Diocesan News
St Patrick’s connections in Clogher Diocese
Clogher Diocese has several links to St Patrick through the names of some of its parish churches.
St. Patrick’s Church, Castle Archdale, where the Rector is Archdeacon Paul Thompson was consecrated on St. Patrick’s Day in 1908 and was built as part of the Arts and Crafts Movement.
One of its special features is the ‘St George & St. Patrick Window’ dedicated in loving memory of Mervyn Edward Archdale of Castle Archdale, a Captain in the Inniskilling Dragoon Guards and MP for Fermanagh who was born in 1812 and died in 1895. A parish booklet describes the window:
“Dedicated to Captain Mervyn Archdale, the St. George & St. Patrick Window showcases the evolving artistic brilliance of Alfred Child. His attention to detail and skilled craftsmanship are evident in the fine drawings of the saints’ faces and lifelike features. St. Patrick, standing triumphantly on a snake, symbolizes the legendary story of driving the snakes out of Ireland, while St. George is depicted vanquishing a fearsome dragon. The shimmering smoothness of the metal armour in the stained glass is incredibly realistic, testament to Child’s exceptional talent. The symbolic elements and vibrant colours add depth and significance to the artwork, making it a captivating sight for visitors and worshippers alike.”
The parish will be having a Morning Prayer service on St. Patrick’s Day starting at 10.15am on 17 March.
Also in Clogher Diocese is St. Patrick’s Church, Monaghan town, with its needle spire and tall lancet windows and pinnacles, built between 1831 and 1836.
Further east in Co. Monaghan is St Patrick’s Church, Ardragh, part of the Carrickmacross Union group of parishes. This Gothic–style church was built in 1865–1868.
There will be a number of events taking place around St. Patrick’s weekend. Trory and Killadeas Parishes are hosting a fun night on Friday, 15 March, in Ballycassidy Hall celebrating the Ulster heritage of St. Patrick with Ulster Fry canapes being served and Ulster Scots–themed entertainment.
Also on the Friday evening, Aghavea Parish, near Brookeborough, will be hosting a stew night while Aghabog Parish, part of the Ematris Group of Parishes in Co. Monaghan, are having a party night for the Ematris Group starting at 8pm.
On the Bank Holiday Monday, 18 March, St. Patrick’s Walk, a community pilgrimage, will take place starting at 11am from St. Salvator’s Church of Ireland, Donagh, parish in Glaslough with a short prayer service, proceeding to Glennan Presbyterian Church and St. Mary’s Church, and concluding for lunch at Donagh Parochial Hall, Glaslough. Donations are going to the Arch Club and Donagh Girls’ Brigade.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Clogher
07708 869823
Mr Brian Donaldson
clogherdco@btinternet.com