HOLYCROSS ABBEY, CO TIPPERARY
Holycross Abbey has a rich and interested history. Holycross Abbey is a restored medieval Cistercian monastery on the banks of the River Suir in Co. Tipperary. A relic of the True Cross drew pilgrims from far and wide since its foundation by Dónal Mór Ó Briain, King of Limerick, in 1182AD. Around 1400AD the Butlers of Ormond were patrons and many renovations were carried out. A second relic, the Ormond Relic, was enshrined in the Abbey. Many of the unique architectural features date from the 15th century rebuild.
Important dates in Holycross Abbey History:
- Founded in 1182 AD by Dónal Mór Ó Briain, King of Limerick.
- Reconstructed 1400 to 1450 AD under the patronage of the Earls of Ormond.
- Dissolved about 1540 AD.
- The last monk Fr. Edmund Cormack Died 1735.
- 1970 – 1975 The Abbey Church was Restored.
- 1979 – 1983 The West Range was Restored.
- 1984 – 1985 The East Range was reconstructed as a Curate’s Residence.
- Now the Abbey is the Parish Church of Holycross-Ballycahill.
RESTORATION
Following centuries in a ruinous state the Abbey was restored in 1970 to 1975. An act of the Irish parliament (An Dáil) had to be passed in 1969 to allow for this. The first reading of the new act by Jack Lynch took place on the 50th anniversary of the first meeting of Dáil Éireann in the Mansion House on 21st January 1969.
One of the most elaborate and courageous restoration projects in Ireland was about to begin. In 1970, Archaeological excavations began. After consultations with parishioners and relative’s burial plots inside the Abbey dating back to the 1700’s were individually and carefully excavated. The remains were re-interred north of the abbey. In 1971 restoration commenced with no state funding. Local craftsmen, masons and laborers from surrounding areas were employed to carry out the restoration. The inside of the Abbey was taken down to the bedrock showing the original foundations and the slope of the 15th century floor. The restoration was very faithful to the original. All materials used such as the oak, slates and slabs were mainly from Irish sources. A new altar, ambo and chair were designed for the chancel.
The Ormond Relic of the True Cross was gifted back to the Abbey by the Ursuline Nuns, Blackrock, Cork. From 1980 to1983 the west range was restored to provide facilities for pilgrims and visitors. In 1983, the east range was restored with a priest’s residence in the first floor where the dormitory of the monks was hundreds of years before. This connection with the past history of the Abbey seemed very appropriate. By 1985 a priest was again in residence providing daily religious services and pastoral care for parishioners, pilgrims and visitors to the Abbey.
OFFICIAL OPENING
The official opening was scheduled for Sunday 5th October 1975 where dignitaries of an international, National Church and State Delegates attended.
The official opening was not just a great parish event or a diocesan one but a truly national occasion and was marked by the issue of a special postal stamp. Today the Abbey stands proud as a monument to people of vision and courage under the leadership of W.J. Hayes. It is with pride that Holycross claim it as their parish church.
THE VILLAGE
Holycross Village is beautiful and picturesque on the banks of the River Suir 6.5 Km south west of Thurles, Co. Tipperary. An ancient medieval bridge straddles the river and dates from 1424 AD. The famed restored Abbey, the ruinous monastic buildings, the old mill and the eel weirs speak of the importance of this site from ancient times. The Old Abbey Inn was once the guest house of the Abbey and today houses a friendly pub and shop.
Looking westwards you see the imposing Holycross House, an estate house of the Armstrong Family and now the Parish Priest’s residence. Across the road is the local Community Hall. It was once a fine example of a ‘barn’ church. Further west is the fair green where major fairs were held twice a year. The old Church of Ireland building, on the highest point above the river, was built in 1821 AD. It is the likely site of an old Celtic monastery of more than a millennium ago.
To the east over the bridge is a neat terrace of houses. A century ago it had a post office, a blacksmith’s forge and a cooper’s workshop. Imagine the horses coming and going at the forge or the smell of the burning iron; the ring of the blacksmith’s hammer on the anvil or the rasp of the cooper’s saw as they sweated at their work. Across the road are the lovely thatched cottages which are now privately owned.