Croagh Patrick must be protected for future generations Harry Hughes talks about the Croagh Patrick landscape at the Kelly Family Reunion held in the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport. 15.5.2015 The Sustainable Access & Habitat Restoration Croagh Patrick must be protected for future generations The mission of the the Croagh Patrick Stakeholders is to provide sustainable access to Croagh Patrick and provide a high quality experience for all visitors whatever their inspiration or purpose. For more information The Croagh Patrick Ambassador Programme Over 120,000 people climb Croagh Patrick annually. However, the mountain currently does not have any statutory or legal conservation protection or status. The increase in visitor numbers has resulted in many negative impacts on the mountain, the most visible of which is the path erosion on privately-owned land. Through identifying the issues with local stakeholders, Volunteer Ambassadors will be recruited to engage with visitors to Croagh Patrick. Leave No Trace Ireland will deliver the Ambassador Training Programme to the selected Ambassadors, working with Mayo County Council to ensure that visitors to Crough Patrick appreciate the importance of preserving the mountain’s distinct natural, cultural and religious heritage through sustainable use. This training programme will also provide guidance on the most effective means for volunteers to engage with visitors to the mountain, whether local or visiting on how to engage in responsible stewardship of Croagh Patrick. St. Patrick's Oratory on Mayo's Holy Mountain Receives New Doors Ahead of Pilgrimage St. Patrick's Oratory, located at the summit of Croagh Patrick, now boasts new doors ahead of the upcoming pilgrimage. Fr. John Kenny, Adm., Westport, shared the update on social media over the weekend, expressing his gratitude to everyone involved in the project on the exposed summit. The new doors were installed just in time for next weekend's Garland Friday and Reek Sunday pilgrimages. Fr. Kenny extended special thanks to John Cummins, the Guardian of the Reek, for organizing the logistics from Murrisk, and to the five volunteers who contributed to the work: Anthony Corrigan, Brendan Conway, Michael Needham, John J. McDonnell, and Damien Cummins. He also acknowledged Raymond McHugh of Drumcree Joinery Ltd. and Chris Shield of Executive Helicopters for their roles in the project. “It’s a massive achievement, considering the long period of very unfavourable weather that made it so difficult to carry out this vital work at the Oratory," said Fr. Kenny. "We are greatly indebted to all those who persevered in completing the task in time for the annual Reek Sunday Pilgrimage this July 28th on Ireland's holy mountain.

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The Connaught Telegraph 30 July 2023 8:30 pm Patrick Doocey from Geesala, aged 8, has completed his first climb of Croagh Patrick. He was up and at it early, reaching the summit at 7.15 a.m. Well done, Patrick. from the pulic Facebook post

Dedicated parish staff, secretaries, and sacristans are the backbone of any church community. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that everything runs smoothly, from organizing events to maintaining the church building. Without their hard work and dedication, would be impossible to keep the church running smoothly. We are grateful for their service and commitment to our community. Parish Staff Dedicated parish staff, secretaries, and sacristans are the backbone of any church community. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that everything runs smoothly, from organizing events to maintaining the church building. Without their hard work and dedication, would be impossible to keep the church running smoothly. We are grateful for their service and commitment to our community. Parish Secretary Parish Secretary: Catherine McNamara St. Mary's Church, The Mall, Westport, Co. Mayo F28 TN28 Telephone +353 98 28871 E-mail: office@westportparish.ie Assistant Secretary: Ingrid Jennings St. Mary's Church, The Mall, Westport, Co. Mayo F28 TN28 Telephone +353 98 28871 E-mail: office@westportparish.ie Sacristans Get to Know Us Westport : St Mary’s Church, Westport. Frank Dolan, Jason Kelly, Noreen McGreal and Brian Moran work as Sacristans in St. Mary's, Westport. They welcome and look after visiting priests and others too. Drummin : Pádraig Gannon, St Mary’s Church, Drummin. The Gannon family in Drummin has cared for the Church and its environs for many years. Today Pádraig is the Sacristan but he has lots of back-up support and help from his family. Lecanvey : John Cummins, St Patricks Church, Lecanvey and St. Patrick’s Oratory, Croagh Patrick. John Cummins succeeded his late father, Jackie, as Sacristan in Lecanvey, but he has been associated with Lecanvey Church all his life. In addition to this, John is the Curator of St. Patrick's Oratory at the summit of Croagh Patrick - a place he visits on an almost weekly basis during the year and more often during the summer months in preparation for the annual pilgrimage on Reek Sunday. Parish