A community in Co Donegal has been left in shock after the Catholic church was destroyed in a fire.
The blaze broke out at Teach Pobail Mhuire in Doirí Beaga in Gaoth Dobhair.
Five units of the fire brigade and gardaí attended the scene after the fire was first reported at around 4am yesterday morning.
'Words fall silent' - Donegal church destroyed in fire
Parish Priest An t-Athair Brian Ó Fearraigh thanked gardaí and the fire service, saying they had done "Trojan work".
He said there had been an outpouring of emotion from the community who viewed the church as their "spiritual home".
"This morning, our hearts are heavy as we come to terms with the terrible tragedy that took place when St Mary's Church here in Na Doirí Beaga was burnt to the ground.
"It’s a church that holds a lot of dear memories for our parishioners here. Words fall silent in the face of such destruction," he said.
Local councillor John Sheamuis Ó Fearraigh said it was "absolutely shocking".
"Looking behind me at the scene you'd think it was a dream, but it's not a dream it's a reality.
"The community will rebuild. Gaoth Dobhair people are very resilient. It's a devastating blow but I'm sure the people of the parish will come together along with other parishes that will help us to rebuild."
Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty said that the fire has been extinguished but the building has been completely gutted.
The church was built in 1972 and is one of the biggest in the Raphoe diocese.
Mr Doherty said he got married in the church and his father's anniversary mass was due to take place there later.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, the Donegal TD said the church had a huge history and said the incident was heartbreaking.
"We will see a rebirth here," he said.
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Fianna Fáil TD Pat The Cope Gallagher said: "The loss to fire of Doirí Beaga Church is just heartbreaking and devastating to the community it serves. Just yesterday the church was full to capacity celebrating the Easter Sunday Mass.
"Teach a' Phobail - the public’s house are our second homes, they are the very heart and soul of our local communities and the loss of Teach Pobail Mhuire in Doirí Beaga will be felt today by many in the wider community.
"Our thoughts are with Fr Brian and his parishioners at this most difficult time for them all. The setbacks in life must never define who we are, it is how we rebuild from loss that will ultimately define us as a people."
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Diocesan Administrator Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, a native of Gaoth Dobhair, said he is heartbroken over the fire, but said the community will provide every support to An t-Athair Ó Fearraigh.
He thanked the parish priest and the units of the Donegal Fire Service who tried to save the Church as well as gardaí who will be carrying out an investigation.
Monsignor Gillespie said Teach Pobail Mhuire has been at the heart of the community and the news of the fire will be a cause of much sadness for the community of Gaoth Dobhair, both at home and abroad.
"With the help of God, Our Lady, the support of the community and the good work of the clergy, the Church will be rebuilt one way or another," Monsignor Gillespie said.
