The Prior of a famous Newry Abbey, which is one of the most popular wedding venues in Northern Ireland, has claimed that he is doing his best to facilitate weddings at the local Dominican Abbey despite extensive renovations. Speaking this week Fr Gerard Fearon claimed that while some couples are disappointed that building renovations are going on at the Abbey, which was built in 1875, most decide to have their wedding ceremony there.
Speaking to the Newry Democrat he said, “It is a listed building, it's a heritage building, so anything that needs to be done to it must be done according to certain specifications and only certain specialist contractors can be approved to carry out the work.”
He added, “The tower on the chapel needs work. The tower is granite and the rosette windows are made from sandstone.”
He added, “The sandstone is crumbling, so the windows have to be taken out and replaced with sandstone.”
“Inside there is rot in the wood, so it's essential work that is being carried out and this is the first major renovation of the chapel since 1875.”
Fr Fearon also confirmed that no work is taking place inside the chapel so it does not interfere with the wedding ceremony.
He also confirmed that the Dominicans had offered the garden at the back of the Dominican Priory for pictures.
SIC: CIN