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.
File relating to the proposal from Bord Fáilte to build a heritage and exhibition centre celebrating the life and times of St. Colmcille on the site of the Capuchin Retreat House at Ards, Creeslough, County Donegal. The correspondents include Fr. Fidelis O’Connell OFM Cap., Fr. Patrick Flynn OFM Cap., Fr. Eustace McSweeney OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, Fr. F.X. Martin OSA, and Dermot A. Walsh, Chairman, Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo Tourism. It was noted that the ‘location of Ards Friary for this project would ensure that the monastic theme would have a real and live meaning and would enhance the existing and well supported facilities’. The project was not ultimately realized.
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.
Letters from the Most Rev. William MacNeely, Bishop of Raphoe (1888-1963), granting diocesan faculties to the Capuchin friars of Ard Mhuire. The letter of 4 May 1931 reads: 'I hereby grant to the Fathers at Ard Mhuire the faculties of the diocese as our priests usually enjoy them. Apart from general or provincial reservations, there is no peculiar limitations with us, except in regard to makers of poteen or sellers of spirits (even licit) outside licensed premises'.
List of benedictions at Ard Mhuire Capuchin Friary approved by the Most Rev. William MacNeely, Bishop of Raphoe (1888-1963). An addendum reads ‘Novenas for Feasts of St. Francis and Immaculate Conception. Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament on First Fridays (monthly retreat)’. With typescript copies signed and dated 21 Dec. 1952.
Record Book of the Father Mathew Total Abstinence Association attached to Ard Mhuire Capuchin Friary. The volume contains lists of life and temporary members of the Association and records members who were given temperance badges. The book appears to have been compiled by Fr. David Kelleher OFM Cap.
Correspondence of Fr. David Kelleher OFM Cap. with P.J. McLoughlin & Company, Ardnacassa, Longford, Mount Salus Press Ltd., Sandymount, Dublin 4, and Aerofilms Ltd., 6 Elstree Way, Borehma Wood, Hertfordshire, re the taking of aerial photographs of Ard Mhuire Friary for reproduction in postcard prints.
Report of Fr. Paul Murphy OFM Cap., chaplain to Letterkenny Regional Technical College in County Donegal (10 May 1983). The file also includes a prospectus and student union’s handbook for the college (1982-3).
Letters from the Most Rev. Anthony McFeely, Bishop of Raphoe (1909-1986), to Fr. Nicholas O’Brien OFM Cap. and Fr. Berard Creed OFM Cap. thanking the Capuchin friars for placing Ard Mhuire at the disposal of diocesan priests for their annual retreats. Bishop McFeely also refers to the plans for the Friary. He writes: ‘We understand, of course, that the future of Ards presents you with a difficult problem; we only hope that the Fathers can remain’.
Short biographical histories and chronologies by Fr. Angelus Healy OFM Cap. of Fr. Bryan McDonnell OSFC (1716-1782) and Fr. Michael Collins OSFC with particular reference to their ministries in Cork. References are made in the biography of Fr. Collins to extracts from Fr. Nicholas Archbold’s 'Historie' and Fr. Robert O’Connell’s 'Historia' which refer to his life.
