Mercy Convent is home to 48 refugees – as nuns depart after 140 years

The Sisters of Mercy Convent in Loughrea has become home to 48 Ukrainian refugees in recent weeks – as the nuns departed the Cross Street building after over 140 years.

And according to Monsignor Cathal Geraghty, any sadness at the closure of the convent abated with news that it was to become a safe refuge for Ukrainians desperately fleeing atrocities at home.

A decision was taken some time ago to close the convent, he said, due to a declining number of nuns, but as the end date came closer, the six departing residents decided it would make a good home for the Ukrainian arrivals.

“A call went out on Facebook and so many people turned up to help get it ready. The local GAA clubs and various other organisations all got involved; we had trades people who helped out and students from St Raphael’s came in to help.

“It was a real outpouring of good will,” says Monsignor Geraghty who is Parish Priest and Chair of the Loughrea Parish Ukrainian Appeal Committee.

“A group of volunteers came together and established the Loughrea Parish Ukrainian Appeal and set up a Facebook page seeking help from the community. In a short time, beds, bed clothes, towels and toiletries as well as sofas, other furnishings and children’s toys were donated by the people of Loughrea and its environs.”

The building was still in great condition, despite its declining number of residents in recent years, he continues, but the furniture needed an upgrade for families.

“The furniture was basic enough in the nun’s rooms so we had to put in bigger beds and so there was a bit of work in that. We put bunk beds in for families and there’s now accommodation for 50 – there’s 48 in it at the moment,” says Monsignor Geraghty, with the first arrivals landing on April 9.

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