The Marian Year Jubilee

1954 – 2004

Limerick’s contribution to a celebration of Faith Foreword

The earliest apparition of the Blessed Virgin is said to be as early as 40 AD, probably before she died, to James the Apostle in Saragossa, Spain. There have been numerous apparitions since then, but the first in was on August 21st, 1879, in Knock, . Margaret Beirne and thirteen others saw a beautiful woman, clothed in white gar- ments, wearing a large brilliant crown. County Mayo had suffered great distress in the 1870s. Partial famine, poverty and forced evictions had created another wave of Irish emigration. It was in this environment that the apparition occurred. The Church’s response to the apparition was typically circumspect. The Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. John MacHale set up a commission to gather testimonies of those claiming to see the apparition and then a record of purported cures was maintained until 1936. The Commission reported that their evidence was “trustworthy and satisfactory”. The Report was published in the newspapers and pilgrims began to travel from afar. One of the first organised pilgrimages to Knock came from . Further reports of cures to Limerick people strengthened the connection with Knock. On June 5th 1880 The Munster News reported the story of a woman from Shanagolden, , “who arrived in Kilrush to take the steamer across the Shannon on her way home from Knock. Having lost her sight some years previously she had walked all the way to Knock with her young son and during her stay there, recovered her sight. The same steamer had recently put on the pier at Tarbert, a Kerry man having returned from Knock where he also recovered his sight. He was so much overjoyed that he leaped with a cry onto the gangway, and sprang over barrels which were lying on his path to the public road along which he ran in a transport of gladness.” Such tales of cures for locals strengthened the devotion of Limerick people to both the Blessed Virgin and Knock. In the 1940s, the pressing need to re-house people who lived in slum conditions in Limerick City meant that by 1950 the area of the city was only 2,386 acres. The city was then expanded to over 5,000 acres by extending the city limits. By the mid-1950s almost 4,000 new houses were built, on green field sites, in what were to become known as “Corporation Estates.” These new estates needed to establish a sense of identity and found it in their devotion to the Blessed Virgin. The designation of the year 1954 as the Marian Year, offered these residents an opportunity to honour the occasion with the erection of to the Blessed Virgin. Committees styling themselves “Marian Shrine Committees” were formed in all new estates, with responsibility for the building of shrines. They drew their members from the residents of each estate. Mr. Jack Downey, Saint Mary’s Park, was credited as being the first to initiate such a project. The residents of Limerick’s housing schemes, drawn from old close-knit neighbourhoods in the city and dispersed among “strangers” in their new environment found that the common enterprise of shrine construction drew people more closely together. It was the first evidence of a communi- ty spirit at work in the newly built suburbs. Committees in Ballinacurra Weston, Prospect, Fair Green, Sean Heuston Place, Rathbane, Ballynanty Beg and Kileely were competing to produce the finest shrine from their limited resources. The absence of shrines in the wealthier areas of the city was and is still conspicuous. The success of the efforts of communities in the Marian Year of 1954 prompted their continuation in 1955 and sub- sequent years. Shrine Committees were approached by “Coisde Lá Le Pádraig” an organisation with responsibility for arranging local celebrations during Saint Patrick’s week or Feile Pádraig. The shrines were used as a focal point for parades and other celebratory activities during the week and were exceeded in popularity only by the Saint Patrick’s Day parade itself. On every night of the week, in almost every area, the local committees carried out a most extensive programme. Torch light processions and Irish nights, children’s and drama nights, band recitals, concerts, parades and crossroad dancing were some of the events arranged for the week. All parades and processions were organised between shrines and prayer recitals and Holy were held at the shrines. Large crowds of up to 2,000 people gathered to enjoy the events and established the shrines as a symbol of pride for each community. It is sad to think that the com- munity spirit so evident during the erection of the Shrines is slowly dwindling away in the modern more affluent era. My memories of visits to the Marian Shrines coincided with visits to families and friends who lived in the partic- ular areas. No such visit with my aunt was complete without visiting the shrine and ‘saying a prayer’ there. The shrines are now merely relics of a time when local pride and religious commitment went hand in hand. This book is a nostal- gic recall for people who lived through those times and a reminder to those who missed out.

TONY BROWNE Historian September 2004

Page 2 Sunday, June 27, 1954 Massive manifestation of faith as more than 15,000 people parade through city streets

EVER before and certainly never since had streets and the grandness of the shrines, altars and Limerick witnessed such a striking manifes- windows by the wayside will remain as bright as a tation of faith when 15,000 marched in pro- jewel in the firmament of great civic events. Ncession through the neatly decorated streets as a “The strength of the Faith could be gleaned, too, mark of honour to the Mother of God in this Marian from the combined efforts of neighbours in many dis- Year, The recorded on Monday, tricts and of business people who lavishly decorated June 28, 1954. their sectors for the great occasion. Streamers, ban- “Very fittingly,” the paper continued, “the citi- ners, bunting and other decorative materials were zens demonstrated their love for the Supreme Queen not spared on the route. The Mother of God was by the manifestations of faith and fervour. It was revered in the windows of countless houses by neat- appropriate at the conclusion that Most Rev. Dr. ly dressed shrines and altars with statues and pic- O’Hara, Papal Nuncio, the representative of His tures and in many cases illuminated by candles or Holiness, Pius XII, should impart Solemn fairy lights. Altars and shrines were also erected in Benediction to the vast gathering in the Assembly many streets, lanes and alleys far away from the Ground of the Redemptorist College where the clos- route of the procession. The same windows were ing ceremonies were carried out.” aglow last night in the same setting that had served The report began with the Marian Year prayer to regale the Queen of Heaven during the procession. composed by His Holiness, Pope Pius XII: “You are all The historic Treaty Stone provided a pedestal for a 20 beautiful, O Mary; You are the glory, you are the joy and foot illuminated shrine. And the citizens rejoiced in you are the honour of our people, Amen.” prayer for well they could after a wonderful day of The Limerick Leader wrote: “How aptly these fervour. words of the concluding portion of the Marian Year “Right on the stroke of 3.30 p.m. the members of prayer could be applied to yesterday’s great demon- the Redemptorist Church Choir, under the charge of stration of homage to the Holy Mother of God. Glory Rev. Fr. John Torney, CSsR, in their special dress, led was manifested in profusion and honour shown in the huge procession from the Redemptorist College abundance by over 15,000 men, women, boys and Assembly field. Immediately behind came a horse girls, as they wended through the bedecked and drawn car containing a large picture of Our Mother beflagged city streets reciting the and singing of Perpetual Succour formally surrounded with hymns in praise of the supreme Mother and Queen. paper drapery of blue and white. It was drawn by The intermittent rain during the procession did not men of St. John’s parish and flanked by a guard of dampen the ardour of the members of the Arch- honour of members of the Maritime Institute. Confraternity of the Holy Family and those of Our Following them were the members of the Boys’ Lady of Perpetual Succour Confraternity under the Confraternity in rows of six each under the supervi- spiritual direction of Rev. Fr. James Gormley, CSsR, sion of Christian Brothers and teachers. The boys and Rev. Fr. Sean O’Carroll, CSsR., respectively. The behaved themselves in a manner that was distinctly showers, heavy though at times, were no deterrent to credible. Catholic Boy Scouts from the various city all who marched with the resolve to honour and glo- troops under the command of Commissioner Tim rify a Queen assumed into heaven. Daly, marched in this section while Knights of Malta, “How gladdened must have been the heart of the the Irish Red Cross and St. John’s Ambulance Brigade Apostolic Nuncio, Most Rev. Dr. G. P. O’Hara, and of were also represented throughout the long line of the , Most Rev. Dr. P. O’Neill, as processionists.” they witnessed this great act of devotion in honour of The report continued: “The first of the seven this Marian Year. This great expression of faith was decorated vans from which a Redemptorist Father indicative of a city that knew no bounds in its love for led the recitation of the Rosary and the singing of the Blessed Virgin. By again giving convincing proof hymns came next. Draped in the Papal colours, it of its wonderful attachment to the Faith Limerick had a picture of Mary Immaculate, a large banner of was seen in its glorious heritage and traditional reli- the Mother of Perpetual Succour Confraternity and gious setting. The memory of the edifying and order- the hymnal music was supplied by the Sarsfield ly processions and of the decorative beauty of the Fife and Drum Band followed by another Papal col-

Page 3 oured van with loud speaker apparatus. Next honour – this time by members of the Garda behind were the members of the women’s confra- Siochana – was accorded the much admired effigy ternity. A statue of St. Alphonsus with flowers at of Our Lady of Graces in familiar white and blue foot, on a car dressed in green with white preceded decorations. The St. Mary’s Fife and Drum Band the Limerick Pipe Band. Next was another van with played for the St. Clement’s Division and the Rosary a banner of St. George. The acolytes came after the was recited from two decorated vans placed at dif- women, then Our Lady of Victories was carried in ferent points. The entire procession took fifty min- triumph on a blue and white decorated car strewn utes to pass a given point.” with bulbs and flowers. A guard of honour was pro- The Limerick Leader continued with a report from vided by officers of the Regular Army and behind the Assembly point at the Redemptorist grounds: them marched the new Mayor of Limerick, Ald. G. “As the procession had come to the end of its three E. Russell, and the City Manager and members of to four miles route the scene at the Assembly the Corporation in their robes. Ground of the Redemptorist College was an unfor- “The junior division of the Arch Confraternity marched in front of the members of the St. John’s gettable blend of joy and edification. As the sun Division amongst whom was the Minister for Posts peered through a grey, overcast sky – as if specially and Telegraphs, Mr. Keyes, wearing his directed on the concourse – the cheering rent the air jubilee ribbon and medal. The recital of the Rosary and the carillon of the Redemptorist belfry pealed in this sector was given from a van with the flag of joyfully. It was the arrival of the Apostolic Nuncio St. Paul on it. and the Bishop of Limerick with the priests, both “The music was played by the St. John’s Brass secular and regular. The Nuncio was escorted to the and Reed Band while the St. Michael’s Fife and specially erected altar by Very Rev. Fr. M. Curran, Drum Band followed in front of a large banner of St. CSsR, Provincial, and Very Rev. Fr. G. Reynolds, Alphonsus which led the St. Michael’s Division. A CSsR, . The Nuncio Cappa Magna was given blue and white coloured van with a picture of St. a most warm hearted greeting as he walked through Agnes preceded a hand drawn car with the statue of the Holy Family. The Boherbuoy Brass and Reed the cordon. Just previously, Master Tom Drennan, Band and another van bearing the picture of St. soloist of the Redemptorist Church Choir, had enter- Michael were next in order and another guard of tained with suitable songs and hymns.

A section of the huge throng that paraded through the city streets in June, 1954

Page 4 The Irish Army Officer Corps give the salute as Mayor Ted Russell and the City Council walk behind. “After the sacred host had been borne to the Your presence here in such great numbers in the altar, fronted by a large picture of the Mother of field of Mount St. Alphonsus, after the procession Perpetual Succour, the clouds were threatening but through the streets of Limerick bearing statues of save for some drops of rain and windy gusts, sun- Our Lady and the Saints, tells all who are here how shine broke through to give a pleasantness to the deep and how real is the love that is cherished in closing ceremony before an assembly of more than your hearts for the Mother of Our Lord and Savour, 20,000 people. Christ.” “Very Rev. Curran, CSsR addressed the congre- His Excellency went on to say he was sure that gation over the loud speaker system and said there tender and deep love for Our Lady would always be was no need for him to introduce His Excellency, the outstanding in their devotional lives so that by it, Apostolic Nuncio. It was his pleasure and duty to they, the faithful of Limerick and all people of welcome him to that part of Limerick, Mount St. Ireland, may set a striking example that will be imi- Alphonsus. ‘I do so from my heart’, he added, ‘in tated by the entire Catholic world. If they ever hope the name of the community and in the name of the to reach heaven, as indeed, they hoped and prayed members of the Arch Confraternity of the Holy fervently, that they would one day have a place with Family; the Arch Confraternity of Our Mother of God among the saints in heaven they may be sure Perpetual Succour and St. Alphonsus. We are most they will never attain that position without har- grateful to His Excellency for coming to help us to bouring the nourishment for soul and body attained honour the Mother of God by this, our Marian Year through the love for the Mother of God,” His procession in honour of the Mother of Perpetual Excellency said. Succour’.” “People who found themselves in the vices of The Apostolic Nuncio, rising to tumultuous sin,” he continued, “ were in that position because applause, said that in a very true sense there was no they had never known what it was to have devotion need of a sermon on that occasion, certainly not to the Mother of God. If they trusted in the Mother from him or anyone there on the platform of God there would be no need to worry in this life. “because,” he went on, “my dearest brethren, you That devotion and love was a sure guarantee that have today preached a sermon far more eloquent the life to come would be with God and those who than anything I could say to you by this magnificent had recourse to her would have no great trouble in manifestation of your love for the Mother of God. overcoming the temptations that beset them.

Page 5 “Referring to the glorious reign of His Holiness asked them to pray that Christian virtue may shine Pope Pius IX and his proclamation of the Dogma of in every Catholic home so that fathers and mothers Our Lady the Nuncio said that the Holy Father had may show their deeply Christian love of the virtues asked the entire world to make the year particularly of Christ. dedicated to honouring the Queen of Heaven. He had asked that the entire world pray for the special “The Holy Father had also asked for prayers for intentions in this special year; and he had asked to the silent Church behind the Iron Curtain where pray for himself so that he may always be faithful in there were millions of Catholics including the discharge of the tremendous duties that was his Cardinals, Bishops and priests and countless num- as head of the Church on earth. He had also asked bers of laity, suffering in the foulest prisons of the to pray that the holiness and sanctity of life may world because they had preferred to serve God grow intense and deeper in the hearts of priests and rather than Caesar – because they had chosen to religious the world over. He had asked to pray dur- remain loyal and true to the one great church rather ing this Marian Year for an increase in vocations to than give up all that was good and holy. They asked the holy priesthood and in religious life. He had that the day of their deliverance may soon dawn.”

Sunday, June 27, 1954 Features of last Sunday’s procession

“LAST Sunday’s great proces- have been the oldest. Fr. Gormley, CSsR and Rev. sion under the auspices of the Mr. Roche is quoted as saying Sean O’Carroll, CSsR and of Arch-Confraternity of the Holy in the Limerick Leader that “I the honorary secretaries of the Family and the Arch walked the whole way and Arch Confraternity. They had Confraternity of Our Lady of wouldn’t have missed it for countless matters to deal with Perpetual Succour held in hon- anything.” in the organising work but our of the Marian Year will be Mr Roche, who is 70 years a they willingly tackled their remembered as a shining member of the Arch task and had everything in example of Catholic faith,” the Confraternity, remembers very order before the procession Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop clearly taking part in the Arch started on its way and on time, O’Hara, said at the culmina- Confraternity procession to at 3.30 p.m, the report contin- tion of the massive procession during the term of ued. that marched through the office of Rev. Fr. Walter Barry, The specially erected altar at streets of Limerick to the CSsR, Spiritual Director in the the Redemptorist Grounds Redemptorist Grounds. years, 1883 to 1885. was beautifully laid out. The One of the outstanding acts of While Mr. Roche was the old- closing ceremony was marked homage to the Mother of God est member to walk the walk, by the singing of Faith of Our during the procession was the oldest member in atten- Fathers which was an “edify- shown outside the Royal dance at the assembly ground ing phase of fidelity to the George Hotel. At this junction was Mr. , former .” the Guard of Honour of offi- gilder and picture frame- It was remarkable how the cers of the Regular Army maker of Catherine Street, clouds, brimful of rain, stayed raised their swords in salute Limerick. “He is now nearly intact and sunshine peeked to Our Lady of Victories while 80 years a member of the through during the ceremonies two army buglers sounded the Confraternity. royal salute “The number of women who at the Assembly Grounds. Among those who marched took part in the procession,” As His Excellency, Most Rev the entire route was Mr. Pat the Leader said, “exceeded all Dr. O’Hara, with and Roche, Verona Esplanade, expectations. It is conserva- crozier, accompanied by His Limerick, who was for a long tively estimated that close on Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. number of years the painstak- 5,000 women and girls O’Neill; Very Rev. M. Curran, ing and popular caretaker of marched.” CSsR, Provincial, and Rev. G. St. Michael’s Temperance The report also said that the Reynolds, CSsR, Rector, retired Society. Of the thousands who general success of the proces- to the Monastery the crowd marched Mr. Roche, at 88 sion was a tribute to the gave vent to their feelings by a years of age is considered to organising efficiency of Rev. hearty round of applause.

Page 6 The Redemptorist Field was filled to capacity for the final blessing and Mass at the end of the parade.

Page 7 This picture amply portrays just how many people attended the Marian Year procession.

Page 8 Sunday, August 15, 1954 First Marian Shrine is blessed in St. Mary’s Park

HE first Marian Year Shrine in the city was conditions in that area put togehter a plan. It might unveiled and blessed by Rev. P.J. Lee, on be described rightly as a Parish Plan. Their work Sunday, August 15 – the Feast of the Assumption was to have the guiding hand of Our Lady behind T– in front of a huge throng of delighted and enthusiastic it. So number one item on their programme was to residents. transform a parcel of waste land into a delightful The Limerick Leader of the following Monday carried grotto and how amazingly well they accomplished extensive on-the-spot coverage of the great occasion and it. Very appropriately the culmination of their first reading through the report one can garner the sense of effort coincided with the Feast of the Assumption – pride and happiness that permeated throughout the entire the Feast of St. Mary’s Parish. On the fringe of the area. Park yesterday gathered a vast number of citizens to The Limerick Leader began: “Yesterday was a day witness an impressive and history-making ceremo- of signal rejoicing in St. Mary’s Park. With the ny – the unveiling and blessing of the statue of the unveiling and blessing of a statue of Our Lady in the Immaculate Conception, standing majestically in beautifully laid out Grotto at the entrance to the the midst of a grotto that will serve a lasting com- Park, the great Feast of the Assumption and the memoration of the Marian Year. Parish was marked in a memorable way, and the “It is a most attractive grotto. Inscribed in gold Marian Year was commemorated fittingly. The lettering on the pedestal on which the statue stands entire housing estate was appropriately and taste- are the words: “In Onoir blianna Maighdine Mhuire, fully decorated. 1954.” A neat silver painted railing enclosed the “A very striking example of the advance for shrine which has a rock garden background – a good that voluntary effort by a community group delightful lay-out. The honour of performing the can do was illustrated in St. Mary’ Park, Limerick, ceremony of unveiling and blessing was bestowed yesterday. It is not so long ago since a number of on the popular and revered Parish Priest, Very Rev. men together imbued with the spirit to improve P. J. Canon Lee.

Very Rev. Canon Lee performs the official blessing of the Shrine at St. Mary’s Park watched by a tumultuous throng.

Page 9 “The residents of the Park gave vent to their highest praise of all those who had the pleasure of feelings of great joy on what was for them a mem- visiting their territory yesterday. orable occasion by making the most elaborate “The residents gave a hearty greeting to Very preparations for the celebration of their historic day Rev. Canon Lee and Rev. Fr. Gormley, Spiritual and marking the end of the first chapter in their Director of the Arch-Confraternity of the Holy Parish Plan. When an outsider visits such places as Family when they entered the enclosed shrine fol- St. Mary’s Park he cannot but feel deeply lowing the conclusion of the procession from the impressed by the Faith of the people. Every house Parish Church where earlier that day the Feast of in the Park which has a population of 2,800 was the Parish had been celebrated. A special round of decorated. It was obvious that a number of people hand-clapping was also reserved for Mr. Jack were not endowed with the world’s riches, but an Downey, St. Ita Street, a holder of a diploma in unflinching faith is the great treasure of these peo- social and economic science. Mr. Downey was one ple and they showed it unmistakably by their con- of the originators of this Parish Plan but for some tribution to the general scheme of decoration. weeks past he had been confined to Barringtons Sacred pictures were hung from some windows, Hospital with injuries to his feet. It was a proud shrines appeared in others; grottos were erected day for him to be back among his colleagues even outside some houses while streamers, banners, if only for that day to witness the first fruit of their bunting and carefully planted shrubs all tended to labours receiving the blessing of their esteemed make the occasion one of signal importance and pastor. Subsequent to the ceremony, Mr. Downey joy. The houses, painted recently on the outside, returned to hospital gladdened, however, that he added another touch of beauty and in every way St. had been there to join in the festival occasion. Mary’s Park was proudly looking its best.” “The procession from St. Mary’s Church to the The report continued: “Last night the Park pre- Grotto started at 2.30 p.m. and was led by acolytes sented a most imposing sight with its multi- coloured illumination – a grand finale to a great followed by the St. Mary’s CBS Band under the occasion. conduction of Rev. Brother White. Participating in “Adjacent to the grotto streamers spanned St. the procession were St. Mary’s Troop of Catholic Ita Street bearing such salutations as “, Boy Scouts, the children of the Parish and Our Full of Grace,” “Mother of God, Pray For Us,” and Lady’s Holy Family Confraternity. Other bands “Strengthen the Faith Redeemer” Guard Us when which marched to the Grotto were St. Mary’s Fife Danger is Nigh.” The good people of the Park had, and Drum Band, Sarsfield Fife and Drum Band, St. by their weekly contributions, with the assistance John’s Brass and Reed Band and the Boherbuoy of generous help from outside, made the lavish Brass and Reed Band. Members of the Limerick scheme of decoration possible. They can feel more Corporation who attended were the Mayor, Ald. G. than very well satisfied that their efforts won the E. Russell; Senator James Reidy, Ald. J. Carew, and

Members of St. Mary’s Band watch as final preparations for the blessing of the Shrine are put in place.

Page 10 Opening of St. Mary’s Park Marian Shrine, 1954. Back row: P. Reynolds, P. O’Shaughnessy, W. McCarthy, M. Roche, M. Moran, P. McNamara, M. O’Donoghue, W. Woodland, P. Braddish, D. O’Neill, S. Williams, F. O’Connell, C. O’Donoghue, D. Frawley, M. Phayer. Centre: --?, M. Finnan, M. O’Shaughnessy, C. Ronan, C. Howard, M. O’Donnell, PJ Duggan, J. Bray, T. O’Callaghan, J. Fitzgerald, F. McNamara, M. Troy, J. Reynolds, J. Johnson, P. Tobin, J. English, J. Hickey. Seated: W. O’Shaughnessy, M. Fitzpatrick, P. O’Callaghan, M. O’Farrell, M. Moffatt, J. Downey, M. Griffin, C. Cahill, J. O’Donoghue, J. Bibby, C. Storan. Many thanks to Pat Kirwin for his efforts in getting all thee people named.

