Around the Districts: Buttevant, Killavullen and Mourneabbey
State exams
Local and second level students nationwide are undergoing the annual State examinations in Junior Certificate and Level Certificate. It is an anxious time for pupils teachers and parents.
Exam results do not determine the pupils future and many successful business and well-known people have made successful lives without exam success.
North Cork Vintage Club
The North Cork Vintage and Classic Car Club held a 'Vintage and Classic Car Run' on May 25th in the North Cork and Limerick area with the headquarters in Buttevant. There was a very big turn-out of all makes and models of vehicles on the run which were also available to be seen on their return from the run.
The organising committee were more than an delighted and appreciative of all who supported their latest venture. The committee wishes to thank all vehicle owners and drivers who attended and supported the event the proceeds from which will benefit local charities. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Heritage Group
Buttevant Heritage Group are celebrating 'Irish Walled Town Network Day' on July 5th and have organised a programme of events to coincide with this occasion. Anybody who may wish to exhibit on this day should contact Francis Trimm at the Post office. There will be numerous events taking place Inthe playground including medieval combat enactment animal exhibits face painting and many other items.
All events will take place within in the 'Green Area' under the watchful eye of Fionn Mac Cumhail's sculpture which was sculptured by local artist Michael Culloty. Your support will be greatly appreciated as a programme to suit all tastes will take place.
Saturday Vigil Mass
The Vigil Mass for the month of June will take place in Lisgriffin Church. Lisgriffin Church is to undergo renovations including interior painting and exterior power-washing and treatment in the Autumn. A sloped pathway at the church entrance is also on the agenda. Extra street lighting is to be provided in the vicinity of the Church area.
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi procession will take place on Saturday June 14th to Buttevant G.A.A. grounds where benediction will take place. The route will also take in Military Road and Barrack Place.
St. Vincent de Paul
The Buttevant conference of St. Vincent de Paul has a dedicated mobile number for those who may be in need of help financially physically or life in general. Assistance for help can be made in strictest confidence by telephoning 086-0209477 or www.svp.ie.
'40' Years On'
Cahirmee Singers have long been established in Buttevant and have performed far and wide and are much acclaimed for their choice of song and music showcasing their talents to many appreciative audiences who are loud in their praise of this talented group of performers. To celebrate their 'fortieth anniversary' the group held a celebratory concert recently in Saint Marys' Church Buttevant (by kind permission of Fr. Baker P.P.) There were several guest acts on the night with the group also performing. Tickets and the organising of this event were under the guidance of Mary Guiney (0879729600) and Mary Shinnick (0867936318) as well as many of the group members. A full house enjoyed a great evenings entertainment.
Bingo
The weekly bingo session continues to be held on Monday night in the local G.A.A. where a substantial monetary jackpot can be won together with other numerous games associated with bingo sessions. Games get under way from 8p.m.
Running Club
Buttevant Running Club held their annual 4-mile road race ove past weekend over a challenging and well thought out route. Runners from numerous running clubs across the county gathered to test their endurance in what has now become one of the major sporting events which is always well supported. Running Club training continues on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7.15p.m. in the G.A.A. club grounds. Over-18-years is required and hi-vis gear is also compulsory. Greenhall Motors were the main sponsor again this year to whom the club are extremely grateful.
Lotto
The locally promoted lotto draw continues tobe held on Thursday night in Buttevant Soccer Club Pavillion where a monetary jackpot of €5,900 to be won or shared on the choice of four lucky numbers to match the four lucky numbers drawn on draw night. Draw cards can be purchased locally from club members and some appointed local retail outlets. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Walking Club
Buttevant Walking Club continue their weekly sessions on Monday nights from 7p.m. Assembly point is at Scoil Mhuire naTrocaire.
Cul Camp
Buttevant G.A.A. club is holding their annual Cul Camp from July 7th to July 11th inclusive again this year in their local grounds.
KILLAVULLEN
Annual Parish Sports
The annual Parish Sports will take place on Sunday June 15th in Killavullen GAA pitch.
