Journal o f The Taghnzon Historical Society

St. Alphonsus Church

St. Alphonsus' Church Barntown

Tom & Teresa Wickham.
he church of St. Alphonsus nestling under the Three Rocks at Barntown owes its origin to the dedicated endeavours of Very Rev. Patrick Murphy P.P. Born at Cousinstown in 1786, he studied for the priesthood in a school run by the Franciscan friars in Gibson's Lane, Wexford. He was ordained in Maynooth in 1812. Fr. Murphy was appointed parish priest ic Glynn in 1817, and died as parish priest of Barntown in 1867. During the interim years, he became obsessed with the idea of providing a suitable place of worship for his parishioners from the hill side of the parish, who worshipped in what was no more than a shelter in a barn-like structure in the village. He set the wheels in motion in the early 1840's and worked tirelessly during Ireland's most desolate days of the great famine. He was a man of considerable influence in the diocese and he used his position to maximum advantage in obtaining assistance in the building of his church. John Hyacinth Talbot was a member of one of Wexford's most important Catholic families of the time and Fr. Murphy, through his friendship with the Talbots, acquired the assistance of Augustus Welby Pugin, who drew up plans for the church. Pugin was the most famous neo-gothic architect of the nineteenth century and he left an indelible mark on the church landscape of Ferns with his many commissions. His design work on Barntown church gave it the enviable distinction of being referred to as the "Gem of the Diocese". Fundraising got underway in the early 1840's and the foundation stone was laid in 1844. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was celebrated in the church for the first time in 1848. During the construction, Fr. Murphy used every ploy to keep the expenses to a minimum and the locals were totally supportive of the project. In addition to finances and labour, many items of interest were donated by the more affluent members of the community.

rrnal of The Taghtnon Historical Society

St. Alphonsus Church

r. Murphy kept meticulous financial records. These records have vived and provide fascinating reading for anyone even remotely :rested in the history of the church.

Interior of Barntown Clzurck in 1870s (by kind permission of Rev. Oliver Doyle)

Jourrzal of The Taghnzort Historical Society

St. Alphonsus Church

Journal of The Taghnzon Historical Society

St. Alphonsus Church

Financing the building of the church Fundraising began in earnest in 1842 and notes from his diary read as follows: Funds for the building of the church of St. Alphonsus at Barntown. The parishioners agreed to pay a tax of 2s-0d per acre in two instalments which amounted to 285-5-11. Parishioners in easy circumstances, besides paying their portion of this tax, gave voluntary offerings which amounted to 146-10-6. October 30'" - A collection of voluntary offerings was made at the chapel door amounting to 178-1-10. October 1O'h -Another collection of the same kind 104-3-0. October 8'"- the new church was opened and a collection was made w4iich a m y t e d to The box collection on Sundays forfive years and fiuo months from 1" September 1845 to 1" November 1850 produced
This gave a total contribution by parishioners of

Contributed by non-parishioners Clerical contributions amounted to Protestant residents or landlords Catholics, non-parishioners
1845 ~ o v . 3 0 collection made at chapel of Glynn '~ Cards produced Amount contributed by non-parishioners By parishioners as above Total amount received Total amount expended Balance This balance was transferred to the account of the parochial house.

It is interesting to note the extraordinary amount collected during the famine years, 1845-1848. Also noteworthy are the significant amounts contributed by the Protestant community and by non-parishioners.

Journal of The Taghmon Historical Society

St. Alphonsus Church

The building expenses Fr. Murphy also kept meticulous notes on all monies spent on the church building. The following is taken from his original notes: -

Preparatory expenses Leases and sunvying Buying T. Cousin ' s interest Paid for gate Building walls and piers Paid John McGrath for the fee of a plot of land To Martin Edwards for change of bounds To Thornas Breen for u small plot Total paid for preparatory expenses Exterior Scaffolding Rubble stone Cut and hammered stone Lime Foreman mason 57 btpeeks 3 days at f1 I s p.w. Working masons Labourers attending Cost of walls
Timber Carpenter work of exterior Snziths ' work Spikes and nails Slates, laths and ridging stone Slating, ridging and plumbing Sundries for roof (copper, nails, lead etc.) Making, glazing and putting up 21 sashes

