A Legacy Worth Preserving
In Our Hands – The Heart of Thurles
The Cathedral of the Assumption, Thurles, is more than a building. It is a sacred space woven into the fabric of our lives – a place where many of us have celebrated life’s most meaningful moments. Perhaps you were married here, said goodbye to a loved one, or lit a candle in quiet prayer. Even if you’ve never stepped inside, you’ve likely admired its striking towers and intricate stonework, standing tall in the heart of our town. Modelled on the Cathedral of Pisa, and home to a tabernacle designed by Giacoma della Porta – a student of Michelangelo – the Cathedral is both an architectural treasure and a symbol of our shared heritage. It is a place where history, faith, and craft come together in stone, light and silence.
As we approach its 150th anniversary in 2029, we are reminded that this remarkable building has stood with us for generations. But time has taken its toll. And now, we stand at a turning point. The future of the Cathedral is in our hands. This campaign is more than a fundraiser – it is an invitation to everyone who values faith, memory, and community to come together and ensure this treasured place stands strong for the generations still to come.
The Challenge Ahead
Years of weather, wear, and time have left the Cathedral in urgent need of care. The roof must be fully replaced. Structural cracks have formed. Leaks and dampness are threatening the fabric of the building. That’s why we’ve developed the In Our Hands campaign – a community call to action for the people of Thurles, its hinterlands, the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly, and the wider diaspora. Together, we can preserve this sacred space, protect its rich history, and ensure it continues to inspire for generations to come.
There are four easy ways to contribute:
- Purchase a full bundle of slates (4) with a once-off donation of €1,000.
- Spread the cost of a bundle with four annual payments of €250, allowing you to contribute at a pace that suits your finances.
- Buy a single slate for €250, offering a meaningful and more affordable option for those who want to be part of the effort.
- Make a donation of your choice, large or small – every euro counts, and every donation brings us one step closer to our goal.
Every person who contributes, at any level, will receive a personalised certificate of appreciation, as a small token of our appreciation and a symbol of your commitment to preserving this sacred space.
We encourage you to make your donation online today by visiting www.inourhandsthurles.ie – it’s fast, secure, and easy to use. You can also help spread the word and show your support by following our campaign on Facebook and Instagram @inourhands.thurles, and sharing it with friends and family who might also wish to support.
If you are unable to donate online, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly through the Thurles Parish Office. We are happy to assist you by phone or email:
T: 0504 22229 / 085 8819575
E: [email protected]
For more information, feel free to download our brochure available here:
The restoration of the Cathedral of the Assumption, completed in 2003, was enabled by fundraising within Thurles Parish and throughout the archdiocese of Cashel & Emly. In 2007, Thurles Parish undertook Thurles Parish Development to renovate S.S. Joseph & Brigid Church, Bóthar na Naomh, the Presbytery at Bóthar na Naomh, the construction of a Pastoral Care Centre, namely Lámh Chúnta and the refurbishment of the Cathedral Presbytery and necessary works on the Cathedral Tower.
The Fundraising Target was set at €2.5m to cover all the above works and provide for future maintenance of all parish buildings.
We have now completed all the planned works at a total cost of €2.2m. Thanks to the generosity of Thurles parishioners we have to date raised almost €2.1m of our present €2.5m target.
With due regard to the fact that people are experiencing hardship due to the current, albeit improving, economic climate, we intend to continue to meet our target in order to provide for ongoing maintenance and make provision to restore the Cathedral roof due in 2019. We are currently preparing an estimate of the cost of the restoration of the Cathedral roof. If you would like to contribute to our ongoing fundraising appeal please see our Donations page.
