On the 26th September 1991 the parish of Dalkey celebrated the l50th anniversary of the opening of the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The
celebration was not confined to that one day. It lasted a full week
and had a double purpose. Firstly it was to give thanks to God
for a century and a half of prayer and worship in the Church in
Castle Street.
Secondly, it was to mark the completion of the massive programme of
restoration, during which the old building was completely renovated
and prepared for another century and a half of Christian worship.
This booklet tries to recapture the joy of that week and to record
the events that made it a time to remember in the history of our
parish. It looks back on 150 years of parish life in Dalkey and
recalls some of the great figures of the past.
It also remembers those humbler parishioners whose names will never appear in any history books but whose faith and commitment have kept this parish alive and vital since 1841.
Sadly, the joy of that week was soon to be
overshadowed by sorrow. The sudden death of Father Shan Malone
shocked and grieved everyone in Dalkey.
This booklet is dedicated to the memory of a good and holy priest
who loved this church and this parish and who made an immense
contribution to its life.
May he rest in peace. Desmond Forristal, P.P.
