Extensive renovation projects on two churches in the diocese of Ossory are nearing completion.At the start of the month, St Kieran’s Church, Knockaroo, Co. Laois, which had to be closed in 2010 on health and safety grounds reopened after refurbishment.
It now has a new roof and ceiling, a new boiler and heating system and fresh tarmacadam has been laid in the grounds.
It is the third church in Borris-in-Ossory parish to have been renovated since Fr Jackie Robinson became parish priest.
“It looks like new and we’re very proud of it,” he said. “All our churches are in pristine condition for the next hundred years.”
Fr Robinson was forced to close St Kieran’s and fast-track plans to renovate it when some of the coving fell off the wall.
Mass was celebrated in the community centre on Sundays while work was in progress.
Meanwhile, the first phase of much-needed renovations at the Church of the Assumption, Rosbercon, Co. Kilkenny, costing an estimated €300,000, is also nearing completion.
Essential repair to the roofs and lead flashings, to cracks in the façade and to the church’s stained glass windows and storm glazing have been undertaken.
The work will eliminate the ingress of rainwater into the church over the winter and will help it dry out in advance of further improvements planned for next year.
The parish is hoping to proceed with partial dry lining and a full redecoration of the inside of the church, as well as upgrading the lighting and heating systems.
Electrical systems in two other south Kilkenny churches, at Tullogher and Listerlin, are in progress or planned.