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Following the Second Vatican Council, the church was modernised and re-dedicated in 1974. Many consider that the church was thereby stripped of its internal identity. They lament the removal of the lavishly carved High altar, by Leonardi, purchased in Rome, "containing specimens of the rarest of marbles", of "the highest art, and with the canopy, in perfect harmony with the rest of the building". Also removed was a fine octagonal pulpit, designed by J.J. McCarthy, architect of Maynooth College Chapel, and carved by James Pearse, father of the famed Padraig. "The body of the pulpit, composed mainly of Caen stone, was supported on a central shaft of Green Galway marble, with foliate capitlas and richly moulded bases. This shaft was surrounded by eight smaller ones in Cork red marble. In panels on six sides of the pulpit were groups carved in full relief representing the principal events in Our Lady's life. The pulpit stood nine foot above floor level and was reached by stone steps in a marble casing." The pulpit was dismantled, and is now held in storage by the O.P.W., a sad fate indeed.
In 2003, St. Mary's roof had to be replaced, after many leaks had developed. The heating system was also found to be in serious need of repair. The church was closed in May to allow for this work; also to replace the floor torn up by removal of pipes; to repaint it completely; to replace the porch, including two sets of doors, and stained glass; to rewire and move the light switching to the sacristy; to build on new toilets; and to remove and renovate the seating in the church, some of which is Austrian oak, donated in 1936. The result was a great success, resulting in a much brighter and warmer place of worship for the community. A new tabernacle was purchased, as well as the large crucifix on the right of the sanctuary. The rededication of St. Mary's by Bishop Colm O'Reilly took place on Sunday, 7th December 2003. Also present on the day was Fr. Aidan Ryan, P.P. Ballinahown, a native of the parish, who had been present as an altar boy at the centenary of the church in 1957.
Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Coosan
'Cuasan' is the Irish for cave, of which there are remains between Coosan N.S. and Coosan Point. Folklore tells us that St Ciaran established a monastery on Hare Island c. 540AD, but when the Coosan people stole his only cow, he was forced to depart.
By the late 60s, it became apparent that a new church would be required for Athlone in the not too distant future. A survey with a projection for the next 20 years showed that most development was happening in the Retreat area, but more was to follow in what is now the Willow Park area, out the Ballymahon road, and from Beechpark to the Lower Coosan road. It was felt that this broad sweep of houses would need two small churches to accommodate approx. 800 worshippers each. The site chosen for the church in the townland of Clonbrusk was 'obvious': "The new church is sited on a hill where it will quietly dominate its surroundings and
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