A Dungannon church has had to leave its doors closed to parishioners after Storm Éowyn caused significant damage to the almost 150-year-old building.
St Patrick’s Church, which sits just off the Killyman Road, suffered considerable damage to its roof which has now left the interior of the building exposed to the elements.
In footage recorded by the Parish of Dungannon rainwater can be seen streaming down an internal pillar of the ancient building.
Construction of the impressive building began in 1867 and was completed almost 10 years later in 1876. The famous tower and spire were added on later in 1883.
In its almost 150 years the church has benefitted from considerable refurbishment. According to the Parish website, interior and exterior works between 2007 and 2009 came in at a cost of over £3 million.
Outside the work included “all stone cleaned, re-grouted and replaced where necessary; all crosses replaced or restored; the roof retiled,; a new entrance to the sacristy with dressed sandstone, lifts and emergency exits; disabled access and parking”.
Left, rainwater running down an internal pillar and right, damage to roof tiles and ornate ridge tiling
Internally, refurbishment included “new wooden floors and tiling; walls re-plastered and painted with specialist materials; new heating, lighting and amplification; a lift to the choir loft and refurbishment of the organ; installation of cameras to allow streaming of ceremonies on the internet; modernisation of the sacristy and improvements to St Teresa’s Hall”.
“Unseen work included a major project below the sanctuary floor to strengthen and secure the East wall. A series of girders and cables have been tied into the wall to prevent subsidence”.
As the building is listed, all remedial works to fix storm damage must be carried out tastefully to preserve the building’s historical character, but these limitations are contributing to further delays in returning the building to its former weatherproofed condition.
It is understood that scaffolding has been erected for works to begin in the very near future.
While work is underway, the temporarily displaced parishioners will be able to attend masses in neighbouring churches including St Malachy’s Chapel in Edendork and St Brigid’s Chapel, Killyman.
A representative for St Patrick’s Church has thanked everyone for their “patience and understanding” and has also extended that thanks to anyone who has offered assistance in the last week.
