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Church shop reopening 'first shoots of revival' after fire

Holly Fleck
BBC News NI
NIFRS Aerial shot of fire damaged church with roof missingNIFRS
The Greenisland community shop, which was based in the parish centre, was damaged during the fire at the Church of the Holy Name

The reopening of a parish community shop in County Antrim after the church was set on fire in an arson attack last September represents the "first shoots of revival", the director of the shop has said.

The Church of the Holy Name and its parish hall in Greenisland, were severely damaged in the fire in September.

The parish community shop has temporarily relocated to a portable cabin next to the church, while the original shop and parish centre is set to be demolished and rebuilt.

Roger Martin, director of the parish community shop, said: "We see this as the first part of a journey with the regeneration of the church and the church hall."

Lorna and Roger standing side by side. Lorna has short blonde hair, black rounded glasses and is smiling at the camera as she wears a blue t-shirt. Roger has short grey hair, blue striped shirt and silver metal glasses.
Lorna Brown and Roger Martin work within the parish community shop

'Feeling elated'

Mr Martin said he is "feeling elated" with the reopening and that it is "great to have movement after nine months".

"This is the first shoots of revival, I would put it as, for the church," he said.

"We've had great online from the community, you know a lot of people asking: 'When are you opening again":[]}