A new church in Northern Ireland has been opened only months behind schedule, despite the original contractor having gone bankrupt. The Holy Cross church in Atticall, near Kilkeel, Co Down, was opened by Bishop Noel Treanor of Down and Connor last weekend.
Work on the project came to an abrupt halt in October last year when the contractor, MG Coulter, went into receivership only three months after getting the contract.
Demolition work on an old church stopped abruptly and staff on the site were laid off, leaving a mound of rubble on site and parishioners despondent about having the project finished.
However, the £600,000 project has now been finished only some four months behind schedule.
Celebrations to mark its opening lasted through the weekend in the tiny village, with parishioners joined by former residents from as far away as Canada and the United States for the event.
A book entitled ' A Faith Continued' was launched, which recounts the history of the 120-year old church that was demolished to make way for the new church, while a fireworks display was held before the official opening.
Following the dedication Mass at which Bishop Treanor was the principal celebrant, a party in the nearby community centre was described as "one of the biggest house-warming parties this century.”
Mr Robert Dismore, principal of Holy Cross Primary School, said Atticall had "an absolutely fantastic weekend. There has been a great sense of celebration and nostalgia in Atticall over the past few days and so many people who used to live here have come home to join in the celebrations," he remarked.
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