Some Events in the Parish of Killoughey
HISTORIC OCCASION IN KILLOUGHEY
According
to local tradition, Mass was celebrated in Killoughey Church
on Christmas Day 1651 As the Mass was in progress the Cromwellian
army set fire to the church killing all those who were inside.
Since then the church building has been in ruins. Until recently
the church has been inaccessible and the growth has been such
that many people were unaware that anything remained of the church
building at all. Over the past two years, the Killoughey Church
Preservation Committee has been working to clear the church site
and have revealed once again the extant walls. (See pictures) The committee recently received
an award from The Heritage Service for their work and a grant
has been set aside for a Conservation Report to be carried out.
An archaeologist visited the site and will return shortly to
complete the report. It is expected that suggestions regarding
the upkeep of the structure will be made which will involve applications
for further grants and doubtless some local contribution. The
first Mass to be celebrated within the walls of the church in
352 years took place on Wednesday evening 27th August 2003. A
huge crowd attended the historic ceremony.
Click on the
Cross for some photos
X
For
more information on National Monuments and Historic Properties
in Ireland visit the
Heritage
Ireland site.
Bishop Michael Smith visited Ardaoibhinn to celebrate
Mass and the Anointing of the sick on Tuesday 15th July 2003.
The photos show the congregation arriving for the
Mass, Kathleen Mullen reading from the letter of Saint James,
Bishop Michael and the priests during the Mass, Séamus
Gleeson extending both a welcome and thanks on behalf of the
Mid Offaly Housing Committee and finally, Sr. Teresita and Martina
Casey assisting Bishop Michael in cutting the cake that was presented
to him in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of his priestly
ordination.
Click on the thumbnails for a larger image.
(Thanks
to Paddy Scully for the stills of his video)
The Saint Patrick's Day 2003 celebrations were a great
success. Click on the Shamrock to view some photos.
The launch of the Killoughey Development Plan by Brian
Cowen, Minister for Foreign Affairs, took place in the Community
Centre, Mountbolus, on Friday 17th January 2003. The plan has
been circulated to clubs and organisations in the Parish. Anyone
who would like to view a copy of the plan should contact any
member of the Council.
Christmas
in Killoughey 2002
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