Latest news with #ChurchoftheImmaculateConception
Irish Examiner
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Wedding of the Week: Two gowns, two bands, and one big party for Kerry couple's summer wedding
A romantic winter wonderland engagement set the scene for Maureen McCarthy and Kevin Fitzgerald's summer wedding. The Kerry couple became an item in April 2020. 'We met online around the start of covid but had known each other through friends,' says Maureen, from Fenit. Maureen McCarthy and Kevin Fitzgerald. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography She and Kevin, from Currow, headed to Vienna to celebrate New Year's Eve 2022, where that December 31, he booked an evening at the opera and popped the question as the clock struck midnight. Maureen McCarthy and Kevin Fitzgerald. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography Maureen, who owns a hair salon with her mother Frances, Brush'n'Blush, and Kevin, a secondary school teacher, were married in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Currow, by Fr John Buckley, and held their reception in the Killarney Oaks Hotel. Helping them celebrate were both sets of parents, Frances and Gerard McCarthy and Maureen and Maurice Fitzgerald. Maureen McCarthy and Kevin Fitzgerald with their wedding party. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography 'My grandmother, Patsy Nevin, was my official witness,' says Maureen. 'It's a memory I will cherish forever.' Niamh Sheehy was the maid of honour and Kirstin O'Shea, Nicola Warren and Fenagh O'Mahoney were the bridesmaids with Padraig O'Shea as the best man and JJ Hanrahan, Conor O'Leary and JJ Cahill as the groomsmen. Maureen McCarthy with Niamh Sheehy, Kirstin O'Shea, Nicola Warren and Fenagh O'Mahoney. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography The bride's nieces, Maisey and Abbie McCarthy, were the flowergirls. Horan's Wedding Cars ensured the newlyweds travelled in style. Maureen McCarthy and Kevin Fitzgerald. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography Maureen wore two different super-elegant bespoke gowns by Irish designer Kathy De Stafford for her wedding day. 'My vision for the first dress was a classic satin strapless gown with buttons down the back and a two-tiered veil, which I wore for the ceremony and meal,' she says. Maureen McCarthy. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography 'I wanted my second dress to be more of a party dress, and it was an ankle-length satin dress with an embellished corset top. I wore both dresses with satin Valentino sling-back heels.' Maureen McCarthy and Kevin Fitzgerald. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography The groom and his party sourced their suits at Red Church, Cork City. The bride had no shortage of professional consultants. Maureen McCarthy. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography 'My good friend Zoe O'Carroll, who is a talented makeup artist, made the trip back from Australia for the wedding and did an amazing job on my makeup. My hair was done by the sister of my maid of honour, Grace McDonnell, so it was very personal to have the two of them with me on the morning,' she says. Maureen McCarthy and Kevin Fitzgerald. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography 'Being a wedding hairstylist myself, I had a massive insight into how the day would go, I really wanted to enjoy it all and not worry about small things that you don't realise until after really don't matter.' Maureen McCarthy with Niamh Sheehy, Kirstin O'Shea, Nicola Warren and Fenagh O'Mahoney. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography Photographer Padraig Healy ( and videographer Mike Grace (Vision & Vows) were behind the lens. 'I was lucky enough to have worked with both my photographer and videographer before and was 100% confident to follow their instructions. I let all the suppliers do their thing on the day and trusted the process. My bridesmaid Kristin was married the month after us, and I had the pleasure of doing her hair and being her bridesmaid on her big day, too.' Maureen McCarthy with Niamh Sheehy, Kirstin O'Shea, Nicola Warren and Fenagh O'Mahoney. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography Maura Sheehy of Maura's Cottage Flowers created the floral décor. Two wedding bands ensured the dance floor was full, Rouge and Super Ceili ('instead of a DJ — it was so much fun!'). For the day-two celebrations in the bride's local, The Tankard Bar and Restaurant in Fenit, singer Seamus Harty, followed by The Little Creatures, entertained. Maureen McCarthy and Kevin Fitzgerald. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography 'Day two was electric,' adds Maureen. 'We wanted the whole weekend to be a big party.' The Currow-based newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon organised by Nicola Browne Travel Counsellors that included Cancun, Orlando, and Yosemite National Park. If you would like your wedding featured in Weekend email
