Rathangan Church needs major repairs

By Dan Walsh at Wexford County Council meeting

At the January Wexford County Council meeting, Cllr Jim Codd inquired about securing €1.3 million for major repairs to Rathangan’s prominent church, known locally as “the cathedral in the fields.”

Rathangan church, a heritage site, needs funding to repair its deteriorating roof. Cllr Codd said locals have asked him to help find sources of funding.

Cllr Codd noted that protecting our history requires professional work, which is expensive and can be a significant burden. “Gone are the days when local tradesmen would make themselves available and freely give their time to community restoration, but health and safety and regulation has ruled that out,” stated Cllr Codd.

Liz Hore, Director of Services at Wexford County Council, concurred with Cllr Codd about the expense of restoring heritage. Nevertheless, she assured that the Council would review the Rathangan project and help seek out any available funding.

Cllr Codd expressed gratitude for Ms. Hore’s enthusiasm regarding the project.

HISTORY & HERITAGE; Rathangan church. In 1863 a decision was made to build a new church at Rathangan, but legal difficulties related to the lease of the site delayed the project, and in June 1870, problem solved and the foundation stone was laid.

The church is a Gothic cruciform building. Seven arches resting on Cork red marble pillars separate the nave and the choir from the side aisles.

The east window was the concept of Rev. Garret O’Toole P.P. from 1853 to 1875 and depicts scenes from the Scriptures. The church is built of red conglomerate stone from the local quarry at Nicharee, with Carlow granite forming the dressings of the doors and windows.

The tower and spire, 135 feet (41.148 metres) high to the top of the cross, form a conspicuous landmark in the locality and, consequently, the church is often referred to as “the cathedral in the fields.”

The church is dedicated to The Assumption and St Laurence O’Toole and took place on October 3^rd, 1873. The architect was Richard Sinnott of Wexford, and the builder was James Wilkinson of Enniscorthy.