1844 . . Sept.6th . . Daniel O'Connell (Patriot) . . is released from Prison . . .
1844 . . Sept. 7th. . . Foundation Stone laid. . . including newspaper account of his release . . .of St.Cronan's. . . joyous scenes in the Town . . .
1845 . . Population of the Town and surrounds . . approx. 9000 people . . .
1845. . Oct. . . . first alarm bells for the growing awareness of the onset of FAMINE conditions . . Church building halted . .
1850 . . the ravages of the Famine . . has reduced the population in the second half of the century . . down to approx. 3000 in 1900
1850 . . A petition is sent to the British/Irish Parliament at Westminster . . for funding to continue funding of the Church project .. . this appeal failed.
1851 . . A native Irishman. . John Lodge . . has become wealthy for his enterprises in the City of New Orleans in the U.S.A.. .
Mr. Lodge suggests to the Bishop of Killaloe . . that he might usefully send a Church fundraiser to New Orleans . . on behalf of the Building project . .
1851 - 1854 . . A young Curate ( from Borrisokane Parish ) . . Fr.Michael Bugler . . trolled the population of New Orleans . . raising the amazing sum of £8000 . . .
1854 . . Fr.Bugler returns to the Town . . to great celebrations of thankgiving for his magnificent efforts on behalf of the Church building . .
1857 . . the Architect of works . . Wm.Deane Butler . . died . . to be replaced by his Son . .
1867 . . the Altar id consecrated . . special trains are laid on for people of Nenagh and Birr . . to join in the celebeations.
1889 . . Stained Glass windows added . . . later again in 1943. . .
1913 . . Fire . . . followed by restoration and decorative works . . .
This Church Building is a wonderful testament to the determination and Religious affirmation of the People of Roscrea down through trying times . .
It's choice of location . . and surrounds is unsurpassed . . . and a " Beauty to Behold " . . .
Great Praise and Thanks. . to the most generous contributions . . of the People . . of the City of New Orleans . . . who assisted greatly when this project was in dire need.
E.M.H.
