Catherine McAuley chose Mother M. Elizabeth Moore to head her foundation to Limerick in 1838, just seven years after the Congregation was founded. Many people in the County of Limerick were living in abject poverty. Three previous attempts to establish religious communities in Limerick had failed due to the extreme poverty. Catherine McAuley was adamant about sending sisters to Limerick to offer support. Moreover, Catherine accompanied the founding group to Limerick. Some of her letters express her dismay at the poverty she encountered. Elizabeth had to overcome her early fears and anxiety. She was a strong and resourceful woman who launched an incredible range of Mercy projects. Elizabeth’s concern for the poor in other areas led her to make foundations from Limerick to Kinsale (1844), Killarney (1844), Mallow (1845), Glasgow (1849), Roscommon (1853), Ennis (1854), and Edinburgh (1858). 

Anne Moore was the daughter of James and Catherine Moore of St. James’ Parish, Dublin. She was the family's only child to live past infancy. Her father died when Anne was only seven, and Anne was then in the care of her maternal grandmother. She received her education in a ladies’ seminary, learning English, French, basic arithmetic, and music.  She has a lovely singing voice. Anne entered the Sisters of Mercy in Baggot Street on her 26thbirthday in 1832. Catherine McAuley was her Novice Mistress, and through her, Anne received a thorough knowledge of Catherine's intentions in forming the Sisters of Mercy.

Elizabeth Moore would follow the lead of Catherine in extraordinary ways. In addition to schools, she founded a House of Mercy, visited the ill, cared for victims of a cholera epidemic, visited jails, and much more. She also shared Catherine's enthusiasm for laying new foundations, sending Sisters to various locations in Ireland and Scotland.

When Elizabeth first arrived in Limerick, she appeared to have been overwhelmed by the magnitude of poverty and suffering around her. However, she quickly overcame her worries, and her story depicts a strong, courageous, and generous leader.

The Sisters of Mercy in Limerick, as well as all of the other institutions established by Elizabeth Moore, completed great work.  It would be impossible to overstate her influence in the West of Ireland and in Scotland, as well as in Limerick itself. The Kinsale Foundation would eventually send sisters to America.

Limerick, Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy, accessed 7 May 2024. https://sistersofmercy.ie/limerick/

Sullivan, Mary C, ed. The Correspondence of Catherine McAuley 1818 - 1841. Dublin, Co Dublin, Ireland: Four Courts Press Ltd, 2004.