News
Book of Condolences for Pope Francis at Cathedral
A Book of Condolences has been opened at St Mary’s Cathedral for those wishing to pay their respects following the death of Pope Francis.
The Pope, who led the Catholic Church for twelve years, died on Monday at the age of 88.
He had been suffering from double pneumonia in recent weeks, but his death still came as a shock to many. Just hours before his passing, he had been seen greeting crowds in St Peter’s Square during Easter Sunday celebrations.
Locally, Bishop Ray Browne has led the tributes. He described Pope Francis as “a gentle shepherd” who brought humility and compassion to his role.
“It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of our Holy Father Pope Francis,” Bishop Browne said. “From the moment he chose the name Francis, rooted in humility, he signalled a papacy of building peace, care for the poor, and love for all of God’s creation.”
The bishop also highlighted the Pope’s focus on protecting the planet and caring for the marginalised, calling him “a voice for the voiceless” and “a witness to the Gospel in word and deed.”
A special Mass in memory of Pope Francis was held at St Mary’s Cathedral on Wednesday.
The Pope’s funeral Mass will take place on Saturday at 10.00am in St Peter’s Square. It will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and concelebrated by church leaders from around the world.
Due to the Pope’s passing, the special Mass for the canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis, which was due to take place this Sunday has been cancelled.
Mass will still take place at the usual time of 11.30am. A new date for the celebration will be announced in due course.
Blessed Carlo Acutis was due to be officially declared a saint in Rome on Sunda but that has been postponed.
Carlo Acutis had a deep devotion to St Francis of Assisi, and his final resting place is in Assisi, near the tombs of St Francis and St Clare.
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas...
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