Irish Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- General
- Irish Daily Mirror
Sunny balmy night 'became dimmed' when popular tradesman drowned, funeral hears
A sunny balmy night 'became dimmed' last Wednesday when a popular tradesman and fisherman drowned in the River Blackwater in Mallow, a requiem mass has heard. Simon O'Connell (41) from Meelaheeragh, Kanturk, Co Cork, got in to difficulty in the water whilst swimming at Dysert, Dromagh in Mallow, Co Cork at around 7pm last Wednesday. The alarm was raised and the emergency services were at the scene within minutes. The body of the deceased was recovered down stream by members of the Cork County Fire Service. Fr John Magner told mourners at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Kanturk today that there was 'shock, numbness and devastation' in the community following the sudden passing of Simon. 'For me to witness Nancy (his mother) holding her son Simon recalls Jesus in the arms of his mother after the Crucifixion in Michelangelo's Pieta. It (the sculpture) became a living reality for Nancy, for Jim (the father of Simon) and for the O'Connell family.' Fr Magner said that Simon was 'gifted' with his hands. 'His work as a plasterer was much sought after for his workmanship. He loved the outdoors with the dogs and the ferrets and the horses and the fishing — all those outdoor pursuits.' Symbols of the life of the deceased brought to the altar at the mass included a plastering trowel, a fishing net and a dog muzzle. The emergency services who assisted at the scene were remembered in the prayers. Following the 11.30am requiem mass a service took place at the Island Crematorioum in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork. Meanwhile, a file on the case is being sent to the Coroner in North Cork. An inquest will be held in due course. Mr O'Connell is survived by his parents James and Nancy, his siblings James and Barry, his nephews Jamie and Danny, niece Isla, extended family and friends.
Irish Examiner
24-05-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
Sunny night ended in tragedy when 'gifted man' drowned in river, funeral hears
A sunny balmy night 'became dimmed' last Wednesday when a popular tradesman and fisherman drowned in the River Blackwater in Mallow, a requiem mass has heard. Simon O'Connell (41) from Meelaheeragh, Kanturk, Co Cork, got in to difficulty in the water whilst swimming at Dysert, Dromagh in Mallow, Co Cork at around 7pm last Wednesday. The alarm was raised and the emergency services were at the scene within minutes. The body of the deceased was recovered down stream by members of the Cork County Fire Service. Fr John Magner told mourners at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Kanturk today that there was 'shock, numbness and devastation' in the community following the sudden passing of Simon. 'For me to witness Nancy (his mother) holding her son Simon recalls Jesus in the arms of his mother after the Crucifixion in Michelangelo's Pieta. It (the sculpture) became a living reality for Nancy, for Jim (the father of Simon) and for the O'Connell family.' Fr Magner said that Simon was 'gifted' with his hands. 'His work as a plasterer was much sought after for his workmanship. He loved the outdoors with the dogs and the ferrets and the horses and the fishing — all those outdoor pursuits.' Symbols of the life of the deceased brought to the altar at the mass included a plastering trowel, a fishing net and a dog muzzle. The emergency services who assisted at the scene were remembered in the prayers. Following the 11.30am requiem mass a service took place at the Island Crematorioum in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork Meanwhile, a file on the case is being sent to the Coroner in North Cork. An inquest will be held in due course. Mr O'Connell is survived by his parents James and Nancy, his siblings James and Barry, his nephews Jamie and Danny, niece Isla, extended family and friends.
