History of Kilmurry Arts & Heritage Centre book launch On October 26 

The book was collated by local man Martin O’Brien. The book will be sold for €10 on the day and all proceeds will go to the further development of Kilmurry Arts and Heritage Centre

History of Kilmurry Arts & Heritage Centre book launch On October 26 

Kilmurry Arts and Heritage Centre are proud to announce the launch of a book which documents the history of Kilmurry Church in Castletroy, Co. Limerick. For close on a thousand years, Church has replaced Church on the site where now stands the modern Church of Kilmurry. The church was deconsecrated in 1970 and is now an Arts & Heritage centre and is home to many local groups including Aoide Choir rehearsals, sewing classes, Limerick School of Acting, Rambling House nights, Weight Watchers and many more. It is also available for civil wedding ceremonies and civil funerals. 

The book was collated by local man Martin O’Brien. The book will be sold for €10 on the day and all proceeds will go to the further development of Kilmurry Arts and Heritage Centre. Speaking about the launch of the book, Martin O’Brien said, “Kilmurry Church has a fascinating history and has commanded its place in the heart of Castletroy and surrounding areas for over a thousand years. The burial ground in Kilmurry is the final resting place of many famous figures in Limerick’s history.”

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The Old Kilmurry Church, which is home to the Kilmurry Arts and Heritage Centre was built between 1810 and 1812 on the site of previous churches dating from 1100. The current church was built with a grant of £580 from the Board of First Fruits. In November 1812 a very strong gale damaged the new spire and the church itself was nearly destroyed by lightning. The Reverend Henry Ingram, the Rector, had the church repaired at his own expense. In 1861 the Reverend  Charles Ward, a new rector, found the church in bad repair. He had the church closed for a year and in March 1866 it was re-opened. In 1950 more repairs were made to the church tower and electric lighting and heating were installed. Since then, the current committee chaired by Marian Hurley has continued to fundraise to keep the church in working order, from upgrading the heating, repairing the spire and adding toilet facilities. 

About Kilmurry Arts and Heritage Centre, Kilmurry Arts and Heritage Centre is situated in the Old Kilmurry Church, situated behind the Hurlers Pub in Castletroy Co. Limerick. The mission of the volunteer committee of the Kilmurry Arts and Heritage Centre is to ensure that this unique building is available to the people of Castletroy and Limerick for generations to come. There are two connected parts to this mission is to ensure that the building is kept in a fit state for use and to provide a space for community activities that are affordable to those who use it.

The ongoing cost of repairs, heating and insurance of the centre is raised through renting out the hall for various activities including choir rehearsals, maths grinds to and weight watchers. Previously, it was also home to art classes and historical society.

The book launch will take place on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 2 PM.  Light refreshments will be served.  All are welcome. 

For more information on the History of Kilmurry Arts & Heritage Centre book launch click here.

For more stories on local Arts & Heritage in Limerick click here.