Rahan: the final curtain
The Rahan Parish Hall was full for the launch of Kevin Laheen’s The Jesuits in Tullabeg: the final curtain. Solicitor Michael Byrne gave an excellent, scholarly introduction to the book, which tells the story of Tullabeg from 1914 to 1991 when Fr Brendan Murray, the last Rector, closed the front door for the last time and handed over the keys to the purchaser. The house moved from being a noviciate to a house of philosophy to a retreat house for lay people. It touched the local community through the ministry of priests like John Hyde. In the 1940s Rector Donal O’Sullivan commissioned Evie Hone’s wonderful stained glass, and many other works of art. Kevin has written an unexpectedly rich history, with splendid illustrations. You can read Michael Byrne’s address here.