Suspected Arson at Former Convent in Belfast
On Sunday, 28 June, the listed Convent of Mercy adjacent to St. Patrick's Church in Downpatrick is believed to have been deliberately set on fire and was completely destroyed. The loss of the convent has been difficult for the local community after the destruction of a historical landmark.
Following a priestly ordination at St. Patrick's Church in Downpatrick, the neighbouring former convent was reportedly set on fire in the early evening, with the blaze continuing into Sunday morning. Approximately 70 firefighters were required to contain the fire. A spokesperson stated: "Our firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the duration of the incident to ensure that the fire was brought under control and extinguished." Police cordoned off the building as part of their investigation and confirmed that the fire is believed to have been caused by "deliberate ignition."
According to reports, although the convent had been unoccupied for some time, it was "one of those buildings that people in the town know well", and its loss is difficult for the community. Councillor Conor Galbraith commented that is was sad to see "such a historical part of our town" being deliberately destroyed.
Source: belfasttelegraph, irishnews, orthodoxnews
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