APRIL 2009

Reopening of St. Columba's Church Drung

The 138 year old St. Columba's Church in Drung was reopened Sunday 29th March 2009, after a major refurbishment. Serving the parish of Iskaeen and Upper Moville this picturesque little church on the hill has been a focal point of the local community for over a century. Parish priest Fr John Farren said the reopening of the chapel was a special day for the area following the one-year long refurbishment.

Fr. Farren, who has been parish priest at St. Columba's since 2002, said he hoped parishioners would be delighted with their newly-refurbished church following an almost "gutting" of the original building. "Because St. Columba's is a listed building, all the materials had to be replaced as close to the original style as possible.” This included Bangor blue slates on the roof, and a replacement timber floor. A brand new oil-fired central heating system and new tiles in the aisles have also been installed while there is also a new extension to the sacristy. "All the sanctuary furniture is marble and the wooden altar has also been replaced with marble. Some of the timber beams had also to be replaced because of dry rot and wood worm," added Fr. Farren, .

Fr. Farren thanked parishioners for their ongoing generosity in raising funds for the renovation. He said when VAT was included the total cost would be close to €1.2m but that they were "more"

Bishop Hegarty officiated the ceremony and it was co-celebrated by Fr.Farren, Fr. Mailey, Fr. McGonagle, Fr Bradley and Fr. McFaul. In all 6 priests attended many of whom had previously served in the parish. Bishop Hegarty thanked the priest and people of he parish and said: "The repair, renewal and refurbishment of this church building is visible evidence of the inner spiritual renewal to which we are constantly called especially during this season of Lent."

Speaking after the event, Fr. Farren, Parish Priest, said: "Parishioners are happy to be back in the Church and seem pleased with what they saw. All in all it has been a positive refurbishment."

The church is now open for worship with Fr. Farren and fellow priests of the parish keen to welcome parishioners new and old. Parishioners however should note that mass times will change after 19th April with Sundays in the parish reducing to one mass which will be celebrated at 10am.

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