Donegal: A devastating fire has completely destroyed St. Mary’s Church in Muhair, Gweedore, County Donegal. The blaze, which broke out around 4:00 a.m., reduced the iconic church to ruins just one day after it was filled with parishioners for Easter Sunday Mass.
The incident has left the local community—including many Indian residents and newly arrived refugees—in deep shock and sorrow. St. Mary’s, constructed in 1972, was among the largest churches in the Diocese of Raphoe, serving as a central place of worship for decades.
Emergency Response
Five fire brigade units and members of An Garda Síochána responded swiftly to the scene. Despite their best efforts, the structure was completely gutted by the flames. No injuries were reported.
Parish priest Fr. Brian Ó Fearraigh expressed his heartfelt gratitude to emergency personnel for their dedication in tackling the fire. “We are deeply grateful to the firefighters and gardaí for their quick response and tireless work,” he said.
Calls for Rebuilding
Local councillor John Séamus Ó Fearraigh described the fire as a “deeply shocking” event for the entire region. He pledged that the church would be rebuilt, with the support of parishioners and neighbouring communities.
Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty also voiced his support, calling St. Mary’s “a church of significant historical and spiritual importance” and emphasising the need for its restoration.
Fianna Fáil TD Pat “the Cope” Gallagher assured the local community that they would not face the rebuilding process alone. “The entire region stands in solidarity with the faithful. We will work together to restore this sacred space,” he said.
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