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.