The Archbishop of Armagh, Dr. Robin Eames, will launch the Restoration Appeal for St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral at a special luncheon to be held in Armagh District Council Offices at the Palace on Thursday, 18 April 2002. The Appeal aims to raise £500,000:

• to repair window stonework and glass
• to carry our necessary interior repairs to plaster and stone
• to refurbish the Choir Robing Room
• to make improvements to exterior landscaping

The total cost of the proposed work is estimated at £1,000,000 but with Grant Aid from Historic Buildings and Heritage Lottery about half of that amount will be met.

A small Appeal Committee representing the Dean and Chapter, the Cathedral Board and the local community has produced an attractive brochure which will be sent in due course to Business Firms, Parishes in the Diocese of Armagh and throughout the Church of Ireland as well as friends of Armagh at home and abroad. The Appeal Brochure contains attractive images of both the interior and exterior of the Cathedral and carries a signed message of support and commendation from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. George Carey.

The joint patrons of the Appeal are His Grace the Archbishop of Armagh and His Grace The Duke of Abercorn. The Archbishop hopes to announce substantial donations already promised or received from sponsoring Business Firms to mark the launch of the Appeal Campaign.