Carrick-on-Suir people remember those who died at town's workhouse at annual cemetery Mass

The annual Mass at St Francis Paupers’ Cemetery in Carrick-on-Suir where people who resided in the town's former workhouse are buried, was attended by many local residents.

Fr. Paul Waldron, PP of St Nicholas & Faugheen Parish, celebrated the Mass and St Christopher’s Folk Choir sang at the ceremony on August 26.

The graves were blessed and prayers were offered for all buried in the cemetery as well as people from the local community who passed away over the past year.

Brigid Driver, Anne Bates, Denyse Armour, Noreen Robinson and Teresa Connolly beside the tree planted in memory of committee member Pat Flynn who died on January 12.

Carrick Workhouse Burial Ground Restoration Committee members specially remembered the late Pat Flynn of Marian Avenue, Carrick and Grangemockler who helped restore the cemetery by rebuilding dry stone walls, planting hedges and spring bulbs.

The Committee has planted a tree in the graveyard in his honour.

After the Mass, many in the congregation viewed the artefacts from the former Carrick Workhouse dotted around the cemetery. The most recent additions are the Workhouse’s front doorstep and a selection of hand chiselled building blocks salvaged from the building.

John Connolly of Carrick Workhouse Burial Ground Restoration Committee thanked all who attended the Mass and were involved in the ceremony and its organisation. He highlighted the recent purchase of a ride-on mower to maintain the cemetery, which was funded by donations and a grant from Carrick Municipal District.

John thanked Louis Power for transporting the Workhouse front doorstep and cut stone to the cemetery. He said they were a poignant reminder of the time when thousands of men women and children walked through the doors of Carrick Workhouse.

Vera and Milo Power, Ballyneale standing beside the Front Door Step from Carrick Workhouse, which has been placed in the St. Francis Paupers' Cemetery and a selection of chiselled building blocks salvaged from the building

Check out more photos from the St Francis Paupers' Cemetery Mass in this week's edition of The Nationalist now on sale in local shops. 

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