Pastoral Council The Chairperson of the Pastoral Council is Kevin Barrett The Secretary is Gertie Foley The President is Fr. John Kenny The Parish Pastoral Council can be contacted through the Parish Office. "The purpose of the Pastoral Council is to attend to the spiritual needs of the parish in partnership with the local priests. The work of the Pastoral Council is motivated by a desire to build up the Kingdom of God and enliven the faith of all the baptised living in the local community. The Council maintains an overview of the whole parish and plans strategically to ensure that the faith of the community is nurtured and strengthened. A Pastoral Council is distinguished from other community groups by its spiritual and pastoral focus. Pastoral Councils are understood in the Code of Canon Law in the following context: "...a Pastoral Council is to be established in each parish. In this Council, which is presided over by the parish priest, Christ's faithful, together with those who by virtue of their office are engaged in pastoral care in the parish, give their help in fostering pastoral action (c. 536 par.1)." (See Guidelines for Pastoral Councils. Treoirlínte do Chomhairlí Tréadach. Archdiocese of Tuam, 2009.) Each Pastoral Council in the Parish has a four year term, with members serving no more than two consecutive terms. The current term of the Parish Pastoral Council began in 2021 and expires in 2025. The Pastoral Council meets every 4-6 weeks in the Presbytery and has representation from each of the Pastoral Groups in the Parish - Liturgy - Faith Formation - Prayer- Eco Congregation - Youth - New Parish Members - Catholic Schools - Lecanvey church area & Drummin church area. Call +353 (098) 28871 Email office@westportparish.ie Follow

Archbishop Francis Duffy Archbishop Francis Duffy was born on 21 April 1958 in the parish of Templeport, Co Cavan to parents Mary Catherine Dolan and Frank Duffy. He attended primary school at Munlough National School, Bawnboy, and completed his post-primary education at Saint Patrick’s College, Cavan. Archbishop Francis studied for the priesthood at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth and was ordained a priest for the diocese of Kilmore on 20 June 1982 in Saint Mogue’s Church, Bawnboy, Co Cavan by Bishop Francis MacKiernan. After completing the Higher Diploma in Education, he taught in St. Patrick’s College, Cavan, for eleven years. Then, after two years of postgraduate studies, he was appointed principal of Fatima and Felim’s Secondary School, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim in 1996. After twelve years as principal, Archbishop Francis was appointed Diocesan Secretary and Financial Administrator and Chancellor of the Diocese of Kilmore. During that time he was resident priest in the parish of Laragh, Co Cavan. On 17 July 2013 he was appointed by Pope Francis as Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois with his episcopal ordination taking place on 6 October 2013 at Saint Mary’s Church, Athlone. He served as Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois for eight years until his appointment as Archbishop of Tuam on 10 November 2021. Archbishop Francis was installed as Archbishop of Tuam in the Cathedral of the Assumption on Sunday, 9 January 2022. Episcopal ministry Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise Duffy was appointed Bishop-elect of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise by Pope Francis on 17 July 2013. He was consecrated by the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Seán Brady, on 6 October in St Mary's Pro-Cathedral, Athlone. Archbishop of Tuam Duffy was appointed Archbishop-elect of Tuam by Pope Francis on 10 November 2021. He was installed on 9 January 2022 in the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Tuam.[17][18] In 2023 Archbishop Duffy was invested as a Knight Grand Officer in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Apostolic Administrator of Killala In response to a wider reorganisation of diocesan church leadership in the ecclesiastical province of Tuam, and following the retirement of John Fleming as Bishop of Killala, Duffy was appointed apostolic administrator sede vacante of Killala on 10 April 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Duffy_(bishop) Contact Archbishop Francis Duffy The Archbishop’s House Tuam, Co. Galway. Tel: 093-24166 Email: admin@tuamarchdiocese.org

