The Jesuit order has confirmed that it has sold its landmark Limerick church, which will close in June.
There were five offers for the historic Jesuit Church of the Sacred Heart at the Crescent in Limerick city.
Fr Dermot Murray of the Jesuits confirmed yesterday that they had accepted the highest offer for the church and its adjoining residence following the tendering process with auctioneers, Sherry FitzGerald O'Malley.
"After due consideration and in accordance with legal advice, the highest tender in the sale of the Sacred Heart church, Limerick, was accepted by the Jesuit province on March 15th, 2006," he said.
It is understood that the Jesuits accepted an offer of €3.75 million for the church and residence from a local businessman.
The Jesuits announced the decision to close the church last year citing a fall in vocations, dwindling congregations and an abundance of Catholic churches in the city. Just five priests remain in the Jesuit community in Limerick and the average age is 77.
The church, which opened in 1868, is one of only three remaining Jesuit churches in Ireland.