Double celebrations in Kildallan

This weekend Kildallan will mark a momentous occasion, celebrating two significant anniversaries that highlight the historic parish’s rich heritage and community spirit.

The parish will commemorate 125 years of education at its local national school and the 50th anniversary since the opening of nearby St Dallan’s Church - two pillars of parish life that have shaped generations.

Events will begin on Friday, June 6, with an Irish night at Kildallan Hall from 8-10pm.

On Saturday, June 7, Fr Liam Kelly will present a portrait of local history at 11am at Kildallan Hall, and this will be followed by the Kildallan NS 125th anniversary from 3pm, with food, chat, criac and music at the school.

Sunday, June 8, then will see the community gather to commemorate the 50th anniversary of St Dallan’s, with Mass at 3pm, followed by Blessing of the Graves. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

St Dallan’s Church opened its doors in 1975, taking over from the previous “barn” style church next door that now serves at the Kildallan Community Hall which was first built in 1843.

A new nave, gallery and vestry, high altar and slated roof were added to this church in 1860, and it served the people of Kildallan for 132 years until the present St Dallan’s church was built, explains Fr Liam.

“When the new church was built work was carried out on the old church which then was converted into a Community Centre,” says Fr Liam.

Philip Shaffrey was the architect of the new St Dallan’s church which was built by Sheridan Brothers Construction from Moyne.

The new church was dedicated by Bishop Francis MacKiernan on May 4, 1975.

He says the school and the church have played an important role over the years in nurturing new generations in the community.

“Both work hand in hand. It’s a chance for people to come back, to meet once again, to celebrate their contributions.”

Pearse McKenna is Principal at Kildallan NS for the past four years. Though his tenure is to date is short in the context of the school’s total history, he says he is proud to play a part in continuing the tradition of fostering education and friendship.

He says Saturday’s event will be important for people who’ve passed through the doors over the years to meet again.

Some would have even experienced the transition from the chalk-and-slate classrooms to today’s more modern learning environments.

“We’re very proud of all our students, past and present,” says Mr McKenna. “The last celebration we had was in 2000, it was the centenary of the school. Kildallan is a very welcoming community, very open, generous and hard-working.”