorships cards are still coming in but we have already raised €5,000. People have been very generous and we are extremely grateful for their support.”