Gates
St
Mary’s Parish Church
These gates were meant to impress anyone travelling
up Mary Street and provide an imposing entrance to the church. They were erected in the mid-19th
century. What existed before them? Probably a rubble stone wall and a simple pair
of wrought-iron gates between stone pillars.
Who was responsible for the present gates and when
were they installed?
They were built by Dungarvan native, Rev. Jeremiah
Halley (1797-1875), P.P. of Dungarvan. On
one of the gate piers is the raised inscription: Revd. Jeremiah Halley 1838.
It was believed that this was the date
the gates were erected but the recent discovery of a newspaper article gives
the actual date of their construction. The Tipperary Free Press of 12
September 1849 reported as follows:
The Very Rev. Dr. Halley, is now embellishing the
entrance to the truly magnificent Parish Chapel by the erection of splendid
gates, and a most extensive enclosure of ornamented cast-iron railing. The
massive and beautiful pillars are formed of three unique capped columns of the
same material, and the coup d’oeil from the adjoining street, square, etc., of
both church and entrance will be truly grand and imposing. The inhabitants of
Dungarvan feel justly proud of their commodious and beautiful temple.
The date on the pillar obviously refers to Father
Halley’s appointment as parish priest of Dungarvan and it is interesting that
he wanted his name visible where it would be seen by all who entered the church
grounds. He also had his name inscribed
on the baptismal font and high altar – he certainly wanted to leave his mark!
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| Iron bracket |
They were expertly restored by Bushy Park Ironworks, Dublin.
