ST LAURENCE O'TOOLE CHURCH KILMACUD-STILLORGAN AUGUST 2022
The parish of St. Laurence O'Toole, Kilmacud, was established in 1964, encompassing the areas of Kilmacud and Stillorgan. Prior to this, the local church for residents was in Mount Merrion. This change marked a significant step in the development of the area, driven by the post-WWII expansion of Dublin and the subsequent growth of Kilmacud and Stillorgan.
Kilmacud:
Kilmacud derives its name from the Irish "Cill Mochuda," meaning the church of Mochuda. Mochuda, a figure from Munster, is linked to the monastery of Lismore in County Waterford and is believed to have died around 703 AD.
Stillorgan:
Stillorgan's historical connection lies with St. Brigid, who founded a monastery in Kildare during the 5th or 6th century. This monastery rose to prominence as one of the leading religious centres in Ireland, alongside Iona and Armagh. Representatives from Kildare travelled to Stillorgan, constructing a church where the present Church of Ireland now stands, likely in the early 9th century.
A Growing Parish:
The post-war boom brought new dimensions to parish life in Kilmacud and Stillorgan. Recognising the need for educational facilities, the De La Salle Brothers founded St. Benildus College in 1966 to provide secondary education for boys. Following suit, the Sisters of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus opened St. Raphaela's in 1971 to offer similar educational opportunities for girls. Fr. Walsh, a curate at the time, was instrumental in establishing the Kilmacud GAA Club in 1959, addressing the need for recreational activities for young people in the parish.
A New Church:
The original chapel in Kilmacud proved inadequate for the burgeoning population, prompting the construction of a new church. The Sisters of Our Lady of Charity generously donated a site, and the Church of St. Laurence O'Toole was officially opened on 14th December 1969 by Archbishop John Charles McQuaid.
Parish Leadership:
Following the death of Canon Harley, the first parish priest, in 1981, Monsignor Val Rogers was appointed as his successor. Monsignor Rogers served the parish with distinction until his retirement in 1995.
Kilmacud:
Kilmacud derives its name from the Irish "Cill Mochuda," meaning the church of Mochuda. Mochuda, a figure from Munster, is linked to the monastery of Lismore in County Waterford and is believed to have died around 703 AD.
Stillorgan:
Stillorgan's historical connection lies with St. Brigid, who founded a monastery in Kildare during the 5th or 6th century. This monastery rose to prominence as one of the leading religious centres in Ireland, alongside Iona and Armagh. Representatives from Kildare travelled to Stillorgan, constructing a church where the present Church of Ireland now stands, likely in the early 9th century.
A Growing Parish:
The post-war boom brought new dimensions to parish life in Kilmacud and Stillorgan. Recognising the need for educational facilities, the De La Salle Brothers founded St. Benildus College in 1966 to provide secondary education for boys. Following suit, the Sisters of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus opened St. Raphaela's in 1971 to offer similar educational opportunities for girls. Fr. Walsh, a curate at the time, was instrumental in establishing the Kilmacud GAA Club in 1959, addressing the need for recreational activities for young people in the parish.
A New Church:
The original chapel in Kilmacud proved inadequate for the burgeoning population, prompting the construction of a new church. The Sisters of Our Lady of Charity generously donated a site, and the Church of St. Laurence O'Toole was officially opened on 14th December 1969 by Archbishop John Charles McQuaid.
Parish Leadership:
Following the death of Canon Harley, the first parish priest, in 1981, Monsignor Val Rogers was appointed as his successor. Monsignor Rogers served the parish with distinction until his retirement in 1995.
ST LAURENCE O'TOOLE CHURCH KILMACUD-STILLORGAN AUGUST 2022