In Partnership with

St Agatha’s Parish

North William Street, Dublin D01N7F6

St Laurence O’Toole Parish

Seville Place, North Wall, Dublin D01KN73

Sr. Louise.

Since 1857 many Daughters of Charity have worked and ministered in St. Vincent’s North William Street. The longest serving Sister was Sr.Louise who served for over 70 years! She is remembered today with great affection by many of the people in the Parish of St. Agatha.

On 6th December 1932 Sr. Louise Hallahan and Sr. Catherine Barrett arrived in North William Street from Clonakilty, Co. Cork. As Sr. Louise herself said, she was “a raw recruit”. She joined the Daughters of Charity community there – and stayed for over 70 years until her death there on 27th January 2003.

Prayer, Mass and devotion to the Sacred Heart and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal were the main sources of energy for Sr. Louise. She led many pilgrimages to most of the Marian Shrines in particular to Lourdes. She loved the Church of St. Agatha – a love which she expressed in the hours and hours she spent in the church cleaning, arranging flowers and looking after St. Anthony!

Sr. Louise dedicated her life to serving God by serving His people, especially helping those in need. For over 70 years she worked with and for the people of the parish of St. Agatha. Over the years Sr. Louise organised activities for the young and not so young. In the earlier years she established clubs for teenage girls and young

mothers. In co-operation with Comhairle le Leas Oige many young women benefited from tuition and training which built their self confidence. One of the Clubs founded by Sr. Louise in the 1940’s still exists today – The Mothers’ Club! This club held a special place in her heart where she had many moments of fun and laughter.

Working tirelessly for the elderly in co-operation with the Eastern Health Board, Sr. Louise organised meals-on-wheels for those who were housebound. Daily meals were also served in St. Anthony’s Centre. This service would not have been possible without the strong support of dedicated volunteers.

Sr. Louise was often seen walking the streets on her way to visiting families and elderly people in the parish both at home and in hospital. She had a special love for the sick and the dying who were always very close to her heart.

Sr. Louise set up a Youth Club in the late 1960’s which catered for girls from 9 – 18 years old. It began with classes in cookery and dressmaking with teachers from Comhairle le Leasoíge. Then through affiliation with CYC, the club was very successful in ‘Make and Model’ competitions, Group Singing and Young Entertainers competitions. Other activities included Table Tennis, Arts and Crafts, Hostelling weekends and an annual holiday.