The Teach Pobail Mhuire in Doirí Beaga, a Catholic church in the Diocese of Raphoe, was gutted in the fire.
Gardaí assisted local fire services at the scene of the fire in Derrybeg, Co Donegal in the early hours of this morning.
“Emergency services were alerted to the fire shortly after 4am. A cordon was established and local diversions remain in place,” a garda spokesperson said.
There are no reports of injuries at this time, with the scene being preserved for technical examination.
“Enquiries are ongoing,” the spokesperson added.
Sinn Féin TD for the area Pearse Doherty described it as “devastating news” for the local community that St Mary’s Church, Gaoth Dobhair was destroyed in the fire.
Mr Doherty posted a picture of the burnt-out church on social media, commenting “Chroíbhriste.”
St Mary’s Church in Derrybeg. Photo: Pearse Doherty/X
He offered his solidarity to Father Brian Ferry, who lives in the adjacent parochial house and the clergy of the parish.
“This church has stood at the heart of our community for generations, holding memories for so many,” he said.
“I want to pay tribute to the emergency services who responded so quickly, and to the gardaí as they continue their investigation in the days ahead.”
The fire comes as yesterday the church was full to capacity celebrating the Easter Sunday mass.
TD Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher said the loss to fire of Doirí Beaga Church was heartbreaking and devastating to the community.
He said the church community would need some time to come to terms with the fire before beginning a rebuild.
“Teach a’ Phobail – the public’s house – are 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.
“Built in 1972, when a large community effort in the Gweedore parish came together with the support of our emigrant communities across the globe built this magnificent Church.
“I wish to commend the fire service for their excellent efforts right through out the night in fighting the fire.
“We will all need time to reflect on this loss before the task of rebuilding commences.
“Our thoughts are with Fr Brian, Fr Brendan, Fr Sean and their 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 loss that will ultimately define us as a people,” said Mr Gallagher.
Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, Raphoe diocesan administrator, said he was heartbroken to learn of the destruction by fire this morning of Séipéal Mhuire, na Doirí Beaga, the parish church for the parish of Gaoth Dobhair.
“I wish to express my support to Fr Briain Ó Fearraigh, parish priest, who has the full support of the community as he faces this challenge,” he said in a statement.
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“I join with him in thanking the personnel of the fire brigade both in Gaoth Dobhair and from near and far in the county who did their very best to save the building. We are grateful to an Garda Síochána who must now lead the necessary investigations.
“I think of Fr Brendan Ward, CC, and the many priests who have served this church and for whom it is their native parish, myself included.
“And I think of all the people of Gaoth Dobhair at home and away who will receive this news with great sadness. Séipéal Mhuire has served the parish since 1972, and it is here that the most significant moments of the life of the parish are marked.
“With God’s help, with our Lady’s intercession, with the support of the community and the hard work of the clergy, a new parish church will rise again in one form or another. In the meantime, the life of faith will continue and will guide and sustain the parish of Gaoth Dobhair.”
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