A major fire broke out in the chapel of a former convent in a west Cork town this afternoon.
The alarm was raised at around 3.30pm when local residents saw smoke and flames rising from the roof of the disused Convent of Mercy in Skibbereen town.
The building, a former chapel, was soon engulfed in smoke with eye-witnesses telling CorkBeo that the plume could be seen from all over the town.
Six units of the Cork County Fire Service rushled to the scene - these included two from Skibbereen and more from Bantry and Schull.
The units were still dealing with the fire right up to 6pm this evening.
They are believed to have brought the blaze largely under control but such is the extent of the building, the fire service is making comprehensive checks to ensure that no secondary fire can occur.
The convent has been empty for over 20 years since the Sisters of Mercy closed it down and moved residents to smaller facilities.
Locals say there has been extensive damage caused to the chapel building and there will no be concerns about the stability of the structure.
Skibbereen Heritage Centre shared a post on Facebook, mourning the damage done.
They said: "A tragic and dramatic day for the town of Skibbereen.
"Iconic buildings that have framed the traditional entrance into our town for over 170 years ... gone. Up in flames.
"These are not just old buildings - they are part of the fabric of our town. Their legacy resonates throughout our collective history. For all of us that attended that school over the centuries."
