View from the altar with the rose window at the back of the Friary Church. Athlone's friary church is deconsecratedPrevious Next Image 1 of 2 Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise Paul Connell. The council is understood to be close to finalising arrangements to acquire both the former Franciscan church and the adjoining residential premises and gardens. The church had been a friary church, run by the order, and they had requested he sign the decree to return it to secular status. The Franciscan community officially departed Athlone on January 8, 2023, after a 788-year presence in the town.

Source: Irish Independent February 12, 2026 20:10 UTC