Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan
The fabulous new crib in Killarney’s St Mary’s Cathedral was officially unveiled and blessed on Saturday night and it provides the perfect setting for locals and visitors to pray and ponder on life this Christmas.
The blessing was performed by Bishop Ray Browne and Killarney Parish Administrator, Fr Kieran O’Brien, who were assisted in the tack by delighted local primary school children.
The new crib was designed andbuilt by Eamon Mulvihill from Lawlor’s Cross who worked in close collaboration with Rena Kennelly from Cleeny who has created the cathedral crib for over 50 years.
Rena’s half a century of invaluable experience was inspirational for Eamon in his design work and the end result of their creative partnership is now there for all to see.
Eamon’s design adds a vibrant, modern twist to the crib and it ensures the continuation of a wonderful tradition that Rena personally maintained for over five decades, during which time she created a masterpiece from relatively limited resources every year.
Rena has been involved in the annual crib project since the cathedral was refurbished in the 1970s and it came complete with life-sizes figures, a striking stable, animals, fir trees and moss.
For her dedication, Rena last year received the prestigious Benemerenti Medal which is the highest honour the pope can bestow for services to the Church.
Happy Christmas from KillarneyToday.com: Call 087-2229761 or email news@killarneytoday.com
