Galway Cathedral

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Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas

The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas (Irish Gaelic: Ard-Eaglais Mhaighdean na Deastógála agus San Nioclás), commonly known as Galway Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Galway, Ireland and is one of the largest and most impressive buildings in the city.

Construction began in 1958 on the site of the old city jail, and in 1965 was finally dedicated by Cardinal Richard Cushing to Our Lady Assumed into Heaven (Mary, mother of Jesus) and St Nicholas

Painting of Galway Cathedral by Gerard Farrell, 1995

[edit] Architecture

The architecture of the Cathedral draws on many influences. The dome and pillars reflect a Renaissance style. Other features, including the rose windows and mosaics, echo the broad tradition of Christian art. The Cathedral dome, at a height of 44.2 metres (145 ft), is a prominent landmark on the city skyline.

Mass is celebrated everyday in the cathedral. There is a Saturday evening vigil mass for Sunday at 6:00pm, Sunday masses at 8:30am, 10:00am, 11:15am, 12:30pm & 6:00pm. On weekdays masses is celebrated Mondays to Fridays at 9:00am, 11:00am & 6:00pm with a Saturday morning mass at 11:00am. On Holydays masses are said at the same times as Sundays.

[edit] Controversy

On an early episode of The Late Late Show a debate was held on the Roman Catholic Church. Brian Trevaskis, a young student, criticised the Bishop of Galway for spending so much on a cathedral instead of helping the poor. Trevaskis described the building as a "monstrosity" and referred to the Bishop as a "moron". [1]