Fire Guts Old Convent Of Mercy Building In Downpatrick In Two Hour Blaze
A fire started in the old Convent of Mercy building adjacent to St Patrick’s Church in Downpatrick and destroyed the building within two hours.
The ceiling collapsed, and walls started to look unstable as the fire worked its way from what looked like the upstairs third floor main building above the front door.
Soon the roof collapsed in the part of the building overlooking the parochial house and it spread very quickly through the rest of the tinder-dry building taking down the roof. Thankfully there was a fire wall next to the church wall which prevented the fire spreading into the place of worship.
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Altogether there were 15 vehicles from the NIFRS involved in fighting the blaze from inside the front of the building beside the parochial house, and from Stream Street. 10 fire tenders attended coming from Downpatrick, Banbridge, Rathfriland, Newcastle, Ballynahinch Knock (Belfast) and Newtownards stations.
A fire water wagon and two aerial appliances were also involved (there are only 3 in Northern Ireland). And 75 fire-fighters attended with their fire appliances.
At this moment the NIFRS are not officially saying what caused the fire. An inspection of the building will continue on later Monday. The building has lain unused for over 10 years.
It was a sad ending to a joyous day for the Downparick parish as they celebrated the ordination of Fr Thomas Hampton to the priesthood with Bishop Alan McGuickian.
The celebrants and guests retired just after 5pm to the hall at the Patrician Youth Centre for tea and refreshments when an hour later the fire took hold at the old Convent of Mercy, which is located adjacent to the parochial house at St Patrick’s Church on St Patrick’s Avenue.
The cause of the fire at this moment has not been determined but the NIFRS are leaning towards a possible cause which will be confirmed officially in a statement later today.
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McGrath saddened by fire at former Downpatrick Convent of Mercy convent
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath has expressed his sadness following the major fire at the former convent in Downpatrick.
Colin McGrath MLA said: “It’s really sad to see the former convent in Downpatrick on fire. Although it’s been lying derelict for some time, it’s still one of those buildings that people in the town know well, and it’s difficult to watch it being lost like this.
“Many local people will have memories of the convent and the role it played over the years. Even in recent times it has remained a familiar part of the Downpatrick skyline, so seeing it go up in flames is upsetting.
“I want to pay tribute to the firefighters and all of the emergency services who have responded so quickly to what is clearly a significant incident. Their professionalism and bravery in dealing with situations like this should never be taken for granted.
“My thoughts are also with those living and working nearby who will understandably have been concerned as the fire developed.”
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Hanlon appeals to community to avoid old Downpatrick Convent site as emergency services deal with fire
Sinn Féin Downpatrick councillor Oonagh Hanlon has appealed to the Downpatrick community to avoid the area around the old Convent site as emergency services deal with a fire.
Cllr Hanlon said: “Emergency services have been dealing with a fire at the old Convent site in Downpatrick.
“I would ask people to stay clear of the area and allow the Fire and Rescue Service and other emergency services the space they need to complete their work safely.
“I hope everyone involved is safe and well, and our thoughts are with anyone affected by this incident.”
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