Advertisements from the 'Irish Times' (5 Mar. 1927), the 'Londonderry Sentinel' (15 Dec. 1928) and the 'Derry Journal' (24 Apr. 1929) for the sale of ‘the well-known and historical mansion of Ards and its demesne’. The 'Irish Times' advertisement includes a brief account of the Stewart-Bam ownership of the estate. The 'Sentinel' article advertises a ‘two-day dispersal sale of stock, crop, farming implements’ and other sundries at the Ards Estate farmyard on 19-20 Dec. 1928. The 'Derry Journal' advertisement itemizes the contents of the house (including furniture, oil portraits, silver, linen and ‘an extensive library of books’) which will be offered for sale at a series of auctions from 6 May 1929.
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.
Letter from Hugh A. Law (1872-1943), Marble Hill, County Donegal, to Fr. Colman Griffin OFM Cap., guardian, Ard Mhuire Friary, seeking permission to place trout fry in a lake located on the friary estate.
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.
Letter from Fr. Patrick Deegan, parish priest, Frosses, Lifford, County Donegal, to Fr. Berchmans McCarthy OFM Cap, guardian, Ard Mhuire Friary, re a quest to fund the repair of two churches in his parish.
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.
