Kinsale Organ Restoration Appeal
Organ Restoration Appeal
Music is an integral component of our celebration of the Liturgy in the Friary Church. The Organ is in many ways the beating heart of our musical outlay in its supports of the choir and congregational singing.
Help Us Protect The Future Of The Friary Organ.
The sound of the Organ has filled the Friary Church and warmed the hearts of our community for many years. Sadly now our much loved Pipe Organ is in need of some restoration and cleaning and sadly, unless significant funds are raised to finance its refurbishment the Organ will become silent.
We need to raise €95,000 to save the Friary Church Pipe Organ.
Why should you care?
The Organ was soundly constructed by the Organ Building Firm of Peter Connacher and Co. of Huddersfield, England in the 1880’s. The firm were first class organ builders who built some very prestigious instruments many of which are found in various parts of the world. The Friary Church possesses an exceptionally fine pipe organ, one of which many Churches in Ireland would be envious. It is unquestionably the most valuable item of furnishing in the newly renovated Church. It is worthy of restoration and upon completion will be a superb liturgical and recital instrument.
What needs to be done?
The passage of time has seen our own instrument much neglected since its installation in the Friary Church. Dirt, dust and grit are now present in all parts of the Organ inhibiting its performance. The leather on the organ bellows is completely rotten and the base front corner gusset has all but blown out putting strain on the organ blower. The system providing wind to the organ (a system of bellows) is leaking terminally, and has been patched and mended as far as possible. Soon, the organ will cease to function. Unfortunately, all of this equipment is buried deep beneath the organ, and the entire instrument will need to be dismantled for its repair. In short… the organ needs to be dismantled and completely refurbished.
With the care in needs and deserves, the instrument will play for at least another one hundred and fifty years.
What can you do to help?
- Make a one-off donation
- Make a regular donation via direct debit or scan our QR Code
- Sponsor a Pipe or Key or a Stop
- Become a fundraising volunteer
See below for further information or click here to download our Organ Donation brochure.
1. Make a one-off donation
Any donation you are able to give, however small, will help us on our way.
As a registered charity we can reclaim a refund of tax on contributions of €250 or more during the tax year if you complete a CHY3 form from the Revenue Commissioners. Each completed CHY3 form is worth an extra 44.9% So your donation of €250 is worth €112.25 extra to our Renovation Project at no additional cost to you.
2. Make a regular donation via direct debit to:
Donate online using your bank account details:
Name: Carmelite Friary
Bank: AIB Bank
BIC: AIBKIE2D
IBAN: IE42 AIBK 9340 8903 5200 40
Scan the code using your phone to donate
If you have a phone with a camera nearby you can point the camera at this QR Code on screen and it will take you to the Friary Donate button (it is on a secure site at Payzone).
3. Sponsor a Pipe, Key or Stop
For each pipe, key or stop you sponsor, your name will be recorded in a special book of donors and engraved on a commemorative brass plaque which will be affixed to the organ when the refurbishment is completed. Alternatively, you can sponsor a pipe in memory of a friend or relative, or as a special gift.
€250
You can sponsor the cleaning of one of the Organ’s many pipes
€500
You can sponsor one of the organ console’s notes (keys)
€1000
You can choose to sponsor one of the many named stops on the organ and receive a certificate naming your chosen stop.
4. Become a Funraising Volunteer
Be part of our Organ Restoration Appeal Fundraising Committee by contacting us at kinsale@carmelites.ie
“An organ is a living, breathing machine – over time, metal collapses, leather perishes and dust accumulates. Whilst the organ still may sound well, inside it is becoming less reliable and more difficult to play, with notes failing to speak, and sound escaping from leaky pipes.
By rebuilding now, we are investing in one of the Friary Church’s most important assets and fulfilling our duty as custodians of the musical and cultural heritage in Friary.
We ask you to please consider playing a part in the funding of the Friary Organ refurbishment and, if you are willing to do so, please return the attached donation form along with your donation. We will regularly give an update on progress to let everyone see how we are doing. The sooner we reach the target the better as costs will increase with time. Sponsors will be invited to exclusive events as the project progresses.”
