A unique clock estimated to be worth around €5,000 is being raffled in Donegal.
The beautiful grandfather clock was hand-carved over 18 months by skilled wood-turner Peter Wyatt. It is being raffled to raise funds for the restoration of the Old St Mary’s Church in Killymard near Donegal Town.
Committee spokesperson Margaret Harte said: “There has been a great response to ticket sales so far. Peter’s skill is well-known in the area and we are very grateful for the time and effort he put into to making this beautiful clock. We are also very grateful to John Friel who sponsored the wood used in the clock.”
The clock was on display for much of October in the window of Magee’s shop in Donegal Town.
“Everyone is talking about how beautiful it is,” said Mrs Harte.
Lines costing €5 each are on sale throughout the parish of Killymard and in the wider Donegal Town area.
All money raised will go towards the recent restoration work on the original church windows.
The work was carried out by local carpenter John Friel, builder Martin McNern and their team of workers under the guidance of conservation architect Duncan McLaren. The wood was painstakingly matched in thickness and style to the original parts that were retained. The glass was recovered from windows of a similar era and even the putty and paint were chosen to meet conservation criteria.
The overall effect is certainly worth the effort. Along with extensive emergency repairs to the tower area, this latest work greatly enhances both the structural integrity and the overall appearance of the church.
Mrs Harte said: “Our aim first and foremost is to save the church from falling into a state of disrepair. It is also our goal to develop it into a hub for the community here in Killymard and to keep this beautiful building intact for future generations. It is a huge part of the heritage of this area.
“The reaction and support we have had since we began this restoration project three years ago has been huge. We are very encouraged that this is something that people value. For our emigrants it is part of their childhood memories, part of their family link to Donegal. Social media has allowed them to be as much as part of this story as the people who come along to our Old Fair Days, St Brigid’s Cross nights and all the other activities we have here in the old church.”
The clock winner will drawn at a social gathering on December 9 in the Old St Mary’s Church, Killymard. There are a number of other prizes up for grabs and a programme of entertainment is also being put in place.
Anyone wishing to buy lines for the draw can contact Raymond on 087 2362261.
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