This event is open to all children living in the Parish and to those who attend Killavullen NS, BallygownNS and Rahan NS as well as those living in the parish. Strictly no spiked shoes allowed. U8 and u10 relay can be mixed with numerous entries from all schools allowed. There will also be the girls relay team for the Daly Cup and the boys will compete for the KCC cup.
The Norma Walsh family relay will also be held with a team of 3 –parents, sons and / or daughters. The upper age for a child in this race is 16years of age. There can be a mix of 2 adults and one child, or one adult and 2 children but a child must finish the last part of the race. Entry fee to the day is €10 per family, adults €5 and children €2.
Huge thanks to those who organise and run this annual event which has become a very sociable and fun afternoon for all.
Leaving Cert and Junior Cert exams
Wishing continued very good luck to all the young people of our Parish who are in the midst of their state exams. We know this can be a challenging and stressful time, but take heart—you have already shown great strength and determination in your journey so far. Keep pushing, your hard work is about to pay off — these exams are just a stepping stone to your bigger dreams. You've got this!
Secondary Students on their holidays
We wish all second level students a safe and happy summer holiday from school. When you are out and about on the roads please be safe, and be seen. Wear your high-vis jackets and helmets when cycling. We wish the secondary school staff among us a restful and healthy summer break too.
Chiropody Dates
Appointments with our friendly and dedicated chiropodist Patricia are now available for June 14th and July 5th. Please contact her at 086 3225052 to arrange an appointment.
Lotto
Killavullen Community Council Lotto takes place twice a week. The bonus ball of the National Lottery draw is the winning number each Wednesday and Saturday evening.
Last week's winners were Nora Roche and Marie Lane both having the lucky bonus numbers. Congratulations and thank you to one and all for your support.
Schools enrolling
Killavullen and Ballygown National Schools are accepting applications for new enrolments In September 2025. Please contact the schools for further information.
Father's Day
This Father's Day, we celebrate and honour all who father in our community — through love, guidance, support, and strength. Your presence shapes lives in quiet, powerful ways every day. We also hold close in our hearts those who miss their fathers today. May your memories bring comfort and your love continue to shine through the lives you touch.
GAA club news
Golf Classic - Killavullen GAA will be extremely busy next weekend, with its annual Golf Classic taking place in Doneraile on the Friday and Saturday. This event has completely sold out the available golf slots that are available to us, from 2.00 on Friday, the 13th and from midday on Saturday, the 14th.
With fantastic golf prizes of a three ball in Killarney on the splendid Killeen's Course, as the first prize. Killeen, the jewel in the crown of Killarney Golf and Fishing club played host to the Irish Open on four separate occasions. The course offers both spectacular lakeside scenery and challenging golf to players of all levels, with water features on nearly every hole.
Second Prize is three ball in Waterford Castle Golf Course. Ireland's only true Island golf course, surrounded by the River Suir and accessible by complimentary car ferry. Waterford Castle Golf Resorts & Club (WCGC) enjoys idyllic seclusion located minutes from Waterford City Centre. The 18-hole par 72 Des Smyth designed course is located on a 310-acre Private Island. The 6814-yard course covers an area of over 200 acres on the Island Resort, with parkland and woodland areas including numerous scenic and strategically challenging features.
Third Prize is a three ball in Monkstown Golf Club. Monkstown Golf Club enjoys some lovely views over Cork Harbour. Of particular note is the par 3, 6th hole, designed by Alistair McKenzie while he was visiting Cork. Monkstown is great course with a great history, and as you walk down the 7th Tee Box, you will see the remains of the original castle constructed by Anastasia Archdeacon in 1696, which the club uses as its signature emblem to this day.
We are very grateful to the individuals that have put up their collective hands to play, and those who have supported the event financially by sponsorship of Greens and Tee's. Running a club is a mammoth effort but fund raisers like this classic, which goes from strength to strength each year are very necessary to raise funds for the club, to support the ongoing development of our facilities and teams.
There are also competitions, for the longest drive for men and women, and nearest the pin on the 8th hole, which is always daunting, as you play across the valley.
