A devastating fire has destroyed a Catholic church in Co Donegal.
The blaze, which broke out at Teach Pobail Mhuire in Doirí Beaga at around 4am on Monday 21st April, drew five fire service units and Gardaí to the scene.
Parish priest An t-Athair Brian Ó Fearraigh described the loss as a profound blow.
In an interview with RTE he said: “This morning, our hearts are heavy as we come to terms with the terrible tragedy... Words fall silent in the face of such destruction.”
Local and national leaders expressed both grief and solidarity. Councillor John Sheamuis Ó Fearraigh called the scene “absolutely shocking", adding, “The community will rebuild... Gaoth Dobhair people are very resilient.”
The church, built in 1972 is one of the largest in the Raphoe diocese, and had just been filled with worshippers the previous day for Easter Sunday Mass.
Fianna Fáil’s Pat the Cope Gallagher told the outlet: "It is how we rebuild from loss that will ultimately define us as a people.”
Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, a Gaoth Dobhair native and Diocesan Administrator, promised the church will rise again: “With the help of God, Our Lady, the support of the community and the good work of the clergy, the Church will be rebuilt one way or another.”
An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.