Summer 2026 and recent maintenance work
in the Westport-Dugort Union: An update
1. Holy Trinity, Inishbiggle
Internally, works have included extensive essential repairs to the floor and subfloor and to the roof, plus a clearing of the churchyard (grounds) of the invasive non-native vegetation which was threatening to overwhelm and engulf not only the grounds but the church building itself.
2. Holy Trinity, Westport
Internally, the 'messy' south wall has been repainted, as have the exterior of vestry door and the badly-rusting downpipes at the front of the church. The broken window in the toilet has been mended, which should help make for a slightly warmer winter in the church and a less draughty experience for those availing of the facilities!
The vestry door, before and after
Painting of the rusty cast iron downpipes - to preserve as well as to beautify
The window in the toilet at HTW - before, during and after mending
The broken window in the toilet, repaired at last, thanks to joiner and painter who also carried out thorough, essential
and extensive repairs to the floor and subfloor of the Inishbiggle church
(Holy Trinity, Inishbiggle), and some redecorating and repairs
in St Thomas's Dugort Church, Cottage and Hall - see below.
Of course, there are many additional longterm maintenance projects and elements of work to be undertaken in this protected structure, Holy Trinity Church, Westport - subject to permissions and financing. Progress in these is made little-by-little as money is raised through parish events, and funding obtained through regular and occasional giving, stewardship and 'sustentation', occasional grants, and sponsorships from (sought-after) donors and benefactors from within and beyond our communities. The generosity of parishioners, visitors and other interested parties, is always greatly appreciated, as they support the vision for preserving our unique and beautiful church building.
Graveyard maintenance in Westport - the work at this time of year is plentiful,and we miss Thomas Bourke who took care of the Holy Trinity Westport and St Thomas's Knappagh graveyards for many years before his recent retirement from the role. Our sincere thanks to Thomas for service faithfully rendered!
3. St Thomas's Dugort, Achill