'Guardians of our past' - Knights Templar Project gets Mayoral treatment
Knights Templar Project group are honoured at Mayoral Reception on Friday, October 25.
The hard-working people behind the Knights Templar Project came to Waterford City Hall for a Mayoral reception in recognition of their achievements.
The group were integral in excavating an almost hidden history in the Déise, within the historic graveyard in Kilbarry.
On Friday, October 25, Metropolitan Mayor, Cllr Joe Kelly warmly received the group in the Mayoral Parlour and shared stirring words on the importance of their work, referring to the event as 'historic'.
He said: "This historic occasion marks Waterford and the heritage of Waterford. We have fantastic heritage and history across this city and county."
He praised Heritage Officer for Waterford City and County Council Bernadette Guest for her "fantastic work in the whole area of our heritage and remembering the past."
Mayor Kelly said: "We're gathered here to celebrate something truly special; the dedication, passion and tireless efforts of a remarkable voluntary group, you guys.
"The care and conservation of Templars Medieval Graveyard has shown what a community, united by a shared goal, can achieve. Through your hard work, you not only teamed up and revitalized this ancient site, but you've also reconnected us with a vital piece of our history and our heritage, but brought life back into the space that holds centuries of history, and you've done it with such care and respect for the past."
Mayor Kelly spoke about a recent trip he took to the historic site with fellow Councillor John Hearne.
Cllr Hearne has long been hugely supportive of the group's work, always praising how they rejuvenated the area and helping them to secure funding from the Council.
Mayor Kelly said: "I visited the graveyard a number of weeks ago with John, I was really impressed. That's the truth with everything I saw."
He referenced the lovely Katie's Corner in the graveyard, named in honour of Katie Houlihan who, along with her Grandad Paddy Houlihan, was the heart and soul of the entire project.
Katie tragically passed away earlier this year, aged only 21.
Mayor Kelly said: "I was greatly taken with the really beautiful Katie's Corner. Katie's Corner is just your sincere thanks to Patty for creating such a beautiful garden."
Mayor Kelly said: "All of the work has not been easy. The tasks of carrying over grown vegetation, restoring plants and ensure the site is accessible for all to enjoy our monumental achievements, especially for a voluntary group. Yet through your determination and dedication, we've made the Kilbarry medieval graveyard a place of reflection, of learning and respect once again."
He continued: "We often talk about preserving our history for future generations, but its groups like yours that form those words into action. You are the guardians of this piece of our past, and your efforts mean that the story of the Knights Templar and their connections to Waterford will continue to be told for generations to come. The path you laid down in the graveyard are not just physical. They are pathways that we connect us to our roots, our history, and to each other.
"For that we owe you all our great debt gratitude."
Member of the project, Jane Croke thanked Mayor Kelly for the recognition of the great work. She said: "It's nice that after all our hard work that we have at last being recognised. As you said, a lot of work has gone into that graveyard."
"The reason it came about is it was the Jubilee Year of St Paul's Parish in 2022, and Fr Pat Fitzgerald, who gives his apologies for not being here today, realized that this graveyard fell within the parish of St Paul's, so he said, gosh, we better do something about that graveyard. Then it was kind of our responsibility as a parish to look after it."
After much hard work, Fr Pat held a Mass on the site and according to Jane: "Fr Pat said he knew it was a special place, because as he lifted the host of the consecration, the sun came out, and he said 'I knew from that day it was a special place' and for us who have taken on this project, it's a very, very special place."
Jane continued: "As you said, it's a big part of Waterford history. Waterford isn't all about the Vikings."
