Vox Pops from the people of Longford:
Fintan Farrelly (St Mel’s organist since 1985): “I am from Longford and as a kid I came to Mass here. When I came in first I was absolutely overcome with emotion. The beauty of it, the light and brightness and yet it retains its character. I think the baptismal font is wonderful as well as the windows and the altar. Naturally I was drawn to the organ and its beautiful pipes and sound. It’s a privilege to play it.
Toni Cassin Vaughan from Longford: “I was born and reared six doors from the cathedral. After five years, it is overwhelming to be able to come in again. The cathedral has been restored beautifully. It is different but not very different. There is less seating because the new baptismal font. Some people are complaining about the windows that they are too modern and don’t suit the cathedral but I suppose they were doing their best – everything was gone. The organ reminds me of the organ in Wells Cathedral… very beautiful.
Brian Hannan (Usher): I’ve just helped two people into their seats who were baptised and made their first communion here but haven’t been back since. They came back today especially to be here for the re-opening. The things most people are talking about is the columns. I came down on Christmas morning 2009 and I saw the smoke as I passed the Bank of Ireland. I hadn’t heard about the fire. I was shocked.
Derek Mulrennam (36) from Longford with daughters Nicole and Madison: “The last time we were here on Christmas day 2009, Nicole was three years of age and Madison wasn’t even born. There was absolute shock in the town. The five years flew. My reaction on seeing it was total awe. The altar and the organ really struck me. I would have gone to Mass in St Mel’s College over the five years – but it never felt like home.
Claire Macko – living in Longford for the past 17 years: “We used to come here every Sunday for the 1 o’clock Mass. It is absolutely fabulous – so bright – so warm – a complete transformation. Before it was dark and very closed. The thing I like best is the light and stained glass windows. I know they are a bit controversial but I think they are fabulous.
The restored St Mel’s Cathedral Longford. Pic: John McElroy/Catholic Communications Office Maynooth.
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