The field that became Saint Catherine’s Garden Park was donated to the Dominican’s of Newry by the Quinn family with the proviso that “no buildings will ever be erected there.” Providing a forecourt and garden expanse in front of the Church to set it off and allow its external beauty to be the more fully appreciated..”
The top of the spire, the Dominican Cross, after hanging at a crazy angle for a matter of hours, fell to the ground, crashing through the roof of St. Joseph’s Chapel near to where the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima is now located. Fortunately no one received injury. This portion of the original spire is now to be seen in the garden at the rear of the Church.
Dominican Cross
In the garden opposite St Catherine’s Church stands an iron cross about five feet high. Over the years there has been much speculation about the origins of the cross and how it came to be placed there. Local historian Eamon McAteer has been able to provide answers with the following account:
The Statue of Saint Catherine
Site still under construction!