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Rena receives Pope’s medal for wonderful festive work

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By Michelle Crean

For 50 years Killarney woman Rena Kennelly has been creating the life-size Christmas Crib in St Mary's Cathedral for all to enjoy - and she's now been rewarded for her efforts.

FAMILY: Rena Kennelly pictured with her family and friends who helped her with her Christmas creation over the years. Front row: Ben Clifford Shirley Clifford Kate Kennelly O'Driscoll Roan Clifford Justine O'Driscoll. Second row: Jacquie O'Sullivan Sr Rose O'Donoghue Jason Clifford Paula Kennelly Ailbhe O'Driscoll Catherine O'Driscoll. Third row: Enda O'Meara Tadghie Fleming Margaret Moriarty John Joe Clifford Mark Kennelly Fr Kieran O'Brien (ADM) Noreen Coffey and Dan O'Driscoll. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

POPE'S MEDAL: Receiving the Benemerenti Medal from Fr Kieran O'Brien ADM of St Mary's Cathedral Killarney was Rena Kennelly at a special Mass on Monday night. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Rena received the highly coveted Benemerenti Medal -  the highest honour given by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Catholic Church - at a special Mass on Monday night.

It was given to her by Fr Kieran O'Brien, ADM of St Mary's Cathedral, sanctioned by Pope Francis and the Vatican in recognition for her years of service to the Cathedral.

The annual crib is visited by parishes and visitors from all over the country every Christmas season.

On the night Rena was joined by her family and friends who helped her with her creation over the years,
They included her two great-grandchildren, Roan and Ben Clifford, Shirley Clifford, Kate Kennelly O'Driscoll, Justine O'Driscoll, Jacquie O'Sullivan, Sr Rose O'Donoghue, Jason Clifford, Paula Kennelly, Ailbhne O'Driscoll, Catherine O'Driscoll, Enda O'Meara, Tadghie Fleming, Margaret Moriarty, John Joe Clifford, Mark Kennelly, Noreen Coffey and Dan O'Driscoll.

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Annual Lions Club Food Appeal in full swing

Killarney Lions Club’s Christmas Food Appeal, which provides food hampers and vouchers to families in need during the festive season, has seen huge support in recent weeks in advance of […]

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Killarney Lions Club’s Christmas Food Appeal, which provides food hampers and vouchers to families in need during the festive season, has seen huge support in recent weeks in advance of its annual street collection this Friday (December 19).

The transition year students at Killarney Community College raised money through a fantastic bake sale in the school, while the students of St Brendan’s College had great success by fundraising through a ‘non uniform’ day and carol singing in Killarney town.

Next up was the first ever Santa Cycle fundraiser on Saturday December 6, which was supported by Killarney Cycling Club and Christmas in Killarney. The event was a great success, with over €700 raised and more than 40 people taking part in the Cycle which culminated in a guest appearance at the head of the Christmas in Killarney parade.

Lions Club volunteers will be out in force this Friday around Killarney town to raise the remaining funds needed for the Food Appeal. Over 100 families were supported through the initiative in 2024, and the Club hopes to provide similar support this year

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Moglaí Bap boosts Killarney for Palestine event

A charity bake sale hosted by Killarney for Palestine was deemed a major success, with the event receiving an extra boost from the appearance of Moglaí Bap of the Belfast […]

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A charity bake sale hosted by Killarney for Palestine was deemed a major success, with the event receiving an extra boost from the appearance of Moglaí Bap of the Belfast rap group Kneecap.

Moglaí Bap, who was in town for Kneecap’s two sold-out concerts at the Gleneagle Arena last Friday and Saturday, led a promotional walk that concluded at the bake sale.
The coffee morning and bake sale took place in the lounge and interior kitchen of the Blacksheep Hostel on New Street on Saturday. It was extended by an hour, running until 2:30 pm, to accommodate the arrival of the walk, which reached the hostel at approximately 1:50 pm. Kneecap is known to organise similar community runs or walks in every town and city where they perform.
Susan Larkin and Lisa O’Sullivan of Killarney for Palestine confirmed the success of the fundraiser. They noted that the appearance of Moglaí Bap “added an extra element of excitement to what was already a wonderful event”.

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