In Pictures: Tree planted and book launched to mark 200-year anniversary of Limerick church

PARISHIONERS of Pallasgreen and Templebraden joined together on Saturday night in pride and celebration of the 200-year anniversary of St John the Baptist Church in Nicker, Limerick.

It was actually 202 years but Covid put paid to an event marking the bicentennial in November of 2020.

“Nonetheless, we now have the opportunity to look back in gratitude to the people who helped build the church and maintain it over the years to keep it a fitting place to gather and praise God,” said Fr Tomás O’Connell.

The parish priest said the church built in pre-emancipation Ireland has been through many significant events in our history, such as Catholic Emancipation, Great Famine, Young Ireland and Fenian Risings, Easter Rising, Irish independence, two world wars, two papal visits, the Troubles, Good Friday Agreement, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was proposed and brought to completion by Fr Thomas Mahony. The current incumbent and 18th parish priest, Fr O'Connell said the church building has played an important role in the life of the community over the years.

“The celebration of the Eucharist in addition to the joyous ceremonies of marriages, baptisms, first communions and confirmations combine in the cycle of life with the sad occasions of funerals. Given the pivotal role it holds in the faith community, it is important to celebrate the bicentenary of its inception as we look to the future in hope,” said Fr O'Connell.

A special Mass was celebrated by Archbishop of Cashel & Emly, Kieran O’Reilly on Saturday evening with Fr O’Connell and Canon Liam McNamara.

The entrance hymn – Sing a Song to the Lord’s Holy Name – was sung by the choir conducted by Michael Ryan.

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The choir was specially assembled for the occasion and included pupils from Garrydoolis, Barna and Nicker national schools.

They were accompanied by musicians Anna Jane Ryan, Paudie Blackwell, Hannah Blackwell, Karen Franklin and Rita Ryan.

A parade of parish community organisations, 32 in all, was followed by a welcome to parishioners, members of organisations and people from adjoining parishes by Siobhán English on behalf of the pastoral team.

The Mass was also enhanced by dancer Leah Pearse and singer Liam Lawton. After the ceremony Archbishop O’Reilly blessed a birch tree and planted it near the meeting hall.

The night didn’t end there as one and all headed for the community centre for the launch of Saint John the Baptist Church, Nicker Bicentenary 1820 – 2020 by Chris Ryan. The archbishop again did the honours and said he was looking forward to reading it. Mr Ryan thanked everybody who helped him with the history book.

“It was a pleasure to complete this history book which now joins with a previous history of St Brigid’s Church in Templebraden,” said Mr Ryan

A celebratory cake, baked and appropriately decorated by Breda Ryan, was cut by the three clergy present. After all everyone in attendance was cut from the same cloth.