Connect with us

News

Island Mass will celebrate 25 years next week

Published

on

ISLAND MASS: Mary O'Donoghue from Killarney is inviting the public to Innisfallen Island to attend the annual Mass on Friday June 14. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

Locals are set to celebrate a very special event next week – the 25thannual Mass on Innisfallen Island and Abbey.

For the last quarter of a century it has become an annual tradition in Killarney with hundreds of locals once again expected to attend this year’s ceremony on Friday, June 14.

Mass will be celebrated at 6.30pm by Fr Jim Lenihan, and all are welcome to attend.

Boats leave from Ross Castle from 4.30pm onwards and it is open to all.

It is a lovely opportunity to join in prayer together with the rich tradition of the monks of old, explained Mary O’Donoghue, who originally organised the very first Mass at the time with her husband Geoffrey.

“It’s a very special Mass,” Mary told the Killarney Advertiser this week.

“It’s on the island itself and is so beautiful.”

Mary’s husband, who sadly only attended four annual Masses, before he died suddenly 21 years ago aged just 61, was a descendent of the O’Donoghues who built Ross Castle.

At the time both Mary and Geoffrey attended the Charismatic Prayer Meeting together in the Pastoral Centre, Killarney.

“Geoffrey being a descendent wanted a Mass,” Mary explained. “And it was at the prayer meeting that he met Franciscan Fr Eamonn O’Driscoll who agreed to say the Mass. At the time the island owned by John McShain was handed over to the people of Killarney and the OPW had been organising the unveiling of a plaque in his memory on the island, so the Mass coincided with it. His daughter,Sr Pauline,unveiled the plaque in memory of her father and the whole thing took on a life of its own as we continued the Mass every year on the island and are now celebrating 25 years. Last year, as we were setting up for the Mass, Prince Charles flew over in his helicopter and we waved up to him.”

However, she added that a few years ago the McShain plaque, which was positioned on a pillar, disappeared and no one knows where it went.

“The plaque is gone for years now including the pillar. Whoever took it went to an awful lot of trouble.”

 

 

Advertisement

News

Killarney Coffee Shop ranked among Europe’s best

Published

on

Killarney Coffee Shop ranked among Europe’s best


Boardwalk Coffee Killarney secures 48th place in prestigious European awards


There is great excitement in Killarney this week as Boardwalk Coffee Killarney has officially been ranked 48th Best Coffee Shop in Europe for 2026, following the prestigious Europe’s 100 Best Coffee Shops Gala held in Brussels.
In a competition where over 5,300 coffee shops across Europe were evaluated, the Killarney outlet secured an outstanding place among the continent’s elite, putting both Killarney and Kerry firmly on the international coffee map.
The achievement is made even more remarkable by the fact that Boardwalk Coffee Killarney is the only coffee shop in Munster to make the Top 100 list and is one of only nine coffee shops in Ireland to be recognised.
Adding to the success story, the Killarney branch only opened its doors in April 2025, making this international recognition all the more extraordinary in such a short space of time.
At the centre of the achievement is Jason Murphy, manager of the Killarney branch, who was recently named among the Top 12 Baristas in Ireland — recognition of his skill, dedication and passion for the craft.
Jason’s leadership, together with the strength of the wider Boardwalk Coffee team, has played a major role in securing the prestigious European ranking.
Located in the heart of Killarney, one of Ireland’s leading tourist destinations, Boardwalk Coffee has quickly built a strong reputation for premium coffee, excellent service and a warm welcome for both locals and visitors alike.
Speaking after the announcement in Brussels, Boardwalk Coffee founder Ger Flanagan praised the Killarney team for their commitment and professionalism.
He paid special tribute to Jason Murphy and Vadym Zvarch, Head Roaster at Boardwalk Coffee, for helping build the brand’s growing reputation for quality.
The achievement has also been warmly welcomed by civic leaders, with Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, describing it as a major Irish success story and congratulating the entire team.
To be ranked 48th in Europe, and to be the only Munster coffee shop to achieve the honour, is a major milestone not only for Boardwalk Coffee, but for Killarney, Kerry and Irish hospitality.
It is another strong example of how Irish independent coffee culture continues to gain recognition on the world stage.

Attachments

Continue Reading

News

Ardshanavooley residents attend Community Text Alerts information evening

Published

on

By

Residents of Ardshanavooley and members of An Garda Síochána gathered at the Killarney Pastoral Centre on Rock Road recently for a community information evening to launch a new Community Text Alerts initiative.

The event focused on encouraging local people to get involved in making their area a safer place to live, work and visit.

The programme aims to strengthen links between residents and Gardaí by sharing important safety information and alerts quickly within the community.

During the evening, attendees heard practical advice on crime prevention, including home security, protecting vehicles and property, and raising awareness around scams and fraud.

Information was also provided on how the programme works, the benefits for residents, and the importance of neighbours working together.

Attendees were given the opportunity to register their interest, sign up to the system and volunteer for future community safety initiatives.

Cllr Martin Grady welcomed the new programme and said he was delighted to see it being rolled out, with hopes that it will now expand to other areas.


“The initiative would be particularly beneficial for those who are not active on social media, ensuring that nobody is left out when important community information is being shared,” Cllr Grady said.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport