Church of the Immaculate Conception up for award

STRABANE’S iconic Church of the Immaculate Conception, which has dominated Strabane’s skyline for over a century, could be the verge of receiving yet another prestigious award.

The church has been shortlisted in the Best Maintenance of a Historic Building or Place category in the Heritage Angel Awards, founded in 2011 by Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber. The awards seek to celebrate the achievement of individuals, groups and communities who have helped to rescue, regenerate, research and record building heritage across the North.

Lorraine Gallen, project manager with the Church of the Immaculate Conception’s restoration team, was elated at the nomination, saying, “It’s wonderful to be in the final three shortlist for this brilliant award; everyone involved with the restoration project is extremely proud that our work is being recognised. Our team has been working tirelessly over the past seven years maintaining the church, not just for ourselves, but for future generations of Strabane residents.

“All of our team, led by our charismatic leader Fr Boland, have undertaken a mammoth project in maintaining our beautiful church, from the guttering and lighting, through to the museum and current stained glass restoration and further work which will see the churches stonework maintained.

“To receive the award would mean absolutely everything; not just to the team but the wider Strabane community who have shown us backing all the way, through both moral and financial support to ensure the Church of the Immaculate Conception is kept going for many years to come. We’re up against some stiff opposition so we appreciate every vote possible.”

Lorraine is urging locals to get in and vote for the Church by going to heritageangelawards-ni.org.uk and registering their preference on the public vote section. Voting closes on Tuesday evening at one minute before midnight. A glittering awards ceremony will be held on March 27 when the winner will be announced.