Fr Ó Fearraigh on church fire: 'Words fall silent in the face of such destruction'
Firefighters from the Donegal Fire Service battled the blaze at and the cause of the fire has not yet been determined and the scene remains preserved pending technical examination
Fr Brian Ó Fearraigh says “words fall silent in the face of such destruction,” following an early morning fire that left St Mary’s Church in Derrybeg in ruins.
Firefighters from the Donegal Fire Service battled the blaze at and the cause of the fire has not yet been determined and the scene remains preserved pending technical examination.
“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,” the local parish priest said. “It’s a church that holds a lot of dear memories for our parishioners here. Words fall silent in the face of such destruction”.
Local representatives added their voice to the work of the emergency services who attended the scene early on Monday morning.
“Devastating news for the local community that St Mary’s Church, Gaoth Dobhair has been destroyed in a fire during the early hours,” Deputy Pearse Doherty said.
“This church has stood at the heart of our community for generations, holding memories for so many. “I want to pay tribute to the emergency services who responded so quickly, and to the Gardaí as they continue their investigation in the days ahead. And my solidarity to an tAthair Brian and the clergy of the parish.
Pat the Cope Gallagher added that the news was a massive blow to all in west Donegal.
“The loss to fire of Doirí Beaga Church is just heartbreaking and devastating to the community it serves. Just yesterday, the church was full to capacity celebrating the Easter Sunday Mass,” he said.
“Built in 1972, when a large community effort in the Gweedore Parish came together with the support of our emigrant communities across the globe, built this magnificent Church. I wish to commend the fire service for their excellent efforts throughout the night in fighting the fire.
“We will all need time to reflect on this loss before the task of rebuilding commences. 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.”