This article is from page 31 of the 2008-04-01 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 31 JPG
PARISHIONERS in Kilbane have taken to the highways and byways, raising cash to rennovate their much- loved nineteenth century parish church.
St Mary’s Church, Kilbane was built in 1845 by Fr John Burke and has seen generations of parishioners, baptized, married and sent on their final journies.
Above the main altar hangs a life- size crucifixion scene by the famous Italian painter, Cleato Luzi.
But while it has a special place in the hearts of the parishioners, the stone-built church — which is a pre-
served building – has seen better days and now needs a complete renova- nt)
But the work will cost money so parishioners have been organising all sorts of fundraisers.
“People of the parish and even outside the parish have been very Supportive,’ said Kilbane Pastoral Council Chairwoman, Mary Burke.
Mary was one of the organisers of a 10k fundraising run and walk on Easter Monday, which roused enor- mous enthusiasm and support lo- cally.
“Everyone got involved. Sgt Gerry Mulqueen walked the route in uni- form and looked after guiding the
traffic, our parish priest, Fr John Bane, cut the ribbon to start the 10k. Water for the runners and walkers was sponsored by Pat Walsh and Pat Meagher and Gunnings provided re- freshments in the form of Mars bars and water. Micke Ryan and Billy McInerney came along with a horse and trap and picked up the stragglers. We had wonerful co-operation and camaraderie,’ said Mary.
Seamus Bridgeman was the first runner over the finishing line and first walkers were Patricia and Fan- chea Moloney along with Sinead and Emer Mullane.
78 people signed up to do the 10k but almost 100 actually took part,
raising much-needed funds. The youngest walkers to finish the route were Anna-Lee Marsh (7) and Catri- onal Millane (8).
And despite their Trojan efforts, it’s unlikely that the parishioners will be sitting still for long. The fundraising committee have organised a dance on Friday, April 11, at the Lakeside Hotel in Killaloe with music by PJ WZ iitwet ene