File containing photographic prints of the Stewart-Bam residence at Ards House, Creeslough, County Donegal. These are images of the residence (and former owners) before the Capuchin friars took possession of Ards House in 1930. Some of the prints were reproduced in 'A history of Ards' (1991) by Fr. David Kelleher OFM Cap. The file includes: • Copy print of the gardens at Ards House in 1859. Fr. David notes that this photograph was taken by David Knox (1821-1895). • Sir Pieter von Blommenstein Bam in the uniform of a Lieutenant Colonel during the Boer War in South Africa, c.1900. • The staff of Ards House in 1906. The photograph is annotated on the reverse with the names of the male and female servants. • Servants and staff welcoming the newly married Ena Dingwell Tasca Stewart-Bam and Sir Pieter von Blommenstein Bam (d. 20 Dec. 1928) at Ards House in 1910. The smaller copy of the print has the following annotation: ‘Taken over 20 years ago, at some kind of reception given to the Stewards by his tenants xx – Sir Peter and Lady Stewart. Arrow on photograph points to present gardener (W. Barr)’. • An original print of a group with two jarveys outside Ards House in about 1910. • Copy print of a sketch map of the Ards Estate Home Farm Offices, the property of A.J.R. Stewart. • Ena Dingwell Tasca Stewart-Bam on the front stairway in Ards House in c.1910. • A woman with a young child (presumably tenants) outside a cottage on the Ards Estate.
Programmes for ‘New Year’s Entertainment’, ‘It’s the trade mark Counts’, and ‘Professor Tim’ presented by the theological Students at Ard Mhuire Capuchin Friary. The programmes list the characters and the actors (friars) playing these parts.
File relating to the establishment of a lay confraternity of the Third Order of St. Francis attached to Ard Mhuire Capuchin Friary. The file includes a letter from the Most Rev. William McFeely, Bishop of Raphoe, granting permission for the establishment of a branch of the Third Order of St. Francis.
An image of Capuchin friars and other individuals on top of a belt-driven thresher feeding sheaves of corn into the thresher drum. The image was taken on the farm adjoining Ard Mhuire Friary.
A copy of 'Uproar in Dungloe' by Naoi nGiallach. The text refers to the famous personages from Dungloe including the 1916 Rising and War of Independence veteran, Joseph Sweeney (1897-1980).
Correspondence re plumbing and electrical work on Ard Mhuire Capuchin Friary. The file includes a Bill of Quantities (and costs) for ‘sundry works in connection with proposed alterations to mechanical, electrical and sanitary plumbing services’ at Ard Mhuire. The correspondents include Fr. Simeon Breen OFM Cap., guardian, J.R. Boyd Barrett, 5 Camden Place, Cork, architect, Fr. Anthony Boran OFM Cap., Provincial Minister. Some of the letters refer to the deferment of plans for the painting of the Friary church and choir.
File relating to an application seeking a remission on the valuation (and rates) paid on Ard Mhuire Friary. It is noted that the Friary ‘is used exclusively as a theological training centre for the Capuchin Franciscan Order, which is a charitable religious organization, in which students are prepared for the missionary and apostolic work of the Order, both at home and abroad’. The correspondents include Fr. Berchmans McCarthy OFM Cap., guardian, Donegal County Council, James P. Sweeney, Falcarragh, County Donegal, solicitor, and Donal O’Buachalla & Co., property consultant, 86 Merrion Square, Dublin 2. The file includes demand notices (and receipts) for rate payments.
Clipping of an article by Paddy Walsh titled ‘A Visit to Ard Mhuire’ published in the 'Donegal People’s Press' (28 Dec. 1984). The article traces the history of the Ards estate and refers to the work of the friars at the retreat centre. The article includes a photographic print of Fr. David Kelleher OFM Cap. (1912-1995), Fr. Albert Hayes OFM Cap. (1915-2005) and Br. Gabriel McGillicuddy OFM Cap. (1901-1998).
Report of the canonical visitation of Ard Mhuire Capuchin Friary by Fr. Aloysius Travers OFM Cap. It is noted that the community consists of eighteen students of theology, four priests, and three lay brothers. It is also noted that Fr. Aloysius examined the ‘Mass books and account books of the House’.
