Statue of Saint Anthony.

As you enter St. Joseph’s Church, you see a small statue of St. Anthony, which stands on a pedestal, near the first window. This was erected to the memory of the 5th Francis Brennan to be born in Killarkin. He died at the early age of 14 years. He was the eldest son of Francis and Bridget Brennan, Killarkin, Leitrim.

He himself requested the erection of the statue before he died, after an illness borne with patience and resignation. The sad event took place on August 23rd 1953. In the report of the ‘Kilclare Races’, of August 15th 1952, his equestrian feats were highly praised and he was known to be full of spirit and vivacity.

Archdeacon O’Donoghue purchased the statue in Dublin and blessed it. Unfortunately, when it arrived, the head was broken. The late James Eardley, Leitrim came to the rescue and repaired the statue beautifully. It was re-touched and placed in its present position when the Church was renovated.