SEAMUS McHugh with Minister for OPW Patrick O’Donovan, Glen Corbett and Cllr Andrew Reddington at Ross Errilly Friary, Headford, where the Minister was assessing the need for urgent conservation works at the historic monastic site.

Renewed hope for conservation work at historical site

OPW Minister O’Donovan visits Ross Errilly Friary

CONSERVATION work at the historic Ross Errilly Friary in Headford has inched closer following a visit by OPW Minister Patrick O’Donovan to the town last week.

Concerns over the future of the Franciscan monastery, which dates to the 14th century, have been raised in recent years as vandals continue to break into the Tower of the abbey, damaging the crenellations, the pointed stones at the top of the tower.

Glen Corbett, who lives close to the abbey and is one of its guardians, was on hand to give Minister O’Donovan a tour of the site, along with local councillor Andrew Reddington and former school principal Seamus McHugh.

The Friary is one of the best preserved medieval monastic sites in the country. However, no works have been carried out by the OPW on what is a National Monument of Ireland since 1987 …

For more, check out this week’s Tuam Herald or log onto our digital edition HERE