Plans to restore the neglected Ardfert Cathedral in Kerry.
It is believed Ardfert is where Saint Brendan founded his first monastery less than a century following the coming of Saint Patrick. In 1152, Ardfert was declared as the seat of the Bishop of Kerry by the Synod of Kells. Almost one hundred years later, Ardfert Cathedral was constructed.
Ardfert Cathedral, the cradle of Christianity in Kerry
The cathedral was the centre of the Christian community for over three hundred years until it was burned during the Desmond rebellions in the late 16th century.
During the 17th century, the south transept was converted for use by the Church of Ireland but was abandoned at the start of the 19th century.
Plans for Ardfert
Plans are now in place to restore the cathedral to its former glory. The work will cost one and a half million pounds and begin with a three year long archaeological dig. The culmination of the project will be the reroofing of the south transept and the first phase will be funded by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
Father Leonard Boyle, prefect of the Vatican Library in Rome, is very supportive of the project which will redress the scandal of the neglected cathedral. He is critical of Ireland's record in protecting its architecture.
Seamus McConville who is a member of the Ardfert Brendan Committee is hopeful that the project won't stop until the entire cathedral has been restored.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 25 August 1989. The reporter is Kieron Wood.
