By Michelle Crean

It was a wonderful week at the Friary as after two years of restrictions there was a huge gathering for the solemn novena of St Anthony. 

BLESSING: Fr David Collins OFM this year's St Anthony Director pictured giving a Children's and Family Blessing to Irene Caragh Emma and Treasa O'Donoghue and Seán and Ciara O'Leary Kilcummin.

Eileen-Ann Nagle from Gneeveguilla pictured outside the Franciscan Friary.

Jane Kehoe from Killarney pictured at one of the Masses during the solemn novena in honour of St Anthony.

Timmy and Charlie Kelliher Aileen Moriarty with Noah and Freddie O'Leary from Kilcummin attended the Children's and Family blessing in the Franciscan Friary.

Fr David Collins OFM, Guardian in the Galway Friary, was welcomed with open arms by the large crowds during the different Masses and blessings in the Franciscan Friary.

The nine day novena, which concluded on Monday, included music and singing and was enhanced by Br Aldi who is from the Canadian Province, the wonderful Friary Folk Group, Sheila Quill and organist Angel Climent.

"Blessing of Children and Families was the largest attendance we have seen through the years on the feast day at 4pm," Br Pat Lynch, OFM Guardian in Killarney Friary, said.

Fr David Collins OFM, the Director of the Novena, added that he was delighted to be back to Killarney and to see such wonderful crowds.

"It was so nice to be back as Killarney holds a special place in all our hearts."