Community Magazine May 2017 No

Community Magazine

May 2017 No. 355

EDITORIAL CALENDAR

It probably has a lot to do with the lengthen- ing of the days and the improvements in the Monday 1st-Saturday 6th May weather but there is a sense that the year is Clane Musical Society present the musical moving on. St. Patrick’s Day, with all the “ Carousel” in the Abbey Community Centre preparations it involves, has come and gone at 8pm. nightly. and also Easter. The various events which act as markers in the community year follow Saturday 13th May Beatification of Fr. in an inevitable succession. Community John Sullivan, S.J. in St. Francis Xavier Games Swimming was early this year on Church, Gardiner Street, Dublin 1. 28th January. The results were published in the February edition. With regard to the Monday 15th May Clane & Rathcoffey Field and Track Events, we have applied to Community Games will Hold their annual the Board of Management for the use of the Field and Track Events on the grounds of field at Scoil Mhuire on the evening of Mon- Scoil Mhuire Community School, by kind day 15th May. The entry forms will be cir- permission, commencing 7pm. culated to the 5 schools of our area plus the Parish Office in order to provide for students Wednesday 17th May attending schools outside our area. Forms As a contribution to the Fleadh, C.L.H.G. may also be obtained on contacting Tony will host a History Walk of the Village on McEvoy on 045 868474. Wednesday 17th May. All welcome. See p.9 At time of going on line Clane Musi- cal and Dramatic Society are putting the Thursday 19 May An Illustrated Talk final touches to “Carousel”, which promises will be given in Rathcoffey GAA by Larry to be a first class production and something Breen on Memories of Visit to WW 11 Bat- to look forward to. Tidy Towns inspections tlefields. All are welcome. See p. 9. commence any time after 1st June. Like the Community Games, both events have now Saturday 27th May Wild About Clane been running uninterruptedly since the es- Nature Walk by the Liffey at Clane. Time tablishment of Clane Community Council 44 3pm. All welcome -free event. See p.12 years ago. They are a big undertaking but we are fortunate to have the help of stalwarts Monday 29th May Monthly meeting of who support us with both their efforts and Clane Community Council in the Abbey ideas. Of course we are always open to fur- Community Centre at 8pm. ther offers of help. This is how community works. Work parties meet each Tuesday evening throughout the summer. At this stage Tuesday evening work parties will Web site: www.clanecommunity.ie have already commenced. New volunteers are always welcome. Tuesdays after seven EDITOR’S DEADLINE will not be possible for everyone but an hour The deadline for receipt of material for the of one’s own choosing is of course equally September issue of Le Chéile is welcome. Contact can be made with any Committee member. It is a good way to Monday 28th August keep fit and healthy, not just physically but To 142 Loughbollard please. socially and in community terms also. Tel. 045-868474. E-mail: [email protected]