MARRAGIE Marriages Policy Marriage Coming From Abroad Section You can advise your priest that the papers should be forwarded to: Fr. John Kenny St. Mary's Presbytery, South Mall, Westport, Co. Mayo F28 TN28 Pre-marriage Course Accord (Check online for venues) Grásta is a voluntary group of Married Couples based in Ireland, who for over 25 years have been facilitating Pre- Marriage Courses for couples getting married in the Catholic Church. Our Grásta Preparation for Marriage Courses consist of a residential weekend course, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, for couples to focus on their relationship and what is important for them as a couple planning their married life together. We work in partnership with other lay people, clergy and the team at the beautiful De La Salle Pastoral Centre in Co. Laois to offer enriching residential courses in a peaceful and welcoming environment. Grásta also organise courses for Married Couples and Families. The courses are run with the approval of the Diocese of Ossory and Bishop Niall Coll. Details: www.grasta.org or at info@grasta.org Weddings - Non-Parishioners Westport is becoming an increasingly popular destination for weddings, both from other parts of Ireland and from abroad. We whole-heartedly welcome this development and do all we can to support and encourage it. Any couples wishing to book any of the churches in our Parish, that is, St. Mary's Church Wesport, St. Patrick's Church Lecanvey, St. Mary's Church Drummin and St. Patrick's Oratory on the summit of Croagh Patrick. The churches can be booked by contacting the Parish Secretary, Catherine McNamara or Ingrid Jennings either by emailing office@westportparish.ie or telephone 00353(0)98 28871, and are subject to availability. Couples who are not parishioners, or from the Parish must provide their own priest, as the priests of Westport Parish could not cope with the volume of weddings. If the couple know a priest they are most welcome to ask him and he is most welcome to Westport once he has the necessary documentation. There is a fee for using the churches in the Parish which applies only to non-parishioners. The current fee is €500 for the use of the church. This is exclusive of any stipend a couple may wish to give to a priest which is a separate matter between the couple and the priest. Getting Married Abroad More and more couples are choosing to be married abroad. If you are choosing a Church ceremony abroad, you follow the same procedure as getting married in Ireland. For the civil requirements the couple should make contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the particular country to ascertain the proper procedures. This should be done in good time. Department of Foreign Affairs Consular Section 80 St. Stephen's Green Dublin 2 Tel. +353 (01) 4082568 (Civil Letter of Freedom for marriage abroad) Check out the Department's website here The Embassy of Italy 63 Northumberland Road Dublin 4 Tel: +353 (01) 6601744 The Embassy of the United Kingdom 31 Merrion Rd Dublin 4 Tel. +353 (01) 2053700 www.irishcollege.org — Irish College Rome for Roman marriages. Mixed Marriages It is becoming increasingly common that one party to the Marriage is not a Baptised Catholic. For a Marriage to take place in the Catholic Church at least one party to the Marriage should be a Baptised Catholic. The Marriage Papers are completed in the normal way, except instead of a Catholic Baptismal Certificate the non Catholic party should provide an original copy of their Baptismal Certificate from their own denomination or if they are not baptised, an original copy of their civil Birth Certificate. The process is completed as laid out in the other sections of this website. Please consult the checklist and other relevant sections of the site. Marriage Papers Filling out the Marriage Papers is not a big ordeal! Your priest really does all the work here! When should I have the papers filled out? Normally papers are filled out within six months of the date of Marriage. Where do I go to fill out my papers? Go to the priest of the Parish where you are currently living, providing you will have lived there for six months by the time of your Marriage. What do I bring? Bring the following documents: Baptism Certificate (Not a Birth Certificate). The Certificate you bring needs to be issued by the Parish where your baptism took place, and should be date no more than six months prior to the date of Marriage. If you are having your papers filled out in the Parish where you were baptised, then you do not have to bring the Cert as it will be issued with your papers. Confirmation Certificate Letter of Freedom- When you are getting Married you have to prove that you were not married before. The traditional way of doing this was through the Letter of Freedom, which should be obtained from every parish you have lived in for six months or more since reaching the age of 16. OR Affadavit - When you are getting Married you have to prove that you were not married before. Letters of Freedom may be more difficult to obtain as people now move around more and may not know the priests, the Statutory Declaration Form also known as an Affadavit is an acceptable alternative. It may be downloaded here,and signed in the presence of a Commissioner For Oaths or solicitor. Pre Marriage Course Certificate The name and address of the Church where you are being married if it outside the Parish where you are having your papers completed. The name of the priest who will be performing the ceremony. Coming From Abroad There are more and more Irish couples who live abroad coming back to Ireland to get married. The process of organising a church wedding from abroad and completing your papers in your new home is relatively simple for the couple. After you book the church and arrange for a