Watch: Burtonport morning mass moved to Belcuit after bee infestation

This morning's 10am mass in the Kincasslagh Parish was moved to St Mary's Church in Belcruit, following an infestation of bees at St Columba’s Church in Burtonport.

Kincasslagh Parish shared a video on social media on Wednesday evening of the bees, which made it impractical to host the Thursday morning mass at the church, known locally as Acres. However, with St Mary's on standby, the decision was made to move, with the mass streamed live on the Kincasslagh Parish Facebook.

"Good morning and welcome to a different venue because of the bees," Fr Pat Ward said from Belcruit. "We're glad to be here - a wonderful alternative and we hope to get a bit of work done today."

Together, the two churches, along with St Crone’s in Arranmore, make up the  Kincasslagh Parish. The mainland churches are served by Fr Ward, a native of Arranmore, while Arranmore is served by Fr John Attoh, from Nigeria.

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"Acres Chapel has been locked due to an infestation of honeybees," Kincasslagh Parish posted on social media on Wednesday evening, saying a switch was possible. "Trying to get someone to remove them from the apse ceiling. Check here before Mass tomorrow."

In 2020, during the pandemic, following a nationwide search to uncover Ireland’s most inspirational people, Fr Ward was named an Inspirational Hero in the Gala Retail and Virgin Media Inspiration Awards.

Nominated by friends and members of his congregation for the Inspiration Award, Fr Ward stood out for his quick thinking, determination and positive attitude. When lockdown hit, he quickly adapted to moving his service online, with a live stream inside the chapel bringing the daily Mass directly into people’s homes. The virtual Mass attracted people from all across the world, including Norway, Sweden, Spain, Australia and America.