Kilaveney with it’s curacy of Crossbridge is one of a group of four northern parishes in the diocese of Ferns straddling the Wexford Wicklow border which have been joined together as a pastoral area. The other three parishes in the group are Carnew with the curacies of Tomacork, Coolafancy and Shilelagh; then there is Kilanerin parish with the curacy of Ballyfad and lastly the parish of Annacurra.
The parish church in Kilaveney is dedicated to St Kevin and was built in 1843 by Fr. Thomas Hore and consecrated by Bishop Keating in 1844. This replaced and earlier thatched church at Whitefield which was destroyed during the 1798 rebellion. The church serves the village of Tinahely and the surrounding countryside, and commands a beautiful vista from the front of the church which overlooks the valley towards Croghan hill.
Tinahely the village served by the church, is nestled in the hills, and has retained a strong sense of identity and a strong sense of community. Although small it has a wonderful range of facilities. To know more visit their website.
There is a blessed well in Toberpatrick. There are two old cemeteries, one in Whitefield that was the former site of the parish church. The other cemetery is Kilcashel where I am told many killed in 98 were secretly buried.
The faith and practice of it, are still strong in the parish. But like everywhere, secularism and materialism make the environment hostile to the faith especially for our young people.