When asked what he was expected to do she suggested that they should be given the “old flailing or threshing house” located just where we are now near the bridge.

His daughter, feeling sorry for the hardships to which the Catholics were exposed asked her father to do something for them. Tradition tells how the Catholic people of the district were assembling for Mass in the open air at the Mass Rock at Holy Mount on a cold winter morning with snow covering the ground when Mr Lawrence (after whom Lawrence town is called), his wife and daughter observed this pathetic sight. From the Rebellion of 1641 through the Cromwellian Period (1649-1660) and following the passing of the Penal laws 1695-1697 Catholics in this parish attended mass at “Mass Rocks” in secluded places at Holy Mount, Clare, Bleary, Newmills and Knocknagore. When we look at the church in Laurencetown and its deteriorating condition we need to look back at its history and the great personal difficulties Catholics of this area had in building it. Materials and Equipment donated by Gerard Agnew, Brian Campbell, Plunkett Campbell and Kevin Murphy May God continue to bless you and your families - you are all a credit to our parish, our church and our faith.īack Row: Eugene Savage, Finbar McCartan, Paddy McCartan, Mary O'Hare, Seamus O'Hare, Felix McCartan, Jimmy Andrews, Harry Convery.įront Row: Eugene Byrne, Armand Gaillard, Sam Johnston, Bill Monaghan, Sean McCartan. To say 'thank you' doesn't even begin to express our gratitude but, just like those volunteers in Clare and Gilford, these people do not want or expect thanks. Mary O'Hare fed the crew for the 9 days!!! Together with the team of ladies who cleaned and polished over several days, our church is now beautiful. Materials and equipment were also supplied by parishioners and Mrs. They washed and painted the inside of the entire church, donating their services. The above parishioners have been very busy in Laurencetown Church since last Monday (6th).

Paddy by R.D. Lawrence