Heart and Soul of the Montiaghs in conjunction with Lurgan Townscape Heritage Scheme
Local History presented to the pupils by Mrs Mary-Jo Carville and Mrs Marie Lavery
A local book, ‘Heart and Soul of the Montiaghs’ was published in December 2022. This publication was funded by Lurgan Townscape Heritage Scheme, an initiative supported by the Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. It was agreed that proceeds of the sale of the book will be used to support local charities and to encourage and promote local history and education. To realise the objective of promoting local history and education, we decided to run a creative writing competition for P6 and P7 pupils in some local primary schools. Prize-money and certificates for the competition and treats for the those taking part were provided from proceeds from the sale of ‘Heart and Soul of the Montiaghs’ book.
We would like to thank Mrs Brown (Principal), Mr Keenan (Vice-Principal) and Mr Mackin (teacher) for the warm welcome into St Patrick’s Primary School, Aghacommon. We appreciate their finding time within the busy school schedule to enable guest speakers from ‘Heart and Soul of the Montiaghs’ to visit and give a little talk about local history. The talks focused on the ‘Old
School’ building and education and St Patrick’s Chapel.
We would like to thank Mrs Mary-Jo Carville and Mrs Marie Lavery for delivering the local history lessons to the P6 and P7 classes. They in turn, would like to express their appreciation of the well-mannered pupils who thoroughly engaged with the local history talk that was delivered. They are a credit to their teachers and to the school.
The children were given the option of entering a creative writing competition, and their entries are included in this booklet. We applaud the tremendous effort that the pupils put into their work, giving us a range of wonderful poems, essays, illustrations, and history reports. We hope that they will continue to take an interest in their local history.
Norah McCorry (Heart and Soul of the Montiaghs)
Paul Carville (Heart and Soul of the Montiaghs)
David Weir (Education Officer, Lurgan Townscape Heritage Scheme)
In considering the history of schools and churches in the parish of Seagoe, the importance of Very Rev Laughlin Laurence Morgan, P.P., VG., Seagoe Parish 1831 – 1878, cannot be overstated. During his tenure as parish priest, he oversaw the building of four churches and at least two schools in Seagoe. While parish priest, he also bought two small farms, one in Aghacommon and one in Derrytrasna, which he bequeathed to the parish on his death.
The following is an extract from the address of Most Reverend Dr Leahy (Bishop of Dromore) at the funeral of Rev Morgan in the ‘Weekly Examiner (Belfast)’, September 1878:
‘When he became parish priest of Seagoe, there was no church worthy of the name in it; there were some thatched cabins in it, where the adorable sacrifice of the Mass used to be offered. But at that time, Ireland was emerging from a persecution directed against our faith; a persecution that had compelled them to
celebrate the most awful of all sacrifices – that sacrifice the same as that offered up on Calvary – compelled them to offer it up under the canopy of heaven, by the side of a rock, or in the midst of moss, and even those who assisted at it trembled lest the persecutor should break in upon them and haul them to prison, if not to death itself. At the time he became parish priest the country was emerging from that persecution; there was nothing exhibited but the mere essentials of religion, to show that the people were Catholics. Dr Morgan laboured until he erected four different churches in the parish. We are assembled in one of them, and any person, who has experience in knowing the difficulties, the heart burnings, the repulses met with in striving to get the means to build a church will not be surprised to hear that it has been stated, almost as a proverb, that “the building of one church is quite enough to kill the priest who undertakes it”. Dr Morgan did not fail to labour in that direction, for the ‘beauty of God’s house and the place where His glory dwelleth’.’
Newspaper Article: ‘Frontier Sentinel’, 28th March 1925:
Dromore Priests memory
Late Archdeacon McCartan P.P
‘A very interesting ceremonial took place at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Derrymacash, near Lurgan, last Sunday, when the handsome stained-glass window erected to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the late Very Rev Archdeacon Edward McCartan, P.P Seagoe in the diocese of Dromore, in the priesthood was unveiled and dedicated to his memory...
The window, which is of early Gothic architecture, and is about fifteen feet high by three feet wide, is filled with glass of the same architectural character. This is arranged in three sections, a base and a canopy of ornamental architectural work with slender shafting connecting them and forming a large central panel, in which a representation of the assumption of the Blessed Virgin is shown. The principal figure is shown arising from the tomb, accompanied by two angels,
whilst a third angel is engaged filling the tomb with flowers. The suggestion of ascension is most effective. Sacred legend tells us that at her death the body of the Virgin Mother resumed the appearance of youth, and it is this youthful figure that is portrayed. She stands lightly upon a cloud with uplifted arms, from which a blue and gold mantle falls in gracefully flowing fold over robe of ruby red. The exquisite face is slightly uplifted as she looks along the path towards her heavenly home. This path is suggested in the traditional manner by means of rays converging towards a point in the upper distances. These rays in the apex of the panel are of a deep golden brown, broken by a cloud of grey, from which the rays diverge in decreasing depths of colour until they descend upon the city and the trees which from the background beneath. To mark those rays more definitely, they are alternated with bars of deep grey, upon which the figure of the Blessed Virgin as well as those of the accompanying angels stand in bold relief. Following the lines of these rays
is the figure of an angel hovering above the tomb. The discarded winding-sheet has fallen over one end of the open tomb, which now appears as if filled with flowers. The angel is shown as in the act of placing within the tomb, a handful of flowers taken from the bouquet carried on the other arm, The tomb itself is beautiful in its simplicity – a long low range or arcaded stonework set in a garden of flowers. There is nothing of the charnel house about this scenethe whole idea being the beauty and the reverence with which the devout Christian always associates the Divine Mother.
A glass panel at the foot of the window bears the inscription: “Pray for the Venerable Archdeacon McCartan, P.P. 1889-1920. This memorial window was erected by parishioners and friends.’
This window was commissioned by the Mulholland Family of Ballinary (Ben and Eileen Mulholland’s children) as a tribute to their deceased family members.
At the top of the window is the bell of St. Patrick. This bell, along with St Patrick’s shrine is currently held by the National Museum of Ireland. St. Colmcille sent the bell to Armagh after St Patrick’s death, and it remained in the hands of the Mulhollands until the 18th century.
The shrine was made to cover the Bell of St Patrick and the inscription along the edge of the backplate of the shrine records the name of the craftsman and his sons who made it, the Irish King who commissioned it and it also records that, Cathalan Ua Maelchallain (Mulholland) was the keeper of the bell.
The main figure in the window reflects the ‘Parable of the Sower’ and symbolizes agriculture and making the best of what God and nature provides. This reflects how the family provided for their children. The sower also holds a basket which reflects the family link to the Mulholland basket-makers of Aghagallon.
The flowers seen in the window represent the children’s love for their mother. Flax plants are also seen within the window, and these represent the female members who worked in the linen industry: their grandmother Brigid Mulholland, their mother Eileen Mulholland, and their aunt Lena Mulholland.
The St Brigid Cross seen at the bottom of the panel is a tribute to the family’s granny, Brigid Mulholland and Sister Mary Brigid, their father’s cousin who was a nun in the USA.
Doves are also included in the window, representing their hope for peace.
A beehive is also present within the window, representing a family tradition which is still carried on by family members today. In Christianity, the beehive represents the church community and its members working together for the greater good. Bees are often associated with the virtues of industry, cooperation, and order, reflecting the values upheld by believers.
I invited the children of P6 to the Chapel to tell them about its history, and to show them interesting things about the inside and the outside of the building.
I began with a short introduction to the Penal Laws and described what our ancestors endured in earlier times, before the Chapel was built. I used a simple history timeline to share the stories and the development of the chapel from its original construction up to the present day. I included the names of the parish priests and some of the local parishioners who were involved in its construction and improvements. The children were given the opportunity to walk around the Chapel, Sanctuary and porch and outside around the graveyard, where they took notes of names, dates and pictures. I encouraged them to look carefully at things they may not have noticed before, especially the memorial plaque of the bell tower and the two windows displaying the bells, in the porch. The children enjoyed the freedom to explore the interesting history within the Chapel itself.
I also suggested that they could find more information by having
conversations with their parents and family.
The children were then tasked to produce an informative and enjoyable creative piece of writing, poem, or picture, about the history of the chapel.
Mary-Jo Carville
Pic taken around 1965 prior to Vatican II. The back piece and ‘table’ of the altar were separated to allow the priest to stand behind the ‘table’ and face the congregation. The gates were also removed following Vatican II
Ding dong bell, Ding dong bell, It’s the sound of the Church Bell, In the townland of Aghacommon, Down by St. Patrick’s, The Church so proud, The Church bell sound, It’s calling people to come and pray, Ding dong bell sounds The church Bell each day.
• St Patrick’s chapel stands in the townland of Aghacommon
• Built in 1834*
• In 1977 construction work began on the Bell-tower
• On Sunday the 5th February 1978, the bell was blessed, named Patrick, raised to its position and rung for the first time
• Mother Church of Seagoe Parish
• My mummy and daddy got married here on 2nd August 2014, by Father Mooney
By Sienna Black (P6)
*Although some on-line sources show the chapel being built in 1834, planning for the building of the chapel started in the early 1830s; however the first brick was not laid for the current St Patrick’s Chapel in Aghacommon, until April 1843, with the chapel being consecrated in November 1848.
