Late Fr. James Masterson

The parish will sad to learn of the passing of Fr. Jim Masterson, who was a popular curate in Clonfanlough from 1987 to 1992. A member of the Holy Ghost Order, his postings included Nigeria and Florida. His funeral took place yesterday, Saturday 8th January, in Streete, Co. Westmeath. May he rest in peace.

Fr. Masterson was a keen GAA supporter and composed a song “Shannonbridge Victors” on the occasion of our Junior Championship win in 1989.

Shannonbridge Victors
A song composed by Fr. Jim Masterson (C.C. Clonfanlough from 1987 to 1992). It was composed on Sunday 29th October 1989 when Shannonbridge won its second Junior Football Championship.

(Musical air - For These Are My Mountains)

Shannonbridge is now happy
With laughter and song.
We’re now junior champions
For this we did long
Struggling and training
In a lengthy campaign
Our team we salute you
The cup you did gain.

Chorus: -
For these are our heroes
And this is our team
We’ve waited a long time
At last we’ve our dream
The lads now are victors
On every field,
Against all opponents,
They never would yield.

‘Tis fifty three long years
Since our team won
We thank all the lads
For the job they have done
And the man from Athlone
Who inspired victory,
And the lad who to help us
Came over the sea.

Chorus.

The first team who conquered
The trophy they won,
In the year thirty six,
Neath the bright shining sun
Are now smiling on us,
And some can still cheer,
They’re praying success for us
Over the years.

Chorus.