Councillers G. B. Dillon, K. Bradshaw, J. J. Connery, essary improvements in the estate. To their credit S. Coughlan and J. Finan. Clergy also present in their first idea on their programme was to build a addition to those already mentioned were Rev. F. shrine to Our Lady at the entrance to St. Mary’s Park Houlihan, CC, and Rev. F. Connolly, CSsR., who in honour of the Marian Year.” preached the special sermon for the Feast of the He was sceptical, he said, but we can see for our- Parish celebrated earlier in St. Mary’s Church. Mr. selves what these men have done. They had worked John Reynolds, chairman of the St. Mary’s Park night and day for the past three months and had Development Committee, addressing the assembly turned a dumping ground into a lovely Marian Year welcomed the guests and the people of the Parish. “I Grotto. They had received wonderful co-operation wish to publicly acknowledge and thank all those from the City Manager and members of the generous and kind-hearted people who in any way, Corporation, from a number of firms in the city and by subscription or gift, helped to bring our project to from various householders and other individuals in its successful conclusion. and outside the parish. They all co-operated with the “We especially thank the City Manager Mr. committee in doing the work nobly and well. That Macken for giving us the site; the donors of the beau- was only number one item on their programme and tiful statue who wish to remain anonymous; the unless he was mistaken he would say that within a donor of the Scotch Granite pedestal, Mr. T. F. year or two St. Mary’s Park will be a model among O’Sullivan, B.E., Harbour Engineer; the donor of the artistic railings and gates, Mr. P. Molloy, builder, and the housing estates in Limerick,” he said. to Mr. J. O’Donnell for the use of his engineering Canon Lee paid a special tribute to Mr. Jack works and equipment; also the people of the parish Downey who, he said, had been prevented through for their generous weekly contribution. I also wish to injury from being among them for the past few pay tribute to the designer and to the gallant band of months. He was with them today and they wel- workers who laboured night after night to complete comed him back. “It is a proud day for him,” contin- this shrine in honour of Our Blessed Mother Mary.” ued the Canon, “and I feel that when he arrived this Addressing those present Canon Lee spoke of his morning he was surprised with the progress that delight at being asked to unveil the Marian Year had been made during his absence.” The Canon con- Statue. “About six months ago,” he continued, “the cluded by saying that he was proud of the parish, people of the development committee decided that proud to be your Parish Priest – you have risen they would form a committee from the different nobly to the occasion and, if I may use a phrase, St. streets in the estate and push forward with the nec- Mary’s Parish is now on the map.”

Page 11 An injured Mr. Jack Downey is carried to the Shrine by Terry O’Shea, left, and Willie McCarthy. Canon Lee then unveiled and blessed the statue while a bugler attached to the St. Mary’s Troop of CBSI sounded the salute and all joined in the singing ‘Let Limerick Lead’ of the familiar Lourdes hymn. Rev. Fr. Gormley, CSsR, said he was delighted to Letter to the Editor, Monday, August 30, 1954 be associated with the history making ceremony and he thought it fitting that “St. Mary’s Parish should be “While the citizens look with pride and joy on the the first to set the lead for the rest of Limerick. There efforts of the residents of St. Mary’s Park, Ballynanty was no parish that had such a strong love for devo- Beg, Prospect, etc., in their task of erecting statues of tion to the Mother of God as the Parish of St. Mary.” Our Lady to commemorate the Marian Year, it must Fr. Gormley continued that St. Mary’s Park was be remembered that the large majority of Mary’s sons the first big housing scheme carried out by the and daughters in Limerick do not reside in Limerick City Corporation 17 or 18 years ago and it Corporation housing schemes and therefore cannot was only right and proper that St. Mary’s Park join in this glorious work. should give the lead to the younger housing “Before the Marian Year draws to a close I would schemes. like to make the following suggestion. At the entrance Ald Ted Russell, Mayor of Limerick said that to Clare Street there is a magnificent triangular flower “this day had put St. Mary’s Park on the map”, and, patch, beautifully planted by the Corporation Head he continued “it took the Island Field off the map.” Gardener, Mr. Kennedy. What would be more fitting He said: “I could well believe that the energetic than to erect a statue of Our Lady of Limerick on this development committee had many more items on site which stands on the principle entrance to our the agenda and we in the Corporation would give beloved city? them every possible support to continue their good “A special collection outside the city churches on work. I know that there are people in the Park that one or two Sundays would more than cover the cost are going through difficult times but I know that this and perhaps with a little planning the image could be work of theirs – an example of what they had that illuminated at night. day – was to them a labour of love.” “A stranger approaching out city on a winter’s night Each band played hymnal music during the clos- and being greeted by this shining figure of the Queen ing ceremony which was crowned by the recitation of Heaven, would, no doubt, be assured of the warm of the Rosary by Fr. Houlihan for the intentions of all Christian welcome that awaited him in our midst.” those who in any way contributed to the erection of The letter was signed the grotto. ADecade of the Rosary was specially “LET LIMERICK LEAD” recited for the anonymous donor of the Statue. Afterwards Canon Lee recited the Marian Year Prayer and the edifying ceremony closed with the singing of “Faith of our Fathers.”

Page 12 Sunday, October 31, 1954 Ballynanty Shrine is blessed by Rev. Mgs. Moloney

“ VER 3,000 people attended the unveiling Limerick’s biggest housing estate. and blessing of the Marian Shrine by Right “Started four months ago, the Shrine was com- Rev. Monsignor Moloney, PP, VF, at pleted late on Saturday night under floodlighting BallynantyO Beg, yesterday,” wrote the Limerick and was the climax of many weeks arduous work. Leader on Monday, November 1, 1954. The work was carried out entirely by the residents The report continued: “The lovely Shrine has and subscriptions towards the project were confined been constructed by the people of Ballynanty by to the housing estate. voluntary labour through voluntary subscription. It “The Shrine which was made in , cost £150 took over four months to complete. and is surrounded by an illuminated halo and con- “Ballynanty Beg was en fete yesterday for the unveiling and blessing of the lovely Marian Shrine tains the simple inscription ‘Erected in honour of situated on a prominence at the entrance to Our Lady to commemorate the Marian Year.’

Ballynanty Shrine Committee: Back, Paddy Hanly, James Collins, John Liddy, Jim Moore, Eddie Mooney, Paddy Wallace, Paddy Quaid, Tom Moloney, Jim Hayes, John Quinn (later to become Mayor of Limerick), Paddy Grimes, hon. treasurer; --?, Pat McLoughlin, hon. secretary;. Sitting: Frank Kenihan, Ger O’Mara, Jack Symington, Rev. Fr. Gerard Neville, CC; John Halloran, chairman; John Henry, Alex Goodwin, Gerald Ryan and Willie Ahern.

Page 13 “The entrance to the Shrine is through a cut- a specially erected platform where Mr. J. stone archway designed along Gothic lines with a O’Halloran, vice-chairman in a short address sanded pathway, flanked by flower beds leading to thanked them for their presence and said the people the Shrine itself. Floodlighting has also been of Ballynanty Beg felt deeply honoured and proud installed. of the occasion. They pledged their loyalty to their “The whole housing estate was gay with Holy Mother the Church and asked the clergy to bunting, streamers containing pious invocations, accept the Shrine as a pledge of that loyalty and of national and Papal colours. Practically every win- continued devotion to the Mother of God. He dow contained a miniature shrine appropriately thanked the voluntary workers, the committee and illuminated. The pedestal work of the Shrine was the collectors and especially the women of carried out by Messrs. J. Kennedy and Joseph Ballynanty Beg, without whose valued help the McMahon, while the archway was built by Mr. J. Shrine could not have been made possible. Ryan,” the Leader wrote. “The Mayor, who received a very cordial ova- The report continued: “At 3 o’c a procession tion, said it gave him great pleasure and he felt comprised of St. Munchin’s Women’s Confraternity, deeply honoured to be present at the blessing and St. Lelia’s and St. Munchin’s Primary Schools, St. unveiling of such a magnificent shrine,” the report Mary’s Troop of Boy Scouts, St. John’s Ambulance concluded. Brigade, Knights of Malta, Irish Red Cross Society “Some weeks ago, Mr. Russell said, “I was pres- and St. John’s Brass and Reed Band and the ent at a similar ceremony in St. Mary’s Park and on Limerick Pipe Band left St. Munchin’s Church and that occasion I expressed the hope that the people of proceeded to the shrine. The procession was headed other housing schemes would follow the example by the acolytes of St. Munchin’s Church. Members set by the residents of St. Mary’s Park. I am glad of the Limerick Corporation and the Mayor, Ald. G. therefore to see that the people of Ballynanty Beg E. Russell, also walked in the procession with Rt. have raised this magnificent contribution to the Rev. Mgr. Moloney and Rev. Fr. M. J. Neville, CC, memory of Our Lady in the form of a lovely marble St. Munchin’s, who is also chairman of the Marian Shrine committee. The rosary was recited en route statue. But your work here will not be completed and sacred hymns were sung at intervals. It was an unless you carry the image of Our Lady into your impressive and edifying sight. homes and hearts and into the hearts of your chil- “On arrival at the Shrine,” the paper continued, dren. On my own behalf and on behalf of the City “Mgr. Moloney, the Mayor and Corporation and Manager and the members of the Limerick members of the Committee with Rev. James Corporation I extend sincere congratulations to the Gormley, CSsR, Spiritual Director of the Arch committee and people of Ballynanty Beg for the Confraternity of the Holy Family were conveyed to wonderful job they have done,” he said.

The huge gathering surround the Ballynanty statue prior to the blessing ceremony. Picture: BILL HAYES

Page 14 Crowds are congregating for the opening and blessing of the Ballynanty Shrine

In conclusion, the Mayor said that Limerick in its St. Munchin’s Church,” he said, “and on your way own way had always a special devotion to Our to and from work she will be watching over you and Lady and he expressed the hope that that devotion by praying to her as you pass she will help to ease would be further strengthened by their striving to the burden on your shoulders. She will watch over reach her perfection in their daily lives. Rev. Fr. your children while at play and in the new school James Gormley, CSsR, Spiritual Director of the Arch which will shortly be erected near here. The boys Confraternity of the Holy Family, said he did not will be receiving instruction from the Christian expect that he would have the honour and privilege Brothers before another year is out. Thank God that of addressing them on such an auspicious occasion. the Brothers are such a fine body of men who have, What the people of Ballynanty Beg were doing that for over 100 years, left their spiritual mark in day was only marking the continued devotion of the Limerick. Before long more there will also be a people of Limerick to the Mother of God. The Statue school erected for the girls. of Our Lady of Limerick was one of traditional “Therefore you can see,” he continued, “that we devotion by the people of Limerick. Their choice of were thinking of you long before you came to us. that day was a very suitable one because at that very We must work together and learn that we are one moment in Rome, His Holiness Pope Paul XII, was people and one community. This lovely statue is a proclaiming the liturgical Feast of the Queenship of reflection of your generosity and of your devotion Mary while they in Ballynanty Beg were also pledg- ing their loyalty to Mary Queen of their Hearts and to the Mother of God.” Homes, by perpetuating her memory by the erec- Monsignor Moloney formally unveiled and tion of such a beautiful shrine. blessed the statue to the strains of “Hail Queen of Concluding, Fr. Gormley exhorted the people to Heaven” in which the thousands present devoutly keep Mary in their hearts and homes at all times. By joined. Fr. MJ Neville recited the Rosary and the cer- doing so, they would have the blessing of the emony ended with the singing of “Faith of our Mother of God throughout their lives. Fathers.” Right Rev. Mgr. Moloney said it was a proud day The members of the committee as appeared in for the people of Ballynanty Beg. They had set up a the Limerick Leader were: Rev. Fr. Neville, CC, chair- lovely Lady to watch over them at the gates of their man; Mr. J. O’Halloran, vice-chairman; Mr. P. city as she watched over the gates of heaven. McLoughlin, secretary; Mr. P. Grimes, treasurer; Limerick was the first centre in Ireland to dedicate Messrs. P. Quaid, P. O’Loughlin, W. Aherne, J. it’s cathedral to the Mother of God and they were Symington, A. Goodwin, G. O’Mara, E. Mooney, P. very proud of that memory of 800 years ago. Hanley, J. Collins, P. Moloney, J. Henry, F. Kenihan, “As you pass this Shrine on your way to Mass in P. Murphy, K. Liddy, J. Walters, J. Pigott.

Page 15 Altar servers, Knights of Malta and the residents of Ballynanty march in procession prior to the opening.

Huge crowds attended the opening and blessing of the Ballynanty Shrine.

Page 16 Sunday, November 28, 1954 Dr. O’Neill unveils Prospect Shrine

“ is Lordship, the Bishop of Limerick, Most “During the unveiling ceremony the special Rev. Dr. O’Neill, unveiled and blessed a Marian Salute was sounded by members of the Marian Shrine at Prospect yesterday Boherbuoy Band and the national and Papal flags beforeH an attendance of over 2,000 people,” the were unfurled. The Redemptorist choir sang hymns Limerick Leader wrote in its Lead Article on Monday, appropriate to the occasion,” the Leader wrote. November 29, 1954. The chairman of the Shrine committee, Mr. P. “The Mayor, Ald. G. E. Russell, and members of Walsh, speaking from a specially erected platform the Limerick Corporation attended the ceremony,” said “the people of the district felt deeply honoured the paper continued. by the presence of their beloved Bishop, the clergy, In another lengthy report, the Leader wrote: His Worship, the Mayor and members of the “Four months of arduous work on the building of Corporation.” the Marian Shrine at Prospect was brought to a fit- It was, he said, “a day of great joy for the people ting and most inspiring cli- of Prospect who took the oppor- max yesterday afternoon tunity of renewing their pledge when His Lordship, the of loyalty to the Blessed Mother, Bishop of Limerick, Most Rev. the Church and the Blessed Dr. O’Neill unveiled and Virgin. The erection of the blessed the lovely Marian shrine was an outward expres- Shrine of Our Lady of the sion of the love which they felt Immaculate Conception. for the Mother of God and trust- Prior to the ceremony a ed that it would be a true and procession was formed at St. lasting monument of their Joseph’s Church consisting of love.” school children carrying ban- He thanked the voluntary ners and adults of the district, workers who gave their time so led by the acolytes of St. unselfishly to build the shrine, Joseph’s Church, followed by the private and public sub- the Redemptorist boys choir scribers and the women collec- and the Boherbuoy and the tors. He paid a special tribute to Limerick Pipe Bands. The the hard working secretary and Very Rev. Fr. White, Adm., treasurer of the committee, both and parochial clergy along of whom had handled their dif- with the Rev. Fr. Gormley, ficult tasks in a very competent CSsR, Spiritual Director of the manner. When they looked Confraternity, were also in around them that day they attendance. The route was decorated with bunting, could be happy in the knowledge that their labour Papal and national flags and banners containing was work well done, Mr. Walsh concluded. pious supplications. Nearly every house in the dis- The Mayor of Limerick, Ald. G. E. Russell said trict displayed miniature shrines in their windows. that on his own and on behalf of the members of the “The Shrine itself is a most elaborate affair and Limerick Corporation he wished to express his deep consists of a rockery and plinth on top of which rests appreciation to the committee and people of the 6 ft. high statue with an illuminated halo. The Prospect for giving them an opportunity of being shrine is fenced off with pillars and wire mesh. present at the unveiling of the magnificent gesture There are four entrances to the Shrine through cut- to Our Lady. He also wished to avail of the occasion stone gateways and concrete paths lead direct to the to convey the warmest congratulations of the City statue. Rose trees are planted in specially prepared Council to the committee and workmen of Prospect beds at each corner. The shrine is also flood-lit. His Lordship was assisted by Very Rev. Fr. White at the who put so much hard work into building the mag- ceremony. The other clergy in attendance were Rev. nificent monument. Each and every one deserved Fathers, O’Sullivan, CC; O’Donnell, CC; Manning, the heartiest congratulations for carrying out such a CC. The Redemptorist choir was in the charge of labour of love and he felt privileged to be present Rev. Fr. Torney, CSsR. that afternoon.” the Mayor said.

Page 17 Two young children admire the Shrine in Prospect just prior to the official opening in November, 1954. Although, the Mayor continued, Marian statues the Statue of Our Lady, Mother of God, Queen of had been erected in other centres throughout the Heaven.” country, Limerick had, in this year of Our Lady, He continued: “It is a proud moment for me to excelled any other city. The people of Prospect had come along to you to unveil and bless this statue. By lived up to Limerick’s noble tradition of devotion to the erection of this statue you gain God’s blessing Our Lady. Though the shrine had been finished it and place yourself under the special protection of was really only beginning the real task of their Our Lady, Queen of Heaven to whom our Holy devotion to the Mother of God. As Mayor of the City Father the Pope has just proclaimed a new Feast of he could say that the City Council took a special the Queenship of Heaven. You have reached a cli- pride in the Prospect housing scheme, which linked max of your labour by erecting this memorial in hon- the old and the new and they were sure that the peo- ple of Prospect would make it an example to the whole city,” he concluded to rapturous applause. His Lordship, the Bishop, who received a warm ovation, said he had “listened to a sermon that morning in which references were made to happen- ings in China where Red Rule prevailed in that country. He had heard about priests, nuns and brothers who had laboured for many years in edu- cating, dressing and nourishing children there. The children were reared up in the knowledge of faith and they were taught devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary under Christian preaching. When Communism took charge a judge was sitting in judgement. He was told about the devotion of the children to the Blessed Virgin Mother of God and the judge said: ‘Who is this woman who is listening A souvenir picture and prayer was presented to all the committee to our parliament and challenging the power of the members who helped build the Shrine in Prospect. Red Army?’ The answer was before them that day in

Page 18 The site is being prepared our of the Blessed Virgin. It is your special way of in a white dress and veil and laid a bouquet of flow- showing your devotion to Mary and the splendid ers at the feet of the statue and said a short prayer. faith that inspired you to erect it. I am sure your The ceremony concluded with the singing of work will reach to Our Lady in heaven and she will, “Faith of Our Fathers” in which all present joined. I am sure, spread her mantle over you and your In the evening the Rosary was recited and a splen- families and who will watch over you as she has did crowd participated. always watched over the people of our country who “The Rosary will be said before the Shrine each had devoted their lives to her. You will treasure this evening until the end of the Marian Year,” the report day in your memory and, I am sure, you will prove concluded. your love of Our Lady by making a perfect example The officers and committee that built the Shrine of your devotion to the Mother of God. It will trav- were Mr. P. Walsh, chairman; Mr. R. Lynn, vice- el heavenwards to her feet,” His Lordship conclud- chairman; Mrs. H. O’Neill, secretary; Mrs. F. ed. Cowhey, treasurer. Messrs. T. Mullane, T. Sherlock, There was a touching incident shortly after the P. Buckley, F. Cowhey, H. O’Neill, G. Barnaby, M. unveiling ceremony when eight-year-old Miriam Lyons, P. O’Brien, A. Neilan, E. Carey, J. Dawson, M. Donnelly, 44 Prospect Villas, approached the shrine Daly, M. McCarthy, Mrs. J. Dawson, Mr. D. Cowhey.

A side view of the new shrine in Prospect.

Page 19 Prospect Marian Shrine committee, 1954: Back, Danny Clancy, Henry O’Neill, Jim O’Rahilly, Ger Lynn, Mick Lyons, Tom Sherlock, Paddy Buckley, Mike McCarthy, Tim Mullane, Joe Dawson, Desmond Cowhey. Middle row: Joe O’Brien, Paddy O’Brien, Pat Hayes, Ger Lynch, Billy Lloyd, Tom McNamara, Bob Lynn, George Barnaby, Tony Manning. Seated: Michael Daly, Eamon Carey, Frank and Mary Cowhey, Kathleen Mullane, Patrick Walsh, chairman; Moyra Dawson, Rita O’Neill, Molly O’Brien. The Communion Girl is Miriam Donnelly who laid a bouquet of flowers at the foot of the Shrine after the blessing.

Most Rev. Dr. O’Neill, Bishop of Limerick, leaves the Prospect Shrine after the blessing watched by huge crowds

Page 20 A PERSONAL DIARY The building of Prospect Shrine

By FRANK and MARY COWHEY

Frank and Mary Cowhey, who live at 21 the many beautiful trees remained and the grass car- Prospect Villas kept a personal diary of the pet was long ruined. Permission was sought from building of the Shrine in Prospect. It is a the Corporation to build the Shrine in that area but delightful chronicle of the events leading up to first money was needed and so a house to house canvass was made by the ladies of the district with the building and completion of the Shrine in regard to weekly collections. The collectors were November 1954. For thirty years they kept it well received, permission was granted by the up to date and reprinted here are just some of Corporation and the local men came forward to do their reminiscences. the job which was completely voluntary and as an act of love for Our Lady. The task was tremendous, but night after night with bad weather and the dark N a morning in July, in the Marian Year of nights of winter quickly descending, the faithful 1954, the idea of an outdoor Shrine to honour few persevered, although most had no previous our Blessed Lady was the topic of conversa- knowledge of this type of work. Otion in Prospect Villas. The choice of a site was an In the meantime the lady collectors worked hard easy one as the houses faced what had once been a and a raffle organised by them was very successful. beautiful green area, surrounded by shady trees Quotations for statues were obtained from many where many a game was played, and many a friend- parts of Ireland, and the committee decided to place ly tale was told, bringing joy to young and old alike. their order with the Early Studios in for the With the expansion of the city the area quickly very beautiful statue of Mary Immaculate. The became a rough and very muddy “roadway” with model for this statue was made in Italy for the lorries and pedestrians, prams and bicycles crossing Dublin firm and so was unique to them. The halo of from one side to the other. Eventually only one of 12 stars was also purchased through Earleys.

Local children march through Prospect Villas and Kickham Avenue prior to the opening

Page 21 First Holy Communion children file past the sacred image in Prospect

In planning the shrine it was decided that the who have enthroned her in their midst and in their statue would rest on a rockery in the centre of the minds,” the Cowheys wrote at the time. green and a search was started for suitable stone Dotted amongst the rocks were little blue and which were eventually drawn from the grounds of white lamps with the flickering night lights which Dromore Castle. The cut stone for the pillars of the were continuously presented by many people and main gate were obtained from an old estate in which were for their intentions. Sixmilebridge and erected by Mr. Flynn of Byrne The committee, collectors and workers were: Mr. Avenue. Dan Ryan from Kickham Avenue made the P. Walsh, Mr. R. Lynn, Mr. P. Buckley, Mr. T. caps for the pillars to match the main gate which Sherlock, Mr. T. Mullane, Mr. J. O’Rahilly, Mr. A. was made and presented to the committee by Dave O’Neill, Mr. F. Cowhey, Mr. G. Barnaby, Mr. P. Benson. And so things continued until at last the great O’Brien, Mr. M. Daly, Mr. E. Carey, Mr. J. Dawson, labour of love was completed and a great joy and Mr. M. McCarthy, Mr. A. Nelian, Mr. M. Lyons, Mr. happiness filled the hearts of all when, on D. Cowhey, Mr. G. Lynn, Mr. D. Clancy, Mr. G. November 28, His Lordship the Bishop, Most Rev. Patterson, Mr. G. Loughhart, Mr. J. O’Brien, Mr. J. Dr. O’Neill unveiled and blessed the statue of Mary Lynch, Mrs. H. O’Neill, Mrs. K. Mullane, Mrs. M. Immaculate. Dawson, Mrs. M. Cowhey, Mrs. E. Carey, Mrs. “May she ever smile lovingly on the people of Quigley, Mrs. Ryan, Mrs. Benson, Miss G. O’Neill, the district and always reign in the hearts of those Mrs. O’Halloran.

