The Summer months saw the arrival home from Africa on holidays of Sr. Agnes (Kitty) Cleary to Ballinastick.  She is the only daughter of Richard and Alice Cleary (nee Maher) and sister to Tommy, Paddy, Richie and Jimmy Cleary.  She attended Glengoole N.S., Presentation Convent, Ballingarry and Mercy Convent, Callan. 
A Sister of Mercy she spent many years teaching in England at Hornchurch, Essex.  In 1995, Sr. Agnes’ desire to work on the missions was fulfilled. Having spent some months on a missionary course in Dalgan Park, Navan, Sr. Agnes set off for Our Lady of Lourdes, Bolo, Kenya.
The Sisters are the only white people in the area.  The people are poor- children arrive to school barefoot and without food.  Traditionally the women do all the work – drawing water, collecting wood, working in the fields while also looking after the children.
A social night in aid of Sr. Agnes’ work in Bolo was held in Ballingarry hall on the 18th July.  Organised by her family and friends it was very well supported.  She was overwhelmed by the generosity from both Glengoole, Gortnahoe and Ballingarry.  Those who supported the night and those who gave donations afterwards.
Her holiday was spent visiting family, neighbours and friends, telling them about the people of Bolo.  Looking at photographs and of course looking at times past.  One immediately senses her great happiness and contentment along with her deep commitment to her missionary work and love of the people of Bolo.

Mrs. Josie Troy.