'It's a huge blow to the community': Iconic northside landmark in ruins

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AN iconic church landmark in Gurranabraher came tumbling off the building's roof last night amidst heavy winds, causing damage to both the structure and the church's roof.

The Church of the Ascension initially suffered damage to its rooftop cross during last month's series of storms, which brought wind gusts of over 100km/hour to Cork City.

It was believed that the cladding around the 15ft-high cross, which was erected in 1962, was weakened and bent during Storm Eunice and Storm Franklin, causing the cross to tilt.

Cork City Fire Brigade attended the scene and secured the cross and services had resumed in the church.

Speaking with The Echo, Cork City Councillor Tony Fitzgerald said heavy winds seemed to have knocked the cross from its cladding last night.

"The increased winds in the last couple of days probably took its toll and it came down overnight," Cllr Fitzgerald said.

"It's a landmark in ruins. It's an awful shame.

"Thankfully, no one was injured and it happened during the night when nobody was around. I understand that it's being assessed today and a further decision will be made."

Mr Fitzgerald said the roof of the church had also been damaged by the impact.

"The problem is that when it was falling it damaged the roof, which was only refurbished recently," he said.

"So, that's a huge blow to the community and the parishioners who had fundraised for that."

In a statement on Facebook, the church confirmed that the roof had been damaged.

"Ascension Parish Roof Cross fell during the night hitting parts of the church roof, causing some damage," the statement said.

"Work on erecting scaffolding was to begin today. At the moment damage is being assessed. Ferocious winds all day yesterday finally dislodged the tilting cross. 

"We are grateful that there was no loss of life or injuries."

Speaking with The Echo, parish priest, Very Rev Tomás Walsh SMA, said: "It caused a good bit of damage to the roof, which was only replaced in 2019.

"The area was cordoned off, so thankfully no one was hurt and no property was damaged.

"It's being looked at today and we'll go from there."

A GoFundMe page was set up by parish secretary Wendy Murphy after Storm Franklin to help pay for the restoration of the cross, which has raised nearly €5,000 so far.

Cork City Councillor Kenneth O'Flynn added: "People of the area love this landmark and have been very generous with the ongoing fundraiser for the church".

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