Mass for the Repose of the Souls 

of Those Who Died in 2014

This Mass will take place on Friday 21st at 7.30 p.m. in the Church of the Holy Family, Rathcoole. The following newsletters contain the names of those who died since mid-September: 14th,   21st,  28th  September;  5th,  19th  October;  2nd  and 9th November.

Below is a photo taken in Rathcoole church on the evening of Tuesday, 12th June 2012, on the occasion of a lecture given by John Bradley (History Department, National University of Ireland, Maynooth) on the subject 'The Early History of the Parishes of Saggart/Rathcoole/Brittas and Newcastle'. The lecture was one of the events organised in our two parishes as part of the Eucharistic Congress of that year. I'm sure that those who heard John speak that evening will be saddened to learn of his death on Friday 7th last, at the age of 59. One of his many writings is an article on the medieval boroughs of County Dublin (1998), including Saggart, Rathcoole and Newcastle Lyons.

May all our deceased parishioners, and friends of the parishes such as John, be rewarded in heaven for all their good work on earth.

Donal McMahon, John Bradley, Fr Michael Shortall

The New St Mary's National School

BEFORE  :  JUNE  2014

AFTER  :  1 SEPTEMBER  2014

Click on photo to enlarge.

Enjoying a Summer Day Out

The above photo shows the church of St Finian's from a novel angle, i.e. the rear garden of the Glebe house next door.  It was taken during a lovely day out on Sunday 13th July, organised by the group ReNewcastle and the Catholic and Church of Ireland parishes of Newcastle. 'An Hour in the Old Glebe' gave long-time residents of Saggart, Rathcoole and maybe even of Newcastle itself a golden opportunity to visit a house they had for years passed by without ever seeing inside. Thanks to the owner, Mr Frank Kerins, and his wife and family, that dream was finally realised and, as a consequence, everyone's appreciation of the history of Newcastle wonderfully enriched. Among a host of interesting facts learned was this: building on the extension to the Glebe took place in 1813, at the very time, then, of a major building project going on down the road on the new Catholic church.

And on that very subject, a major project is taking place in Saggart right now, the building of the new St Mary's National School. A glance up the lane by the parochial house (or rather 'road' now, it is so busy) tells the passer-by just how rapidly the new school is taking shape, due to open in early September. Not much of a summer holiday, then, for those hard-working builders! This photo from the school website (here, with many thanks to Maria, the photographer) will gives us an idea of the work in progress: 

Finally, with apologies for the very late delivery, here are the Newsletters for June: 8,   15,   22   and the 29.