Cork treasure reopens after refurbishment
A special public mass will be held today at UCC’s iconic Honan Chapel to mark the unveiling of its €1.2m refurbishment.
Looking out over the courtyard in front of the UCC Student Centre, the primarily Catholic chapel hosts approximately 100 weddings a year with thousands of UCC alumni, including Ronan O’Gara, having tied the knot at its altar.
Consecrated in 1916, the Honan Chapel is considered a jewel in the crown of twentieth century Irish art and architecture, with its collection including fine examples of the artworks of the Irish Revival, and Irish Arts and Crafts practice.
The entire €1.2 million cost of the restoration was sourced from private funding through a philanthropic campaign, overseen by a development committee chaired by CEO of the O’Flynn Group, Michael O’Flynn.
Mr O'Flynn said: “The response to the call for support for the chapel has been phenomenal and is testament to the regard and affection in which the Honan is held. On behalf of the development committee, I wish to give our sincere thanks to the generous donors, as well as the architects, conservation experts, contractors and staff who made this happen.”
The extensive refurbishment has seen every aspect of the chapel, also known as the Collegiate Chapel of Saint Finbarr, lovingly restored for future generations.
Its renowned eleven Harry Clarke windows - acknowledged as the finest example of stained glass work in Ireland - have been painstakingly restored and storm-proofed.
The chapel’s mosaic floor with its intricate River of Life iconographic program has been repaired and sealed by skilled craftsmen.
The interior of the chapel has been repainted and all the pews have been restored. The exterior limestone surrounds have been entirely repaired, repointed and sealed, with drainage works, landscaping and the restoration of original items including the decorative metal gate to its main entrance, while the external lighting has been replaced with an upgraded system.
Fr Gerard Dunne, secretary of the Honan Trust, said the significant contribution women have made to the chapel is often overlooked by visitors.
Fr Dunne said: “The remainder of the windows in the chapel are from the Sarah Purser studio, An Tur Gloine. Many of the Honan artefacts now in storage were the work of the Dun Emer Guild in Dublin and its founder Evelyn Gleeson. It is said that it was probably the first time in several hundred years that such items had been designed and woven in Ireland by Irish women for decoration of a church. It is wonderful that these works will endure in this special place of worship for years to come.”
UCC President Professor John O’Halloran said the entire university community is delighted to see the completion of the works.
He said: “The Honan Chapel holds a special place in the hearts of our students and staff. I am delighted at the outcome of these works which will preserve the chapel’s place in the centre of our campus for generations to come.”
Contrary to the urban legend, UCC has confirmed that there is not a two year waiting list to book a wedding at the Honan Chapel.
Today’s special mass will start at 5.30pm. The public can now come and visit the chapel daily.