There was great joy in Limerick this week when a local church, which was extensively damaged during last winter’s cold snap, re-opened. The communities of Ballyhill and Loughgill joined to celebrate the opening of the church of Our Lady of Visitation.
The much-loved church was extensively damaged during the cold snap last winter when a burst pipe ruined part of the sanctuary area.
The official opening and blessing of the church was performed by Fr Tony Mullins, administrator of the Diocese of Limerick, along with local parish priest Fr Gerard O'Leary.
The re-opening of the church marked the culmination of seven months restoration work on the church that cost just over €160,000.
Fr Tony Mullins informed the congregation that the church now has a completely new heating and lighting system, a redesigned sanctuary area, a relocated baptismal font, a freshly decorated interior, a new parish office, wheelchair accessible toilets and a refurbished sacristy.
He also informed the congregation how times have changed with the last restoration on the church costing just £20,000 in 1969.
During the ceremony a piece of bog oak dating back to 2500BC was brought up as part of the offertory procession.
SIC: CIN/IE