ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH
MAJOR RENOVATION

On Monday 6th October 2003, work began on the renovation of St. Patrick’s Church, Mohill, Co Leitrim. The Church stands proudly at the top of the town, but after many years of wear and tear it was crying out for an overhaul. The Church was re-roofed in the early 1960’s and the Sanctuary restyled in 1985. Apart from that the Parish Church has cost the people of Mohill very little over the years. However, the people of the Parish wanted something to be done to bring new life and energy to the Church. Mr. Eamonn Hedderman, Architect drew up elaborate plans for the refurbishment of the Church, which would cost in excess €2 million.
After meetings with the Parish Pastoral Council and a Public meeting for all Parishioners,
a compromised plan was worked out whereby the following areas would be addressed:
1. The sanctuary would be extended to enable a more fitting celebration of the Eucharist and other sacramental celebrations.
2. The Sacristy would be moved to the back of the Church, occupying one of the back porches.
3. A dual heating system – traditional and under floor – would be installed.
4. A new electrical system would be installed, replacing the outdated system which has been there for many years.
5. A new exit, facilitating wheelchair accessibility, would be opened on the south side of the Church.
6. The ceiling and all the timbers would be restored to their original state. This had to be modified when the acoustic tiles were removed and it became necessary to insulate the whole roof and replace the existing ceiling boards.
7. The beautiful stained glass window at the rear of the Altar was found to be perished and in poor repair and has to be taken out and re-leaded.
8. The louvres on the tower which are cracked and a constant danger to health and safety have to be replaced.
9. The gable wall behind the altar has suffered from severe weather over the years and has to be stripped down and re-plastered to preserve the Church from dampness.
10. The Church will be repainted. ..( See Photographs Below ):
Mr. Seamus McKeon, Aughnacliffe, Co Longford was awarded the main contract for the job in hand at a cost of over €800,000. The people of the Parish were asked to double their Sunday contributions and most responded generously to this request. A bank loan of €700,000 was repaid by 2011. These major renovations are a testament to the deep faith, great courage and generous spirit of the present generation.

OCTOBER 2003 - REMOVAL of
OLD FLOOR.
( MAIN AISLE PICTURED )

NOVEMBER 2003 - UPGRADING
MARBLE SURFACE TO REAR of SANCTUARY

NOVEMBER 2003 - DUCTING for ELECTRICAL WORKS & NEW UNDER FLOOR HEATING SYSTEM

RESTORATION & RELEADING
of WINDOW BEHIND
ALTAR

VIEW OF NEW SANCTUARY
FEBRUARY 2004

ENTRANCE for NEW DOOR with WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY

EXTERIOR GABLE STRIPPED AND READY FOR RE-PLASTERING
VIEW OF SIDE AISLE FROM GALLERY WITH VIEW OF NEW RESTORED CEILING

ST. PATRICK'S EPISCOPAL ORDINATION FROM RESTORED WINDOW

RESTORATION OF WINDOW AT REAR OF ALTAR


JANUARY 22ND 2004
SITE WORKS

PRE-RENOVATIONS
SEPTEMBER 2003


NEW SANCTUARY
FROM ENTRANCE



NEW SANCTUARY
FROM GALLERY


SIDE-FRONT VIEW
OF NEW ALTAR



NEW
AMBO


TABERNACLE

RECEPTION AREA
AT MAIN ENTRANCE

Back
Next