Charles Witherspoon travels to Cookstown to visit the new Chapel of the Annunciation and the convent accommodation. The Chapel is modernist and striking, designed by Liam McCormick with amazing sculpture by Michael Biggs and stained-glass windows by Patrick Pye. It is an incredible piece of architecture, sadly closed since the convent shut down. 

Reverend Mother Eithne of the convent admits having been a little frightened of the architecture at the start. 

Liam McCormick is recognised as the father of modern Irish church architecture. He designed some 27 churches, breaking the mould of the steadfastly Hiberno-Gothic-Italianate, and creating something altogether different - something new, something modern. No mean feat in the Ireland of that time. 

Michael Biggs was a liturgical artist whose work can be seen in a great number of churches throughout Ireland. He was best known for working with large stone. 

Patrick Pye RHA (1929 – 8 February 2018) was a renowned sculptor, painter and stained-glass artist, resident in County Dublin.