SAINT MEL’S CATHEDRAL in Longford has been reopened today — five years after it was devastated by a fire, on Christmas Day 2009.
A comprehensive restoration project was announced in 2011.
And, following a media viewing today, masses are set to go ahead from 7.30am tomorrow morning.
A full Christmas schedule of services will follow — including Midnight Mass at 11pm on Christmas Eve.
There’ll also be a live crib this Sunday at 3pm, and the Cathedral will be open all Sunday afternoon for public viewing.
Archbishop Eamon Martin said it was a “very happy occasion”.
An investigation carried out by Gardaí and insurance forensic experts established that the outbreak first arose in an old chimney flue at the rear of the Cathedral and broke out into the sacristy.
It was concluded to have been entirely accidental.
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