f- s - d 3-0-0 9-0-0 18 -11 2-15 - 0 10-0-0 3-0-0 2-2-0 30-1 5- 11

Cost of roof and windows

Walls Rocf and windows

Total cost of exterior

Journal of The Taghtnon Historical Society

St. Alphonsus Church

Extra expenses Water suites for eave Metal chimney tops Total cost of extra expenses Interior Lime Plastering church, vestries and porches Laths, nails and attendance Staining roof and all the fixed timber Mason work and labour Bricks Timber (some scaffolding timber was used) Carpenter work Smith's work and hardware Nails Cut stone Tiles forjloor Setting tiles Putting up altar windows Flooring sanctuaries Carriage Exps. & putting up altar & tabernacle Altar of the Blessed Virgin Two stone chimney-pieces for vestries Large holy water font Small holy water font Setting holy water font Notice bell for Mass Cost of interior Cost of exterior, as above Sundry small contingents not classified Total cost of the building Movable furniture Seats, benches, etc. - timber to make then1 Carpenters' work Staining rijork

Journal of The Taghnlon Historical Society

St. Alphonsus Church

Six large altar candlesticks Shields for sanze Lamp hangings Sanctuary bells Altar cards Cruets and stand Packing cases and freight Curtains for both altars Carpeting for sanctuaries Commutzion clothes Crucifix for vestry Oil cloth for altar Chalice (second hand) Dusting brush Amount paid for furniture Expenses of enclosing, planting, clearing, draining etc. on the whole ground: Expended in I846 Do 1847 Do 1848 Do 1850 Total expended on grounds Preparatory expenses Cost of church Cost offurtliture Cost of extras External expenses Grand total

This was an amazingly small amount of money even in those days. It was due in no small way to the goodwill of the local people who, in their spare time, voluntarily carted the rubble stone from the quarry at Newtown, and gave freely of their labour. Older residents of the parish have said that it was not unusual to see convoys of men with their horses and carts leave for Carlow to collect the cut granite stone.

Journal of The Taghtnoti Historical Society

St. Alphonsus Church

It is of interest to note that the total cost of the church was approximately the same as the cost of buying the cut stone used in the recent erection of the arch at the main entrance.

Donations to the church The stained glass windows for the Blessed Virgin's altar were presented by Mr. Francis J. Connell. The tabernacle for the High Altar was presented by the same gentleman. John H. Talbot Esq presented the stained glass window for the High Altar, the alter front and the two bells. Thomas Keane gave 5 to buy a lamp. The Stations of the Cross were donated by the Foley family and are reputedly the work of the Augustinian friar, Fr. Foran, who painted stations for many churches in south Wexford. There is a great similarity between the stations in St. Fintan's church, Taghmon and those in St. Alphonsus' church, Barntown. The aforementioned Talbot bells bear tKe following inscriptions: 1. Old Catholic Emancipation Bell 1848 Anne-Eliza Maria Talbot 2. Old Catholic Emancipation Bell 1848 Jane-Anne-Eliza Talbot Dedication 1851 On September gih, the church was dedicated to God, under the invocation of St. Alphonsus and the Blessed Virgin Mary, by Most Rev. Dr. Murphy, bishop of Ferns. The following extract is from the 'Wexford Independent', Saturday, 1 3LhSeptember, 1851: On Monday last, the solemn and particularly interesting ceremony of dedication of the new Catholic church at Barntown to the service of Almighty God was performed by Right Re~p.Dr. Murphy, bishop of this diocese, assisted by the clergy of the town and tzeighbo~~ring districts. After the dedication ceremon?; High Mass was celebrated, followed by Benediction. The church Kvas crov~,ded a respectable congregation, embracing by several of the gentry and many of our Protestant brethren, who ~eerned to take a deep intere~t the solemn grandeur and exalted piety of all in the ceremonies of the day.

Most churches at the time were dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God. The honour in the case of Barntown church was shared with

Journal of The Taghmorz Historical Society

St. Alphonsus Church

St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori. This was the first church in Ireland to be dedicated to St. Alphonsus. St. Alphonsus was born in southern Italy in 1696. Having finished his education at the university, he practised as a lawyer for eight years. He then abandoned law and became a priest. Some years after ordination, he established an order of contemplative nuns and a community of priests, the Redemptorists, who would devote themselves to the work of missions and retreats. When his life's work was complete, he retired to one of his monasteries where he died on August I"', 1787, in his ninety-second year. He was canonised in 1839, a few years before the erection of the church. His feast day, August I", is commemorated each year by a pattern at Barntown.

