Pioneer Association

Pioneer Total Abstinence Association

Father James Cullen, along with a number f lady supporters, from Gardiner Street Dublin, formed the Pioneer Association in 1898. They embarked on a personal crusade to stamp out the abuse of alcohol in Irish society: the cause of so much social malady and a curse on family relationships. Following Father Cullen’s call, to tackle the evil of alcoholism, virtually every parish in the country established a branch, committed to the ideals and values set down by him and the association. Members who joined the association, vowed to abstain, lifelong, from alcohol and foster a sensible approach to the substance in their community through educational and information programs. On December 30th 1920 a branch of the association was affiliated to St. Brigid’s Church, Oldcastle.