A local Priest says the complete closure of the Franciscan Friary in Clonmel on December 31st comes despite huge efforts to keep the doors open.
The Franciscan Order officially withdrew from the town in January of last year due to a lack of vocations and aging friars.
However the Abbey Prayer Group have kept the doors open since June 2023 with Mass held every Tuesday morning.
Fr Michael Toomey was one of the Priests who took turns to say the weekly Mass – he says locals have made every effort to keep the Friary open.
He told Tipp Today it’s a situation we may be facing again in the future.
“You know we’re going to have to look at our own churches. Where there are smaller churches can we keep them open long term? We have to be realistic here financially – there’s insurance involved and lighting, heating and general costs just to keep a place open.
“If the people aren’t going and subscribing we can’t financially keep these places open. So tough decisions ahead I think.”
