By Diarmaid Doherty
Deputy Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher said the thoughts of the community are with parish priest Fr Brian O Fearraigh and his parishioners following last night’s devastating fire at St Mary’s Church, Derrybeg.
The overnight fire destroyed Teach Pobail Mhuire despite the efforts of fire crews who battled the blaze for several hours late on Sunday night.
By daylight only parts of the concrete walls and the steel frame of the curved roof remained.
“The loss to fire of Doirí Beaga church is just heartbeaking and devastating to the community it serves.” Deputy Gallagher said.
“Just yesterday the church was full to capacity celebrating the Easter Sunday Mass.
A Garda and locals watch in disbelief as St Mary’s Church in Derrybeg burns to the ground. Photo:: Eoin McGarvey.
“Teach a Phobail – the public’s house and our second homes – they are the very heart and soul of our local communities and the loss of Teach Pobail Mhuire in Doirí Beaga will be felt today by many in the wider community.”
Deputy Gallagher said the church had been built in 1972 as part of a large community effort in the Gaoth Dobhair parish, with the support of emigrant communities across the globe.
“I wish to commend the fire service for their excellent efforts right throughout the night in fighting the fire,” he said.
“We will all need time to reflect on this loss before the task of rebuilding commences.
“Our thoughts are with Fr Brian and his parishioners at this most difficult time for them all.
“The setbacks in life must never define who we are. It is how we rebuild from the loss that will ultimately define us as a people.”
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