Mallow March Day trip to Longford

On 19th march  a large group from Mallow with members fro Kanturk, Kilshannig and Donoughmore went on a trip to Longford to See the newly refurbished St Mels Cathedral. We travelled by train to Dublin and by private bus to Longford . It was a beautiful Spring day which always helps in the enjoyment. On arrival in Longford we were met by a pipe band from Mexico, nice touch Longford!

We had a lovely lunch and I would particularly like to recommend the Torc Restaurant whose staff gave us a lovely welcome. We then visited St Mels Cathedral, a beautiful building and a credit to the local people after the devastating fire they had there in 2009 on Christmas Day.  The local guide tols ud that the Holy family picture survived the fire and that can be seen there now framed in marble. Beside that there is the remain of a burnt out cross now preserved in a casing of beech or similar wood. You can see some areas where the damage is still visible, a reminder of what happened.

Baptismal font

Holy Oils

Holy Family Picture which was saved

The burnt out crucifix

We had a really enjoyable time and I would urge anyone to visit St Mels.

Harry Clarke stained glass window

St Mels Cathedral

Margaret and Eileen beside a monument representing  those who wanted to leave and those who had to leave.