skip to main content

Daniel O'Donnell to perform at fundraising event for Donegal church rebuild

The blaze broke out at Teach Pobail Mhuire in Doirí Beaga in the early hours of Monday
The blaze broke out at Teach Pobail Mhuire in Doirí Beaga in the early hours of Monday

A concert featuring Daniel O'Donnell is to be held to raise funds to rebuild a Co Donegal church destroyed in a fire.

The blaze broke out at Teach Pobail Mhuire in Doirí Beaga in Gaoth Dobhair in the early hours of Monday morning.

Investigations are ongoing into the cause of the fire.

It is understood that a forensic examination of the scene will not begin until the location is fully secure.

A GoFundMe campaign has already raised more than €50,000 to help fund the church's reconstruction.

Daniel O'Donnell, Clannad's Moya Brennan and Altan's Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh have committed to play at a concert this Saturday night at Teach Phaídí Óig in Croithlí, Co Donegal.

It is set add additional funds towards the cost of the rebuild.

An t-Athair Brian Ó Fearraigh described the community as 'resilient'

A spokesperson for the organisers urged the public to donate, volunteer or share support for the event.

The spokesperson said the "beloved parish chapel" was "tragically" destroyed by a fire, adding it was "a place where we celebrated life’s most important moments, a symbol of faith, family, and hope for generations".

"Now, it’s time to give back to the place that gave us so much," the spokesperson said.

"We are hosting a fundraiser and volunteer night to support the rebuilding of our chapel and to renew the spirit that holds our parish together."

In a statement, Parish Priest An t-Athair Brian Ó Fearraigh said described the community as "resilient", adding it "will stand together to support one another in this moment of deep grief and sorrow".

"We will rebuild our church with a renewed hope for a brighter future," he added.

The roads leading to Séipéal Mhuire in Doirí Beaga is closed as garda forensic teams examine the remains of the church.

Five units of the fire brigade and gardaí attended the scene after the fire was first reported at around 4am on Monday.

It was built in 1972 and is one of the biggest in the Raphoe diocese.