19th November: The mission to found a convent in Templemore departed from St. Maries of the Isle. The Very Rev. Dr. O’Connor, Parish priest of Templemore, had long been desirous of having a convent of Sisters of Mercy established in his parish. With this view, he obtained a large square of ground of some acres, conveniently situated near the church and parochial house on which he had a convent erected. A large building on the grounds was, with fittings and alterations, now converted into excellent schools and a garden planted and laid out. Dr. O’Connor made application to Rev. Mother Joseph Warde for Sisters to commence the foundation, making provision for its maintenance and stability. With the approbation of Rt. Rev. Dr. Delany Rev. Mother agreed to give Sisters for the good work. The necessary preparations having been made, four Sisters were selected namely: Srs. M Joseph Walsh who was Mistress of Novices at the time, Bernard Lawlor, Mary Francis Regis Crean, Thomas of Aquin McDonnell. Sr. M. Bernard Lawlor returned to this convent at the expiration of three years, the other three Sisters remained. On the morning of the departure of the foundation Dr. Delany said Mass here and gave his earnest blessing to the Sisters and to their mission. They proceeded to Thurles where they stayed until next day with the Ursuline community, having had a cordial invitation from them to do so and were most affectionately received and welcomed into the Archdiocese, being the first Sisters of Mercy who were established there. On the 20th the Sisters set out for Templemore. On their arrival at the convent they were hailed with joy by the Very Rev. Dr. O’Connor, the priests of the parish and the principal inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood. Some of the Sisters set about the necessary preparations for the Mass next morning, the others busied themselves with putting the house in order. The festival of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 21st November, Mass was offered up in the choir and the house blessed. The Most Rev. Dr. Leahy, Archbishop of Cashel, was most fatherly and truly kind to the Sisters, visited them frequently and took a deep interest in them and in their works of Mercy.
Southern Province 