A historic church in Clonmel in County Tipperary where a wall was
extensively damaged last summer has provided a unique insight into the
town’s history.
Last summer, plaster fell off the wall of Clonmel Friary.
Subsequent
tests revealed that the structure underneath was the original wall of
the tower, which was constructed between 1350 and 1400.
Following professional advice, it has since been decided that this
section will not be re-plastered, and the original wall will be left
visible in the Friary, which is believed to be the oldest building in
Clonmel.
Speaking this week to the Nationalist newspaper in Clonmel, Friary
Guardian, Fr Larry Mulligan O.F.M., said: “We were fortunate that
nobody was near that area in the church when the plaster fell. Residual
moisture in the brickwork loosened the bonding between the brick and the
plaster. Following tests it was decided that all of the plaster would
have to be removed. Some pointing of the wall may need to be carried
out, although this won’t interfere with the structure, which will be
left in its original form.”
Fr Mulligan revealed that a fundraising drive is now taking place in
Clonmel to fund works necessary to preserve the tower in its original
form.
He added that “The Franciscans have had a presence in Clonmel for the
last eight centuries and this unique feature of the town’s history will
be preserved for the benefit of present and future generations of
Clonmelians. It will be an addition to the architectural heritage of the
town.”
The original friary church in Abbey Street in Clonmel was built in
1269.
This building had a turbulent history.
The Franciscan community
was dispersed, moving to other locations in the town after the monastery
was seized during the Suppression on 8 March 1540.
The move followed
King Henry VIII’s plan announced in 1536 for the dissolution of the
Irish monasteries to raise money for the state.
The Franciscans returned
to Abbey Street in the 1800s.