Ballyhaunis Friary’s celebrated at inaugural ‘Foundations of a Friary’ symposium
Those in attendance were treated to four engaging, informative and entertaining talks and presentations on aspects of this church’s past, with an emphasis on its founding six hundred years ago.
“A wonderful event – excellent venue, selection of topics, speakers, presentations and catering!” “The day was absolutely fantastic; the richness of the friary’s history and architecture brought to life.”
This is how two of the attendees at the ‘Foundations of a Friary’ symposium in Ballyhaunis summed up the day. They were amongst a large gathering in the town’s ancient Augustinian Friary - Saint Mary’s Abbey - on Saturday, 22nd Aug. for the first in what is hoped to be a series of annual symposia exploring and sharing its rich history.
Those in attendance were treated to four engaging, informative and entertaining talks and presentations on aspects of this church’s past, with an emphasis on its founding six hundred years ago.
Paul Waldron acted as MC and introduced the contributors to an attentive audience, many of whom had travelled long distances.
Dr. Nollaig Ó Muraíle brought the audience on a journey through the history of east Mayo over one-thousand years, taking in the earliest references to the Ballyhaunis Friary in religious and secular sources in the 15th and 16th centuries, and outlining its story down to the martyrdom of one of its friars, the Venerable Fulgentius Jordan, in 1649.
Br. Colmán Ó Clabaigh gave an informative and entertaining presentation on the Augustinian order’s arrival in Ireland in the 1280s and rapid expansion through Connacht in the 14th and 15th centuries. Of particular interest was the story of Richard Nangle (died c.1541), possibly a local man, who went on to become head of the order in Ireland, but who was caught up in the Reformation and ultimately appointed one of this country’s first protestant bishops.
Dr. Yvonne McDermott drew attention to the many interesting architectural features still evident at Ballyhaunis, comparing its layout with those of other friaries and abbeys in the west of Ireland. Her detailed examination of stonework still visible or recorded in early photographs, revealed intricate decorative features that might easily escape notice, while explaining their significance as religious motifs.
Fr. Iggy O’Donovan’s outlined the Augustinian order’s progress in Ireland through the many trials and tribulations of history. He gave a fascinating account of the life of Fr. James Anderson, who renovated and refurbished the Friary church during his short term as prior in Ballyhaunis 1874-79, and who was connected with all the major figures and events in late 19th and early 20th century Nationalist politics including O’Donovan Rossa, John Boyle O’Reilly, Maud Gonne, Padraic Pearse and Arthur Griffith.
A presentation on the Conservation Masterplan for the church and grounds was delivered by Orla Kennelly, Friary Heritage Projects Manager and Municipal District Architect, Mayo County Council. This plan considers the grounds’ enormous collective heritage significance as a protected site, containing six registered recorded monuments plus two more pending registration and another just outside the site boundaries. Three projects have been proposed to outline the long-term strategy for management, protection and development of the grounds for the benefit of the community. Of these, the St. Mary’s Abbey Conservation Management Plan relates specifically to the church which is both a protected structure under the Mayo Development Plan and a listed structure on the Buildings of Ireland National Register.
The weather was perfect and allowed visitors enjoy a leisurely stroll around the historic church and grounds during the morning and lunch-time intervals.
Catering was first class and there was much praise for the hospitality with which those in attendance were greeted and treated.
Feedback from the seventy-plus delegates was largely positive with most saying they look forward to similar events in the future.