“Raise The Roof” Fundraising Initiative Launched For Thurles Cathedral

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Cathedral of the Assumption, Thurles (Image: National Inventory of Architectural Heritage)

A major fundraising initiative has been launched this week to raise the estimated €1.6 million required to fund the cost of reroofing the Cathedral of the Assumption in Thurles.

The existing roof is fast approaching the end of its lifespan and will need to be fully replaced within the next 3-4 years and according to John McCormack of the Cathedral Reroofing Project Group, it is necessary to plan for this now and seek to put the required funds in place over the coming years. For the last 142 years it has been central to the faith life of Thurles, the surrounding parishes, and the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly. Over that time, it has become the town’s most iconic building and is well loved and recognised by locals and visitors alike. During the 1970’s the roof was re-slated but now, as the lifespan of these slates has expired, the time has come to replace the roof. The last major renovation of the Cathedral took place 20 years ago.

In the intervening years, as is the case with old historic buildings, very extensive and costly repair works were undertaken. The most significant of these works were on The Bell Tower, and the statues surrounding the building.

The fundraising initiative will be centred on the Thurles Cathedral “Raise the Roof” lotto. People can join by going to the parish website www.thurlesparish.ie for as little as €2 per week (for one line) or a maximum of €5 per week (for 3 lines) with the jackpot growing every week if not won. Any week that the lotto is not won will see a draw for a cash prize.

Speaking on behalf of the parish clergy Fr. Jim Purcell, P.P. said, “We know that it has been a very difficult and challenging year for everyone and we in Thurles parish really appreciate all the help and support that we continue to receive. The Cathedral is a very expensive structure to maintain, and we must again turn to the people of the parish and archdiocese to assist with the significant cost of reroofing”.