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An online fundraiser to help cover the cost of repairs to St Brendan’s in Cloghane in West Kerry has raised, at the time of writing, €12,770 of its €60k target.
The money raised will go towards covering the cost of repairs to the historic 126-year-old building building after sections of it were damaged in a roof collapse in June of this year.
The collapse was caused, the fundraising page says, due to “natural wear and tear and inclement weather conditions” and as a result, the roof of the church’s meeting room, toilets, hallway and store collapsed.
The collapse further damaged the main church’s heating system and parts of its electrical supply, affecting both the interior and exterior lighting.
It also caused extensive damage to the adjoining sacristy, including its floor, electrics, heating system and fitted cabinetry, all of which now require replacement.
Organisers of the fundraiser added that, unfortunately, the insurance compensation does not cover the full cost of the repair works and that the Castlegregory parish are now in “dire and immediate need of voluntary contributions” to complete the required works and to restore this archaeological building to a comfortable state again.
The estimated additional cost to do this work and to have a new special needs toilet constructed is about €60k.
“The church is a unique archaeological building. It has served our community, and more, with pride over the years. Many generations of this community and visitors alike who have used our Church have happy and fond memories of St Brendan’s.
“We are seeking your assistance and generosity (wherever in the world you are) to help us achieve the above goal,” read the post on the fundraising page.
To donate to the fundraising page, click here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/st-brendans-church-cloghane-repair-fund-jmbg5