IN PICTURES: Holycross Abbey marks 50th Anniversary of restoration with community & clergy

The 50th anniversary of the restoration of Holycross Abbey Church was marked on Sunday with a large gathering of clergy, dignitaries and parishioners. The celebration drew archbishops, bishops, abbots, priests, sisters, visiting officials, Oireachtas members and local councillors, including Bishop John Ryan and Fr. M. Kelly, the only two priests ordained at the Abbey over the past half-century.

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“It is a prestigious event to commemorate the restoration of the Abbey Church,” Deputy Michael Lowry said, reflecting on the original reopening on October 5, 1975. “For those of us who were around back then, it is hard to believe that on this very day and date 50 years ago the Official Opening of the Abbey occurred. The event was celebrated both locally and nationally. Our National Broadcaster, RTÉ, televised it live.”

Recalling the community pride of that day, he added: “We marched to the Abbey led by the Moycarkey Pipe Band and our hero John Doyle. The sense of joy, the sense of pride, the sense of achievement and satisfaction was palpable.”

The restoration, he noted, was made possible through the collaboration of Fr. Willie Hayes, Archbishop Morris, Fr. Lynch, and the Office of Public Works. “The collaboration generated a vision of a wonderful project of historical importance. Its impact on the Parish was deep, transformative and lasting.”

Local tradesmen, working under Chief Architect Percy le Clerc and Clerk of Works Paddy Fogarty, carried out the project. “Their workmanship was superb. Every detail was considered and finished to the highest standards. The legacy they have left us is phenomenal. It gave new life to an 800-year-old building.”

Tributes were also paid to Fr. Mattie McGrath, whose leadership “cleared a large debt and enhanced the visual and architectural face of the Abbey,” and to the Jubilee Committee, chaired by Michelle Dwan, with Claire Ryan, Sadie Dwyer and Tom Gallagher.

Fr. Celsus Tierney, the current parish priest, was thanked for his ongoing care of the sick, troubled and housebound. “In his quiet way, he cares for the sick, the troubled and housebound and looks for no plaudits. Your heart gives us heart, and your faith gives us faith,” Mr Lowry said.

An audit has begun to assess the Abbey’s ongoing maintenance and conservation needs. “Every historic building needs constant maintenance,” he observed. “This will involve a very substantial investment which cannot be left entirely to the Diocese. For my part, I have targeted and am actively pursuing State Funding to support and fund the project.”

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