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Information sought on Kilkee churches

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IN 1963, two new churches were completed in both Kilkee and Lisdeen.

 

Both were dedicated by the then Bishop of Killaloe, Joseph Rodgers. On Sunday, July 21, 1963, Bishop Rodgers referring to their official dedication stated that, ‘It will be a memorable day in the story of the ancient parish of Kilferagh, now better known as the Parish of Kilkee’. As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, Kilkee parish is working with Cuimhneamh an Chláir, the Clare Oral History and Folklore group to gather an oral history to mark the occasion. A number of people have already been interviewed by West Clare-based cuairteoirí of Cuimhneamh an Chláir and the group are now seeking more information on this important occasion.

Work on the new churches began in the 1950s and the group are asking anyone who may have memories of this period in Kilkee and Lisdeen to make contact. Information, which is being sought, includes memories of the former Kilkee and Lisdeen churches, which were both levelled when the current churches were built. In addition, memories of the early days of planning the new churches in Kilkee and Lisdeen, fundraising, Whist and 45 drives, their construction and dedications are being sought. If you were at mass in the old church in either Kilkee or Lisdeen or were at either dedication in 1963 and would like to share your memories, Cuimhneamh an Chláir would love to hear from you. Importantly, anyone with old photographs of either churches are asked to make contact. All photographs will be scanned and returned immediately to the owners. Additionally, anyone who may have holidayed in Kilkee and who may be able to contribute is asked to make contact.

According to Cuimhneamh an Chláir’s co-ordinator Tomás MacConmara, the Kilkee Church project is a great opportunity for Cuimhneamh to again work with local groups in the county. “We have adopted a co-operative ethos since the start of Cuimhneamh and have developed a number of projects with local community groups across county Clare. We have conducted a huge number of interviews across West Clare and around the Loop Head Peninsula so we were in a strong position to begin work on the Kilkee Church project, when we were approached by the local committee. We’re very happy to have been approached by the Kilkee group and look forward to working on the project over the summer months. This is an important occasion for the people of Kilkee and Lisdeen and we’re proud to be involved.” Cuimhneamh an Chláir is an entirely voluntary and independent organisation who have worked tirelessly over the last four years to document the memories of Clare’s oldest citizens. They have now conducted over 500 interviews across County Clare.

A spokesperson for the Kilkee Church Project stated they are delighted to get the chance to work with Cuimhneamh an Chláir in documenting memories for the project. ‘We have a number of aspects to this project and we felt it was vital to include the recording of associated oral heritage and tradition. We know that there are a number of people in the area who will have precious memories of the building and dedication of both Kilkee and Lisdeen churches so we hope to hear from many of these over the coming months.”

Earlier this year, Cuimhneamh an Chláir cuairteoir Jason Murphy recorded the memories of Seán King, who has since gone to his eternal reward. Seán was the first person to light the sanctuary candle at the new Lisdeen Church in 1963. Matthew Birmingham from Moyasta, who was on the original committee, has also been interviewed for the project.

Anyone who feels they may have memories to offer can contact Cuimhneamh an Chláir at clarememories@eircom.net or by ringing Jackie Elger on 087 1760280. The project would also welcome written recollections to the above contact.

You can find out more about Cuimhneamh an Chláir at www.clarememories.ie.

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