Study Trip, Best Practice Visit

Following on from the successful event at Gosford Castle, CACD hosted a tour of Mullabrack Parish Church, Kilcluney Parish Church and church hall, commonly known as The Abbey, and Tullyvallen Orange Hall. The event took place on Saturday 16th October 2010.

The day began at Mullabrack where the church was beautifully decorated for the Harvest Thanksgiving Services. Mrs Mary McHugh gave a comprehensive talk on the history of the Parish of Mullabrack and the surrounding area.

The trip continued to Kilcluney Parish Church and The Abbey with its ornate carving work. Here Mrs McHugh gave the eventful history of this parish and area.

The trip then called at the old Kilcluney Graveyard where Trevor Geary pointed out the site of the old church and talked about the graveyard which is now maintained by the Council.

Lunch was enjoyed at Tullyvallen Orange Hall and was followed by a presentation from David Smyth on how the community was affected by the troubles and how they decided to form a community association to bring the community together. A survivor of the Tullyvallen massacre on 1 September 1975 gave a heartbreaking account of what happened on the night.

The day finished at Carrickatuke Viewpoint. It was a splendidly clear day and Trevor Geary pointed out local landmarks, nine different Counties and told some of the legend and folklore of the area.