Local businesses and individuals are being asked to show their philanthropic side in assisting the purchase of new chairs for the Baptistery in St Eunan's Cathedral.

There have been ongoing improvements made to the Cathedral over recent years and now it is hoped to continue this through the addition of 50 new chairs.

Diocesan Administrator of St Eunan's Cathedral, Fr Eamonn Kelly explained: "For some time we have been looking at new chairs for the Baptismal area of the Sanctuary. We have decided to get 50 new chairs that can be interlocked into units or used as single chairs. They will have a designed back and will be made of oak, in keeping with the existing furniture of the Cathedral."

For anyone planning to sponsor the purchase of the chairs, their investment will obviously be a worthwhile one as the chairs will be used for the next one hundred years, according to Fr Kelly.

"The cost of each chair is ¤184 including VAT and the total cost of all the chairs will be ¤9,200."

Fr Kelly stated further: "Some individual or group or business might like to sponsor the cost of these new chairs. Alternatively they might like to part-sponsor this project."

The old chairs which are currently in the Baptismal area will be moved to the Cathedral Choir Loft to replace the old benches which are currently up there.

Any donations will be gratefully appreciated and Fr Kelly can be contacted on 074 91 21021.