€1m transformation of Kilmore Cathedral

The beautiful Church of Ireland St. Fethlimidh's Cathedral at Kilmore on the outskirts of Cavan town has been totally transformed courtesy of a €1m plus refurbishment project. The completion of the work is designed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the erection of the cathedral. Dean Raymond Ferguson told The Anglo-Celt this week that "we are just approaching our 150th anniversary weekend on the 16, 17 and 18 July. That will really be the culmination of a huge amount of refurbishment work here in the cathedral. The work has now been in progress for the last 12 years," said the dean, who came here five years ago." The weekend will feature three major events. On Friday, July 16, the traditional barbecue is at 8pm. "It has been going on now for around 15 years. It's a great community event and it is well supported. It will take place at the Parochial Hall, adjacent to the cathedral and will be followed by a dance." On the Saturday night, a praise service will be held at 8pm in the cathedral; it will feature a lot of music praising God for seeing the parish through all the work successfully. The diocesan and local choirs will be there, along with guest singers, including Linda Lindsay from Lisbellaw and Colin Elliott from Portadown. The highlight, on Sunday, July 18, is the Festival Service at 4pm. There will be Holy Communion in the Cathedral at 9am but no 11.30am service. "We are looking forward to a lot of visitors to celebrate with us and share our joy. Ken Clarke, Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh will be in attendance on Saturday night and on Sunday and he has been a great support to us right along the way," said Dean Ferguson. New flat screen TVs at different vantage points in the cathedral afford everyone the chance to witness the proceedings unhindered every Sunday. Those screens were donated in memory of the late Reverend Cecil Lindsay. Dean Ferguson said he was delighted to have the opportunity and the support to see the project through the fruition. The last big job to be completed was the painting of the entire inside of the cathedral. An interesting feature in the south transept of the cathedral is the panelling that formed part of the structure in the old sea house. This transformation has turned the transept into a beautiful little side chapel, which can be utilised for smaller communion services. Last week they received the communion rail for it, expertly made by Charlie Donohoe and an exact replica of the mail communion rail at the front of the cathedral. A new roof was also put on the building; the exterior walls were pointed and damp areas were eradicated. All the exquisite paintwork on the way up to the chancel in the cathedral has also been carefully restored by the Parke firm from Riverstown. The building has been completely rewired and a new lighting system has been installed, which highlights the beauty of the interior. Dean Ferguson says the next project is the restoration of the organ. "We will be commencing that shortly and many in the community have already generously donated money towards that work," he said. He thanked the entire Select Vestry and in particular the secretary Wendy Swan and treasurer William Foster and the glebe wardens Cyril Moore and Wayne Poyntz and everyone who helped along the way. He also thanked Cavan Co. Council and the heritage people for their co-operation and help with grants over the years, and the private individuals and businesses who donated so generously to the renovation fund as the project progressed. "The statutory bodies have all been generous and we are grateful to them," he concluded.