St Patrick's Cathedral in Skibbereen celebrated its 200th anniversary with a special Mass on May 10. The bi-centenary ceremony was led by Bishop Fintan Gavin, with co-parish priest Fr Kevin O'Regan and curate Fr Evin O'Brien. The foundation stone was laid in 1825 and the cathedral was completed by 1826. The original T-shaped building was designed by Michael Augustine O'Riordan. Major improvements began in the early 1880s under Bishop William Fitzgerald, with George Coppinger Ashlin planning a radical modernization. Renovations changed the building to a cruciform shape, opened the eastern wall behind the high altar, added a semi-circular apex, and embellished the apse with stained-glass windows. Further renovations occurred in 1950 and 2005. A marquee and refreshments supported community attendance, and the cathedral was described as a testament to shared commitment and pride.
"The foundation stone for St Patrick's Cathedral was laid in 1825 and completed by 1826. The original building was a modest T-shaped building designed by Michael Augustine O'Riordan from Doneraile. The first major significant improvements to St Patrick's Cathedral were carried out in the early 1880's by Bishop William Fitzgerald who engaged the services of George Coppinger Ashlin, to design a radical modernisation of the cathedral."
"These renovations changed the dynamic of the building to a cruciform shape, and the cast of the cathedral was transfigured. The eastern wall behind the original high altar was opened and a semi-circular apex was added. The apse was embellished by three stained-glass windows. The high altar, dedicated to the memory of Bishop O'Hea and the Marian Altar supplied were erected."
"Two further renovations at St Patrick's Cathedral were affected in 1950 and 2005. Reflecting on the recent milestone, Helen Dempsey secretary of the bi-centenary committee said it was a fabulous day. "We had a marquee erected in the parish grounds. Refreshments were served and there were around 300 people there. We were lucky that the day was fine. The marquee was a great call as people were able to walk straight across from the church after mass.""
"Bishop Fintan's address at the special mass largely focused on the stunning cathedral which he said was testament to the commitment of the forebears and what can be achieved by a wider community working together. Ms Dempsey said the people of Skibbereen, and the local area are very proud of the cathedral. "There is good voluntary support out there for the committee, but there is a lot of hard work ahead. The original cathedral sto""
Read at Irish Independent
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