Delight as Drumoghill as Chapel Restoration Project auction raises over €70,000

A fundraising auction for the Drumoghill Chapel Restoration Project managed to gather an excellent total of €71,015.57.

Late last year a fundraising drive was launched to safeguard the future of St Columba's Church, stressing the risk it was under. However, that future now seems bright following the fundraising, and particularly an auction, which took place on March 9.

"Just a brilliant job from start to finish," Tony Morning, the auction organiser, said at last week's announcement of the total raised. "We decided to try and help the chapel on its way and the way the thing snowballed is unbelievable. We just decided to try and get everything going. Everything is so appreciated. This is a great community."

By building the restoration fund, locals will be able to complete the renovation and ensure that their parish church can continue to be the heart of our community for generations to come.  

"If you have been in the chapel in recent years, you will, no doubt, have noticed that time has taken its toll on the building," the group posted on their GoFundMe last year. "Without major restoration efforts, we will lose our beloved parish church. Over the years, our community members have shown their passion, creativity, and generosity by raising money for the church restoration fund. All of this work has got us to where we are today, ready to start the restoration project, but the work isn’t done yet.

"This humble building has been the hub of Drumoghill’s bright, caring and connected local community for almost 200 years. Despite its unassuming appearance, our most important memories are tied to Drumoghill Chapel. If the walls of Drumoghill Chapel could talk, they would tell our community’s story. Our chapel is the heart of our community, but unfortunately, its future is at risk."