Plus, a raffle on the days; with 1st prize been a pair of tickets at Premium Level to see the inaugural Cork Super Cup, in Pairc Ui Chaoimh, featuring Cork City v Celtic, on July 8th.
Second Prize will be a dinner for two, in the renowned restaurant of Springfort Hall Hotel. 3rd Prize will be a voucher, for Swear by Fashion, donated by Susan Carey. Golf Themed Prizes are abundant as well, with renowned apparel from leading brands such as Titleist, Taylor Made, Mizuno and Callaway
Please contact any club official, if you would like to partake, or indeed, assist the club in sponsoring of a green or Tee box.
There are a number of ways still to support this event even though, to play in the event is not an option, at the moment, with the time sheet full, and a waiting list to get on it.
Sponsor a Tee Box for €100; Have your company name displayed on a tee box; Sponsor a Landing Green for €50; Have your company name displayed in and around the landing green area
If you would like to play or advertise we would be delighted to have you involved. You can revert to John O Donovan on 086-3934232 or simply reserve a slot for your team to Communications.killavullen.cork@gaa.ie
Lotto - There was no winner winners of the GAA lotto, on Tuesday night last, 3rd June in the draw which took place in the Community Centre.
The numbers drawn were 1, 10 and 12. The jackpot on the night was at €1,100. The winners of the lucky dips were as follows: €50–Bessie Rea (seller–Michael Rea); €30 – Breda O Callaghan (seller – John Angland); €20 – Paul Hayes (seller – Michael Linehan).
The next jackpot on Tuesday night 10th June will be at €1,200. In the Killavullen GAA club Lotto, you have to pick three numbers from thirty six which means that the lotto can easily be won, just you have to play, to have a chance. Purchase your ticket from any committee member or from our website- Killavullengaa.com. Thank you for your anticipated and ongoing support.
Dan displays super hurling skills at Munster Final - Well done to Dan Hanrahan last Saturday evening, displaying super hurling skills at half time during the Munster Final, great stuff Dan and teammates, our senior boys took inspiration from ye to bring back the Mick Mackey cup to Cork, hope you and your family had a great day.
And what a game that senior game was, all that drama, the extra time, the penalty shoot-out, the sheer exhilaration of the players and the fans at the final whistle. For those who witnessed it, the day will live a long time in the memory banks and sets Cork up for a All Ireland Semi Final.
Forthcoming Games - Killavullen play Killeagh on next Friday night, 13th June in Killavullen at 7.30pm in the penultimate game for both clubs in the Ultra-competitive Red FM County Hurling Division 7 League.
After seven games played, Killavullen sit alone at the top of the league with 13 points, and Killeagh lie in 3rd position on 10 points. One more win from Killavullen would see them into the league final of this grade at their very first foray in the county wide league and promotion to Level Six. That would be an outstanding reward for their consistency thus far.
MOURNEABBEY
Clyda Rovers GAA
Lotto - Jackpot €3,300. Numbers drawn were 7, 9, 24, 27. No winner. Lucky Dips: €20 Marie Aherne C/O JOD; €20 Barry Cronin Castlebarrett; €20 Cora & Ellie Poncet, Glynn; €20 Jacqueline Cooney, Bottlehill; €20 Conor Crowley, Glynn.
Recent Results - Junior A Hurling League Division 1: Clyda Rovers: 0-17 Churchtown : 0-23.
Golf Classic - On 10th and 11th of July this year the annual Clyda Rovers GAA Golf Classic will take place in Mallow Golf Club.
