Ardcath celebrates reopening of church

The parish of Ardcath recently celebrated the reopening and rededication of its 150 years-old St Mary's Church, which has undergone a major refurbishment over the past six months. The Bishop of Meath, Dr Michael Smith, oversaw the rededication ceremony in which members of the parish community took part and a relic of St Oliver Plunkett, as well as a time capsule containing local family histories, were placed in the altar. Works included the repair of the rose stained glass window over the altar, where nine of the large panels were removed, releaded and storm-glazed. This window, believed to be of French origin, depicts the joyful mysteries of the Rosary, and was erected by parishioners and friends of the Langan brothers, the priests who were responsible for building the church, in 1882. The gothic arches each side of the main altar have been opened up to their original state. The sanctuary has been re-stencilled, and writing which was uncovered after the removal of the ceiling over the arch of the nave of the church has been restored. The gallery has been extended and a new stairwell erected. A baptismal font from the medieval church in the graveyard, dating back to the 13th century, which was brought up to the present church 150 years ago, now stands in the foyer, contrasting with the contemporary altar furniture by Mark Jenkinson from Artglass in Ashbourne. This solid oak altar with its three fused glass panels had a relic of Saint Oliver Plunkett placed in it by Bishop Smith during the rededication ceremony. There is also a new confessional room at the rear of the church, and an oak-framed glass panel foyer incorporating the original foyer is another example where old and new blend together. The building committee of Fr Phil Gaffney, Stephen Corry, Bernie Fox, Thomas White, Leo Collins, Nicholas McGill, Brendan Murphy and John Andrews put in endless hours on a voluntary basis in getting this project off the ground, ensuring that parishioners got value for money and top-class workmanship. Many local craftsmen and tradesmen were involved in the project. The construction of the church is attributed to the Langan Brothers - Fr Tom Langan, curate in Ardcath from 1826-'68, and and Fr John Langan, parish priest from 1831-'72 during which time the church was constructed at a cost of £2,600. Parishioners funded £1,000, with outside subscriptions of £1,000 and £600 from the Langan family, friends and relations. Plaques remembering both men were erected in the church during the recent refurbishment.