First Mission Fr. Murphy invited the priests of the Redemptorist Order to give a mission to his flock in 1854. This mission was a huge success. Tradition has it that people came from as far afield as Kilmore to attend the sermons. Fr. Vladimir Petcherin, a convert from the Russian Orthodox Church, who became famous in church circles, was one of the crowd-drawing preachers at this mission. A Mission Cross was erected outside the church under the great east window. There was a document enclosed behind glass in this Cross. This document has long since disappeared and the Cross recently fell into disrepair and has not been replaced during the modern renovation. An account of this mission from chronicles of Mount St. Alphonsus: The missiorz was given in the two chapels of the same parish. On the mountairz was Fr. Theunis (Superior) with Frs. Petcherin and Vanderae. At Glynn, in the valley, was Fr. Bernard, with Frs. Leo and CofJin. The mission ~m opened on Saturday, 8"' July and closed on 24Ih. There were 1,500 Commurzions in both places. We were obliged, many times to preach in the open air, and to hal~e altar erected for an Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The church in Barntown is one of the finest specimens of a country church. It was designed by Pugin and in his best style. It was the first church in Ireland dedicated to St. Alphonsus. The parish priest, Very Rev. Dean Murphy, KG., is a most venerable old man, of seventy years or more. He has been in this parish for more than thirty years. At the farewell sermon, Fr. Bernard bade him rise and show himself to his people. The impression was indescribable. His grey hair and wasted frame spoke of a long life of untiring zeal. Both thepock and the pastor shed tears.

Journal of The Taghmon Historical Society

St. Alphonsus Church

The people of Wexford came in great numbers to the mission at Barntown. They remembered in their grateful hearts the mission at Wexford the pre~iousyear. Many people spoke with veneration and love of the late Fr. John Vanantw*erpen. 'The Dear Angel' was the narne they gave him."

From Fr. Murphy's notes: 23-0-0 Voluntary offerings before the mission Received for seats in the chapel during mission 32 -15 - 1% 15-0-0 Expended: Travelling expenses of the Fathers In 1860, a second mission was given at Barntown by the Redemptorist priests at the request of Very Rev. Dean Murphy, P.P., who was now bed-ridden, with many infirmities. However, mindful of his flock, he said 'I want to give them a mission again before I appear before the judgement seat of Christ'. This mission was also a great success.

The Death of Very Rev. Patrick Dean Murphy, P.P., V.G. An extract from 'The People' newspaper, January 26'h, 1867. The death of Very Rev. Dean Murphy, which occurred on Tuesday evening last, 22"d January 1867, caused deep regret throughout the community. H s health for several years had been failing arid he was obliged to i confine himself to his bedroom. He resolved to tender his resignation, but parishioners begged that he might still rule over them even though he resided in Wexford. Very Rev. Dr. Furlong presided at this Ofice and High Mass, in the church of the Itnmaculate Conception, Rowe St.. Wexford. There were fifty clergy present. The funeral which left We,ford for Barntown, had a numerous and highly respectable attendance. Upwards of 200 ~~ehicles along the filed road and these, together with the horsemen and those who attended on foot, made up a funeral cortege which extended beyond a mile. A considerable number of Protestant gentlemen also attended. Sellera1 Protestant gentlemen contributed dues to him up to the time of his death. His remains were laid in a vault at the right of the altar.
The death of Fr. Murphy heralded the end of an era for the people of Barntown. He was deeply committed to both the people and the development of the church.

Journal of The Taghmon Historical Society

St. Alphonsus Church

Very Rev. Dean Patrick Murphy P.P.V.G. (died 1867)

Journal of The Taghmon Historical Society

St. Alphonsus Church

During the time of his residency here the seat of the parish transferred from Glynn to Barntown. After his death, Fr. Foley, the then curate of Glynn, became his successor and the seat of the parish reverted back to Glynn.

