Franciscan order goes to High Court over sit-in at Clonmel church

Mr Justice David Nolan granted Matthew Jolley, counsel for the SF Trust, permission to serve proceedings over alleged trespass on prayer group officers, secretary Joseph McCormack, and chairman Patrick O'Gorman

The Franciscan friary in Clonmel, Co Tipperary. The Abbey House of Prayer Group sought to keep the church open as a place of prayer with occasional liturgical celebrations. Picture: Franciscans.ie

The Franciscan Order has brought a High Court action over an alleged sit-in of its Friary Church in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, by a prayer group which was allowed to temporarily hold services there.

The Abbey House Prayer Group signed a May 2023 temporary caretaker's agreement for the church with the SF Trust CLG, which is the legal owner of the property, and held for the benefit of the Franciscan Province of Ireland, the Order of Friars Minor, and the Franciscan Brotherhood. The prayer group organised Mass to be held twice a week along with confessions.