Latest news with #TeachPobailMhuire
RTÉ News
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Gardaí rule out foul play in Donegal church fire
A fire that destroyed a Catholic church in Co Donegal was not started deliberately, gardaí have confirmed. A fire destroyed Teach Pobail Mhuire in Doirí Beaga in Gaoth Dobhair in the early hours of Easter Monday morning. In an update this evening, a spokesperson for an Garda Síochána said: "Following initial assessments and a technical examination, foul play has been ruled out at this time." Five units of the fire brigade and gardaí attended the scene after the fire was first reported at around 4am on Monday, 21 April. The church was built in 1972 and is one of the biggest in the Raphoe diocese. Following the fire, Parish Priest An t-Athair Brian Ó Fearraigh said there had been an outpouring of emotion from the community who viewed the church as their "spiritual home". Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty confirmed the building had been completely gutted in the fire. Mr Doherty said he got married in the church and his father's anniversary mass was due to take place there on the day of the fire. He said the church had a huge history and said the incident was heartbreaking. "We will see a rebirth here," he said on RTÉ's Morning Ireland on the day of the fire. A concert featuring Daniel O'Donnell, Clannad's Moya Brennan and Altan's Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh was held to raise funds to rebuild the church. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign has already raised more than €118,000 to help fund the church's reconstruction.
Irish Independent
29-04-2025
- Irish Independent
Gardaí rule out foul play over fire that gutted Donegal church as nearly €120,000 raised for rebuilding effort
The Teach Pobail Mhuire in Doirí Beaga, a Catholic church in the Diocese of Raphoe, was gutted in the fire on Easter Monday, April 21. Emergency services were alerted to the fire shortly after 4am and a number of properties in the area were evacuated. There were no injuries. An investigation into the cause of the fire was launched and a garda spokesperson has now confirmed that foul play is not suspected. "Following initial assessments and a technical examination, foul play has been ruled out at this time,' they said. Following the fire, Paróiste Ghaoth Dobhair said it will rebuild the church and fundraising efforts were launched to help cover the costs of the rebuild. A spokesperson for the parish said: "This is a deeply tragic event that strikes at the heart of our community. Our beautiful Church was not only a place of worship, but also a centre of light, life and love, of support, unity and hope for many. "We are a resilient community and will stand together to support one another in this moment of deep grief and sorrow. "We will rebuild our Church with a renewed hope for a brighter future.' A GoFundMe Page has been set up by the community and has raised over €118,000. On Saturday night, a host of stars including Daniel O'Donnell took to the stage for a fundraising concert to help raise funds to rebuild the church. Séipéal Mhuire has served the parish since 1972.
Irish Independent
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Daniel O'Donnell to lead fundraising concert to rebuild church destroyed by fire in Donegal
The Teach Pobail Mhuire in Doirí Beaga, a Catholic church in the Diocese of Raphoe, was gutted in an overnight fire on Easter Monday. Gardaí assisted local fire services at the scene of the fire. A cordon was established and a number of nearby properties were evacuated while the fire was brought under control. Investigations are ongoing into the cause of the fire. A GoFundMe campaign has already raised more than €58,000 to help fund the church's rebuild. However, a number of well known stars have come together to hold a fundraising concert for the church. Daniel O'Donnell, Clannad's Moya Brennan, Altan's Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and local musicians will play a concert on Saturday night, April 26, 2025 at Teach Phaídí Óig in Croithlí, Co Donegal. A spokesperson for the event said, 'As many of you know, our beloved parish chapel in Gweedore Doirí Beaga was tragically destroyed by fire — a place where we celebrated life's most important moments, a symbol of faith, family, and hope for generations. 'Now, it's time to give back to the place that gave us so much. 'We are hosting a Fundraiser and Volunteer night to support the rebuilding of our chapel and to renew the spirit that holds our parish together. 'Join us — whether by donating, volunteering, or simply sharing your support. 'All are welcome. 'Please spread the word, and let's come together.' Doors will open at 7pm and everyone is welcome. The church was built in 1972 and is one of the biggest in the Raphoe diocese.
Irish Independent
22-04-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Fundraiser launched after fire destroys church in Donegal
The Teach Pobail Mhuire in Doirí Beaga, a Catholic church in the Diocese of Raphoe, was gutted in an overnight fire on Easter Monday. Gardaí assisted local fire services at the scene of the fire. A cordon was established and a number of nearby properties were evacuated while the fire was brought under control. There were no injuries. The scene has been preserved for technical examination, however, the technical examination has not yet been carried out. 'Enquiries are ongoing,' a Garda spokesperson added. On Monday, Paróiste Ghaoth Dobhair posted an update on social media and said it will rebuild the church. 'Our beloved Church, St. Mary's in Derrybeg burned to the ground in the early hours of this morning. "This is a deeply tragic event that strikes at the heart of our community. Our beautiful Church was not only a place of worship, but also a centre of light, life and love, of support, unity and hope for many. "We are a resilient community and will stand together to support one another in this moment of deep grief and sorrow. "We will rebuild our Church with a renewed hope for a brighter future.' The parish also thanked the emergency services, Donegal County Council, the community of Gaoth Dobhair and members of An Garda Síochána who attended the scene for their support, professionalism and dedication. ADVERTISEMENT "I wish to express my deep gratitude to all the members of Gaoth Dobhair Fire Brigade Service, supported by colleagues from right across the County, for their untiring dedication and tireless service. "To all members of An Garda Síochána who attended, for their professionalism and dedication. To Donegal County Council staff members for their selfless support and helping hand. "And to the many members of this beautiful community in Gaoth Dobhair, and further afield who have offered help, assistance and sent messages of support and prayers,' the post read. Meanwhile, a fundraiser has been set up with a €9,000 target and in just a number of hours, the target was reached and exceeded. The fundraiser was set up by Coiste Forbartha Dhobair Cuideachta Faoi Theorainn Ráthaíochta and the money raised will go towards rebuilding the church. The fundraiser reads, 'We are asking for your help to rebuild our Church with a renewed hope for a brighter future. Any support big or small is greatly appreciated.' The fundraiser can be viewed here on the Go Fund Me Page. Weekday 7pm Masses that were scheduled for St. Mary's Church, Derrybeg will now take at 7pm in the Church of St. Colmcille, Cnoc Fola.
RTÉ News
21-04-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Donegal church destroyed in fire
A fire has destroyed a Catholic Church in Donegal early this morning. Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty - who lives very close to Teach Pobail Mhuire in Doirí Bheaga - joins on the line.