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Irish Independent
13-06-2025
- Irish Independent
Around the Districts: Buttevant, Killavullen and Mourneabbey
State exams Local and second level students nationwide are undergoing the annual State examinations in Junior Certificate and Level Certificate. It is an anxious time for pupils teachers and parents. Exam results do not determine the pupils future and many successful business and well-known people have made successful lives without exam success. North Cork Vintage Club The North Cork Vintage and Classic Car Club held a 'Vintage and Classic Car Run' on May 25th in the North Cork and Limerick area with the headquarters in Buttevant. There was a very big turn-out of all makes and models of vehicles on the run which were also available to be seen on their return from the run. The organising committee were more than an delighted and appreciative of all who supported their latest venture. The committee wishes to thank all vehicle owners and drivers who attended and supported the event the proceeds from which will benefit local charities. Your support is greatly appreciated. Heritage Group Buttevant Heritage Group are celebrating 'Irish Walled Town Network Day' on July 5th and have organised a programme of events to coincide with this occasion. Anybody who may wish to exhibit on this day should contact Francis Trimm at the Post office. There will be numerous events taking place Inthe playground including medieval combat enactment animal exhibits face painting and many other items. All events will take place within in the 'Green Area' under the watchful eye of Fionn Mac Cumhail's sculpture which was sculptured by local artist Michael Culloty. Your support will be greatly appreciated as a programme to suit all tastes will take place. Saturday Vigil Mass The Vigil Mass for the month of June will take place in Lisgriffin Church. Lisgriffin Church is to undergo renovations including interior painting and exterior power-washing and treatment in the Autumn. A sloped pathway at the church entrance is also on the agenda. Extra street lighting is to be provided in the vicinity of the Church area. Corpus Christi Corpus Christi procession will take place on Saturday June 14th to Buttevant G.A.A. grounds where benediction will take place. The route will also take in Military Road and Barrack Place. St. Vincent de Paul The Buttevant conference of St. Vincent de Paul has a dedicated mobile number for those who may be in need of help financially physically or life in general. Assistance for help can be made in strictest confidence by telephoning 086-0209477 or '40' Years On' Cahirmee Singers have long been established in Buttevant and have performed far and wide and are much acclaimed for their choice of song and music showcasing their talents to many appreciative audiences who are loud in their praise of this talented group of performers. To celebrate their 'fortieth anniversary' the group held a celebratory concert recently in Saint Marys' Church Buttevant (by kind permission of Fr. Baker P.P.) There were several guest acts on the night with the group also performing. Tickets and the organising of this event were under the guidance of Mary Guiney (0879729600) and Mary Shinnick (0867936318) as well as many of the group members. A full house enjoyed a great evenings entertainment. Bingo The weekly bingo session continues to be held on Monday night in the local G.A.A. where a substantial monetary jackpot can be won together with other numerous games associated with bingo sessions. Games get under way from 8p.m. Running Club Buttevant Running Club held their annual 4-mile road race ove past weekend over a challenging and well thought out route. Runners from numerous running clubs across the county gathered to test their endurance in what has now become one of the major sporting events which is always well supported. Running Club training continues on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7.15p.m. in the G.A.A. club grounds. Over-18-years is required and hi-vis gear is also compulsory. Greenhall Motors were the main sponsor again this year to whom the club are extremely grateful. Lotto The locally promoted lotto draw continues tobe held on Thursday night in Buttevant Soccer Club Pavillion where a monetary jackpot of €5,900 to be won or shared on the choice of four lucky numbers to match the four lucky numbers drawn on draw night. Draw cards can be purchased locally from club members and some appointed local retail outlets. Your support is greatly appreciated. Walking Club Buttevant Walking Club continue their weekly sessions on Monday nights from 7p.m. Assembly point is at Scoil Mhuire naTrocaire. Cul Camp Buttevant G.A.A. club is holding their annual Cul Camp from July 7th to July 11th inclusive again this year in their local grounds. KILLAVULLEN Annual Parish Sports The annual Parish Sports will take place on Sunday June 15th in Killavullen GAA pitch. This event is open to all children living in the Parish and to those who attend Killavullen NS, BallygownNS and Rahan NS as well as those living in the parish. Strictly no spiked shoes allowed. U8 and u10 relay can be mixed with numerous entries from all schools allowed. There will also be the girls relay team for the Daly Cup and the boys will compete for the KCC cup. The Norma Walsh family relay will also be held with a team of 3 –parents, sons and / or