Church of The Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary, Monkstown, Cork

The Church of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary was designed by the world renowned Dublin based architects, E.W. Pugin & George Ashlin. The church was designed in a French Gothic style and construction was completed in 1872.

Its architectural merit has won it the status of Protected Structure under legislation. Therefore when it was decided to undertake urgent structural repair to the Church, Cornerstone Construction were entrusted as Main Contractors for this project.

Information

Client: Diocese of Cork & Ross
Quantity Surveyor: Richard Leonard & Associates
Architect: Alexander M White
Consulting Structural Engineer: Dr. Cathal Hurley
Main Contractor: Cornerstone Construction
Damp & Timber Specialists: J.P. Lee & Company

The Church’s easterly aspect meant that time and the elements had taken its toll on the buildings structural integrity over the years resulting in serious dilapidation to this protected structure.

Cornerstone Construction’s scope of work included replacing and repairing roof trusses, stone restoration and repair, replacing decayed floors to the internal of the bell chamber and tower, restoring and repairing hips, lead valleys and restoring gutters and downpipes. Minor sections of the roof were lathed and felted and restored with salvaged slates. A new cut limestone corbel was also required to support the new roof truss to the Southern transept. Specialist lead work was carried out, in keeping with the Church’s heritage, to repair leaking valleys.

Cornerstone Construction recognises that the nature of the building itself and its use were to be respected and the utmost care and attention was given to cause the minimum of noise and disturbance to patrons. Throughout the project it remained possible to accommodate Mass fives days a week, a Holy Communion and a number of weddings.