In week two in his study of St Canice’s church, Paddy Neary looks at fundraising, Bank loans a new bell
By Paddy Neary
The Foundation stone was laid on the feast of St. Patrick 17th March 1824 by Fr. James Gorman, Parish Priest. At the date of his death, April 18th 1826 the sum of £1389- 17 shillings-2 pence, had been spent on the new building. His nephew Fr. John Gorman was appointed to succeed him as Parish Priest by Bishop Dr. Kieran Moran. He was totally committed to completing the task begun by his uncle. A record of the exact date when the Church opened for public worship has yet to be found. Account book records indicate the refurbishment of the Church took several years, doors and windows in 1829, Altar costing £24-11 shillings -8 pence. Porches and side doors were installed in 1834, painting and varnishing was carried out in 1839.
Funds in 1830 were very sparse and fund raising efforts included the sale of graves in the grounds of the new church. A plot of 6 feet by 7 cost £5 later rising to £10.In 1830 the “Pound Side “of the aisle was introduced. Fr. John Gorman sought approval of the parishioners at a meeting in March 1831 for a bank loan of £100 to complete work on the church which was readily given. Letters were sent out requesting persons in the parish and beyond for donations, this yielded a return of £101 16 shillings. In August 1891 agreement was obtained to hold annual collections for church expenses on the last Sunday in August. Guide lines for collections were set at “half years dues”
On Sunday 6th January 1839 the island of Ireland was subjected to a storm of such ferocity that it became the date by which all other events were measured. The” Night of the Big Wind” known as “Oiche an Gaoithe Mor.”Considerable damage was done to property, the chimney of the newly built gas house which stood at over 100 feet came tumbling down to it’s basement. Fires broke out in houses, nearby Goose Hill(Lord Edward Street) was affected 12 /13 people had to seek shelter, the Rev.Sandys from St.Canices Cathedral took care of those people giving them food and shelter. St. Canices Church was affected, the newly installed ornamental stonework was blown down including the stone cross over the main door. This cross was replaced but in recent years the cross came crashing down as the result of storm Ophelia. Again the cross was replaced securely this time with an iron fitting suggested by Fr. Jim. October 2015 the church was closed for worship as extensive renovation of the Sanctuary was undertaken. This project was managed by Mr. Jim Kelly, and ensured the church was open in time for the Christmas ceremonies.
A Bell for St. Canice. October 11th 1953, it was most appropriate that, on the morning of St Canice’s Feast, a new bell called the faithful to the Mass. Dean Cavanagh welcoming the parishioners remarked that the congregation was the largest in his 22 years as parish priest. The old bell had given great service for over sixty years and had been donated through the generosity of Mr. John Hudson. Dean Cavanagh went on to say that the late Mr. Hudson was not the last generous man in St.Canices. The Dowling Brothers had supplied free, the base for the new bell and deserved great thanks for their generous gift. At the conclusion of the High Mass, Bishop Collier gave a short address, recited the prayers and blessed the new bell. The church grounds were decorated with flags and bunting. St Patricks Brass Band played airs of Faith and Fatherland. Finally the choir and congregation sang Hail Glorious Saint Patrick.
Sources: History of Ossory( 1905) Canon Carrigan
The old Kilkenny review( 2018) John Lucey
Kilkenny People and Kilkenny Journal newspapers
Ossory Diocesan office records of St Canices Church.
Library of Local studies, Johns Green
