callan friary

Callan Friary The village of Callan is associated with religion as Edmund Rice was born in this village. Rice was the founder of the religious order, known as the Christian Brothers,which were begun at the end of the 18th century. The Christian Brothers are credited with educating the less wealthy people of Ireland. The cottage is located at Westcourt, just outside the village and is marked by a plaque. The Friary was founded for the Augustinians in 1462, by Eamonn Butler of Portrathbut it was his son John who was responsible for erecting the present buildings. The church is all that remains, but it has some of its original features left, including a decorated doorway and window in the east wall. Before the Act of Union, the village had its own M.P. a perfect example of a 'rotten borough' as Lord Callan held the seat, and was paid |15,000 compensation, for the loss of the income the seat gave him!