Teach Pobail Bhríde, Leitir

Teach Pobail Bhríde

Below you can see a picture of our local church as well as a piece which was taken out of a booklet written by local man Karl Cannon. The booklet titled 'A Tour Of Lettermacaward', is an invaluable font of information about the history of the Lettermacaward locality. It was published in March 1985. It may now be out of print but for further information, contact the author's brother, Brian Cannon, the postmaster in Lettermacaward Post Office.

The present curate is Father Michael Keating, a native of Waterville, Co. Kerry who spent much of his ministry in Glasgow, Scotland. Fr. Keating returned to Ireland some 8 years ago and has been curate of Leitir and Doochary since then. He has recently overseen the refurbishment of both chapels and is currently renovating Halla Bhríde, the Lettermacaward Parochial Hall.

Church and Hall

" Here we see the local Catholic Church architecturally described as a Gothic Barn built around the mid - 19th century. The Church, called after St. Bridget was opened and blessed by Cardinal O' Donnell, a native of Glenties. St. Bridget is a very popular Saint in the area and her feast is celebrated by making the traditional St. Bridgets crosses. They are made from rushes which are usually cut a day or so before her feast. Traditionally, the woman of the house makes a pot of bruteen, which consists of mashed potatoes and possibly some vegetables. Then the man of the house goes outside and knocks on the door three times, while those inside ask in Irish: " Cé tá ansin? ( who is there) and she replies "Naoimh Bríd" ( St. Bridget ). He is then welcomed in "Tar isteach" ( come in ) and on entering he recites the following prayer: "Gabhaigí ar bhur nglúna agus druidigí bhur súile agus ligigí isteach Bríd Bheanaithe" ( go on your knees and close your eyes and let in St. Bridget ). And they reply: "Sé do bheatha, Sé do bheatha" ( You are welcome etc. )