Main pic: Scaffolding being erected at St Patrick’s Church, Crossroads, Killygordon, this week. Pic: Donegal Daily.
Work began this week on a major €500,000 restoration of a landmark east Donegal church.
The essential works are taking place at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Crossroads, Killygordon, which celebrates its 150th anniversary next year.
Earlier this year, the local parish was awarded a €100,000 grant under the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2024. However local Parish Priest, Fr Patsy Arkinson, said the final bill could amount to well over €400,000. He told parishioners they have also succeeded in obtaining funding from other sources. But, he stressed, the remainder will have to be raised locally.
The works will include repointing of external stonework to the spire, tower and external walling. In addition, repairs will be carried out to rainwater goods, abutment flashings as well as the provision of stonemason training.
Construction began on the ‘new’ church in 1872 to replace a smaller structure which was first built in 1790 in the middle of what is now known as the old graveyard.
Scaffolding being erected at St Patrick’s Church, Crossroads, Killygordon, this week. Pic: Donegal Daily.
It was built for the then Parish Priest, the Reverend Edward Boyle, with the foundation stone laid on the 12th April 1872. It was ‘dedicated’ three years later, on the 25th of April 1875. According to the National Built Heritage Service (NBHS), the bell tower and spire were part of the original designs, but were not built until sometime between 1893 – 5\6, possibly due to financial considerations.
“This ambitious and well-detailed late nineteenth-century Catholic church, displaying the highest standards of design and artistic endeavour, is one of the best examples of its type and date in County Donegal,” it was stated in a 2008 NBHS survey.
“Of particular note is the majestic belltower with soaring slender broached spire over, which is constructed of the highest quality ashlar masonry and which dominates the landscape for miles around in all directions. The semi-circular stair turret to one corner of the tower is another interesting and noteworthy feature that further distinguishes the exterior of this feature of the building.”
For updates on the restoration, and fundraising information, go to the St Patrick’s Church Crossroads Killygordon Facebook page.
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