Pictured below is the author, Brother Gerarld Smith (2nd from left) and Bishop Leo O’Reilly along with members of the Breifne Historical Society and some of the Religious in the Diocese.

A new book called The Religious Sisters and Brothers of the Diocese of Kilmore was launched in the Pastoral Centre, Cavan on Thursday evening 29 July.  The book, which was written by Br Gerald Smith, OSF, who is a native of the parish of Denn, gives details of the lives of religious sisters and brothers from every parish in the diocese of Kilmore over a two hundred year period.  In all 1,165 religious sisters and brothers from Kilmore are listed in it.

Mary McEnroe, is one of the religious sisters listed here. She was born in Munterconnaught in 1865.  In 1882, when she was seventeen years old, she sailed on the Lady Louisa ship to Australia and endured terrifying storms and periods in the doldrums with no winds to propel them forward. The trip lasted 121 days before they finally reached Western Australia. When she arrived there she entered the Mercy order in Perth. She died just three years later. Her remarkable diary, which she kept during her voyage to Australia, is included in this book.

Michael Francis O’Reilly is also listed in this book. He was born in Bailieborough in 1846. A year later all the family emigrated to America to escape the worst of the Great Famine.  He joined the De La Salle Brothers in New York before returning to England where he received a Doctorate in science from the University of London. He taught science in universities in Ireland, England and the United States and became one of the foremost scientists of his time, taking one of the first x rays ever used for medical purposes.  He died in 1917.

These are just two of the many remarkable and heroic people listed in this important book. The launch began with a special liturgy acknowledging and celebrating the contribution of religious sisters and brothers to the Church worldwide over the generations.  Bishop Leo O’Reilly, Sr Anna Smith, Br Peter Roddy, Fr Liam Kelly and Br Gerald Smith spoke at the launch. The book, which costs €25, is being sold by Cavan Genealogy Centre, The Johnston Library, Cavan. Contact Mary Sullivan at 049-4361094 or Email: [email protected]  It is also on sale in each parish in the diocese or may be got in Crannóg book shop in Cavan.