The consecration of the church 1899 James Howlin, who resided at Cromwell Cottage, Ballygoman, had given the land on a 999 year lease free gratis to his friend, Fr. Murphy, to build his church. On March loth, 1899 the church grounds were purchased out in fee simple by Rev. J.F. Canon Doyle, P.P., from the representatives of James Howlin through the Landed Estates Court. As the land on which the church stood was not legally owned by the church authorities until 1899, the consecration was delayed until that year. The first major renovations to the churcth were carried out at this time, which included the erection of a reredos of marble and highly carved Caen stone to enhance the beautiful original carved Caen stone altar. The timber altar rails were removed and were replaced by brown marble rails which matched the brown marble of the reredos. John Sinnott, Keelogues, presented an ornately carved wooden pulpit which was erected by Len Stone, Barntown. The walls were wainscoted for the first time and this work was completed by Joe Jackman, Newtown. A brass candelabra was donated by John and Julia Whelan, Holmestown. As donations were received from generous parishioners the lattice windows were, in turn, replaced by stained glass windows. Among the donors were the Hayes, Sinnott, Kehoe, Lambert, Byme, Whelan and Brennan families. The interior of the church was completely redecorated for the consecration ceremony. (Note: During the recent extensive renovations the names of John Sinnott, William Duggan and James Evoy, painters, were discovered written on a roof beam dated March 1898.) On September 121h, 1899, the church was consecrated to the service of the Lord by the Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Browne.
The following extract from 'The People' newspaper, September 1 6 ' ~ , 1899: ...The consecratiotz of u church in a Iarld where Catholics are only just recovering from pe~zullaws is no conzmon ever:; .aid, ro many of the onlookers, the ceremony must have been bewildering.

Journal of The Taghmon Historical Society

St. Alphonsus Church

The bishop commenced by reciting the seven Penitential Psalms and chanting the Litany of the Saints at the main entrance. With blessed salt and water, he blessed the outer w,alls and cemete ry... ...The bishop blessed a mixture of salt, water, wine and ashes and sprinkled the walls of the church Mithin. He then consecrated the High Altar and placed the relics of St. Victor and St. Lucy in the altar.... The Mass M'as celebrated by the bishop himselJ: This long and imposing ceremony began at eight o'clock and concluded about middav ... The bishop was assisted throughout the ceremony by Rev. J. Rossiter, C.C., as deacon, and Rev. J. Howell, C.C.. as sub-deacon. The place of the deacon, to whom the care of the church previous to its consecration is entrusted, was taken by Rev. J. Murphy. C.C. Rev. J. M. Browne, C.C., acted as master of ceremonies. The clergy present in the church were: Very Rev. S. Canon Cloney, P.P., Castlebridge; Very Rev. J. Canon O'Brien, P.P., Ballymurn; Very Rev. P. D. Kehoe, Grantstown; Rev. J. F. Doyle, P.P., Glynn; Rev. Wm. Fortune P.P., Piercestown; Rev. J. Corish, P.P., Ballymore; Rev. J. Kehoe OSA, Grantstown; Rev. J. Busher MSS, Enniscorthy; Rev. James Murphy, C.C., Crossabeg; Rev. J. Rossiter, C.C., Wexford. There was also a large number of the parishioners present who followed, with much interest and attention, the entire ceremony.

Eyewitnesses spoke of a severe thunder and lightning storm, which coincided with the ceremonies and added greatly to the awe and wonderment of the occasion. Mr Martin Pierce of Park House and owner of Pierce's iron foundry, Wexford generously defrayed the legal expenses of the land transaction and also a large proportion of the cost of the extensive renovations of the time.

Centenary of St. Alphonsus church 1948 In preparation for the centenary celebrations of the church, the priest at the time Fr. John Breen, C.C., undertook the major renovation and redecoration of the church. The work commenced in 1946. The walls were made structurally sound by pointing the exterior stone work and plastering the interior walls. The repainting of the interior did not include stencil work which was a feature of the church until then. The roof was repaired, the slates cleaned and the bells restored. New gates were fitted at the main entrance. Part of the floor was laid with pitchpine.

Journal of The Taghmon Historical Society

St. Alphonsus Church

Works of art installed in the chapel at the time include: Carved marble statute of Our Lady of Fatima - Italian The Triple Message of Fatima Rosary window - Harry Clarke Studio The Blessed Virgin and Three Children of Fatima window -Harry Clarke Studio The Assumption of Our Lady and Apparition window -Harry Clarke Studio The chancel floor bears two mosaic panels representing the sacrifice of Abraham and Melchisedech - Abraham signifying the Old Law and Melchisedech the New Law. On the sanctuary floor are four mosaic medallions representing the emblems of the four evangelists, the authors of the four versions of the Gospel of Christ - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The mosaic work was carried out by Italian craftsmen. Episcopal chair, screen, shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour - William Kane The altar-rails, Our Lady's altar and baptistery font - Earley and co. The Sanctuary lamp by Gunning and Co. was originally made for the Franciscan friary in Wexford. It is hand-made in bronze, decorated in leaves and semi-precious stones. It is gilt all over with 24-carat fine gold and is hand-burnished. Seven Franciscan saints and St. Aidan of Ferns are depicted in panels on the under side of the lamp. These panels are enamelled onto copper. The pulpit was mainly composed of Carrara marble with a base of Lavento, Galway green and Sicilian marbles. It was octagonal in shape, seven panels had carvings and mosaics, the eighth formed the entrance. The interior was lined with Sicilian marble. The steps were Sicilian marble with bronze hand rails by Gunning and Co. The mosaic panels depicted the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. The pulpit was made by Earley and Co. This pulpit replaced the former timber pulpit. An extract from 'The People' newspaper - October 1948: The centenary of Barntown church was celebrated on Sunday with an impressive ceremony in the beautiful building recently renovated and decorated. The church was thronged by a congregation including marly from other paridles M.IIO came to associate themselves with an

