St. Michael’s Church Gurteen
St. Michael’s Church was built in 1932 and it is dedicated to the memory of Fr. Michael Griffin, a native of Gurteen and a priest of Clonfert Diocese. On the 15th of November 1920, aged 28 years, he was murdered by crown forces while working as a curate in St. Joseph’s Parish, Presentation Road, Galway.
The Church building is a beautiful cut-stone structure with stained glass windows from the Harry Clarke Studios. It is open every day and visited by people beyond the parish because of its connection with Fr. Michael Griffin.
The deterioration of the Bell support in the Tower was identified while remedial work was being completed on roof of the Church. The damage has been assessed by conservation engineers and is noted to be in urgent need of repair. We hope the restoration of the Bell will bring greater attention to the building and to its memory.
Our church is much loved by the community and is an important part of its life. The Church Bell has a significant role in gathering people together and in evoking memories of happy and sad occasions in the lives of the people.
We are most grateful to the Heritage Council and Galway County Council for their generous support in the restoration project.
On the 18th August from 2pm to 3pm members of the Parish Council will be at the church to meet visitors. The Church is a revered place of prayer, sacred to the local community, this will be respected at all times.
Photo: Current condition of the bell.