The burning of the Blackrock Church
The burning of the Blackrock Church ment many tings to many people. But I think that Ted Simms oural presentation of it is by far the most artistic.Ted Simms has been kind in allowing me to record his memories of the burning of the Blackrock Church. The reports in the local news papers confirms, Teds memory of that day.Ted recounts this event with heart felt sadness, it is as if it were his family home. He has a great love for his parish community. Because of his deeply held Christian faith. The burning of the Church is not alone a disaster for him but also for his wider family the people of Blackrock.
OVER 1000 YEARS OF FAITH
A closer look at Blackrock shows that this Christian faith is common to the people of Blackrock. As far back as history has been recorded there has been a Christian community in Blackrock. Vatican archives have reference to the Parish of Blackrock as far back as 1000 ad. It is firmly held that the first settlers in Cork were St Finnbar and his followers. It is know that they were fishermen. St Finnbar was know to be partial to a fillet of salmon The people of Blackrock village are a very close knit. Some factors that helped form this close bond. Was there shared Christian faith, the harshness of the fisherman’s life. The inherent dangers to both life and limb.
FAITH WAS FOR EVERY DAY.
They borough there faith into there every day life. Holy Water was carried by the men when going fishing, The finest Salmon was reserved for the preacher of there parish mission. The Blessing of the boats is an annual event at the Blackrock pair.– One great work of Mercy they shared in was the recovery of the body’s of those who drowned in the river. Despite all the advances in modern technology, even up to this day the fire services still depend on the expert knowledge of Corks fisherman for the recovery of those lost in this sad way, How much relief have these men brought to grieving families over the years?
FRENCH AND SPAINISH A RICH HARVEST.
Blackrock fisherman shared in the bountiful harvest of fish in Cork Harbour. There was an abundance of oysters, mussels. Mullet, herring, mackerel, sea trout and salmon. The harbour was so rich in fish stocks that 
four hundred fishing boats under sail could be seen at times fishing. These were mainly French and Spanish. In the 1500s, Queen Elizabeth constructed a fort at Blackrock to "repel pirates and other invaders". King James granted a charter to the city of cork to raise tax’s for the upkeep of Blackrock Castle. He feared battle ships would masquerade as a fishing fleet to attack the city The castle is later referred to in the Council Book of Cork in 1613 and 1614. In 1722 the old four-storey tower was destroyed by fire and new one built by the citizens, costing £296.
ST FINNBAR LIKED HIS SALMOM.
Fishing on the Lee is also recorded as a work in which the early Church were involved in. St Finnbar was partial to a fillet of salmon. On heading north over the north gate bridge to the left hand side at low tide you can see the remains of a salmon weir. This is cited in a Royal survey of 1540 Sponsored by King Henry V111. It was in the control of the Franciscans up to that time. And to seal so to speak the clams that Blackrock was a place of great faith, we only need to look at the actions of the to Priests How risked all to save the Blessed Sacrament from the inferno.