1859 – St. Patrick’s Church, Celbridge, Co. Kildare

A good example of McCarthy’s work, the columned arches between the nave and aisles marching towards the sanctuary, all under a fine open timber roof. Clerestory windows above the apex of the archways, the roof beams leading to plain corbels and visually down to the columns – a near contemporary of his more ornate work at Meath Street in Dublin’s Liberties, this is McCarthy at his peaceful best. Largely intact interior, albeit minus the marble pulpit and altar railings in the heritage photograph. The three lancet windows depicted still maintain their surrounding decoration.

“The foundation stone of the new church of St. Patrick, Celbridge, was laid on Sunday in week before last. The architect is Mr. J.J. M’Carthy, and the design is Early Gothic. Mr. R. Farrell, of Dublin, builder, is the contractor. The site is at the rear of the present parish chapel. The new church will be 130 feet in length, and 60 feet in width. It will comprise nave and side aisles. At the end of the north aisle will be placed the chapel of the Sacrament, and at the termination of the north aisle will be erected the chapel of the Virgin. The great oriel window of the church will be a triplet of stained glass. Another end of the edifice will also have an illuminated window, the designs of each being commemorative of some great event of Gospel history. The building will be of solid limestone, with Gothic front and belfry. The interior will be completed with open woodwork roof, and with the usual Early Gothic decorations. The church of St. Catherine in Meath-street, now finished, and the church of St. Saviour in course of completion, were designed by the same architect.”
The Builder, March 28 1857

“The plan consists of nave, side aisles, chancel, eastern chapels, tower, not yet commenced; dimensions in clear being 115 feet by 50 feet, and height from floor to ridge 58 feet. The aisles are lighted by long, narrow, single-light windows, and the clerestory has double-light windows with tracery and label mouldings. At the ends of aisles are double-light windows similar in character, and in the western gable are two tall lancet-headed lights with rose window over, and connected externally by a wide relieving arch and label moulding. Buttresses are introduced at the angles of the nave and aisles, as also the tower, which is divided into four stages, in three of which are windows, and terminated by a spire with gabled lights. The contractor is Mr. Robert Farrell of Dublin, and the amount of contract 3.000. the stained glass is from Hardman of Birmingham, and Wailes of Newcastle-on-Tynes. Style Early English. The clerestory is being built at present”
The Builder, March 27 1858