Enniscorthy Foundation June 2nd 1858
On June 2nd 1858 Mother Teresa Kelly accompanied by Bishop Thomas Furlong and three companions arrived in Enniscorthy from Wexford in a horse-drawn coach. The first temporary abode of the Sisters was Slaney Hall, a derelict cottage overlooking the Slaney. Their second residence was a small house, formerly a huckster’s shop, in Friary Hill. After three years of great physical hardship as they trudged the stony lanes and streets on their daily mission of mercy, their prayers were finally answered. The kindness of the new Sisters of Mercy won the hearts of generous benefactors who were anxious to help the poor who lived in squalor on the east side of the Slaney.
Mr. Richard Devereux- a wealthy Wexford Merchant- came forward and offered the Sisters £1,000 towards the building of a small convent and chapel- the latter to serve the poor of the Shannon. Several benefactors moved by the kindness of the nuns came to the rescue.
The site on which the present convent and chapel stand was a barren disused hillside where tobacco growing and manufacture of a very primitive type was carried on by the locals. The building of the house commenced immediately and involved local people with a few skilled labourers. While awaiting the completion of their new convent the sisters lodged in a small vacant house opposite the present building. Two rooms were procured in 1860 where women were taught the basics of housekeeping and children were instructed for the sacraments.
At Christmas 1866 cholera broke out in Wexford. The cholera wards of the hospital in Wexford town were full. In Enniscorthy it was confined to the poorer districts, Wood Lane is one place mentioned. Mother Teresa spent much of her time tending the sick in their homes. Up to the day before Christmas she continued to spend her mornings visiting the sick. She died at 12.00pm on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day they brought her back to Wexford where she was buried in the Convent Cemetery.
She was renowned for her great love for the poor and her deep humility.
On Christmas morning 1866 the first Mass was celebrated in the small Gothic church. The building was estimated to have cost £200 and the expense was defrayed by Mr. Richard Devereux. The walls of the chapel were of unfinished stone, the floor was a mixture of clay and gravel. There was no fixed seating, stools, benches and chairs were brought from adjoining houses. Oil lamps were used for lighting and these had to be lighted before the celebration of Mass. The new convent was opened in 1867
Finally, many extensions were made to the convent and school in the early nineties. A large patch of land advertised for sale at a very reasonable figure was purchased in the name of the Sisters of Mercy by Mother Alacoque Ryan in 1946. Sister Ryan- aunt-in-law of Seán T. O. Ceallaigh, President of Ireland 1940-1950- was an astute businesswoman who foresaw future development in education. A spacious playground for pupils was formally opened in 1932. In 1935 a large building to provide second-level education was made available and thus was paved the way for the large secondary school – Coláiste Bríde which caters for pupils from 16 parishes and 22 primary schools.
In 2011 the Convent closed. Some Sisters went to a nursing home, others to other convents. The property lay idle for a number of years and finally was sold in 2016 to a developer who plans to convert the building to offices and lease out. (2017)
Southern Province 