Sacred Heart Church Belclare Centenary 2024

Thanks to everyone involved in what was a lovely celebration for our Centenary in Belclare.

To all who took part in the mass: Richard Broderick for acting as MC and Stella Shally who narrated the symbols, the beautiful choir, those who brought up the symbols and gifts, did readings and Prayers of the Faithful, helped with Holy Communion and our altar servers.

Special thanks to retired Archbishop Michael Neary for taking the time to be with us for the occasion and for his kind and inspiring words.

Thanks to our Committee for all their hard work behind the scenes.

To Mark Keane for organizing the beautiful print of the church on canvas for Archbishop Neary.

Special thanks to the Sisters of Saint Claire for the beautiful Chalice they presented as a gift to the church for the centenary.

Thanks to Sisters Maureen O’ Dea (Claretuam), Mercedes Coen, (Cloonmore), Bríd Fleming, (Woodquay),  Máire Nolan, (Anbally) and Christine O Brien (Annagh Hill) for attending and to those who watched on line.

Thanks also to Fr Paddy Mullins, Fr Francis McGrath and Deacon Cathal Galligan.

Special thanks to Belclare National School for making the School Hall available for tea and refreshments after mass and to the Belclare Comhaltas Group for the wonderful music and entertainment.

Most of all, thanks to the people of Belclare for their encouragement and support throughout. 
Ar scáth a Chéile a mhaireann na daoine!  

The Mass can be viewed on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/G5EIUochKqo

Dont forget to check out our photo galleries to see some photos of the work done and the re-opening ceremony.

2023-2024 Upgrades

The church was extensively renovated for the Centenary.

  • All the external and internal doors were replaced.
  • New Seating was installed.
  • A new tiled floor was added.
  • The railings on the stairs and gallery were replaced.
  • The Sanctuary was extended and a new tabernacle, Ambo and chair installed.
  • New candleabras were installed.
  • The church was painted.
  • A new sound system was installed.
  • New lighting was also installed
  • The heating system was repaired.

 

Outside:

  • The gates were repaired.
  • New handrails installed at the steps.
  • New tarmac and parking spaces were also installed
  • The grounds were landscaped.
  • A new stone was installed commemorating the centenary.
  • The church and house was painted.

The church of the Sacred Heart in Belclare was dedicated by Dr. Gilmartin, Archbishop of Tuam on Sunday, August 31st 1924. It was designed by Mr. R. M. Butler, Architect in the Irish Romanesque style. It replaced the older church of St. Michael the Archangel which was situated just 200 yards away in Churchfriar on the northern slope of Knockmea. This church was built on the site of an old Franciscan Monastery once affiliated to Ross Errilly Abbey near Headford, which was founded in 1291 with the help of the De Burgo's.

Belclare is in the parish of Cummer and Kilmoylan (Corofin) which was known as the Claretuam Union prior to 1800. It included the ancient parishes/churches of Cummer, Kilmoylan, Claretuam and Killower. The longest serving curate was Fr. Varden (1919 - 1931) whose tombstone is the only one beside the new church.

The first curate, Fr. Pat Canavan served as C.C. in Claretuam as it was then called, 1812 - 1816, when he became P.P. of Corofin until his death in 1856, spending most of forty years in Belclare and his fine tomb is in Churchfriar, beside the ruins of the old church which he reroofed after it was stripped on the Night of the Big Wind, 6 Jan 1839.

One of the many other curates to have served here is the recent Archbishop of Tuam, Most Rev.Dr. Michael Neary who was here 1975 -'76.

In 1974, we commemorated 50 years since the new church opened by undertaking some major work to upgrade the church. 

  • A new front porch was added and the original entrance was closed. 
  • This was later converted for use as a Confessional room. 
  • A new ceiling was added. 
  • The altar was moved forward from its original position to accommodate the new liturgy, as the priest now faced the people when celebrating Mass. 
  • A side door and porch was added to the left of the sanctuary. 
  • The church was painted. 
  • The seats were repaired, sanded and varnished. 
  • Some years later a new carpet was laid over the floor tiles.

You can still contribute if you wish?

  • you can donate directly using IBAN
      Sacred Heart Church Belclare
      BIC Code: BOFIIE2D
      IBAN: IE29 BOFI 903971 12781772
  • or you can also increase your regular envelope contributions
  • or alternatively we have an iDonate page (please note commission will be charged so church may not receive 100% of donation)

Further details available from Fr. Ciarán or any member of the Committee.

Many Thanks for your support.