(See appendices 1 and 2)
BY ANNIE CREAN, P6
The Seagoe Parish was unique in days of old because it was the only parish in the Dromore Diocese that contained four Catholic churches.
The four churches include Derrytrasna, Lylo, Edenderry and of course the mother church at Aghacommon known to all of us as St Patrick’s or Derrymacash chapel.
At the beginning of the 19th century a small mass-house stood on the site of the present parish church of St Patrick’s. People would often have mass in woods or behind rocks or even a house.
Father John McLeigh was appointed as parish priest at the end of 1826. He worked tirelessly to erect the church. He obtained the site from the Brownlow family at the end of the 18th century, and it was believed the Fforde family from Raughlan supplied the timber for the roof.
In August 1832, Rev. Laurence Morgan became the parish priest in Seagoe, and he remained as Parish Priest until he died on 13th Sept 1878 at 75 years old. Father Morgan is actually buried in Derrymacash cemetery in a prominent position of opposite the entrance
doors. He deserves to be acknowledged for his devotion and duty over 47 years as parish priest. He planned and oversaw the building of 4 churches. These include Edenderry, Lylo and Derrytrasna and Aghacommon.
In 1913-1915 the Sanctuary was decorated in marble by the late Arch Deacon McCartan.
Extract from Freeman’s Journal 13 April 1917 (courtesy of the British Newspaper Archive):
‘Probably outside of Rome there is no more beautiful marble decoration than is to be seen in the Chancel of the Parish Churches of Derrymacash and Derrytrasna, just outside Lurgan. The Parish Priest, Father Edward McCartan, has truly set an example by having this exceptionally beautiful work executed, and by an Irish Firm, Messrs Earley and Co, Camden Street Dublin.’
This was achieved because the parishioners were very generous, and they gave wholehearted support.
Some of the parishioners gave gifts, including Patrick MacGreavy who donated the marble altar. Mrs Casey
and family donated the altar of the B.V.M [Blessed Virgin Mary] and the stations of the cross were donated by Mrs McCann and family from Ballynery.
Between the years of 1923 – 1926 the sanctuary at St Patrick’s was moved from the south end of the building to the north end. It is not possible to confirm exactly when this reconfiguration took place, but it has been said that it was unusual for a church of this period not to have a sanctuary window. The sanctuary windows are high up behind the organ gallery above the church window.
1952 saw the exterior of St Patrick’s renovated. This included the resurfacing of all the paths and landscaping of all the grounds.
On Sunday 11th August 1959, Reverend Eugene O’ Doherty blessed the new extension to the cemetery. Under the patronage of Dean Pettit, two major initiatives were undertaken. These included the construction of the bell tower and internal refurbishment.
In 1976 the church roof was felted and re-slated and in 1977 work was commenced on the impressive bell tower.
The bell tower was blessed and named Patrick and on Sunday 5th February 1978, it was raised into position and rung for the first time. To this day, there is a plaque in the church porch which reads ‘Pray for the Donaghy family through whose generosity this tower with its bell was erected’. In the church porch, there is a pane of incised glass which depicts the ancient bell of Seagoe.
In 1982-83, the church was refurbished, and a pine timbered ceiling was installed. One of the local craftsmen who worked on this was Brian Coleman. Brian died in January this year and he has been laid to rest in the cemetery.
On Monday 22nd October 2018. St Patrick’s Church made headlines when someone entered the Church between 11am and 7pm and stole the sanctuary lamp. The community was outraged.
In March 2020 the whole world went into lockdown because of Covid. I was 6 years old. I wasn’t allowed to attend school, socialise, or attend mass as everywhere stayed closed including churches.
Although not totally to blame because the church was closed for a long period,
it got very damp.
In 2023, St Patrick’s closed again to treat the damp walls. When it reopened a new statue of our lady was donated.
When St Patrick’s was built it was in a time when people hid their faith. I am glad I have been born into a time when people can celebrate their faith and their differences openly and without fear or judgement.
Pics of inside of St Patrick’s Church Aghacommon in approximately 1965.
Derrymacash has lots of history out the windy roads of the village. The old school was founded in 1838. The school days were very different back then compared to now, including the school was split into boys downstairs, girls upstairs. The old school was beside the chapel and facing the new school. There was no playground, they had to play on the road.
There were different classrooms. Mr Murray was principal of the boys and Mrs McCabe was principal of the girls. There were 3 classrooms for boys and 3 for girls.
The chapel was also split in two: men on one side and ladies on the other side. On hot days the boys went down to the Tones GAA pitch which used to be at McGreavy Park. In 1829, St Patrick’s Chapel was designed and in 1835, the high altar was designed.
