One of the challenges which must be faced by the parish going into the future is the need to raise much needed funds to restore the church’s disintegrating stonework. The present church building is an imposing edifice, rendered in sandstone and in the Romanesque style. Significant parts of the original stone carving were completed by James Pearse, father of Patrick Pearse, a leader of the 1916 Easter Rising which led to Irish independence and the founding of the Irish State in 1922.

Regrettably, its future is in jeopardy as its sandstone facade is worn and crumbling and in need of major repair and restoration. The first phase of the works is estimated to cost in the region of £1.5 million, with the total works likely to exceed a colossal £5 million.

Parishioners have been incredibly generous but the need for donors, willing volunteers and the prayers all to undertake such an enormous project remains.  You may consider contacting or putting us in contact with some of the many former parishioners and friends who have had close links with the parish in the past and who might help or contribute to our fundraising campaign.  We need to capture the energy, enthusiasm and dedication of those who built this beautiful church in times of great poverty and uncertainty.  Let us together take up the challenge of passing on this treasure of our built heritage to future generations.

To make a donation to the restoration project, cheques can be made payable to St. Patrick’s Parish Trust or a Direct Debit or one-off donation be made by way of a direct transfer to A/c No: 18936958, Sort Code: 902127, IBAN GB90BOFI90212718936958