Spred Armagh

BRIEF HISTORY

In 1985 four people from Dungannon attended a Adult Religious Formation course in the Servitte Priory, Benbury, Co Tyrone. On completation of the course, they were encouraged to return and get involved in some area of need in their parish. Angela McCrystal, who did the course, had a child, Cathal, with learning difficulties. The group researched and discovered that Spred had already been set up in Belfast (Down and Connor diocese). A group was eventually trained in Belfast by Sr. Criona and premises, in a school, were made available. Three of the original friends are still members of the Dungannon groups.

Initially Dungannon was linked to Omagh and Brenda Bannon was the first co-ordinator. When she left, Hugh Mc Kenna took on this role. Eventually Sr Kate McGlynn OP was appointed Diocescan Co-ordinator. A Spred Training and Observation Centre was set up in Dungannon and this faciliated the setting up of other Spred groups in the Diocese. In September 1995 Patricia Lennon became the Co-ordinator.

On 2nd December 2005 there was an evening of Sacred Song and Celebration with Liam Lawton in St. Patrick's Church, Dungannon. Proceeds of this concert was in aid of the local Spred groups. So the groups were involved in the organising. They also provided a beautiful supper in the Spred Centre afterwards. It was a wonderful experience.

GROUPS

• Armagh
• Coalisland
• Crossmaglen
• Dundalk, St. Patricks & Holy Family combined
• Dungannon - Monday
• Dungannon - Tuesday
• Dungannon - Wednesday
• Dungannon - Thursday
• Magherafelt
• Portadown