Pattern Day revived in Offaly at historic holy well

PATTERN Day was celebrated in Killoughey on Saturday evening last at the historic Ladywell, outside Mountbolus, on the eve of Our Blessed Lady's birthday.

Prayers were led at the historic holy well by Fr Ray Kelly and Fr Emanuel Francis Beecher.

Following the traditional prayers associated with the well a talk about the area was given and attendees sang some hymns and enjoyed the talents of local musicians.

A number of slow airs were played on the violin by talented young musician, Cliodhna Young.

Fr Ray Kelly led the singing with some beautiful renditions while the musicians who took part in the celebrations were Danny and Kieran Guinan, Tim Rigney and Johnny Butterfield.

Special mention was made of the organising work for the Pattern by the parish Sacristan Mary Young together with Jackie Masefield, Breda Grennan Mahon, Dominic Mahon and others.

A special presentation was made to Catriona Daly Mahon, who represented her mother, Ann Daly, who maintains the precincts of the well as well as the old monastery and cemetery in Rathlihen. It was at Rathlihen that the famous St Hugh of Rahugh received his Christian training.

The presentation consisted of a local history publication, written by Breda Condron, on the story of the old church and cemetery at Killoughey. This church was burned down – with its congregation inside all of whom were burned alive – by Cromwellian forces on Christmas Day 1651.

The book is an invaluable contribution to the history of Killoughey. The presentation was made by Fr Kelly.

Also remembered were the late Fr Shaw, Michael Collins and all those involved in the restoration of Ladywell in 1962.

The well was blessed by Fr Kelly and Fr Beecher bringing the formalities to a conclusion on what was a beautiful autumn evening in a special place of religion, history and tradition.