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St. Mary's Church
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St. Mary s church is the centre piece of Main St. It is a gothic building designed by W.H. Hague, a Dublin architect. It was dedicated on October 9th 1879. After it was opened, everybody went to the town hall for light refreshments. The church is enhanced by it's elevated position and it's impressive flight of steps. It is 170 feet long and it is 60 feet wide. The main door is large and splendid as are the stain glass windows. It was built by the same stone that built the Costello Memorial Chapel. Fr. Thomas Fitzgerald was responsible for building the church. It was a difficult time to build a church because of poverty and emigration. However, he had great determination and vision. A hurricane struck the building just before the roof was put on, on January 19th, 1875. The whole structure was reduced to rubble. Fr. Fitzgerald did not give up. He rebuilt the church quickly. |
He became Canon. Canon Fitzgerald died in 1887. He is buried within the chapel in front of the blessed sacrament. He was succeeded by the Rev. Canon Hoare P.P.V.G.. Canon Hoare built the boundary walls, railings and gates. He erected the tiered terrace and the curate's residence, where a private business is located today. St. Joseph's altar and the large stained glass window in the sanctuary are his personal gifts. The window shows scenes from the Nativity of our Divine heart, Crucifixion and from the Resurrection. The interior has been remodelled in the last 20 years. There were floodlights erected for the year 2000. Most of the girls in my class were christened and received their Holy Communion in St. Mary's Church. We will receive our Confirmation and maybe even be married there too.