Gardaí examine 'fire flash' in investigation of St Mary's Church fire, Derrybeg
St Mary's Church in Derrybeg, Co Donegal was completely gutted by a fire that broke out at around 4am on Monday 21 April 2025, leaving the building a shell, though nobody was injured. Gardaí launched an investigation and are examining a 'fire flash' seen on CCTV footage in the early stages of the blaze to determine whether it caused the fire or was a consequence of one already started. CCTV has been harvested from numerous nearby buildings and the scene has been preserved for technical examination. As of 24 April 2025, the cause of the fire remains undetermined and no arrests have been reported.
- Reported21 Apr
2 reports - Arrested
- Charged
- In court
- Verdict
- Sentenced
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- St Mary's Church in Derrybeg, Co Donegal was completely gutted by fire and nobody was injured.
- Where
- The fire occurred at St Mary's Church in Derrybeg, Co Donegal.
- When
- The fire broke out at around 4am on Monday 21 April 2025.
- Cause
- The cause of the blaze is still under investigation, though the vast wooden panelling of the ceiling hastened the fire.
- Investigation
- Gardaí are examining a 'fire flash' seen on CCTV footage in the early stages of the blaze to determine whether it caused the fire or was a consequence of a fire already started.
- CCTV has been harvested from numerous nearby buildings and is being studied for any vehicles or persons in the area at the time.
- The scene has been preserved for technical examination and the road leading to the church remains cordoned off by Gardaí.
- Other details
- Fire crews from five different stations fought the blaze throughout the night and nearby properties were evacuated.
- A GoFundMe page set up to help rebuild the church has amassed more than €58,000 in pledges.
- The octagonal-shaped church was blessed in 1972, designed by Patrick Carr and Partners from Ballybofey, and built by Joseph McMenamin and sons from Ballybofey.
23 statements extracted from the articles
- whatSt Mary's Church in Derrybeg was left gutted by the fire. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatNobody was injured in the fire. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatThe fire could be seen for miles around. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatThe octagonal-shaped building was designed by architects Patrick Carr and Partners from Ballybofey. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatThe church was built by Joseph McMenamin and sons from Ballybofey. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatMonsignor Kevin Gillespie, Diocesan Administrator of the Raphoe Diocese, celebrated his first mass in the church. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatSt Mary's Church in Derrybeg, Co Donegal was completely gutted by fire. (irishmirror.ie)
- whatThe building was left a shell after the fire. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenThe fire broke out at around 4am. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenThe church was officially blessed on its opening in 1972 by then-Bishop of Raphoe Dr McFeely. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenThe fire started around 4am on Monday 21 April 2025. (irishmirror.ie)
- causeThe blaze was hastened by the vast wooden panelling that made up the ceiling of the church. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationGardaí are to lead the necessary investigations into the fire. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationGardaí are examining a 'fire flash' seen on CCTV footage in the early stages of the blaze. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationCCTV was harvested from numerous nearby buildings to build a picture of what may have caused the blaze. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationThe footage is being studied to examine any vehicles or persons in the area at the time. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationInvestigators are trying to determine if the 'fire flash' was the cause of the blaze or a consequence of a fire already started. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationThe road leading to the church remains cordoned off by Gardaí. (irishmirror.ie)
- investigationThe scene has been preserved for technical examination. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherFire crews from five different stations fought the blaze throughout the night. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherA cordon was established and nearby properties were evacuated while the fire was brought under control. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThere were no injuries from the fire. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherA GoFundMe page set up earlier in the week has amassed more than €58,000 in pledges to help rebuild the church. (irishmirror.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 24 Apr2025Gardai examine 'fire flash' at scene of devastating church fire
Reports on the ongoing Garda investigation into the cause of the fire, including the discovery of a 'fire flash' on CCTV, harvesting of footage from nearby buildings, and the preservation of the scene for technical examination.
- 21 Apr2025Garda investigation launched as much-loved church gutted by fire
Provides the time the fire broke out (around 4am), confirms nobody was injured, gives the church's history (blessed in 1972, designed by Patrick Carr and Partners, built by Joseph McMenamin and sons), and includes a statement from Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, Diocesan Administrator of the Raphoe Diocese.