History walk to raise funds for Athlone church repairs

A walk and talk history tour of Athlone will take place this Sunday afternoon (July 16) in order to help raise funds for repairs at St Mary's Church of Ireland in the town.

Rev William Steacy explained that there are plans to repair the doors on the west side of the church, starting in January. It's hoped that grant funding may be available toward some of the cost of this work, but fundraising initiatives will also be required to help pay for it.

He said that, at 3pm on Sunday, a walk and talk history tour would be conducted by Anne Marie Casey, "who is very enthusiastic about all things historical".

The event starts and finishes at St Mary's Church of Ireland, where there will be a cup of tea afterwards. All donations for the tour will go towards the ongoing repairs at St Mary's Church, and will be much appreciated.

In addition, the Athlone Church of Ireland parish will hold its annual open-air service at Temple Connor in the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise on Sunday, July 30, at 4pm.

The guest preacher will be the Rev Máirt Hanley, who describes himself as a preacher, poet, musician and cook.

He is rector of the Baltinglass Group of Parishes in Wicklow and will be preaching on pilgrimage - its ancient origins and the revival of interest in recent years. A picnic will follow the service, and all are welcome to attend.

St Mary's Church of Ireland will also be open during Heritage Week next month.

The building, on Church Street, will be open between between 1.30pm and 4.30pm from Monday, August 14, to Sunday, August 20.

Anne Marie Casey will be conducting tours of the historic church during these days, and all are welcome to visit.