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GRAVESTONES WITHIN THE and there are no gaps depicted anywhere, RUINS OF THE FRANCISCAN including on the western end. This, and the fact that it was out in the middle of a large FRIARY ON THE NAAS ROAD agricultural field, suggests the walls had sufficient height all around to exclude farm [We repeat the first page of our April animals. Within living memory the founda- article on burials within the ruins of the tions on the western end of the ruin (the end Franciscan Friary in order to identify nearest the road) have not been above the stones and to provide notes on the ground level. One would have to query families concerned and hopefully to whether this is where the stones came from invite further information on these or in order to build the boundary wall in 1915. other families.] This coincided with the official closure of the ancient graveyard surrounding what is A study of the gravestones in the now the Abbey Community Centre. Abbey Cemetery on the Sallins Road shows that it was only subsequent to the 1920s that A very early photograph of Clane it came into intensive use as a burial Franciscan Friary ruins in 1899 may be seen ground. This is in keeping with the fact that in the Journal of the Kildare Archaeologi- the 25 inch map of 1913 still shows the Fri- cal Society, Vol. III, page 102. This is re- ary ruins out in the middle of a large agri- produced in “A History of Christianity in cultural field of over 9 acres with the famil- Clane and Rathcoffey”, page 31. The ruins iar boundary walls of the cemetery and the at that stage were not surrounded by the long entrance drive leading up from the present graveyard walls and were complete- road not yet having been constructed, nor ly without ivy due to being grazed by sheep. any of the trees having been planted. 1915 The Franciscan Friary was in exist- is in fact the year in which the cemetery at ence from its foundation in 1258 to its clo- the ruins of the old Church of Saint Mi- sure under Henry VIII in 1540. At some chael, now the Abbey Community Centre, stage following this some local families was officially closed for burials and the began to use the area within the high walls County Council commenced work on devel- of the ruins for family burials, as is often oping the cemetery out the Sallins Road. the case with such church ruins. There had been a number of burials It is worth recording the inscriptions within the walls of the ruin and 30 existing on the gravestones within this area -where gravestones testify to this. While the grave- they can be deciphered- because they pre- stones within the ruins date back to the ear- ceded its recognition as an official grave- ly 1700s, there are no gravestones outside yard and the era of keeping burial records the ruins which predate 1915. The 25 inch by a Local Authority. Of course, as might map of 1913 shows a sharp outline on all be expected, there would also be many sides to the ruins of the Franciscan Friary graves unmarked by any stones, except per- 3 haps small trip stones. This is probably the Mrs. Fitzpatrick, and was located in first time in 3 centuries in which all the 30 the building now shared by the stones have been read and transcribed; all A.I.B. and Paddy Power. We quote that is except for ones, which are lying face par. 2: “James O’Neill was down. They were practically all covered from a background of strong farmers with thick moss and mud. The project took and came from Bodenstown. A over two weeks to complete. branch of the family still lives there on the family farm and were the Stones (For full details see April edition): owners of the present golf course. In 1. Alexander Westlake: Died Jan. 21 1875, his school days James O’Neill rode aged 65. -No information. his own donkey to the Boys’ School in Clane. At twelve he went to Mull- 2. William Murphy of Clain, Merc, ingar to become apprenticed for a died 1755, aged 34. Also his fa- business career. When he returned he ther, Mathew died 1737 aged 74. went to work for Mrs. Fitzpatrick “Merc.” we assume to indicate and afterwards bought out the busi merchant. Note there is a stone to ness himself”. There are 6 O’Neills the memory of a James Murphy of listed among the 20 members of the Smithfields, Dublin, who died in Clane Traders Association in 1907. Dec. 1829, in the Abbey Cemetery opposite the Prosperous Road junc 4. In memory of Joseph D. Whyte . tion. There are no Murphys listed Died 9th July 1902 aged 73 years. in the Main Street (plot 94) in the R.I.P. Note: Whytes were the own- Griffith Survey of 1853. Note the ers of Viewmount House, situated hill encountered on the Ballinagap- up a long avenue opposite and just pa Road leading up to the Clonwood be yond the Community School, Heights junction is traditionally with lands extending back to the known as “Murphy’s Hill.” The road between Firmount and Milli- 1853 Survey actually shows a cent Cross. They were progressive Christopher Murphy (plot 58) and a farmers and tradition has it that John Murphy (plot 55) located here they had the first trashing mill on the right hand side of the road in Clane. They were big into as you go up the hill. Note also that horse racing and had a race there is a “Miss Murphy “ listed track on their own lands. among the 20 members of the Clane 5. The Fox family are still in the Milli- Traders Association in 1907. cent and Clane area and a number 3. Here lieth the body of Catherine Fitz of de ceased family members are - Patrick, relict of buried also in the post 1915 section Laurence Fitzpat rick, niec to of the cemetery, outside of the old Rev. Laurence W… Friary ruins. who departed this life May 7th 1815 6. Erected by John Kinsella, Kilmurry, aged 70 years. in memory of his beloved wife Note: The name Fitzpatrick is listed Mary Kinsella who died 4th January in association with three premises in 1909 aged 51 years. R.I.P. the Main Street of Clane (Nos. 30, No information. 52 and 53), as listed in the Griffith Survey of 1853. 7. Very small sculpted grave-marking In Feb. ’77 Le Chéile pub stone bearing a 3 dimensional lished an interview with Maria cross but without provision of Dunn, who was a daughter of space for any inscription. James O’Neill, who ran a pub, which he bought from his employer, 4 8. First stone...

