Church of Saint John the Evangelist

St. John

The former Roman Catholic Church of St. John

Photographic Collection of Kilkenny County Library

St. John
Photographic Collection of Kilkenny County Library

St. John

The former Roman Catholic Church of St. John

Photographic Collection of Kilkenny County Library

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The orginal Roman Catholic Parish Church of St. John's was situated in Maudlin Street. This earlier church's construction commemced in 1840 and was finished by 1847. It was the last in line of several churches or Mass Houses that had existed in Maudlin Street. The stone from this earlier church was later used in the building of the Dr. Collier Wing of St. Kieran's College that opened in 1956. The site of the new St. John's was donated by the Marquis of Ormonde. The foundation stone was laid on the 22nd May 1897 and consecrated on the 20th of June 1908.

St. John

Chuch of St. John the Evangelist, Dublin Road, Kilkenny

Photographic Collection of Kilkenny County Library

St. John
Photographic Collection of Kilkenny County Library

St. John

Chuch of St. John the Evangelist, Dublin Road, Kilkenny

Photographic Collection of Kilkenny County Library

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The original design was by William Hague, on his death, it was completed by William H. Byrne. It was built in the neo-Gothic style popular at the time. Difficulties encountered early on meant that the original spire in the design was omitted to ensure the stability of the building. The large sculptured panel over the front door incorporates an eagle, symbol of St. John the Evangelist.

St. John

Main Altar of the Church of St.John the Evangelist, Kilkenny City

Kilkenny County Library Stock

St. John
Kilkenny County Library Stock

St. John

Main Altar of the Church of St.John the Evangelist, Kilkenny City

Kilkenny County Library Stock

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The church is often known as the O'Loughlin Memorial Church. This commemorates Thomas O'Loughlin of Sandfordscourt. Thomas' uncle Martin has made his fortune in the Australian gold rush. On inheriting this fortune Thomas carried out his uncle's wishes to build a church in his native diocese of Ossory. He donated £50,000 towards the construction of St. John's. He was later made a Papal Count in recognition of his generosity.