Irish Examiner
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Wedding of the Week: Kerry bride and groom wanted 'the whole weekend to be a party'
A romantic winter wonderland engagement set the scene for Maureen McCarthy and Kevin Fitzgerald's summer wedding. The Kerry couple became an item in April 2020. 'We met online around the start of covid but had known each other through friends,' says Maureen, from Fenit. Maureen McCarthy and Kevin Fitzgerald. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography She and Kevin, from Currow, headed to Vienna to celebrate New Year's Eve 2022, where that December 31, he booked an evening at the opera and popped the question as the clock struck midnight. Maureen McCarthy and Kevin Fitzgerald. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography Maureen, who owns a hair salon with her mother Frances, Brush'n'Blush, and Kevin, a secondary school teacher, were married in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Currow, by Fr John Buckley, and held their reception in the Killarney Oaks Hotel. Helping them celebrate were both sets of parents, Frances and Gerard McCarthy and Maureen and Maurice Fitzgerald. Maureen McCarthy and Kevin Fitzgerald with their wedding party. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography 'My grandmother, Patsy Nevin, was my official witness,' says Maureen. 'It's a memory I will cherish forever.' Niamh Sheehy was the maid of honour and Kirstin O'Shea, Nicola Warren and Fenagh O'Mahoney were the bridesmaids with Padraig O'Shea as the best man and JJ Hanrahan, Conor O'Leary and JJ Cahill as the groomsmen. Maureen McCarthy with Niamh Sheehy, Kirstin O'Shea, Nicola Warren and Fenagh O'Mahoney. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography The bride's nieces, Maisey and Abbie McCarthy, were the flowergirls. Horan's Wedding Cars ensured the newlyweds travelled in style. Maureen McCarthy and Kevin Fitzgerald. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography Maureen wore two different super-elegant bespoke gowns by Irish designer Kathy De Stafford for her wedding day. 'My vision for the first dress was a classic satin strapless gown with buttons down the back and a two-tiered veil, which I wore for the ceremony and meal,' she says. Maureen McCarthy. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography 'I wanted my second dress to be more of a party dress, and it was an ankle-length satin dress with an embellished corset top. I wore both dresses with satin Valentino sling-back heels.' Maureen McCarthy and Kevin Fitzgerald. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography The groom and his party sourced their suits at Red Church, Cork City. The bride had no shortage of professional consultants. Maureen McCarthy. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography 'My good friend Zoe O'Carroll, who is a talented makeup artist, made the trip back from Australia for the wedding and did an amazing job on my makeup. My hair was done by the sister of my maid of honour, Grace McDonnell, so it was very personal to have the two of them with me on the morning,' she says. Maureen McCarthy and Kevin Fitzgerald. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography 'Being a wedding hairstylist myself, I had a massive insight into how the day would go, I really wanted to enjoy it all and not worry about small things that you don't realise until after really don't matter.' Maureen McCarthy with Niamh Sheehy, Kirstin O'Shea, Nicola Warren and Fenagh O'Mahoney. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography Photographer Padraig Healy ( and videographer Mike Grace (Vision & Vows) were behind the lens. 'I was lucky enough to have worked with both my photographer and videographer before and was 100% confident to follow their instructions. I let all the suppliers do their thing on the day and trusted the process. My bridesmaid Kristin was married the month after us, and I had the pleasure of doing her hair and being her bridesmaid on her big day, too.' Maureen McCarthy with Niamh Sheehy, Kirstin O'Shea, Nicola Warren and Fenagh O'Mahoney. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography Maura Sheehy of Maura's Cottage Flowers created the floral décor. Two wedding bands ensured the dance floor was full, Rouge and Super Ceili ('instead of a DJ — it was so much fun!'). For the day-two celebrations in the bride's local, The Tankard Bar and Restaurant in Fenit, singer Seamus Harty, followed by The Little Creatures, entertained. Maureen McCarthy and Kevin Fitzgerald. Pictures: Padraig Healy Wedding Photography 'Day two was electric,' adds Maureen. 'We wanted the whole weekend to be a big party.' The Currow-based newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon organised by Nicola Browne Travel Counsellors that included Cancun, Orlando, and Yosemite National Park. If you would like your wedding featured in Weekend email
Irish Independent
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Faithful of Cork diocese to gather in Cobh in remembrance of Pope Francis
Representatives from the 46 parishes are invited to 'this diocesan celebration of the life and papal ministry of Pope Francis,' Bishop of Cloyne William Crean said. Some of the major parishes in the diocese include Macroom, Mallow, Kanturk and Lismire, as well as Mitchelstown and Cobh. In a Facebook post, Mr Crean said: 'Our hearts are downcast with the death of our Holy Father, Francis. 'Though sad of heart, our sadness is tempered by a profound sense of gratitude for this generous and courageous pastor. 'In time we will come to fully grasp the great legacy of his papal ministry to the church and the world,' he said. Parishes across the diocese will host a liturgy of remembrance for the late Pope, such as in Mallow, both churches held a special Mass for Pope Francis on Wednesday morning. The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Blarney will dedicate Monday's Mass to Pope Francis. The ceremony will run from 7pm until 9pm and all are welcome to attend. The Diocese of Cork and Ross will host a solemn Mass for the late Pope on Friday evening at 7:30pm in the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, located on Shandon Street in the city. Bishop Fintan Gavin will be the Principal Celebrant on the evening and all are welcome to attend. Pope Francis's funeral will take place from 9am on Saturday and the Vatican expects some 200,000 people to attend. Taoiseach Micheál Martin is set to attend the funeral along with other world leaders such as US President Donald Trump, Prince William and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
