Our Story


THE CHURCH'S HISTORY

THE BEGINNING


The Church of the Immaculate Conception was officially opened on the 15th of August 1897 and cost at that time £5000. A large part of this cost was raised locally at a time in Ireland when times were hard and money was scarce. Several thousand pounds was raised by emigrants particularly in the United States.

 

Galloon Parish Anthem

 

The River Finn

 

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia

The River Finn doth make its way through Newtown and Linaskea

Where we fished for Perch and trolled for Pike

And watched the spoon bate spin

Chorus: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia

 

When i was young I went to school in a place they called Clonyre

Back home at four, we would roam the shore of the lovely River Finn

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia

 

Oh happy days we spent along that well known river shore

When the wind was west the fun was best of the lovely River Finn

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia

 

Now I'm old and grey and I must away for all men they must die

In Heav'n above with God I love a new life to begin

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia

 

 

RENOVATIONS

 

The church closed for major renovations which took place from April 2009 till June 2012. The estimated cost of the project cost in the region of one million pounds.

 

The renovation was the largest works carried out on the building since it opened in 1897. Phase one included new lime plaster inside and out, a new roof, new plumbing and electrics, as well as a new ground floor. It has been an exciting time for the Parishioners of Galloon and Parish Priest Fr Michael King continues to appeal to everyone young and old to contribute to the fundraising to become part of a project which will hand a fine place of worship onto future generations.

 

Phase two of the development was completed in 2012 with a new adoration church built onto the side of the main building as well as a new toilet block, committee room and Parish office.

 

The official dedication of the new building took place on Friday 22nd June 2012, and at this time live streaming cameras were integrated into the church.