A fundraising campaign has been launched to restore a historic church overlooking the sea in Waterford, and the public are urged to donate whatever they can to save the old bell tower.
Abbeyside Church's architecturally stunning Bell Tower and Chancel ruin are the historic and eponymous centre of Abbeyside Parish in County Waterford. The parish is fundraising to preserve the tower for future generations.
Today Abbeyside Church adjoins the tower forming the main entrance to the Church, meaning each time people worship they literally walk in the footsteps of the early Friars thus marking over seven centuries of ecclesiastical presence on this site.
The structure, officially recognised as a national monument, boasts a bell tower dating back to around 1450, affectionately known locally as ‘the Clogchás’, from the old Irish for belfry.
Water damage is now threatening the structural integrity of the bell tower and the Church authorities have to take action to preserve the structural integrity of the building."Please only donate if you can genuinely afford it,” said Fr Ned Hassett, PP of Abbeyside, Ballinroad, and Garranbane Parish. “Time has taken its toll on our bell tower, with water damage threatening its integrity. To safeguard this heritage for future generations, a conservation program is imperative.
“While the Parish has secured some funding, of 52pc, for the project, additional support is needed to stabilise the bell tower. We appeal to the community of Abbeyside, both near and far, to contribute to this vital preservation effort.
“This is phase one of our conservation project. Phase two which will happen in the coming years is the conservation of the chancel,” added Father Hassett. Donations can be made at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/saveourabbey