Wurzburg Bishop to turn sod on new Mullagh amenity
Mullagh and the city of Wurzburg are connected through the legacy of St Kilian.
The Bishop of Wurzburg Francis Young will turn the sod on a new community amenity project at St Kilian's Heritage Centre in Mullagh.
The German bishop is visiting Cavan on Tuesday, June 7.
It follows an invitation extended to him pre-pandemic and after his elevation to the senior church role.
Mullagh and the city of Wurzburg are connected through the legacy of St Kilian.
A 7th century missionary bishop who gives the Cavan village its greatest cultural legacy, St. Kilian according to tradition was part of the great Irish Christian evangelization of Europe in the early middle ages. His missionary work took him across Gaul (France) and into Germany where he died as a martyr for the faith in Wurzburg on July 8, 689.
Kilian's deep veneration by the people of Wurzburg was an important factor in the construction of St. Kilian's Heritage Centre in Mullagh back in the mid-90s.
The proposed New Amenity Project 2022 at the heritage centre will see a new outdoor performance and dining area constructed, complete with tiered seating, sensory planting and information about the story of St Kilian.
Funding for the project, €50,000, was award under Clár. The amenity has been designed by Virginia-based Hanley Taite Design Partnership and will be built by Larry Reilly Construction, Knockbride.
Mullagh Independent County Councillor, Shane P O'Reilly, told The Anglo-Celt that once completed the new amenity will be a “major asset” for the community.
The sod turning on Tuesday will take place after Mass set to take place at 6pm at St Kilians Church in Mullagh. This will be concelebrated by Bishop of Wurzburg Francis Young, Bishop of Kilmore Martin Hayes and Fr Paul Prior PP.
The sod turning will be performed by Bishops Francis and Martin, together with Cllr Clifford Kelly Cathaoirleach Cavan Co Council.
A short ceremony will be addressed by Cllr Kelly, Cllr Trevor Smith, Cathaoirleach of Ballyjamesduff Municipal District, and Tommy Ryan Chief Executive of Cavan County Council.
Pat Smyth, Chair of the St Kilian's Heritage Trust will also address the gathering.
It is hoped that work will begin on constructing the outdoor performance space and dining area in the next fortnight, with hopes to have it completed in time for Mullagh Fair Day, Sunday, September 11.