Page 22 We’ve made a Shrine to Mary, Blessed Sacrament at an altar in the Shrine. The area The Mother of our God, then became part of the Parish of Our Lady of The Virgin of all Virgins, Lourdes and a parish procession was held, starting Of David’s Royal Blood. at the shrine and ending with Benediction in the church. As around her feet we gather, “Sadly, the processions have not since been held, Our aim will always be, leaving all with a deep sense of loss,” the Cowheys To pay her public homage wrote in 1974. And say her Rosary. Today, Sean O’Neill does trojan work in keeping the Shrine looking in pristine condition. Oh Lady of the Valley Frank and Mary remember that the posts sur- Oh Sweet Immaculate One rounding the Shrine were made from a mould sup- We ask you, most sincerely plied by the Corporation but the know-how of mak- To lead us to your Son. ing them came from two great men of St. Mary’s – Murty King who was full back on the Young So teach us holy Mary, Munster team to win the Bateman Cup and the leg- When kneeling at your Shrine, endary Hayes of Garryowen fame. All the To imitate your virtues posts were made at the gable end of No. 21 Prospect And win His love, through Thine. Villas. When the wire surrounding the Shrine needed 1974: Last entry in their diary – Each year during replacement some years later Earls Wire of the Dock the month of May a beautiful procession in honour Road presented the committee with enough rolls to of Our Lady took place with Benediction of the completely replace the old.

Crowds enjoy the spectacle at the blessing of the Prospect shrine.

Page 23 The Dominican Church was packed to capacity on Monday, November 2, 1954, for the special crowning of Our Lady of Limerick with a pre- cious crown of gold, diamonds and pearls donated by the people of Limerick.The above picture shows Our Lady of Limerick wearing a replica crown. On very special occasions the original is taken out and placed in the head of Limerick’s favourite Mother. ❏ Picture: MICHAEL COWHEY

Page 24 Monday, November 2, 1954 Our Lady of Limerick is crowned at the Dominicans

“ IMERICK’S fidelity to the Queen of Heaven that day over the Holy Father’s proclamation of the was expressed in full measure in the Feast of the Queenship of Mary and the crowning of Dominican Church on Monday night last her image, so, too, did the people of Limerick regale whenL His Lordship, the Bishop of Limerick, Most the wonderful events in Rome and climax them Rev. Dr. P. O’Neill, placed a precious crown of gold, with further pride by the crowning of the oaken diamonds and pearls on the ancient statue of Our statue of Our Lady of Limerick which has been in Lady of Limerick,” wrote the Limerick Leader on the city for over three centuries. Wednesday, November 3, 1954. “For this special occasion the statue was moved The report continued: “This symbolic act of to a position on the Epistle side of the high altar. homage was indicative again of Limerick’s love of Decorated with flowers and candles the beauty of the heavenly Queen and it served once more as the statue stood out in further elegant repose after another gesture from the citizens during this his- the Bishop had placed the crown on the head. The toric Marian Year. glistening crown reflected the beauty of the thought “Thousands of people filed past the familiar that inspired Limerick-born Prior, Very Rev. P. L. statue of Our Lady of Limerick in veneration in the O’Sullivan, OP, to make possible this great act of Dominican Church on Monday night last after his homage during the Marian Year.” Lordship, the Bishop of Limerick placed a precious For months, the Leader reported “rich and poor gold crown adorned with diamonds, pearls, rubies alike had made their way to the priory with their and emeralds on it. It was a practical demonstration gold and diamond treasures. Many rings of various of the deep sense of loyalty to the Immaculate kinds of high sentimental value were donated with Queen that is so much part of the Irish way of life. a generosity indicative of Limerick’s traditional love “Devotees in the city of Our Lady of Limerick set for the Immaculate Conception.” out from their homes as early as 5.30 p.m. in order The rich donors, the Leader wrote “mingled with to be sure of a place in the neatly decorated church the poor ones in that vast congregation on Monday to witness the historic crowning ceremony begin- night. Their warmth of feeling towards having Our ning at 8 p.m. The enthusiasm of the people was so Lady of Limerick crowned during the Marian Year great that the church was filled to capacity within was also exemplified when a spontaneous ‘oh’ of five minutes. Many others who failed to gain admis- admiration went up from the congregation in har- sion followed a relay of the ceremony over the loud- mony with the simultaneous crowning of the statue speaker system. And as the Catholic world rejoiced by His Lordship.”

The delicate and ornate crown presented by the people of Limerick to Our Lady of Limerick in 1954. My thanks to Rev. Fr. Brennan, Prior, and to Bro. James, of the Dominican Order, for permission to photograph the crown

Page 25 Among the congregation who witnessed this Very Rev. O. L. O’Sullivan, OP, subsequent to historic act by the Bishop were Right Rev. Solemn Benediction thanked all for their attendance Monsignor M. Moloney, PP, VF, St. Munchin’s; Very and extended a word of appreciation to those kind Rev. W. O’Grady, Adm., St. John’s; Very Rev. Dr. J. benefactors who donated gifts for the making of the Cowpar, PP, St. Patrick’s Rev. R. O’Sullivan, CC, St. crown. He mentioned that His Lordship had that Michael’s; Very Rev. M. Curran, CSsR, Provincial, night crowned Our Lady of Limerick for all time. Mount St. Alphonsus; Very Rev. G. Reynolds, CSsR, The very pleasant ceremonies concluded, the Rector; Rev. Fr. Raphael, OFM, Limerick; Rev. Fr. G. Leader continued “with the singing of the Hymn to Hayes and the members of the Dominican Our Lady of Limerick composed and set to music by Community. Rev. Aengus Buckley, OP, who designed the crown. The Bishop was assisted at the throne by Very Rev. A. Byrnes, OP, Prior, Tralee, who was also Deacon at the Benediction Service, and Very Rev. H. Our Lady of Limerick, most pure and most sweet, O’Neill, OP, Prior, Sligo who was sub-deacon. Thy children are kneeling all love at thy feet. Among the laity were Mr. M. J. Keyes, TD, From danger, oh guard us, Minister for Posts and Telegraphs; the Mayor, Ald. Come ward off our fears, GE Russell and members of the Corporation in their Be ever to guide in this vale of tears. scarlet robes; Mr. M. Macken, BA, City Manager; Mr. J. McHugh, Assistant Town Clerk; Mr. T. Collery, Star of the Morning, Bright Star of the day, City Accountant; Mr. John J. Dundon, MRCVS; Mr. Keep us forever near thee, we pray. J. Dundon, Law Adviser; Mr. J. F. Thomas, Municipal Gas Engineer; Mr. T. Gough, Deputy Chief, Limerick Fire Brigade. Deep blue is thy mantle as bright sky above, The ceremonies commenced with the recitation Keep thou our eyes ever on that sky of love. of the Rosary and the Litany of the Blessed Virgin by Come, hasten to help us Very Rev. P. L. O’Sullivan, OP. The congregation When grows dim, joined in the singing of Hail Queen of Heaven. The Be ever to guide us from sorrows and sin. Ave Maria was intoned by the choir under the con- duction of Professor Donal Guina at the organ as the Star of the Morning, Bright Star of day, Bishop walked towards the statue to perform the Keep us ever near thee we pray. crowning ceremony. Solemn Benediction of the Most Blessed Outside the church after the ceremonies mem- Sacrament was given by His Lordship after the bers of the Limerick Pipe Band played hymns and choir had sung The – the solo passages Irish airs. A big crowd gathered in Baker Place and were rendered by Miss Rene McGurk, soprano, and inside the church a constant stream filed past the the O Salutaris and Tantum Ergo. newly crowned statue.

The podium listen intently to John Reynolds, the chairman of the St. Mary’s Park committee.

Page 26 Sunday, December 20, 1954 Mayor Russell attends Rathbane blessing

AYOR Ted Russell and his City Council recited in the Church of Mary Queen of Peace after entourage attended their third Marian which a procession, which included the Shrine blessing of the day (Sunday, Boherbuoy Brass and Reed Band and Limerick MDecember 5) following the opening of the Pipe Band proceeded to the Shrine built in the Ballinacurra Weston and Killeely Shrines earlier form of a grotto artistically laid out. The atten- that day. Despite the continuous downpour hun- dance also included, along with those mentioned, dreds of people attended the blessing and unveil- Mr. Michael J. Keyes, TD, Minister for Posts and ing ceremony at Rathbane which was also attend- Telegraphs; Rev. Fr. O’Sullivan, OP, Prior, ed by Rev. Fr. S. O’Beirne, CC, Donoughmore. Dominican Order; Rev. Fr. James Gormley, CSsR, Prior to the ceremony the Marian Year prayer was and Rev. Fr. Shinnors, CF.

The Rathbane committee: Back row: Mick Whelan, Paddy Dore, Paddy McMahon, Jimmy Kelly, Tony Stembridge, Mick Dempsey, Mick Kelly. Middle row: John McGowan, Mr. Finnan, Pa McGowan, John Power, Jack Higgins, Alfie Morrisson, Eamon Coll, Mike McMahon, Joe O’Malley. Front row: Tom Pearse, Jimmy Naughton, Patrick Stapleton, Bill Hayes, John Ryan, Paddy Burke, Michael McMahon. The Communicants are Frances Kelly, 112 Sycamore Avenue; Marie O’Malley, 26 Rathbane Road, and Marie Ryan, 8 Elm Place.

Page 27 The shrine at Rathbane, as in many other areas, was used by photog- raphers as the perfect back-drop for weddings and First Holy Miriam Donnelly proudly returns to the crowd having laid a bouquet Communions. Pictured above is a delightful looking youngster by the of flowers at the feet of Our Lady just after the blessing of the name of Geraldine Philpott Prospect Shrine in November, 1954.

The chairman of the Shrine Committee Mr. W. Fr. Gormley said that our Lady was never out- Hayes, extended a welcome to the Mayor, City done in generosity and she would repay them a Council and the Reverend Fathers and thanked hundred fold for their work in erecting such a love- them for their presence. He said that the shrine ly shrine toHer honour. before them was a perfect example of what could be The ceremony concluded with the singing of achieved when men and women of goodwill united “Faith of Our Fathers”. together for a common purpose. Three little girls dressed in their white Holy The Mayor said the people of Rathbane were Communion dresses and veils placed bouquets of deserving of the warmest congratulations for the flowers on the Shrine. They were Frances Kelly, 112 magnificent memorial they had erected. Limerick Sycamore Avenue; Marie O’Malley, 26 Rathbane could be justly proud of the manner in which it had Road and Marie Ryan, 8 Elm Place (or Elm Avenue) shown its devotion to the Mother of God. He as the Leader described it. expressed the hope that Our Lady would bless them The members of the Rathbane committee were for their endeavours by making Rathbane a happy Chairman, Mr. W. Hayes; secretary, Mr. E. Coll; centre for happy homes. treasurer, Mr. J. Ryan. Committee: Messrs. P. Bourke, Rev. Fr. O’Beirne congratulated the residents for J. Naughton, P. Stapleton, M. Whelan, T. Pearce, J. their splendid efforts in completing the Shrine. Our O’Malley, J. Higgins, J. Kelly, P. McMahon, A. Lady would bless them for it. It was a fine example Morrison, T. Stembridge, Ml. McMahon, P. of what people could do by the co-operative effort. McGowan, J. Power.

Page 28 Sunday, December 5, 1954 Boherbuoy Band lead Ballinacurra Weston residents in procession

“ espite the inclement weather, hundreds of people attended the blessing and unveil- ing ceremony at Ballinacurra Weston. LongD before the procession arrived from St. Joseph’s Church every window and vantage point was occu- pied. The district was decorated with bunting and banners and flags while illuminated miniature shrines shone from a window in nearly every house. “The Shrine, built on the rock garden principle, took some months to complete and the finished work is a credit to all concerned. The statue of Our Lady, which is about five feet in height has a blue mantle which gives it a distinctive appearance. “The procession from St. Joseph’s Church was headed by the Boherbuoy Band followed by the children and adults of the district with Mayor Ald. G. E. Russell and members of the Corporation in attendance. Also present were Rev. Fr. M. Manning, CC, St. Michael’s; Rev. Fr. R. O’Sullivan, CC, St. Michael’s; Rev. Fr. LJ Taheny, OP, and Rev. Fr. James Gormley, CSsR. “The unveiling and blessing of the statue,” according to the Leader, “was performed by Fr. Manning during which the Marian Salute was sounded.” The report continued: “Mr. Sean Mulligan, chair- man of the committee, on behalf of the people of Ballinacurra Weston, welcomed the Mayor, Corporation and the Reverend Fathers. He said it was a day of great joy to the people of Weston and they felt honoured and proud to have such a distin- guished gathering with them that day. He thanked the voluntary workers who had given their time so unselfishly; the collectors for performing a very dif- ficult task and all those who had assisted in their own way to complete the Shrine. It was the gen- erosity of the people and their love for the Mother of God that enabled them to finish the job.” The Mayor expressed his own appreciation and the appreciation of the City Council for the invita- Mattie Massey is pictured right, and Christy Devitt from Hyde Road tion extended to them. are pictured at the Weston Shrine.

Page 29 All for the love of a Lady. . .

The Limerick Leader of Wednesday, August 25, the housing schemes. They will also perpetuate the 1954 wrote following the opening of St. Mary’s Park memory of the Marian Year as a reminder to future Marian Shrine that “hundreds of pounds and many generations of the city’s devotion to the Mother of man hours will be spent in voluntary labour in God. Limerick City before this year ends – and all for the “The building of the Shrines,” the Leader wrote love of a Lady. “has clearly demonstrated the wonderful value of “The Lady, of course, is Our Lady, and the the community spirit and what can be achieved by money and voluntary labour will be used to erect voluntary effort amongst neighbours. That in itself shrines in her honour in the fine housing schemes is a blessing – one of the many that will accrue to throughout the city to commemorate the Marian those engaged in building for the glory and honour Year. of the Mother of God. “Following the blessing of the lovely shrine at “The women and children, too, are playing their St. Mary’s Park, similar projects were started in part in this very commendable work. They have Ballynanty Beg, Prospect, Killeely, Rathbane and formed themselves into collecting groups and taken Janesboro. The work, as was the case in St. Mary’s, turns raising subscriptions. Dances and plays have is being carried out by voluntary labour aided by been organised to defray expenses. voluntary contributions. “The erection of the Shrines has produced a “Little squads of workmen can be seen labour- wonderfully happy spirit amongst neighbours and ing each evening to build the Shrines. When com- a justifiable and loveable pride in their own locali- pleted they will considerably enhance the beauty of ties,” the report concluded. . . . Garryowen Shrine Approx. 50 acres of pasture land at Garryowen sewerage, gas, roads and footpaths have all been will be shortly converted into a great building site provided,” the report continued. for close on 500 houses the Limerick Leader report- “These two housing scheme, when completed, ed in November, 1954. will assimilate, making a complete unit, giving the “This ambitious scheme is to be carried out in city one of the finest housing projects to have been two sections. The first, is for 124 houses and the undertaken by the Corporation,” the report con- second for 360. The development of 20 acres for the first section has been completed. The site is now cluded. ready for building operations as all services, water, The area built their own Marian Shrine in 1983 Shrine unveiled at Bridgetown . . . The Very Rev. T. F. Canon Molloy, PP, VF, TheShrine, which is situated near Bridgetown Killaloe, blessed and declared open a new Marian Church is very impressive, surrounded by a four Shrine at Bridgetown, O’Brien’s Bridge. Canon foot wall with a magnificent railed entrance. The Molloy recited a decade of the Rosary and the Limerick Pipe Band led the procession and played Marian Year prayer after which he addressed the “Faith of Our Fathers.” large gathering. . . . Mass said in Clothing Factory

“For the first time since it was established over to the celebration of the Mass, Fr. White blessed a a century ago, Mass was celebrated in the premises six foot Marian Statue erected in the factory of the Limerick Clothing Factory,” The Limerick grounds by the workers. Leader declared. The celebrant was Very Rev. John The Mass was celebrated to commemorate the White, Adm., St. Michael’s and the congregation closing of the Marian Year on Wednesday, comprised all the various staffs of the factory. Prior December 8, 1954.

Page 30 The faithful gather at the Weston Shrine on a desperately wet and cold December day in 1954

“As you know,” he said, “four or five Marian piness and contentment to them all. Shrines have been unveiled in Limerick during the Fr. Manning said that participation in the cere- past few weeks and you, the people of Ballinacurra mony made him very proud because the district Weston can be well proud of your tribute to Our was the first district he was appointed to by His Lady in this Marian Year. This statue has not been Lordship the Bishop. The people’s wonderful loyal- erected without much hard work and at times you ty to the faith was reflected in the affection of their thought the work might fail. It took the hard earned beautiful tribute to Our Lady. sixpences and shillings of the people to gather the The Rev. speaker thanked the committee for necessary funds for the erection. It is a magnificent inviting him to their meeting, the workers for their tribute to Our Blessed Mother and I hope that every unselfish labour and the collectors in their unenvi- one of you will be inspired by the work with a able task of collecting the money and everyone in greater love for the Mother of God.” the district who by their offerings, had made the In conclusion, he expressed the hope that no act building of the Shrine possible. He thanked the would ever be done in the district to bring discredit Mayor, members of the City Council and the to the fair name of Our Lady. He hoped that she Reverend Fathers for their attendance at the joyful would enter their heart and homes and bring hap- ceremony.

Page 31 Flags and bunting had Ballinacurra Weston looking resplendent on the day of the opening on December 5, 1954.

Page 32 Referring to that “unfortunate country France,” obtain for you all the promises of Christ.” Fr. Manning said that it was full of wayside Shrines, Fr. Gormley, having expressed his joy at being crucifixes and grottoes but unfortunately, the people present, said that Limerick, perhaps more than any there had lost the Faith and the Church was using other centre in Ireland, had demonstrated its love every means possible to try and get them to practice and devotion to the Mother of God. The people of their religion. Fortunately, for the people of Ireland Ballinacurra Weston were not behind the rest of they had bought their faith at a very dear price, Limerick in that respect. His Holiness the Pope who through the long nights of persecution and he had given them the Marian Year, was today suffer- hoped that by the building of these Shrines to Our ing from a serious illness and it might well be that Blessed Lady in districts and parishes the lessons of he was on his death bed. People often wondered Church history would mean something to them. He why there was so much suffering but it was a tra- expressed the hope that the statue of Our Lady dition of their faith that anything that was worth- would be a continual reminder to parents to see that while obtaining was worth suffering for. He asked their religion and the spirit of their religion would them to pray for the recovery of His Holiness and be preserved in their homes through family for the strength and courage to help him to bear his prayers. That great priest Fr. Peyton, who had suffering. If he died he would go straight to the devoted his life to the spreading of the Rosary, said maternal arms of Mary to reap his just reward for all that the family that prayed together stayed together. eternity. The crowd then joined in short prayers for If they retained their love of Our Lady they could be the Pope. assured that Ireland would never suffer the fate of The ceremony concluded with the singing of Continental countries. “Ave Maria,” and “Faith of our Fathers.” Fr. O’Sullivan said that the building of a perma- The committee in charge were Mrs. O’Brien, nent memorial to Our Lady assured the people of Mrs. Murray, Mrs. Mulqueen, Mrs. Finnan and Mrs. the district of the protection of the Mother of God. O’Reilly; Messrs. Hannon, Lowe, Mulqueen, There was never a moment in the thousands of Finnan, Murray, D. McInerney, J. McInerney, years of the Church’s history that the faithful did Murphy, Collins, O’Loughlin, Mulligan, O’Mahony, not experience the powerful intercession of the O’Donnell, Clohessy, O’Reilly, Allen, Murphy, Mother of God. That day they were reminded of Culhane, McCormack, Quinlivan, Carey, O’Brien, Our Lady’s heavenly power and glory. Hynes, Naughton, M. Lowe, P. Hannon, “May this statue,” he concluded, “help to Prendergast, O’Shea, Campion, Brown, Thompson remind us of our duty towards Mary and may she and W. Hannon.

The Weston shrine has undergone several changes since it was opened and blessed in 1954. Following the initial blessing a timber canopy was erected around the shrine but over the years that deteriorated with the result the above Shrine now adorns the area. This picture was taken approx 20 years after the official opening.

Page 33 Teresa Hynes from Clarina Avenue pictured in front of the Shrine in Weston with the timber canopy. See Page 100 also.

Page 34 Sunday, December 5, 1954 Kileely shrine opened and blessed on same day as Weston and Rathbane

UNDAY, December 5, 1954, was a red letter parishioners of Kileely and district. As the procession day in the history of the Marian Shrine proceeded to the Shrine hymns to Our Lady were Movement when three were blessed and sung to the accompaniment of St. John’s Band and St. Sunveiled together at Kileely, Ballinacurra Weston Mary’s Fife and Drum Band. Prayers were also recit- and neighbouring Rathbane. ed as the people passed along the processional route. The weather was most inclement but despite “The Kileely district was very tastefully decorated that, huge numbers attended each of the unveiling with bunting and religious emblems and pictures. ceremonies. Many houses had their front windows fitted up with “At Kileely,” the Leader wrote, “the Shrine is situ- images of the Blessed Virgin surrounded by fairy ated in the grounds of the Christian Brothers’ Schools. lights. A special platform was erected at the Shrine The unveiling ceremony was performed by the with loud speakers, over which the ceremony was Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. O’Neill assisted by Right Rev. relayed to the large congregation.” Monsignor M. Moloney, PP, VF, and Rev. Fr. Cagney, CC, St. Munchin’s and President of the Shrine com- On arrival at the Shrine a guard of honour of mittee. Knights of Malta and Boy Scouts was drawn up for Before the unveiling ceremony, the Leader wrote, the Bishop. As his Lordship unveiled the Shrine trum- “a procession took place to the Shrine from St. peters sounded a salute to Our Lady. The other clergy Munchin’s Church. Those taking part in the proces- present at the ceremony were Rev. Fr. James Gormley, sion included the Mayor, Ald. G. E. Russell and mem- CSsR, Rev. Fr J. Godfrey, CC, Rev. Fr. G. Griffin, CC bers of the Corporation, school boys and girls and and Rev. Fr. M. Neville, CC.

The Shrine at Killeely pictured by John Fitzgerald.

Page 35 This picture was taken on June 27, 1954, a full two months before the official blessing of the main Shrineat St. Mary’s Park on August 15 of the same year. The youngsters are from left, Mary Vaughan, Anna O’Doherty, Rita O’Doherty and Ann Kiely.

