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Sadness at the passing of popular Franciscan Father

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By Sean Moriarty

Tributes have been paid to Fr Colm ‘Chris’ Connolly OFM, a popular member of the local Franciscan order, who died on Monday of this week.

Fr Connolly served the people of Killarney for the last 26 years and was described by colleagues as “a beloved institution in the town”.

He was born Colm in Violet Hill, Drumconrath County Meath, but was affectionately known as Fr Chris on the streets of Killarney.
Retired teacher Maureen O’Reilly from St Anne’s Road has a life-long connection with the Franciscan Order in Killarney. Her late brother David was a member of the order and she was a close friend of Fr Chris.
“As a young man in his 70s he walked around town, calling on and praying with the sick and housebound,” she said.
“He visited the hospitals when not on duty in the Friary. Fr Chris was always happy and smiling even though he was going through much personal pain and illness himself. He loved jokes.
“Fr Chris was a deeply spiritual man. Killarney will be the poorer for his passing. Beannacht Dé go raibh a anam.”

Chris joined the Franciscans in 1955, made his First Profession in 1956 and was ordained a priest in 1963.
He served in the Irish Franciscan Mission in Zimbabwe for many years.
Returning to Ireland in 1984, he ministered first in Waterford, and moved to the local friary in Killarney in 1993.
He will missed by his Confreres in the Franciscan Friary, his brother PJ, sister-in-law Nora, nieces Eithne, Maeve, Aoife, Sinead and Fiona, grand-nephews, cousins and his many friends.

Requiem Mass will be celebrated at noon today (Friday), followed by burial in the Friary graveyard.

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Deenagh Lodge to host Alzheimer’s Memory Walk

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Killarney National Park will serve as the venue for this year’s Kerry Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday, September 20.

Participants will gather at the Deenagh Lodge ahead of an 11.00am start to complete a 5km scenic route through the park.

The event takes place on the eve of World Alzheimer’s Day as part of a nationwide series of walks supported by Aviva.


Now in its seventh year, the initiative raises vital funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland to support local dementia services, including daycare centres, family carer training, social clubs, dementia cafés, and the national helpline.

Last year, nearly 3,000 walkers across Ireland raised over €240,000 for the cause.


The Kerry walk will be led by local champions Kathriona Sheehan, Niamh Murphy, Lynda Phillips, and Melissa Molyneaux, who are walking in support of all those living with dementia.
“We are proud to lead our annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk supported by Aviva to help fund local dementia services in Kerry,” they said. “The event is about community and helping spread awareness by walking together to raise vital funds for care, support, and hope for the days ahead. Join us in Killarney on Sunday, 20th September to show your support.”


With over 40 walks scheduled across Ireland, members of the public can walk in memory of a loved one or to show solidarity. Further details and registration are available at memorywalk.ie.

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Gary Moynihan wins racecourse style title

Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day. Moynihan, a local neuromuscular […]

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Style reigned supreme at Killarney Racecourse as local resident Gary Moynihan and Offaly’s Sylwia Novak captured the top honours at the Canella Lane Best Dressed Day.

Moynihan, a local neuromuscular therapist, claimed Best Dressed Gentleman in a made-to-measure six-button burgundy double-breasted suit with a navy check from Saville Menswear in Cork. He completed the winning look with a shirt and paisley tie from Simply Suits Killarney and brown derby shoes from Pavers at the Killarney Outlet Centre.
Best Dressed Lady was awarded to Novak, a hospital personal assistant from Tullamore, who wore a red polka-dot ensemble and custom hat designed by milliner Rita Daly, featuring sustainable jewellery made from recycled plastic.
Canella Lane owner Ciana Aspell praised the high standard of fashion on the day, while Killarney Racecourse Manager Karl McCay thanked the sponsors and racegoers for their support.
With the summer season now wrapped up, the team at Killarney Racecourse is gearing up for the October Festival on October 4 and 5, featuring its first-ever Student Raceday with SPIN South West on the Monday. Early ticket booking is advised.

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