An interesting ceremony took place on Sunday with the laying of the foundation stone for the new parochial church in Murroe. His Grace the Most Reverend Dr Feenelly, Archbishop of Cashel, conducted the ceremony according to the solemn rites of the Church. The need for the new church has long been deeply felt in the parish, as expressed by the Reverend Father Duap, the current popular and zealous pastor. The late Archbishop Croke and the late Reverend Michael Ryan, P.P., both had a strong desire to see the church erected as soon as possible and made bequests of £500 and £1,000, respectively, towards this endeavour.
The architectural plans for the church, in the Romanesque style, have been prepared by Mr Joseph O’Malley, a native of Murroe parish. The total cost of the project is estimated to be £7,000. Generous subscriptions have been given by the Most Reverend Dr Feenelly, the present Archbishop, the Reverend Father Duan, P.P., the Reverend Father Horan, and the clergy of the diocese. The parishioners have also agreed to levy an annual sum of £900 until the debt is cleared.
The ceremony attracted an enormous attendance of parishioners, and the village of Murroe was adorned for the occasion with rows of evergreens and streamers bearing mottoes such as “Faith and Fatherland” and “Céad Míle Fáilte.” The surroundings, set amidst the picturesque beauty of the county, added to the animating and picturesque nature of the event.
During the ceremony, His Grace the Archbishop, accompanied by Father Duan and Father Horan, solemnly blessed the building and the foundation stone, dedicating the edifice to the service of God. A silver trowel, engraved with a commemorative inscription, was used on the occasion. A bottle containing various items, including coins, a parchment scroll, and portions of Dublin and Limerick newspapers, was placed beneath the foundation stone.
The clergy and general public in attendance included esteemed individuals from various parishes, as well as friends and supporters of the project. The Reverend Father Duan, P.P., expressed gratitude for the favourable weather and extended thanks to His Grace and the attendees. He emphasized the parish’s commitment to the new church and acknowledged the generous contributions from within the community and from notable figures such as the late Archbishop Dr Croke and Father Michael Ryan.
His Grace, the Most Reverend Dr Feenelly, also addressed the crowd, expressing his pleasure in being able to support the project. He acknowledged the historical significance of the old church and commended the priests and people involved in its construction. He highlighted the importance of the new church, which will reflect the advancements in architectural design seen in other churches in the diocese. His Grace also spoke about the need for self-governance in Ireland, expressing his belief that it would bring prosperity and contentment to the country.
The Very Reverend Canon Ryan, P.P., V.G., also shared words of encouragement and support with the attendees. A full report of the event will be published in the next issue.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 04 October 1904
