Upcoming Lecture On Holycross Abbey Thurles Tipperary

Borrisoleigh Historical Society will continue their successful series of historic lectures in the Community Hall Borrisoleigh, on Wednesday night next, April 30th, at 8.00pm sharp.

The title of this months lecture is “Holycross Abbey & the Medieval Treasures of Holycross,” and same will be delivered by historian and retired school principal Mr. Tom Gallagher, Ballycahill, Thurles. Refreshments as usual will be served.

Holycross Abbey, as most people are aware, is a beautifully restored medieval monastery on the banks of the River Suir here in central Tipperary and since its restoration has now returned to its original roll as a parish church.

Visitors to Holycross Abbey today experience rich history, heritage, folklore and legend, as well as breathtaking art and architecture. A Relic of the Cross has attracted millions of pilgrims from far and wide, since its foundation in 1182 AD.  In the Abbey Cistercian art can be observed in the form of the rare ‘Sedilia’ and ‘Waking Bier’ found here, carved in stone. The old bell, called Michael, hangs in the tower and is reputedly the oldest church bell in Ireland, originally cast some 800 years ago. The beautiful outdoor Stations of the Cross are the work of Enrico Manfrini, who also designed His Holiness Pope Francis’ ring.

Here also can be observed the widest range of window patterns and tracery of any medieval building and today boasts the only surviving medieval chapter house doorway in Ireland.

Then of course there is the “Whispering Arch” – but enough from me, instead do drop in on Tom Gallagher’s lecture and prepare to be fascinated by his extensive and detailed knowledge of this great Irish treasure that is, after all, Holycross Abbey, Co Tipperary.