The annual Blessing of the Lilies took place at the Franciscan Friary in Killarney on Saturday, 13 June, marking the Feast of St Anthony.

The traditional ceremony was celebrated by Fr Joe Condren OFM as part of the annual St Anthony’s Novena.

The custom, which originates from the older Roman Ritual, sees lilies blessed on this specific feast day.

The lily serves as a traditional symbol of St Anthony, representing purity, with the blessing itself stemming from historical accounts of miracles associated with the flower.

Fr Joe, a Dublin native, is a familiar figure to the local parish, having previously served as a member of the Killarney Franciscan community during two separate periods, from 2000 to 2002 and again from 2011 to 2014.

Since his time in Kerry, his ministry has taken him abroad to Zimbabwe, and he later served as vicar provincial from 2017 until 2023.

He is currently based in Rome, Italy, where he resides at the Irish Franciscan College of St Isidore and is involved in ministry within the general Curia at the OFM headquarters.

A new book aimed at supporting the self-employed sector has been launched at The Brehon Hotel in Killarney, with all proceeds being donated to the Kerry Mental Health Association.

The book, titled “Self-Employed: The Forgotten Community”, is written by Tralee-based author and Valentia Island native Dan O’Donoghue.

It addresses the specific pressures of working for yourself and provides practical guidance on how to run a business without letting it compromise personal wellbeing.

The publication challenges standard business mentalities by highlighting the mental health realities faced by independent operators.

“The self-employed employ most of the workforce, yet because we don’t shout, protest or complain, we are often the ones left alone,” Mr O’Donoghue said at the launch.

He added that the book contains real-world lessons focused on the importance of staying active, connecting with others, getting enough sleep, and asking for help.

John Drummey, General Manager of the Kerry Mental Health Association, attended the event to endorse the book and accept the donation of the proceeds.

He noted that while working for oneself offers freedom, it also brings unique and often invisible pressures.

He welcomed the book as a resource that acknowledges the link between business ambition and personal vulnerability.

Published by Orla Kelly Publications, the book is currently available to purchase online through the buythebook.ie platform for €20, plus postage and packaging.