9. ...second stone... behind this house, extending to include the site where 10. ...third stone dedicated to the O’Brien’s is now located and out memory of members of the the Prosperous Road to include Dunne Family, Ballinagappa. Liffey Lawns. A stream crosses Preceeded Farrells. For details of the main road from the near end of stones see the April issue of Abbey Court under a low bridge LeChéile. referred to a “Donnellan’s Bridge”. 11. Pray for the soul of Matthew Don- Thomas Donnellan, his son, is nel- lan of Clane, who died Feb- listed in the Valuation Survey of ruary 1827 aged 73 years. Also 1853 as occupier of four holdings his wife Ester Donnellan who with a total of 106 acres, together died 25th July 1837 aged 79 with a house, yard and out-offices. years and their son Thomas His biggest holdings were 68 M. Donnellan who died on 28th acres in Ballynaboley and 33 acres September 1866 aged 75 in Clane townsland. In addition he years. R.I..P. Note:- was lessor of 17 propertied, in This is a tall Celtic Cross like cluding 16 houses in the village stone. Matthew Donnellan was a with 10 yards, 2 out-offices and 6 farmer from Clane who was active gardens. at a local level with the United Irishmen in 1798 and the years 12. Fallen stone. (face down) which led up to it and continued to 13. (Sandstone set in wall facing west) be active up till 1802. With Michael Doorly he was involved in Here Lye the Bodys of James drilling up to five hundred men at Ennis late of Clane who Departed Lullymore a couple of nights a this Life ye 4th of March 1719 week up to that year. He is reputed and of Joan his wife who deceased to have walked a contingent of Clanemen over and back to Lully ye 28th of August 1729 and of more. [See County Kildare Arche Mary her mother who Dyed ological Society Journal X, P.154.] August4th1732. R.I.P. The Dublin Evening Post ann- ounced that on the 16th Feb. 1798 Posuit RD Andreas Ennis a charity ball would be held at the Paro chus de Clane. A.D. 1738. County Kildare Merry Harrier [Erected by Rev. Andrew Ennis Clubroom [now Doctor’s House in P.P. of Clane A.D. 1738] the Main Street] under the patron Note: Father Ennis was the first age of Mrs. Bundette, Mrs. Fitz Gerald, Mrs. Wolfe, Mrs. Esmond, P.P. of Clane, Staplestown and Mrs. Griffith, Mrs. Browne and Rathcoffey when they were united Mrs. Aylmer who would provide as one parish in 1738. [See A supper. Subscriptions were distrib History Of Christianity In uted among the poor of the parish Clane & Rath- coffey] es inhabited by the patronesses. Tickets, gentlemen 11/4, ladies 14. Richard Farrell, late of Dublin, 5/5, from the patronesses or Mr. who departed this life 22nd Au- Matthew Donnellan, Clane [the gust 1810 aged 41. May he rest owner of the premises]. Donnellan owned a swathe of land beside and 5

in peace. loving remembrance of his father No information. Billy Murray who died 1856. Also his mother Nora and his sister 15. James Dillon and other family mem- Jane. I place these lines to bers (See April issue) . . . show the place where they are 1800. No information. laid. May God rest their souls in 16. Michael Donohoe who died 10 April peace. Amen. 1873 (See April Issue) No infor- The Valuation Survey OF mation. (A John Donohoe lived in 1853 shows a William Murray with Crockaun Commons in 1853) over 9 acres living where Mainham Wood Estate is now located on the 17. A flaked stone with no remaining Kilcock Road and also in pos- writing. session of what is now the open 18. A flaked stone with no remaining space known as the Orchard on the writing. other side of the road 19. I.H.S. Erected by Margaret Carey, 25. 25. Erected to the memory of Chris- Longtown in memory of her brother topher O’Rorke who died 3rd William, who died 11th May 1915 May 1879 aged aged 74 years. Sacred heart of Jesus 73……………………………. . have mercy on him. R.I.P. Note: There are several Rourke fam- [Family still in area.] ilies listed in the 1853 Survey 20. A flaked stone with no remaining but no O’Rorkes. writing. 26. (Stone fallen face down.) 21. Michael Archer (A railed grave) 27. Erected by Mrs. Anne Staunton of Who died 14th October 1890, Kill in memory of her beloved aged 76 years. Also his son Thom- husband Mr. Charles Staunton . as who died 19th March 1877 . . No information. aged 21 years. And his daugh- 28. Erected by Thomas Kinsella of Sal- ter Ellen who died Oct (?) 1863 lins.. No information. aged 9 years. Also his in- fant children Michael, Bridget and Mary. 29. In memory of Thomas Coughlin of (A family, commonly known as Sallins . . . No information. Archer but by some as Orchard, 30. Low stone without inscription. were farmers on the Moat Com- mons Lane. (Townsland of For full information on the inscriptions of Carrig- een) The 1853 Survey any of the above see the April issue of Le lists a Michael Orchard at the loca- Chéile on www.clanecommunity.ie If any- tion. one can add to the above information please contact the Editor. Contact details on page 22. (Fallen and fragmented stone) 2. 23. (Fallen and fragmented stone).

