North Mayo church looking for donations to repair damage
By Stuart Tynan
A FUNDRAISER has been set up to raise funds to keep a prominent north Mayo church open following exposure to harsh weather conditions during the lockdown.
Built in the 1930s, St. Paul’s Church, Glenamoy, is one of five churches in the Kilcommon/Erris Parish. A high building, the slated roof has no insulation or felt.
The original slates were set in the timbers with cement. This has posed difficulties down through the years, in particular heating the church which is proving very difficult due to draughts and heat loss as a result.
In cold and stormy conditions, the impact is always very evident as there is always a feeling of coldness in the church.
Recently, a more serious and urgent issue arose which has resulted in the church being cordoned off for safety reasons. Sections of concrete broke off the bell tower and fell to the ground near the church entrance. Some slates were damaged and the cast iron gutter was broken. Thankfully, this happened during Covid restrictions when the churches were closed. This gave rise to the need for inspection of any areas that might pose a similar threat and some cracks were noticed.
"Insurance assistance was provided for remedial work in the area where damage occurred. For this emergency work, scaffolding and contractors were required. In seeking quotations, it was decided that it was best to get quotes for replacing the overall roof and not just the section that needed emergency attention," said Fr. Michael Nallen.
"This was going to be a substantially costly task but long term it made sense to carry out all of the works. We decided to re-roof the church, removing all the old slates, spraying and treating the old timber, putting on insulation and reinforced felt with new natural slates.
"This upgrade is comprehensive and the cost exceeds what the insurance allocation permits. As a result we are trying to raise €30,000 to €40,000 in a short time span.
"That is difficult at present with everything curtailed because of the Covid-19 impact on activities. This has been a very different year for church attendance and contact with people, and the loss of the income stream from offertory collections."
The parish is spread over a wide area with five churches, which brings its own challenges.
"Each church has its running costs and need for maintenance," Fr. Michael explained. "For that to be manageable and when there is major work to be done on a particular church, there is need to get support through fundraising and seek help to share the burden and clear the costs. This is the case with Glenamoy church.
"It is an active community with many volunteers doing good work running services that benefit the young in sport and providing facilities for senior citizens. There are a variety of things happening in a small community.
"The community contributed substantially to their church approximately 10 years ago, with a whole interior upgrade – including the provision of new seating and liturgical furnishings.
"These were sponsored by families. Now this community is faced with the burden of the cost of having to rectify the roof.
"It is hoped that people with connections to the area, or anyone who wishes to, might consider supporting the project. Lots of people have association with the Glenamoy community through various different links. Their involvement would be most welcome in any form of sponsorship they would be willing to provide.
"We wish to thank people who have contributed to date. Thank you those involved in getting the project organised and planned, to all interested and sharing ideas for fundraising."
The estimated cost for the overall project is €80,000 to €90,000 but it is likely to be somewhat less. It has become clear that the old wood is in good condition.
Some parish funds and insurance funds are covering the cost of the scaffolding, materials and work involved, and services of assessors, but there will be a shortfall.
Donations can be paid directly into the parish bank account at Bank of Ireland, Belmullet, Paroiste Chill Chomain, IBAN no. IE43 BOFI 9052 9911 2160 42, or they can send a donation payable to Kilcommon Parish, Fr. Michael Nallen or Fr. Joseph Hogan, at the Parish Office, Pullathomas, Aughoose, Co. Mayo.
The GoFundMe page can be viewed at https://ie.gofundme.com/f/saint-pauls-church-glenamoy-restoration-fund.