1950 – Our Lady of the Rosary, Ennis Rd., Limerick

Architect: Corr & McCormick

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This was the first completed work of Corr & McCormick, commissioned in 1949 as a chapel of ease for the growing parish of St Munchin in Limerick. Growing being the important word as the church was first extended in 1956, and later in 1979 after a sacristy fire in 1976. The idea was to erect a structure that could be built quickly and, if necessary, later dismantled and re-erected. It was largely seen as a temporary measure until a permanent solution could be found. Originally it was a long rectangular plan measuring 115 feet by 34 feet with a flat roof canopy covering a walkway from the Italianate campanile to entrance, supported by steel piloti. The exterior was completed in creosoted weatherboarding. Subsequent extensions received the same exterior treatment.

The Shell Guide to Ireland of 1967 described the church as “one of the more significant recent contributions to Irish Ecclesiastical Architecture and Art”. On the exterior of the campanile is a carved teak statue of Our Lady of Fatima, by Oisín Kelly. Two carved figures, by Imogen Stuart, depicting the Annunciation hung on either side of the north entrance to the church. However, during renovations, these figures were taken down and they disappeared. Kelly also helped design the original altar furnishings, sadly since replaced. The sanctuary was also later modified to accommodate late three 19th century stained glass windows by Mayer from St. Mary’s Convent.

Corr & McCormick also designed an adjacent school which has been demolished.

Published January 12, 2025 | Last Updated January 16, 2025