From 1913 until the present day, there have been major renovations, one of these was a bell tower installed in 1977 and between 1982 and 1983, there was
a new ceiling and it had St Bridget’s crosses on it.
In 2020, the chapel had to be closed for ‘Covid’ and in 2023, it was closed for work on the walls. When it re-opened a new statue was donated by the Lourdes Committee.
There are two bells displayed in the church porch. They’re the Seagoe Bell and the St Patrick’s Bell. There have been various parish priests, namely Fr McLeigh, Fr McCartan, Fr Morgan, Fr. McComiskey, Father Boyd, Dean Pettit, Fr. Jordan, Fr Burns and Fr Fitzpatrick is our present priest.
Fr Boyd was killed in a road accident on his way to Newry in 1960 and he was buried in the St Patrick’s parish graveyard.*
*See Appendix 3 for more details on the death of Father Boyd.
BY REPORTER CADHLA HAMILL, P6
Yesterday was a sad day for the Derrymacash parish. At around 5pm, Fr Seán was locking up the church doors for the evening when he discovered that the Sanctuary lamp was stolen.
One parishioner commented ‘The Sanctuary lamp has been a part of St Patrick’s forever. It is a huge worry for the area.’
St Patrick’s Church is the mother church of Seagoe Parish. The Sanctuary lamp is of great sentimental value.
HAVE YOU SEEN OUR LAMP?
REWARD!
£500 FOR INFORMATION
Before 1826, we had mass in the house, The men caught fish, cut turf and farmed.
In 1826 Fr. McLeigh built the St Patrick’s Church.*
But the big wind of 1839 brought the church to the ground,*
Fr Morgan repaired it and helped build schools.
In 1913, we got a fine marble sanctuary, Thanks to generous gifts from the parish.
A blessed new bell tower in 1977, housed a fine bell called Patrick, That sang loudly and proudly in 1978. The ceiling inside shows the cross of St Brigid,
Designed by a very talented parishioner.
Sadness and grief in 2018, When the lamp from the sanctuary was stolen away.
The Church closed its doors in 2023, To repair the damp getting through the walls.
To celebrate the re-opening, a special gift was donated,
A stature of our lady to be loved and enjoyed.
*Although some on-line sources show the chapel being built in 1834, planning for the building of the chapel started in the early 1830s; however the first brick was not laid for the current St Patrick’s Chapel in Aghacommon, until April 1843, with the chapel being consecrated in November 1848. (See appendices 1 and 2)
*Some on-line sources wrongly state that it was the chapel at Aghacommon which was blown down by the ‘Big Wind’ in 1839, but it was actually Derrytrasna Chapel which was blown down (see article at Appendix 4).
How many people can say, That they work 24 hours a day?
7 days in a row, In sun, rain, wind and snow.
We have stood proud since 1846, We are in everyone’s chapel pics. Teamwork at its best, We work together without any rest.
Last year we had some work done; Being poked and prodded wasn’t fun. We still have to get our final coat, What that looks like might have to be a vote.
Now that we are nearly back to our glory, We won’t be the topic of the weekly mass story.
We have seen so many people over the years, Seen sad and happy times cause tears.
We see the babies for the first time, Having water over their heads make them whine.
We watch them attend weekly mass, Parents showing them our beautiful glass.
They go from being held in arms, To walking with confidence and charm. The sacrament of Holy Communion, Is always a day for a family reunion.
Girls in white dresses, boys in suits, Smart shoes and shiny boots.
They make their way up the aisle, Hands together and a big smile.
We watch them grow, Surrounded by their family glow.
We prepare our chapel for their next special day, We welcome their loved ones from far away.
We have the best view, When they take their vows at the couple’s pew.
There have been lots of happy times, But also sad days and even crimes! Too many broken hearts have been here,
Who come to visit graves year after year.
We are the only ones to know, Who it was that sunk so low.
Our cherished lamp was taken away, By one of god’s children who had gone astray.
Aghacommon did not see it again, It really did cause a lot of pain.
We have been home to many priests: McLeigh and Morgan, and the later days of Canon Jordan.
We love all those who visit every day, To clean, prepare, sing and pray. You keep this beautiful building alive and your hours of work have made it thrive.
The walls have many things we see and could say
But we stand silent and allow you to pray.
Next time you pass us on your walk
Look at us and think. “If those walls could talk”…
*The church roof was re-slated in 1976.
*The bell-tower was started in 1977.
*The first brick was laid for the current St Patrick’s Chapel in Aghacommon, in April 1843, with the chapel being consecrated in November 1848 (see appendices 1 and 2).
