By Dionne Meehan
A FUNDRAISING auction has been organised in a bid to secure the future of St Columba’s Church in Drumoghill, Manorcunningham.
Known as being the “heart” of Drumoghill’s bright, caring and connected local community for almost 200 years, the building has fallen into a state of dilapidation in recent times.
From first communions to confirmations, marriages to deaths, one local parishioner said “if the walls of Drumoghill Chapel could talk, they would tell our community’s story”.
However, due to the deterioration of the chapel, parishioners have been forced to attend Mass in their local Resource Centre for the past year.
With restoration work now underway, auction organiser, Tony Morning said a “major” amount of work lies ahead.
“The chapel was in very bad shape for years, the walls were blistering so they had to gut the chapel completely.
“To be honest, I thought it might never be open again,” he said.
However, like many in the area, Tony has deep personal ties with the chapel.
With his mother and father buried in the adjoining cemetery, Tony said he wasn’t ready to see the chapel “laying derelict”.
Wanting to help out, Tony organised an auction in order to help with the restoration.
“The auction is taking place in the yard straight across from the football pitch in Drumoghill on Saturday, March 9 at 11am.
“I decided off my own back to do this and called a meeting in Manor.
“There was a large crowd that attended and everyone was in agreement and behind it 100 per cent,” he said.
Describing the response as being “absolutely brilliant”, Tony said they currently have 50 to 60 lots for auction from toy tractors and concrete to sheep and calves.
Aiming for a lot of over 200, Tony is currently accepting donations up until and on Friday, March 8.
If you wish to donate an item to the auction contact Tony Morning on 0872989963 or Ciaran O’Donnell on 0872562611.
Meanwhile, Tony has organised a follow-up meeting in the Resource Centre in Manorcunningham on February 6 at 8pm which is open to anyone who wishes to attend.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)