ROMAN CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL, OLD CHAPEL, CONVENT, ST. PATRICK 'S COLLEGE, CHRISTIAN BROTHERS.

CORDING to a paragraph in the Book of Armagh, the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Patrick occupies the hill to the north of the ancient Cathedral, which was visited by St. Patrick in circumstances of consider able interest. When Daire, chieftain of the district, called on the saint to inform him that he had decided to grant the "Hill of Sallows," in accordance with the original request, they went forth together from Na-Fertae, the Abbey in the low ground. On ascending the hill "to view the admirable and well-pleasing gift," they found a roe and fawn ; Daire attempted to catch and kill the fawn, but St. Patrick interposed and took it upon his own shoulders to the other hill, the roe following "like a pet sheep." This story is told in the translation by Dr. Reeves. The foundation stone of the Cathedral was laid in 1840, and the ceremony of dedication took place on the 24th of August, 1873.

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The site, then called Sandy Hill, was procured by Primate Crolly from Lord Cremorne, and Counsellor Robinson an outcome of the friendly relations he endeavoured ' to establish with protestants, from the date of his appointment, 1835. The building of the Cathedral was continued until the death of Primate Crolly in 1849. He was succeeded in the year following by Dr. Paul Cullen, afterward Cardinal; transferred to Dublin in 1852. Dr. Cullen seemed to think the structure altogether too large for the requirements of Armagh, and as it was not then roofed, suggested that a portion of the walls might be covered. Dr. Joseph Dixon was appointed to the Primacy in 1852. He soon took measures for the completion of the Cathedral. Mr. Duff, the Architect, had died a few years previously, and in the employment of a new Architect, Mr. J. J. McCarthy, Dublin, a change of plan was also effected. The resumption of the work was celebrated on Easter Monday, 1854, in the midst of a storm which is realistically described by the Rev. John Gallogly, C.C., as follows:-
"Father O 'Rourke, S.J., occupied the pulpit, but neither he nor the choir, nor any human voice could be heard, for the pitiless storm that raged at the time hushed every voice in order to proclaim its own uncontrollable power. * * * Large beams of timber were placed at intervals across the nave and aisles, and an abundant supply of tarpaulins was procured to cover the space underneath. * * * When 12 o 'clock arrived, the appointed hour, the storm assumed the violence of a hurricane, and showers of hail, driven furiously by a south-east wind along the whole length of the Cathedral, plattered on the awning above, which swelled and roared as the billows of an angry sea when lashed into fury by the tempest. * * * Just after the consecration, when the tempest had reached its height, a gust of wind swept the whole Cathedral, extinguished the candles, and would have upset the altar had not the deacon, to the great relief of His Grace, placed the patena on the Host, and secured the Chalice with one of his hands till after the Communion."
The Irish people in the United States and Canada contributed largely toward the building fund, one collector, Rev. John McMahon, sending from New York alone £5,000, and £300 for the Virgin 's altar. A bazaar netted £7,000. In 1866 Primate Dixon died, leaving the Cathedral unfinished. Dr. Michael Kieran was elevated to the Primacy in 1867, but owing to the delicate state of his health did nothing toward the completion of the work of his predecessor. He died in 1870. Dr. Daniel McGettigan succeeded, and he at once determined that the finishing touches should be made in his own time. Accordingly, on the 24th of August, 1873, two years after his appointment, the Cathedral was dedicated.

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It is estimated that from 50,000 to 100,000 persons visited Armagh to participate in the ceremonies of the occasion. Rev. Thomas Burke, O.P., the eloquent Dominican, preached the dedication sermon, and at the close £8,200 was collected. The total sum expended upon the cathedral was about £70,000. Decorated gothic was the style of architecture followed by Mr. McCarthy. Mr. Duff in his part of the work had adhered to the perpendicular. The building is cruciform, with nave, aisles, transepts and chancel. The 16 splendid columns supporting the nave are of Dungannon freestone, but the greater part of the material in the construction of the edifice is limestone, from the celebrated Navan quarries. Two towers and spires rise from the western side to a height of 210 feet. The exact measurements in the interior are as follows:-Nave and aisles, 72 feet wide ; across transepts, 112 feet ; height from floor to ridge, 110 feet ; total, length, 210 feet. There are some fine stained windows, notably one over the high altar, erected in 1879, to the memory of Primate Crolly and Primate Dixon, at a cost of £920. The remains of Primate Crolly were removed to the Cathedral from Drogheda, where he died, and are deposited under the high altar. The remains of Primate Dixon repose in the cemetery attached to the convent of the Sacred Heart. The high altar, in Caen stone and native marbles, is. a creditable work of art. The pulpit, also of Caen stone, is supported on eight pillars of Cork marble. There is a very good organ. Statues in Caen stone, with gilt background, ' typify the several Stations to the Cross. Not the least of the attractions of the Cathedral are the handsome grounds which surround it, and the terraced approach from Mill street, where a highly ornamental railing runs for a short distance at both sides of the gate, fronting a handsome cut stone lodge, built in 1884 for the Sexton. The palace of the Primate - modest, but in good taste occupies a partly-secluded spot at the back of the Cathedral. Primate McGettigan died in 1887. His remains are interred in the cemetery on the hillside below the Cathedral, in accordance with a desire expressed by himself. The present Primate is the most Rev. Michael Logue, D.D.
The Old Chapel, in Chapel Lane, is still used for early morning Mass. It occupies part of the site of Temple Bridget.
The Covent of the Sacred Heart also stands on a hill, Mount St. Catherine, in view of the Cathedral. It has a school for the education of ladies, and a National School. Mrs. Harbison is the Superioress.
St. Patick 's [sic Patrick 's] College is situated in extensive grounds, to the right of the Roman Catholic Cathedral. It was founded in 1836 by the Congregation of the Mission of Vincentians, and is devoted chiefly to the preliminary instruction of young men

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intended for the Priesthood. Rev. M. Carrigy, C.M., is President, and the Professors are-Rev. John Boyle, C.M. ; Rev. R. T. Jones, C.M., and Mr. Felix Beggan.
At Greenpark, in the outskirts of the city, the Christian Brothers have schools. The connection of the Brotherhood with Armagh began in 1852. About 200 boys take advantage of the methods of education which they employ, intermediate and primary, and have the benefit of good air and extensive recreation grounds. Rev. Bro. R. B. Dunne is the present Director.