Latest news with #ChristianBrothers
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
How design duo behind Kylemore Abbey refit decorated their own home in Offaly
Asking price: €500,000 Agent: DNG Kelly Duncan (057) 9325050 Every creative dreams of the day the phone chirrups to the tune of a fantasy gig. Brendan Treacy and Joe Kirby, interior designers and co-proprietors of Dublin-based Silver River Interiors, can count themselves among that lucky cohort. They were contacted by the sisters in residence at Kylemore Abbey, the magnificent Benedictine monastery in Connemara; who hired them to do the fit-out for their new contemporary accommodation at the Abbey, during the recent redevelopment of the famous nunnery and national tourist attraction. 'So we did the full interior fit-out for the nuns down there,' Treacy says. 'It was amazing. That was huge because it's just the two of us, myself and Joe, involved. The project is still ongoing. "The nuns have been incredible to work with. There were a vast amount ducks to get in line and get past them, as the nuns needed to be in their new home at a certain time on a certain day. And, as is often the case, we didn't have as long as we thought we would need to do the job, but we got it done.' Kirby, for his part at least, had some very appropriate credentials on his resumé, having spent time as a member of the Christian Brothers. 'He was familiar with this type of community in terms of how they live day-to-day, how they have their meals and how they share their community spaces,' Treacy says. When the pair initially met with the nuns, they bonded really quickly because the two felt they understood what the sisters wanted. Treacy says: 'I suppose we weren't just shoving chairs and fabrics down their throats, but actually listening to how they live, which is what we do with all our clients. Except in this case, it was 16 different women.' ADVERTISEMENT Kirby adds: 'Sister Magdalena could run the country. They really knew what they wanted, and we are really proud of how it turned out in the end. They were so excited because quite a few of them had never seen the inside of the place until the day they moved in. Now it has a lovely calm feeling about it.' Treacy has a background in the hotel business where he developed his interest in interior design, completing a one-day per week two-year course at the Dublin Institute of Design on Suffolk Street. The two are mainly influenced by the work of William Morris and take inspiration from places they visit, preferring that to the more modern influences of social media. Treacy says: 'We visited Winston Churchill's home at Chartwell recently and were very impressed. We don't have a formula, as is the case with some interior designers. We prefer to see how the client lives.' He began working from home at first, before he and Kirby decided to open a showroom in Tullamore and then a second in Dublin in the early 2000s – until, as Treacy puts it, 'the world ended' after the collapse of the Celtic Tiger. Their business survived, however, and has gone from strength to strength. The pair mainly work with private clients, and tend to design in a classical style. Treacy and Kirby's own home in Tullamore could double as an additional showroom. From the outside, it is a relatively plain-looking detached house on 0.6 acres, located about 10 minutes from Tullamore town. The only sign from the outside that it may belong to someone with an eye for design is a wire sculpture of a pair of red-setters, Billy and Pauline, guarding the front door. It has a hallway behind the teak front door with glazed side panels, floored in polished marble tiles. There is decorative wall panelling and intricate ceiling coving. Off this is a sitting room with walnut timber flooring, and a polished marble fireplace with a cast iron insert and a black granite hearth. This room is decorated with dark brown wallpaper, offset with colourful velour sofas. Treacy says: 'This room is one of the darkest in our house. So we made it dark and moody by using the textured wallpaper, then following down with the deeper colour sofas.' Glass-panelled doors from the sitting room lead to the kitchen/dining area, which also has polished marble floors. The kitchen is bespoke and was designed by Dermot Bracken, with quartz countertops and a large centre island. There is a solid fuel stove on a marble plinth. Integrated appliances include a hob with feature extractor fan, double oven, dishwasher and a hidden pantry with additional worktop space and storage. There is also a utility with fitted storage, additional countertop space and a second dishwasher. One of the bedrooms is located on the ground floor, which was a boon for Kirby on account of his parents who visit. This has an en suite bathroom, and there is also a guest WC on the ground floor. Upstairs has an additional five bedrooms, including a master suite with a walk-in dressing room/wardrobe and en suite bathroom and a luxurious family bathroom. There is also a detached garage of approximately 270sq ft. Outside to the rear, is a recently completed patio area with raised flowerbeds and uplighters set into the ground for evening entertaining outside. The pair bought a home in Dublin 8 about 11 years ago, close to the city centre, and are now keen to relocate to the capital full-time. 'We have been here for 20 years,' says Kirby. 'It was a great party house and has a lovely atmosphere, and was really convenient when we had the business down there. But we just don't spend enough time there anymore.' DNG Kelly Duncan is seeking offers in the region of €500,000.
