Terrerath’s150yearcelebration
ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY years of religious worship at St Brigid’s Church in Terrerath was celebrated recently by Bishop Denis Brennan at the church.
A large crowd attended the celebratory Mass at the church, which has been repainted and was looking fantastic for the occasion.
Bishop Breenan recalled the church’s history to a packed congregation.
He spoke about the contribution Fr Thomas Clancy made to the area when he was the Curate of Terrerath from 1840 to 1867.
Thanks to Fr Clancy’s enthusiastic efforts and the support of the Terrerath community, money was raised to build the church. Fr Clancy was transferred to Ballymore as parish priest in 1867, however, it was his earnest wish that his remains should be buried in the churchyard in Terrerath among the people he loved so well.
This wish was granted and today there is a fine tombstone in his memory in Terrerath Cemetery.
The congregation learned about how during penal times Mass was celebrated at the Mass Rock and at the forge at Terrerath.
Later a thatched church was erected, the remains of which can be seen in the old cemetery.
The foundation stone of the present church was laid in 1859 and the church was dedicated on October 7, 1866. The builder was Andrew Cullen of New Ross.
The celebration, which was organised by the church committee and featured some beautiful music, was hailed as a great success. Afterwards everyone retired to the community hall for refreshments.
Bart Slattery of the committee said: ‘All the community were involved in the celebration from painting the walls to flower arranging.’
The church was dedicated to St Brigid and in the 1960s the mosaic of St Brigid was added to the exterior of the west gable of the church. The celebration coincided with the Jubilee year of Mercy.