Wedding bells ring in new era for Cathedral

ST. EUNAN’S Cathedral in Letterkenny reopened yesterday after a major revamp and restoration project.

And a new beginning for the iconic landmark will be rung in by wedding bells this weekend.

Bronagh Marley  and Dermot McGlynn will tie the knot in St. Eunan’s Cathedral this Saturday.

The happy couple will be the first to get married in the newly renovated cathedral.

Closed for five weeks, the cathedral has been repainted and a restoration of the great sanctuary lamp has also been completed.

The entire project has been a massive undertaking for all involved. From hand-cleaning the roof to window washing, no task was too much for the team of workers.

And it all means that this weekend’s wedding will be set against a beautiful backdrop.

The cathedral closed on August 25 and in the weeks since, parishioners have been attending Masses and ceremonies in the town’s Church of the Irish Martyrs.

During the revamp, electric works were also completed. Fittings were checked and renewed where necessary and light fittings were also altered to highlight certain parts of the altar.

Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, Diocesan Administrator, assisted with the positioning of the sanctuary lights.

One of the most notable aspects of the works has been the re-installation of the impressive sanctuary lamp. The lamp was first installed in the cathedral over 100 years ago in 1901.

Glenties woman, Catherine MacDevitt donated the lamp in memory of her husband Daniel. The lamp was restored to its former glory and now shines as brightly as when first donated.

The St. Eunan’s Cathedral congregation have greatly missed their visits to the cathedral. Yesterday, many attended the first Mass in the building since August, celebrated by Bishop Philip Boyce.