Irish Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Christian Brothers seeking €12m for Swords retreat centre and lands
The Congregation of Christian Brothers will be hoping that the continuing demand among developers and investors for land capable of accommodating large-scale residential development will help secure the sale of a significant property from its Dublin portfolio. The former Emmaus Retreat Centre in Swords is being offered to the market by agent Bannon at a guide price of €12 million, with the proceeds of the sale being used to meet what the selling agent describes as the Christian Brothers' 'charitable and legal obligations'. The congregation has been involved in the sale of land close to a number of Christian Brother schools in Dublin in recent years, including land at Oatlands in Mount Merrion, sold in 2013 to a property developer for an undisclosed price. In 2017, it agreed the sale of playing fields at Clonkeen College in Deansgrange to a builder for a reported €18 million. The congregation said the latter sale would, upon its completion, help fund its contribution to the redress scheme, a State-operated scheme set up in the early 2000s in response to revelations about abuse in religious-run institutions. While an application by the Christian Brothers in 2022 to have the Emmaus Retreat Centre and its 16.6 acres of grounds rezoned for housing under the Fingal Development Plan 2023-2029 was unsuccessful, the property's positioning between the fast-growing town of Swords and the M1 motorway should, according to the selling agent, ultimately see it being used for residential purposes, subject to planning permission. READ MORE The Emmaus Centre is situated close to Estuary station, the proposed northern terminus stop on the planned Metrolink. Estuary station is also proposed to feature a 3,000-space multistorey park-and-ride facility. The area surrounding Estuary station is set to serve as a future development zone for housing and other uses. The entire 16.6-acre Emmaus site is currently zoned MRE – Metro and Rail Economic Corridor and is categorised as an 'accessible location' on the planned line. [ Christian Brothers and builder seek planning changes for Swords lands Opens in new window ] The subject property was used as a retreat centre from 1960 to 2019. The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 saw the centre's closure. From 2022 until recently, the property was used as accommodation for those fleeing the war in Ukraine. The Emmaus Centre extends to a gross internal area of 5,534sq m (59,574sq ft) and comprises 72 bedrooms, catering and meeting/conference facilities, along with a former church. There is potential to add further accommodation, subject to planning permission. Paul Doyle of Bannon said: 'This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a strategically located property on the northern outskirts of Swords, situated next to the proposed MetroLink northern terminus. Given the extensive existing accommodation, which includes 72 en suite bedrooms, on a large zoned site of 16.6 acres, the property offers a short-term income opportunity as well as longer-term large-scale residential development potential.'
