ON Christmas morning last in the church ruins of the old Killoughey graveyard a piece of history was made.
A remembrance Mass was celebrated in the ruins by Fr. Johnny McEvoy - it was the first time in 373 years that Christmas morning Mass was held inside the church walls.
The Mass was to remember the parishioners who died at Christmas morning Mass in 1651.
It was decided this year by Odran and Breda Condron that a Mass should be held to remember those who perished.
Mild morning weather, a moving and emotional service by Fr. Johnny along with a huge attendance of over 300, whose ages ranged from five years old to 91 years old, gathered for what was to be a truly historic and memorable occasion.
91-year-old Hugh Gleeson spoke of his delight at being able to attend the remembrance Mass.
Speaking after the event, people reflected on how enjoyable and spiritual the whole occasion was, many were moved by the beautiful Mass and felt that something special was done in the church ruins that day.
Even Odran’s son Jack, aged just five, helped with the preparations. Odran hopes that the Mass would stay in the memories of people for many years to come.
He also stated that unfortunately the world has still not learned its lesson from history, as atrocities such as the Killoughey Martyrs are still happening throughout the world in Gaza, Ukraine, Yemen and many other countries where evil prevails.
Breda Condron stated: “It is a credit to the people of Killoughey, Kilcormac and those who travelled from Dublin, Limerick, Kildare and all corners of Ireland to come out today on Christmas day and remember the Killoughey Martyrs”.
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The occasion was summed up perfectly by Fr Johnny after Mass while people stood around chatting – “even on a Christmas morning, no one seems to be in a hurry to depart, A Christmas day with a difference and a Christmas day to remember”.