Tooreen

The Setting Tooreen is a small village in County Mayo bordering Counties Roscommon, Galway and Sligo. The Ave Maria is ideally situated in the heart of Tooreen just yards away from Saint Mary's Church. Most noted for it's famous hurling club founded in 1957 which won their first County Senior Title in 1966. Not to mention the infamous Tooreen Ballroom of Romance founded by Monsignor James Horan.

Monsignor James Horan

Through his vision, determination and dedication Monsignor James Horan accomplished many great achievements. In 1944 Fr. Horan was appointed curate in Tooreen and built the famous Tooreen Hall Ballroom of Romance. Later he developed Knock Shrine and Knock Airport both of which are only 15 minutes from Ave Maria Nursing Home.

The Story of Knock began on the 21st August 1879 when Our Lady, Saint Joseph and Saint John the Evangelist appeared at the south gable of Knock Parish Church. Fifteen people, young and old, witnessed the apparition. From this miraculous occurrence Knock has grown to the status of an internationally recognised Marian Shrine.

Saint Bridget's National School