The bishop of Meath, Dr Michael Smith, has rededicated St. Stephen's Church in Tyrrellspass, which has been refurbished at a cost of almost a million euro. Fr. Brendan Ferris said it was a great day for the people of the village because they were determined to have the bishop to rededicate their church, "They are very proud of St. Stephen's and it's a great privilege to be with them because they are so proud of their church," he said.
Fr Ferris described the work the people of Tyrrellspass put in to having the church refurbished over the past three years as "phenomenal" adding, "I've never heard the word 'no'. They knew exactly what they wanted to make sure the church lasts for the next 150 years - it has been hard work but a pleasure.”
Fr Ferris admitted that the cost of the project was "a big bill" but added, "Hopefully it will ensure that this building will be a house of prayer for many generations to come.”
St. Stephen's was first built in 1858 - just after the famine - and parishioners wished to make sure that the church would last to see out another 150 years, he added.
"It was built in a time of famine, when the people had nothing, and the people still had pride in their church, so hopefully that pride will continue in the village of Tyrrellspass today and the parish of Castletowngeoghegan."
Coincidentally, Bishop Smith served the parish for ten years between 1974 and 1984. "I used to say Mass here every Sunday and I have to say it is great to be back and see all the old familiar faces," he remarked.
"It's now 26 years later and I must say St. Stephen's is looking well.”
The construction work on St. Stephen's took just over one year and cost €843, 000.
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