Before the development began in this area Firhouse was a quiet rural village. The main road then was a winding country road with a footpath only on one side. It is hard to imagine that Knocklyon Inn and Firhouse Inn were both on the same side of the road. The bus to Tallaght or Bohernabreena came along about once every hour.
When the new housing estates were built and the population increased the parish of Bohernabreena-Firhouse was constituted and the Convent Chapel served the local community. There were two Masses every morning, at 7.30 and 9.30. During Lent, and for other special occasions, there was also an evening Mass. On Sundays there were four Masses..
Baptisms also took place in the Convent Chapel on the first Sunday of every month. The Chapel was small and, as the number of Baptisms increased, we had to have two ceremonies in the afternoon, one at 3pm and the other at 4pm. This continued up until the new Parish Church was opened in 1979. The Sisters sold Baptismal Candles and they also made the little white garments for the Baptism. This provided an opportunity for the young parents in the area to call at the Convent and meet the Sisters.
By degrees our relationship with the new local community grew. We were so appreciative of the people who would drop in on a regular basis to ask if we needed anything in Town. One sector of the community in particular stands out for us…..the Children. In those days it was quite safe for the children to cross the road and during school holidays and free days there was a constant stream of little visitors coming to the door. "We just came to see the nuns". Some of the friendships formed in those days have lasted up to the present time.
One year, 1973, the First Communions were held in the Convent, but the Chapel proved to be too small to accommodate the families. So, from then on all the children are invited to come to the Convent the week after the First Communions, all dressed in their finery, and they meet all the Sisters.
In 2001 the Sisters decided to demolish the old Convent and build a new house. The former school in the convent grounds was renovated and the Sisters lived there for about two years while the new house was being built. It was sad to see the old Convent going but the new house and Chapel are very nice. The former school is now in the third phase of its life, this time as a Pastoral Centre. Its new name is 'Cherith'.
We very much appreciate the goodness and loyalty of the local people and they are forever in our thoughts and prayers.
The Carmelite Sisters
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