It's almost a year since the Franciscans bade sad farewell to Clonmel

Above: At the Mass of thanksgiving and farewell at The Friary, Clonmel, on January 6 2023 were, from left, Fr Joe Condren, OFM; Fr Eugene Barrett, OFM; Fr Deo, St Oliver’s; Fr Fergus McEveney, OFM; Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan; Fr Aidan McGrath, OFM; Monsignor Brendan Crowley, PP Emeritus, Ss Peter and Paul's; Canon Billy Meehan, PP, St Mary’s, Clonmel; Fr Jim Hasson, OFM and Fr Liam McCarthy, OFM. Picture: Michael Boland

It is almost a year since the Franciscan Order left Clonmel.

A Mass of thanksgiving and farewell was celebrated at The Friary in Abbey Street on January 6 2023, as the Franciscans prepared for their departure from Clonmel after 750 years of service in the town.

The occasion was a source of disappointment and sadness for many, with falling vocations the cause of the closure of The Friary.

However, the church has since reopened as the Abbey House of Prayer and a Mass is celebrated there each Tuesday morning at 10am.

The church is a special haven of prayer, calm and quiet reflection for many, and its reopening since June has been a source of comfort and joy for many people in the area.