A CO Donegal Church of Ireland congregation is appealing for help to repair a spire which was badly damaged in a lightning strike on Christmas Day.
Extensive damage was caused when lightning struck the spire of Donegal Parish Church in Donegal Town two years ago.
While the interior of the church was repaired, parishioners are now seeking help to repair the church spire which is an iconic landmark in the town.
Archdeacon of Raphoe, David Huss said the cost of the repair work was estimated at €150,000 (£130,435).
Rev Huss said: “To our great disappointment, we were recently turned down by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht for a grant under the Structures at Risk fund.”
The clergyman said the church, built in 1828, was one of the oldest buildings in the town and the second most-photographed” building after Donegal Castle.
“Every year thousands of tourists visit the church and enjoy the peace and stillness away from the bustle of the streets, shops and hotels,” he said.
Rev Huss said the church was also home to a vibrant faith community who sought to worship God and share the love of Christ.
A number of events have been organised to raise the money to restore the spire, starting with a dance at the Abbey Hotel on May 4. The full programme of events can be accessed on the church’s “Save our Spire Donegal” Facebook page.
