Introduction The Grange Book articles on Grange Church were featured in a blog post on this website recently - week 12 of our serialisation of the book. In the meantime, Dianne McGuinness of New York drew a historical document to my attention. Those who are familiar with the Grange Parish Book or with the content of this website will know that Dianne was responsible for the research for the article on The Purcell Family of Grange which charted the Irish ancestry of her husband, Michael, going back to the mid-1700s in the Grange locality. The document (link to digital archive is provided below), which is held in the archives of Limerick City and County Council, appears to be an undated letter

There are no more Sparks Flying at The Old Forge in Grange! In Ireland, the blacksmith traditionally played an important role in the community. He not only shod horses, ponies and donkeys as a farrier but also repaired agricultural implements, shod wheels and often made gates and railings. He contributed to domestic life by making the crane that held the boiling pot over the open fire, the pot hook that connected the pot to the crane, the tongs that attended to the fire and, in the event of an accident, he could be called on to put a leg on the pot. It used to be that every town and village in Ireland had at least one forge and a blacksmith. The blacksmith provided a valuable service for tho

Grange Church (Dedicated to Saints Bridget and Patrick) The foundation stone to the present church in Grange was laid on 10 July 1837 by Bishop Dr Ryan. The new church replaced the old 18th century thatched building. The present church has been renovated and upgraded over the years since it was originally established. The cross on the roof blew down during 'The Big Wind' of 1839 - it was reinstated and has remained in position since then. Mary Gallagher charted the history of Grange Church in her article in the Grange Book. The following is an extract relating to upgrading/renovations carried out in 1996/1997. "The refurbishment commenced in 1996 and was completed the following year. Th

Farming in the Past This week (week 11) the suggested article for reading from the Grange Parish Book provides insightful and fascinating accounts of farming in the past. Austin Cregan and Tom Casey combined to bring the reader right through from the 1940s into the 1960s, charting the farming methods, challenges and the advances of the times. Austin provided a detailed account of farming routines and practices during the 1940s and 1950s, including the utilisation of and advances in farming technologies. He lauded the men and women, assisted by great workhorses, who undertook back-breaking work that was performed before the arrival of the various machinery and, of course, electricity. He als

Poteen - 'Irish Moonshine' This week's article, The Wonders and Dangers of Poteen, was compiled by the Book Committee, inspired by a story recounted by Michael Weekes, Holycross, a member of the committee. Variously called “the hard stuff,” “the cure,” “mountain dew,” “holy water” and “Katie Daly,” poteen has been around for centuries. The stories, romantic and otherwise, around the production and use of poteen are indelibly entrenched in Irish folklore. The article is based upon a letter dated 27th March 1984 received by Michael Weekes from Lars Erik Calonius, Staff Reporter, The Wall Street Journal, European Bureau, International Press Centre, London, and an earlier publication (February 1

Hi All, Get Fit and Healthy for 2019! Pilates for all ages at the Community Hall in the Old Schoolhouse, Grange. Monday mornings at 11.15am - pay as you go - €7 per class. Please share this notice. Thank you. Miriam Gallagher, Secretary, Grange Cross Residents Association (GCRA}. #Pilates #KeepFit #AnnByrnes #Workout #GrangeCommunityHall

Anthony Bourke of Grange This week (week 9) the suggested reading from the Grange Parish Book is a beautifully written article about her father, Anthony Bourke of Grange, written by Marion Dawson. Anthony, an all-too-young man, passed away suddenly in February, 1974. He was in the middle of building a hay barn. As Marion said, 'his soft heart failed him'. Those of us who are old enough to remember Anthony's passing will recall the shock throughout the parish and beyond. Anthony was in his prime, a strong, energetic and healthy-looking man - anchorman for a local tug-of-war team. Marion charted the Bourke and Doran (Anthony's mother was Doran) families of Grange and the life of her fathe