priest to marry you, make initial contact with the Catholic Parish where you now live, this is easier in some countries than others but other 'Ex-Pats' who have gone through the process will point you towards the local parish. Or if all else fails consult Google. The local Parish where you live will be able to point you towards an accredited Pre-Marriage Course in the area, which can be completed at any time, but the sooner the better. You should follow all the steps laid out in the relevant sections of this website, pertaining the completion of Marriage Papers and Civil Registration of your Marriage. Once you come within six months of the date of Marriage you can begin the paperwork. The first thing needed are copies of Baptismal Certificates and Confirmation Certificates from the Parishes where both parties were Baptised and Confirmed. These must be dated within six months of the date of Marriage and should NOT be photocopies. In the case that either party is not Baptised then an original copy of their Civil Birth Certificate should be provided. Please note that Civil Birth Certificates need only be provided by people who are not Baptised as proof of age. It is essential that each party to the Marriage complete an Affidavit/Statutory Declaration Form and have it included with their papers. Please consult the Checklist section of this website to ensure that you have all the required documents for completion of your papers by the local priest. Please note that not having the required documents will impede processing of your papers. The priest where you are completing your Marriage Papers may tell you that you need certain documents and not need others. ALL DOCUMENTS LISTED IN THE CHECKLIST ARE MANDATORY FOR THE PROCESSING OF DOCUMENTS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF TUAM AND MUST BE COMPLETED. ALL PAPERS BEING PROCESSED THROUGH THE DIOCESAN OFFICE MUST INCLUDE A SIGNED AFFADAVIT WHICH CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE You can advise your priest that the papers should be forwarded to: Fr. John Kenny, Adm., St. Mary's Presbytery, South Mall, Westport, Co. Mayo F28 TN28 Through the Tuam Diocesan Office, the details of which are: Sr. Mary Lyons, Chancellor, Archbishops House, Tuam, Co. Galway. H54 HP57 PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL MARRIAGE PAPERS COMING FROM OUTSIDE THE ISLAND OF IRELAND MUST BE PROCESSED THROUGH THE DIOCESAN OFFICES BOTH OF THE PARISH WHERE THE PAPERS ARE COMING FROM AND THE PARISH WHERE THE PAPERS ARE COMING TO. THIS IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PRIESTS. Marriage Checklist Before going to see the priest who completes your wedding papers please ensure that each party to the marriage have the following documents with them: Baptismal Certificate issued by the parish where each party was baptised, issued within six months of the date of Marriage (If not baptised a Civil Birth Cert) Confirmation Certificate Pre-marriage Course Certificate (One cert covers both bride and groom) Statutory Declaration Form If either couple has been previously married! and that Marriage was annulled – a copy of the Decree of Nullity. Civil Registration of Marriage URGENT NOTICE PLEASE NOTE THAT COUPLES WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED A MARRIAGE AND CHANGED THE DATE DUE TO COVID SHOULD CONSULT THE REGISTRAR TO ENSURE THAT THEIR MRF HASN'T EXPIRED Since 5th November 2007, any couple proposing to marry should begin the process by contacting their local Registration Office to make an appointment to meet the Registrar to give him/her their marriage notification. Notification can be taken only by prior appointment with registrar. Registrar for County Mayo: Civil Registration Service, St. Mary's Headquarters, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 09:30 - 12:45 & 14:00 - 16:15 Contact: 094 9023249 Check out the Registrar's website here. You do not need to attend the Castlebar Office. You may attend any office in the country. To find the office closest to you click here. Click here for citizens information.ie While only three month's notice is required by law, couples are advised to contact the Registrar as soon as they know their intended date of marriage to ensure they can get a timely appointment. The registrar will issue each party to an intended marriage, and their priest, with an acknowledgement confirming the date of the receipt of the notification. When the registrar is satisfied that all required details have been provided and that the couple are free to marry, he or she will issue them with a Marriage Registration Form (MRF) based on the information they have provided. This is a critical document as it is effectively the civil authorisation for the marriage to proceed. All couples wishing to marry in Ireland must first be issued with an (MRF) which should be given to the priest celebrating the marriage prior to the ceremony. This is the responsibility of the couple being married. The law also requires that the couple make a verbal declaration of freedom to marry within 48 hours of the Marriage taking place. This is done in the presence