Our Parish

The patron of the parish is St Nicholas of Myra. A medieval church dedicated to St Nicholas, adjoining King John’s castle, disappeared at some point in the 17th century – all that remains of parish and church is the street name – Nicholas’ Street. The new parish of St Nicholas was created in 1991. A youthful St Nicholas – because our community is not thirteen years old – is at the helm of a boat – the boat understood to be our parish community. The boat is guided by his hand, he who is patron of sailors. On the mast and crosstrees of the boat is the figure of Christ in glory – the Johannine Chirst on the cross – his flowing garments the boat’s sail. Nicholas is reading the sail intently. In the bow of the boat are symbols associated with St Nicholas – his emblem, three golden spheres. The boat is ‘at sea’ on the waters of the river shannon and in the background is Athlunkard Bridge which connects the two halves of the parish – the spire of the church is visible on the parapet of the bridge. Dominating the background is the rising sun, hope filled promise – the as yet unrealised potential of this young community.
The window was designed by Limerick artist Jim O’Farrell and the design executed by the artist Kevin O’Kelly of The Abbey Stained Glass Studios, Dublin