Arson at cathedral 'unlikely'

An investigation into the cause of a fire that destroyed St Mel’s Cathedral in Longford on Christmas Day has revealed that arson was unlikely.

Gardaí today completed the forensic investigation into the fire at the 19th-century church.

The circumstances of the blaze do not seem to be suspicious, although gardaí say they are still awaiting the final outcome of the inquiry.

The investigation began on Wednesday upon confirmation that the ruinswere structurally sound.

A 60-foot crane and safety cage were used as part of the investigation .

Precious and irreplaceable artefacts that were on display at the diocesan ecclesiastical museum at the cathedral were destroyed in the fire.

The most important artefacts were the Crozier of St Mel, patron saint of the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, and the book shrine of St Cailli.