Thursday, March 24, 2011

Record applications for summer work in Lough Derg

The pilgrimage centre on Lough Derg in County Donegal has attracted a record number of applicants for summer work.
 
A total of 140 people are looking for summer work at the island site, often referred to as Saint Patrick's Purgatory, but there are only fifty positions available altogether.  

According to its website, applications for the positions closed on Friday March 11 and it is hoped to begin the interviewing process on Monday April 4. 

Applicants were asked to specify on the application form whether they wish to be considered for the Day Retreat or the Three Day Pilgrimage.  

They were also asked for their preferred period of work namely from June 1 to July 8 or, July 9 to August 15. 

Speaking this week on local radio Lough Derg Prior Richard Mohan said that applications this year had been way up on previous years and that “this may be due to the recession.” 

He said that the positions that were been interviewed for include housekeeping and dormitory work, as well as kitchen work, administrative work, boat crew and temporary sacristans. 

The 1,000-year-old Lough Derg pilgrimage site is widely known for its austere conditions.  Pilgrims have one daily meal of dry toast and black tea or coffee unless they are on a 72-hour fast.  

They must go barefoot and give up using their items such as mobile phones, laptops and MP3 / iPods.