Shock as Derrybeg church gutted by overnight fire

St Mary’s Church in Derrybeg was gutted by a fire overnight.

Firefighters from the Donegal Fire Service battled the blaze which was reported at around 4am on Easter Monday.

Thick flames and plumes of smoke sent haunting images billowing into the west Donegal sky.

Gardai and members of the Fire Service remain at the scene.

No injuries have been reported in the incident.

Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire. 

"A cordon was established and local diversions remain in place," a Garda spokesperson said. The scene is being preserved for technical examination.

"Enquiries are ongoing."

The Church was officially opened in August, 1972, blessed by the then Bishop of Raphoe, Dr McFeely.

Then building cost £123,000 at the time with the parish priest, Canon McGettigan, touring extensively in the United States on a fundraising effort. 

The Church was designed by Patrick Carr & Partners architects from Ballybofey in an octagonal shape “allowing the congregation to fully participate in the eucharistic service”.

The new Church, built by Joseph McMenamin and Sons Ballybofey, was erected on the site of the former parochial house and could accommodate 900 people.

The old St Mary’s Church was built in 1860 and closed following the construction of the new chapel in 1972.

Back in 1880, five people lost their lives during a major flood in the old church while Mass was being celebrated.

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The five who drowned in the awful tragedy were: 13-year-old altar server Séamus Ferry of Stranacorkra, Derrybeg; Grace McGarvey, Carrick, Derrybeg; Conal Boyle, Inishmaan island; Enrí Ó Gallchobhair, Magheraclogher, Bunbeg; and Neil Doherty, Magheraclogher.