A sit in overnight protest is ongoing in the Franciscan Friary in Clonmel. The Franciscan leader Br. Aidan McGrath announced just before Christmas that the Abbey would close permanently on December 31st.
A local Group, known as the Abbey House of Prayer Group, that have been managing the building and organising a rota of priests to say two Masses per week since June 2023 are anxious to continue using the building. The matter may come to a head on January 6th when Brother Aidan returns from his Christmas break. Local Cllr Richie Molloy and South Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath are both calling for a solution to allow the continued use of the Church for public prayer and Mass.
Over 400 people have signed a petition on Change.org in support of keeping the Abbey House of Prayer in operation. The petition is organised by Clonmel man Thomas Ryan who highlights “the significant contribution places of worship like these make in ensuring the overall wellness of individuals and communities. A study published by the University of Sussex (2019) confirms that historical religious buildings contribute to mental well-being and bring a sense of belonging. The Friary in Clonmel is no exception” according to the petition which can be viewed at this link here.