of the priest and the two witnesses to the Marriage. For convenience it is suggested that this takes place at the rehearsal. It is also the responsibility of the couple to ensure that the form is returned to any Registrars Office within one month of the date of Marriage. It recommended that this document be delivered by hand or failing this that it is sent by registered post. Pre-Marriage Courses Every couple preparing for Marriage are obliged to complete a Pre Marriage Course. There is no specific time by which the course has to be completed by in order to obtain maximum benefit from it, couples should complete a course as soon as possible. The Options There are a number of options available to couples depending on their need. It is advisable to discuss the course that might best suit. Esker Pre-marriage Course Esker is a weekend residential course and well worth considering. Esker Retreat Centre, Athenry, Co. Galway. Phone: 091 844 549 Email: eskerret@indigo.ie for further details click here Lough Lannagh Village, Castlebar, Co Mayo Pre Marriage Course & Marriage Information & Marriage Information ACCORD Castlebar 34B Moneen, Castlebar, Co Mayo 094 9022214 www.accord.ie —Details of Pre-marriage courses, locally & nationally. Together Pre Marriage Courses—Dublin (01) 2964257—Angela. Details of one day courses in Dublin. Preparation Timeline This timeline will give you a summary of what you need to do, and when. First Steps Book Church Book Hotel Contact registrar ( Minimum notice—3 months!!) Contact Priest who will officiate at ceremony. (Some people Book up to 3 years in advance) 1—2 Years Before Book and complete Pre—Marriage Course (This can be completed up to the date of Marriage, but you are encouraged to fulfil this obligation as early as possible) Arrange Church Musicians, flowers etc. 3 - 6 Months Before Meet with priest to discuss ceremony & complete Marriage papers. (It is recommended to have Pre– Marriage Course completed at this stage.) There are two options for a ceremony either a Mass or a service, Weeks Before Arrange rehearsal with the priest and the church 24-48 Hours Before - Rehearsal The rehearsal affords an opportunity to get into the mood in a relaxed way. (In order to satisfy Civil Requirements a final declaration of freedom to marry needs to be made by the couple in the presence of their two witnesses within 48 hours of the ceremony taking place. For convenience sake the rehearsal is suggested as an opportune time.) REGISTRATION CARD Woman's Name Man's Name Phone Number Email Address by SUBMITTING this form YOU CONSENT TO THE ABOVE INFORMATION BEING RETAINED BY THE PARISH RECORD PURPOSES. YOU CONSENT TO BEING CONTACTED BY THE PARISH USING THE ABOVE INFORMATION REGARDING PARISH ACTIVITIES. YOU CONSENT TO HAVING MY RECORDS RETAINED FOR FUNDRAISING PURPOSES AND BEING CONTACTED BY THE PARISH FOR THE SAME PURPOSE. Submit

The Team Priests Fr. John Kenny Administrator Parish priest at Archdiocese of Tuam (Roman Catholic) Studied Bachelor of Arts at St Patrick's College, Maynooth Went to Ballyhaunis Community School Lives in Westport, Ireland From Tooreen, Mayo, Ireland St. Mary’s Presbytery, Westport, Co. Mayo., Tel: 098 28871 Email: office@westportparish.ie Fr. Britus Kadavunkal Francis Westport (Aughaval) Tel: 098 28871 Email: office@westportparish.ie

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link R Mc Caughey 1 July 2026 7:22 am From monaghan over on a family holiday. I have never done anything like this before and Had no intention to climb croagh patrick but felt compelled to the more i looked at it. The feeling of achievement when i seen the church was like nothing else. I prayed to st patrick and said hail mary and our fathers. I would reccomend anyone to do it. Weather was poor. Very misty but dry

The “Schools” page of Westport Parish website provides an overview of the primary and post-primary schools within the parish. It lists primary schools under the patronage of the Archbishop of Tuam, along with other schools under various patronage, including Westport Educate Together. Additionally, the page includes details about two post-primary schools: Rice College and Sacred Heart School. Schools The “Schools” page of Westport Parish website provides an overview of the primary and post-primary schools within the parish. It lists primary schools under the patronage of the Archbishop of Tuam, along with other schools under various patronage, including Westport Educate Together. Additionally, the page includes details about two post-primary schools: Rice College and Sacred Heart School. Links to each school’s website are provided for parents and guardians seeking enrollment details or further information. Primary Schools Brackloon National School WEB Gaelscoil Na Cruaiche WEB Lecanvey National School WEB St. Patrick's N.S. Clare Island WEB St, Colmcille's National School WEB Westport Educate Together WEB Drummin National School WEB Holy Trinity National School WEB Murrisk National School WEB Scoil Phádraig WEB St. Columbas National School WEB Secondary Schools Rice College Westport WEB Sacred Heart School Westport WEB