Most Rev. Dr. O’Neill, in an address to the congre- ple of Killeely for erecting such a beautiful Shrine to gation, congratulated all those responsible for the the Mother of God. He felt sure she would continue to erection of the Shrine. Its completion was the culmi- watch over them in the future just as she had done in nation of many months of voluntary labour for the the past. After the ceremony the Bishop was intro- love and honour of Our Lady, he said. duced to each member of the Shrine Committee by In a reference to Our Lady’s Immaculate Monsignor Moloney. Conception, his Lordship said this was a most impor- “One of the most enthusiastic workers in the erec- tant thing. It reminded them of man’s weaknesses due tion of the Shrine was 80-year-old Mr. William to original sin. If people appealed to the Blessed McNamara who did all the masonry work. He is the Virgin for help, however, she would always heed that oldest mason in the city,” the report concluded. appeal to help them overcome their weaknesses. With The committee was Rev. Fr. Cagney, CC, St. so much ungodliness in the world today it was now Munchin’s, President; Mr. George McInerney, chair- more important than ever before to trust in her for man; Mr. Ger Hogan, vice-chairman; Mr. John Quane, help. hon. secretary; Messrs. Michael Earls Jnr.; John The Bishop said he wished to thank Monsignor Connolly, Chris Mortell, Pat Kelly, Dan Gauld, Ger Moloney for inviting him to unveil the Shrine. He said Keogh, Sam Byrnes, Joe Kiely, Ger McShara, Michael also that he “regretted not being able to attend the McDonnell. Collectors were Mrs. Hogan, Misses Eily unveiling ceremony of the Marian Year Shrine in Moloney, Duggan, , Honan, B. Hogan and Ballynanty Beg some weeks ago.” Murray. His Lordship concluded by reciting the Marian Year prayer and then imparted his blessing to the con- ● Thanks to John Fitzgerald who went to the gregation. trouble of getting me a picture of the Kileely Shrine. The Mayor also spoke and congratulated the peo-

Page 36 Sunday, December 19, 1954 Janesboro shrine sited at Marian Avenue

HE building and blessing of Marian Shrines Especially in Janesboro enthusiasm was high. The continued apace in Limerick with the shrine which the residents had dedicated to Our Janesboro Shrine being blessed by Most Rev. Lady of the Immaculate Conception was unveiled TDr. O’Neill, Bishop of Limerick. Though the magnif- and blessed by His Lordship, the Bishop of icent edifice stands proudly at the top of Marian Limerick, Most Rev. Dr. P. O’Neill. It was such a joy- Avenue, the “White Collar” houses as they were ous occasion for the Janesboro locality that the hous- known later, had not yet been fully completed. es in the estate were tastefully decorated with Once again the Limerick Leader carried an in sacred images and streamers bearing religious invo- depth report on the opening which was held on cations spanning the roads. Everywhere there was Sunday, December 19, 1954. evidence of edification mingled with a deep sense of The paper continued: “From the weather view joy. Janesboro’s turn had come to pay a tribute to point yesterday was a dull day. It was far from being Our Lady in memory of the Marian Year. How well a dismal one in the hearts of the people of Limerick. they did it.”

Janesboro Parish Committee who built the Shrine to Our Lady in 1954. The blessing was preceded by a parade around the parish. The names of the entire committee was placed in a bottle and under the base of the shrine. Back row (three standing), Mr. Sheehan, Leo Coughlan, Denis Ahern. Second row Anthony Coughlan, Mr. Dean, Mr. Casey, Denis Morgan, Aidan Buckley, Mr. Tuthill, Fr. Wall, Mr. Power, Jack Culbert, Very Rev. Fr. Brazil, PP; Mr. Melleny –––?, Mr. O'Halloran, Jim Coughlan, Frank Taylor. Third row, Mr. Cleary, Mr. Flynn, Frank Glasgow, Mayor of Limerick; Fr. O'Byrne, –––––, Mr. Ahern, Paul Shinnors, Ger Barry, Noel Kennedy. Front: Buddy Coughlan, Finbar Carter, Martin Doyle, Mr. Farrell, Tony Benson, Mr. Carroll, Billy Grehan.

Page 37 The Leader continued: “All ages combined to hymns were played alternatively by the Boherbuoy make it an occasion worthy of remembrance. Even Brass and Reed Band and the St. John’s Brass and the little children played their role in producing a Reed Band. The members of St. John’s, St. Michael’s shrine neatly finished to plan. Set in an ideal loca- and St. Patrick’s troops of the Catholic Boy Scouts tion, fronting the vast housing estate, it represents accorded his Lordship a guard of honour as he too a splendid specimen of Irish craftsmanship and arrived and left. Members of the Knights of Malta local endeavour combined. With a cloak of familiar were also on duty. blue, the statue stands on a solid brick pedestal with “Having welcomed all in his capacity as presid- floral ornamentation. It was a touching scene and a ing chairman, Mr. Thomas Crowe said that during joyful one to see his Lordship culminate the zealous the past four months men had laboured there in the efforts of the Shrine Committee and its many erection of the Shrine to the Immaculate Mother of helpers by unveiling the statue and giving it his God. They worked earnestly and unselfishly in the blessing. building of the beautiful Shrine. Yesterday,” he “Children of Mary in their blue and white dress added, “this was an inanimate object of stone. Today formed a guard of honour and a bugler sounded the it is a beautiful image of God’s Holy Mother looking royal salute as his Lordship pulled the blue string down on the people of Janesboro. And we hope and and unfolded the magnificent image of the Mother pray that she will shower down countless blessings Immaculate. Prior to that simple ceremony the faith- on those people who gave us voluntary subscrip- ful of the parish and many outside it, walked in pro- tions in the past months; that they will take her into cession through the housing estate after the recita- their homes and into their hearts and be a guiding tion of the Rosary in Our Lady Queen of Peace light both for themselves and their children.” Church. Led by the acolytes and the children of the He continued: “I cannot let this occasion pass parish, then followed by the Children of Mary and without paying a tribute to the boys of the parish adults, the procession expressed the fidelity of the who gave us such wonderful help in the completion people to the Heavenly Queen. It was appropriate of this shrine. I believe that if there are boys of such- that the procession should set out from Marian calibre in the rest of Ireland as there are in Janesboro Avenue. the tentacles of atheistic communism will not secure “Marching in the procession were Rev. Fr. any stronghold in this country. We are indeed grate- Brassill, PP; Rev. J. M. Gormley, CSsR, Spiritual Director, Arch Confraternity of the Holy Family; ful for the assistance and help from all concerned,” Rev. F. J. O’Beirne, CC; Rev. E. O’Dea, CC; Rev. Fr. D. he continued. Wall, CC and Rev. Fr. G. Wall, CC. Mr. Crowe went on to thank the clergy for their The Mayor, Ald. G. E. Russell, and the following help and guidance and thanked everyone who had members of the Corporation also participated: Ald. assisted the committee in any way. He felt sure that J. Carew, TD, and Councillors Bradshaw, Connery, the Holy Mother would shower many blessings on Coughlan, Glasgow, O’Connell and Walsh. The them.

One of the many fundraisers the Janesboro committee organised was a dog night at the Market’s Field. It proved very successful. The organis- ers were Fr. Houlihan, Walter Bennett, Mr. Power, Jack O’Donnell, Fr. O’Sullivan, Mr. Geary, Mr. Fleming, Mr. Kearns, Mr. Tuthill, Tom Henn, Mr. Barrett, Mr. McMahon.

Page 38 Janesboro’s hard-working shrine committee: From left, Mrs. McNamara, Mr. Casey, Willie Morgan, Mrs. Moore, Jack O’Donnell, Walter Bennett. Front row: Mai Morgan, Peggy Meaney, Mrs. Kearns, Mrs. O’Flynn, Mrs. Collopy, Mr. Melleney and Mr. Power.

“She stands there with her hands outstretched,” work that none could do better than the Irish. While he said, “asking you to turn to her in your distress- the Irish were helping to spread the faith in other es and joys. Let us also remember those who were lands there was a responsibility on every one of alive when this shrine was started, some of whom them to maintain the faith at home. If they did not have gone to their better reward, and we should do that the work of those in other lands would come remember them in our prayers this evening.” to an end.” The Bishop of Limerick, Most Rev. Dr. O’Neill, Concluding, his Lordship expressed thanks to said that the people of Janesboro now had joined the all those who contributed in any way financially or many other sections of the city and the many places otherwise and particularly by the manual work in throughout the diocese in erecting that noble shrine the erection of the noble shrine. He was sure, as in honour of the Immaculate Mother of God. “It is a their chairman had said, that countless blessings fitting termination of the year devoted especially by would descend from the Mother of God on the His Holiness, Pope Pius XII to honour Our Lady. He parish and everyone in it in return for the erection of was sure that in their gratitude to the Holy Father the shrine. for having initiated these special devotions in hon- Rev. Fr. J. M. Gormley, CSsR, Spiritual Director our of this centenary year of Our Lady they would of the Arch Confraternity, in his address said it “had pray fervently for him during his present illness.” often been said that you need not be very long in a His Lordship added that it was a joy and a pleas- country to know who its national heroes were. In ure for him to assist at this function; this evening of every country of the world they would see expres- unveiling and blessing the splendid statue of Our Lady and it was an assurance to him that the hearts sions of the people’s gratitude for their national of the people of the parish were in the right place. heroes. They would see statues of those heroes They were continuing as their ancestors did, to give erected in parks and other prominent places the honour and glory that was due the Mother of throughout those countries. Any casual visitor to God, he said. Ireland would be struck by the fact that the one Speaking of how strong the faith was in Ireland, obvious hero in this country must be the His Lordship said “they had proof of that in many Immaculate Mother of God. Wherever people went ways especially in the matter of vocations for mis- in Ireland and especially in Limerick they would see sions in other countries. They had people coming to a shrine in honour of Our Lady. They had set a them from those places seeking the sons and daugh- headline in Limerick in many respects but especial- ters of their people for work in the missions – a ly in this Year of Mary.

Page 39 The committee reponsible for the Fair Green Shrine: Back row, B. O’Mahony, T. O’Connell, J. Liston. Second row: D. Lipper, J. O’Neill, M. O’Flaherty, J. O’Mara. Third row: M. O’Connor, A. Garrard, J. J. Kenneally, P. O’Shea J. O’Byrne, Mrs. Sweeney. Front: Mrs. Sheerin, Mrs. Byrnes, W. Hanrahan, P. Fitzgerald, P. O’Neill, M. Ryan, Mrs. Lipper, Mrs. Simms.

Fr. Gormley referred to the difficulties which “They in the Corporation,” he said, “had the had confronted those concerned in the erection of honour to be present at similar functions through- the Shrine and said that they had not completed the out the city. He thought that no city or town in work until after the close of the Marian Year Ireland had done more to pay tribute to Our Lady (December 8). It showed, however, that their first this year than Limerick City. Everyone associated devotion to the Mother of God was not a mere with that effort deserved praise. He recalled seeing pressing thing. She really was that national hero men toiling on the site in their anxiety to complete who was given first place of honour after her Divine the shrine and he knew of the spirit behind them to Son. raise the tribute to Our Lady. The result of their Finally, Fr. Gormley congratulated all concerned work was the magnificent effort they saw that on the wonderful success that had crowned their evening. Every effort that sprang from the parish efforts. Surely, Mary would be very pleased as she was a worthy effort and everyone of those con- looked down on them. And as they had crowned cerned could congratulate themselves. It was a fit- her that evening in a circle of blue, she would pro- ting close to the Marian Year in Limerick and it was tect them during life and crown them in death with the graces of her Divine Son. a memory that he, as Mayor, would carry with him The Mayor, Ald. G. E. Russell, joining in the con- to the end of his days. He could assure the people of gratulations to the people of Janesboro, on his own Janesboro that he and his colleagues on the City behalf and on behalf of his colleagues in the Council shared with them the joy and pride they Limerick Corporation, said it was a proud day for must feel on this wonderful day.” the people of Janesboro. He knew something of the The Janesboro committee was led by Rev. Fr. J. trials and difficulties they had to overcome before Beirne, CC, president; Mr. Tom Crowe, vice-chair- they could be ready to unveil that magnificent trib- man; Mr. Martin Doyle, hon secretary and Mr. F. ute to Our Lady which they saw that evening. It Glasgow, hon. treasurer. The rest of the committee was, perhaps, unfortunate that the statue could not were D. Aherne, F. Carter, J. Coughlan, L. Kearns, T. be unveiled within the Marian Year but as Fr. Cleary, P. Power, P. Sheehan, P. Shinnors and J. Gormley said it came within Mary’s year of 1954. Tuthill.

Page 40 Monday, January 3, 1955 Fair Green Shrine erected on historic ground

NE of the last of nine shrines erected in Limerick’s spiritual future. Limerick to commemorate the Marian Year In a chilly yesterday afternoon, His Lordship, R. was unveiled and blessed yesterday on his- Rev. Dr. O’Neill, Bishop of Limerick, had the great Otoric ground at the Fair Green by the Bishop of pleasure of unveiling and blessing the Fair Green Limerick, Most Rev. Dr. P. O’Neill. The houses in the Shrine. Also present at the ceremony were Very Rev. district were specially decorated with sacred pic- J. Cowpar, DD, PP, St. Patrick’s, who assisted His tures and the general scene was one of reverence Lordship; Rev. Fr. P. O’Regan, CC, St. Patrick;s Rev. and joy in marking the great occasion. Fr. E. Casey, CC, St. Patrick’s Rev. J. M. Gormley, On historic ground adjoining the Fair Green CSSr, Spiritual Director of the Arch Confraternity of Housing Estate where the National Apostle, St. the Holy Family; Rev. Fr. Canny, CSSr, and Rev. Fr. Patrick preached the Gospel stands an imposing Rocks, CSSr. shrine in honour of the Immaculate Conception. It is The Minister for Posts and Telegraphs, Mr. M. J. another symbol of the tender affection that the peo- Keyes, TD., the Mayor, Ald. G. E. Russell, marched ple of Limerick have for the Mother of God. in the procession from St. Patrick’s Church to the The map of Limerick is now serenely dotted with site of the grotto. With them were Senator J. Reidy, shrines dedicated to the Mother of God. They not Ald. J. Carew, TD, Mr. P. O’Connell, BC, Mr. M. only represent pleasant reminders of the Marian Cunneen, BC, Mr. F. Glasgow, BC, M. JJ Connery, Year but could be looked upon as happy auguries of BC, Mr. S. Coughlan, BC and Mr. C. Keyes, NT, BC.

One of the earliest known pictures of the Fair Green Shrine. The picture, supplied by Sean O’Flaherty, shows the original ornate metal screen surrounding the Shrine which is reported to have come from the floor of the Redemptorist Church. About ten or fifteen years later the current frontage was built with the railings again replaced only a month or so ago (see picture Page 42).

Page 41 A much later version of the same Fair Green Shrine but with new railings and St. Brigid’s Church in the background. The picture was taken probably in the late ’70s or early ’80s. The bars and gate were replaced back in July of this year.

St. John’s Brass and Reed Band, under the con- have been loyal in their devotion to the Blessed duction of Mr. A. Kearsley, BM, played the hymnal Virgin they surely must attribute the credit for that music for the processionists, led by the schoolboys to a great extent, to St. Patrick’s missionary work. of the parish. Men and women, and girls wearing His Lordship said he desired to give expression their confraternity medals also marched as did briefly to his admiration of the work of the commit- members of the Catholic Boy Scouts and the Knights tee in setting up that beautiful shrine. He wished to of Malta whose standard was carried. Religious thank all those who in any way co-operated in the banners as well as the Papal flag and Tricolour were work, whether by subscriptions or by helping in any borne in the most edifying procession. other way, but especially those who had helped by After His Lordship had performed the simple but their manual work. He was sure that the Shrine beautiful ceremony of unveiling and blessing the would bring countless blessings on the people of statue of the Immaculate Conception, the band Singland. It was a particular day and a glorious day played the hymn “Immaculate” which was sponta- for the people of the parish and that district, and he neously sung by those present. was certain that blessings would fall abundantly on Mr. Michael Ryan, chairman of the very energetic them. The Mother of God would protect them and committee welcomed all present, especially His comfort them in their trials and be with them all the Lordship, the Bishop of Limerick, who had highly days of their lives. honoured them by his presence. The Mayor, Ald. GE Russell, speaking on behalf His Lordship addressing the gathering, said he of his colleagues of the Limerick Corporation, did not require to be thanked for having come there extended to the chairman and members of the com- on that magnificent occasion. They were there on mittee in charge his deep-felt thanks for giving them holy and historic ground, practically standing there the opportunity of being with them at the pleasant on the site, he supposed, on which St. Patrick stood function on that historic and memorable occasion. when he brought the first message of the Faith to the He would like to be associated with the remarks of people of Singland and to all who had come to hear His Lordship in congratulating all those who took him. And if down through the centuries the people part in the building of the Shrine.

Page 42 His Worship went on to congratulate all those historic parish. who were concerned in the manual work and those Mr. Michael Ryan, Chairman of the committee, who had the hard task of going around collecting finally returned thanks to everyone connected with funds. The work was now completed and it was a the erection of the Shrine. ‘There is one, I feel, I must magnificent tribute to Our Blessed Lady. The people mention by name,’ he continued ‘ That is Peadar there would not only regard the Shrine as a tribute Fitzgerald. But for the work of this young man our to Our Lady but it would be an inspiration to every presence here today would not be possible. To home in that section of the parish. He hoped that Peadar Fitzgerald’s gallant work must go our high- that occasion of unveiling and blessing the Shrine est praise.’ would be remembered throughout the days before them. It was the last Marian Shrine unveiled in The inspiring ceremony concluded with the play- Limerick and it was truly a worthy memory in that ing by the band of “Faith of our Fathers.”

The residents of the Fair Green and surrounding areas turned out in large numbers to witness the blessing of their own Marian Shrine in January, 1955.

Page 43 Personal reflections of a young man in the Fair Green By JIM SIMMS

I CAN remember the building of the Shrine very well. It was a combined effort from the people of the 76 houses. Us children used to gather stones and other rubble to put into the foundation. Boys like Eddie McCarthy, Mick O’Neill, Denis Ryan and others were there to help and do odd jobs. The building itself was in the hands of Peadar Fitzgerald of Bengal Terrace and Tommy O’Brien and John Liston, all of whom had an excellent knowledge of the building trade. Bertie O’Mahony was, I think, the person who provid- ed the first railings (see picture P.41) to encom- pass the shrine. It has been said that the railing may have come out of the Redemptorist Church which were the gratings on the floor. The shrine was not blessed until January of 1955. What the delay was, I’m not sure, but it could possibly be the statue of the Blessed Virgin was not ready until then. For many years after some of the locals used to go there to say their rosary. As the residents died off so did the custom and today only a handful still pray there at night.

A Limerick Weekly Echo picture of committee and supporters of the Fair Green Shrine Initiative

Page 44 Sunday, August 15, 1954 Marian Shrine on spot where Mass was said in Penal times

“OUR forefathers held steadfastly to the Faith with decorated altar shrine on which was displayed a courage and determination and handed it down to colourful display of floral tributes from parishioners us, bright and unsullied,” declared the Rev Father and visitors. The ceremony opened with a selection Ruddle, PP, Ardagh, when he addressed a huge of sacred music from the gathering of parishioners and visitors on the bleak Confraternity Band and when the Mass opened at furze covered mountainside at Ballyine in the West 12 noon there must have been close on 2,000 in the Limerick parish of Ardagh, on Sunday, August 15, unique congregation accommodated in the centre 1954, on the occasion of the blessing and unveiling and sloping side of the little glen. of yet another Marian Shrine in County Limerick. The Shrine was unveiled and blessed by Rev. The assembly, one of the most historic in the reli- Father Ruddle, PP, Ardagh, and it is interesting to gious history of the parish, was composed of sever- recall that according to local tradition two priests of al hundred men, women and children who had the same name offered the Holy Sacrifice on the made the difficult hillside ascent to be present at the same spot during the Penal Days. special open-air Mass to commemorate the blessing In the course of an inspiring address Father and unveiling of a magnificent Marian Year Shrine Ruddle thanked all who helped to erect the Shrine erected on the very spot where the Holy Sacrifice which, he said, would stand out as a lasting memo- was celebrated furtively during the dark Penal rial to the faith of the people of Ardagh. Days. Most solemn part of the ceremony came with the The ceremony, wrote a staff reporter of the Leader, was one of the most impressive and edify- open air Mass, celebrated by Rev Father Fitzgibbon, ing of its kind ever held in the west of the country. CC, Ardagh, in the presence of a distinguished gath- Bright summer sunshine, all the more welcome ering of clergy and Sisters of the Mercy Order, who because of its rarity this year, added much to the were accommodated in a place of honour directly in colour and attractiveness of the moving hillside front of the altar. Right Rev. Monsignor Hannan, PP, scene. There was unique atmosphere of quiet digni- VG., Newcastle West, who made the difficult ascent ty and solemnity as proud parishioners augmented unaided, represented the Bishop of Limerick who by hundreds of visitors from far and near assembled was absent in Lourdes. around the artistically designed Shrine and altar, Other clergy in attendance included:- Very Rev which were provided by the voluntary and co-oper- Canon Carroll, PP, VF., , Rev M Kelly, CC ative effort of local residents. Numerous members Newcastle West, Rev Father Cussen, CC, , of the clergy and Sisters of Mercy Order joined with Rev Father Bowles, OMI, Cahermoyle. the assembled crowd in the celebration of the Mass, Amongst the nuns present was Rev Mother the first held for over a century and a half in the Seraphine, Mercy Order, Kilkenny, sister of Mr Pat remote mountain glen to which tradition has aptly Kennedy, Balline, Chairman of the Committee given the name of Clash-na-Sagarth. For it was here, responsible for the project. By their presence, Sr on this hallowed spot, that the faithful from the sur- Seraphine and Mr Kennedy maintained an unbro- rounding countryside gathered for the Holy ken tradition with the Penal Mass on the Clash in Sacrifice in those far off evil days when the Bishops which their great-grandfather assisted as a boy. and priests were hunted and proscribed and the Another of the sisters present was Sister Stanislaus people robbed of everything but their Faith. All throughout the morning there was a seem- of the Mercy Order who came from the well-known ingly endless stream of men and women, boys and local shrine family. girls wending their way slowly up the difficult After the Mass, the Rosary was recited by Rev M pathways and crossing mountain streams on their Kelly, CC, Newcastle West and for a considerable way to the newly-erected Shrine. They were of all time afterwards a big section of the crowd remained ages and classes and in the final steep ascent to the on the mountainside to pay personal tributes before half-hidden glen, the very old, as well as the very the altar and secure helpings of water from the well, young had to be assisted to the scene of the ceremo- which having been discovered in the course of exca- nial. Papal and Marian Year flags fluttered in the vation work, has been preserved and encased as gentle but bracing hilltop breeze above the richly part of the Shrine.

Page 45 Over 2,000 souls climbed the mountain at Ballyine to celebrate the opening of their Marian Shrine.

The Shrine, which commands a striking the banishment of all Catholic Bishops, leaving panoramic view of a vast expanse of countryside untouched the parish clergy, who it was hoped was erected by voluntary labour and the assistance would die in time for want of consecration. The of a committee of local residents of which Mr. Patrick Bishops were reduced to six, living the most obscure Kennedy, Ballyine, was chairman. and dangerous lives. Then in 1703 came an Act ban- Mr Tom Mulvihille, Ballina-Bearna was mainly ishing Regulars and Vicars-General, a Registration responsible for the design and construction of the Act for priests. It was an Act that all priests should Shrine, which is a remarkable tribute to his fine take an oath of abjuration and swear that the son of craftsmanship. He was ably assisted at the work by James 11 had no rights to the Crown and to pledge Mr Jerry O’Sullivan and the other members of the themselves to the Protecture. All refused, needless to committee. say. Addressing the gathering, Rev Father Ruddle “We now come to the famous Dr Lacey, Bishop of said: “We are assembled here today to hear Mass at Limerick for 21 and a half years. Dr Robert Lacey the very spot where in the Penal Days the Holy was consecrated Bishop in France in 1738. He was Sacrifice was celebrated by the hunted and pro- born at Dromada, and was of ancient lineage, scribed priests. Thank God the long dark winter of the De Laceys. He became president of the Irish persecution has passed, leaving behind examples of College, Bordeaux and it must have been a great heroism, courage and steadfastness. Today we live in change from the cloistered corridors of Bordeaux to happier times, when we have freedom of religion to the hunted hillsides of Limerick. But, Dr Lacey was worship God according to the laws of the Catholic of stern stuff and he came home to his Diocese with Church. We can hardly understand the conditions calmness and courage. He took over the parishes of under which our forefathers lived and died, true to Newcastle West and Monagea and spent ten years in their faith and fatherland. Afew words about those Newcastle West. His memory is perpetuated by the Penal Laws will not be out of place today. name of the street where he lived - Bothair an “In 1697, the Dublin Parliament passed an Act for Easpuigh, Bishop Street.

