New oratory means more churches than pubs in Shannon says mayor

THE new SkyCourt Adoration Chapel opened on Tuesday afternoon and was blessed by Bishop of Killaloe, Willie Walsh.
Located in the Town Square, it replaces the old oratory in SkyCourt, which opened in 1976.
The chapel was developed at a cost of €250,000 and can accommodate 60 people, although there was a larger crowd at Tuesday’s opening with the congregation spilling out the doors.
Writing in the booklet that was distributed at the opening, parish priest, Fr Tom Ryan said it was a very significant moment for the parish.
“On an occasion like today, there is an undoubted sense of nostalgia as we consider all those who helped build and give shape to our parish over the past 42 years and who have gone to their eternal reward. I thank all who have helped make this oratory a reality; the owners of SkyCourt, Shannon Development Company, parishioners and friends who use this place as part of their daily lives. Our ceremony today is an act of thanksgiving to God for this beautiful new chapel. May the celebration of the Eurcharist and our visits here over the years to come strengthen our faith and deepen our love for Jesus, present in the Blessed Sacrament and may Mary, on this feast of her Immaculate Conception, cast her mantle over us so that all who enter here to pray may bring faith, love and peace to our community.”
Mayor of Shannon Seán McLoughlin said it was a great day for the town. “It’s another first for Shannon and we’ve had many firsts here. I do believe that we now have more churches than pubs in Shannon.”
He also said that the new church was likely to provide a focal point for many people in Shannon and that attending mass there was likely to be a daily highlight for some of the elderly people in the town.