Eco-Congregation and School Sustainability Project An online directory and interactive map of recycling facilities and charity shops. Here are the instructions for data collection and submission: Data Collection and Submission Process: Gather all required data according to the provided guidelines. Ensure all data is accurate and complete before submission. Approval and Verification: Once submitted, all data will go through an approval and verification process. Only verified data will be published online. Acknowledgment and Selection: Each team’s entry will receive an acknowledgment upon submission. After verification, the best team will be selected based on data quality and completeness. Thank you for your attention to detail and dedication to this process! Type of recycling / sustainability centre Bring Bank Deposit Return Scheme Free Electrical Recycling Drop-Off Lightbuld / Battery Drop-Off Charity Shop Sustainability other What materials can be recycled or repurposed at the centre? Glass Bottles Plastic Bottles Drink Cans Food Cans Cloths Paper Cardboard Plastics Textiles and footware Electrical equipment Household batteries Christmas trees Reusable household items Expired or unused medications other Facility Name Facility Title Short Description Long Description Facility Long Description Normal Text Title Subtitle Normal Text Image of the facility Image Upload Opening Days and Hours Please provide opening days and hours for this facility. Normal Text Title Subtitle Normal Text Submitting Team Team's Name Team Image Upload Team Captain Submit Your content has been submitted Your content has been submitted Your content has been submitted An error occurred. Try again later

History & Renovations Our church has been established on this site for over 200 years. It was built in 1813 and has evolved and changed with the times, addressing the needs of the parish as well as providing a historical and social interpretation of the times. 2024 The new doors in the Croagh Patrick oratory. The five new doors were hung by volunteers Anthony Corrigan, Brendan Conway, Mick Needham, and John Joe McDonnell. 2016 Renovation work commenced. 2015 Structural problems arose with the roof and ceilings. 2004 Major structural works were carried out to reinforce the foundations of the original church. 1990 Placing the statue of St. Patrick on top of the pedestal on the Octagon, March 1990. Watching the preparations are members of the restoration committee. L-R : Joe Berry, Westport; Liam Walsh Chairman; Fr Tony King ADM Westport; Ken Thompson sculptor; John Coffey Monumental Works; Tom Durcan; Cathal Hughes and Sean Staunton, Restoration Committee. Photographer Liam Lyons 1986 St. Mary's Church, Westport, May 1986. House originally the residence of the Gallagher family Westport and it was the property of St. Mary's parish and has returned to the ownership of the parish. It is the residence of the administrator. Photographer Liam Lyons 1973 The alter and sanctuary were remodelled. 1959 Working on St Mary's church, Westport, 1959. Photographer Liam Lyons 1958 Building recommenced to complete the 1928 church and finished in 1961. 1955 St Mary's Church Westport, 1955. before modern renovations & prepared for Procession Sunday. Jim Crawford Castlebar St Westport standing in the doorway. The residents of Westport Quay had the honour every year to decorate the front of the church. Photographer Liam Lyons 1928 A new church was planned and dedicated in 1932. 1813 The foundation stone was laid. 1975: The CROAGH PATRICK Pilgrimage | Nationwide | BBC Archive A facinating look back: " Bernard Falk joined the pilgrims on their arduous journey in the summer of 1975 for Nationwide, making it to the top (and back to the bottom again) relatively unscathed." Oct 16, 2025 St. Mary's Church Westport Stained Glass Windows Mar 18, 2025 Happy to welcome Bishop Michael of Tuam, Limerick & Killaloe On Sunday 16 FEB 2025 we were very happy to welcome The Church of Ireland Bishop of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe to St. Mary's Church,... Feb 17, 2025 You can learn more about the parish’s history by visiting this page: [click here] . Description Detached nine-bay double-height Catholic church, built 1926-32; dedicated 1932, on a cruciform plan comprising seven-bay double-height nave opening into six-bay double-height flat-roofed side aisles; single-bay (single-bay deep) double-height transepts centred on single-bay double-height tower (crossing) on a square plan opening into single-bay double-height apse (south). Completed, 1957-61, producing present composition. Renovated, 1973, with sanctuary reordered. Pitched slate roofs on a cruciform plan centred on pyramidal slate roof (tower); half-conical slate roof (south), clay ridge tiles, and cast-iron rainwater goods on slightly overhanging eaves retaining cast-iron square profile hoppers and downpipes. Drag edged rock faced limestone ashlar walls to entrance (north) front on cut-limestone chamfered plinth with limestone ashlar frontispiece in cut-limestone frame; roughcast surface finish (remainder) bellcast over rendered plinth. Round windows (clerestorey) with rendered "bas-relief" surrounds framing storm glazing over fixed-pane fittings having square glazing bars. Round-headed window openings (side aisles) with concrete sills, and rendered "bas-relief" surrounds framing storm glazing over fixed-pane fittings having leaded stained glass panels. Round-headed window openings (transepts) with concrete sills, and rendered "bas-relief" surrounds framing storm glazing over fixed-pane fittings having leaded stained glass panels. Pair of round-headed door openings to entrance (north) front with cut-limestone surrounds having stepped reveals framing timber panelled double doors. "Wheel Window" (gable) with cut-limestone surround having stepped reveals framing fixed-pane fittings having stained glass panels. Interior including vestibule (north) with reclaimed cut-limestone date stone ("1813"); paired square-headed door openings into nave with glazed timber panelled double doors having overlights; full-height interior with organ gallery (north) supporting pipe organ below stained glass "Wheel Window" (1960), terrazzo central aisle between cruciform-detailed timber pews, round-headed arcades on polished red Verona marble pillars on cut-veined grey marble plinths with barrel vaulted ceiling on cornice, round-headed chancel arch framing carpeted cut-veined white marble stepped dais to sanctuary (south) reordered, 1973, with cut-veined white marble panelled altar below inlaid cut-veined white marble "baldacchino", cut-veined white marble stepped daises to side altars with Gothic-style altars below stained glass memorial windows (1948-1981), timber boarded wainscoting (side aisles) with carved timber dado rail, and "Opus Sectile" stations (1929-31) below stained glass memorial windows (1950-1979). Street fronted with concrete flagged footpath to front. Appraisal A church erected to designs by Rudolph Maximilian Butler (1872-1943) of Kildare Street, Dublin (Irish Builder 1st April 1926, 261; 16th April 1927, 282), representing an important component of the twentieth-century built heritage of County Mayo with the architectural value of the composition confirmed by such attributes as the cruciform plan form; and the slender profile of the openings underpinning a streamlined Romanesque theme: meanwhile, aspects of the composition, in particular the "Wheel Window"-detailed frontispiece, clearly illustrate the belated completion of the church to designs by James Rupert Edward Boyd Barret (c.1904-76) with those works recalling his contemporary Catholic Church of the Descent of the Holy Ghost (1956-60) in County Cork (Irish Builder 14th June 1958, 439; 30th September 1961, 765). Having been well maintained, the form and massing survive intact together with substantial quantities of the original fabric, both to the exterior and to the arcaded interior reordered (1973) in accordance with the liturgical reforms sanctioned by the Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican (1962-5) where contemporary joinery; an eye-catching "baldacchino"; opus sectile stations by Hubert McGoldrick (1897-1967) of An Túr Gloine (opened 1903), Dublin; and vibrant stained glass supplied by Earley Studios Limited (closed 1975) of Dublin; Harry Clarke Stained Glass Studios (closed 1973) of Dublin; George Campbell RHA (1917-79) of Belfast and Span; Patrick Pye RHA (1929-2018) of Dublin; and George Walsh (b. 1939) of Dublin, all highlight the considerable artistic potential of a church making an imposing visual statement overlooking the canalised Westport or Carrowbeg River: meanwhile, a reclaimed date stone ("1813") survives as an interesting relic of the Georgian Gothic church 'Erected by subscription and the strenuous exertions of the Most Revd. Oliver Kelly [1777-1834] aided by the Parishioners' which in retrospect was unjustly maligned as 'a large, lumpish, tasteless structure' (Parliamentary Gazetteer of Ireland 1846 III, 521). data from: NBHS Renovations: The Situation Today In July 2015, part of the ceiling in the side aisle collapsed falling onto the seating below.Thank God no one was injured. While examining the cause of the ceiling collapse it became apparent, after exhaustive investigations, that defects in the building were much more extensive, serious, varied and widespread. The reality is, our ‘200 year’ old Church is ‘physically a lot sicker than it looks’ with serious problems extending from the cross on top of the roof right through to the foundations in the ground. Substantial remedial works are required. The time spent investigating the problems and appropriate solutions has been worthwhile. This process has ensured that poorly planned and abortive works are avoided. The time and effort has undoubtedly saved us money. In the first instance, we have identified the most urgent works to protect your safety and secondly to protect the structure and fabric of our historic building. Accordingly, the works are now divided into four phases in line with what we think we can afford at this time. The more detailed elements of each phase are outlined under the headings below. We deeply appreciate your patience during this process.

