John McSherry retires after 53 years volunteering at Newry Gateway Club

The atmosphere was electric at Newry Gateway Club last night, 30 June for their end of term get-together. For many Gateway volunteers and users it was also the end of an era, with the retirement of one of their longest serving volunteers, John McSherry.

The event started off with some great songs from the Gateway Club's own choir and following this there was a presentation of a beautiful framed photograph of bluebells to McSherry.

Back in 1973 Willie McGivern was working to set up a Gateway club in Newry and he had to meet a parents association to get permission from the parents. Recalling the night he met John McSherry McGivern said: "It was a lovely night, a cup of tea, and at the end of the night, this young man came up to me, and he said, 'Willie, can I help you?' And I said, 'We need all the help we can get' - It was John here and he was a wonderful, wonderful worker. I've seen great workers in Gateway, but John, you are exceptional and I must congratulate Lily for bringing him to that high standard."

McGivern concluded: "John, you're a great friend of mine, a great friend of Newry, a great friend of Gateway and we hope your health improves, and you have a long and happy life."

Another long-standing Gateway volunteer Paddy Duffy also spoke of the man known as Mr. Gateway. "You've given your time freely, and you gave undivided attention to all our members from the club's inception, and God knows John how many members in that 53 year have come along."

Duffy added: "It's been my pleasure working with you as a youth leader, as a chairman, and recently as a trustee, and it was a pleasure to be with you." He said there was never a dull moment and praised McSherry for keeping things right.

Humbled

Commenting on the generosity and praise that he received from people last evening McSherry said: "I feel totally unworthy of it all, I'm humbled, but privileged to have served Gateway for over 50 years."

The Catholic Working Mens Club in Newry presented a cheque for £1000 to the Gateway Club on the night. Making the presentation, Club Chairman, Brian Murphy commended the Gateway team, "The volunteers are absolutely superb" he said.

The night concluded with the presentation of several well deserved awards to club members. Callum Magee from Mayobridge received an award in recognition of his up-coming trip to walk the last 100km of the Camino from Saria to Santiago de Compostela, a massive massive endeavour by the junior Gateway Club member.

With volunteers of the calibre of John McSherry dedicating a large portion of their lives to Newry Gateway and current volunteers who continue the tradition, the future for the club is bright indeed.