THE Office of Public Works (OPW) has welcomed the return of the St Thomas’ Baptismal Font to Newcastle West. The baptismal font was originally located in St Thomas’ Church in the West Limerick town, which was built in 1777 but deconsecrated in 1958 and demolished in 1962. Now, after an absence of nearly 60 years, the font is returning to Newcastle West where it will be located in Desmond Castle, close to the original site of St Thomas’ Church. The restoration of the font was carried out by OPW craftworkers.