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.