St. Mary's Church - Desertserges

(Grid reference 390536 :Ordnance Survey of Ireland: Discovery Series 86)

Pictures here

The fascinating site of St Mary’s is extremely ancient, going back to the 8th Century, and maybe earlier, as the Early Christians often adopted sites that were already considered sacred.
The name comes from Diseart Searghusa – Hermitage of Saint Searges. He is supposed to have been a disciple of St Colman or Mocolmog of Kinneigh.
Prior to the 1100’s Desertserges was one of seven parishes in the Diocese of Kinneigh. In 1199 it was included in the newly reorganised Diocese of Cork.

A list of named clergy goes back to 1591.  The present building was built about the year 1805 at the cost of £553 16/- 11d. – a lot of money in those days.

The grave yard is of particular importance. In it are burials belonging to both the Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland communities (and who knows, maybe others too.) Much of the graveyard is taken up by famine graves – unmarked, a sad reminder of Ireland’s darker times.

The tower is now in a dangerous condition.
Ivy is growing thickly inside (visible at the top); pigeons are using it as a breeding loft; the bell hanging is unstable and there is dangerous stonework. The tower roof has partially collapsed and the pinnacles need attention. 

This will be phase 1 in an ongoing programme of restoration. We are now putting out to tender and hope work will soon be under way.

We've raised €24,000 and need another €10,000 for the tower. Please will you help us?

Here are a few of the things we have done -
Local History Talk; BBQ; Raffles; Bring and Buy; Coffee Morning; History of Lace Making Evening; Cake stalls; Crossword puzzle; Concert. People have given generously but we are a very tiny community.

Next -
Open Gardens at David and Mary Tanner's on Sunday 6th July 10 - 6pm at Desert Cross - (about a mile west of the Church)- Refreshments and a wonderfully creative garden to admire.

Flower Festival 3rd/4th/5th October THE DESERT SHALL FLOWER
Friday
8pm                    Opening Celebration

Saturday
11am - 5pm       Church open; refreshments; autumn preserves on sale; Lace Making Exhibition (this included in the price of the ticket;) and lots more!

Sunday
10.30am             Festival Eucharist
12noon               Open (as above)
7.30pm               Songs of praise

Coaches welcome



Please make cheques payable to “Friends of St. Mary’s Desertserges”
c/o Graham Garland, Castleview, Derrymeeleen, Ballineen, Co. Cork

(Sorry, we don't have card facilities. Cheques can be International - enquire at your local bank.)

 THANK YOU