McDERMOTT-ROE FAMILY, NEWFOUNDLAND AND IRELAND

I have been indulging my fondness for digging through old scrapbooks again and I have come across this short announcement published in a local newspaper in 1914.  There is a connection to St Patrick’s Parish so I thought those of you who are interested in its history would enjoy this little snippet.

IN 1914, A "COLONY"

Monsignor James J McDermott was born in County Roscommon, Ireland, in 1872.  Ordained in Ireland in 1895, the young priest came to Newfoundland that same year. 

Msgr J J McDermott

When this announcement of the death of his aunt, Mrs Dillon, appeared in the newspaper in 1914, Msgr McDermott was Parish Priest of St Patrick’s in the West End of St John’s, or as it was then known, ‘Riverhead’, St John’s.  Msgr McDermott had been made Pastor of St Patrick’s in 1909 and he served the Parish until his appointment as Vicar General of the Archdiocese in 1915.  Having spent most of his priestly life labouring in various parishes in Newfoundland, Monsignor James J McDermott died at St Clare’s Mercy Hospital, St John’s in April 1947.  

FIRST COMMUNICANTS, CIRCA 1950

Once again I am indebted to Joan REYNOLDS Fogarty!  Joan has sent us this very interesting picture.  The picture, of a large group of First Communicants, was given to Joan by Mary BREEN Kurilko.  It would have been taken sometime around 1950.  Joan has given some names but, as we so often do, we are relying on our readers for help in identifying the other girls.  If you are in this photo or if you are able to name someone who is, would you please contact us at mcallistersmith@gmail.com.

JUST CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO ENLARGE IT

Here are the names Joan has given us:

Row 2,

3^rd left, possibly a girl Gushue from Old Topsail Road, 5^th left Peggy Roche from Lime Street, 

Row 3,

5^th left, Barbara Murphy from Water Street,   10^th left, Carol Vavasour

Row 4,

3^rd left, Connie Jackman, 5^th left, Carol Whelan, 11^th left,  Shirley Ryan

Row 5, 

Joanne Ashley,  4^th left, Carolyn Maddigan

The two Sisters are Sr Camilla on the extreme left and Sr Regis on the extreme right.

Joan, would that be Mary Breen in Row 2, 8^th from the left?  We think it might be but perhaps you could confirm it for us? Thank you, Joan, for sharing this lovely photo.  You are always a great help to us and it is really appreciated.