History:

In 1972 Sr. Anthony Moloney ( Right ), Superior General of the Presentation Sisters in the Cloyne Diocese started negotiations to buy the land on which once stood Nano’s family home and farm.

Money was very scarce in the ‘70’s but there was much enthusiasm shown when Sr. Anthony circulated a letter asking for contributions from every Presentation Community in the world towards the purchase of Ballygriffin.

Words of encouragement and support came first from Australia, and very generous donations quickly followed from Presentation Sisters all across the world.

The local people of Killavullen were delighted to have the Sisters in the Nagle homestead and the deal was sealed in April 1974 on payment of IR£36,000.

Their was a celebration to mark the occasion of the Sisters arrival to the Homestead. Mother Agnes ( right ) from South Presentation Convent [ founding Convent of the Congregation ], Cork City planted an oak tree ( bottom right ) in the field in front of the Centre on 26th April 1974, the one hundred and ninetieth anniversary of Nano Nagle’s death.

Work began in 1983. What once was the coach house and stables now became the Heritage Centre. In 1984 Bishop John Ahern blessed the building and on the same day the first Annual Mass in honour of Nano Nagle was organised by the Killavullen Community Council, a custom that continues to this day.

Past Development:

1984 First Phase: Conversion of old coach house/stables to Heritage Centre

1987 Second Phase: Building of new Conference Centre, Prayer Room, Small apartment, 3 self-catering bungalows

1996 Third Phase: Building of new Dining Room, Kitchen, 1 apartment

2006-2007 Fourth Phase: Refurbishment of all buildings. The picture below left is a closer view of the newly refurbished main building. The picture below right is the new Solar Panel system being installed.