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Back in the late twenties, motor transport was virtually
unheard of in most parts of Donegal - a luxury only the very
rich could aspire to. In those days, few people in Glenfin
could afford to keep a horse, far less owning a car, and indeed,
anyone lucky enough to own a pony and trap was considered
very well off.
When the original church in Letterbrick was built around
1930, it was nothing more than a tin hut; a simple construction
to accommodate the people living at the upper end of Kilteevogue.
It served the community well for many years, but by the late
sixties the Parish Priest of the time, the late Fr. Joseph
McDaid proclaimed it 'ready to fall'.
Although in the sixties money wasn't in such short supply
as it had been in the past, the people of the parish decided
they didn't want an elaborate church - what they wanted was
merely a Chapel of Ease.
As a result, the existing Church of St. Joseph was built
approximately half a mile further down the road, and cost
somewhere in the region of IR£9,000 to build. It was
Dedicated on 6th January, 1971. Beautiful in its simplicity,
this little church has fulfilled exactly the wishes and needs
of the people. It is truly a Chapel of Ease. Click
here to read Paddy McGlynn's commemorative poem.
Both Glenfin and Letterbrick chapels are ministered to by
Rev. Fr. Hugh Sweeney, P.P., with services in Letterbrick
conducted in the native Irish tongue - a lovely tradition
which helps to keep this ancient, rich and colourful language
alive.
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Special Dedication
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One of the first parishioners to enter the new chapel
was the oldest resident of the parish at that time,
the late Mary Breslin of Brockagh, then in her eighties.
Throughout her long life, Mary suffered a severe curvature
of the spine, which left her bent almost double, a burden
she bore without complaint. Despite her severe handicap,
she was always pleasant, cheerful and kind to anyone
lucky enough to cross her path.
Mary truly epitomised 'Old Ireland'...a well-known
and well-loved figure, always clad in the traditional
black woollen shawl, sadly no longer seen in the Ireland
of today. And when she came calling on the neighbouring
houses - always carrying some little treat for the youngsters
- she had her own, special 'advanced warning system',
calling out a greeting in Gaelige when she was nearing
the house.
Mary, wherever you are, you were
one of life's true, unsung saints. Ar dheis Dé
go leat.
From those who were touched by
your goodness...and remember.
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