The charred remains of St Mary’s Church in Derrybeg, Co Donegal. Photo: Joe Dunne
Gardaí investigating a devastating fire at a church in Co Donegal have ruled out foul play.
The Teach Pobail Mhuire in Doirí Beaga, a Catholic church in the Diocese of Raphoe, was gutted in the fire on Easter Monday, April 21.
Emergency services were alerted to the fire shortly after 4am and a number of properties in the area were evacuated.
There were no injuries.
An investigation into the cause of the fire was launched and a garda spokesperson has now confirmed that foul play is not suspected.
“Following initial assessments and a technical examination, foul play has been ruled out at this time,” they said.
Following the fire, Paróiste Ghaoth Dobhair said it will rebuild the church and fundraising efforts were launched to help cover the costs of the rebuild.
A spokesperson for the parish said: “This is a deeply tragic event that strikes at the heart of our community. Our beautiful Church was not only a place of worship, but also a centre of light, life and love, of support, unity and hope for many.
“We are a resilient community and will stand together to support one another in this moment of deep grief and sorrow.
“We will rebuild our Church with a renewed hope for a brighter future.”
A GoFundMe Page has been set up by the community and has raised over €118,000.
On Saturday night, a host of stars including Daniel O’Donnell took to the stage for a fundraising concert to help raise funds to rebuild the church.
Séipéal Mhuire has served the parish since 1972.
#Gardaí #rule #foul #play #fire #gutted #Donegal #church #raised #rebuilding #effort
