"St. Mary's Church"

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The earliest Church on this site was erected in 1790-92. Prior to this the parishioners worshiped in a thatched chapel, which stood a little further down the Ardfinnan road, near the entrance to Cahir Park. This was the chapel of the Penal Days, and was constructed in the early 18th century. The landlord Butler family of this period was Roman Catholic, and provided the townspeople with a place of worship. The Church in 1791, of which no Known illustration survived, was noted in 1824, as "a substantial building, of limestone, and what is uncommon, possesses a fine tower and steeple".

The foundation stone for the present building was laid in May 7th 1833. The Architect of the Church was John B. Keane of Dublin, while the local Mullaney firm had charge of the actual building works. Mr. Keane was one of the foremost Architects of the period, and was also responsible for the design of the Tipperary (North Riding) County Gaol buildings at Nenagh, in 1840-42.

Although largely complete by 1839, work continued on the fine lantern tower, and entrance porches until 1842. The pipe organ was installed in 1850. It was by the famous Wills firm, who also built the organ at Westminister Abbey.

In 1888, the Church underwent renovations, and the present chancel with 5 bath-stone arches, supported by 2 massive columns of polished Aberdeen granite was added. During this period, the Parochial hall was located at the present Castle Court Hotel, with the curates in an adjoining house. In 1904, the present Curates residances (St. Marysville) were erected on the Clonmel Road, while Wellington House became Parochial House in 1930. The Mortuary Chapel was built about this time.

Following Vatican II, the Church was "renovated" (1968-70) and it is lamentable how so many origional interior features were removed. Fortunately, the exterior survived virtually intact, although without its chiselled limestone crenellations.