A number of residents from Two-Mile-Borris and Thurles district, including Mr Gerry Bowe and Mr Enda Bourke(Chairperson and Secretary, resp., Two-Mile-Borris, Old Cemetery Committee), visited St. John’s Cathedral, Cathedral Place, Irishtown, Co. Limerick(V94 H521) on Wednesday afternoon, November 29th 2023 last. The purpose of this visit was to view this magnificent Cathedral edifice, one of Limerick city’s major tourist attractions, erected on the instruction of Bishop John Ryan, Bishop of Limerick, in 1856, less than a decade after the Great Famine, (1845-1849).
People will be also be aware that tomorrow, Tuesday October 1st, a memorial plaque, dedicated to Bishop John Ryan’s memory, will be unveiled at the site of his parents’ grave, latter situated in the old section of Two-Mile-Borris cemetery, same located south of the large crucifix which divides the newer section of the cemetery from the old. The ceremony will begin at 2:00pm sharp and all those attending are asked to gather first at the Church of St James, in Two-Mile-Borris village centre.
Those in attendance in November last were granted a very informative tour of Limerick Cathedral by Rev. Canon Frank O’Connor. Canon O’Connor, who would have been present for the Two-Mile-Borris ceremony tomorrow; sadly passed away on Thursday August 1st last, following a short illness. Canon O’Connor will be remembered with great gratitude at Bishop Ryan’s ceremony tomorrow.
It was following research undertaken on the history of the Ryan family, by Mrs Julie Thomas(nee Bourke, formerly Rathcunikeen, Two-Mile-Borris, a 3rd generation relative of Fr John Ryan) and her husband Mr Tony Thomas, latter now both residing in New Zealand, that the burial place of Bishop Ryan’s parents had been linked to Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles, before the tombstone itself was discovered, raised and finally identified by Mr Gerry Bowe, who remains grateful to Ms Margaret Cormack (Templetuohy, Thurles) for her assistance.
St John’s Cathedral Building.
The building’s design (See slide -show above) is of ‘Gothic revival style’, latter an architectural movement which first kicked off in England during the 1740s. This Cathedral has been carefully maintained over the years; with restoration undertaken every 25 years, since its initial construction was completed.
Bell Tower.
The bell tower of St. John’s Cathedral, today, currently remains the fourth tallest spire in Ireland, towering over the Limerick city skyline. It was designed in 1878 and is 81 metres (266 feet) in height. It is characterised by a base of 2.2 square metres (24 feet square) in area with walls of approximately 1 metre (4 feet) in width. The material used to construct this tower is mainly limestone, same quarried at Rosbrien, latter a townland in Limerick South Rural.
TheCathedral Interior.
Inside the building, as the visitor proceeds down the central part of the church building, one locates the Cathedral’s wonderful altar. The main table is made of Limerick marble, while its substructure consists of alabaster and coloured marble, with the centre decorated with a representation of the sacrifice of Abraham (Abram), latter father of the special relationship between man and God in Christianity; same entirely carved in pure white alabaster.
The Bishop’s Throne and the Cathedral Chapter Stalls were crafted in Munich, Germany in 1984. The magnificent windows of the Cathedral are fitted with stained glass, possibly erected by Joseph Gabriel Mayer & Co, the foremost supplier of stained glass to Irish churches; also from Munich, in Germany.
Within the building, looking westward, the visitor can view the massive, yet resplendent, wooden organ, a gift from Edwin Richard Wyndham-Quin (1812–1871), the 3rd Earl Dunraven, styled Viscount Adare of Adare, Co. Limerick, (from 1824 to 1850); an archaeologist and Irish Peer, (Member of Parliament) whose alma mater was Trinity College Dublin. A Conservative MP for Glamorganshire from the 1837; it was while in the House of Commons, that the 3rd Earl had become a Roman Catholic; his political activity largely aimed at safeguarding religious education here in Ireland.