This chapel holds both happy and sad memories for our community, such as baptisms, first confessions, communion, confirmation, weddings and very sad funerals which we don’t want to hear, like my granny and granda who died 3 years ago. The chapel and the graveyard hold a special place in our hearts and for many more. I am very lucky that I am allowed to go visit my grandparents and great-grandfathers Matt McCann, who was the gravedigger in this chapel.
Before 1826, Catholics went to a mass house. The first time the bell tower rang was in 1979. It was built by the Donaghy family, and we continue to remember them to this day. In 1982, Brian Coleman
refurbished the chapel. In 2018 very sad news came to the chapel. The Sanctuary Lamp was stolen. So, people from the chapel had to come together to get a new lamp.
And last but not least, a new statue was donated in 2023, and also in 2023, we were sad to hear that the chapel had to close for renovations due to the walls.
BY
In 1826, St Patrick’s came to be. Seagoe Parish’s “Mother Church”, Guided by the Reverend Leigh, On land that came from the Brownlow family.
The chapel stood proud on the site, Until the ‘Big Wind’ came one night, The 6th January 1839, For the Derrymacash people a very sad time!!
In 1978 the bell tower was built, Paid for by the Donaghy family, A plaque still there, In their loving memory.
22nd October 2018,
A sad day in the chapel history, The golden lamp was stolen, From the church sanctuary.
2020 brought us Covid, At home we had to stay, The world stood still, We couldn’t even gather to pray!
2024, in the present day, Our church still stands proud, A new generation, Comes to pray.
Built in 1977,
Everyone in the parish uses the chapel to pray,
Listen to the bell ring,
Listed inside on the wall, a monument for the Donaghy family who helped make this bell-tower.
Townland of Aghacommon,
On the roof of the tower, there is a cross,
Windows are made of stained glass,
Easter time the bell tower rings,
Rocks of stone were used to build it.
This is the history of St Patrick’s chapel, Aghacommon for Lurgan Townscape Heritage schools history project.
A small mass house stood in the site of the chapel before it was built. The site was obtained from the Brownlow family in the late 1700’s. In 1826, Father McLeigh was made parish priest and set about building the chapel. Catholic Emancipation followed in 1829.
1820’s – 1850’s
St Patrick’s was designed in 1829 and opened in 1834* by Fr Morgan. It stands in the townland of Aghacommon, which translates as ‘field of the hurls’. In 1835, the high altar was designed, this is where the front door is now located. In 1847, the worst year of the Famine, only 7 marriages happened in the whole of Seagoe parish.
*Although some on-line sources show the chapel being built in 1834, planning for the building of the chapel started in the early 1830s; however the first brick was not laid for the current St Patrick’s Chapel in Aghacommon, until April 1843, with the chapel being consecrated in November 1848. (See appendices 1 and 2)
Aghacommon National School appears beside the chapel on historic maps for the first time, this would eventually become St Patrick’s PS, Aghacommon.
The parochial house appears on historic maps for the first time in 1905.
The sanctuary was decorated in marble between 1913 and 1915 by Archdeacon MacCartan.
Internal and outside work was completed in this period of time. For the internal work the workers were local and didn’t charge anything. Outside work included new paths, landscaping and an extension of the graveyard. The map shows an industrial building where our school is now built, and Raparee Park, where Wolfe Tones & St Enda’s played.
Even though the chapel was built in 1834* the bell tower was only built in 1977. The bell tower was principally financed by the Donaghy family who owned a large farm beside the chapel. On Sunday, February 5th, 1978, the bell (named Patrick) was blessed, raised to its position and rung for the first time. Illustrations of the Seagoe bell and the shrine of St Patrick’s bell are displayed in the front porch.
On Monday, October 22, between the hours of 11am and 4pm, someone entered St Patrick’s Church in Derrymacash and stole the sanctuary lamp. This led to sadness in the village.
Covid struck in 2020 which left us with no place to worship.
This year is the chapels 190th* anniversary. The chapel closed in 2023 due to dampness leaking into the chapel. After the chapel reopened a statue of our lady was donated.
*The first brick was for the current St Patrick’s Chapel in Aghacommon, in April 1843, with the chapel being consecrated in November 1848 (see appendices 1 and 2).
Boys School Aghacommon circa 1935 Pic courtesy of Catherine Byrne.
I had the privilege of meeting the Primary 7 class and introducing them to a little bit of history about schools. They were a lovely, well-mannered class and a credit to their teacher.
We briefly considered their own school and then the old Aughacommon primary school. In 1838 it was a singlestory boys’ school built by Fr Morgan. The upper storey girls’ school was added in 1892. I attended the old school from 1951 to 1962. There were three classrooms with a stove at one end and a fire at the other. I was able to tell the children some of my experiences, for example writing with the chalk on a slate and then with the pen and nib, not to mention the slap for my bad handwriting!
