Mags GarganFight against the church closure will continue with a protest rally at the weekend
The sacristan of the Dominican church in Drogheda ended his hunger strike last night following talks with representatives of the order. However, campaigners said the fight against the closure of the church will continue with a protest rally in the town at the weekend.
Declan Hanratty, sacristan in St Magdalen’s church in Drogheda for 10 years, began a sit-in and hunger strike at the church over a week ago when news of the church’s closure was broken to parishioners.
Fr Gregory Carroll, Prior Provincial, announced in a letter to parishes that the Dominican friars are withdrawing from five parishes across the country because of falling numbers and the ageing profile of members.
Mr Hanratty stayed on the church grounds only taking water, until he agreed to end his fast last night after a visit from Fr Carroll and Fr John Harris OP. His wife Rita told The Irish Catholic it was a “huge relief”. “Declan had a cup of tea with lots of sugar and some bread. He slept a lot today and is having tests done with the doctor,” she said.
About 15,000 people have signed a petition to keep the church open and last Thursday over 300 people attended a public meeting in the Westcourt Hotel to express disappointment and anger at the lack of consultation on the intended closure. Mayor Kevin Callan called on the Dominicans to overturn their decision and said “we need to make direct contact with the Vatican on this issue”.
Rally
Protestors plan to go ahead with a rally this Saturday, October 4 at 3pm, from the Magdalene tower to the Dominican church, and Mrs Hanratty said the Dominicans have agreed to meet with campaigners over the next few days and to speak at the rally.
In a statement Fr Gregory Carroll said it was a “great relief to know that the hunger strike by Declan Hanratty is ending”.
“This is an appropriate moment to record our appreciation of his love for St Magdalen’s church in Drogheda and his dedicated service as sacristan there,” he said.
“This is also a moment to repeat that the Dominicans are committed to ensuring that all the various groups attending St Magdalen’s will be fully involved in the consultations which certainly will take place before any change occurs regarding the future of the church.”