24. (White marble stone set in north

wall) Erected by Bryan Murray in 6

CLANE TENNIS CLUB dent. May Altars, Shrines, and Proces- -Established 1973- sions especially were more to the fore. Yes we recall it all. Yet still devotion to Clane Tennis Club recently organised a Our Lady remains and May is traditional- very successful Junior Open Week with a ly Mary’s month. huge turn-out and number of over 130 attending the 5 day event. There is some very sad news to relate to our Club right now and that is Many thanks to Mick Hennessy and his the untimely death of Molly Delaney. team who did tremendous work and hope- May her gentle soul rest in peace of fully we will see those who participated Christ. She really was a wonderful lady joining the club as there is a very busy and the life and soul of the Evergreens. year ahead including coaching, tourna- She loved being a member and excelled ments and Summer Camp in July and at card playing and bingo and loved all Aug. Junior Coach Ritchie Mahony -086 the outings. We offer our sincere and 6051005. heartfelt condolences to all her family. The annual Seamus and Kitty Manzor We Evergreens will truly miss her. May tournament provided a big turn out last she enjoy the Beatific Vision. Caisimíd Fri. 21st. Winner Gerry McTiernan, 2nd. arís le chéile ar an dtaobh thall. Leaba I Sinead McFadden, 3rd. Tommy McAn- measc na Naomh duit; you have really drew. earned it. Business House tournament will take On behalf of the Evergreens I commence on June 12th and teams of 4 – would like to offer our best wishes and 2 Ladies/2Men are welcome to enter in- congratulations to all the children, both cluding non members. from Clane and Rathcoffet, who are about to make their 1st Holy Communion. Hope Membership now available to end March that the Lord will bless, influence and 2018, application forms in clubhouse. inspire them throughout their lives. Call any Tuesday evening from 7.30p.m. We welcome all new members, both We would very much like to sin- young and not so young to come along cerely thank CMDS for their complemen- and see our facilities. Coaching available. tary tickets to the delightful musical Further details on facebook. “Carousal”. These artistes supreme are still going from strength and always get- ting packed houses and rave reviews. They are a delight to watch and they give us all such pleasure; long may they con- tinue. Céad Mile Buíochos. THE EVERGREENS We will be having our annual big

day’s outing next month and if anyone Welcome Summer! We are into would care to join us -you are most wel- the first month and let’s hope we enjoy come. More about that in the next issue of plenty of sunshine and long hazy days. Le Chéile. Hope you all have a pleasant Summer is upon us and thousands of and sunny Summer. Beannacht Dé oraibh shades of green are unfolding before our go léir eyes. Light is abundant and flowers are blooming beautifully such as forget me Maureen Spain (PRO) nots, peonies, tulips, etc. Yes, the month of May is set aside by the Church for scial devotion in honour of Our Lady. In the days of our youth we older people would remember that devotions were more evi- 7

CLANE GOLF CLUB 1st Eddie Shanley (26) 36 pts (back 9) 2nd Michael Cuddihy (12) 36 pts Notes for May edition of Le Cheile 3rd Brian Conlon (11) 35 pts The results for April thus far, are Gross: Robbie Reilly (5) 78 01 - 02th April John B McAndrew Class 1 (up to 15H/C) Cup 1st Niall Bryan (5) 31 pts 2nd Diarmuid F.Coonan 29 pts 1st Joe Maher (17) 41 pts Class 2 (H/C 16-19) 2nd Ger Nevin (11) 40 pts 1st Matt Costello (16) 34pts nd Gross Ger Nevin (11) 75 2 Hugh McCreevy (17) 32pts

