St Brendans’ Fete fundraiser for Birr Church water ingress issue

THE fun-filled, popular St Brendan’s Summer Fete is taking place on Saturday week and the proceeds raised will go towards tackling the significant water ingress problem in St Brendan’s Church of Ireland Church in Birr.

Rev Arthur Minion told The Midland Tribune that the focus of the fundraising drive is the large gullies “just inside the parapets of the church side walls, which take away the water from the roof of the church.” Rev Minion said the evidence of the water ingress can be seen inside the church and much work has been underway in finding the solution to the problems.

Also in need of urgent repair is the reroofing of the Organ Room, which has been leaking water quite badly. “It has been a great challenge to prevent the organ from being compromised by this,” said the Reverend. “The architect on the work is Neil Crimmins and the engineer is Dermot Nolan with some considerable help from Stephen Grant, Grant Engineering. They have worked with our Select Vestry and Property Committee.

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“This will be a very costly business and we are most grateful to Offaly County Council and The Built Heritage Investment Scheme for a grant towards the work of €41,637 which will be a little less than half the cost of these works underway this summer. Proceeds from the Fete will greatly help but the parish has also plans for further fundraising later in the summer.”

The St Brendan’s Summer Fete 2026 will be held in Birr Rugby Club on Saturday June 6th at 1.00pm. It will feature the usual array of popular attractions including Flower, Plant and Cake Stalls, Pony Rides, A Pet Dog Show, Crock of Gold, Bowling and Youth Games, Face & Nail Painting, Guess the Weight of the Cake, Youth Field Games & Races; and much more…In the Pet Dog Show the Classes will be €3 each or €10 for a choice of 5 classes. All dogs catered for. If anyone can volunteer help, please phone 086 8251065.

The Dog Classes are as follows: 1. Best small dog/bitch, 2. Best large dog/bitch, 3. Best veteran dog/bitch, 4. Best child handler (National School Age), 5. Best cross bred dog/bitch, 6. Best Pedigree Dog/Bitch. 7. Best trick by dog/bitch, 8. Best Fancy Dress dog/bitch, 9. Best Rescue dog/bitch, 10. Dog/bitch the Judge would most like to take home. Champion: Best in Show. Reserve Champion: Reserve Best in Show.

The Pony Rides will operate from 1.30pm - 3.30pm.