Keeping The Faith

Edgar Swann 11DEC18

Normally, we’d announce our Greystones Person Of The Year around the end of February or March, after a hard-fought battle of votes and words between the front runners’ fervent fans.

This year though, we thought we’d break with tradition – in more ways than one.

Rather than go through the long and winding dance of announcing this year’s award, and counting up all those votes and declarations of love and admiration, we’re just going to give it to someone who should have won it last year. And the year before. And the year before that…

Is there anyone more deserving of being crowned Greystones Person Of The Year 2018 than Edgar Swann? This former archdeacon ruled St Patrick’s Church with a broad smile, a warm hug and a loving heart.

Breaking down the barriers between the town’s religions, Edgar could be found preaching up on St Patrick’s altar one day and sitting with his grandchildren for Sunday mass at the Holy Rosary the next. Here was a man who believed in bringing everyone together, no matter what your religion, your history, or how dreadful your taste in music might be.

It meant that Edgar Swann was many a Greystonian’s favourite uncle – the fun one who spent at least 10 hours a day making people chuckle, and who wasn’t afraid to wear a ridiculous jumper at Christmas.

We could go on, but, the outpouring last week after news broke that the Church Of Ireland were suspending Edgar for six months – after he dared speak out about the current St Patrick’s National School’s admissions scandal – said it all. It was an outpouring worthy of It’s A Wonderful Life‘s tearful, joyful, life-affirming closer, and it seemingly meant a lot to both Edgar and his wife, Gladys.

So, here’s to you, young Swanner, a true shining light in this town. You have both God and Greystones on your side, now, and forever.