Saint John’s Well draws the crowds

THE Annual Mass on the slopes of Mushera Mountain takes place at St John’s Well on Monday evening, June 25, commencing from 8pm.

Crowds from across Duhallow, Muskerry and further afield convene annually to the picturesque location that salutes the popular feast day of St John’s Day and mid-summer. The annual staging has become tradition with patrons from the adjoining parishes from Kerry, north- and mid- Cork convening.

The Well is situated in a quiet and peaceful location for prayer and reflection, in addition to being a focal point for visitors thanks to its setting. St John’s Well is readily accessible for the public, its updating beginning in the 1950s with the placing of a picture of St John at the Grotto.

Subsequently the late Sonny Buckley constructed an altar. This was followed by the formation of a special committee whose voluntary efforts put their talents together to erect a Grotto, and down through the years they’ve continued to maintain and create better facilities for visitors.

The first Mass at the Grotto was celebrated on Mid-Summer’s Day in 1974 and, eight years later, the Stations of the Cross were officially blessed.

Similar to other Holy Wells, St John’s holds a tradition and reputation for curing ailments.

The hard-working St John’s Well Committee have undertaken a number of renovations

Visitors can locate St John’s Well four miles south of Millstreet, off the Millstreet to Rylane Kerry/Cork Butter Road .