This imposing musical instrument dates back to 1864 and was built by the prestigious William Hill & Son, (born Lincolnshire 1879), one of the main organ builders in England during the 19th century. In 1917 it was converted to pneumatic action by Norman and Beard Hill, latter founded in 1916, in a merger of Norman and Beard and William Hill & Son of London, latter who were originally based in Norfolk, England.
St John’s Cathedral was consecrated on Thursday June 21st 1894 by Lattin, Co. Tipperary born Bishop Edward O’Dwyer, Bishop of Limerick, in the presence of Donegal born Cardinal Michael Logue, latter an Irish prelate of the Roman Catholic Church and Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland from 1887 until his death in 1924.
Tomorrows Unveiling Ceremony.
All are invited to attend tomorrow afternoon’s ceremony, when Fr Tom Fogarty PP, will take charge of Church introductions and proceedings and the now retired Bishop of Killala, Right Revd. John Fleming, will unveil a plaque to the late Bishop Ryan, latter constructed by Mr James Slattery, (Master Stone Mason), Fianna Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
It is now hoped that visitors to St. John’s Cathedral, Cathedral Place, Irishtown, Co. Limerick, will also travel to Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, to visit his parents grave site.
A large crowd is expected to be in attendance on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 next, in the Village of Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles, Co. Tipperary when a memorial plaque will be unveiled to the Right Reverend John Ryan (DD), late Bishop of Limerick.
Born in Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles Co. Tipperary, Bishop John Ryan went on to study at St Patrick’s College Maynooth, Co. Kildare, where he was ordained in June 1810. His time in his native diocese of Cashel and Emly is somewhat uncertain due to the many men in that diocese bearing the Ryan surname. However, it is generally accepted that he became PP of Doon, Co. Limerick, before his appointment as PP of Mullinahone, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. He was nominated coadjutor Bishop of Limerick on March 17th 1828 (St Patrick’s day), following the death of Bishop Charles Tuohy*(1754–1828).
Mr Gerry Bowe, (Chairperson, Two-Mile-Borris, Old Cemetery Committee), standing beside the last resting place of Bishop John Ryan’s parents. Pic: G. Willoughby.
*(Note Bishop Tuohy, a native of Limerick city, despite laws outlawing Catholic education, had been educated in the Irish College in Toulouse and later at the Irish College in Paris, before returning to serve as Bishop of Limerick from 1813 until his death on March 17th 1828).
Bishop John Ryan remained Bishop of Limerick for 36 years, before passing away in 1864. During his time as Bishop of Limerick, he built several churches in his diocese, including the magnificent Saint John’s Cathedral in Limerick City, which can be viewed today, and where he is now buried in front of the Cathedral’s main alter.
Bishop Ryan’s mother Catherine (nee Hickey), was a native of Longfordpass, Grague, Gortnahoe, Co Tipperary. The now identified inscription on his parents headstone reads: “Here lies the body of Patrick Ryan of Borris (Two-Mile-Borris) who depd this life March 5th 1805, aged 65 years. Also his wife Cathrn (Catherine) Ryan, alias Hickey who depd Novr (November) 1st 1836, aged 92 years. May the Lord have mercy on their souls”.
The site of Bishop Ryan’s parents grave is situated in the old section of Two-Mile-Borris cemetery, latter located south of the large crucifix which divides the newer section from the old. Over a period of time this historic old section has been slowly reclaimed, with old head stones resurrected, cleaned and where possible lettering repaired. Same major restoration work has been led by Mr Gerry Bowe(Chairperson, Two-Mile-Borris, Old Cemetery Committee) and Mr Enda Bourke(Secretary, Two-Mile-Borris, Old Cemetery Committee), under the guidance of Master Grave-Stone Mason Mr James Slattery, Fianna Road, Thurles, Co. Tipperary and his qualified workforce.
