Laois locals gathered in Abbeyleix for the official unveiling of the restored Brigidine cross, returned to its rightful homeplace.

In 1992, the Abbeyleix community was shocked when the vacated Brigidine Convent School was completely demolished, with features of the 150 year old building dumped. It had followed the demolition and removal of the infants school.

One good samaritan working on the convent demolition quietly saved the four foot cross that stood on the roof, and his family have handed it back to the grateful community. 

Pictured: Bishop Nulty with Noel Burke at the cross's unveiling

"This weekend marked a profound moment in the heritage story of Abbeyleix, as the long‑lost Brigidine Convent Cross was returned to the very ground where it once stood with quiet dignity," said Mr Noel Burke. 

"Missing and believed destroyed since 1992, the cross survived only because of the foresight and courage of one man, Paddy Langton, from Rathmanagh, Portlaoise, who rescued it from demolition.

"For over three decades, the Langton family protected this important piece of our local story, and on the 12th of January 2026, they made the phone call that brought the cross home," Mr Burke said.

Pictured: Sr Mary Hiney

On Saturday January 31 at 4.30pm, Fr. Paddy Byrne invited the last Brigidine Sister still living in Abbeyleix, Sr Mary Hiney, to unveil the restored cross on its original convent site. The moment carried deep symbolism, coinciding with St Brigid's Day.

"A further surprise came when Bishop Denis Nulty arrived to join the gathering, offering his support and sharing in the joy of the community as the cross was revealed once more to the people of South Laois," Mr Burke explained.

Yet this homecoming also carries a note of sadness. Sr Mary Hiney will leave Abbeyleix before the end of the summer, bringing to a close 184 years of Brigidine presence in the town.

The Sisters first arrived to Abbeyleix in 1842. Sr Mary will depart this June, marking the end of an era that shaped generations.

At the ceremony, Fr. Byrne also acknowledged the Clooney family of Ballytarsna, who have upheld a remarkable tradition since the Foot and Mouth (FMD) outbreak in 1941.

Pictured: Joe Clooney, Bishop Nulty and Liz Clooney

"Every year, without fail, they have crafted St Brigid’s Crosses and delivered them to the church in time for St Brigid’s Day. This weekend alone, they produced 800 crosses so they could be blessed and shared with parishioners," Mr Burke said.

"Their dedication is a quiet but powerful thread in the fabric of our local heritage," Mr Burke finished.

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Locals involved wished to thank those who assisted with the restoration of the cross, including Bosco Whelan Ballyroan, Jet Stone Ltd.; P. Kirk Boley, Shanahoe Construction; Tom Delahunty, Abbeyleix, De Steel Engineering Cullahill, Michael Kerry Portlaoise M&M Sandblasting, Ben Campion, Ballinakill, autopaint technician. 

James G. Carroll was on site to take photographs of the unveiling, with Tony Mullhall capturing video footage.