Journal of The Taghmon Historical Society

St. Alphonsus Church

occasion of great joy for the pastor of Glvnn, Rev. P. Murphy and the curate of Barntown, Rev. J. Breen. The church presented a lovely picture in its ~ v l l - k e pgrounds under t a brilliant Autumn sun. The grounds and ricinity were decorated for the great occasion. Solemn High Mass was celebrated at which Most Rev. Dr. Staunton presided The sermon was preached by Rev. John Kelly. C.S.S.R.. and His Lordship ascended the pulpit and also addressed the congregation. A choir of students from St. Peter's College sang at High Mass. Barntown church choir sang for Solemn Benediction. Arrangements for the accommodation of the large congregation were supervised by Frs. Murphy and Breen. Members of the Civic Guard were in attendance for the control o f trafic and direction of people who attended the ceremonies. Miss O'Ryan, M.C.C., represented the Pyesident, Mr. Sean T. O'Kelly. The attendance also included Mr. T. D. Sinnott, County Manager, and Mr. & Mrs. P. B. Pierce."

Seating for the ceremony was by ticket only, at a cost of half a crown. Once again a member of the Pierce family, Mr. Philip Pierce of Park House (now occupied by Mr. Tomis Williams and family) defrayed the cost of a major portion of the work.

The church today In past renovations the Pugin decoration and artefacts were considered old fashioned and were removed as the style of the times demanded. In the late 1990's, a church renovation committee was formed under the chairmanship of Fr. Sean Gorman, C.C., with the primary intention of restoring the church to its former Pugin beauty. With this in mind, the committee engaged Mr. Michael Tierney, Architect, who had recently completed the renovation of St. Aidan's Cathedral in Enniscorthy. A local firm, Cleary and Doyle, was hired as the main contractor for the project. When work began, major structural damage was discovered in the roof beams and walls, which was more extensive than anticipated. When carrying out these repairs it was necessary to cover the beautiful original plastered and stencilled ceiling.
Some of the other major works carried out include: -

Journal of The Taghmon Historical Society

St. Alphonsus Church

Converting the altar boys' vestry into a beautiful Oratory; Re-styling of the Sanctuary area which included carpeting, lowering the reredos, installing a front altar and ambo; Renewing the heating, lighting and public address systems; Replacing the wainscoting and confessional; Repainting roof timbers, ceiling and walls which included stencilling the walls with the original pattern; Restoring some of the older stained glass windows; General improvements to the priest's vestry, baptismal area and porches; Sandblasting the exterior stonework; Repairing the bells; Building an external workhouse and toilets. The cost of all this work was enormous and fundraising in the parish will occupy the committee for _sometime.

Priests who served in St. Alphonsus' church Since Fr. Murphy celebrated the first Mass in St. Alphonsus' church in September 1848, many young priests have come and gone. Most of them went on to become parish priests in various parishes. Most Rev. Dr. James Browne, Bishop of Ferns, who performed the consecration ceremony in 1899, had been a former curate in this church. Three priests - Rev. David Kent, C.C., Rev. James Gaul, C.C., and Rev. Patrick Browne, C.C. - died while serving the people of Barntown and are buried in the church grounds. On the death of Fr. David Kent, the following obituary appeared in The People newspaper, 13IhJuly, 1878: Fr. Kent died at his residence, Barntown, early on Friday morning. He was over 73 years of age. He way ordained priest about 1836. He served in many parishes before being transferred to Barntown about a year and a half ago. He had been ill for a few days. He was interred in Barntown church. " The death of Fr. Gaul at such a young age caused widespread grief in the parish. The following is his obituary, which appeared in The People newspaper on 20Ih January 1926. Great surprise and sorrow were expressed on Sunday night when it was learned the Rev. James Gaul, C.C., B a r n t o ~ nhad passed away that evening. Fr. Gaul was son of Patrick Gaul, Waterloo Kd., Wexford, c u d Lwua 117 hir 49'" year. He was ordained in 1902 and transferred to Barntown in 1919. His health had not been good for some years and

