Project launched to save iconic Tipperary landmark ahead of milestone anniversary

Thurles Cathedral Fundraising Committee has unveiled “In Our Hands”, an ambitious campaign calling on the people, businesses and diaspora of Thurles, the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly and the surrounding region to come together as a community and to help to save the future of the iconic Cathedral of the Assumption, Thurles.

As the Cathedral approaches its 150th anniversary in 2029, the landmark requires vital restoration.

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Over the past number of years Thurles Parish committees have undertaken significant work to identify the Cathedral’s roof and structural issues, with professional surveyors assessing the restoration needs.

The roof needs to be fully replaced; structural cracks have formed and there are issues with leaks and dampness.

Thurles Parish Fundraising Committee have developed a new campaign, “In Our Hands”, as the next phase of the “Raise the Roof” campaign which has been focused on replacing the roof to date.

According to the Fundraising Committee, the total amount required to ensure that the Cathedral of the Assumption, Thurles will withstand the test of time is €2.5million.

They are aiming to raise this amount over the next four years and are urging people from across the Archdiocese and beyond to “Donate a Slate” to help their efforts.

Speaking today, John McCormack of Thurles Cathedral Fundraising Committee said: “The Cathedral of the Assumption, Thurles is a sacred space where so many of our parishioners and the wider community have experienced meaningful moments. The Cathedral has been witness to countless christenings, First Holy Communions, weddings, and funerals. It has stood proudly in the town of Thurles for almost 150 years.

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“Unfortunately, time is taking its toll on the structure of the building. As many parishioners know through the Raise the Roof campaign, the roof needs to be fully replaced. It is also clear now that there are additional structural issues that are threatening the future of the building. We thank everyone who has given so generously to date, and the fact that a total of €1 million has already been raised of the €2.5 million required demonstrates how generous people have been through their donations, attendance at concerts, fundraising events and continued participation in our weekly lotto.

“However, it is time now for us to increase momentum and raise awareness of what’s at stake – if we do not take action now, the deterioration of the Cathedral will continue. We are asking the people and diaspora of Thurles, businesses, and the Archdiocese to support the “Donate a Slate” campaign by purchasing slates – a symbolic and practical way to help the Cathedral’s roof and overall structure.

“We are asking people to become a part of this collective effort to build a future where the Cathedral continues to serve as a place of worship, heritage and community. As a community, we hold the Cathedral’s future in our hands.”

For further information on In Our Hands, and to Donate a Slate, visit: https://www.inourhandsthurles.ie/.