Mr James Slattery, (Master Stone Mason), Fianna Road, Thurles, begins work on the memorial plaque, dedicated to Right Reverend John Ryan (DD), late Bishop of Limerick. Pic: G. Willoughby.
Regarding the event on October 1st, 2024, Priests, parishioners and some three generations of Ryan family relatives are expected to attend next month’s ceremony in Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles; and all are invited to gather first at the Church of St James, in the Two-Mile-Borris village centre, at 2:00pm sharp, where local Parish Priest Fr Tom Fogarty, will take charge of Church introductions and proceedings.
Following the Church service, a lone piper, Mr John Moloughney(Moycarkey, Thurles) will lead the congregation from the Church of St James to the grave site of Bishop John Ryan’s parents, where the now retired Bishop of Killala, Right Revd. John Fleming will unveil a plaque to the late Bishop Ryan.
Following the graveyard ceremony all attendees are invited to attend at Corcoran’s Lounge, in the village to chat and partake of light refreshments .
The graves here in the old section of the graveyard go back at least to the mid-18th century, and possibly much earlier. The Irish Penal Laws sporadically enforced in the late 18th century, together with the great poverty of the period, ensured that despite the best of intentions, headstones were not always erected, replacing foot-stone/toe-stone markers, to commemorate loved ones.
It was following research undertaken on the Ryan family, by Mrs Julie Thomas(nee Bourke, formerly Rathcunikeen, Two-Mile-Borris, a 3rd generation relative of Fr John Ryan) and her husband Mr Tony Thomas, latter now both residing in New Zealand, that the burial place of Bishop Ryan’s parents was linked to Two-Mile-Borris, before the tombstone itself was discovered, raised and finally identified by Mr Jerry Bowe. Mr Bowe would also like to personally thank Ms Margaret Cormack(Templetuohy., Thurles) for her assistance. In February last, Two-Mile-Borris residents, Mr Gerry Bowe and Mr Enda Bourke visited Limerick Cathedral and were granted a very informative tour of Limerick Cathedral by Canon Frank O’Connor. Sadly Canon O’Connor who would have been present for the Two-Mile-Borris ceremony, sadly passed away on Thursday August 1st last, following a short illness. Canon O’Connor will be remembered with gratitude at Bishop Ryan’s ceremony next month.
The light of heaven on Canon O’Connor’s gentle soul. May he rest in peace.
As part of Cashel Arts Festival, a most interesting discussion by Trinity Assyriologist Dr Martin Worthington, will take place at Cashel Library tomorrow morning, September 13th 2024 at 11:00am sharp.
You canlocate the Cashel Library building, situated on Friar Street, Lady’s Well, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, HERE. (G487+RX) Please Note: For this free event booking is essential to Tel. No.:- 062, 63825
[Note: An Assyriologist is a person who specializes in the archaeological, historical, cultural and linguistic study of Assyria and the rest of ancient Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq). The word Assyriologist derived from Assyriology, the study of the culture, history, and archaeological remains of ancient Assyria]
Ancient symbols on a 2,700-year-old temple, which have long baffled experts, have now been explained by the aforementioned Dr Worthington.
A sequence of ‘mystery symbols’ were located on view at temples in various locations in the ancient city of Dūr-Šarrukīn, present day Khorsabad, Iraq, which was once ruled by Assyria’s King Sargon II, (721-704 BC).
Late 19th century drawings of the eagle and bull symbols first published by French excavator Victor Place. From New York Public Library.
The sequence of five symbols, a lion, eagle, bull, fig-tree and plough, were first made known to the modern world, through drawings published by French excavators in the late nineteenth century. Since then, there has been a spate of ideas about the symbols and what they possibly might mean.
Same have been compared to Egyptian hieroglyphs, understood to be reflections of possibly imperial might, and suspected to represent the said king’s name – but how?
Dr Worthington (Trinity’s School of Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies) has proposed a new solution in a paper published first last April, in the Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research.
