There will be enormous sympathy for the small Church of Ireland congregation in Co Donegal which has been left with an €150,000 bill to repair a spire which was badly damaged when struck by lighting on Christmas Day.
The towering structure has been a landmark in Donegal town for almost two centuries, but as we reported yesterday did not meet the criteria for a grant from the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
There is a strong case for the authorities accepting that an act of God was involved and reviewing their decision over financial backing for the restoration project.
In the meantime, it can be expected that the fund-raising events which have been organised by Donegal Parish Church will be supported by the entire community.
