Welcome to St. Martins de Porres Parish Old Bawn

BRIEF HISTORY OF PARISH

The Parish of St. Martin de Porres, Old Bawn, stretches southwards from the Square Shopping Centre to the foot of the Dublin mountains. The Parish encompasses well established estates such as St. Maelruan’s Park, Watergate, Old Bawn, Aylesbury and in more recent years Ellensborough and Marlfield caring pastorally for well over 3,000 homes. The church, as far as we know the only parish church in Ireland dedicated to St. Martin De Porres, was officially opened and blessed by Archbishop Dermot Ryan on 12^th December 1976.

The dedication to St. Martin reflects the Dominican origins of the parish. For twenty two years, it was shaped and formed by the Dominican priests and sisters who

lived and worked alongside the local community in Old Bawn. Many of these are still fondly remembered for the role they played during those years. In 1985, Old Bawn was formally constituted as a parish and, in August 1999, in view of their falling numbers, the Dominicans passed over care of the parish to the Dublin diocese. This was a significant change – it was the first time a parish was handed over from a religious order to the diocese. It was made easier by the careful preparation carried out by the area bishop, Eamon Walsh. It was also helped by the cooperation and support of the departing Dominicans, led by Fr. Alfie Byrne OP, and the openness and enthusiasm of the incoming diocesan priests Fr. Liam Lacey, Fr. Derek Farrell and the people of the parish.

Today, St. Martin’s is a mature parish with a high degree of lay participation. The Parish Team consists of Fr. Michael Hurley, Fr. Piaras MacLochlainn, Fr. Jose Bharanikulangara, Fr. Antony Cheeramvelil Sabastian.

This year is a special ‘Year of Celebration’ for the parish as it marks the 40^th Anniversary of the church which will give us a chance to reflect, celebrate and look forward with confidence and hope.