My family and many other families have grown up in the area with Clonlara Church and Graveyard being our local church and the resting place of our ancestors. This iconic and beautiful historic church has been part of our lives, our community, and our personal histories. Now, the Church of Ireland Church Body has decided, without any consultation with the parishioners of Clonlara, to sell this treasured site to developers. This decision threatens to disrupt our ability to visit our family graves and leaves us with no place for future burials in our community.

Clonlara Church and its graveyard are not just parcels of land; they are sacred grounds that hold generations of family stories and memories. For decades, families like mine have gathered within its walls to celebrate, to mourn, and to remember those who've gone before us. The prospect of losing access to such a meaningful place, one filled with personal and historical significance, is deeply distressing to many. This place should be protected, not converted into commercial property that would erase its spiritual and community essence.

The sale of this site is a loss not only for its cultural and historical value but also for the community's sense of belonging and heritage. According to local historical records, Clonlara Church has been a landmark dating back several centuries, a living link to the past that deserves to remain part of our future.

We propose that the Church of Ireland reconsider its decision and engage in dialogues with the local parishioners to explore viable alternatives that could keep Clonlara Church and Graveyard within the community. Potential solutions include securing heritage status, community ownership models, or setting up a trust that would preserve its function as a place of worship and remembrance and well as a functioning graveyard.

History:
This church measures 15 metres long and 7 metres wide and was built in 1782 on this elevated site with a burial ground attached. In 1795 it became the parish church of Kiltenanlea and Killokennedy, with Rev Charles Massey as Rector and Richard Welsh as curate.
A variety of stained- glass windows light up the interior. Including examples of stained glass made by Mager & Co of Munich and London.
The Tower designed by James Pain was an add on in 1830 and was built from local quarried limestone at a cost of £300.
The Chancel and two small transepts which were a gift from Lady Massey were erected in 1891. These were designed by William E Corbett, Limerick, who also designed St Senan's Catholic Church Clonlara and the Catholic Church in Castleconnell.
The church also includes a number of memorial windows, brass plates and marble tablets dedicated to local gentry who once owned the large estates around the parish; Massey's, Westropp's, Phelps & Vincents and also those that fought in World War 1.
A lectern carved in the shape of an Eagle was presented in memory of Rosetta Anne Phelps by her three sons in -laws who were all married in this church.

Your signature on this petition can help us safeguard this irreplaceable part of our community. By supporting this cause, you join us in honoring the generations past and present who are rooted in this beloved piece of our local heritage. Sign the petition and help us protect Clonlara Church and Graveyard from being lost to development forever.