An impression of St Patrick's Church, Kilbrittain, by Vanessa Turner of Kilbrittain Village.

The Turner Family

John and Vanessa Turner came to Kilbrittain in 2000. They were natives of Zimbabwe but had to leave there because of the political situation and even lost their citizenship. They lived in Kilbrittain for about three years, the children went to school there, some were confirmed in the parish and others made First Holy Communion. Two of the children served on the altar. They were unable to get Irish passports and eventually arranged to get South African passports. They then moved to Stellenbosch in South Africa. Many in Kilbrittain were very sorry to see them leave since they had been very good friends and parishioners.

John managed to get part-time jobs in teaching and other areas. Vanessa is an artist and had at least one exhibition in the Celtic Ross Hotel. She did this pendrawing of Kilbrittain Church which has been used as the Parish logo and has appeared on a number of booklets for confirmations and weddings. There is a striking painting depicting Jesus which she did hanging in the parochial house.