W/E 1st April- John B. McAndrew Cup Class 3 (H/C 20+) st 1st Joe Maher (17) 41 pts. 1 Sean Connolly (25) 28 pts nd 2nd Ger Nevin (11) 40 pts. 2 Daire O’Broin (20) 28 pts Gross- Ger Nevin 75 Twos competition: Michael Cuddihy €68

th 7 April- The Friday 18- Winner Toddy 9 Hole Street League- week 4 & 5: Brogan (20) 36 points. 1st Joe Maher (16) 22 pts (last 6) nd W/E 8th April- 18 Hole Strokes, Spring 2 Lloyd Bracken (20) 22 pts rd Medal: 3 John Carew (11) 22 pts th st 4 Diarmuid F. Coonan 21 pts 1 Jim Craughwell (21) 64 (last 9) 2nd Aidan Donovan (8) 64 rd Leading Teams (after 4 competitions) 3 Declan Mahony (20) 65 (last 9) 1. Mainham Slashers- M.Cuddihy, Gross: Aidan Donovan (8) 72. J.Higgins, B.Conlon & M.Kelleher 157 pts

th 2. Maynooth Majors- 14 April – The Friday 18- Winner Diar- P.McDonnell,B.Bean,P.Morrissey & muid F.Coonan (15) 35 points. T.O’Grady 155 pts W/E 15th April 18 Hole Waltz Scramble: 3.Loughbollard Seniors- J.Mahony,T.Murray,J.Craughwell & 1st 86 points- Aidan Donovan (8), T.Brennan 152 Joe Maher (16), Paul Morrissey (18). 2nd 84 points- Eamonn Howlin (14), Pa Connolly (17), Lloyd Bracken (20).  The 9 Hole Joe Foley Match Play Draw is made on the noticeboard. First round must be played on or W/E 21st April –9 Hole Street League before 1st May. 1st Sean Lavin (25) 24 pts. 2nd Daire O’Broin (24) 24 pts.  The 18 Hole Martin Hendrick Match 3rd Tom Bryan (27) 23 pts. Play Draw is also made on the noticeboard. First round must be played on or before 16th May. 23rd April Away Outing to Lucan:

 Pierce Purcell will be played at a robbery to provide for Julie and their Carton House G.C. on Saturday unborn child; after it goes wrong, he is 21st May. given a chance to make things right. A secondary plot line deals with millworker  Away Outing to Naas Golf Club Carrie Pipperidge and her romance with will take place on Saturday 27th ambitious fisherman Enoch Snow. The May. show includes the well-known songs "If I Loved You", "June Is Bustin' Out All Over" and "You'll Never Walk Alone". We welcome the new members that have joined & we remind readers that we are We would also like to wish Val Brennan a still open for membership. full recovery, who can no longer do the show due to an unfortunate illness, and to thank Arthur McGauran for stepping in to Eamonn Howlin, fill Val's shoes in the upcom- Hon. Secretary. ing performances.

Tickets are available from Marron’s Phar- RATHCOFFEY HISTORY macy or by phoning Anne on 087 6897376 GROUP We hope to see you all come along for what will be a fantastic show. For more Next talk will take place in Rathcoffey information email clanemusicalsociety@ GAA on Thursday 19 May @ 8.30 pm. gmail.com Looking forward to seeing you An Illustrated will be given by Larry there. Breen on Memories of Visit to WW 11 Battlefields. Admission Free. All wel- CLANE LOCAL HISTORY come. Further information Tony McEvoy GROUP or Mairead Byrne (0872239410) As a contribution to the Fleadh, C.L.H.G. will host a History Walk of the Village on Wednesday 17th May, assembling at Man- zor’s car park at 7pm. The talk will commence with the 1798 memorial on Coiseanna Hill (College Road) and will proceed along the Main St. to Alexandra Bridge. The speakers will offer stories of an earlier heritage which is to be found in Clane's historic surroundings and will pro- CLANE MUSICAL AND vide an ideal opportunity for residents of DRAMATIC SOCIETY Clane to become acquainted with the history of the village. All are welcome. Clane Musical and Dramatic society are delighted to invite you to their upcoming Musical ‘Carousel', being performed from Location Subject Speaker. 1st to 6th May in the Abbey, Clane. Coiseanna Hill 1798 Jim Heffer- nan Church Plaza Main St. Bren- Written in 1945, the story revolves around dan Cullen: —Thomas F. Meagher’s de- carousel barker Billy Bigelow, whose ro- scription 1830’s, mance with millworker Julie Jordan comes —Old RIC Barracks, at the price of both their jobs. He attempts —War of Independence 9

