Dedication of St. Mary's Church, Killererin in 1962
According to an article which featured on the front page of the Tuam Herald on Saturday 8th September, 1962, St. Mary’s Church Killererin was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary by his Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Walsh on Monday 3rd September, 1962.
We are grateful to Murgeall Fahy, Killererin, for copying the following article for us, the originals having been saved by her late mother Phil Fahy.
The following is a transcript of the article on the front page:
New Parish Church at Killererin
Killererin parish church, which has been rebuilt at a cost of about £15,000, was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary by his Grace the Archbishop of Tuam, Most Rev. Dr. Walsh on Monday morning last.
Replacing the old building, which was erected about 1813, the new church retains the original cruciform style, but presents a striking new line in a simple but most impressive design ideally suited to the hilltop location.
Beakaway from traditional design
It is a complete breakaway from the traditional pattern of country churches, and with its sharply pitched roof and high pointed windows, emphasised by the clean lines of the eaves, this new church makes a striking picture in its elevated position.
Interior of the church
The interior lines are an ideal compliment to the exterior appearance, and the panelled wood ceiling gives an air of light and spaciousness. A feature of the decoration is the use of wroght iron in the baptistry grille and communion rails, which are topped with mahogany. There is a very high standard of craftsmanship in both wood and metal work, which enhances the original and artistic design.
The high narrow windows have a suggestion of the medieval monasteries in their line, but the design is extremely functional, with the whole interior of the church bright and airy.
Stations of the Cross
A beautiful set of Stations of the Cross and the stained glass windows are the work of the young Westport artist Mr. Owen Kelly.
General layout
The exterior doors are in teak, with the cross very effectively worked into the design of the interior doors. There is no waste of space, and the general lay-out reflects the greatest credit on the architect, Mr. Vincent B. Gallagher M.R.I.A.I., Dublin, and the contractors, Messrs. James Farragher and Co., Tuam. The quantity surveryor was Mr. D. McGreevy, Dublin.
Old Parish
Killererin is a very old parish stretching out to the borders of Abbeyknockmoy where the ruins of the old Cistercian abbey are a silent reminder of the glorious history of Cathal Mor of the Wine-Red Hand. It is interesting to note that the old church at Killererin was built before the Famine years, and its site must be one of the highest in the Archdiocese of Tuam.
Chalice
A chalice dating from 1731 is still in use in the church. It was presented by Robert Dean and Mary Kirwan “for the honour of God and the use of the parish of Killererin”.
Priests of Killererin
Records show that the parish priests of Killererin were Rev. John McLoughlin (died 1849), Rev. Joseph Kavanagh (1849 – 1872), Rev. William Scully (1873-1878), Rev. Patrick Waldron (1878-1887), Rev. Patrick Levingston (1887-1888), Rev. John Keaveney (1888-1926), and Rev. Peter Curran (1926-1957),
The present parish priest, Rev. Michael Burke, is a native of Castle Hackett, and was previously Adm. at Dunmore.
Comments about this page
Kathy, apologies for the delay in getting back to you. Do you have any further information regarding Stephen and Catherine e.g. Catherine’s maiden name approximate year of birth etc.? I was trawling through the Civil Records for you but need approximate year of birth or something to tie it down.
Our parish priest is Fr. Ronnie Boyle but he is in charge of three churches and with weddings, funerals, christenings etc. he is very busy.
I don’t know what email you used but the parish office dealing with our affairs is located in Abbeyknockmoy now and their email is [email protected] and phone number is 093 43510. Hope this helps.
I have been to your church. It is such a lovely setting there on the hill. My hubands’ family is buried in the churchyard. (Michael Gibbons who married Mary Burke). I have been phoning the church trying to obtain vital records for the birth of Stephen Dugan and Catherine Gibbons who were married in St Mary’s . I have their marriage certificate but need their birth records. I tried emailing as well. How do I reach you for this information?
Christine
Yes, the old church did serve the townland of Omaun beg, (known as Imanebeg today). Our parish priest has just gone on holidays so don’t know exactly what he has but he will be back by the time you arrive so you could contact him then. He lives in the house just next to the present day church. Bernadette
Dear parish admin at St Mary’s
My brother and I are visiting from England from Oct 4th -7th to search our maternal roots. The 1901 and 1911 censuses show Devane households at 7/8 Omaun Beg. This is our grandparents and great grandparents. Our mother was born at the address in the first quarter of 1913, so would, we believe, have been baptised at the old church. Does the parish hold the baptismal, marriage and funeral records for these date?; If so, is there the opportunity to visit during our stay? We would, of course compensate for the time and effort this might entail. If the records are elsewhere, could you kindly redirect us
With thanks
Yours
Christine Dawson and Alan Sutton
Did the old church serve the townland of Omaun beg Catholic community?
Seeking how my family could access church records of the Devane family. Can anyone advise? -thanks in anticipation
Yes Susan and we celebrate a Dawn Mass there every Easter.
Bernadette
The ruins of the old church are still standing and we usually have our Dawn Mass there at Easter which is absolutely fabulous. Bernadette
Is the old church still standing?
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