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St. Mary's Church, Ruan

Projects > Heritage, Conservation & Restoration Projects

ST MARY’S CHURCH
(National Monument)
Ruan, Co. Clare


 St. Mary's Church, Ruan was built in 1911 on grounds donated
by a local well-to-do family. The church had typical architecture
for its period, Cruciform shaped (sometimes described as an
Historic Floor Plan), with Chancel, Nave and 2 transepts.

What is exceptional about Ruan though is its spire. Constructed
in stone to Ridge Level, the Belfry and above are constructed
entirely in timber. The spire is octagonal in shape and the Belfry
consisted of 8 posts and louvred panels which carried the roof
above.

The Design team had identified that the Belfry was in poor repair
but had never had access to establish just how bad it was. With
the benefit of scaffolding,

L&M Keating were in a position to appraise the situation from
close quarters and discovered that the Belfry was so undermined
with rot that the entire timber structure was in danger of
collapse. The challenge then was to design and construct a
cradle which could be placed above the Belfry but below the
Roof. The octagonal pyramid roof was then to be lifted off the
Belfry and carried to ground level. This roof had been
constructed in situ but was successfully removed to ground level
without interfering with its integrity.

Meanwhile, a load-bearing steel structure was lifted on to the
stone structure of the spire. This would now carry the roof and
the new louvred panels would be no more than cladding around
this frame. With the steel frame in position, the roof structure
was once again raised to its former setting atop the spire.

Other works carried out included extensive re-pointing to the
parameter walls and spire

Throughout the contract L&M Keating continuously liaised with
and implemented the directives of the conservation architect
Aidan Powell and Associates and the Clare Heritage Officer.
Client Fr. Pat O’Neill
Ruan Church
Co Clare
Value €300,000
Date of Completion May 2010
L&M Keating Ltd, Kilmihil, Co. Clare. www.lmkeating.ie | info@lmkeating.ie
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