A community in County Donegal has been left devastated after a fire destroyed a Catholic church overnight, reports RTE.
The blaze occurred at Teach Pobail Mhuire in Doirí Beaga, Gaoth Dobhair.
Five fire service units along with Gardaí responded to the incident after it was reported shortly after 4am this morning, reports RTE.
Parish Priest An t-Athair Brian Ó Fearraigh expressed gratitude to the emergency services, describing their efforts as “Trojan work”.
He said the loss had sparked an emotional reaction from parishioners who saw the church as their “spiritual home”.
“This morning, our hearts are heavy as we come to terms with the terrible tragedy that took place when St Mary’s Church here in Na Doirí Beaga was burnt to the ground, reports RTE.
“It’s a church that holds a lot of dear memories for our parishioners here. Words fall silent in the face of such destruction,” he said, reports RTE.
Local councillor John Sheamuis Ó Fearraigh called the event “absolutely shocking”.
“Looking behind me at the scene you’d think it was a dream, but it’s not a dream it’s a reality. The community will rebuild. Gaoth Dobhair people are very resilient. It’s a devastating blow but I’m sure the people of the parish will come together along with other parishes that will help us to rebuild,” reports RTE.
Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty confirmed the fire was extinguished but said the structure was completely destroyed.
The church, built in 1972, is one of the largest in the Diocese of Raphoe.
Mr Doherty, who was married in the church, said his father’s anniversary mass was due to take place there soon, reports RTE.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, the Donegal TD noted the deep history of the church and described the incident as heartbreaking.
“We will see a rebirth here”, he said, reports RTE.
Fianna Fáil TD Pat The Cope Gallagher described the destruction as “heartbreaking and devastating to the community it serves”. He noted that just a day earlier, the church had been packed for Easter Sunday Mass.
“Teach a’ Phobail – the public’s house – are our second homes, they are the very heart and soul of our local communities and the loss of Teach Pobail Mhuire in Doirí Beaga will be felt today by many in the wider community. Our thoughts are with Fr Brian and his parishioners at this most difficult time for them all. The setbacks in life must never define who we are, it is how we rebuild from loss that will ultimately define us as a people,” reports RTE.
Diocesan Administrator Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, who is originally from Gaoth Dobhair, said he was heartbroken by the news, but that the community would stand behind An t-Athair Ó Fearraigh.
He expressed thanks to the parish priest, the Donegal Fire Service units who battled the blaze, and the Gardaí who will now carry out an investigation, reports RTE.
Monsignor Gillespie said Teach Pobail Mhuire has always been central to the life of the community and the news of the fire will be deeply upsetting to people both locally and abroad.
“With the help of God, Our Lady, the support of the community and the good work of the clergy, the Church will be rebuilt one way or another,” Monsignor Gillespie said, reports RTE.
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