News
‘We have lost a friend, a colleague and a leader’
H
HEARTFELT tributes were paid this week following the passing of Canon Pat Horgan. Hundreds are expected to attend the funeral Mass which takes place this morning, at 10.30am, in St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney.
Canon Horgan celebrated the diamond jubilee (60th anniversary) of his ordination with a Mass at The Church of the Resurrection, Killarney, last year.
A native of Dromtariffe in north Cork, Canon Pat was one of the most respected clerics in the Kerry diocese.
He passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Marymount Hospice in Cork.
Canon Horgan was ordained on June 19, 1955, after completing his studies in Maynooth. He started off his life as a priest in Salford Diocese in Manchester.
He went on to serve in Rathmore parish before moving to Moyvane in north Kerry.
After spending time in Ballyferriter he took up a teaching post at St Brendan’s College in Killarney. He would go on to spend 21 years teaching French and Maths at the college.
In 1978 the canon was appointed principal of St Michael’s in Listowel and during his seven years there oversaw the building of an extension to the school.
He returned to parish work in 1985 and was the parish priest at Our Lady of St Brendan’s in Tralee until 1996. In July 1996 he became the parish priest of Rathmore.
Canon Pat was involved in many community organisations including Kerry Mental Health Association. He retired from fulltime ministry a decade ago but remained very active in the diocese.
Canon Pat was a founder member of the Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society. His friend and colleague on the committee, society chairman Jerry O’Grady, described Canon Pat as “inspirational”. “No one has put more energy and passion into achieving our objectives, than Fr Pat,” said Mr O’Grady.
“In his 85th year, his drive and enthusiasm were undiminished and he was a shining example to us all.”
Mr O’Grady added: “We have lost a friend, a colleague and a leader. May he rest in peace.”
The late Canon Pat Horgan. PICTURE: EAMONN KEOGH
Wallace Arnold coach drivers return to Killarney
A group of 26 former coach drivers, wives, and friends from the Wallace Arnold tour company returned to Killarney over a recent weekend.
The group travelled from Holyhead to Dublin in a restored Wallace Arnold coach, staying at the Killarney Towers Hotel for three nights.
During the visit, the group drove the vintage coach to local landmarks, including Kate Kearney’s Cottage and Muckross House, before returning to town ahead of the Kerry versus Donegal match. The itinerary also included a trip around the Ring of Kerry.
The trip allowed the former drivers to reconnect and reminisce about their years touring Ireland. Organiser Bob Adams said that the vintage coach drew attention from local residents along the route.
The group noted the absence of several former colleagues who could not travel due to health reasons, including veteran driver Hilton Caldwell who is well known in Killarney.
Beaufort Film Night returns with screening of Cinema Paradiso
Beaufort Film Night will return on Friday, June 12, with a screening of the Italian classic Cinema Paradiso at Kilgobnet...
Wallace Arnold coach drivers return to Killarney
Wallace Arnold coach drivers return to Killarney A group of 26 former coach drivers, wives, and friends from the Wallace...
Killarney coach Hayley Murphy wins Women of Vision Award
Legacy Elite Head Coach Hayley Murphy was honoured at the Hi Style Villa Maria Women of Vision Awards 2026, held...
Jessie Buckley named Kerry Association Dublin’s 2026 Arts Award winner
Killarney actress Jessie Buckley has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Kerry Association in Dublin Arts Award in...
Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society pays tribute to the late Tomi Reichental
Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society pays tribute to the late Tomi Reichental The Hugh O’Flaherty Memorial Society has expressed sadness following...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