daughters. The upper age for a child in this race is 16years of age. There can be a mix of 2 adults and one child, or one adult and 2 children but a child must finish the last part of the race. Entry fee to the day is €10 per family, adults €5 and children €2. Huge thanks to those who organise and run this annual event which has become a very sociable and fun afternoon for all. Leaving Cert and Junior Cert exams Wishing continued very good luck to all the young people of our Parish who are in the midst of their state exams. We know this can be a challenging and stressful time, but take heart—you have already shown great strength and determination in your journey so far. Keep pushing, your hard work is about to pay off — these exams are just a stepping stone to your bigger dreams. You've got this! Secondary Students on their holidays We wish all second level students a safe and happy summer holiday from school. When you are out and about on the roads please be safe, and be seen. Wear your high-vis jackets and helmets when cycling. We wish the secondary school staff among us a restful and healthy summer break too. Chiropody Dates Appointments with our friendly and dedicated chiropodist Patricia are now available for June 14th and July 5th. Please contact her at 086 3225052 to arrange an appointment. Lotto Killavullen Community Council Lotto takes place twice a week. The bonus ball of the National Lottery draw is the winning number each Wednesday and Saturday evening. Last week's winners were Nora Roche and Marie Lane both having the lucky bonus numbers. Congratulations and thank you to one and all for your support. Schools enrolling Killavullen and Ballygown National Schools are accepting applications for new enrolments In September 2025. Please contact the schools for further information. Father's Day This Father's Day, we celebrate and honour all who father in our community — through love, guidance, support, and strength. Your presence shapes lives in quiet, powerful ways every day. We also hold close in our hearts those who miss their fathers today. May your memories bring comfort and your love continue to shine through the lives you touch. GAA club news Golf Classic - Killavullen GAA will be extremely busy next weekend, with its annual Golf Classic taking place in Doneraile on the Friday and Saturday. This event has completely sold out the available golf slots that are available to us, from 2.00 on Friday, the 13th and from midday on Saturday, the 14th. With fantastic golf prizes of a three ball in Killarney on the splendid Killeen's Course, as the first prize. Killeen, the jewel in the crown of Killarney Golf and Fishing club played host to the Irish Open on four separate occasions. The course offers both spectacular lakeside scenery and challenging golf to players of all levels, with water features on nearly every hole. Second Prize is three ball in Waterford Castle Golf Course. Ireland's only true Island golf course, surrounded by the River Suir and accessible by complimentary car ferry. Waterford Castle Golf Resorts & Club (WCGC) enjoys idyllic seclusion located minutes from Waterford City Centre. The 18-hole par 72 Des Smyth designed course is located on a 310-acre Private Island. The 6814-yard course covers an area of over 200 acres on the Island Resort, with parkland and woodland areas including numerous scenic and strategically challenging features. Third Prize is a three ball in Monkstown Golf Club. Monkstown Golf Club enjoys some lovely views over Cork Harbour. Of particular note is the par 3, 6th hole, designed by Alistair McKenzie while he was visiting Cork. Monkstown is great course with a great history, and as you walk down the 7th Tee Box, you will see the remains of the original castle constructed by Anastasia Archdeacon in 1696, which the club uses as its signature emblem to this day. We are very grateful to the individuals that have put up their collective hands to play, and those who have supported the event financially by sponsorship of Greens and Tee's. Running a club is a mammoth effort but fund raisers like this classic, which goes from strength to strength each year are very necessary to raise funds for the club, to support the ongoing development of our facilities and teams. There are also competitions, for the longest drive for men and women, and nearest the pin on the 8th hole, which is always daunting, as you play across the valley. Plus, a raffle on the days; with 1st prize been a pair of tickets at Premium Level to see the inaugural Cork Super Cup, in Pairc Ui Chaoimh, featuring Cork City v Celtic, on July 8th. Second Prize will be a dinner for two, in the renowned restaurant of Springfort Hall Hotel. 