Church of SS Peter and Paul, Drumconrath

The present church owes its existence to Fr. Patrick Sheridan and it was erected in 1833. A
note in one of the parochial books by Fr. Magrane states that repairs to the roof and ceiling were
carried out in 1862. The apse was added by Fr. Monaghan. Like the church of medieval times it is
dedicated to SS. Peter and Paul. A new marble communion rail was erected in Drumconrath
church by Rev. Anthony O’Neill in 1951 at a cost of £900. It was donated by Bernard J. Martin of
Kellystown. Reconstruction work was carried out to Drumconrath Church, commencing June 1974 at a cost of £40,000. The architects were Brendan P. Jeffers and Associates and the contractor was
Patrick McCabe. On 2nd March 1975 the rededication ceremony was held. Most Rev. John
McCormack, Bishop of Meath, performed the blessing and the homily was preached by Rev.
Peter Connolly of Maynooth College, a native of the parish. Over the years considerable improvements have been made by successive parish priests.

The silver crucifix and candlesticks in Drumconrath Church bear the inscription:
THIS CRUCIFIX AND SIX CANDLESTICKS WERE PRESENTED TO THE CHURCH OF DRUMCONRATH CO.MEATH BY MICHAEL HALPIN OF NEW YORK. A.D. 1857.

In the Rural Harp there is a poem specially dedicated to Michael Halpin:
“Welcome to the Dee.”
Stanzas addressed to Mr. Halpin, New York, on his visit to Drumconra. The following are two verses from that poem:
“Come seek on yonder sloping hill Drumconrath’s ancient mound,

Whence many a mile of Irish soil to great the eye is found,