Anyone who is familiar with the town of Thurles, in Co. Tipperary, is most certainly acquainted with the historic Cathedral of the Assumption, latter modelled on the Cathedral at Pisa in Northern Italy.
The building was commenced by Dr. Patrick Leahy who was then Archbishop of Cashel & Emly, and who decided to replace the existing “Big Chapel” with a Cathedral, and ever since this landmark building has played a central role in the faith life of our Thurles parish community.
The foundation stone was laid in 1865, it was roofed by 1870 and consecrated by Thomas William Croke D.D. Archbishop of Cashel and Emly, on 22nd June 1879, (142 years ago). Maintenance is constant in old buildings with repair needed on an ongoing basis. The 1970’s saw the roof re-slated, but now the time has come to replace the roofing and return it to its original Bangor slate form.
As stated, this majestic building as it stands today, has been at the very heart of our Thurles Community for some 142 years. Built in an Italianate Romanesque style, the Cathedral has always been admired for the sheer beauty of its architecture. Every inch of this structure is steeped in a rich history that reveals fascinating national and global connections.
For those of us living locally, the Cathedral holds an even more personal and profound place of importance in our hearts and minds. For many of us it is where we have celebrated some of the best of times. It is also the place that has supported us through some of the worst of times.
It is a site of worship and a venue where the community comes together daily through prayer, song, empathy and friendship. Indeed, it would be difficult to find someone from Thurles who hasn’t drawn comfort at least once from its surroundings or taken part in a celebration within its hallowed walls.
Now, in 2021, a building that has served and supported so many of us down through the years, badly needs our help with the roof of this Cathedral now in need of urgent restoration.
To this end, the Cathedral Reroofing Project Group are delighted to announce the launch of the Thurles Cathedral “Raise The Roof” Lotto, a fundraising initiative that is hoped will be of great benefit, as part of efforts to fund the much needed re-roofing of the Cathedral of the Assumption. It is hoped that the weekly option of €2 per line, will allow everybody to take part and support.
Please pass the word on and invite friends and family to support.
The last major renovation of the Cathedral took place 20 years ago. In the intervening years, repair works were completed on the Bell Tower and the statues surrounding the roof perimeter. A new roof will complete this total refurbishment in the modern era and ensure that the Cathedral will remain a centre of celebration, consolation and worship for the parish and the Archdiocese.
Readers of Thurles.Info, both at home and abroad, can VISIT HERE for further information on how they can assist in this most important restoration project.
If you can contribute 3 lines for €5, the same would be hugely appreciated.
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