Brendan Merry &Partners have been involved with the restoration of St. Mel’s Cathedral since the devastating fire in the early hours of Christmas Day 2009 that left one of Longford’s most iconic buildings burned to a shell. The extent of the destruction was immense and following five years of reconstruction and restoration on a massive scale, it was a wonderful achievement that the Cathedral was once again opened for midnight mass last Christmas Eve. The mass was celebrated by Bishop Colm O’Reilly, Bishop Emeritus of Armagh & Clonmacnois, who has overseen the restroration project with the St. Mel’s Project Committee. The lead Architect on the project was Colm Redmond of Fitzgerald Kavangh & Partners and the Main Contractors were Gem Purcell Ltd.

This project was very unique, the likes of which might never be undertaken on these shores again. It was one of the biggest restoration projects in Europe and interest has been on a worldwide scale. Brendan Merry &Partners have gained considerable experience in relation to procurement and cost control during this project including complex sub-contracts such as stonework, stained glass and plasterwork including many magnificent commissions of liturgical artwork. The journey of St. Mel’s Cathedral has been well documented and the history books will recall this time with great joy.