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CBU to partner with university in IL to boost academic success
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Christian Brothers University announced Tuesday that they are exploring a formal partnership with a university in Illinois. According to a CBU news release, they announced a Letter of Intent for a formal partnership with Lewis University, a fellow Catholic and Lasallian institution located in Illinois. They say the LOI marks the beginning of a collaborative planning process, signaling a mutual intention to explore a new path ahead. CBU's accreditation on probation; school says things are turning around CBU said the following in the press release: No immediate changes to academic programs are planned, and we expect the upcoming school year to proceed as usual with our scheduled academic offerings. The LOI marks the first step in a careful, intentional and shared process. Both institutions will begin a comprehensive evaluation to explore opportunities, address challenges, and shape a future built on their combined strengths. Forums, listening sessions, and strategic planning will help determine the most beneficial path. A decision on whether to proceed with a full agreement is expected this coming fall. CBU says it must immediately cut millions from budget They say the aim is to align academic programs with workforce needs and adopt a financially sustainable model,' said CBU. CBU says the following would help their students: Offering new high-demand programs in aviation, business, engineering, healthcare, and technology. Creating stronger pathways for commuters, adult learners, and transfer, international, traditional, and graduate students. Growing online and hybrid course offerings to increase accessibility and flexibility for traditional and non-traditional students. Extending the reach of both CBU and Lewis University into new markets through academic innovation. They say the partnership will help elevate both institutions' ability to meet regional and national needs. 'The Board of Trustees fully supports this careful evaluation process and remains focused on ensuring the best long-term outcome for CBU and its stakeholders,' said Emily Greer, CBU Board of Trustees Chair. 'We believe this step holds great promise for CBU's future, and we are committed to making thoughtful, mission-driven decisions every step of the way.' Lewis University is located in Romeoville, Illinois, which is 35 miles southwest of Chicago. The university serves nearly 8,000 students with 80 undergraduate majors, over 35 graduate programs, and a Catholic and Lasallian mission. In October 2023, WREG reported cuts were made at Christian Brothers due to a $7 million deficit. In December 2024, an accreditation board voted to keep Christian Brothers on continued probation for another 12 months under close scrutiny. The university was first placed on probation in December 2023. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBC
06-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Fight over ownership of remote Newfoundland church now in judge's hands
A St. John's court room has heard from both sides, and now a judge will decide whether a church at the centre of an ownership battle in a tiny Newfoundland outport can be sold as part of an effort to compensate victims of sexual abuse at the hands of Catholic clergy and members of religious orders such as the Christian Brothers. It's a case involving the once powerful Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. John's and its landholding arm, known as an episcopal corporation, and staunchly Catholic residents of a remote town on the southern Avalon Peninsula who believe they are the rightful owners of Holy Rosary church in Portugal Cove South. The situation escalated eight months ago when members of the Portugal Cove South Historical Corporation, who spearheaded a major church renovation project five years ago, defiantly changed the locks on the building and erected signs on the property to warn away potential buyers. The standoff generated national headlines, and prompted at least one person to back out of a purchase and sale agreement. The listing price for the property has also dropped significantly to less than $40,000. The archdiocese is selling off all its assets on the Avalon and Burin peninsulas as part of an historic court-supervised liquidation process in an attempt to satisfy more than $100 million in claims by hundreds of abuse victims. The process began more than three years ago, and dozens of properties, including churches, have so far been sold. In March, the episcopal corporation applied to the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador for an injunction to prevent anyone from obstructing its access to Holy Rosary church, and on Tuesday, Justice Garrett A. Handrigan heard arguments from both sides. "We take no joy in making this application," said lawyer Geoff Spencer, who represents the episcopal corporation. "This is truly an unfortunate situation for all concerned. There's no winners here." Spencer accused members of the historical corporation of trespassing and unlawfully interfering with the episcopal corporation's right to sell the church. He said a special statute was created that allows the episcopal corporation to hold legal title over all property used by the archdiocese, and that Holy Rosary is one of three churches connected to Holy Redeemer parish. Spencer referenced an affidavit signed by Archbishop Peter Hundt that establishes legal title over Holy Rosary dating back to 1956. "We're not treating this parish any differently than all of the other parishes that have had to sell their churches," said Spencer. He also equated the actions of the community to taking money away from