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
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:
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