An t-Athair Brian Ó Fearraigh has spoken of his devastation at the loss of Teach Pobail Mhuire in Derrybeg following an overnight fire.
Five units of the fire brigade and gardaí attended the scene after the fire was first reported at around 4am this morning.
Parish Priest An t-Athair Brian Ó Fearraigh thanked Gardaí and the fire service, saying they had done “Trojan work”.
He said there had been an outpouring of emotion from the community who viewed 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,” he 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,” he said.
St Mary’s Church, Derrybeg, engulfed in flames.
Local councillor John Sheamuis Ó Fearraigh said it was “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,” he told RTÉ News.
“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.”
Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty Mr Doherty said he got married in the church and his father’s anniversary mass was due to take place there later.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, he said the church had a huge history and said the incident was heartbreaking.
“We will see a rebirth here”, he said.
Earlier, The Diocesan Administrator for the Raphoe Diocese said he’s ‘heartbroken’ at last night’s devastating church fire in Derrybeg.
Read Monsignor Kevin Gillespie’s comments HERE.
Officially opened in August, 1972, the church cost £123,000 at the time and is one of the biggest in the diocese.
It was designed by Patrick Carr & Partners architects from Ballybofey in an octagonal shape.
The new Church, built by Joseph McMenamin and Sons, Stranorlar, was erected on the site of the former parochial house and could accommodate 900 people.
The old St Mary’s Church was built in 1860 and closed following the construction of the new chapel in 1972.
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