January - 2019

Grange Parish Blog

History of Grange Church in the Limerick Archives

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 In the meantime, Dianne McGuinness of New York drew a historical document to my attention.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 husban

Article from the Grange Parish Book suggested for reading this week (week 13)

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,

Article from the Grange Parish Book suggested for reading this week (week 12)

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 histo

Article from the Grange Parish Book suggested for reading this week (week 11)

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 adva

Article from the Grange Parish Book suggested for reading this week (week 10)

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

Joe Pilates continuing to keep Grange People in shape, Courtesy of Ann Byrnes!

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

Article from the Grange Parish Book suggested for reading this week (week 9)

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. An