Special Masses to be held across Rathmore Parish

Following the recent celebration of significant wedding anniversaries in St Joseph’s Church, Rathmore Parish is preparing to host a series of special November Masses of Remembrance across its four churches.

Parish Priest Fr Kieran O’Brien, who was appointed parish priest in July, led the recent anniversary Mass where local couples celebrating milestones from 25 to 60 years renewed their wedding vows. The occasion coincided with Mission Sunday, with couples receiving commemorative certificates before gatherings continued at Teach Íosagáin.
Reflecting on his welcome to the area, Fr O’Brien said: “It was such a pleasure for me to preside over this special Mass. The people of Rathmore have welcomed me with warmth, generosity of spirit, and words of welcome. Occasions like this give me a chance to get to know the people of the parish even better.”
Attention now turns to the annual November tradition of remembering deceased parishioners. Each of the four churches across the parish will celebrate individual Masses for those buried in their respective communities over the past year.
Speaking on the upcoming ceremonies, Fr O’Brien said: “It is so important that we remember those who have gone before us. It is a time to reflect, to remember, and to pray for our loved ones. Grief is the price we pay for love, and it is important that as a community we support people in their loss, in their pain, and grief.”
The Remembrance Masses begin at the Church of the Holy Rosary in Gneeveguilla on Monday, November 9 at 8pm. St Mary’s Church in Shrone will hold its Mass on Saturday, November 14 at 6pm, followed by St Joseph’s Church in Rathmore on Wednesday, November 18 at 8pm, and Christ the King Church in Knocknagree on Friday, November 20 at 8pm.

Killarney to host Oireachtas na Samhna in 2027 following festival success

Organisers of Oireachtas na Samhna have confirmed that the national Irish language arts festival will return to Killarney in 2027 following the success of last week’s event.

An estimated 12,000 visitors travelled to Killarney for the five-day celebration, which took place across the Gleneagle INEC Arena and local venues from October 28 to November 1.
The festival featured 72 performing arts competitions alongside music sessions, exhibitions, seminars, and plays, with extensive live broadcasting by TG4 and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.
County Kerry competitors enjoyed a strong showing on home soil, securing 13 victories across the various traditional performing arts categories.
Following the success of the week, An tOireachtas confirmed that Oireachtas na Samhna 2027 will take place in Killarney from October 27 to October 31, 2027.
Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha, CEO of An tOireachtas, said: “Congratulations to the winners and everyone who took part in the Oireachtas na Samhna 2026 Performing Art Competitions. Oireachtas na Samhna is an expression of the best, most positive and most exciting parts of our culture, our language and our arts.”