Franciscans to sever 700-year link with town

A SHARP decline in religious vocations is set to sever the Franciscan Order’s 700-year link with the south Tipperary town of Carrick-On-Suir.

The Friars will announce their departure date within the next two months, while the order is also planning to take its leave from neighbouring Clonmel before the end of 2008. The Friary Church building in Carrick-On-Suir is to be donated to the Respond Housing Association, which is promising to do its utmost to preserve the artifacts, including the stained glass windows.

That decision has been lauded by the town’s mayor, Syliva Cooney-Sheehan, who said it reflects what the Franciscans are all about.