Gas incident leaves Killyleagh PP puzzled

Gas incident leaves Killyleagh PP puzzled

30 November 2011 - by DAVID TELFORD

SECURITY cameras are to be erected at the Star of the Sea Church in Killyleagh and the adjoining Parochial House after a dramatic incident last week.

While Fr. Colum Curran was conducting a service in the nearby church, someone gained entry to the Parochial House and switched on two gas cooking rings.

When the service had ended, the parish priest and church sacristan Terry Andrews returned to the Parochial House in Irish Street where they were greeted by an overpowering smell of gas at the front door.

They went inside accompanied by a member of the congregation and shut off the gas rings before opening a number of windows. The police were also informed.

Details of the incident come three weeks after arsonists set fire to Second Killyleagh Presbyterian Church’s manse at Seaside Road.

The building was totally destroyed with Fr. Curran and the Rev. Jerome Munyangaju from Killyleagh Parish Church uniting to condemn the attack.

It has not yet been established if the incident at the Parochial House is linked to the arson attack at the Presbyterian manse, but police investigations are ongoing.

Fr. Curran does not believe the incident is linked to the attack at the manse, but admits there could have been major damage if the gas at the Parochial House had ignited.

“I’m told that even a faulty light switch could have ignited the gas. If that had happened we would have had a real tragic incident on our hands. I am thankful nothing serious happened. Things could have been much worse and I am glad that what would have been a tragedy has been avoided,” he added.

Mr. Andrews said it appears that the two gas rings were switched on while Fr. Curran conducted last Monday night’s service.

“As we opened the front door the smell of gas was very strong and almost knocked us over. We went straight to the kitchen and noticed that two rings had been switched on,” he explained.

“If there had been any naked flames in the area there could well have been an explosion. It was extremely fortunate we returned when we did.”

Mr. Andrews, who is also a Rowallane councillor, has appealed to anyone with information about last week’s incident to contact police.

He added: “I dread to think what would have happened if there had been an explosion given the close proximity of other housing and St. Mary’s Church to the Parochial House.

“The incident is very puzzling and I have no idea why anyone would do such a thing. Whether it’s linked to what happened at the Presbyterian manse I don’t know. That is a matter for the police to decide.”