A number of community groups in County Kilkenny and County Laois this week honoured an extraordinary priest who helped found Refugee Trust International, now known as VITA. The late Holy Ghost Priest Fr Kevin Doheny ,CSSP was known throughout the world for his work in helping refugees during the Biafran War in 1967, the famine in Ethiopia in the 1970's and his numerous interventions in the Middle East and Africa until his death in 2000.
Recently the Friends of Fr Doheny group based in his home town of Ballyouskill in County Laois helped organise a number of events to celebrate his achievements.
Speaking to the Kilkenny People newspaper group, Public Relations Officer Kathleen Mooney said that this year, to honour Fr Doheny, the group held a number of Dancing at the Crossroads competitions in towns all over County Kilkenny and Laois.
Meanwhile VITA CEO John Weakliam also praised Fr Kevin's role, especially in Africa claiming, “Fr Kevin first came to Africa during the post colonial period when many African countries looked to people like Fr Kevin for guidance.”
He added, “To continue Fr Kevin's legacy VITA must perform to exacting standards and deliver results and value for money. Above all we must ensure that African communities and governments own and lead their own development.”
SIC: CIN