—Sinn Fein Courthouse. cordially invited to come along and devote —Old Garda Station (Post 1923). an hour of their time. Tools, etc., are stored —R.C. Church (History of Church building) at the Abbey, making this the best place to The Convent Education Tony McEvoy —Girls’ Old School ’’ make contact and learn of the projects being Abbey Site St. Ailbe & Early Church ’’ undertaken. Starting time is 7.30pm but the Fr. Sullivan Memorial-Life-Brendan Cullen timing is a matter for the individual. You Old Green. Wolfe Tone Pat Given/L. Breen may also make contact with some of those —Reddy Forge. P. Given/Larry Breen involved in different parts of the time, who Bullaun Stone Mythology Brendan Cullen may generally be identified by their reflec- Friary Franciscans in Clane Pat Given Moat Clane in Mythology Tony McEvoy tive jackets. Tuesday evenings may not al- —Sunday’s Well ’’ ’’ ways suit everyone but you may be assured Alexandra Bridge Yeats tie Brendan Cullen your contribution will be welcome at any Mill & Dye hse. Mc Crackens Pat Given time. It is good for the area and good for the individual to be involved, -make friends CLANE & RATHCOFFEY and keep fit! COMMUNITY GAMES Saturday 8th April was the occasion The annual Field and Track Competitions of our contribution to the National Spring will, by kind permission, be held in the Clean effort. The rubbish which accumu- sports grounds of Scoil Mhuire Community lates along the country roads was tackled. A School on the evening of Monday 15th very large skip was filled. Thanks to all May, commencing at 6pm. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the finals of all events will qualify for those who participated. As well as the road- the County Kildare Finals to be held in sides generally a number of black spots are Clongowes Wood College grounds on cleaned up annually. It is remarkable that Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th June, over a twelve month period the number of commencing 6pm. June issue will confirm. coffey cartons, bottles and cans, thrown In the area of team sports our Boys from cars, builds up on average to at least U10 Gaelic Footballers are through to one per yard along the roadsides! the second round, to be played on Mon- day 1st May. The Soccer U12 and Hurl- A major effort was put into cleaning ing U11 teams are through to semi- up the old Abbeylands Drive. This is an area finals. Our Camogie U14 are through to where large numbers of our young people, the semi-final on Tuesday 2nd May in boys and girls, choose to eat out with the Clane. The Girls’ U12 Gaelic commence- rats in a ditch to the north of the Sewage ment date has not been fixed yet. In Swimming Matthew Hussey Station while rolling up their joints. So Walsh will represent Kildare in U14 free- heavy is the accumulated litter after a few style at the National Aquatic Centre on Sat- weeks that it has to be raked out. In warm urday 6th May. The team of Maebh and weather they sit out in the open space to the Aine Maguire will represent Kildare in east of the Sewage Station, where they scat- Cross Country. Success to them all. ter their litter over the grass, producing up

