Archbishop praises Artistic and Original Design

 

St. Mary's Church, Killererin

Photo: Bernadette Connolly, Clogherboy

 

1962 Tuam Herald article re the dedication of St. Mary's Church, Killererin by Archbishop of Tuam

Murgeal Fahy

The following article featured in the Tuam Herald of Saturday 8th September, 1962 a copy of which was given to us by Murgeal Fahy, Killererin, the original having been saved by her mother, the late Phil Fahy of Carrowmanagh, Killererin.  We are indebted to Murgeal for contributing this article to our archives.  The following is a transcript of that article.

Archbishop praises Artistic and Original Design

The dedication ceremony took place in brilliant sunshine, and a large congregation of parishioners attended.  On arrival at the church, the Archbishop was greeted by school children of the parish under their teachers, Mr. James Conroy, Mr. William Hanrahan and Mr. Michael Comer.

His Grace was assisted by Very. Rev. Fr. Burke, P.P.; Very Rev. T. Murphy, P.P., Moylough; Rev. Dr. M. I. Mooney, President, St. Jarlath’s College, Tuam, and Rev. M. Walsh (Bishop’s Secretary).

Mass was celebrated by Rev. T. McGeough, M.S.C., Superior, Sacred Heart Missionary College, Moyne Park, Ballyglunin, and the dedication sermon was preached by Rev. J. Shanahan, M.S.C., do.

Archbishop’s address to congregation after Mass

Addressing the congregation after Mass, the Archbishop expressed his pleasure at meeting the people of the parish and dedicating their new church, which was now one of the finest country churches in the Diocese and one that could compare very favourably with any to be seen anywhere in the country.  “As a work of reconstruction and renovation, it is one of the most artistic and original that I know,” said His Grace “and it reflects the greatest credit on the architect, Mr. Gallagher.  It will be a headline and inspiration to others.”

The Archbishop also paid tribute to the contractor, Mr. Farragher, and his workmen who had done such outstanding work.

Congratulates Rev. Fr. Burke parish priest

Congratulating Rev. Fr. Burke, P.P., the Archbishop said he could not speak too highly of his zeal and devotion to duty.  However, he could not have carried out this work but for the the help of the noble and generous people of this small parish.  They had given an outstanding example of faith and love of God’s house, and this church would remain as an enduring memorial of their devotion and generosity.

His Grace thanks the people of the parish living abroad

Concluding, His Grace thanked the people of the parish living abroad who had given such great help, and wished all of them the blessing of God and happiness and prosperity in their homes.

New Parish Church Dedicated at://killererin.galwaycommunityheritage.org/content/new-contributions/dedication-of-st…llererin-in-1962 ‎