With the decline in vocations, the building has become surplus to requirements for the Mercy Order.
The building was erected on a donated site and the then parish priest donated significant funds to allow construction to take place.
Over the intervening decades, the local community has supported the convent in many ways. It has been central to our community.
It would be an extremely sad day if this iconic building were to cease having a community purpose in Templemore, Clonmore, Killea, Borrisoleigh, Drom, Moyne, Templetuohy, Loughmore, Castleiney and all the surrounding hinterland.
There are many community purposes for which this building could be used. Our local community day care centre is currently unable to offer new places to applicants due to the lack of space in their building.
For the same reason, the extent of activities offered to clients in the local day care centre is very much restricted.
The current "meals on wheels" service for older people, often living alone, has proved an outstanding success but is currently operating at full capacity with no room for expansion.
Sadly, there is a high incidence of dementia sufferers living within our community and without respite, this creates a huge strain on families living with this condition.
The convent, with its large beautiful, secure gardens and facilities offers an ideal facility in this regard. Expansion of a community playschool would also be possible at such a wonderful spacious location.
Community involvement projects such as the men’s shed, gardening projects and much more would also be a real possibility.
It is intended to have a public meeting in the coming weeks to which public representatives, community leaders, representatives of local organisations and all interested local people are invited to attend.
An invitation will also be extended to the Mercy Congregation to send a representative to address this meeting and to outline their views on any such proposals.
If ownership of this building is let slip at this time, future generations may well ask how did we let such a wonderful local building slip from community use at a time when such few facilities exist.