Page 46 “In 1744-45, the smouldering fires of Penal Laws too sought to persecute the Church, which has tri- lit up again and the priest-hunters were busy every- umphed, while they are no more. Our own forefa- where. Dr Lacey had to go on his keeping and seek thers held steadfastly to the faith with courage and refuge in the fastness of West Limerick and more determination and handed it down to their descen- than likely he celebrated Mass on the Mass Rock on dants, bright and unsullied. which we stand today. Dr Lacey died in Limerick in “We are also assembled here to honour the 1759 and was buried according to his wishes in the Blessed Virgin, Mother of God, on this, the Feast of grave of his ancestors in the old ruined church at her glorious Assumption. Now the parishioners of Ardagh. The old roadway by which the funeral Ardagh and Carrickerry have erected a noble statue cortege approached is still pointed out. It is now a to the Blessed Virgin on the very spot where Mass disused bye-road but it is still called Bothair an was said in the Penal times. It will stand out as a Easpuigh, the Bishop’s roadway. Later, Dr Young, lasting memorial of the faith of the people of Bishop of Limerick, erected a massive stone slab Ardagh and shows beyond all doubt their reverence over the grave. Beneath the stone are deposited the and love for the Virgin Queen. As Parish Priest of mortal remains of Rev Robert De Lacey, Bishop for this historic parish it is my privilege to thank all 21 and a half years, who departed this life on 4th who helped to erect this statue and altar. No doubt August, 1759. Dr Lacey was mild and gentle and he it was a labour of love and all will be rewarded spir- ruled, we are told, with patience and also with reso- itually at least and I’m sure they all rejoice in the lution. success of the project. I would also like to extend my “Thank God we live in happier times at least in thanks to Monsignor Hannan, Canon Carroll and this country, but it is not so behind the Iron Curtain. the other visiting priests and nuns,” Fr. Ruddle con- In China there was 5,000 foreign missioners in 1940, cluded. now only 38 remain. Bishops, priests, nuns and The committee was led by chairman, Mr. Pat brothers have been either murdered, imprisoned or Kennedy, assisted by Messrs. John Sheehan, vice- expelled and it is very heartbreaking to all Catholics chairman; Mr. John Kennedy, treasurer; Mr. John that we are here today and should pray for our suf- Lee, secretary. Committee: Messrs. John Doody, fering fellow-Catholics in these afflicted lands that Jerry O’Connell, John Kiely, Joe O’Sullivan, Maurice they may have courage to endure their bitter lot. Dooley, J. Woulfe, Wm. Barrett, James Heffernan, “But the truth will prevail, the Tom Mulvihille, Jerry O’Sullivan, P. O’Sullivan, Tom will rise again and its persecutors will be no more. Enright, Joe Heffernan, John O’Connell, NT; Jas , Hitler and Mussollini are examples. They Lynch, Jim Drew, Jack B. Enright, Jim Hough.

Over 2,000 people attended the unveiling and blessing of the Marian Shrine at Ballyine. ❏ Pictures: John P. O’Sullivan

Page 47 A section of the huge crowd at the Ballyine Shrine.

Two lovely shots of the Ballyine Shrine

Page 48 Sunday, May 8, 1955 described as being ‘one of the finest’ Shrines in County Limerick

NE of the finest Marian Shrines in County cession wended its way reverently to the Shrine, to Limerick was at Stonehall and was opened the accompaniment of the Rosary. and blessed on Sunday, May 8, 1955, the first “On its arrival, Rev. Fr. Bluett, PP, solemnly Oanniversary of the opening of the Marian Year. blessed the statue. Then he thanked the people for The Leader wrote: the work done and introduced Fr. O’Brien, “Sunday, May 8 was a red letter day for the parish President, St. Munchin’s College, who delivered a of Stonehall when the beautiful Marian Shrine, short but pithy address. He complimented his lis- erected beside the new school and forming a land- teners on their evident devotion to Our Lady and mark on the main road between Limerick and assured them of her powerful protection and Foynes was declared open. exhorted them to maintain her Shrine in its present “At 1 p.m. a procession was formed outside loveliness,” the short report concluded. Stonehall Church. It was led by the Copsewood The Shrine was designed by Mr. Dermot Madden, Band, then came the children, most of whom wore son of Mrs. Madden, NT, Kilcornan and erected by white veils. After these were a very large number of the contributions and voluntary labour of the parishioners and finally a number of cars. The pro- parishioners.

Crowds turned out in huge numbers for the opening of the Stonehall Shrine in Kilcornan

Page 49 The adults march past the Coach Inn in Kilcornan for the blessing of the Shrine at Stonehall

The locality’s children prepare for the opening of the Stonehall Shrine in 1955. ❏ Pictures: Jerome O’Connell

Page 50 Very Rev. Fr. Bluett blesses the holy Shrine at Kilcornan in 1955. ❏ Pictures: Michael Costelloe

The committee who helped build Kilcornan Shrine. Back row: Ned Sheehan, Sean Hanley, Johnny O’Keeffe, Jimmy Nash, Dan Nash. Middle: Denis McDonnell, ----?, Jack Neville, Paddy O’Connell, Mike Hanley, Paddy Mann, Jim Nash. Front: Dermot Madden, Susan Madden, NT, Principal; Miss O’Sullivan, NT; Mary Murphy, Noreen O’Keeffe, Jack Sheehy

Page 51 Sunday, May 8, 1955 Attractive Marian Shrine unveiled at Foynes

ESPITE an exceptionally severe gale and per- him they would have had no Shrine. sistent heavy rain, over 1,500 parishioners On arrival at the neatly enclosed and illuminated and visitors turned out at Foynes on site of the Shrine, the various units of the procession, DWednesday 8th inst. for the unveiling of a most including members of the mens’ and womens’ attractive Marian Year Shrine at the Limerick end of Confraternities, school children, church choir and the Shannon Port town. The storm-swept and par- altar boys, assembled around the enclosure for the tially submerged main street was profusely decorat- unveiling and blessing of the Shrine by Very Rev. ed for the occasion with flags and bunting and the Canon Rice, PP. highly impressive ceremony was preceded by a pro- Before the ceremony all present joined in render- cession from the Parish Church to the picturesque ing hymnal tributes to Mary Immaculate and there site of the Shrine at the other end of the town. was a moving scene as Canon Rice unveiled and Singing appropriate hymns and reciting the Rosary blessed the fine statue. In the course of a brief address as they wound their way along the streets, the pro- Canon Rice told the large gathering that by erecting cessionists (writes a staff reporter of the Leader) the lovely Shrine they had given a definite answer to braved the bitterly cold elements in order to share in the enemies of Mary and proved their loyalty and the triumph of a noteworthy voluntary effort which devotion to the Immaculate Conception. Before the resulted in the erection of the magnificent Shrine close of the ceremony two lovely white floral tributes with its fine life-size statue of Mary Immaculate. were laid at the base of the Shrine by little Miss Ciara For many weeks past an energetic committee, Wall and Master Fergus Harte. aided by a willing band of voluntary workers, had Also present at the ceremony were: President, Very laboured day and night to ensure that the Shrine Rev. Canon Rice, PP, VF., Chairman, Mr Andrew would be ready for unveiling on the Feast of the Crowley; Hon Secretary, Mr Dan Corcoran, commit- Immaculate Conception and the close of the Marian tee:- Messrs MJ Fitzgerald, D Commerford, S Jackson, Year. Having thus succeeded in the seemingly D Mulrooney, J Finnucane, Ed. Nestor and J impossible task, the parishioners decided that the Donovan. well nigh impossible weather conditions would not Addressing the large gathering, Canon Rice said deprive them of the joy of a public ceremony to mark that by erecting this beautiful Shrine on the last day the auspicious occasion. of the Marian Year the parishioners had by their gen- In conclusion Canon Rice also expressed his sin- erosity shown their loyalty and devotion to the cere thanks to the ladies who had done their part of Immaculate Conception. By their generosity they had the work very well indeed and to whom the commit- also given a very definite answer to Our Lady’s ene- tee were very grateful. He hoped Mary Immaculate mies on this earth. They had given an answer to the would help to bring God’s choicest blessings on them Russian ideology which did not permit allegiance to all. the Church. In this country they had reason to be Mr Andrew Crowley, Chairman of the Shrine grateful to Almighty God for the freedom of religious Committee said that in erecting the Shrine they were worship they enjoyed. In Ireland, thanks be to God, seeking to honour Our Blessed Lady on the last day they were free to practice the religion they had cho- of the Marian Year. On behalf of the Committee he sen. In the past they too had endured suffering and persecution for their faith and today in countries out- wished to thank all those who had assisted in the side their own holy land, their people were suffering completion of the work. He thanked Canon Rice who persecution, imprisonment and even death by tor- got the idea of having the Shrine in Foynes and who ture because they chose to follow the Divine Lord had selected the site. By his organising ability and and Mary. It would be their duty, therefore, when enthusiasm, Canon Rice had got the committee they gathered round this Shrine to pray for those together and got the work off to a good start. He gave oppressed peoples who were being persecuted for them all the help and advice they needed and but for their allegiance to God and his devoted Mother.

Page 52 Foynes Shrine

They should be thankful to God that the day had they would gladly have done so. He wished to spe- come when they could boast of having erected a cially thank the members of the committee who public Shrine in the lovely village of Foynes to the undertook the great work. Right through they co- Blessed Virgin. Mary loved her devoted Son and it operated nobly and willingly under the chairman- was her wish that we too should love Him. And, ship of Mr. Crowley, who left nothing undone to there was no more practical way of showing that ensure that they would have the Shrine ready for love than by keeping God’s Commandments and that day. That work was a great credit to the com- avoiding mortal sin. He hoped the Shrine would mittee and the people of Foynes. help to increase that devotion to Mary in the parish. Canon Rice also thanked Mr Comerford, owner of He felt with the good people of Foynes that they had the land on which the site was provided, Mr lived to see the day when this beautiful Shrine was Thompson, Architect, Limerick and his assistant, Mr completed. He was sure the Shrine would be an McMahon for their invaluable assistance and the added source of devotion to Mary in the parish. voluntary workers who laboured night and day Canon Rice said that in the name of the clergy of under very inclement weather conditions in order to the parish he wished to thank all the parties con- have the Shrine completed in time. He desired to cerned for their generosity and co-operation. The express a special word of thanks to Mr Little, with- parishioners had been very kind and very generous out whose kindness they might never have been able and the completed Shrine was proof of their gen- to go ahead with the work and also to Lord and erosity and kindness. They had subscribed magnifi- Lady Monteagle for their kindness in placing the cently to the fund raised for the purpose and he felt plot at their disposal. sure that even if they had been called on to do more

Page 53 Mr Crowley expressed regret at the unavoidable In spite of a late start and inclement weather, he absence of Rev. Father John Walsh, who while con- managed to have the shrine ready for that day’s cer- ducting a retreat in the parish when the idea of the emony. He also thanked Mr O’Riordan of Southern Shrine was first suggested, gave them very valuable Chemicals Ltd. and Mr Tom Lyons for their valuable advice and assistance; the ladies for the way in assistance. which they had handled the collection and Mr King They must not forget, Mr Crowley continued, for a very successful jumble sale. He thanked all their voluntary workers, the men who spent many who had so generously responded to the appeal for hours working hard on the site to ensure that every- funds and to which the response was magnificent. thing would be in readiness for the unveiling cere- They owed a deep debt of gratitude to the mony. But for them, their expenses would be con- Monteagle Estate Co. and particularly to Mr Little siderably higher. Sergt. Hunt GS and Mrs Hunt had for making the beautiful site available for a nominal been also very helpful, in conclusion Mr Crowley sum. Mr Little was very helpful and freely gave thanked his fellow members of the Committee for them advice on various matters. Thanks were also the help and co-operation which was freely and due to the Architect, Mr Thompson, Limerick and generously given at all times. They had many will- his assistant, Mr Tom McMahon for the lovely ing helpers and received support from many quar- design. Mr McMahon spent much time and thought ters and he was sure they were all well pleased with in ensuring that they got the best and most pleasing their reward that day of seeing the lovely Shrine Shrine possible for the money at their disposal. unveiled. Their contractor Mr John O’Connor, Tarbert, was At the close of the ceremony all present joined in also deserving of their best thanks. singing “Faith of Our Fathers”.

These children were pictured at the windswept Ballyine Shrine in 1954

Page 54 Bengal Terrace Committee

Bengal Terrace Committee: Back, Mary Cotter, Margaret McAuley, Alice Greaney, Nell Mulhall, Christy Judge, Kitty O’Brien, John Greaney, Mary Moore, Celia Murphy, Breda Cotter, Teresa Cotter, Sean Curry, Noel King. Front: Frank Murphy, Paddy O’Connor, Malachy Connors, Paddy Kearney, Jack Wade, Willie O’Brien, Pat Cotter.

Another impressive picture taken at the Shrine in Bengal Terrace. Back row: Mary Cotter, Breda Cotter, Mary Moore, Christy Judge, Sean Curry, Paddy Kearney. Front: Margaret McAuley, Alice Greaney, Jack Wade, Malachy Connors, Willie O’Brien, Christy Griffin, Nell Mulhall, Celia Murphy, Teresa Cotter, Pat Cotter. Daniel J. McAuley, not in the picture, was chairman of the committee and did trojan work for the area

Page 55 Though covering only Limerick Shrines it is worth including the magnificent Shrine in this book as it was always a place of pilgrimage for Limerick people who used to pack the area on Sundays up to very recently. This particular picture was taken in 1964 and is out of the files of the Limerick Chronicle.

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Page 57 This particular Shrine is inside the grounds of the Presentation Convent in Hospital. ❏ Picture from the Tom Keogh Collection

Celebrating an incredile 100 years is the Shrine built in Hospital by Very Rev. Canon Scully. This Shrine, like the rest in the city and county is lovingly tended by the locals and even after a century the grotto is still in pristine condition. ❏ Picture HARRY GREENSMYTH

Page 58 Monday, August 15, 1955 Ballingarry parishioners pray for emigrants

ITH miniature altars lining the route of Well, the Rosary being recited en route by the Rev. the procession and a marvellous display Fr. Ryan, CC.. Rev. Fr. Sadlier, CC, DCL, addressing of bunting and banners the town and the large gathering said they had come here to hon- Wparish of Ballingarry gave a truly Catholic welcome our Mary and had raised a beautiful Shrine, which to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception on will endure for generations and will be an outward August 15, on the occasion of the blessing of the symbol of their love and devotion to God’s Holy Marian Shrine, built by the people of the parish, the Mother. It was fitting that this ceremony would take Limerick Leader wrote the following Wednesday. place on that day – the Feast of the Assumption – The Shrine was blessed by the Very Rev. T. when the Immaculate Body and Soul were raised Canon Wall, PP, who read the Pope’s Prayer for the into heaven. Marian Year and the prayer for our Irish emigrants “On that day their thoughts must wander to in England, assisted by Very Rev. Canon Carroll, PP, those from the parish who have gone across the Rathkeale; Rev. Fr. Sadlier, CC, DCL, , and seas to make a home and a living,” Fr. Sadlier, said, Rev. Fr. Ryan, CC, Ballingarry. and added: “Those emigrants are specially dear to The procession, numbering several hundred, the heart of Mary who is watching over them. In the headed by the St. John’s Brass and Reed Band, large pagan cities of England, far removed from Limerick, Children of Mary, , school Catholic influences, they would not see such a cere- children, members of the mony as was being held here this day. Confraternity and the Pioneer Total Abstinence “By our conduct here at home,” he said, “we can Association, marched from the Church of the be a source of great help to those emigrants and we Immaculate Conception to the Shrine near Sunday’s hope and pray that those who have emigrated will, by their conduct, bring many converts to the Catholic Faith. No impulse is more praiseworthy than the dedication of this parish to Mary. She is watching over us and helping us during every moment of our lives,” the report concluded. Nora O’Keeffe from Ballingarry writes: “The Parish Shrine is situated at the High Road, Pound Street, now known as Marian Road. It was during a bus trip to Knock that the idea came to the mind of Christy Tierney. He spoke with the late Mary Dinneen and the late Nell Fennell Long. They agreed there and then to call a meeting of the parish- ioners. “The first meeting was then held at the Boys School on October 31, 1954. A number of sites were suggested and a vote was taken on two – the Square or Sunday’s Well. The latter was decided by seven votes to eight and a committee was formed. “Canon Wall consented to act as chairman for Fr. Ryan was the vice-chairman. The committee also included: Christy Tierney, secretary; Mary Dinneen, treasurer; Harry O’Brien, John Keating, Guard Christy Tierney . . . the only remaining member of the Ballingarry Fitzpatrick, Tadgh O’Doherty, Ned Cronin, J. Reidy, Shrine Committee. Katie Meagher and P. Kelly.

Page 59 “The Committee approached Dan Bowen who Hartnett, Bridie Sheehy, Hannah Healy, P. Hogan, M. kindly granted permission to have the shrine built on Quaid, Johnny Hartnett, Maura Quaid, Michael his land. The statue was purchased in Cork and McInerney, Christy Tierney and the collectors on transported by the late Bunny O’Kelly. The stone was those occasions were Nell Fennell and Ned Cronin. brought all the way from Knockpatrick by Pat Cars were supplied by Jim Benson, P. Kelly, M. Mulcair and some also came from Burns’ of Ballynoe. Connell, P. J. Cronin, Jim Irwin, Pa Noonan and P. The stone work was done by Mr. Costelloe from Cronin. Other means of fundraising were Bazaars, and the electrical work by Ned Cronin. dances, shows, raffles and concerts. The plays were “A fundraising committee was formed and con- organised by John Keating. One raffle, which sisted of Molly O’Brien, Ina Bergin, Mrs. Gaffney, amassed £6/6s, was for two cocks, donated by Molly Nellie Bowen, Mary Bowen, Mary Jo Casey, Bridie O’Grady and won by Tom Martin. Houlihan, Helen Sheehan, Annie O’Grady, Pearl “Work began,” Nora writes, “ on Monday night, Benson, Sadie Irwin, Margaret McEnery, Mary January 17, 1955 and was completed and unveiled on Clifford, Ann Hayes, Hannie Fitzgerald, Mary Monday, August 15, 1955. Fitzpatrick, Bridie Hickey, Kathleen Noonan, Mrs. M. Every year up to a few years ago there was a pro- O’Grady, Francie Burke, Ita Quaid, Annie O’Connell, cession from the church to the shrine on Corpus Ollie Condon, Lil Bourke. Each member had their Christi and back again. own area to collect while coming up to Christmas of Mr. Dan O’Connell, NT, planted trees and had a 1954 carol singing was organised. The carol singers, great interest in keeping the area trimmed and tidy. believe it or not, visited Croom, Limerick City, Christy Tierney is the only living member of the , , Newcatle West, Foynes, Glin, original committee and he still has a great interest in Listowel, , Athea, Castlemahon, the shrine. Dromcollogher, Charleville, Ballybunion. The intrep- ❏ Many thanks to Christy Tierney who helped id singers were Mary Dinneen, Nan O’Brien, Patrick me research and compile this article. Kelly, Annie O’Connell, Marie O’Connell, Bridie –Nora O’Keeffe

The magnificent Ballingarry Shrine pictured shortly after the official blessing.

Page 60 Award winning Shrine is focal point of village

HE Marian Shrine is the focal point in the homily. award winning Bishop Murphy Park, set in The statue is life size, cut from Italian white mar- the heart of the village and close to St. ble by a County Wexford company, Gorey Stone Art. TPatrick’s Church and the Community Centre. The statue is set on a rockery and underneath is a The Park took almost three years to complete waterfall and a rock built pond. with the help of the Community Council and Fás Mass was celebrated at the Shrine on the open- and, of course, much voluntary labour. The Shrine ing evening and every August 15th since. The beau- was blessed and the Park officially opened on tiful Shrine and park have won several awards, August 15, 1989. including a national Tidy Towns Regional Award, Though not one of the “Marian Shrines” the peo- Limerick County Council Amenity Award and the ple of Ardpatrick always wanted their own Shrine Ballyhoura County Regional Awards. and their ambitions were realised on August 15, The tiny village has a population of 43 and is set 1989. Very Rev. Joe Kennedy, the then PP, performed in the south east of County Limerick at the foothills the blessing and Paddy Murphy, a brother of the late of the Ballyhouras. The parish is on the Cork border Bishop of Limerick, Dr. , had the with Doneraile to the south. honour of unveiling our beautiful statue. Mgs. Daniel Gallagher, PP, Abbeyfeale, preached the – By Pat Casey

This beautiful Shrine is the focal point for the village of Ardpatrick

Page 61 A lovely side view of the Ballynanty Shrine pictured by Bill Hayes at the opening in 1954

Oola Shrine . . . protecting the village from on high. Page 62 Sunday, August 15, 1954 Our Lady overlooks and protects the people of

The following article appeared in Oola - Past and the Hill, Mr. Joe Hickey, willingly gave his permis- Present, Easter, 1998: sion for the statue to be placed there. A large con- signment of rocks was needed to provide a solid “Pope Pius XII decreed that 1954 was to be a base. For this purpose, ’ lorry from the year of special devotion to Our Lady, consequently, coal yard, driven by Tom Harding, was used to that year was referred to world-wide as the Marian bring several loads of rock from Kilshane to the top Year. To mark the occasion thousands of parishes of Oola Hill. Jack Hayes’ tractor and trailer was also throughout this country built Marian Grottoes in commissioned for this task. It was a daunting and prominent locations. dangerous undertaking to drive a lorry loaded with “The people of Oola were no exception and the rocks up the side of a hill and it took great skill and local clergy, Rev. Fr. Denis O’Brien, Adm., and Rev. concentration on Tom Harding’s part. Fr. Theo English, CC, organised meetings with their “The statue was purchased in France and it parishioners to discuss such a venture. Two possi- arrived at Oola railway station in a goods wagon. bilities were the most favoured – the building of a The wagon was parked on the siding until all prepa- statue of Our Lady in the centre of the village or a rations were completed on the hill-top site. A con- similar project on top of the Hill. The latter was the crete plinth, 5 ft high and 3 ft square for the statue chosen option. The community spirit of the people was constructed and for this purpose several strong of Oola was mobilised over the following months. A helpers brought bags of cement on their backs up to suitable location on the Hill for the statue overlook- the top of the hill via Billy Lynch’s garden and ing the village was decided upon, and the owner of Maggie Keane’s house.

