Churches in LorrHa – Dorrha
The stained-glass windows come to us from 1920 and are of the Celtic revivalist style from a studio in Youghal. They portray St. Ruadhán, patron saint of the parish of Lorrha and St. Patrick, our national apostle. The seats were donated by local families.
Michael Killeen designed the especially beautiful hanging cross dominating the sanctuary showing a resurrected Christ, fashionable in post Vatican Council days and a revival of an early tradition in the high crosses, this one being influenced by the Dysert O’Dea cross in Co Clare c 1160.
Three carvings at the front of the church are from the adjacent 13th c Dominican Priory, left is a typical 13th century male figure. Top is a winged Dominican prior that was an arch support possibly set in the cloister area, the third is a figure which was set where two arches met, again possibly in the cloister area. For more information check Parish of Lorrha and Dorrha – Killaloe Diocese
A pointed doorway with decoration was added below the arched one in the 15th century. The shafts of two 8th/9th century High crosses are located in the graveyard, to the west of the church.
The 15th century doorway with rose motifs, vine leaves and a pelican drawing blood from its breast. In medieval bestiary a pelican is a bird who revives its dead young with the blood from its breast. It represents Christ on the cross shedding his blood for humanity.
Source: Megalitic Ireland
Architect Anthony M. O’Neill designed the church, with a vision inspired by the Second Vatican Council, to encourage “full, conscious, and active participation of the people” and emphasize the Eucharist as “the summit and source of Christian life.” The most prominent interior feature is a circular reinforced concrete beam, which symbolizes the mysteries of the rosary, connecting with the church’s dedication to Our Lady. This beam, along with the stations of the cross, is crafted in enamelled bronze.
Upon entering, visitors are met with a suspended sculpture of the Resurrected Christ by artist David King, who also created the stations and mysteries of the rosary. A carved statue of Our Lady with outstretched arms, sheltering a group of children within her cloak, is crafted by Brid Ni Rinn from local ash wood. Located in a separate Our Lady’s Chapel, this statue offers a quiet space for lighting candles and reflection.
The church’s design fosters a close and communal experience during the Eucharist. Its vibrant, modern colours, still striking after forty years, invite reflection, prayer, and quiet meditation. The altar, ambo and chair are harmoniously coordinated, and much of the original stained glass from the previous church has been preserved in the Reconciliation Room, as well as within the church itself, honouring the legacy of the site. For more information check Parish of Lorrha and Dorrha – Killaloe Diocese