GOODBYE TO FR MULVIHILL

KILCUMMIN GATHERS TO WISH ITS MUCH-LOVED PARISH PRIEST THE BEST

THE departure of Fr Eamon Mulvihill from Kilcummin parish has left the community bereft at the loss of their much-loved parish priest, a man who brought joy to the entire congregation.

Last Wednesday marked the last opportunity for young and old to say goodbye to Fr Mulvihill, and such is the love for the local priest that almost 300 turned out for his farewell party.

In fact, his departure from the parish led to an ultimately unsuccessful, but sustained and bitter row, with Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne, as the community called on him not to leave the parish without a priest.

However, this was all put aside on Wednesday last as young and old turned up to say their goodbyes to Fr Mulvihill and to thank him for all he had done for the parish.

Fr Mulvihill is credited with bringing many young people back to the church, and his good humour, kindness and joy were all praised during the goodbye speeches, which including a touching tribute from the Kilcummin pastoral council. Assistant chairperson Claire Fleming said that Fr Mulvihill was much-loved in the parish and that his goodbye party proved that.

“He brought joy to the people, and when he arrived on Wednesday, he brought joy back to the people. It was a wonderful night.”

Fr Mulvihill received a specially commissioned painting of Killarney Lakes by local artist Phil O’Grady, a nod to his love of that location.

Representatives of three local schools – Anabla, Kilcummin and Coolick NS – all made a presentation to Fr Mulvihill and thanked him for all he did for the children of the parish.

The organisation of the party fell to Sacristan Siobhan McSweeney, who ensured a wonderful night for all to enjoy, not least Fr Mulvihill. The local community rowed in behind her efforts and baked treats for the occasion. Music was also provided by Denis Crowley and Helen Kerins.

“We are thrilled with how the night went. It was absolutely brilliant, and you felt energised just watching it,” said Claire.

Fr Mulvihill is now based in Castlegregory, but he will never be forgotten in Kilcummin, nor will his goodbye party for many years to come given the huge attendance and support the night received.

Photo by Eamonn Keogh Siobhan McSweeney and Mary O’Connor and local parishioners making a presentation of a painting by artist Phil O’Grady to former Kilcummin Parish priest Fr Eamonn Mulvihill at a farewell function in Kilcummin Hall on Wednesday night.

ABOVE: Fr Eamon Mulvihill with the caterers and helpers at his farewell party.

RIGHT: Mary O’Connor, Claire Fleming and Siobhan McSweeney present a painting by artist Phil O’Grady to former Kilcummin Parish priest Fr Eamonn Mulvihill at his farewell function in Kilcummin Hall on Wednesday night.