Installing the electric cable for the Oola shrine are Willie Quirke, Mick Murphy and Joe Downey

Page 63 A panoramic view from the statue of Our lady ovelooking Oola village

“Preparations were then made to floodlight the Mick Ryan (Cos). Willie Burns took charge of setting statue. Local electrician Willie Quirke was in charge the time switch for many years. of this operation. The light switch was located in “In recent times, with the demand for sites for Willie’s own house, therefore poles for cables had to new houses increasing rapidly, the site on Mick be erected from this point to the site which required Ryan’s (Cos) house was sold; the cable to the statue some tough digging and rock breaking. had to be moved again. Riobard O Ceallaigh of “The spot lights were then located in front of the Limerick County Council very kindly gave permis- plinth and the site was ready. The crated statue was sion for the cable to be connected to the street light collected from the railway station, loaded on to system on the Old Road. Jimmy Ryan (L) took Willie Godfrey’s lorry and transported to the top of charge of the underground work, while Bertie the hill with Philly (Reilly) Ryan (Buckley) as the Quirke joined the cable to the new supply source very capable driver. The statue was then cemented and ensured that all ESB safety standards were onto its plinth and everything was ready for the big adhered to. day. “This community owes a debt of gratitude,” the “On the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, article continues, “to the late Joe Hickey who gave August 15, 1954, the statue on the hill was blessed his permission to erect the statue on his land in the and dedicated by Rev. Fr. Theo English in the pres- first instance and to Thomas Harrington (the current ence of a large congregation. With the passing of owner of the Hill), to PJ and Joan Bourke and time and without shelter from the elements the elec- Thomas and Olive Ryan through whose properties tricity poles became loose and unsafe. The power the underground cable passes; to all those who had to be disconnected and Our Lady was left in the helped in the building of the statue in 1954 and to all dark for a few years. After some time the local com- who maintained the grotto since. munity spirit was mustered into action again and it “The statue on the hill is a prominent landmark. was decided to lay an underground cable from the It looks magnificent in its floodlit state by night and power source up to the statue. This involved is often commented on by travellers of road and extremely heavy digging through the rocky surface rail,” the article concluded by urging people to rally of the hill but manpower, armed with picks and round again and bring the now dilapidated area shovels was plentiful. The cable was connected to a back to its pristine state for the golden jubilee on time switch located in a little hut in Tommy August 15, 2004. Fitzgibbon’s field – which was previously owned by

Page 64 August, 15, 1988 Two shrines blessed on the same day in

The Feast of the Assumption on August 15, 1988, Unfortunately, Tim died some years ago following a was a truly memorable day in the history of road traffic accident, RIP. Askeaton when not one, but two, Marian Shrines The committee was set up in June 1987 and were unveiled and blessed. included Paddy Sax McCarthy, Paddy Gallagher, The Shrine at St. Mary’s Terrace was blessed and Joe McCarthy, Mrs. McCarthy, Mary Barron, Mrs. dedicated to Our Lady by the Parish Priest, Very Susie Barron, Mrs. Ena Devereaux, Breda Kelly, Nor Rev. Fr. Michael O’Connor. Following the dedica- Kelly, Tim Daly, Jimmy Sweeney, Mrs. Maureen tion, concelebrated open air Mass was celebrated by Allen, Mrs. Helen Behan. Paddy Gallagher, Cois Rev. Fr. O’Connor, Rev. Fr. Andy Cheating, CC, and Sionna Credit Union was elected treasurer; Breda Fr. Paul Brick, Askeaton, Wisconsin, USA. The Kelly, postmistress, Askeaton Post Office, was elect- American Askeaton was established in Famine ed secretary. The priority at the first meeting was to times by a group of Askeaton emigrants. They acquire a site. With this in mind they contacted the worked mostly on the railways and in shipyards local Councillor, Kevin Sheahan, who made repre- until they raised enough money to move west. sentation to Limerick County Council with regard The statue was donated by Tim and Breda Dally, to the vacant quarry in St. Mary’s Terrace. The Castle Supermarket, Askeaton. They were both very County Council was very forthcoming about the much involved in the life of the community. Their idea even to the point that one of their employees, gift was very much appreciated by the committee. Jack Cronin, drew up the plans for the Shrine.

Huge crowds turned up for the 1988 unveiling of the Askeaton Shrine at St. Francis Avenue.

Page 65 With the site secured the committee set about drew a set of plans with regard to the location of the raising funds. Several fund-raising events were statue in the Shrine. This plan was accepted by the held, including a church gate collection, a social in committee. the Shannon House in Foynes and raffles with On the day of dedication, Fr. O’Connor thanked prizes donated by Mrs. Nora Downes and Breda all the people who assisted in the magnificent devel- Kelly. Letters requesting donations were sent to all opment. Open air Mass has been celebrated at the the local firms and business premises as well as to Shrine on the 15th of August over the years. The the local clubs and organisations. The response was annual Corpus Christi procession from the church is excellent which encouraged the committee in their held every year to the Shrine. Every evening during efforts. A rock breaker at £22 per hour had to be the month of May the Rosary is recited at 7.15 and brought in to prepare the site. Top soil at £90 per during the summer months every Tuesday evening. load was transported and Liscannor slates at £50 per The Tidy Towns committee, with the help of the square yard were laid in the form of a chalice from Fás workers have maintained the Shrine over the the entrance to the Altar. The gates were made by years. Eamon Murphy. The committee invited some of the The lighting has been maintained by Padraig local men to help with the work. Manning. The following volunteered their services: Patsy The County Council provided shrubs and flow- Woulfe, Eamon Madigan, Noel Kelly, Mick Harte, ers to enhance the appearance of the shrine. Paddy Liam O’Sullivan, Michael Walsh. Maurice Carrig of Gallagher who was treasurer until his death in Creeves who had returned home from New Zealand, built the boundary wall with the help of September, 1999, spent many hours with Nora Kelly Michael Walsh, St. Mary’s Tce. Donie Fitzsimons weeding and cutting the grass. I am quite sure he is transported slates from Liscannor to Askeaton. It enjoying the fruits of his labour now in his heaven- was decided to opt for flood lighting instead of a ly home. Under the direction of Michael McCarthy, halo on the statue. The ESB were contacted to install the Fás workers have stepped in to take Paddy’s the power. Paddy Sax McCarthy purchased the place and they do a marvellous job preparing the microphones. Gerard Blackwell, draughtsman, grounds for the annual Corpus Christi procession.

Tommy O’Donnell helps keep the St. Francis Avenue shrine in magnificent condition

Page 66 The superbly appointed Askeaton Shrine at St.Mary’s Terrace

In a pastoral letter issued by the Irish bishops tance of Parish Priest, Fr. Michael O’Connor and the some years ago they encouraged Catholics to pray Rev. Patrick Towers, Rector, , frequently at Marian Shrines and to reflect on the blessed and dedicated the Shrine. The entire popu- Virgin Mary’s role as proclaimed in Vatican II – The lation of St. Francis Avenue and surrounding areas family who prays together stays together. attended the dedication. The residents formed a committee to raise funds St. Francis Avenue Shrine: to pay for the building of the Shrine. A house to There is no doubt that it is unique to have two house collection was held and the men gave of their Marian Shrines in the same parish but in the Marian time and labour freely. Over the years Tommy Year of 1988, not only was the Shrine at St. Mary’s O’Donnell and Mick Barry maintained the Shrine Terrace unveiled and blessed but earlier in the day, tending the grass cutting and planting of flowers. there was a Shrine blessed at St. Francis Avenue. During the month of May, the Rosary is recited Such was the dedication to Our Lady by the people every evening at 6 o’c. This year, on August 21, a of Askeaton that the residents of St. Francis Avenue, special Mass will be held at the Shrine to celebrate which is on the east side of the village, decided that the 40th anniversary of St. Francis Avenue. The time they should have a shrine of their own. At 12 noon is 3 o’c. on August 15, Fr. Andy Cheating, CC, with the assis- – Breda Kelly, Askeaton

Page 67 Monday, July 26, 1954

The value of Enclosed Retreats: Limerick’s memorial to Mary

“ HE VALUE of enclosed retreats was myself visited 12 Retreat Houses, the majority of explained and stressed in an impressive ser- which are conducted by the C.Ss.R. After the war the mon, delivered to the men of the Arch- Dutch Bishops recommenced the Enclosed Retreats ConfraternityT of the Holy Family attached to the Movement as the best means of renewing the Redemptorist Church at the weekly meetings last Christian Life. The Bishops said: — Build your week” The Limerick Leader told its readers on Retreat Houses first”. This is only in keeping with the Monday, July 26, 1954. The preacher was Very Rev. mind of the Papacy. During the past 400 years, from Father Gerard Reynolds, C.Ss.R., Rector of Mount St the Pontificate of Pope Paul 111, 1534, to the present Alphonsus, who was dealing with the presentation of Pope Pius X11, there have been over 900 official eccle- ‘Oaklands’, North Circular Road, to the siastical pronouncements on Enclosed Retreats, a Redemptorist Order in Limerick as a Retreat House. striking and conclusive proof of the vital importance This gift he described as Limerick’s Memorial to of this form of Apostolate.Of the 38 who have Mary and Mary’s sons, the Redemptorists. occupied the chair of St Peter during these 400 years, Father Reynolds said: — You have heard from the late Pope Pius X1 can be singled out with his your Director that a Committee was formed from the other titles as the Pope of Enclosed Retreats. men of Limerick, with the wholehearted approval of This great Pope is himself responsible for 133 offi- His Lordship, the Bishop, to present a Retreat House cial pronouncements on Enclosed Retreats. While to the Redemptorists, to commemorate the centenary still Bishop of he published an important his- of their coming to Limerick. You were then asked to torical paper on St and the Retreat vote where you would like the Retreat House locat- Movement. As you know, St Charles Borromeo was ed. All this led to the purchase of “Oaklands”, North the first to establish a House for Enclosed Retreats. Circular Road - a beautiful mansion standing on Pope Pius X1 did all he could to promote the about six acres of land. Enclosed Retreat and contributed generously to the This house was formerly owned by the Protestant building of these Retreat Houses. Addressing a group Bishop of Limerick and before that by Mr Tidmarsh, of young promoters for Enclosed Retreats, he said:- whose wife was sister of Father P.P. Murray, C.Ss.R. a “Enclosed Retreats open up and make easy the way former director of Mount St Alphonsus College - so that leads to God - with His comforting and benefi- you see it is coming back to its own. cent graces - with His blessings and favours. To pro- To the people of Limerick and the friends of the cure these blessings for others is a work that surpass- C.Ss.R. and especially to the energetic committee, we, es all others. To go about in search of souls in order to Redemptorists are most grateful for the princely and put them in the way of such blessings is truly an truly Catholic gift. We are deeply grateful also to His exquisite act of charity. Lordship, the Bishop for his wholehearted and gra- No wonder then that the men of Limerick, deeply cious approval of the presentation. It is to be present- conscious of the value and need of enclosed Retreats ed to us with one object in view, that the should have procured this great benefit for their city, Redemptorists would conduct enclosed Retreats for and it is our great honour to be asked to forward this the men of Limerick and the surrounding areas. No movement in your midst. It is only becoming that the more apostolic work could be thought of - a work Retreat House should be called Our Lady of truly Redemptoristic and in keeping with our Rule Perpetual Succour Retreat House as it will be opened and traditions. In the Continent, the Redemptorists during the Marian Year, it is Limerick’s Memorial to were pioneers in this great work, e.g. in Holland, I, Mary and Mary’s sons, the Redemptorists.

Page 68 Some of the men take a break during their enclosed retreat, c. 1957

Some seven years ago we had the honour of of man was the world’s voice louder than today. It is opening a similar House in the Diocese of Down heard on the radio, television, newspaper, social and Conor and since then over 14,000 men have gatherings. Its theme is the importance of food, made Enclosed Retreats. These men have come from drink, comfort, romance, vacation, travel, health every walk of life. The professionals came - doctors, and popularity. There are people in the world who lawyers, teachers, bankers, vocational groups such have the best of these and they are not happy. They as Irish Transport, electricians and cinema workers. are missing something. They were born with a spir- There were Catholic Organisations such as C.Y.M.S., itual urge to sex or hunger. That spiritual hunger Y.C.W., Knights, Pioneers, legion and Vincent de will be satisfied in the Enclosed Retreat. “Thou hast Paul. There were parish groups, GAA and youth made us for Thyself, O Lord” cried our St groups. Then there were Retreats for husbands to Augustine. hear special lectures on their obligations and other To pave the way to this spiritual awakening you Retreats for those about to marry. You see from this will get first relief from business and family worries, that the Enclosed Retreat movement is not for the relief of mind from a full discussion of your prob- honoured few, but for the great masses of labouring lems with a Redemptorist Father, relief of con- men - the factory worker, the butcher, the baker and science from a well prepared confession and fervent the candlestick maker. Holy Communion. You say you have no problems? You ask what is an Enclosed Retreat? It is the Ah! The reason is that you are not strictly honest getting away from this workaday world for a little with yourself or you have become dangerously while - say two to four days. It is spending some time in God’s House a Retreat House - where there blind to the important goal of your life. Perhaps you is silence, peace and quiet. It is taking an opportuni- have a family trouble, or a moral problem has come ty to turn your thoughts from the things that are into your business. Again it is possible for husbands passing to the things that are lasting - God - your or sons to go along for years with the same unpleas- soul - eternity. You get a fresh look at your life - your ant faults, marring the peace of their home unless own life. You cannot do this in your own home, you they take time to look themselves over during an must get away from the world. Never, in the history Enclosed Retreat.

Page 69 The Retreat House “Oaklands,” on the North Circular Road with a group of men on an Enclosed Retreat c. 1956

Are you going to make one? We invite you? You the Lay Retreat. are young - that is the very reason for the invitation. Yes, from the Enclosed Retreat, well made men You are at the crossroads of life and now is the time come forth aflame with zeal, eager only for the for this Enclosed Retreat. Another says that he is set- spread in every way of the Kingdom of Christ. tled in life - make one then to know the obligations Apostles. Lay Apostles, such is the crying need of the of your state of life. You are getting on in life, you say Church today. Apostles in the workshop, in the Ah!, a very important retreat, one to settle things for office, in the factory, in the train, in the bus, above all eternity. in the home. Here is where the Enclosed Retreat You have no time to make one? Surely out of the comes into its own. It is a school of Apostles, a Power 5 2 weekends you can spare one for your soul; if you House, changing men from indifferent Catholics into have a little faith to realise, your soul is more impor- live-wires in the Christian Campaign. tant than the body. Make your resolution now - “I’ll make an Enclosed Retreat each year”. Many after their first experience would never “But how will I afford it?” To meet the small miss their yearly Enclosed Retreat. “I had no idea” purse - so that this Retreat House may always be for said one “what a Retreat meant. I made one and now the people, rich and poor, the minimum offering of I say: all men who possess the faith ought to make an 10/- is laid down. Knowing that this sum cannot Enclosed Retreat every year”. A soldier writes: possible cover expenses, you can give more if you “From the Retreat I got courage to profess my faith wish. You put your offering into an envelope and openly and now in the barracks I stick up for it when seal it, then drop it into a box. Only God will know. others mock it. I’m doing what I can to interest oth- Finally, you ask me why make an Enclosed ers in the movement”. Retreat? The Mission is designed to convert, the “This is the happiest weekend of my life” wrote Enclosed Retreat to form an Apostolate. The mission another. Yes, it is happiness the world cannot give, or makes men Christians, the Enclosed Retreat makes take away. This happiness is for you my dear men. It them standard bearers for the Christian Faith. will bring solace, healing and hope to your hearts, Missions rescue backsliders and rise the general truth and enlightenment to your minds, goodness, piety of the parish, but they do not train a band of strength and resolutions to your wills. Amen. apostles. The true school of Catholic Lay Apostles is

Page 70 Wednesday, December 8, 1954 Pork Butchers present £1,000 to Dr. O’Neill

On Wednesday, December 8, 1954, the closing then Bishop of Limerick, Dr. Edward Thomas day of the historic Marian Year, the Limerick Pork O’Dwyer intervened in a seven week strike in the Butchers Society presented the Bishop of Limerick, four Limerick meat factories, Dennys, O’Mara’s, Most Rev. Dr. P. O’Neill, with a cheque for £1,000. Matterson’s and Shaws. He presided at a public The money was part of the fund for the renovation meeting where he discussed settlement proposals of Our Lady’s Shrine Altar at St. John’s Cathedral. with the butchers who were by this stage at the end The Amalgamated Limerick Pork Butchers Society, of their tether. since its foundation has shown a deep-rooted love Sitting astride his horse in Mulgrave Street he for the Mother of God, the Limerick Leader wrote took a head count, those for, on one side, those shortly after. against, on the other. “For the past 64 years,” the paper said, “the As a result of the settlement the society decided Limerick Pork Butchers Society has looked upon the that in future August 15th – the Feast of the Feast of the Assumption each year as one of their Assumption – would be a holiday taken at the most important days. It has, during all that time, men’s own expense. They maintained this custom observed Our Lady’s Day on August 15th as a holi- right up to the end. day and when it fell on a week day it was observed Dr. O’Dwyer, for his efforts in settling the strike at their own expense,” the report concluded. was elected honorary president of the The presentation of the cheque was made by Mr. Amalgamated Limerick Pork Butchers Society John Bennis and by Mr. George Judge, chairman which we are told, was formed during the seven and secretary of the Pork Butchers Society. week long strike. Every succeeding Bishop of The story began for the Park Butchers when the Limerick also held that honour.

Management and Clerical Staff of W. J. Shaw & Sons, Limerick, pictured during the Strike of 1890: Standing: Jas. McMahon (volunteer), Joe Noonan, (gateman), Hugh Kearney, L. Leonard, Stephen Sullivan (foreman), Pat O’Donoghue (cashier), H. Eakins, Booty Collins, J. H. Hallowell. Seated: Tom Browne (office manager), E. Angley, F. S. King, Sir A. W. Shaw, Jas. T. Shaw, C. H. Gubbins, Thos. Hanrahan (traveller), J. Keyes, P. Sullivan (asst. foreman), J. Stack. On ground: A. H. Prossor, J. O’Flynn (office boy), Joe Welsh. Though the quality of the picture is not great it is nevertheless worthy of inclusionwith the above article. ❏ Picture supplied by Michael Mulcahy

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Page 72 Saturday, October 17, 1964 A dream comes true for John in Patrickswell

N SUNDAY afternoon at 3 p.m. a long cher- Liam Burke, Thomas Murphy, Jimmy Cusack, Jim ished dream of John O’Dea, Patrickswell, Donovan, Jimmy Hayes, Jackie O’Dea, Willie Foster, Co. Limerick, will come true, the Limerick Matthew O’Brien, Sean Tuohy, Dom Punch, Jack OChronicle wrote on the Saturday evening before the Reidy, Noel Fitzgerald (who supplied his tractor official unveiling. and trailer for drawing of stones for the founda- “It will be the climax to many months of volun- tion); Dan Sweeney (supplied casing boards); Mr. tary effort by the residents of this well-known vil- William Fenton, Mr. Frank McDermott lage on the main road from Limerick to Cork and (Contractors) who supplied the concrete mixer; the Shrine, of very simple but impressive design, George O’Riordan. James Mulqueen, P. J. Brennan, will enhance the surrounding countryside testifying , Patrick Lynch, John Cusack, Henry to the strong bond of faith that unites the people of Cusack, Michael O’Dea, Willie Bourke, Michael the district with the Mother of God,” the Chronicle Reidy, Frank McMahon, Simon Kerley, Joe Waters, stated. Johnny Carey, Tom Enright, Ben Ryan, Tom Byrnes, It continued: “The story of the Shrine began Mark Lynch, Joe Conway, John Cregan (bulldozer). some years ago when John O’Dea became ill and The ladies who collected funds were Mrs. was out of work for a number of years. During that Punch, Mrs. Conway, Mrs. McKenna, Mrs. Reidy, period in hospital he entered for a national slogan Miss Lynch, Mrs. Maguire, Mrs. Piggott, Mrs. competition and won a prize of £250. It was then Dillane, Mrs. Curtin, Mrs. O’Brien, Mrs. Mann, Mrs. that he got the idea of the Shrine and promised that Fitzgerald and Mrs. O’Riordan. he would contribute towards its erection as an offer- The Shrine, the Chronicle wrote, is being planted ing of thanksgiving for his recovery. with flowers by gardeners Pat Lynch and Charlie “Although he had a wife and five young chil- Keane. The railings were supplied by Mr. Mullane, dren to support and had been some years out of Adare; the painting was carried out by McCarthy work, he decided to devote £50 of his prizemoney Bros. and the slabs supplied by Thomas O’Leary; towards the cost of the Shrine. The residents, struck the stone work by Michael McCarthy and the by his generosity and his sincerity, gave voluntary plaque donated by Mr. O’Doherty. assistance to make the Shrine the reality it is today. “On Sunday, Very Rev. E. Canon Punch, PP, Mungret , will unveil the Shrine. Prior to the ceremony, there will be a procession of school chil- dren of the district to the Shrine and the ceremony will be followed by Solemn Benediction. The choir of Raheen Church will be in attendance and people from the surrounding districts will be there to add to the expected total of 2,000 of a congragation. “It will be a day to remember in the village and a happy day of a renewal of devotion to the mother of God. Liscannor slabs have been used in the over- all design and a suitable plaque commemorates the event,” the Chronicle wrote. The following workmen assisted in the building of the Shrine: Jack Spaight, William O’Brien, MCC; Patsy Foley, John Curtin, Anthony Darcy, Michael Darcy, John O’Dea . . . pictured in more recent years. It was his full Martin Fenton, John Mulqueen, Sean O’Donnell, return to health that prompted him to organise the building of the Patrickswell Shrine

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Page 74 Sunday, August 15, 1954 Rathkeale unveil Marian Shrine

RATHKEALE’S Marian Shrine, situated at the top of and dedication. John Dinage and friends did much Church Street, on the Mount, celebrates its golden of the work by hand and on completion of the con- jubilee this year. crete work flowers and shrubs were planted to Very Rev. Canon Carroll, PP, Rev. Fr. Costelloe, enhance the look of the site. The statue of Our Lady Rev. Fr. Enright all gone to their eternal reward, was borne in procession from St. Mary’s Church to were some of the people who got the idea of build- the Shrine site were it was placed in its grotto. Two ing such a Shrine in honour of Our Lady for the kneelers were built in front of the Shrine. Marian Year of 1954. The Enright family at the One of the biggest crowds at a procession ever in Mount (Mount Southwell), very kindly donated the Rathkeale attended this solemn occasion. James land for the project. The idea was mooted in 1953 Leahy, Church Street, was appointed caretaker/gar- and completed in time for the Feast of the dener and the Shrine won many tidy towns road- Assumption of Our Lady on the 15th of August, side garden awards down through the years. The 1954. People like the Tierney brothers, Rockfield; Shrine is a monument to the dedication of the peo- Sean Guiry, Sonny and Donie Long and Sean Lynch; ple who built it and maintained it over the last 50 Stephen McDonnell, Jack Culhane, Larry Keyes, years. We should be very proud here in Rathkeale of Willie Quinn, and Jim Leahy, among many others, the work done by our predecessors and it is hoped were all involved. that we will have a procession led by the brass band After much discussion, it was decided that the and that the people will attend in great numbers to shrine would take the shape of the undercarriage of honour the golden jubilee of this great occasion not an aeroplane. The cement was mixed across the alone to honour Our Lady but also to recognise the road near Denis Hayes’ house and barrowed across. great work done by those that built and maintained Most of the work was done in the evenings after our beautiful Shrine. work and was done on a voluntary basis with love –Tim Shiels, Rathkeale, 2004

The statue is carried in procession through Rathkeale to the site where it was installed in its Grotto ❏ Pictures TIM SHIELS

Page 75 Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick boasts one of the lovliest Shrines. It was built in the Marian Year of 1954 and the inscription reads: “Erected by the Garrison & Civilions of this Barracks to commemorate the Marian Year, 1954.” Leading the building work were Sgts. Jim Reilly and John Ryan. ❏ Picture: Cyril Shanahan

Some of the people who gave their time and labour to build the Shrine at Broadford. ❏ Pictures submitted by Tom Aherne whose contribution to this publication wa enormous