Advice for Pilgrims Pilgrimage is a fundamental part of our Christian heritage. Croagh Patrick is one of the most well known pilgrimage sites in the country and is used by thousands of pilgrims every year. Please note that the Croagh Patrick path is on private working farmland and everybody that climbs the mountain does so thanks to the generosity of local landowners on the understanding that climbers and pilgrims do so totally at their own risks. There are no dogs allowed on the mountain under any condition. All pilgrims are asked to respect this and accede to any instructions given by the landowners should you encounter them on the mountain. Over 120,000 people climb Croagh Patrick annually. Out of that figure there are about 50 call outs by Mayo Mountain Rescue and the Coastguard. Therefore the vast majority of people who climb the mountain ascend and descend safely. The condition of the mountain has been cited as a reason for injuries, and while the mountain is extremely challenging in places particularly at the cone, the condition and preparedness of climbers is a significant factor as is borne out by Mayo Mountain Rescue statistics. Anybody who is contemplating the climb should be in a fit condition, used to exercise and prepared for a challenging climb. People who are not fit, suffering from pre existing medical conditions, or who have any issues with limbs or joints should most seriously consider seeking medical advice before taking on the climb. Pilgrims and all users of the mountain do so totally at their own risk and should therefore take all reasonable steps to ensure that they are in a fit state to take on the mountain, therefore not exposed to any danger due to their own physical condition. Please remember that all members of Mayo Mountain Rescue are volunteers and have to take time away from family and work to attend call outs on the mountain. Again over 99% of people who climb the mountain do so safely and without major incident. Please do all you can to ensure that you are in that 99%. As well as being in a fit and sound state of health please make sure that you are properly prepared for the trek. Before you climb the mountain please consult Mountaineering Ireland's Good Practice Guide and Mayo Mountain Rescue for advice. It is also advised to check the weather forecast . The advice of Mountain Rescue, the weather service and locals should always be considered before climbing. The climb itself takes at least three hours round trip and goes through some dangerous terrain underfoot, be prepared and aware of this and always know that you climb totally at your own risk. Always take all precautions necessary, including proper footwear, clothing, a stick, food and water. Be aware that the climate on the summit is very different to that on the ground, so be prepared!! Pilgrims are welcome to use the official prayer card as they climb. These cards are available locally in the Murrisk Community Café which is located in the Croagh Patrick Car Park and in Teach na Míosa which is on the route up. The traditional stations of the Reek are posted on the signage in the Car Park as well as at the foot of the steps before the ascent. The three stations are marked clearly on the Ordnance Survey Map produced by the Croagh Patrick Stakeholders which is also available locally. Please note that the third station Reilg Mhuire is located some distance down the west side of the mountain, and is not easily accessible unless one knows where they are going. It isn’t completed very often therefore.

Every year millions of people worldwide participate in a global event to raise awareness about climate change and saving energy. The event is known as EARTH HOUR. It started on 31st of March 2007 in Australia. Now there are more than 190 countries participating. It is happening this year on this weekend 23rd March from 8.30-9.30 p.m. Earth Hour invites all of us to switch off and spend one hour doing something – anything positive – for our planet. Every year millions of people worldwide participate in a global event to raise awareness about climate change and saving energy. The event is known as EARTH HOUR. It started on 31st of March 2007 in Australia. Now there are more than 190 countries participating. It is happening this year on this weekend 23rd March from 8.30-9.30 p.m. Earth Hour invites all of us to switch off and spend one hour doing something – anything positive – for our planet. Westport Eco-Congregation Every year millions of people worldwide participate in a global event to raise awareness about climate change and saving energy. The event is known as EARTH HOUR. It started on 31st of March 2007 in Australia. Now there are more than 190 countries participating. It is happening this year on this weekend 23rd March from 8.30-9.30 p.m. Earth Hour invites all of us to switch off and spend one hour doing something – anything positive – for our planet. The blessing of Animals • an Ecumenical Ceremony 🙏👍 The October 🍁🍂 edition of the ECI newsletter is now available! 5 Reasons to Donate Your Clothing at Westport Family and Community Resource Centre's Bins! Adult Faith and Human Formation Classes Date and time is TBD Westport Learn more Eco Congregation School project An online directory and interactive map of recycling facilities and charity shops in Westport. Westport Eco Congregation asks the community of Westport to reflect on the beauty of our precious world and to consider what practical steps can be taken to prevent further damage to the environment. Also, we ask the community to consider those in the developing world already affected by climate change and their future generations. Project Page Recyclin facilities listing Recycling facilities map For latest news visit https://www.ecocongregationireland.com/ Plastic Free July campaign This year’s Plastic Free July campaign focuses on small changes each of us can make to reduce plastic waste under the slogan “Small steps, big difference”. Each year millions of Plastic Free July participants from over 190 countries worldwide are together making a big difference by choosing to refuse single-use plastic. An astonishing 10 billion kgs of household waste has been avoided by participants over the last five years because millions of people choose to make a change for cleaner streets, healthy oceans, and beautiful communities or just to do the right thing. Choose one single-use plastic to avoid or take the pledge to avoid single-use cups, plastic drink bottles, or plastic food wrap. These “Top 3” items are single-use plastic items we commonly use each day that most of us can easily replace by; Refilling reusable water bottles from the tap Bringing a reusable cup or sitting and enjoying a real cup Switching from plastic wrap to reusable containers or wax wraps CHANGE ONE THING Invite you all to an inspiring event on Saturday June 15th in Westport Town Hall from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. CHANGE ONE THING – is an event exploring the Circular Economy. What is circular economy in simple terms? It is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way, the lifecycle of products is extended. Demonstrations, examples and discussions on circular economy will take place on the day. You can drop in for 10 minutes to have a look, - doors open at 10.00am - or you can stay from 1.00 – 3.00 and listen to panels discussing the circular economy in more detail. Not only is this event informative but it is also fun and you may find ways of saving some money!!