1904 - SAINT JOSEPH’S CHURCH ON O’CONNELL AVENUE IN LIMERICK

1904 - SAINT JOSEPH’S CHURCH ON O’CONNELL AVENUE IN LIMERICK [ Architect: William E. Corbett]

Due a shortage of funds this Roman Catholic church was not completed as designed as can be seen by the lack of a full tower.

Unfortunately my Voigtlander 15mm did not perform well within this church and I only got one useable interior shot. Last year I also had problems photographing the interior because a gentleman who had too much to drink became irate with me taking photographs in a church.

Saint Joseph's Church, designed by William E. Corbett, was consecrated in April 1904 as a chapel of ease for Saint Michael's parish. The builders were J.J. Ryan & Son. It continued in this role until 1973 when the new autonomous parish of Saint Joseph was created. Saint Joseph's is a very late example of a classical church and it has an exaggerated pediment.

The front elevation mosaic, along with the architecture, reinforces the Italianate style and impression of the church. It retains all internal and external features including some fine stained glass windows, in particular a late Harry Clarke Studio window on the south elevation of the nave. The high altar design was executed by Edmund Sharp in 1903 and the interior decoration was designed by Edward Francis Ryan in 1938.

Located beside the Saint Joseph's Parish Centre (formerly the Baptist church), this church defines the end of the larger-scale Georgian streetscape. It contrasts with the former Baptist Church in that it opens onto the street, whereas the Baptist Church stands back behind an array of stone steps and railings.