Page 76 Broadford Shrine blessed on August 15, 1998

Tommie Reidy outlines a brief history of the spritual parishes in the Diocese of Limerick were being ded- advancement of the people of Broadford from early icated the Bishop allocated 5th of August as the Christian times right up to the blessing of their own Parish feast day to Kill Achadh Ó Lehane and in Marian Shrine on August 15, 1998 recognition of the tradition surrounding the build- ing of the first church, placed the parish under the protection of the B.V.M. AD Nives. BROADFORD, situated in West Limerick and now Continuing the devotion to the Virgin Mary part of the Dromocllogher/Broadford Parish, has when Pope John Paul II declared 1997-98 the Marian had a very long tradition associated with the Year, a local committee was established to erect a Blessed Virgin Mary and the following is a brief out- shrine to mark the year and the long Marian tradi- line of that devotion: tion of Broadford parish. Bishop Cornelius O’Dea of Limerick issued a The site chosen was a low-lying area across the taxation role for his diocese in 1410 which gives an road from the present day church of Our Lady of the insight into the beginnings of Christianity in Mean Snows. All the ground work, including concrete pil- Mumhan (Middle Munster, the old name of lars and beams which brought the site to road level Limerick). Each parish is listed and in some cases was carried out by voluntary labour. The site was the Saint to whom the church is dedicated and the then filled in concrete, slabs laid and surrounding feast day given. The parish church of walls built. The statue was put in place and was Killoughalehane (the old name of Broadford parish) blessed on the 15th of August, the final day of the in the Deanery of Ardagh, was dedicated to “Beata Marian Year. Virgo Maria ad Nives” and the feast day was The unveiling and blessing was performed by August 5th. The oral history preserved in Seanchas Dr. Seamus Ambrose, PP, and Fr. Tom Crawford CC. na nDaoine came down intact in the parish and records the origins of the old place names. ❏ I am grateful to Seamus O Suillebháin, our local Christianity was introduced in the mid sixth centu- historian for the history attached to our parish. Seamus ry from the nearby foundation of St. Ita at Cill Íde. was also one of the leading lights in the building of the The people in the Broadford area could not agree on Marian Shrine in Broadford. the location of their church so prayers were offered – Tommie Reidy, 2004 to the Mother of God for guidance. That night an unseasonal fall of snow came and the following day people could see the outline of a church clearly marked in the snow. The church was built on the marked site and when completed it was called Cill Achadh Ó Liatháin (Killoughlehane – the Church of Workers of Ireland Lehane’s Field). At the synod of Rath Breasail 1111, the Irish Church was re-organised from a monastic to a unite . . . diocesan structure. The parish boundaries were later drawn up and the churches dedicated to saints. In the language of the people the local church was DURING the Marian Year of 1954 the workers of dedicated to Muire na Sneachta, later Anglicised to Ireland organised a “Workers Gift to Mary” fund Our Lady of the Snows. aimed at collecting a sum for presentation to the In the calendar of the universal church the 5th of Holy Father for the charitable distribution at the August is the feast day of the dedication of the Pontiff’s discretion. In all a sum of £13,052 was Basillica of St. Mary Major. This great church was collected and at a ceremony in Dublin’s Mansion built by Pope Celestine I to celebrate the victory of House, a cheque for that amount was handed over orthodoxy at the council of Ephesus in 431 AD. The to the Papel Nuncio His Excellence, the Most Rev. council confirmed the ancient Christian belief that Dr. Levanne, by the Most Rev. Dr. John Charles Mary is the Mother of God. Seven hundred years McQuaid, Archbishop of Dublin. later when the churches of the newly established

Page 77 Hard at work filling in the site of the Broadford Marian Shrine. Jim Hartnett, Dan McCarthy, Sean Foley, Garry Enright, Tommie Reidy, Seamus O’Sullivan, and David O’Keeffe, chairman of the community council. In front is Tommie Reidy. The picture was taken in April 1988.

This Parnell Street family had their shop decorated for the Eucharistic Congress of 1932.

Page 78 September 8, 1935 Over 5,000 witness ceremony at Nicker

THE following article was published in the Limerick dous work of hewing out of a mountainside a repli- Leader of Saturday, September 14, 1935. While the Holy ca of the world famous Lourdes Grotto. Shrine at Nicker, , is not necessarily a Marian The idea of setting up the Shrine was first con- Shrine, it is well worthy of its place in this publication. ceived by Fr Ryan and when he mentioned it to his Even today, in an age of disinterest in things religious, flock there was a most enthusiastic response to his large numbers still visit the magnificent Shrine. Thanks appeal. It was an arduous task that lay both before to Ger O’Connell for supplying me with the article and pastor and people - the conversion of a solid rock for going to the bother of taking the pictures printed here- formation at the rere of Nicker church into a Grotto under. at Pallasgreen, but to have one that would not be second to any as a replica of the Lourdes one. Their About five thousand people were present at cherished hope was fully realised. The natural com- Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick on Sunday, to witness the position of the selected site lent itself to make a most inspiring ceremony of the solemn blessing of the perfect replica and the transforming work carried new Grotto to Our lady at Nicker. Seldom has such out by the parishioners is something to be mar- a distinguished gathering - high church dignitaries, velled at. Dail Deputies, the Mayor of Limerick, representa- How pleased they must have felt as this stolid tives of the various public bodies and the general face of an Irish mountainside began to take shape public – all come to pay tribute to the wonderful and resemble that hallowed spot where the Blessed work of Rev. Fr Ryan, PP, the beloved pastor of Virgin appeared to little Bernadette many years ago. Nicker and Templebraden, and his flock. How happy and thankful they must have felt on The occasion was a happy one for those respon- Sunday when their Grotto was solemnly blessed by sible for the setting up of such a magnificent Shrine his Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Harty, Archbishop of to Our Lady, for it is the material reflection of two Cashel and Emly, and when people came from far and a half years of unspared effort on their part. To and near to pay tribute to and appreciate such a them, however, it was a labour of love - this tremen- wonderful work.

The magnificent Shrine at Nicker, Pallasgreen.

Page 79 By providing for County Limerick such a splen- and decorating committees for the faultless manner did Shrine to Our Lady, Fr Ryan and the people of in which they carried out their duties. Even though Nicker and district have accomplished something the former sent out a general invitation to the cere- for which they will long be remembered. Future gen- mony and expected a big influx of visitors on erations will recall with pride and pleasure this glo- Sunday, they were more than pleasantly surprised rious work conceived by Fr Ryan and carried out by that the actual numbers present exceeded all expec- their forefathers and the reward of the organisers tations. Everything was in readiness for the visitors will be all that they desire - the prayers of a deeply and a band of courteous stewards were in atten- grateful people. dance all day. There was also a five acre park oppo- The arrangements for last Sunday’s ceremonies site the church in which motor cars were accommo- synchronised in perfection with the great undertak- dated. ing that had been carried out by the organisers. They One of the most impressive features of the cere- were all that could be desired in making in a most fit- monies was the procession to the Mass Rock. ting manner the inauguration ceremony, and a huge Composed of the Children of Mary in their attractive crowd availed of the opportunities provided for dresses and various confraternities and bands, the attending. Special trains and buses brought a big procession wound its way up the slopes of complement to be present at the ceremony, and oth- Knockgreine to the ancient and historic Mass Rock, ers arrived in private and hackney motors cars and where Mass was celebrated in the Penal Days. push bikes. The other ceremonies consisted of the blessing of The dignified and fitting manner in which the the Grotto by Dr Harty; the celebration of Solemn large gathering took part in the inauguration cere- Pontifical High mass by Most Rev Dr Kinane, Bishop mony showed how deeply moved they were by the of and the preaching of appropriate ser- whole procedure. It was with regrets that they took mons by Rev JA Cleary, CSs.R, Clonard Monastery, their departure that evening from the picturesque and Rev J Hayes, CC, . locality that housed such a beautiful shrine, but with The opening ceremony was the solemn blessing their minds fully made up to pay a return visit in the of the Grotto and specially reserved seats were pro- near future. It was, indeed, a day of inspiring scenes vided for distinguished visitors such as the Mayor of and one that will ever leave memories of the auspi- Limerick (Mr JM Casey), Corporation of Limerick cious occasion firmly fixed in the minds of those (including Ald. D Bourke, TD., Ald J Reidy, TD and who were fortunate to be present. Mr MJ Keyes, TD), Mr GC Bennett, TD., Mr J The Grotto is charmingly situated at the foot of McCormack, Chairman, Limerick County Council; Knockgreine, the Hill of the Sun, and it is doubtful if Mr L O’Donnell, County Secretary, Mr TF Ryan, a more ideally suitable location could be found for County Surveyor, Mr JP Geraghty, Limerick City the Shrine. The appear and charm of the Grotto and Manager together with representatives of various its environments are deeply impressive, and the peo- public bodies of the City and County of Limerick. ple of Nicker and district, who will forever have it in An especially big contingent was that of the their midst, are to be envied to a very great extent; Men’s Sodality attached to the Reparation Convent, into this humble Co. Limerick Village, has been Limerick. They were three hundred strong and car- brought the symbol of all that is divinely pure and ried a beautiful shield and interesting banner lovely. inscribed to the Blessed Virgin as Queen of Ireland. Nicker was profusely decorated for the great This banner has been blessed by His Holiness the occasion on Sunday, Papal and Eucharistic flags, reli- Pope and is the first of its kind in this country. gious scrolls and banners were everywhere in evi- The Mayor and members of the Limerick dence, and a considerable amount of greenery pro- Corporation attended in State, being attired in their vided a diffusion of attractive colour. Bunting and new scarlet robes. streamers decorated the houses and there was a line When Dr Harty had blessed the Grotto he of flags across the crest of Knockgreine Hill to direct ascended the pulpit which formed a permanent part the procession to the Mass Rock. In every possible of the ornamental railing in front of the Shrine and manner the people expressed their joy and happi- addressed the big congregation. ness. During the course of his address Dr Harty paid Several bands were present from Limerick City tribute to the clergy and people for the great work and Tipperary. They played sacred hymns, which they had accomplished; from a natural formation of were sung by the congregation and also discoursed rock had been wrought a very beautiful Shrine to choir selections and national airs. Our Lady, and it had impressed his grace as the near- After the inauguration function, visitors spent est approach he had yet witnessed to the famous quite a time inspecting and admiring the Grotto, Shrine at Lourdes. Such a Shrine would remind them they also took away pieces as souvenirs and bottles of the great spiritual significance of Lourdes and of and flasks of the stream water. the enormous blessings and benefits obtained A high degree of praise is due to the reception through the intercession of the Mother of God.

Page 80 She was their Mother also and was ever ready who went there with a faithful heart derived some now in heaven to help them through all their diffi- benefit, at least from their visit to that wonderful culties. They would come to this Grotto from time to Shrine. At Lourdes there was an incription time and they would pray to her and tell her of their “Through Mary to Jesus” and his Grace was satis- disabilities, difficulties and temptations and She, fied to see this same inscription there before the seated on the right hand of her Divine Son, would very beautiful Grotto altar. When they loved and undoubtedly help them. This Shrine too would honoured Mary they would love and honour her remind them of the wonderful traditional venera- Divine Son, Jesus, also. tion of Ireland for Our Lady. Down through the cen- His Grace then imparted his blessing to the con- turies, through the periods of sorrow, of prosperity gregation, following which the Holy Sacrifice of the and of persecution their Irish people had always Mass was offered up most solemnly. The people possessed a wonderful faith in their veneration for stood as the Most Rev. celebrant preceded by cross- Our Lady. That veneration was brought here by St bearers and acolytes and other members of the cler- Patrick, whose coming followed closely on the gy passed through their ranks. solemn Papel definition of the divine maternity of Most Rev Dr Harty, Archbishop of Cashel and Our Lady, which had been received so enthusiasti- Emly presided at the Mass, the celebrant of which cally throughout the entire Catholic world. Ever was Most Rev Dr Kinane, Bishop of Waterford; the since that day when St Patrick came to Ireland the deacon being Rev M Davin, CC and the sub-deacon, Irish people had been loyally faithful to Our Lady. Rev R Power, CC, Rev T O’Connor, CC (Thurles) One of the most beautiful devotions they had was master of ceremonies. cherished was the Holy Rosary, to which they had In the sanctuary were Monsignor J Nolan, PP, faithfully adhered in the dark days of persecution VG., Tipperary, Right Rev. Innocent Ryan, Dean of when they were prohibited from attending Mass Cashel, Very Rev. Canon Ryan, PP, , Very and were hunted in their own land. The Shrine they rev Canon Lanigan, Emly, Very Rev. Fr Mulcahy, PP, had erected would remind them of the original Ballybricken, Very Rev. M O’Connor, PP Doon, Very shrine to Our Lady at Lourdes where She worked Rev J Hennessy, Provincial OSA, Limerick, Rev M today in favour of her clients - not only Kennedy, CC, Knocklong. The music of the Mass physical miracles but spiritual miracles especially. was beautifully rendered by the Nicker choir under Many persons went there to be cured but everyone D Bowman, NT.

A close-up of the shrine at Nicker in Pallasgreen. ❏ Pictures GERARD O’CONNELL Page 81 A section of the crowd recite the Rosary at the unveiling of the Mungret Shrine

At the conclusion of the Mass, Rev JA Cleary, glories of the Virgin Immaculate. In the garden of CSsR, Clonard Monastery, Belfast, said that from the Eden she was foretold by the voice of God Himself. very dawn of history, Almighty God had command- In the opening pages of the Sacred Scriptures it was ed men to observe certain days and seasons with told how the Almighty Creator at the moment of the special religious ceremonies. He had also chosen fall of our first parents, spoke to the infernal serpent particular places to be the scenes of wonderful man- who had brought about their ruin and announced ifestations of His mercy and His power. In the days the coming of a woman who was destined to over- of old, Our Most Holy Redeemer chose to spend His throw the powers of hell. mortal life in Palestine, bestowing upon it the bless- What she did far away in the Grotto of Lourdes ing of His presence. In our own day He had select- she could do in this Grotto of theirs. The very name ed a tiny obscure village in southern France and of the Virgin Immaculate was a sermon on purity, it there for nearly 80 years had poured forth graces was a reproach to the world around them, which and blessings at the sound of His mother’s voice. had almost become insane in its unbridled thirst for When Our Lady visited Cana of Gallilee, her Divine pleasure in a world which pampered and idealised Son, at her request, performed His first and and almost adored the flesh was steady falling back now by her visit to the little French village, she had to the nakedness and unblushing sensuality of made the Grotto of Lourdes one of the holiest places paganism. Above the deluge of uncleanliness the on earth, a shrine to which a million pilgrimages Virgin of Lourdes beckoned them to approach her travelled every year, where the diseases of the body by imitating her and praying to her. They should and soul were cured. They were gathered here pray then to the Queen of Heaven at the Shrine that today around another Grotto of Our lady, built by had been dedicated that day. What Our lady loving care of priests and people to resemble the declared to Bernadette, she declared to them that Grotto of Lourdes. There also the image of day. Heaven’s Queen had been raised aloft to lift the “Penance, Penance, Penance” three separate minds of the people to heavenly things; the altar times, she urged it. Modesty in speech, purity in too, had been blessed by the church and consecrat- thought, in reading, dress, and above all in amuse- ed by the celebration of the Solemn Sacrifice. The ments. Alas! only too often their places of amuse- Blessed Virgin looked down upon them and in her ment were the graveyards where the purity of Irish loving kindness would obtain from her Son the men and maidens lay dead and buried. Happy granting of all their prayers and make this spot a would Ireland be if every Irish woman modelled her place of pilgrimage like another Lourdes. life and conduct on the example of Mary, and if Fr Cleary related the story of Lourdes and said every Irishman beheld in every maiden an image, that the history of all the ages was fitted with the however faint and feeble of the Maiden of Lourdes.

Page 82 “Pray then to the Queen of Heaven” he conclud- She, who safeguards the deposit of , also ed. May she bless the prelates who have honoured protects reason, morality and civilisation. Hence, this ceremony today, may she bless the zealous the Mass Rock is not to remain a mere memory, it is priests and people who have raised the Shrine, may to be a symbol of power, endurance when a new she reward all those who have come to pay her hon- threat demands the old fight. It is a symbol to us of our and in particular, the Parliamentary and that church He founded on a rock outside which Municipal representatives of the ancient city and there is no hope, within which there is a true guar- county of Limerick. antee of life. Rev Fr Hayes, in the course of his sermon at the Below this hill is the beautiful Grotto of Our Mass Rock said “standing by this spot of Sacred Lady, blessed today by His Grace, the Archbishop of Ceremonies, our hearts beat today with joy as we Cashel, His Lordship the Bishop of Waterford. The look over the and realise the victory of Holy Sacrifice has been celebrated with all the ritu- failure. Every ruin tells its tale of suffering endured al and beauty of a Pontifical Mass. What a contrast more eloquently than the pages of history. to the days when the rock was the altar of the cele- Abington, over yonder, is a ruin, but Glenstal, on brant, a hunted priest, and a congregation of out- the adjoining hills, is a living reality. Every church- lawed people. To Mary we owe the continuation of yard on the plain has its ruined church, yet the bells the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Mary’s Grotto below that ring across today from Cashel to Limerick tell and the Mass Rock on the hill form a beautiful mon- of a triumph. The faith of Erin they said, was dead, ument to mark the triumph of Erin’s faith on the but behold her resurrection. She has passed through Golden Vale. the dark winter and enters with calm security into The following were in charge of stewarding her second spring. arrangements which were admirably carried out: This Mass Rock is like the faith of Ireland, fixed Messrs P Quinlan, J Quinlan, C Hayes (Sec. Rec. solidly in her soil, braving the storms and the rains Committee), J Bowman, NT, M Mulcahy, D Harty, J that beat around it unavailing. It is associated with Birrane, J Hayes, J Ryan, E Hanly, T O’Toole, D the very heart of our faith. The great sacrifice of the McGrath, E Harty, Supt. Hayden was in charge of Mass around the altar has been the battle and the traffic arrangements. Chief Supt. Murphy, Limerick; rock stands as a monument of that resistance and W L Ryan (Architect) Limerick and Mr McNeice victory. But the fight must still go on. With the with- were also present. drawal of the influence of the church from our eco- A special word of praise is due to WL Ryan, who nomic life, Christian civilisation is being imperilled. was responsible for the general layout plan of the A form of state arising that claims unlimited powers Grotto, design of the entrance, ornamental railings over the souls and bodies of its people is the embod- etc. iment of materialism. The drift is towards moral, The entire layout was very favourably com- religious and cultural chaos, when men cut them- mented on by the large gathering who spoke of Mr selves away from the church of Christ; disillusion- Ryan’s abilities in a very complimentary manner. It ment is bound to follow when men leave the living is stated that upwards of 500 people have visited the citadel of truth to follow the ways of a fake freedom. Grotto during the week.

Roger Jones, Denis Keating, Bill O’Sullivan and Michael Dowling are pictured here working on the Churchtown Marian Shrine in December, 1987 Page 83 The Marian Shrine at pictured on August 29, 1954. Below, a sample of a the huge crowd that attended.

Page 84 Holy Year Cross built in

IGHT on top of Kilmeedy Hill, looking down cross could be seen for miles around.” on the proud village, stands the Holy Year Nora continued: “Alas our cross is completely Cross built by the parishioners to commemo- darkened and all but forgotten now but I’m hoping Rrate the Marian Year of 1954. and praying for a revival,” she added. Following our appeal for information regarding “They were very happy times in Kilmeedy and the county Marian Shrines, 85-year-old Nora Quilty, people used to call on Sundays to view the cross but Kilmeedy, put pen to paper to recount the happy I honestly think interest in those grand practices is event in the parish all those years ago. gone forever,” she ended her letter. “The Cross,” she said, “was built from contribu- tions from the parishioners and what an evening we ❏ On Monday, August 15, 1988, at Feenagh had. The Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Pat Finn, now Church Grounds, a Marian Shrine was erected by gone to his eternal reward, and his splendid team of the local community. Donated by the Oblate altar boys travelled up the hill to bless our lovely Fathers, Cahermoyle, the shrine was blessed by holy year cross. The children sat in reverence on a Very Rev. Fr. Edward Looby, PP, in front of a very lovely evening as the Parish Priest said Mass and large crowd. Before the blessing, Mass was concele- held devotions to the Blessed Virgin afterwards. I brated by Rev. Fr. Matt O’Shea, OMI, Cahermoyle. walked up the hill on that splendid evening very fit Othere celebrants were Very Rev. Fr. Edward Looby, and healthy thank God and was delighted with the PP; Rev. Fr. Joseph D. Griffin, S.P.S., CC, and Rev. Fr. ceremony; nobody in a hurry, no other distractions Laurence Brassil, OSA. The choir was conducted by for our young people who prayed fervently and Tim Kelly, NT, and the organist was Mrs. Kathleen from the heart. Later that evening the cross was O’Connor. completely lit up and for years was switched on the The beautiful marble statue was donated by Fr. night a body lay in repose in the local church. The O’Shea of the Oblate Fathers.

Pictured at a Marian Shrine commemoration in Feenagh in August, 1988 are Kathleen and Benjamin O’Connor, Mrs. Bridie McCarthy, Gerard O’Connor, Dan Gayer, Jack Flynn and Eddie O’Connor.

Page 85 The procession (pictured top and bottom) makes its way towards Mungret Shrine.

Page 86 Sunday, August 14, 1955 Magnificent Mungret Shrine unveiled and blessed

Picture and text re-printed by kind permission of “Inspiring and impressive scenes were wit- Pubblebrien Historical Society, 2004 nessed on Sunday evening when a beautiful Marian Shrine was blessed and unveiled in the presence of The building of the Mungret Shrine was an a huge gathering. The unveiling was followed by entirely voluntary undertaking. Local men under benediction and was performed by Very Rev. Canon the guidance of a committee undertook the con- Punch, PP, Mungret. Other clergy present included struction. Jack O’Donoghue and Paddy Leyden, Rev. Fr. Reynolds, CSsR; Rev. Fr. Corbett, SJ; both masons, carried out the stone work. The Venerable Archdeacon O’Brien, PP, Patrickswell, women on the other hand were responsible for the and Rev. Kennedy, CC, Mungret and Crecora. At 7 decoration of the Shrine and the village. Mrs. Mai p.m. a procession led by Limerick Pipe Band took McKeown selected the statue of the Virgin which place from Mungret College Grounds to the Shrine. was procured in Italy. The following is an account of Mungret Village was tastefully decorated for the the event which appeared originally in the Limerick occasion. The statue is situated in a commanding Weekly Echo of Saturday, August 20, 1955, and sub- position at the western end of the village and was sequently re-printed in that wonderful publication erected by a large number of local workers who On Shannon’s Shore, A History of Mungret Parish. gave their services voluntarily.”

The procession makes its way towards Mungret Shrine.

Page 87 Mungret Shrine committee: Back row: Mick Mulqueen, Jim O’Dwyer, Bill Griffin, Willie McCann, Jack Cotter, Neddie Whelan, Gussie Creed, Denis Hehir. Front: Jimmy Galvin, Paddy Leyden, Tim Cleary (architect), Cha McDonnell, Johnny Kiely, Pierce O’Connor.

This Shrine at Woodlawn Park in Limerick City is one of the very few built in a private estate. It is lovingly looked after by the residents of Woodlawn. It was built c. 1994.

