Holy Cross Killeshin Celebrates 200 Years

A number of ceremonies are due to take place to mark the 200th anniversary of the Holy Cross Church in Killeshin.

The Church of the Holy Cross occupies the place formerly known as Gallows Hill or Cnoc na Crocaire and was built in 1822. The architect was Thomas A. Cobden, who was the architect for Carlow Cathedral, Braganza, Ballykealey House and several other notable buildings in the Carlow region.

A new church was built in Killeshin as the old chapel at Clonmore was falling into ruin and had to be replaced. On May 6th,  1819 the foundation stone of the Church of the Holy Cross was laid by local landlord William Cooper. At the same time as the building of Holy Cross Church in the 1820s, a two-storey school was built adjacent to the church grounds. The girls were taught in the upstairs room and the boys below.

Throughout the years the traditional May Sunday Procession from Graiguecullen Church to Holy Cross Church was led by Killeshin Pipe band. The band played tunes along the route lending to a joyous atmosphere which shortened the journey for all those that proudly wore the sash of the Holy Cross Sodality, their families and many parishioners who walked the route holding banners aloft and changing over along the route so everyone an opportunity to participate.

Flags, bunting and banners lined the route to the Church from the crossroad and what was known as the 'High Mass' at noon. It always concluded with Killeshin Pipe Band playing 'Faith of our Fathers' at the bottom of the Church steps. After which the crowd descended to 'The Quaker' field for the popular field day where the carnival of merry go rounds, big wheel, bumpers, donkey rides, wheel of fortune and even helicopter rides were the order of the day. Those that were enthusiastic enough walked out on Saturday and pitched tents in the surrounding fields where good craic and humour were the order of the weekend.

This year it is hoped a large crowd will take part in the procession leaving Graiguecullen Church at 1.30pm for Special Commemorative mass at 3pm in Holy Cross Church, led by Bishop Denis Nulty, who also plans on walking out in the procession on the day.

Holy Cross Church has served generations of local families and parishioners and has always extended a warm welcome to new families who have chosen Killeshin as their home. The online broadcast of mass and the success through social media has allowed our diaspora to stay connected and still feel like an important part of our parish.

This year,  the proud community want their parish to display Holy Cross in all its glory both inside and out. Many projects have already started. The old graveyard railings were painted by many local volunteers during the first year of Covid and work continues to be done on our bank and surrounding paths. The process of erecting ‘14 stations of the cross’ is taking place the coming weeks with a grotto to Our Lady and planting many flowers and shrubs. Inside the church it's hoped to purchase a water feature, wall hangings and holy water font to name a few.
Extra help is always appreciated so everyone is encouraged to make contact if you feel you are in a position to give your time as there will be plenty of occasions to help out in the coming months.

With work carried out by local volunteers many of the projects have benefited by donations by parishioners and local groups and businesses. However, if any families, organisation still wish to make a donation to complete remaining projects please contact Vera Bolger, Sacristan, Holy Cross Church 087 9563831 (or Parish Centre 059 9141833).
Anyone with old photographs of Holy Cross Church and surrounds and would like to share them please contact Pauric Bolton 086 0796783.

List of Ceremonies celebrating 200 years of Holy Cross Church

Friday, April 15th (Good Friday) Unveiling New Stations of the Cross in grounds of Holy Cross by Bishop Denis Nulty at 7.30pm.
Friday, April 29th Ceremony to unveil paintings of seven sacraments (Holy Cross) at 7.30pm.

Sunday, May 1st Mass  and  Blessing of new grotto and a Painting of Our Lady at 10.15
Sunday, May 8th at 3pm 200th Commemoration Mass of Holy Cross Church and  Installation of a relic of the Holy Cross beginning with a procession leaving St Clare’s Church at 1.30pm to concelebrated mass, led by Bishop Denis Nulty in Holy Cross at 3pm followed by family day at Killeshin Community Centre.
Friday, May 13th 7.30pm Special Mass to celebrate Family Life followed by refreshments in Community Centre.

Friday, May 20th 7.30pm  Mass to celebrate the contribution of Scoil Chomhghain Naofa (all past pupils invited) Refreshments in hall. 
Friday, May 27th 7.30pm Mass to celebrate all Killeshin Clubs/Societies etc. Refreshments in hall.

Friday, August 26th at 7.30pm Launch of the ‘History of Holy Cross Church’ by Pat Whelan

Refreshments in hall.