ST LAURENCE O'TOOLE CHURCH - HARLEYS HANGER
On a recent visit to St Laurence O'Toole's Church in Kilmacud, I was unable to photograph the interior in detail due to ongoing renovations. A worker, who suggested I return later, surprised me by referring to it as "Harley's Hanger"! This piqued my curiosity as I attended this church in the 1960s and 70s and never encountered that nickname. (A previous visit was also unsuccessful as a large funeral was taking place.) It should be mentioned that my younger sister attended the school.
The nickname "Harley's Hanger" for the 1969 church does seem to derive from its resemblance to an aircraft hangar! The "Harley" part undoubtedly refers to Canon Brendan Harley, the first Parish Priest of Kilmacud. Here's what I've gathered about the nickname's origin:
Modern Architecture: The church, designed by Stephenson Gibney & Associates, has a distinctive modernist style with clean lines, functional design, and a large open space, contributing to its hangar-like appearance.
Canon Harley's Influence: Canon Harley played a key role in the church's construction, overseeing the project and likely influencing its design. Parishioners may have associated the building's unique look with his leadership, hence the nickname combining his name with its hangar-like form.
Affectionate Term: "Harley's Hanger" appears to be a largely affectionate nickname, perhaps with a touch of gentle humour about the church's unconventional design. It reflects the close relationship between a priest and his parishioners.
While I couldn't find definitive documentation on the nickname's exact origin, the combination of the church's unique architecture and Canon Harley's strong presence in the parish likely led to its adoption by the community.
Mount Anville Primary School
Located near St Laurence O'Toole's, Mount Anville Primary School boasts a rich history dating back to 1831 when a school was first established on Kilmacud Road. Here's a brief overview of its development:
Early Years (1831-1866): In 1831, following the establishment of the National Board of Education, a free elementary school was set up on Kilmacud Road. This marked the beginning of formal education at the location. The Sisters of the Sacred Heart arrived at Mount Anville in 1853.
Mount Anville School (1866-1954): The Sisters of the Sacred Heart opened a primary school in 1866. Plans for a new school building were approved in 1869, and it opened in 1870 as Mount Anville National School. It was likely located within the grounds of Mount Anville Convent, not at the current Lower Kilmacud Road location.
The Current School (1954-Present): A new primary school building was constructed on Lower Kilmacud Road in 1954, and officially opened in 1955 by Archbishop McQuaid. Sr. Eileen O'Donovan served as the first principal of the school at its current location (1952-1956). The school continues to thrive as a Catholic primary school for girls, upholding the Sacred Heart ethos with a focus on inclusivity, personal development, and academic excellence.
The nickname "Harley's Hanger" for the 1969 church does seem to derive from its resemblance to an aircraft hangar! The "Harley" part undoubtedly refers to Canon Brendan Harley, the first Parish Priest of Kilmacud. Here's what I've gathered about the nickname's origin:
Modern Architecture: The church, designed by Stephenson Gibney & Associates, has a distinctive modernist style with clean lines, functional design, and a large open space, contributing to its hangar-like appearance.
Canon Harley's Influence: Canon Harley played a key role in the church's construction, overseeing the project and likely influencing its design. Parishioners may have associated the building's unique look with his leadership, hence the nickname combining his name with its hangar-like form.
Affectionate Term: "Harley's Hanger" appears to be a largely affectionate nickname, perhaps with a touch of gentle humour about the church's unconventional design. It reflects the close relationship between a priest and his parishioners.
While I couldn't find definitive documentation on the nickname's exact origin, the combination of the church's unique architecture and Canon Harley's strong presence in the parish likely led to its adoption by the community.
Mount Anville Primary School
Located near St Laurence O'Toole's, Mount Anville Primary School boasts a rich history dating back to 1831 when a school was first established on Kilmacud Road. Here's a brief overview of its development:
Early Years (1831-1866): In 1831, following the establishment of the National Board of Education, a free elementary school was set up on Kilmacud Road. This marked the beginning of formal education at the location. The Sisters of the Sacred Heart arrived at Mount Anville in 1853.
Mount Anville School (1866-1954): The Sisters of the Sacred Heart opened a primary school in 1866. Plans for a new school building were approved in 1869, and it opened in 1870 as Mount Anville National School. It was likely located within the grounds of Mount Anville Convent, not at the current Lower Kilmacud Road location.
The Current School (1954-Present): A new primary school building was constructed on Lower Kilmacud Road in 1954, and officially opened in 1955 by Archbishop McQuaid. Sr. Eileen O'Donovan served as the first principal of the school at its current location (1952-1956). The school continues to thrive as a Catholic primary school for girls, upholding the Sacred Heart ethos with a focus on inclusivity, personal development, and academic excellence.
ST LAURENCE O'TOOLE CHURCH - HARLEYS HANGER