Thursday, May 26, 2011

Bishop Blesses Country's Second Oldest Church Organ

The country's second oldest church organ received a special blessing from the Bishop of Raphoe Dr Philip Boyce at a special ceremony of rededication at Saint Patrick's Church in Ballyshannon on Sunday May 15.  

Speaking this week to the Donegal Democrat newspaper, the parish priest of Ballyshannon Fr Cathal O' Fearrai said, “The restoration of the church organ is the final part in the restoration of Saint Patrick's Church in Ballyshannon which was built in 1795.” 

“It's all part of a major programme undertaken throughout the parish since 1998.  Over €3 million was raised, and we've been able to renovate the church here, Saint Mary's church in Cashelard, renovate and extend Kilbarron House, renovate Sheil House and extend the Abbey cemetery.” 

Speaking about the organ, he said, “In 2002, the organ was dismantled and put into storage.  We held a public meeting about four years ago and it was decided to go ahead and restore it because of its historic value.” 

“Parishioners raised €212,000 to pay for the restoration of the organ, which dates from 1858 and was built by the celebrated Henry Bevington.  Only two such organs currently exist in Ireland in their original form.” 

A history of the parish which is been written by local historian Dr Geraldine Carville is due for publication before the end of the year.