PARISHIONERS have returned to St Eunan’s Cathedral in Raphoe after a 16 month absence to allow for a €450,000 renovation project.

Since closing in April of last year all roof slates have been replaced on the 800-year-old building. The roof timbers have been renewed, new lighting installed and defective stonework restored. The cathedral’s interior has also been redecorated.

In the church’s absence services were held in the nearby Cathedral Hall. But on Sunday worshippers returned to St Eunan’s.

The overhaul has been made possible through a suite of grants and local fundraisers.

Money has come from the cathedral’s own Fabric Fund which has been built up through years of careful financial management. Further donations have been made by the Department of Heritage and the All Churches Trust.

A significant sum has also been contributed by those who use the building. Of particular success was the ‘Buy-a-Slate’ appeal which received huge support from within the local community.

To the forefront of the renovation project was former Dean of Raphoe Rev Arthur Barrett. He launched the fundraising drive in November 2018.

Speaking from Arklow where he has been based since January, Rev Barrett said he was delighted to see St Eunan’s reopen.

“The cathedral closed around Easter 2020 and was only supposed to be closed until October. But then lockdown came and they couldn’t get at it to work. The work resumed in May of this year and I am delighted to learn that it is almost complete.

“I know they were out of the cathedral and in the Cathedral Hall for a considerable period of time so it is wonderful for people to get back in there,” Rev Barrett added.