I then discussed the issue of the Hedge Schools where during Penal Times, in the 17th and 18th centuries Catholics were not allowed to be educated, along with some of the dissenting Protestant churches. Education was done in secret, not necessarily in hedges but in barns or other buildings. There were to be no Catholic teachers or priests. Catholic emancipation was granted in 1829.
The children asked very intelligent, well considered questions and presented excellent work. It was a really enjoyable experience.
Marie Lavery
‘Even in penal days, Seagoe was one of the few parishes in Dromore Diocese to maintain a school within its borders, as reported by the Protestant Bishop in 1731. Later in the same century, as well as schools built by the local gentry, a number of Hedge Schools flourished… where children of the peasantry met ‘feloniously to learn’. In the report of
the Commissioners appointed by the Government in 1824, the earliest and most comprehensive survey, shows that no less than twenty-four schools were then in existence in Seagoe. Six of these were Catholic schools, all in the Hedge School tradition, and the following information about them has been extracted from the
Commissioners report:-
Ballynamoney: Pay School – a thatched house.
Knocknamuckley: Pay School – a thatched cabin.
Drumnagoon: Pay School – a thatched cabin.
Derryettagh (Derrytagh): Pay School –a wretched hovel.
Ballynary: Pay School – a hired cabin.
Derryveen: Pay School – a miserable cowshed.’
BY EMMA CRAIG, P7
15th October 1815
Today I had to go to school, and we had to hide behind a hedge. It was so cold, and damp and I hate it there. My mammy said that it is illegal for Catholics to go to school and be educated. If we want to be educated, we have to convert to the Church of England. We don’t want to do that, so we have to go to school in secret.
Today we were learning about literacy and maths. I got a slap with a stick because the teacher said my knowledge of maths was not good, so my hand hurts. We had to try to find materials for school as we had no equipment. I found a feather and some berries so I could make ink and write. We had to sit on the floor. It is very uncomfortable so
my bottom hurts!
My Hedge School is just outside Aughacommon. It is a mile to walk there. We have only 5 pupils at the minute. Today I only had a raw potato for my lunch and a slice of bread. The potato was dirty and disgusting!
I hope I’m able to go back to a normal school soon.
Today I was very nervous about going to the Hedge school as I didn’t know if the Master would be there, but I went to Derrymacash Road anyway. Yesterday I didn’t get to go because mammy couldn’t find a 1p for me. However, she found one today.
When I was walking to school, I felt so hungry as I hadn’t had any food yet today. Maybe mammy couldn’t get food so she could give me the 1p so I could go to school. I met up with my friend Meabh. She was lucky, she got blackberries for breakfast.
When we got to school, the Master was there and we started in with a bit of maths, then religion. Just as we were about to start our English, Cormac heard the hoofbeats of the soldiers’ horses. The master ran to the nearby hiding place in his brother’s house. Meabh and I ran down the road to a big tree and climbed as high as we could. We hid there for about 30 minutes as quietly as we could and then Meabh
said, ‘Let’s split this potato in half.’ I was so happy because I was really hungry.
We stayed in the tree for an hour and when the coast was clear we went home. I told mammy what happened, and she said, ‘Cormac was questioned by the soldiers.’ I was shocked to hear that but then she said there was more. She told me the Master had been found by the soldiers and there would be no more school for a while. I felt disappointed because I wouldn’t see my friends as often now.
For dinner tonight we had potatoes as usual. At dinner I told daddy the whole story as he hadn’t heard it all. He had been out gathering wood for the fire.
I would love to get to school tomorrow but we’ll see what happens.
Daniel was nervous, it was his fifth time going to the Hedge School even though it felt like the first time. He was scared of the soldiers coming and what if they got the Master. What if they got him? He wasn’t very fast. When Daniel finally got there the Master was already there and so were Daniel’s friends. His best friend Bob offered to stand guard to look out for the soldiers.
The class started with religion and the next thing Bob was screaming, ‘They’re coming! They’re coming! Run for your lives!
Everyone got up and ran and the Master hid in a hedge. Bob and Daniel climbed a tree and Jimmy pretended to be a tree and stood straight behind a trunk. Moya hid under her cloak but one of the soldiers stood on her, but she got away as fast as she could. Aoife’s mum had told the soldiers where they were. They had offered her so much money to tell them where they were but in the end,
she helped everyone to get away. She was sorry but it was hard to refuse so much money.
The children planned to go home, and Daniel’s house was the closest. When they got there the soldiers had caught the Master. They asked Leo, Aoife and Daniel who was this man and they said, ‘He is one of our neighbours.’ The soldiers believed them and let the Master go.