the victims. Hiring a lawyer to fight injunction The historical corporation has argued that a local priest told them years ago that the church belonged to the community, and that it was only after this assurance that they decided to form a historical corporation and raise money to renovate the badly deteriorated building. But Spencer said a parish priest does not have the authority to transfer ownership of a church, and at no time did the historical corporation seek to clarify the ownership question. Faced with court action, meanwhile, the historical corporation organized an online crowdfunding campaign, and raised money to hire lawyer Kyle Rees. Rees told the court that residents felt they were "given charge" of the church, based on "representations that were made to them" by the priest. Rees said it appears the community "fell victim to the very thing that has caused this whole process to unfold in the first place. Which is trust and belief in a parish priest." He also said the historical corporation oversaw the renovation process, and led fundraising efforts that generated more than $130,000. The episcopal corporation only attempted to reaffirm its ownership of the property after the archdiocese was found liable for the abuse, said Rees, and was forced to liquidate assets in order to satisfy the claims. The episcopal corporation has argued that allowing the people of Portugal Cove South to interfere with the sale of the church would inspire other communities to do the same, and stunt efforts to raise money for the victims. But Rees said the Holy Rosary situation is unique because the church is being operated and maintained by an arms-length historical corporation, and not a parish council. As for fundraising to renovate the church, Spencer said most of the money was raised through grants to the archdiocese from Catholic Missions Canada which totalled roughly $93,000. "It's clear the [episcopal corporation] played an essential role in fundraising for these repairs," said Spencer. In addition to an injunction, the episcopal corporation is also asking for its legal costs related to the Holy Rosary matter be covered by the historical corporation. The hearing concluded without a decision from Handrigan, and he did not provide a timeline for his decision.
Irish Examiner
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
ISPCC calls for national strategy to fight child sex abuse and exploitation
The ISPCC is calling on the government to develop a national strategy for child sexual abuse, child sexual exploitation and online risks to child safety, following a 'seminal' week in relation to child safety. The organisation's head of policy and public affairs, Fiona Jennings, said the One in Four report launched last Thursday, the PrimeTime investigation into the Christian Brothers aired on Thursday night and the recent publication of the Grace report highlight the need for such a strategy, as recommended in a report from the Garda Siochana Inspectorate in 2017. The Irish Attitudes to Tackling Child Sexual Abuse launched by One in Four on Thursday found that 40% of people know someone who was sexually abused as a child, while more than 90% of respondents believe society had failed to address child sexual abuse. 'Is this the moment that we will finally see this acted upon? This research (in the One in Four report) speaks to the need for a whole-of-society approach, it speaks to the need for one for not just child sexual exploitation offline but it also speaks to the online element as well. "Eight years later, we still don't have this recommendation in place, and we don't have to stray too far just to see how vulnerable victims and survivors of child sexual abuse have been treated,' said Ms Jennings. She said a national strategy would bring together all the different agencies and individuals who have expertise in different areas relating to child sexual abuse. She also said there is a need for an audit of Ireland's laws and guidelines in the area to 'ensure that our laws and policies are fit for purpose'. She added: 'I firmly believe that child sexual abuse is the last taboo that Ireland needs to tackle in a meaningful way. We have tackled divorce, we have tackled marriage equality, we have tackled reproductive rights. Now is the time that we need to tackle child sexual abuse. "If Thursday's report was not that seminal turning point, then I really worry as to what we actually do need.' The One in Four report was published on the same day as the PrimeTime documentary on the Christian Brothers, which revealed that two members who were senior leaders of the order over the space of two decades and managed the congregation's assets are now convicted child sexual abusers. Last Tuesday, the general solicitor for minors and wards of court, Marie-Claire Butler, claimed none of the "extensive" submissions made on behalf of the woman known as Grace were included "in any way" in the final report of the Farrelly Commission. The commission was tasked with examining allegations of abuse and severe neglect while she was in a foster home in the southeast over a 20-year period. While it found that Grace, who is now in her 40s and who is severely intellectually disabled, had been neglected and there was a lack of oversight for her care, the commission was not satisfied the evidence established she had been subjected to physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Citing the One in Four report, the Christian Brothers documentary and the Grace report, Ms Jennings said: 'What do we actually need to do in order to get our policy makers to act?' The ISPCC will now be contacting the government to seek the implementation of such a strategy." She added: 'It is something that should be coordinated from the Department of the Taoiseach.'
