For the first time in three-quarters of a century, the roof of Galway’s oldest church is undergoing significant repairs.

The woman in charge of its survival for the next 700 years is appealing for help in ensuring St Nicholas Collegiate Church can withstand the challenges of its age and the environment.

Early estimates put the cost of doing that at a minimum of €15 million.

The rector, The Very Rev Lynda Peilow, said the work being carried out by Niall McDonagh and his team on the roof in the wake of Storm Éowyn was urgently needed. But every time they attend to one issue, another raises its head.

“The last roofing that took place seems to have been in the 1950s and, realistically, a roof lasts only 30 years – the team discovered a Connacht Sentinel, dating back to October 16, 1956 – it too has stood the test of time hidden in the slates,” she said.

The church walls need urgent care and attention because of damp. The roof will be an ongoing project, while the iconic steeple and clock are also all part of the project together with a new organ and modernising the facilities.

A major fundraising campaign will be launched later this year for the work and a committee has been set up from the congregation to drive that.

Roofer Niall McDonagh has been working with the church for the last six years and he and his crew are often spotted on ropes, on the roof or on the steeple, as they address particular repairs. He also looks after the church’s precious bells which continue to ring out across Galway.

The church recently received a grant of €120,000 from the Community Monument Fund for the steeple.

“At the minute we don’t know if we can repair the steeple with that money until we pull off all the plaster. We don’t know the damage underneath. And that’s the problem with doing in on a piecemeal basis rather than addressing the work in one collaborate approach once the scaffolding is up and the architect costs are covered,” Rev Lynda explains.

The church charges an entrance fee, which covers staff to keep it open and its insurance.

Pictured: The Very Rev Lynda Peilow pictured with members of the repair team, John Fox, Corey Belton, Aengus McDonagh and Niall McDonagh, Director of Niall McDonagh Roofing and Rope Access, on the roof of St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church.  PHOTOS: JOE O’SHAUGHNESSY.