The story of the nativity crib at Mayo church

THE crib is an important part of Christmas in Christian churches throughout the world.

Many years ago the crib in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, was designed and built by Willie Basquill, an expert carpenter, and Tom Dunne, a master craftsman when it came to carpentry and plumbing.

I understand Basquill is a French name and the family came to County Mayo when Westport House was being built. Willie Basquill had three sons, Walter, Paddy and Michael.

Walter was a fine boxer and fought on a professional basis in England.

Michael Basquill, who had a fine voice, won many titles on the amateur boxing scene. Paddy Basquill was treasurer of Mayo GAA Board, a cousin of Fr. Leo Morahan, chairman of Mayo GAA Board.

Tom Dunne was a member of one of Castlebar’s oldest families. Tom’s wife was Rosie McLoughlin, Market Square, brother of Billy McLoughlin, one of Castlebar’s best known characters.

Tom and Rosie Dunne had two sons, John and Paul. Most of the Dunne families were top-class tradesmen.

James ‘Rebel’ Dunne was a member of the engineering staff of Castlebar bacon factory and his brother Maurice was a mechanic in Josie Bourke’s garage, Ellison Street.

People from all over Mayo travelled to Castlebar to witness the crib in the parish church.

I can truly say it was a work of art and a credit to Willie Basquill and Tom Dunne, two master craftsmen.