THIS weekend marks 150 years since the construction of the Bell Tower adjacent to the Church of Mount St Alphonsus on the South Circular Road in Limerick.
Its history dates back to June 19, 1876, when the foundation stone was laid by John Quinn, the bell tower’s benefactor.
The tower houses 10 sounding bells as well as the Angelus bell, which strikes morning, noon, and evening.
Every Sunday morning, the bells is rung before 12pm by tower captain Christy Pratt, a job he has done since he was a young boy.
“It delights me to say that we continue to be an active tower faithfully serving the church and community throughout the year by ringing methods on the church bells of Mount St Alphonsus.
“It is a real privilege to me, and all the band, to be keeping the ancient art of bellringing alive in Limerick for all to hear the music and to be passing on the craft from one generation to another,” Mr Pratt said.
To mark the 150th anniversary, they will perform two peals and ring different methods, called changes, this weekend.
The peal performances can be heard on Friday (June 19) and Sunday (June 21) afternoon.
On Saturday, the tower will open its doors to people who want to learn more about the craft and history of bellringing.
The open tower event gets underway from1:30pm to 4pm.
Visitors can talk to new and established bellringers about their experiences. Find out more by contacting Kevin Nolan at [email protected].