Memories of Damien Sweeney – the University years 1977

I started at Leicester Uni a year before Damien, we both studied Chemistry to some extent, but it was Cath Soc which was our social focus. Mass was at 7pm on Sunday in St Clements Hall or upstairs in Blackfriars Hall.  It included a range of talented musicians, which my now husband David, joined, on guitar, we were challenged in thought and deed by Bob Eccles OP. Following Mass we would have bottles of beer from Tom Hoskins brewery, and we would sit around and sing, its where I learned my folk singing, That was a useful preparation for Student Cross- new students were invited fairly early on to consider joining either Midland or Kettering leg- I have walked both, but I’m not sure that I ever actually walked with Damien!

 I was social secretary that year, and we enjoyed a range of activities, visits to Mount St Bernard Abbey, plenty of local walks, including Student Cross practice; and shared meals at different student houses or occasionally in town, or pub trips to places such as  the Fox and Goose at Illston on the Hill.

Damien joined in all of these- we found that the Cath Soc community was so rich and fulfilling, as well as our Sunday evenings we would meet on campus  at the Chaplaincy in College House, where the Attenboroughs used to live, or in the Redfearn Bar in Percy Gee building.

So Damien has been alongside me sharing his music and songs and wry view of so many different subjects, which he went on to use in his teaching. How many of us have heard his exposition on Everything is Chemistry- brewing, cooking etc.. He also shared his faith in practical ways, being a good listener, not just on Student, and later Pilgrim Cross pilgrimage, but every week at Holy Cross Priory, as part of the 9.30 Music Group for many years, and enabling so many other social events, alongside lifelong friends.

Damien was a friend to multiple generations, offering useful advice and support to so many young people, in the schools where he taught, but in so many social occasions, Christmas carols  and games nights at the Henry’s over the years.

We just expected that Damien would always be there , with a willing smile and a listening ear, and a thoughtful contribution to the conversation, and we will miss him dreadfully, at Holy Cross Priory, and on Pilgrim Cross, especially at Walsingham at Easter.

Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory.