GARDA TECHNICAL experts are awaiting word from structural engineers on when they can begin a full examination of the scene at St Mel’s Cathedral in Longford which was destroyed in a fire on Christmas Day.
No one was injured in the fire which started shortly after 5am on Friday, just a few hours after midnight Mass had been celebrated at the cathedral.
An estimated €2 million worth of damage was caused by the fire, which left the building gutted.
Flames reaching 18m (60ft) were reportedly seen coming from the roof of the cathedral as several fire brigade units battled to bring the blaze under control.
The roof of the building collapsed, while stained glass windows, among which were works designed by renowned artist and illustrator Harry Clarke, were destroyed due to the heat. Also among priceless artifacts in the neo-classical building at the time of the fire was a 10th century crozier of St Mel.
Attempts to extinguish the fire were disrupted by the cold weather as many pipes were frozen.
Gardaí say full forensic tests will be required before it can be established whether the fire was started deliberately.
While a full technical examination has yet to get under way, gardaí in Longford town have been conducting house-to-house inquiries.
Technical experts are working on the theory that the fire likely started at the back of the cathedral, before spreading.
Christmas Day Masses, which were due to be held at St Mel’s were said at the nearby community centre, the Temperance Hall, instead.
Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise Colm O’Reilly, who celebrated midnight Mass at St Mel’s on Christmas Eve, told RTÉ Radio that people were very upset by the fire.
“It’s the kind of nightmare that you never thought you would ever suffer, you have to say,” he said.
“I suppose the only thing you can compare it to is a big bereavement, a serious bereavement, and I’d say that feeling is shared by Longford people, by the priestly diocese and by lay people, but particularly of Longford,” he added.
Building work on the cathedral, which was a popular tourist attraction, began in the 1840s and was completed in September 1856. Completion of the building was delayed by 10 years because of the Famine.
Mayor of Longford Peggy Nolan and Bishop O’Reilly have promised St Mel’s will be fully restored.
