Parish of Leitrim & Ballydugan

St Andrew’s Church Leitrim was built in 1858 by the modern founder of the parish Fr. Andrew Griffin P.P. While it has undergone various modifications over the years, in late 2007 the people of the parish undertook an extensive restoration project which saw its’ sanctuary reordered, a complete renovation of the main fabric of the building and a very tasteful artistic finish which incorporated a reapplication of the late 19th century wall stencilling. St. Jarlath’s Church Ballydugan was built in 1846 by Canon Patrick Lyons, and has the unique distinction of being the patron church of a ‘parish within a parish’. It is in the parish of Kilmeen, which has been in the territory of the dioceses of Tuam since the Synod of Kells in the 12th century. With the exception of the period 1844 – 1851, it has been administered by priests of the diocese of Clonfert. Of local limestone, it was built at the time of the Great Famine with voluntary labour. The parish rejoices in its unique link with Tuam, making it one of the most historical parishes in the diocese of Clonfert.