The village of Ballycahill was en-fete on Saturday evening last as the bi-centennial celebrations of St Cataldus Church finally went ahead, much to the delight of the faithful. Brilliant sunshine greeted those who went along and it enhanced the sense of celebration no end with everybody in fine form for the Mass of Thanksgiving and the festivities which followed. The bi-centennial committee, headed up by Tommy Ryan, had engaged in huge preparations for almost three years in anticipation of this day - the Covid pandemic resulted in a two year delay. But eventually, the eagerly anticipated day arrived and it will be one remembered in the village for many’s a year to come. Young and old alike were involved in this. From the children of Ballycahill National School to the most senior of citizens in the parish, the importance of the event was recognised by all, and in coming together as a community, they managed to pull off a very poignant and touching event which was kick started by Mass of Thanksgiving by Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly. Archbishop Kieran was joined on the altar by Archbishop Emeritus Dermot Clifford, Rev Fr Celcus Tierney, PP Holycross and Ballycahill; Rev Fr Michael Mullaney who is resident in Ballycahill; Rev Fr Tom Ryan, resident in Holycross; Rev Fr James Purcell, PP Thurles and a native of Ballycahill; and former priests in the parish, Archdeacon Eugene Everard and Fr Donal Cunningham. Also present was former curate Willie Hayes and his wife Maureen. Tommy Lanigan was on hand to welcome everyone to the event which celebrates the presence of the current church in the parish - it was built in 1819/1820 and was at the time of its construction, the largest church outside of the Cathedral of the Assumption in Thurles. The church, which was in splendid order after great preparations had been undertaken during the week, saw the unveiling of a History Freeze in the porch - this was unveiled by local man Tim Browne from whose prompting came the idea of the
Picture Special: Ballycahill in celebratory mode as St Cataldus church celebrates 200 years
