By the year 1800, the Protestant Rector, who then lived where St. Joseph’s Nursing Home now stands, donated the site of this church in the townland of Copponagh. This church was built in 1831 when Fr. John Reilly was parish priest. It was rebuilt in part in 1926at a cost of £5,850. The lovely woodwork on the roof and porches was organised in 1926 by Fr. Bernard Gaffney PP. The splendid marble altar and furnishings and the impressive stained glass back window were the gift of Cardinal O’Connell of Boston. The Marquess of Headford was most generous also.

By 1979, dry-lining, a new concrete floor and cosy carpet tiles were put in place. A calor gas heating system and rewiring of all electrical fittings, etc., really upgraded the quality of the church magnificently. Externally, landscaping was tastefully completed, car-parking space was surfaced and all exterior walls were duly painted. All funds were raised with admirable efficiency from the initial £5000 in one week, to all that was needed throughout. In passing it is worth noting that the original granite cross and corbels of the pre 1926 church were discovered and duly set clearly on display in the roadside church car park.

In 2001 OPUS architects, Virginia, were employed to do a comprehensive survey of the building and site. Meanwhile some £9000 has been spent on re-painting the external walls and interior of sacristy area. Major works are in the pipeline to remedy woodworm and rot problems. Also, the reality of 70 cars each Sunday to be parked safely is a major headache which OPUS plans have already started to address. From the “Cinderella” church in the parish, St. Patrick’s is destined to become our precious “gem”!