Vandals desecrate old Killeshandra convent church

Mindless vandals have desecrated the church of the old Holy Rosary Convent in Killeshandra by daubing a number of expletives on the walls in recent times much to the anger of local residents. The once magnificent convent, church and grounds were well maintained for many years but unfortunately the buildings and grounds are now derelict. The church seems to have come in for special attention from vandals who have sprayed a number of expletives on the walls including "Jesus crib f**k you", as well as the word "c**t." Part of the convent has also been destroyed by fire and most of the windows have been broken. Retired school teachers and a member of the heritage committee of Killeshandra Community Council, Tomas O'Raghallaigh, regretted that so much damaged had been caused "to such a wonderful building that held such a pride of place in the town for so many years". He told The Anglo-Celt this week, that for over 60 years Killeshandra was one of the world's greatest missionary endeavours with hundreds of young women leaving the town to bring education, health care and, most important of all, the Christian message to the African people. "In 1924 the great missionary Bishop Joseph Shanahan purchased the one time residence of Thomas Lough MP at Drummully for the sum of £5,000 and established the Mother House of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary," he said. Sadly due to high maintenance costs and a fall in vocations the sisters took the decision to sell the 'House on the Hill'. The convent eventually closed when the sisters moved to two new convents, one in Cavan town beside the cathedral and the other in Dublin, in August 1985. It was a sad day for the sisters, for the many local people who worked there and worshipped there, as well as for Killeshandra. It was sold, along with the farmland, to Lakeland Dairies co-op. Mr. O'Raghallaigh said he would love to see the convent restored to its former glory but he didn't think it would be possible in the current economic climate. The Holy Rosary Sisters, who currently have 400 members, still visit the convent to pay their respects to the deceased nuns buried in the adjoining cemetery, which has been well maintained by Lakeland Dairies. The convent buildings may now lie empty, but for many in the developing nations of the world the name Killeshandra will always be synonymous with the ideals of justice and dignity given them as a result of the work, the care and the dedication of these sisters.