Page 88 Shrine built in 1963

Holy Wells and Shrines have been renowned All the work on the Shrine was done voluntarily places of worship in Ireland from the earliest of under the guidance of the local guild of Muintir na times, all dedicated to some particular saint. The Tire. The railings and wrought iron canopy was the Knockaderry Shrine was built in 1963 on a natural work of local craftsman, Denis O’Sullivan. base of rock, on an elevated site beside the church. In 1978 the Shrine underwent a facelift. The large The beautiful Carrara marble statue of Our Lady granite stones were removed and replaced by was purchased from a firm in Rome. Liscannor flags. The existing railing was removed On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception the and replaced by a brick frontage. Flower beds adorn Shrine was blessed and unveiled by the Parish the entrance on both sides of the path. Kerbing was Priest of Knockaderry, Very Rev. Fr. T. Costello, also laid. assisted by Rev. J. Sheehy, CC, Knockaderry, and The Shrine was described in the 1984 edition of Rev. T. Greene, CC, . To mark the occa- the Knockaderry Clouncagh News as “an outstand- sion a special sermon was preached by the Very Rev. ing example of a people helping to keep the Faith Archdeacon Carroll, PP, VF, Rathkeale, and a very alive and an insipiration for future generations. large number of parishioners were present at the – Pictures and text by kind permission of the ceremony. Knockaderry Clouncagh News, 1984

These workers are prepar- ing the site for the Knockaderry Shrine.

The magnificent Marian Shrine at Knockaderry

Page 89 Churchtown Residents Association was responsible in the main for the building and completion of the magnificent Shrine in their community in 1988. The Shrine (pictured below), was blessed by Canon O’Dea (above) and was followed by concelebrated Mass. Rev. Fr. Lane gave an inspiring homily on the Lourdes story. The Canon thanked Fr. Lane for his inciteful sermon. The cel- ebrations were followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and concluded with a decade of the Rosary recited by Rev. Fr. Boyce. A choir drawn from the residents of Churchtown and surrounds gave a beautiful rendering of many hymns including “Queen of the May.” Great praise was heaped on the residents and those who gave their time voluntarily. Funds were raised through draws, dances, flag days and church gate collections.

Page 90 Fr. Kelly leads Prayers at Shrine unveil- VERY Rev. Fr. Liam Kelly, PP, led the prayers at the the site. He also paid tribute to Mrs. Quaid, Mr. unveiling and blessing of the new Marian Shrine at Liam Lynch and the Danaher brothers for the con- Croagh on August 15, 1988. A large crowd of parish- tribution of materials. He praised the workmen and ioners from Croagh and Kilfinny joined together to women for their community spirit in getting the build this marvellous Shrine situated at the new project done. There were banners from the parish- road by the river between Croagh and Adamswood. ioners, Muintir na Tire, the GAA, ICA and the set After Mass at the local St. John’s Church, Rev. Fr. dancers. The unveiling was completed with a ren- Kelly led the Rosary service at the shrine. Mr. Ned dering of Hail Queen of Heaven after which the Ahern, chairman of the community council thanked large gathering retired to the community centre the Costello family of Limerick for the donation of where tea and cakes were heartily consumed.

The Marian Shrine at Croagh, unveiled in August, 1988, pictured right, while on the left is a portion of the huge crowd that turned up for the occasion.

The beautiful Shrine at Knockane, Newcastle West, costing over £400 was unveiled in August, 1966. The Shrine, which was built by voluntary labour was a project of the Newcastle West Development Association Streets Committee. The streets committee included Ed Guiry, Pat McAuliffe, Michael Fitzgibbon, Denis O’Connor, John McAuliffe, and Patrick O’Connor.

Page 91 Nuncio’s telegram to Bishop . . .

His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. P. O’Neill, welcome accorded the Holy Father’s represen- received the following telegram from His tative. His Holiness will be immediately Excellency, Most Rev. Dr. O’Hara, Apostolic informed of all I saw and heard while the Nuncio. guest of His Lordship and your Diocese and I “Most Rev. Patrick O’Neill, Bishop of Limerick. know it will please him immensely. It was a Back at Nunciature after never-to-be-forgotten most edifying experience and I will always days in Limerick. I beg your Lordship and cherish the memory of Limerick’s great good- your devoted clergy, religious and faithful to ness of heart and cordial hospitality but espe- please accept this renewed heartfelt expression cially its shining example of Catholic faith – of deepest gratitude for the wonderfully kind Archbishop O’Hara, Apostolic Nuncio. . . . Knocklong Shrine

ONE OF the mot unique Shrines in Limerick of the rock from the actual Grotto in which Our has to be the one built in Knocklong. When the Lady appeared. This was brought back to parish decided to pay their homage to the Knocklong and encased in glass and placed one Thady Ryan travelled to underneath the statue where it rests today, 50 Lourdes and received permission to take a piece years after the great event.

Shannon Shrine . . .

A thousand workers at , rep- . The statue, which cost £300, resenting people of five different nationalities, will be placed in the court yard beside the cen- contributed towards the building of a Marian tral tower. The staff at Shannon were given a Shrine which was unveiled and blessed by his free day in honour of the occasion. Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Rodgers, Coadjutor . . . ‘Consecrate children’

IN another letter to the Editor which appeared She continued: “I think if a special day was on Wednesday, December 8, 1954, a contribu- announced from some of the churches to do tor who called herself “A Child of Mary” made the needed, the response would be great. I, as a plea that as the Marian Year is coming to an a mother, would like nothing better than to end it would be a “nice gesture to Our Blessed give my child into the keeping of Our Blessed Mother to have all the children of Limerick Virgin Mary.” consecrated to her” Shrine blessed at Assurance office The Irish Assurance Company offices in unveiled and blessed by Rev. Fr. Stanislaus, O’Connell Street was the subject of much dis- OFM. cussion when they had their own shrine

Page 92 A Shrine from down your way

This was a private Marian Shrine built by the The Shrine in . Hartigan family in .

The Shrine at Newcastle West.

Page 93 Sean Heuston Place Committee: Back row: M. Hanley (partially obscured), M. Power, M. Hanley Jnr.; D. Flannery, S. O’Donoven, J. Buckley, P. McDonnell, T. Cremins, P. Parker. Front: M. Treacy, Jacko Minihan, M. Considine, Ald. Ted Ressell, Mayor of Limerick. The Shrine was blessed on Sunday, September 18, 1955 following a procession from St. John’s Square to the site. The opening ceremony was preceded by the Rosary, Prayers for emigrants and a short address by Very Rev. W. J. Creed, Adm., St. John. Rev. Fr. H. McGowan CSsR, and Rev. Fr. Athanasius, OFM were also present. St. John’s Brass & Reed Band led the procession followed by the men of St. John’s Division of the Arch Confraternity and the members of St. John’s Womens’ Confraternity. No other account of the blessing was carried in the Limerick Leader.

Garryowen Shrine Committee, 1983: From left, Mike Doran, Kathleen Reales, Chrissie Duhig, Vera O’Callaghan, Mary Clancy, Susan Halvey, Margaret Halvey, Larry O’Brien, Michael Clancy, Kathleen Halvey, Vera Ryan, Teresa O’Keeffe, Gerry Bromell, Dolores O’Grady, Peter Woodland, Seamus O Cinneide. In front are Ian O’Callaghan, left, and David Whelan.

Page 94 Wednesday, December 8, 1954 Marian Year closes with High Mass in Cathedral

“The closing of the great Marian Year today, and was Very Rev. W. J. O’Grady, Adm., St. John’s; the the Feast of the Immaculate Conception were deacons at the throne were Rev. Dr. Murphy and observed in Limerick by Pontifical High Mass in St. Rev. Fr. Kelly, both of St. Munchin’s College. The John’s Cathedral at 12 o’c,” wrote the Limerick Master of Ceremonies was Rev. Fr. W. Creed, CC, St. John’s. Also on the sanctuary were Rev. M. Sadlier, Leader on Wednesday, December 8, 1954. St. Munchin’s College, and Rev. Fr. C. Mullins, CC, The report continued: “The celebrant was His St. John’s. The singing of the proper of the Mass by Lordship, the Bishop of Limerick, Most Rev. Dr. P. the Laurel Hill Convent choir and the children of the O’Neill, who subsequently, in the sacristy, was pre- parish, added to the impressive solemnity of the sented with a cheque for £1,000 by the Limerick liturgy. Professor King Griffin was at the organ. Pork Butchers Society, to be devoted to the fund for “After the Pontifical High Mass, the chairman the renovation of Our Lady’s Shrine altar in the and other officials and members of the Executive Cathedral. Committee of the Limerick Pork Butchers Society “The Deacon at the Pontifical High Mass was gathered in the sacristy to present a cheque for Rev. Fr. J. Moran, CC, St. John’s and the sub deacon £1,000 to His Lordship. was Rev. Fr. D. Gallagher, CC, do.; The High Priest

June, 1954, saw thousands of Limerick people brave the elements to give homage to the Queen of Heaven

Page 95 These residents of the area attended the 50th anniversary celebrations of the BallynantyShrine this year.

“In making the presentation, Mr. John Bennis, more faithful to the Church than the members of chairman, said that the closing that day of the their Society. They had given further evidence of Marian Year was also a moment of joy for the mem- their continued loyalty by making that magnificent bers of the Pork Butcher’s Society for they had seen presentation. He knew that if it was possible for the realisation of the promise given by their founder them to give a whole million they would give it members in having their new Shrine altar to Our with equal joy and gladness in honour of Our Lady. Lady in memory of their first Hon President, the last It was an auspicious occasion and he was sure that Most Rev. Dr. O’Dwyer, renovated. Bishop there would be countless blessings showered on O’Dwyer’s activities brought about the successful their Society in the future years. He wished to thank termination of their labour dispute in 1890 and as a every one of them from his heart for the magnifi- result their Society was formulated under the new cence of their gesture which they had made in hon- title of the Limerick Pork Butchers Society. The out- our of Our Lady.” come of that dispute made for good conditions of Finally, Mr. Bennis conveyed thanks to Very Rev. employment. Down through the years the members W. J. O’Grady, Adm., for his many kindnesses to the observed August 15th, the Feast of the Assumption, Society. as a holiday. They would continue to do so and Among the other officials of the Society present hoped that the time was not far distant when our were Mr. Matt Fahy, vice-chairman; Mr. George native government would make it a national holi- Judge, secretary; Mr. E. O’Neill branch sec of the day,” he said. IT&GWU and the members of the executive com- “It gives me great pleasure,” continued Mr. mittee of the Society including three founder mem- Bennis, “as chairman of the Limerick Pork Butchers bers, Messrs William O’Dwyer, Tom Forestall and Society, to present to you, My Lord, our new Jack O’Sullivan. Honorary President, this gift for £1,000 towards the Solemn High Mass was celebrated just after renovation and decoration of Our Lady’s Shrine. We midnight in the Redemptorist Church in marking earnestly hope that you will always come among us the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the in your position as our Honorary President for your closing of the Marian Year. The celebrant was Very chair in our Society is always there and when you Rev. M. Curran, CSsSR, Provincial; deacon was Rev. come you will be assured of a hearty cead mile Fr. Dunne, CSsR and sub deacon, Rev. Fr. Canny, failte.” CSsR. Master of Ceremonies was Rev. Fr. P. In returning thanks, His Lordship said “that the O’Donnell, CSsR and the sermon was preached by Limerick Pork Butchers Society had a long tradition Rev. Fr. M. Hickey, CSsR. of a high standard in every respect and especially in Solemn High Mass was celebrated that day, too, regard to their loyalty to the Church. No people was in many of the other city churches.

Page 96 St, Patrick’s Week Celebrations, 1955 Housing estates celebrate Féile Pádraig in 1955

“An outstanding feature of the St. Patrick’s week Patrick’s Well on Tuesday night. Over 1,500 persons celebrations in Limerick were the organised activi- took part, led by Rev. Fr. Eamon Casey. Included ties in the Corporation housing estates. Extensive were St. John’s Band, acolytes and choirs, St. programmes, carried out by the Marian Shrine com- Patrick’s CBSI, schoolchildren and the Men’s and mittees at the request of the St. Patrick’s Day Women’s’ Confraternities. At the Holy Well, The Committee, were a pronounced success,” wrote the holy Rosary in Irish was recited by Fr. Casey and the Limerick Leader on Monday, March 28, 1955. ladies’ choir sung hymns. “The schemes were decorated with lighting and “On Wednesday, a variety concert was given. bunting and on every night of the week the Holy The O’Rourke, Penny, Dalton and Fitzgerald Rosary in Irish, was recited, appropriate hymns Schools gave exhibitions of Irish dancing. There sung and Irish entertainment provided afterwards. were numerous singers and comedians and Irish set “The proceedings reflect the greatest credit on dancing with music supplied by Jim and John the committees who organised them and on the Byrnes. local residents, who gave their committees splendid “On Friday night step dancing, singing and ceili co-operation. Large throngs attended all the func- took place. A selection of music on the uileann pipes tions including visitors from the city and county. was given by Mr. Andrew Keane, accompanied on “Mr. David Dundon, chairman of the St. the violin by Mr. Tadhg Smalle. Patrick’s Day Committee and the Mayor, Ald. GE “Mr. M. J. Keyes, Minister for Posts and Russell, together with other committee members and public representatives, made it a point to visit Telegraphs visited the celebrations and remained at the areas during the week and compliment the length. He spoke during the interval on the necessi- organisers on their wonderful efforts,” The Leader ty for a hall in the district and appealed to the chil- continued. dren to learn the Irish Language. “The Limerick Pipers visited the celebrations FAIR GREEN SHRINE and played a selection. Story telling and singing “The week’s programme began with a torch around a bonfire and a variety concert took place on light procession from St. Patrick’s Church to St. Saturday.

A candlelight procession from St. Patrick’s Church to the Holy Well at Singland attracted a couple of thousand souls in March, 1955.

Page 97 Tara and Helen Henkenborg at the Marian Shrine 50th anniversary at St Marys Park

“On Sunday a children’s concert was held at 3.30 arranged by a committee of local residents and was p.m. followed that night by Irish set dancing, step a pronounced success. The Limerick pipers gave a dancing and singing. Mr. Michael Ryan, chairman, in selection of national airs. The Dalcassian Ceili Band, his address, thanked the St. Patrick’s Day committee, under Sean McPhillips and McShera Ceili Band pro- the bands, dancers, singers, comedians, musicians vided the music for ceili dancing. Songs were ren- and all those who contributed to make the celebra- dered by Mr. Joseph Speirin, tenor; Master Tommy tions such a success. The week closed with the play- Drennan, boy soprano; Mr. J. Collins, Miss Meehan ing of the National Anthem at midnight. The week’s and Miss N. Ryan. Irish step dancing was provided programme was arranged by the local Marian Shrine by the Daly, Dalton and O’Rourke schools with exhi- committee of which Mr. M. Ryan is chairman; Mr. W. bitions by Master Anthony Nolan and Miss Nolan, Hannah, treasurer, and Mr. P. O’Neill is secretary. Mr. O’Rourke School. O’Neill compered the week’s programme.” “Musical items were provided by Mr. Frank Imbusch, Mr. Neville, Mr. M. Meade, Mr. ‘Bud’ RATHBANE Clancy and Mr. P. Ryan, comedian. The week’s festivities provided the maximum of Variety entertainment was provided by Mr. entertainment and was thoroughly enjoyed by large Paddy McMahon, Irish weightlifting champion and audiences from the local and surrounding areas and his troupe in comic sketch, acrobatic display and visitors from city and county. weightlifting exhibition. The Christian Brothers “On Monday night the week’s programme schoolboys, under Rev. Brother Delay, provided a opened with a parade to Our Lady’s Shrine, led by comic sketch in Irish and a delightful gymnastic dis- St. John’s Brass and Reed Band. The Holy Rosary, in play. Mrs. T. O’Neill and her troupe gave an exhibi- Irish, was recited afterwards and the band played tion of figure marching, club swinging and a danc- suitable hymns. The band led the large contingents ing display. to the Green and played a selection of Irish airs. A The Holy Rosary was recited each night at the platform was erected on the green for the various Shrine. The week closed on Sunday night on a very items of entertainment which were continued for the high note with a musical night and community entire week. The programme was an extensive one, singing.

Page 98 BALLINACURRA WESTON’S EFFORT Anthem. When the Ballinacurra Weston Shrine Committee were invited to undertake a programme The programme was organised by a committee of celebrations for the St. Patrick’s Week they found consisting of Mr. Thomas Hannon, chairman; Mr. themselves at a considerable disadvantage as none Finnan, vice-chairman; Mr. J. Mulligan, secretary; Mr. of them had any experience of organising what was Patrick Culhane who was in charge of the lighting; required, according to the report of the secretary, Mrs. O’Brien, who was in charge of the night lights on Mr. John Mulligan. the Shrine; Mrs. T. O’Reilly, Mrs. K. Mulligan and The fact that they produced a most comprehen- Miss G. Mulligan who coached the performers, and sive programme which was enjoyed nightly by a large Messrs T. O’Reilly, Mulqueen, Murphy, McCormack, gathering, is therefore all the more to their credit. Murray, McInerney, William and Patrick Hannan and On Monday evening the Boherbuoy Band led a Mrs. Mulqueen. procession through the scheme and afterwards gave a During the week the Holy Rosary was recited selection of Irish airs. A platform was erected near the each day at 4.30 p.m. for children and 7.30 for adults. Shrine and children of the locality attending the The O’Rourke and Daly Schools gave exhibitions of O’Rourke and Penny Schools gave a continuous exhi- Irish dancing each night. bition of Irish singing and dancing until 10 p.m. when The celebrations opened on Monday night with a the gathering knelt at the Shrine for the recitation of cross roads celebrations and Irish ceili dancing. On the Rosary and the singing of hymns. This latter prac- Tuesday there was a ‘round-the-fire’ with a sing-song. tice was continued each night throughout the week. On Wednesday night there was a cross roads dance On Tuesday night a similar programme followed with with music supplied by the Dalcassian Ceili Band the addition of selections from two members of the under the leader Sean McPhillips and an excellent Limerick Pipers. exhibition of dancing was given by Rosbrien resi- On Wednesday the proceedings were distin- dents. On Thursday the celebrations were cancelled guished with a visit from ‘Charlie and Mrs. Chaplin’ due to a death in the locality. and there was ceili dancing and old time waltzing as On Friday night a children’s night, with a pageant this was St. Patrick’s Evening. on the coming of St. Patrick and Irish songs and On Thursday night, a pageant took place, led by dances were arranged by Mr. O’Neill, Mrs. Cowhey two girls dressed as St. Patrick and King Laoghaire and Mrs. Dawson. and who recited The Pascal Fire of Patrick. A bonfire The grand finale was on Sunday night featuring was lit, the hymn Hail Glorious St. Patrick was sung the Dalcassian Ceili Band. Mr. O’Dwyer gave a most and this was followed by community singing and entertaining comedy turn. Nearly 2,000 persons dancing. attended, it was estimated. On Friday night the Daly School gave a splendid The celebrations were organised by a local com- exhibition of Irish dancing and on Saturday night the mittee consisting of Mr. P. Walsh, chairman; Mr. P. programme featured Mr. Mick Corr’s Ceili Band as Buckley, Mr. T. Sherlock, Mr. J. Dawson, Mr. E. Carey, well as local musicians, singers and step dancers. Mr. P. O’Brien and Mr. F. Cowhey. On Sunday night, the Limerick Pipers gave a Celebrations were also held in Sean Heuston selection of music and a display of counter-marching Place, St. Mary’s Park and other areas but as retreats followed by a most enjoyable Irish night. The pro- were in progress in a couple of parishes, the cele- ceedings were closed with the playing of the National brations had, of necessity, to be limited.

Oola locals enjoy the sunshine at the golden jubilee celebrations

Page 99 Wednesday, November 16, 1955 Canopy built around Weston Shrine “During the Marian Year ceremonies by the Arch erected over the grotto today (See page 34). The Confraternity, the people of the above housing committee were influenced in their decision by Mr. scheme were decorating their houses. It was decid- James O’Donnell, resident carpenter to the scheme, ed to built a small grotto in an angle of land divid- who is one of its members. It was he who designed ing an intersection of roads. When this had served and constructed it and supervised the many willing its purpose the group of people who had built it helpers to erect it as stands today. Indeed, the com- decided to erect a more fitting and lasting Shrine to mittee are fortunate in having him as a member for Our Lady. The result was that on the 12th of his professional assistance has been very useful on December, 1954, a beautiful statue of Our Lady was more than one occasion,” the Limerick Leader wrote. unveiled and blessed by Rev. Fr. Manning, CC, St. The paper continued: “The committee have Michael’s, in the presence of a large gathering of decided to renew this collection to erect a suitable people with his Worship the Mayor, Alderman railing and would be grateful for any voluntary con- Russell, and several members of the Corporation. tributions sent to Mr. P. Lowe, Clarina Avenue, As time went on it was found that the weather was treasurer, or Mr. J. Mulligan, PC, Clarina Avenue, affecting the statue. The committee decided to defer hon. sec.” plans which they had already made to erect a railing Over the years, however, the weather played and build a canopy instead. This created a very dif- havoc with the timber work and it was eventually ficult problem as they had dropped their collection demolished and a wall built around it (see page 33). some time before and therefore had very little funds Fifty years later the descendents of those resi- but it was decided to purchase what timber they dents again came together and re-built the Shrine could. The result is that there is a beautiful canopy that had, over the years, deteriorated.

Josephine Corbett, Chairperson; Paddy Hynes, committee, Albert O'Keeffe, Treasurer, Robert Carey, committee and Fr. Pat Seavers, commit- tee, pictured at the 50th Anniversary of the Marian Shrine in Crecora Avenue, Weston. Picture: Alan Place/Press 22.

Page 100 Frank and Mary Cowhey pictured at the golden jubilee of their Shrine at Rosbrien in August of this year

Despite the torrential rain the people of Prospect and Rosbrien turned out in large numbers to hear Mass at their shrine on the 50th anniver- sary in August. ❏ Picture: Sean Curtin, Press 22

Page 101 St. Mary’s Fife and Drum Band as well as St. Mary’s Schouts attended the opening and blessing of the Shrine in 1954

Some of the gentlemen of Oola admire the view from the hill-top outside the village during the golden jubilee celebrations. ❏ Oola Jubilee Pictures by Michael Ryan

Page 102 A moment of reflection for Canon Connellan during the golden jubilee celebrations at the St. Mary’s Park Shrine.

Page 103 Acknowledgments

It has been a humbling experience to have been involved in producing this book on the Marian Shrines. While all are not directly products of the 1954 Marian Year, I felt that any community who went to the trouble of building a shrine to honour the Blessed Virgin deserves inclusion.

The Hospital, Co. Limerick, shrine was built in 1904 and are currently celebrating their centenary, while at the other end of the scale two shrines were unveiled and blessed on the same day in Askeaton in 1988.

Collecting photographs and actual Shrine information for this project has been at times a little daunting but parishioners have been extremely generous with their valuable time and for that I thank them.

So many people contributed to this production that to name them all would be impossible. Suffice to say, they know who they are, and this book is dedicated to them.

The Microfilm Department of the Limerick City Library, under the stewardship of Michael Maguire, has been a treasure throve of information without which this production would never have seen the light of day. A special word, too, to local historian Tony Browne for writing such an informative Foreword for the book

Again, many thanks to all who contributed.

SEAN CURTIN September, 2004

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