At this completely free event at Cashel Library the public can meet Dr Worthington tomorrow morning and learn at first hand his solution to solving the mystery of these hieroglyphs.
A poem by the late great American acclaimed poet; storyteller; fry cook; street-car conductor; professional dancer; prostitute and lesbian madam; film director; nightclub performer; civil rights activist; playwright; autobiographer and professor of American studies at Wake Forest University, Dr Maya Angelou, [Latter born Marguerite Annie Johnson].
The late Dr Maya Angelou, (1928 – 2014).
“Still I Rise”
You may write me down in history, With your bitter, twisted lies. You may tread me in the very dirt, But still, like dust, I rise.
Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? ‘Cause I walk as if I have oil wells, Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns, With the certainty of tides, Just like hopes springing high, Still I rise.
Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops, Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you? Don’t take it so hard, ‘Just cause I laugh as if I have gold mines, Diggin’in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words, You may cut me with your lies, You may kill me with your hatefulness, But like life, I rise.
Does my sexiness upset you? Does it come as a surprise, That I dance as if I have diamonds At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history’s shame, I rise. Up from a past rooted in pain, I rise. I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide, Welling and swelling bearing in the tide. Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise Into a daybreak miraculously clear I rise Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the hope and the dream of the slave. And so, I rise.
The Relics of St Bernadette of Lourdes; latter who experienced visions of the Virgin Mary, will visit Holycross Abbey, Thurles, in a couple of weeks, for two days, on September 19th and 20th 2024.
Initially born Bernadette Soubirous (January 7th 1844 – April 16th 1879), St Bernadette, then aged 14 years, claimed to have seen the Mother of God, on 18 different occasions.
St Bernadette (Sisters of Charity), as she later became known (daughter of François Soubirous (1807–1871), a miller, and his wife Louise (née Casteròt; 1825–1866), a laundress), was out gathering firewood with her sister Toinette and a friend near the grotto of Massabielle, when she experienced her first vision. While the other girls had crossed a little stream in front of the grotto and walked on, St Bernadette stayed behind, looking for a shallower place to cross, where she wouldn’t get her shoes and stockings wet. Having finally sat down to remove her shoes and stocking, she heard the sound of a rushing wind. A wild rose growing in a natural niche in the grotto, was the only foliage to move. From the dark alcove behind it, came a dazzling light, and a figure arrayed in white. This was to be the first of 18 visions of what St Bernadette later recalled as “a small young lady”. Her sister and her friend stated that they had seen nothing.
Having suffered a bout of cholera in her childhood, St Bernadette had been left with severe, chronic asthma, and eventually she contracted tuberculosis (TB) of the lungs and bones. She died in 1879 at Nièvre, in France and was declared blessed on June 14th 1921, by Pope Pius XI. She was canonized by Pius XI on December 8th 1933, latter the feast day of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Her body was first exhumed on September 22nd 1909, in the presence of representatives appointed by the Church, (two doctors and a sister of her religious community). They claimed that although the crucifix in her hand and her rosary beads had both oxidized, her body appeared fully preserved from decomposition (incorrupt). This was cited as one of the miracles to support her canonization. Her body was washed and re-clothed, before re-burial in the Chapel of St Joseph, in a new double casket.
The church again exhumed her body a second time, on April 3rd 1919, on the occasion of the approval of St Bernadette’s canonization. Then, what struck those present during this examination, was the state of perfect preservation of the body’s supple and firm fibrous tissues, and the totally unexpected state of the liver, after 40 years.
In 1925, the church again exhumed her body for the third time, taking relics, which were then sent to Rome.
The relics coming to Ireland are parts of her body that were removed after she was exhumed. These relics include bones, muscle tissue, and hair samples. Same will arrive at Ireland West Airport, (Knock Airport, Co. Mayo), on Wednesday September 4th next.
A full itinerary of where Saint Bernadette’s relics can be viewed, can be found HERE.
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