Church of St. Oliver Plunkett’s & St. Finian’s Oratory

St. Oliver Plunkett’s Church
St. Helena’s Drive, Dublin 11, D11 Y4XF

St. Finian’s Oratory
Glenties Park, Dublin 11, D11 Y206

We recall the beginnings of the Parish in 1974. St. Finian’s school opened on the 7th January 1975 and The Hall of that school, became the Church for the parish- with the first Mass on 22nd December 1974. We recall St. Finian’s school- with Jim O Shaughnessy and what the staff created. With the growth in the population in Finglas South, a new school was needed. So the foundation stone for Oliver Plunkett’s school was laid in July 1976 with the blessing ceremony on 14th November 1976. Mary Conroy was the first Principal. Helen Burns was on the early staff and later Principal. Another school was needed to accommodate the senior cycle. So, St. Malachy’s school was opened in 1978. Conor McCarthy was the first Principal. So we weave in all the gift and blessings of the three schools.
The foundation stone for the Church – St. Oliver Plunkett’s was blessed in July 1976 and the Opening took place on the 4th November 1976. We remember as we weave in the contribution of the first priests in the parish- Larry Forrestal, was joined by John McNamara and Jim O’Brien. We weave in their gift in those early years. Over the early years a number of Diocesan priests served in the parish and are fondly remembered. Michael Cleary was the last of the diocesan priests here. Then the Augustinians came in 1986 with Finbarr Fogarty as PP. So we weave in the many Augustinians who lived and worked here at various stages, until June 2022.
We think of the many Baptisms that were celebrated; the many wedding celebrations; the many funerals that have taken place here over those years. St Finian’s school hall served as a place of prayer for 24 years; So, an Oratory was built to serve the Faith Community at that end of the Parish. St. Finian’s Oratory was blessed and opened on the 28th June 1998. We recall The Brigidine Srs. who are part of the story of this place. They came to the Parish in 1984. The Salesians came to Glenties Park in 1990 and 3 Stalwart women continue to be a vibrant presence around here, Liz, Kay and Margaret. Today then stirs up many memories and those memories will continue to be shared.