Photo: April 2025, the charred remains of St Mary’s Church, Derrybeg. Photo credit: Bob Keaty
A new parish church will rise from the ashes in Derrybeg as work gets underway to plan the rebuilding of Teach Pobail Mhuire.
Teach Pobail Mhuire (St Mary’s Church) was destroyed in a devastating fire in April.
More than €141,000 was raised through public donations in the aftermath of the blaze.
The Gweedore Parish has announced that a working group called “Meitheal Mhuire” is currently engaging with Allianz, the insurance company the church was insured with.
The rebuilding process is in its early stages, said An t-Athair Brian Ó Fearraigh, Parish Priest of Gweedore.
A secure hoarding wall has been erected around the grounds “to ensure the safety and integrity of the site”.
Meitheal Mhuire has sent documents to experienced architects to get initial proposals for the new church. The parish will soon begin a public consultation to gather input from the community, ensuring the new church reflects everyone’s shared values and needs.
Fr Ó Fearraigh issued an update to parishioners yesterday and said: “Though we have lost a cherished church, a place of faith and a sacred sanctuary, we remain a strong, steadfast, and united community. From the ashes, a new and beautiful Church will rise, to the glory of God and in honour of Our Lady. It will stand as a lasting testament to our collective faith, our resilience, and the enduring love we share for one another, especially in times of challenge and difficulty. ”
Fr Ó Fearraigh continued: “I am deeply grateful to each of you. I want to express my deepest gratitude for the generous support you have offered, spiritually, financially, and practically, from near and far. Your kindness and encouragement, understanding and commitment, and most importantly your continued prayers are truly helping to lay the foundations of our new parish Church in the heart of Gaoth Dobhair.
“With God’s blessing, and under the care and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we walk this path together – and we will rebuild. Beannacht Dé agus na Maighdine Muire oraibh uilig.”