THE REDEDICATION of St Mel's Cathedral in Longford is taking place today, the final chapter in a five year restoration programme which began shortly after a catastrophic fire destroyed it.
The rededication service was attended by President Michael D Higgins and Cardinal Sean Brady and was lead by the Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois Francis Duffy, along with Bishop Emeritus Colm O'Reilly and Bishop Richard O'Higgins.
In the early hours of Christmas day 2009, a fire broke out which left the much loved Cathedral in ruins. Five years on, the wonderful skill and attention to detail of numerous craftsmen and women, as well as the best of modern Irish art, have produced a beautiful building which was opened to the public at Christmas 2014.
Among those present was long-time Irish Post photographer and Longford native Mel McNally, who was visiting his home town Cathedral for the first time since it was rebuilt.
Long-time Irish Post photographer Mel McNally admiring the interior of St Mel's Cathedral in his native town.
St Mel's is the Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois and also Parish church of Longford.
In 1839 the Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois William O'Higgins announced plans to build a Cathedral dedicated to St Mel in the town of Longford. The foundation stone, taken from the ancient church of St Mel in the village of Ardagh, was blessed and laid in place by Bishop William O'Higgins on 19th May 1840 and work continued until 1846. Due to the great famine, work ceased as funds were diverted to the more pressing cause of famine relief. Bishop O'Higgins himself became ill and died in 1853.
His successor Bishop Kilduff began fundraising again and resumed work on the Cathedral and on 24th September 1856, to the great joy of the people, it was dedicated to St Mel and opened for public worship.
159 years later, the people of the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois are rejoicing once again.
