Westport Parish

Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link DS & JS 23 June 2025 11:54 a.m. May this day bring Sabbath rest to my heart and my home. May God’s image in me be restored, and my imagination in God be re-storied. May the gravity of material things be lightened, and the relativity of time slow down. May I know grace to embrace my own finite smallness in the arms of God’s infinite greatness. May God’s Word feed me and His Spirit lead me into the week and into the life to come. AMEN

< Back Sacred Heart School Westport Sacred Heart School Westport School • Secondary http://www.shswestport.ie 31 March 2025 at 15:53:31

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.

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.

< Back Murrisk National School Murrisk National School School • Primary https://www.murriskns.com 31 March 2025 at 16:23:10

We stream live from St. Mary’s Church in Westport during Masses and major celebrations, allowing those who cannot attend in person to join in the spiritual experience. This live coverage ensures that everyone, whether near or far, can remain connected with the parish community and participate in important religious ceremonies. Live Camera How to watch We stream live from St. Mary’s Church in Westport during Masses and major celebrations, allowing those who cannot attend in person to join in the spiritual experience. This live coverage ensures that everyone, whether near or far, can remain connected with the parish community and participate in important religious ceremonies. To watch the live camera from St. Mary’s Church in Westport, simply visit our parish website or designated streaming platform during Masses and major celebrations. For those who are ill or elderly, the live stream can be easily viewed on larger screens such as TVs or tablets, enhancing the experience and allowing them to feel more connected to the sacred ceremonies. By enlarging the images, they can enjoy a more immersive participation, bringing the atmosphere and spirit of the church into their homes, providing comfort and spiritual nourishment. we stream on: https://www.westportparish.ie/live-camera https://www.churchtv.ie/westport/ https://www.facebook.com/stmaryswestport https://www.youtube.com/@frchaz/streams Devotions are broadcast on Parish Radio on 104.8fm See Mass Times

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!!

< Back Gaelscoil Na Cruaiche Gaelscoil Na Cruaiche Stair Ghaelscoil na Cruaiche D’oscail Gaelscoil na Cruaiche, bunscoil Chaitliceach, don gcéad uair i Meán Fómhair 1995 agus seachtar dalta a bhí ar an rolla ar an gcéad lá. Fuair an scoil aitheantas sealadach ón Roinn Oideachas i 1996 agus chuaigh sí faoi Phátrúnacht an Fhorais. Mairéad Ní Ruáin a bhí roghnaithe ag an mBord don bpost mar Phríomhoide na Scoile agus cuireadh tús leis an scoil go hoifigiúil ar an 1ú Meán Fómhair 1996. Fuair an scoil aitheantas buan i 2000 agus tá fás agus forbairt do-chreidte tagtha ar an scoil ó shin. Faoi láthair, tá trí mhúinteoir déag ar an bhfoireann, ochtar múinteoir ranga, beirt mhúinteoir tacaíocht foghlama, beirt mhúinteoir ar an bpainéal soláthair agus príomhoide riaracháin san áireamh. Tá cuntóir riachtanaisí speisialta amháin ag obair sa scoil. Tá 198 daltaí ag freastal ar an scoil anois, ó Naíonáin Shóisearacha go dtí Rang a Sé. History of Gaelscoil na Cruaiche Gaelscoil na Cruaiche, an all-Irish Catholic Primary School was first opened in September 1995 with seven pupils on its roll on the very first day. The school received temporary recognition from the Department of Education and Science in 1996 and the Foras Pátrúnachta na Scoile Lán Ghaeilge Teo was requested to become Patron of this new developing school. Mairéad Ní Ruáin was selected by the Board of Management to become Principal and the school was officially opened on the 1st September 1996, under the direction of the Department of Education and Science. Gaelscoil na Cruaiche received permanent recognition in 2000 and the school has grown and developed beyond belief from then forward. At present, there are thirteen teachers on staff, which consists of eight class teachers, two learning support teachers, two supply panel teachers and an administrative principal. One Special Needs Assistant works in the school. The school received planning permission to construct a permanent school building in 2007, and we moved into this new building in June 2011. At present, there are 198 pupils attending the school, from Junior Infants to Sixth Class, and there are 22 pupils attending the Naíonra (the pre-school year) which is facilitated within the school building. School • Primary [email protected] 098 28121 https://www.gaelscoilnacruaiche.com Gaelscoil na Cruaiche, Fairways, Westport Demesne, County Mayo, Ireland 31 March 2025 at 16:29:45

< Back Entering a new era of IoT Derek Wells 18 Mar 2023 This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Previous Next

CONFIRMATION Confirmation Preparation Confirmation Programme 2026 Confirmation date for Westport 2026 Thursday 16th April 2026 at 12.00 Noon The 2026 Confirmation Programme is now enrolling. Read more information on Confirmation REGISTRATION CARD Child's First name Child's Last name* Date of Baptism Day Month Month Year Church of Baptism Address Church of Baptism Father's Full Name Mother's Full Name including Maiden name* Parent's Address Name of Sponsor Confirmation Name Child's School 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

Explore Wesport's comprehensive eco map, featuring all recycling facilities. Find convenient locations for recycling household waste, electronics, plastics, glass, and more. Support sustainability by reducing waste and choosing the right facility near you. Thank you to Katie McK for the inspiration.

DONATE WESTPORT PARISH BIC: IPBSIE2D IBAN: IE83IPBS99072933204684 Donations to Westport Parish are crucial for both the preservation of its rich historical legacy and the continued spiritual support it offers to the community. Westport Parish, with its four churches including the historic St. Mary’s Church, serves as a vital center for religious life, community gathering, and cultural heritage. With a history spanning over 200 years, St. Mary’s Church not only stands as a testament to the faith of generations but also as a significant landmark that reflects the historical evolution of the region. By contributing to the parish, donors help ensure that these churches remain pillars of faith and history for future generations. The financial support provided by donations directly impacts the necessary renovations and structural work required to maintain these historic buildings. St. Mary’s Church, in particular, has faced significant challenges over the years, including major structural issues that have threatened the integrity of the building. Renovations have been ongoing, with critical work needed to reinforce the foundation and address problems with the roof and ceilings. Donations ensure that these essential repairs can be completed, protecting the church’s architecture and allowing it to continue serving as a place of worship and community gathering. Beyond the physical preservation of the buildings, donations to Westport Parish foster a sense of unity and support within the community. The parish is not just a place of worship but a hub where people come together for various events, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. By supporting the parish, donors contribute to the overall well-being of the community, ensuring that the parish can continue to offer spiritual guidance, social support, and a place for communal activities. In this way, donations have a far-reaching impact, benefiting both the physical structure of the church and the spiritual and social fabric of the Westport community.