'Heartbroken' Monsignor Kevin Gillespie on devastating Derrybeg Church fire

Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, the Diocesan Administrator of the Raphoe Diocese, says he is “heartbroken” following a devastating fire that has destroyed the church in his home parish.

Firefighters from the Donegal Fire Service battled the blaze at St Mary’s Church in Derrybeg and the cause of the fire has not yet been determined. 

Monsignor Gillespie celebrated his first Mass in the Church in July 1999 following his ordination to the priesthood.

“I am heartbroken to learn of the destruction by fire this morning of Séipéal Mhuire, na Doirí Beaga, the parish church for the parish of Gaoth Dobhair,” Monsignor Gillespie said. 

“I wish to express my support to Fr Briain Ó Fearraigh, the Parish Priest, who has the full support of the community as he faces this challenge. I join with him in thanking the personnel of the Fire Brigade both in Gaoth Dobhair and from near and far in the county who did their very best to save the building. We are grateful to an Garda Síochána who must now lead the necessary investigations. 

“I think of Fr Brendan Ward, CC, and the many priests who have served this church and for whom it is their native parish, myself included. 

“And I think of all the people of Gaoth Dobhair at home and away who will receive this news with great sadness. 

“Séipéal Mhuire has served the parish since 1972, and it is here the most significant moments if the life if the parish are marked. 

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“With God’s help, with our Lady’s intercession, with the support of the community and the hard work of the clergy, a new parish church will rise again in one form or another. In the meantime, the life of faith will continue and will guide and sustain the parish of Gaoth Dobhair.”