Around 150 people attended a farewell event tonight for three sisters whose convent in Boyle is closing down after 23 years.
The Sisters of Mercy have run the Galilee Spirituality Centre since 2001, but it's shutting because of declining vocations.
A 'thank you' event for Sisters Mae, Margaret and Olive took place this evening, with Mass in Ballinafad Church and refreshments afterwards in the nearby Mayfly Inn.
The three sisters are moving to Roscommon town and Athlone next Friday.
Sister Olive says she will greatly miss the area.
The mass was celebrated by Fr Larry Behan, the chaplain of Aughanagh Parish, which includes Ballinafad. He paid tribute to the nuns.
Deacon Damien Kearns, the Aughanagh parish administrator, says the nuns gave a great service to the community.
Local TD Frank Feighan, who regularly visited the convent, also attended tonight's farewell event. He also paid tribute to them.