They were all quietly told that the school would be in a different place the next day, with more shelter but that day they went into one of the children’s houses and went on with their religion, maths and literacy.
The Master wouldn’t take the pennies they offered him, so it was the end of a strange and scary day.
ln the quiet townland of Aghacommon, nestled neatly against the rolling moss of the Montiaghs, a young boy, Micí Sheáin Phóil, eagerly anticipated a rare and thrilling event - a day at the hedge school. lt was the year 1812, and memories of the ‘98 rising hung heavy in the air. Micí Sheáin’s father, Seán Mhór, and his mother, Aine Mháire, toiled tirelessly in the clachan to make ends meet. Today, they excused Micí Sheáin from his chores, as it was a special day for their son.
The hedge school was a hidden treasure, a place where local children gathered to learn from remarkable teachersusually Sister Eugene, a stern Catholic Nun with a beady eye and a sharp tongue. However, on this particular day, it was Padraig Chaoimhín Rua, a hero in the parish who once fought alongside Wolfe Tone. A travelled and learned man, he experienced the grandeur of the French courts and the opulence of Spanish palaces during his recent exile.
The atmosphere crackled with excitement as Micí Sheáin joined his friends for a day of learning under the wise tutelage of Padraig Rua. The crimson morning sun painted the sky
as the children settled into their places, eager for tales of adventure,
Padraig Rua, with his captivating storytelling, transported the children into a world of battles and bravery. The Battle of Yellow Ford came to life as Padraig Rua vividly described the godless Redcoats marching through Armagh to face the mighty O’Neill clan. The Blackwater ran claret red with the blood of Bagenal’s fallen men. The children revelled in the triumph of the lrish forces, their eyes sparkling with brilliant pride.
As the morning sun climbed higher, the air was filled with the laughter and joy of the children, absorbed in the tales of Padraig Rua. Suddenly, a loud shriek pierced the air, jolting everyone from their reverie. Little Tadgh, wide-eyed and panicked, pointed towards the back of the makeshift classroom.
“A mháistir, a mháistir, ta na cótai dearga ag teacht!” he exclaimed.
The atmosphere shifted as a hush fell over the children. Padraig Rua, with a steadfast stare, walked resolutely towards the commotion. Micí Sheáin’s heart raced as he wondered what
awaited them. To their amazement, the sight that met their eyes was nothing short of a miracle. Through the trees and across the fields, a group of villagers approached, with red banners billowing in the wind. However, these were not the blood red regalia of the Crown Forces but rather the parishioners, adorned in scarlet to honour the return of their hero Padraig Chaoimhin Rua.
For Micí Sheáin Phóil and his friends, that day at the hedge school became a cherished memory. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Aghacommon, the children headed home, their hearts full of tales of heroes and legends. The spirit of rebellion alive in the air.
Today I woke early and heard the birds singing. I felt cold and hungry and was so happy when I smelled the oats my mum was cooking on the stove. I quickly changed into my dress and went downstairs to eat. I said goodbye to my mum and left. I met Alice at the end of the lane, and we headed off to school.
Lots of thoughts were running through my head. Would our Master turn up? Would I have anywhere to sit? What would I write on? Alice and I walked past a blackberry bush. We picked some up to crush for ink and some to eat later in the day.
As we continued our walk, we suddenly heard horses’ hoofs in the distance. My heart began to beat faster and faster. I was so afraid! Alice and I ran as fast as we could and hid behind an old plough in a field. We didn’t hear anything else, so we crept out nervously and headed back on the track to school.
When we arrived, Henry was sitting by himself, so Alice and I sat beside him on the tree trunk. A wee while later our Master arrived red-faced since he had been running away from the soldiers.
After he caught his breath, we began our lessons. First was my favourite, arithmetic. We did reading, and the Master told us a story. Very quickly it was time to go home.
I told my mammy and daddy all about our day when we were having our dinner of cold potatoes.
Dear Diary -10th September 1806
Today I went to school in the barn across the fields, but I had nowhere to sit when I got there so I sat in the mud. It wasn’t nice. I had to leave after about 20 minutes to go to look for berries. It took a while before I found some. I brought them back to school so I could crush them up for ink so that I could write. We were doing spellings most of the morning and I was glad when lunch time came. I ate my lunch. Today I had home-made bread, some oats to chew and an apple. We were allowed to pack up after lunch time and go home.
Dear Diary - 12th September
Today when I went to school we weren’t in the barn, we were behind some high bushes. We stood up most of the time
as the ground was too cold to sit on. Today we did some history and then went for a walk. We had lunch when we came back and then the Master sent us to search for berries. I went to the last place I found two days ago and brought some back to school. I also eat a few!
