Church’s silence ends after nearly 50 years

HISTORIC day: workman Terry Doyle with the original St Patrick’s Church bell which has been fully restored. The bell is embossed with the full name of the church — Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St Patrick

FILIPINO, African, gospel and folk choirs will mark a momentous occasion at St Patrick’s RC Church in Union Street West

The church’s bell hasn’t been rung for almost 50 years — but can now ring again after extensive restoration work.

The first person to ring it in five decades will be decided by a raffle at a celebratory event on Thursday. Commemorative programmes will be handed out to guests on the night, each one with a number. Parish priest Father Phil Sumner will draw a raffle during the event and the winner will win the right to ring the bell.

Performances from the Soul Inspiration Choir, the Filipino Choir, the African Choir and the Folk Group will be accompanied by parish organist Steve Owen. The event starts at 7.30pm.