‘Temporary’ Limerick church is still standing 75 years on as diamond anniversary celebrated

A CHURCH in Limerick city which was supposed to last 10 years is still standing tall 75 years later. 

Our Lady of the Rosary Church on the Ennis Road, known colloquially as the “wooden  church” or the “temporary church” was built in 1950.

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There was only one parish and one church on the whole of the city’s northside until 1950, compared to now when there are four parishes and five churches.

In 1964, the then Bishop Murphy divided St Munchin's Parish, and Our Lady of the Rosary on the Ennis Road came into being.

Bishop Brendan Leahy was the chief celebrant at a special Mass of Thanksgiving, along with a number of priests who have served in the parish over the years, to mark the church's diamond anniversary.

The Voices of Limerick Choir enriched the liturgy with beautiful music and song.

Fr Des McAuliffe, parish priest, said a congregation gathered on December 11, 1950, for the dedication of what was arguably the most important piece of post-war ecclesiastical architecture in the Ireland of the time. Seventy five years later a congregation  gathered again to celebrate it being built.

Our Lady of the Rosary Church  was far more progressive in art terms than anything that was being built in Dublin.

“The church we now call Our Lady of the Rosary was a curious sight. Planned and designed as a 'Church of Ease', its life expectancy was roughly ten years.

“Intentionally, it was seen as a beacon of twentieth century religious art and sculpture, keeping up a tradition that continues to the present time.

“Uniting the architecture and art, this lovely building is based on the simplest of plans; its current mission is spelt out exquisitely,” said Canon McAuliffe.

The priest said he is proud to be the custodian of this remarkable structure.

“It is an occasion for us to give thanks to God for the people back in the 1950s and the many parishioners who came together to fundraise and erect this unique church.

“We remember too, all living and deceased priests who have served the parish over the past 75 years,” said Canon McAuliffe.

The building is renowned for its  architectural quality and  ecclesiastical art inside. John Hunt, historian, antiquarian, and collector gave advice in relation to the selection of artists to work on the church. 

One of many famed artists commissioned was the late Ian Stuart – regarded as the finest Irish sculptor of his generation. 

His own story is fascinating as he is a grandson of Maud Gonne MacBride and son of author Francis Stuart. Nazi spy Hermann Görtz found shelter in their family home in Wicklow.

However, Mr Stuart’s two unique  sculptures of The Annunciation sadly went missing in the 1970s.

A large congregation attended the special Mass with refreshments served afterwards in the parish centre.