CELEBRATIONS for St Imy in Killimer will see the launch of a new CD.
A mass to commemorate St Imy will take place in St Imy’s Church, Killimer on Sunday August 17th with a CD launch also pencilled as part of the occasion, Bishop Fintan Monahan is among the confirmed guests.
This is the third year in a row that the parish of Killimer has celebrate the memory of St Ima. To mark this year’s occasion, a the Killimer Church Choir will be launching the ‘Mass of St Imy CD’ which they recorded in Malbay Studios earlier this year.
Teresa Carrig composed the original music and lyrics, the CD is the end product of many months of hard work and dedication. The CD will be on sale after mass which takes place at 10:30.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Teresa said, “we are very excited to celebrate St. Imy’s feast day this year in particular as we have the release of our St. Imys mass CD”. She explained, “The CD is composed of all original music and hymns in honour of St Imy. We are really looking forward to seeing everyone on the day”.
Killimer derives its name from Church of Imy (Cill Imí). St Imy was born in Molougha, a townland within the parish of Killimer and she was a sister of St Senan.
Much more has been documented about St Senan, his monasteries and his travel all over the world while St Imy is regarded a lesser known figure. The exact date of birth of St. Imy is unknown, however evidence suggests that she was born at the end of the 5th Century A.D.S
According to folklore her body came floating on a tombstone into Burrane townlands and was buried by the local people in the parish of her birth. It has been said that the interment of the body of St. Imy resulted in the conversion of many people in the townland of Burrane to the faith.
Remains of her church in Burrane Cemetery date back to the 9th Century. There is a holy well called ‘Tobar lomaigh’ to the east of Burrane Cemetery in O’Driscolls farm. The O’Driscoll family including the late Tommy Driscoll have taken great care maintaining this well in excellent condition over the many years. The holy water present within the well is reported to have healing properties, in particular for bone ailments.
In July 1946, a shrine in honour of St Imy was erected by the Legion of Mary close to her burial place and this has also been maintained by the O’Driscoll family. The church on Chapel Hill in Killimer, erected in 1829 in the townland of Carradotia is dedicated to St Imy.
In May 1959 the Bishop of Killaloe, Most Rev. Dr. Rodgers, officiated at a thanksgiving ceremony in St. Imy’s Church to mark its renovation, which was carried out at a cost of £3000. The new bell for Killimer Church cost £284.
On August 1st 1969, work began on the reconstruction of this church, under the supervision of Fr. Sheehy. The O’Driscoll family donated a portion of the land to accommodate an extension to the church grounds, while the Crowe Family donated land to accommodate a car park. Many volunteers gave of their time to the project, while Mrs. Neenan made her kitchen available and she herself supervised the cooking of the meals for the men. The Bell, donated by the Hassett family was transferred to its present location. On Easter Sunday (29th March 1960) mass was celebrated for the first time in the renovated church.
Extensive renovations have been carried out to the church over time but it still retains its woodwork and craftsmanship, it remains an intimate place of worship each Sunday for the local community.
