Memorandum of agreement of Stephen Lalor [var. Lawlor], builder, Walkin Street, Kilkenny with Fr. Fidelis Neary OSFC, guardian, Capuchin Friary. The agreement (compiled by M.M. Murphy, solicitor) stipulates that Lalor will complete the building works on the Capuchin Friary and Chapel in Kilkenny according to the specifications set down by Samuel Francis Hynes, architect. The total cost of the works and labour is £3,430 13s 4d.
Notes possibly compiled by Fr. Benvenutus Guy OSFC (1860-1927) regarding the simple professions of Br. Malachy Austin OSFC of Cork, Br. Fidelis Neary OSFC of Freshford and Br. Anthony Cooney OSFC of Killaloe at the Friary Church in Kilkenny. Fr. Albert Mitchell OSFC of Dublin, Custos Provincial, received their vows. Fr. Louis Hennessy OSFC, guardian of the Church Street Friary, Dublin, preached at the Mass. Fr. Francis Hayes OSFC ‘being the Guardian of Kilkenny’ was also present. On 21 Sept. 1881 it was noted that six priests were ordained – ‘five of whom were the exiled French Capuchin students, the sixth was Fr. Fidelis Neary OSFC of Freshford’
Draft recollections of deceased Irish Capuchin friars compiled by an unknown author (but certainly by another friar). The texts are titled ‘Some who have gone before’ and ‘Predecessors / A Capuchin Reverie’. The text includes personal recollections of: Fr. Leonard Brophy OFM Cap. (1869-1930) Fr. Albert Bibby OFM Cap. (1877-1925) Fr. Matthew O’Connor OFM Cap. (d. 27 Apr. 1930) Br. Felix Harte OFM Cap. (d. 11 Jan. 1935) Fr. Fidelis Neary OFM Cap. (d. 22 June 1932) Fr. Sebastian O’Brien OFM Cap. (1867-1931) Fr. Paul Neary OFM Cap. (d. 20 June 1939) The text also refers to several friars who have been given pseudonyms such as ‘Philemon’, ‘Junius’, and ‘Marcion’. The text includes references to Fr. Albert’s role in the 1916 Rising and in the later revolutionary period. It reads: ‘He felt, as few did, the piercing griefs of the young widows of Easter Week. Often would he visit them of an evening. … He made friends with the wistful little son and daughter who were orphaned by the bullets that took [Thomas] MacDonagh’s life away, and who were made motherless by the cruel waves that closed over the drowning body of the patriot’s bride [Muriel MacDonagh drowned in the sea off Skerries, County Dublin, on 9 July 1917]. For them he had a special corner in his affections. All his heart went out to that wee pair, so tragic, so utterly lonely’. The file also includes an attached clipping referring to the re-interment of the bodies of Fr. Albert Bibby OFM Cap. and Fr. Dominic O’Connor OFM Cap. in Rochestown Capuchin Cemetery on 14 June 1958
Register of masses at the Church of St. Francis, Kilkenny. The entries include the signatures of the celebrants. The title is given on the first page: ‘Liber celebrationis missarum commenced September 1st 1893, Fr. Fidelis Neary, guardian’. Monthly totals of masses are given periodically.
Requisitions on title on behalf of the trustees of the Cork Assembly Rooms relating to rents payable under the lease of certain premises on Queen Street dated 1 Jan. 1846 (see CA HT/2/1/1/9). The requisitions also ask for negative searches in the Registry of Deeds against Fr. Thomas Matthew O’Connor OSFC, Fr. Michael Leonard Brophy OSFC and Fr. Michael Fidelis Neary OSFC. Prepared by Gregg, Jermyn & Sons, solicitors, Cork.
