Near Quiet Waters

Near Quiet Waters  tells the story of the early years of Gort Mercy Convent and its branch houses.

It was written by Sr. Mary de Lourdes Fahy and published in 2007 on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the coming of the Mercy Sisters to Gort, from St. Leo's, Carlow.

The foundress was Mother Aloysius Doyle, who had recently returned from the Crimea where she nursed the wounded soldiers. On the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of the reign of Queen Victoria, Mother Aloysius received the Royal Red Cross. 

From post-Famine Gort the story moves to the new foundations of Ennistymon (1871), Kinvara (1878), Seamount (1922) and Titusville, FL (1961).

The book records the social and economic conditions of the town of Gort  and the efforts of the Sisters  in the areas of primary, secondary and  technical education.   Their care as nurses  in Gort Workhouse is also highlighted. A copy of  Griffith's Valuation (1855) is a valuable addition to the book.

Above all, the Sisters contributed enormously to the religious and spiritual life of Gort, South Galway and North Clare.

The book costs € 10.00 and can be purchased from The Convent of Mercy, Gort, Co. Galway, H91DP3K.