Church re-opens a year after storm damage

There was a sense of joy for the congregation of the Holy Trinity Church in Westport when it re-opened following a year-long closure due to damage inflicted by Storm Éowyn.

The storm on January 24th, 2025, rendered sections of the ceiling above the nave and the richly decorated sanctuary in the historic building dangerously unstable.

“It’s lovely to be back. It feels like a real fresh start,” Rev Suzanne Cousins told the Western People.

The Church’s Grade I Heritage status meant the repair works had to be painstaking and carefully carried out.

“It was lengthier than we expected but it all went really well. The damage at the time it didn’t look like much when you walked into the Church but nevertheless when we took advice it came out that the ceiling was unstable and large parts could come down at at any time,” explained Rev Cousins.

Holy Trinity Church was built in the 1860s and is the last of the churches built before disestablishment in 1870 when the Church of Ireland became independent from the Church of England.

It was built by the 3rd Marquess of Sligo whose love for ornate Italian design and architecture marks the Westport church out from similar places of worship.

“It’s very atypical of Church of Ireland churches,” Rev Cousins explained. “When you walk in it’s quite stunning and unique,” she added.

The restoration cost around €100,000, covered by government grants, Church of Ireland funds and fundraising events. The ceiling was repaired in two stages.

“For a small congregation it was a large sum but we have lived to tell the tale!” said Rev Cousins. “It was really joyful to re-open. People were ecstatic to a degree, “she added.

Rev Cousins thanked Fr John Kenny who offered the use of St Mary’s Church while the repair works were carried out.

“We experienced great joy going to and worshipping alongside our St Mary’s friends. We had such an amazing experience and there was just kindness, generosity, and hospitality shown to us.”