Kilcorney Church looks better and brighter than ever

ST NICHOLAS CHURCH HAS BEEN CLOSED SINCE STORM OPHELIA, BUT HAS ITS REDEDICATION CEREMONY IN RECENT DAYS

KILCORNEY’S Saint Nicholas Church re-opened its doors, brighter and updated, at a re-dedication ceremony attended by Bishop of Cloyne William Crean.

During Storm Ophelia in late 2017, the ‘ big wind’ hit the 160-year-old Church, lifting off a portion of the roof.

Thankfully, no injuries arose, yet it closed the doors to access and carry out repairs to allow the Church return to its former glory.

Insurance covered the vast majority of the works, with the community pledging to off-set the remaining costs with a number of fund-raising events.

The roof was replaced in addition to interior work; walls were re-plastered and re-painted; new stained window glass was incorporated; the Church was re-carpeted; and new Stations of the Cross were installed, making for welcome viewing by a large congregation.

Parish Priest Fr William Winter spoke of the determined efforts of the Kilcorney public for the church to be repaired and protected from the elements.

“Our faith is much more evident and more important than we realise,” Fr Winter said.

“That was evident in Kilcorney in the huge effort to save the contents, transferring the Mass to the Community Centre and restoring the Church.”

Bishop Crean added his congratulations to all involved on ensuring the Church re-opened after the storm.

“It’s testimony of the co-operation evident here; its wonderful to celebrate the re-opening of the Church on a special occasion for Kilcorney”, the Bishop of Cloyne said.

Photo by John Tarrant Peggy Twomey greets Bishop of Cloyne William Crean at the re-dedication of St Nicholas Church, Kilcorney.

Photo by John Tarrant Fr Richard Hegarty joined by Mary and Mossie Cotter at the re-dedication of Kilcorney Church.

Photo by John Tarrant Roisín Roche, Mairéad Murphy, Ellen Roche and Carmel Fleming at the re-dedication of St Nicholas Church, Kilcorney.

Photo by John Tarrant Pictured at the re-dedication of St Nicholas Church in Kilcorney were John Twomey, Denis O’Riordan, Niall Buckley and Pat Golden.

Photo by John Tarrant Bishop of Cloyne William Crean welcomed by Fr William Winter.

Photo by John Tarrant Margaret Browne and Michelle Sheehan at the rededication of St Nicholas Church.