Journal of The Taghmon Historical Society

St. Alphonsus Church

his death will be keenly regretted. The interment took place on Tuesday in the church grounds. The last priest to die while serving in the curacy was Rev. Patrick Browne, C.C. His obituary appeared in 'The People' newspaper, 2tjth February 1944. It is with deep regret that we announce the death of a well known and well beloved priest of the diocese of Ferns, Rev. Patrick Browne, C.C., Barntown, which took place at his residence early on Monday morning last. Fr. Browne was born in Ballywilliam 53 years ago. He was ordained a priest in 1917 by the late Most Rev. Dr. Browne. He succeeded Vety Rev. R. Hickey, president, St. Peter's College, in Barntown where he remained till his death. In his priestly career, Fr. Browne was ever zealous for the salvation of the souls entrusted to him, a fact which was realised by the people, and made him beloved by all. He was also noted for his charity to-the deserving poor, who never failed to find in him a friend. He was responsible for the introduction of the Legion of Maty to the Barntown district. Since the commencement of the Emergency, he had done his utmost to promote the interests of the social services in his area. The ttying da-ys of his last illness were borne with great Christian fortitude and patience, which will ever serve as an example to the people. The report of his passing away on Monday last at a comparativel-v early age was universally regretted. The retnains were transferred to the church on Monday evening and were attended by a large number of parishioners and friends. The solemn requiem Mass and Ofice were offered on Wednesday The remains were interred in the priest's plot. The bishop recited the funeral service. The local L.D.F. lined the route of the funeral procession. Among the chief mourners were Mr. Sean T. 0'Kell.v and Mr. Eoin O'Ryan representing Dr. Ryan, T.D., Minister for Agriculture. The following are the priests who served in St. Alphonsus' church throughout its long history: -

Rev. Patrick Murphy, P.P. Rev. William Furlong, C.C. Rev. James Browne, C.C. Rev. John Parker, C.C. Rev. James Kavanagh, C.C. Rev. David Kent, C.C. Rev. Matthew Kavanagh, C.C.

Jourrd of The Taghmon Historical Society

St. Alphonsus Church

Rev. Edward Brennan, C.C. Rev. Jeremiah O'Connor, C.C. Rev. John Browne, C.C. Rev. James Hartley, C.C. Rev. Henry Lambert, C.C. Rev. James Gaul, C.C. Rev. Robert Hickey, C.C. Rev. Patrick Browne, C.C. Rev. John Breen, C.C. Rev. M. Lorenzo Cleary, C.C. Rev. Robert Nolan, C.C. Rev. Fredrick Hammel, C.C. Rev. Gerard O'Leary, C.C. Rev. Richard Hayes, C.C. Rev. Martin Nolan. C.C. Rev. Sean Gorman, C.C.

1886-1888 1888-1893 1893-1900 1900-1910 1910-1919 1919-1926 1926-1932 1932-1944 1944-1960 1960-1972 1972-1976 1976-1979 1979-1980 1980-1991 1991-1995 1995 to date

All the above have left their own indelible mark on both the church building and its people. Some have gone to their eternal reward but none should be forgotten for their contribution to the pastoral life of the parish. The people of Barntown are extremely proud of their church, which is a fitting monument to their ancestors who sacrificed so much to provide this beautiful edifice in poorer times. It attracts numerous visitors who come to view its restored glory and who are overwhelmed by the beauty of this country church. In its lovely setting overlooking the river Slaney, St. Alphonsus' church is indeed the 'Gem of the Diocese of Ferns'.

Journal o f T h e T a g h m o n Historical Society

St. Alphonsus Church

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & REFERENCES

Clzronicles of Mount St. Alpl~onsus Very Rev. Fr. Oliver Doyle Very Rev. Canon John Gahan (RIP) Histop o f s t . Alphonsus' church, 1990 - Jane Wickham Mr. Bart. Lacey Fr. Danny McDonald Fr. Robert Nolan The Parochial Records The People newspaper 1867, 1899, 1926. 1944, 1948 St. Alphonsus chrrrch centenary booklet 1948 Wexford Independent 185 1 Liz Wickham Mrs. Mag Wickham (RIP)