CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART FERRY BANK
CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART FERRY BANK COUNTY KILKENNY [AUGUST 2025]
I must admit that when I visited the area in the past I was unaware that I was in County Kilkenny rather than County Waterford.
The Church of the Sacred Heart, Ferrybank
The Church of the Sacred Heart is a prominent building in Ferrybank, and its location can be a source of confusion for visitors. While Ferrybank is often closely associated with Waterford City, it is indeed located within County Kilkenny. The parish itself is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ossory, which primarily serves County Kilkenny.
History of the Church
The history of the Church of the Sacred Heart is tied to the expansion of the Catholic community in Ferrybank in the 19th century. The church was built in two main phases, with the initial construction beginning in 1867.
Architectural Design: The church was designed by the notable architectural firm of Pugin & Ashlin. This partnership was a key force in the Gothic Revival movement in Ireland, and their influence is visible in the church's design, including the striking tower and spire that were added.
The Barron Family: The construction was initiated with the intention of rebuilding a pre-existing church, a project supported by a local landowner, Sir Henry Page Turner Barron. The church's tower walls were designed to include the Barron family vault, linking the building directly to the local gentry.
A Living Church: Today, the Church of the Sacred Heart remains an active and vital place of worship for the local community. It holds regular masses, and its parish website lists a full schedule of religious services, including events for Holy Week and Christmas.
The Graveyard: Active and Historic
The large graveyard surrounding the Church of the Sacred Heart is both historic and active.
Historic Significance: The cemetery contains many old headstones and is the final resting place of generations of local families. It also holds graves with historic significance, including war casualties, reflecting the area's long history.
Current Status: The graveyard is still in use for new burials. The parish holds annual cemetery masses and remembrance services, a clear sign that it is an active burial ground that continues to serve the community. The upkeep and continued use of the graveyard show that it is a living part of the parish, not just a historical site.
I must admit that when I visited the area in the past I was unaware that I was in County Kilkenny rather than County Waterford.
The Church of the Sacred Heart, Ferrybank
The Church of the Sacred Heart is a prominent building in Ferrybank, and its location can be a source of confusion for visitors. While Ferrybank is often closely associated with Waterford City, it is indeed located within County Kilkenny. The parish itself is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ossory, which primarily serves County Kilkenny.
History of the Church
The history of the Church of the Sacred Heart is tied to the expansion of the Catholic community in Ferrybank in the 19th century. The church was built in two main phases, with the initial construction beginning in 1867.
Architectural Design: The church was designed by the notable architectural firm of Pugin & Ashlin. This partnership was a key force in the Gothic Revival movement in Ireland, and their influence is visible in the church's design, including the striking tower and spire that were added.
The Barron Family: The construction was initiated with the intention of rebuilding a pre-existing church, a project supported by a local landowner, Sir Henry Page Turner Barron. The church's tower walls were designed to include the Barron family vault, linking the building directly to the local gentry.
A Living Church: Today, the Church of the Sacred Heart remains an active and vital place of worship for the local community. It holds regular masses, and its parish website lists a full schedule of religious services, including events for Holy Week and Christmas.
The Graveyard: Active and Historic
The large graveyard surrounding the Church of the Sacred Heart is both historic and active.
Historic Significance: The cemetery contains many old headstones and is the final resting place of generations of local families. It also holds graves with historic significance, including war casualties, reflecting the area's long history.
Current Status: The graveyard is still in use for new burials. The parish holds annual cemetery masses and remembrance services, a clear sign that it is an active burial ground that continues to serve the community. The upkeep and continued use of the graveyard show that it is a living part of the parish, not just a historical site.