Over €40,000 has been raised by the public just two days after a Donegal church was destroyed in a fire.
St Mary’s Church in Derrybeg was gutted in a fire which broke out at 4am on the morning of Easter Monday. Locals in the Gaeltacht village have spoken of their shock and devastation at the incident, with a Garda investigation having been launched.
The fundraiser was set up by Coiste Forbartha Dhobair Cuideachta Faoi Theorainn Ráthaíochta and the money raised will go towards rebuilding the church.
‘Aththógáil Teach Pobail Mhuire – Help Rebuild Our Church’ has gone live as a fundraiser on social media, after parishioners vowed to build the Catholic church back “better than ever.”
It comes as parish Priest of St Mary’s, Fr Brian O’Fearraigh, said the church would rise from the ashes again, as he paid tribute to the “resilient” community.
“We will rebuild our church with a renewed hope for a brighter future,” he vowed on Tuesday.
The fundraiser, which has had over 400 donations, reads:
“Easter Sunday the Parish of Gaoth Dobhair, along with many friends and visitors to our community, gathered in a church full to capacity to joyfully celebrate with hope the Easter liturgies of the Resurrection.
“Sadly our parish is in mourning. Our beloved Church, St. Mary’s in Derrybeg burned to the ground in the early hours of Easter Monday morning. This is a deeply tragic event that strikes at the heart of our community. Our beautiful Church was not only a place of worship, but also a centre of light, life and love, of support, unity and hope for many.
“We are a resilient community and will stand together to support one another in this moment of deep grief and sorrow. We are asking for your help to rebuild our Church with a renewed hope for a brighter future. Any support big or small is greatly appreciated.”
Generosity from a wide range of donors means that the crowdfunding campaign has already reached half of its target – €80,000. The initial target was €9,000 but after it was surpassed in a few short hours, a new goal was set.
Donegal singer Daniel O’Donnell is also reported to be ready to contribute to the fundraising drive after the church was burned to the ground. Mr O’Donnell is to perform at a concert in aid of the rebuild this Saturday night at Teach Phaídí Óig in Crolly, alongside other singers.
No updates have been issued on the investigation into the cause of the blaze, as Garda forensic experts continue sifting through the ashes of the church.