Today we were inside the barn again and I started by crushing up my berries into a bowl. I dipped my pen into it and started my writing. We were practising our handwriting. As today was Friday the Master let us have a snack and then back to our arithmetic. I found it very tricky. My friend took some time to help me. Then hooray, it was home time and a long weekend to play.
Extract from ‘Cork Examiner’, 26th April 1843 (Courtesy of the British Newspaper Archive)
The ‘old chapel’ was a former house/ building used as a mass-house from the time that parishioners were forced to abandon their mass-house in Derrymacash. It was situated at what is now part of the graveyard to the back of the chapel.
Extract from ‘Weekly Freeman’s Journal’, Saturday 28th November 1848 (Courtesy of the British Newspaper Archive)
Extract from ‘The Frontier Sentinel’, 24 September 1968
(Courtesy of the British Newspaper Archive)
Extract from the ‘Newry Examiner and Louth Advertiser’, 12th January 1839
(Courtesy of the British Newspaper Archive)
‘We regret to learn that the new Chapel of the Parish of Seagoe, which had been erected at great expense and with extreme exertion on the part of the Parish Priest, the Rev. Morgan, was levelled to the ground by the late fearful hurricane. It had just been roofed and would soon have been ready for consecration. This is a lamentable occurrence. The people of Seagoe were rejoicing in the hope
of having a temple for the worship of the Most High, and just when it seemed secure to them, they have lost the fruits of their long and pious labours. We are sure that the case will strongly excite the sympathies of the Christian public and that any appeal which many be made by the Rev Morgan to repair the injury which has been done in the parish will meet with a ready and generous response.’*
*The church at Derrytrasna was rebuilt between 1839-1841 and was consecrated in July 1841.
(The chapel building in Aghacommon is generally known as Derrymacash Chapel –because it replaced a penal-day ‘mass house’ in Derrymacash)
During 1600s Due to the penal times, mass was held secretly in secluded spots in Derrytrasna and Derrymacash (at mass rocks etc.).
By 1731 A small mass house and a school existed in the parish, which had a resident priest as well. The mass house stood in the townland of Derrymacash and was in use until it was burned down towards the end of the 1700s (1796).
1796 onwards After the destruction of the mass house in Derrymacash, mass was celebrated in a little building on Lark’s Hill in Raughlin Demense.
1826 Appointment of Fr McLeigh
At this stage a former house/building was used as a masshouse from the time that parishioners left the little building in Lark’s Hill in Raughlin. It was situated at what is now part of the graveyard to the back of the chapel.
1829 Catholic Emancipation
1829 – 1832 Architectural design / planning of building of St Patrick’s Chapel.
(and probably Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Derrytrasna as well)
1832 Fr Morgan came to Seagoe Parish – when he came to the parish there were only two thatched cottages used for mass (information given in a newspaper article on Fr Morgan’s death in 1878).
1835 Design of High Altar of St Patrick’s.
1838 The oldest part of Aghacommon School was built.
1839 St Mary’s Church Derrytrasna was almost completed before it was destroyed on the ‘night of the big wind’.
1843 First stone was laid for St Patrick’s Aghacommon.
1844 Derrytrasna School House was built.
1848 St Patrick’s Church was consecrated.
1878 Fr Morgan died – he was responsible for building 4 churches in Seagoe.
1913 The sanctuary was decorated in marble.
• New marble high altar was presented by Patrick McGreavy
• Altar of the blessed Virgin Mary donated by Mrs Casey and family
• The altar of St Patrick was the gift of several subscribers –names are preserved on a list inside the tabernacle
• The stations of the cross were presented by a Mrs McCann and family, Ballinery
1923- 1926 Major renovations to the chapel:
• Sanctuary moved from the south of the Chapel to the north
• New Sacristy built
• New choir gallery built
• Baptistry built (at the back of the renovated chapel – on the right-hand side as you go into the chapel)
• New doors
• Re-erection of the altars in new chancel
1952 Resurfacing of the grounds and beautifying the grounds with flowers
After 1965 After Vatican II*, the high altar was separated into two parts. The back and a ‘table’, to enable the priest to face the congregation. Gates of the altar rails were removed
1977
Work began on the new bell tower. The work was completed in 1979 this was following a donation from the Donaghy family who used to live at Ballynamoney
1982-1983 Ceiling decorated in the shape of St Brigid’s crosses.
*Vatican II
The liturgy of the Mass was rewritten to involve the laity and the layout of churches was also changed. Previously the priest would celebrate the Mass with his back to the congregation, so they were simply observers of the Mass. After Vatican II, the altar was moved and the priest now faced the congregation, so they were part of the Mass.