Sheer Passion

With sheer passion, determination and clever creativity, Des and Kathleen transform a once derelict church in County Limerick into a modern masterpiece.

It was 30 years ago that Des discovered the derelict building of Cahernorry Church in County Limerick. Struck by the sense of neglect he was inspired to take on the significant task of transforming it into a family home. ‘I came across the property in 1988 and was attracted by the history and proximity to Limerick City,’ he recalls. While he hired builders to make the church and gardens habitable, the remainder of the work, from fitting the contemporary interior and reconfiguring the building into a home, was all done by Des himself.

The transformation, including an extension added in 2001, is testament to the hard work and creativity that Des has put in over the years. Des puts his love of design down to the passion of his parents, ‘My father, Jack, was an auctioneer and antiques collector, my mother Marian was a primary school teacher. Both loved design and had a strong sense of style which has inspired and influenced me from childhood.’ The seventh son in a family of eight boys and one girl, Des has always been interested in arts and crafts, ‘I developed a very early interest in art and craft activities and created an elaborate model railway display in my pre-teens. I loved to lose myself in creative pursuits.’

Read more in the August issue…