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06 Sept 2025

VIDEO: The day the cross went on Ards Friary

Charlie McKinley explains a unique day at work

In today’s Donegal Democrat we have a special feature celebrating 50 years of Ard Friary and Retreat Centre, near Creeslough.
It was officially opened on November 13, 1966 and we speak with one of the original builders, Charlie McKinley from Dunfanaghy, as well as one of the Capuchin community who currently resides in Ards, Br. Edward Dowley to get the story on the past, present and future of the popular centre.
Here, Charlie, tells us about how he placed the iconic cross on top of the church at Ards over 50 years ago.
See today’s edition for the full story and some great images of this special place.

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