3rd Prize will be a voucher, for Swear by Fashion, donated by Susan Carey. Golf Themed Prizes are abundant as well, with renowned apparel from leading brands such as Titleist, Taylor Made, Mizuno and Callaway Please contact any club official, if you would like to partake, or indeed, assist the club in sponsoring of a green or Tee box. There are a number of ways still to support this event even though, to play in the event is not an option, at the moment, with the time sheet full, and a waiting list to get on it. Sponsor a Tee Box for €100; Have your company name displayed on a tee box; Sponsor a Landing Green for €50; Have your company name displayed in and around the landing green area If you would like to play or advertise we would be delighted to have you involved. You can revert to John O Donovan on 086-3934232 or simply reserve a slot for your team to Lotto - There was no winner winners of the GAA lotto, on Tuesday night last, 3rd June in the draw which took place in the Community Centre. The numbers drawn were 1, 10 and 12. The jackpot on the night was at €1,100. The winners of the lucky dips were as follows: €50–Bessie Rea (seller–Michael Rea); €30 – Breda O Callaghan (seller – John Angland); €20 – Paul Hayes (seller – Michael Linehan). The next jackpot on Tuesday night 10th June will be at €1,200. In the Killavullen GAA club Lotto, you have to pick three numbers from thirty six which means that the lotto can easily be won, just you have to play, to have a chance. Purchase your ticket from any committee member or from our website- Thank you for your anticipated and ongoing support. Dan displays super hurling skills at Munster Final - Well done to Dan Hanrahan last Saturday evening, displaying super hurling skills at half time during the Munster Final, great stuff Dan and teammates, our senior boys took inspiration from ye to bring back the Mick Mackey cup to Cork, hope you and your family had a great day. And what a game that senior game was, all that drama, the extra time, the penalty shoot-out, the sheer exhilaration of the players and the fans at the final whistle. For those who witnessed it, the day will live a long time in the memory banks and sets Cork up for a All Ireland Semi Final. Forthcoming Games - Killavullen play Killeagh on next Friday night, 13th June in Killavullen at 7.30pm in the penultimate game for both clubs in the Ultra-competitive Red FM County Hurling Division 7 League. After seven games played, Killavullen sit alone at the top of the league with 13 points, and Killeagh lie in 3rd position on 10 points. One more win from Killavullen would see them into the league final of this grade at their very first foray in the county wide league and promotion to Level Six. That would be an outstanding reward for their consistency thus far. MOURNEABBEY Clyda Rovers GAA Lotto - Jackpot €3,300. Numbers drawn were 7, 9, 24, 27. No winner. Lucky Dips: €20 Marie Aherne C/O JOD; €20 Barry Cronin Castlebarrett; €20 Cora & Ellie Poncet, Glynn; €20 Jacqueline Cooney, Bottlehill; €20 Conor Crowley, Glynn. Recent Results - Junior A Hurling League Division 1: Clyda Rovers: 0-17 Churchtown : 0-23. Golf Classic - On 10th and 11th of July this year the annual Clyda Rovers GAA Golf Classic will take place in Mallow Golf Club.
Irish Examiner
04-06-2025
- Irish Examiner
Record number of students to sit State exams this year
A record number of students will today begin their Leaving Cert, Leaving Cert Applied and Junior Cycle exams as the 2025 State examinations begin. For the first time, the number of students beginning their exams today has surpassed 140,000, which the State Examination Commission (SEC) has linked to increasing demographics. Overall, the number of students set to take the 2025 exams increased by 3% when compared to last year; From 130,160 to 140,457. This includes 61,632 Leaving Certificate candidates, 4,512 final year Leaving Certificate Applied candidates and 74,313 Junior Cycle candidates. The most significant increases were recorded for the Leaving Certificate programme, up 5% when compared to 2024, and the Leaving Certificate Applied programme, which increased this year by 11%. This year also marks the beginning of moves to tackle grade inflation, which increased sharply post-pandemic. The SEC has been asked by the Department of Education to begin 'a gradual return to normal' Leaving Certificate grades in the main, which will involve a post-marking adjustment. This is expected to bring the overall Leaving Certificate results in the aggregate on average to a point broadly midway between the 2020 and 2021 levels. Education Minister Helen McEntee and Minister of State for Special Education Michael Moynihan wished students beginning their exams today good luck. Ms McEntee said: 'I know the amount of work and effort you have put in to reach this point. It is the culmination of many years of effort. 'This can be a very stressful time so I would remind everyone that when it comes to examinations, all we can do is our best. We are all very much behind you over the next few weeks, and I know that regardless of the outcome of these examinations, there will be many great opportunities ahead for you all.' Mr Moynihan said: 'I know the exam period can be a stressful time for students, so please do take care of yourselves and try to take some solace in the fact that there are many pathways to what you may hope to do next, some which you might not envisage at this point in time. You never know when or in what shape certain opportunities will arise. 'The skills and knowledge that you have learned during your schooling will stand to you during the examinations period, and throughout your life.' SEC chair Jacinta Stewart added: 'Today marks a real milestone in the educational journey for the thousands of candidates taking the State examinations. 'On behalf of my fellow commissioners and the staff of the SEC, I want to offer our sincere best wishes to all those taking examinations this year.' 'I also want to express my appreciation to parents and families as well as school communities for supporting these candidates at this very important time in their lives.'
