St. Brigid’s Convent or Nurses Home is a renovated building. It was originally a military Barracks occupied by the Scotch Greys – an artillery regiment. Until recent years the large nails, used for hanging up harness, were still in the walls. However, the house is in better condition at present. The remains of the Military “look out” are still on the perimeter wall. After the departure of the army the place was used as a mill and also as a workshop for the building of railway carriages. It is situated between the Presentation Convent and the site of the old workhouse. This building was allocated to the Sisters of Mercy when they arrived from St. John’s, Tralee to take up their work in Listowel on the 8th. May 1883.
The request for their services in the Fever Hospital came through the Parish Priest of Listowel, Rev Arthur Moynihan. on 12th. December 1881. He was brother of Rev. Mother Elizabeth Moynihan of St. John’s, Balloonagh, Tralee. At this time he contracted typhus fever and was nursed in the presbytery by Sr. M. Clement Horgan (Mother Superior of St. John’s at a later date). As was not very unusual at this time he died. Owing to his death the foundation was deferred for some time.
The Sisters were anxious that their labours should not be restricted to the Fever Hospital alone, so they negotiated employment in the General Wards as well. The Guardians were as liberal as they could be, but their resources were limited. St. John’s Convent contributed to the support of the Sisters, and they received many delicacies from the neighbouring Presentation Sisters and the people of Listowel.
On the 8th May 1883 Srs. M. Michael Danagher and Monica O’Connell were the first of the Sisters to arrive. A chapel was erected in the upper portion of the inmates dining hall and Sr. M. Michael spent her meagre spare time decorating it. Read more
Southern Province 