Appeal to finally erect spire on historic Mayo church

by Auld Stock

WHEN the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, was consecrated over one hundred years ago, it had no spire.

The possible reason for this was that the spire would cost too much money.

It should be remembered that Ireland was a very poor country in the early 1900s with huge numbers of people unemployed and massive emigration.

Some years ago a committee was organised with the aim of adding a spire to the parish church.

However, the idea of the spire was dropped because of the economic crisis despite significant funds being raised at the time and a generous benefactor prepared to put money forward to complete the project.

The wave of opposition to it at that time surprised a lot of people - but the mood of the nation was a lot different then.

I know many people will disagree with me when I suggest the idea of the spire should be revived.

What an inspiring and majestic attraction it would be as motorists drive into Castlebar on the N5 into Chapel Street and view the church with its spire.

Absolutely awe inspiring!