to half a sack full in any one session. TIDY TOWNS FR. JOHN SULLIVAN, S.J. The evening of Tuesday 18th April marked the start of Tuesday evening of Clane Tidy The following article was published in Le Towns for the Summer of 2017. Everyone is 10 Chéile in March ’97. We consider it worthy of repeat publication in the light of the up Wood College. Apart from five years as -coming Beatification of Father John on Rector at Rathfarnham Castle, he spent May 13th. See CALANDER on p.2. the rest of his life at Clongowes. He died “The Mainham Cemetery Associa- on 19th February 1933 and was buried in tion, along with Clongowes Wood Col- the College Cemetery. lege, are erecting a monument to the As well as teaching, he celebrated memory of Fr. John Sullivan, S.J., whose Mass and heard confessions in the Public cause for Beatification and Canoniza- Church, commonly known as the People’s tionis being actively processed in Rome at Chapel. His holiness became evident and this time” [Since this article was pub- eventually people were to come to him, lished a further monument was erected to not only from Kildare but from every Fr. John, namely the John Sullivan Me- county in Ireland to ask the help of his morial Garden on the Village Green in prayers. He constantly visited the poor, Clane]. the distressed and the sick. He ran small “Fr. John was born on 8th May accounts in local shops to provide the 1861in the family home at 41 Eccles necessities such as tea, sugar and other Street, Dublin. His father, who was later groceries for the needy. He visited homes to become Lord Chancellor of Ireland, Sir and hospitals. He was a familiar sight on Edward Sullivan, was a Protestant and his the roads around Clongowes and further mother a Catholic, and as frequently oc- afield, moving at a brisk walk, or cycling curred in those days, the boys were to visit someone who needed him. Many brought up in the religious tradition of the of the cures attributed to him are chroni- father and the girls in that of the mother. cled in the biography written by Fr. Fer- There were four boys and one girl in the gal McGrath, S.J. Fr. John’s crucifix, family. which belonged to his mother, is still Fr. John was educated at Portora widely used for the blessing of the sick. Royal School, Enniskillen, fpllowed by There is a constant demand for pieces of Trinity College, Dublin and finally in his clothing as relics. London, where he was called to the Eng- In 1960, at the suggestion of the lish Bar in 1888. Postulator General of his Cause in Rome, In 1896 he decided to become a Fr. John’s remains were transferred from Catholic and was received into the Clongowes to St. Francis Xavier’s Church at Farm Street, the well-known Church, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin. Jesuit House in London. He entered the The ceremony of exhumation commenced Jesuit Novitiate in Tullabeg, Co. Offaly in at Clongowes on 27th September 1960. 1900 and studied further at Stoneyhurst in The remains rested in the People’s Chapel England and then at Milltown Park, Dub- during the day and night of 28th Septem- lin, where he was ordained a priest in ber and all day long, people came from 1907. far and near to pay their respects. On 29th September the procession left for Dublin After his ordination he was ap- and all along the route, groups of people pointed to the teaching staff at Clongowes were waiting. The coffin with his remains 11 is now in ST. Francis Xavier’s Church WILD ABOUT CLANE and there is an unending stream of pil- ….NATURE WALK BY LIFFEY grims who come to seek his help as they did in his lifetime. The Mainham Committee feel that The Walk will take place on Saturday the Cemetery overlooking Clongowes is a 27th May. It is a free event and all are suitable place to erect a memorial to com- welcome and invited to enjoy a nature memorate Fr. John.” (Le Chéile Mar. ‘97’) walk by the Liffey in Clane where some ______of the local flora and fauna will be intro- duced by local guides. Meet in the car It is remarkable that we should have 3 park of Abbeylands Shopping Centre, by candidates for sainthood in Clane, viz. Fr. the Westgrove Hotel at 3pm. John Sullivan, S.J., William Wogan from Rathcoffey and Joseph Marmion. It is all the more remarkable that we should have

3 candidates for sainthood when it is con- sidered that St. Oliver Plunket, (who was canonised in 1975) was the first Irish saint in almost 700 years. He had been beatified in 1920. Saints like St. Patrick and St. Brigid are in a different category, being saints by tradition rather than by canoni- zation. The Dominican Priest, Fr. Peter Higgins from Naas (martyred in the vicin- ity of what is now St. Stephen’s Green in1642) was added to the list in 1991 when he was beatified along with 16 other Irish Martyrs, incl. William Wogan from Rathcoffey. Wogan was martyred on 13th November 1581 in Dublin on refusing to take the “Oath of Allegiance” to Queen Elizabeth I, following his conviction for supporting Viscount Baltinglass in the Baltinglass rebellion. The “Oath of Alle- giance” , among other things, choose to recognize the monarch as head of the Church. They choose rather to be execut- ed than do this.