The Diocese of Kerry has announced its annual clerical changes, bringing a direct swap between two local priests.

Fr Kieran O’Brien, who has been the Parish Administrator in Killarney, is moving to become the Parish Priest of Rathmore.

Moving in the opposite direction, Fr Pat O’Donnell will leave Rathmore to take over as the new Parish Administrator in Killarney.

Both priests are well-known and highly regarded in their communities, meaning they will be missed in their old parishes but widely welcomed into their new roles.

Other changes affecting the Killarney area include Fr Vitalis Barasa moving from Killarney to become the Parish Priest of Ballymacelligott.

Fr Sean Murphy will move from Kenmare to minister in Killarney, and Fr Jim Lenihan will take over as the Moderator for Kilcummin.

With three parish priests retiring across the region this summer, there are eleven changes in total, affecting seven of the diocese’s twelve pastoral areas.

Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne thanked the clergy for taking on their new responsibilities.
“The announcement of the appointments list is an annual opportunity for all of us to remember and reflect on activity and progress through the past year,” Bishop Browne said. “With three parish priests retiring this summer, naturally there are many new appointments.

Sincere thanks to the retiring priests for their lifelong ministry in the priesthood. Sincere thanks to all the priests who have agreed to take up new appointments this summer.”

Photo: Marie O’Sullivan-Carroll

Main Street reopens today following public realm works

Main Street, from Kenmare Place to Plunkett Street, reopens to traffic and the public today, (Friday, July 3), following a temporary resurfacing measure.

An update issued by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, via Kerry County Council, confirms that the majority of underground infrastructure works have now been completed.
This phase included significant utility upgrades and the installation of a reinforced concrete base to support the new granite paving.
As an interim measure to accommodate the peak summer tourist season, the street has been resurfaced with bitumen before welcoming back pedestrians and vehicles today.
The overall project timeline has been impacted by several unforeseen challenges. These include complex underground infrastructure requiring additional coordination, extensive utility diversions to future-proof the town centre, and global supply chain delays affecting the availability of specialist materials.
Works will temporarily pause for July and August before recommencing on September 1. The final completion date for the entire public realm project is now projected for the end of February 2027.
To minimise disruption to local traders, the remaining construction will be completed on a phased basis.
The Chamber has confirmed that specific plans are in place to accommodate seasonal trading, guaranteeing that the Main Street and Plunkett Street junction will reopen to vehicular traffic ahead of the Christmas in Killarney Parades even if the project runs behind schedule later in the year.
Additional sections will also reopen to pedestrians as paving works progress, and the Chamber will continue to engage with the council on behalf of the local business community.