Irish Examiner
14-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
Rising numbers prompts benediction at Cork's historic Eucharistic Procession to move outdoors
Rising attendance at Cork's historic Eucharistic Procession has prompted a return of the outdoors benediction ceremony this year. The move was announced on Wednesday night as the Bishop of Cork and Ross, Fintan Gavin, announced details of this year's event next month, a religious event that has been a part of the social fabric of the city for almost a century. 'The Eucharistic Procession is deeply rooted and of huge importance to the people of Cork City and beyond,' Bishop Gavin said. Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork and Ross speaking at the launch. Picture: Brian Lougheed 'We are almost 10 decades on since the first procession through the streets of the city. 'Last year, we had a tremendous turnout and this year we are preparing for the ever growing numbers. 'The most notable innovation to this year's procession is the decision to take the final prayer and benediction back out onto the streets to a specially constructed platform at the National Monument on Grand Parade. This will allow for greater participation of the growing numbers participating. 'I'm most grateful for everyone's assistance in continuing — and growing — this long-standing Cork tradition.' The Eucharistic Procession, to mark the feast of Corpus Christi, has been a significant part of the city's religious heritage for 99 years. The idea of taking the procession through the city emerged in the years after the turmoil of the War of Independence and the Civil War as part of wider efforts to close rifts and facilitate healing in a city deeply divided by the conflicts. The first procession took place on June 6, 1926, under the auspices of Bishop Colahan, with tens of thousands of people participating. The Eucharistic Procession on Grand Parade on May 26, 1940. It grew to become the largest Eucharistic Procession in the country, with tens of thousands of people walking annually from their parish churches to the city centre for benediction outdoors on Daunt Square. But against the backdrop of a fall-off in church attendance and a near collapse in vocations, attendance at the procession dwindled over the last two decades to just a few hundred faithful, before covid brought the event to a complete halt. However, in 2023, Bishop Gavin embarked on a mission to rejuvenate and reimagine the event and was blown away by the response when some 4,000 people processed from the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne through the streets to attend benediction at Saints Peter and Paul's Church on Paul St, where he delivered the sermon at his first Eucharistic Procession since his appointment as bishop in 2019. Numbers increased significantly last year, and thousands processed through the streets, before hundreds packed into the church, with hundreds more left standing outside watching the ceremony on big screens. With a larger crowd expected this year, Bishop Gavin has decided to take the final prayers and benediction of the blessed sacrament outside again, with a stage and altar due to be erected on the Grand Parade. Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork and Ross, with Cllr Tony Fitzgerald and members of Mayfield Community School choir. Picture: Brian Lougheed 'This year's procession will have participants from every continent and many countries,' he said. Cork's Catholic parishes have been welcoming newcomers to Cork for a couple of decades now and they are making a very valuable contribution to the life of our parishes and our diocese as well as working in so many walks of life. "I'd like to invite individuals and groups from across the city and county to be part of the celebration. You cannot have the word 'community' without 'unity'." The Eucharistic Procession will take place on Sunday, June 22, leaving from the Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint Anne at 3pm.
