Father Joe Boland celebrated his Golden Jubilee Celebration at the Seamill Hydro on July 3.

Joe was ordained as a priest on July, 5 1969.

The celebration last week was held at the Firth Pavilion at the Seamill Hydro for over 200 people.

The event started with Joe saying Mass for all invited which included people from St Bride’s Parish in West Kilbride, St Matthew’s Parish in Kilmarnock (where Joe spent many years) and friends and family from Muirkirk (where Joe was born) and around the world (particularly in Spain where Joe trained and continues to spend many holidays since he is a fluent Spanish speaker and has a deep love of the country).

The evening included dinner and entertainment from friends, family and parishioners past and present.