Congratulations on restoration of St Mel’s

Dear Editor, May I through the medium of your newspaper congratulate all involved in the restoration and rededication of the iconic St Mel’s Cathedral in Longford.

We all remember when the news went viral on Christmas morning 2009, when the devastating fire destroyed St Mel’s, but like the phoenix it has risen from the ashes and is now restored to its former glory.

I watched the rededication ceremony online and Bishops Francis Duffy, Colm O’Reilly and the priests, religious and lay people deserve a massive congratulations on a job well done.

It was disappointing that RTÉ gave this iconic event so little coverage on the day, considering it was the biggest cathedral restoration in western Europe costing in excess of €30million.

I am glad to learn that from when it reopened at Christmas 100,000 visitors have passed through its doors and may it continue to be a place of welcome and solace for many, many years to come.

Yours etc.,

Francis J Meehan,

Ardaghey, Co. Monaghan.