The spectacular Tree of Light on the grounds of Killarney’s St Mary’s Cathedral will be illuminated this Tuesday night with the official switching-on ceremony scheduled to take place immediately after 6.15pm Mass.
The 1,000ft Tree of Light, which is adorned with over 3,500 energy efficient bulbs, will create a magnificent focal point during the Christmas in Killarney celebrations and it is, without doubt, one of the most stunning and dramatic festive season attractions in the entire country.
The feature star at the top will take on an extra special meaning this year as it will be dedicated to a man who did so much for the town and worked tirelessly as an ambassador for Killarney on a national stage.
The late Paul Coghlan will be remembered through the dedication of the star on the 100ft Californian Redwood tree in his honour.
Parish Administrator, Fr Kieran O’Brien, said there will be a short prayer service at 6.45pm and everybody is welcome to the 6.15pm Mass or to the ceremony afterwards to switch on the lights and to offer prayers for the late Paul Coghlan.
The tree was first lit to mark the millennium year when it commemorated all those who lost their lives in the conflict in Northern Ireland and it was again illuminated in the mid 2000s to remember those who had been killed on Irish roads.
The towering Californian Redwood tree, adjacent to a Famine graveyard on the grounds of the cathedral, will greet tens of thousands of visitors passing the cathedral on their way to and from Killarney during the festive season.
Ballydowney man Paul Coghlan, who passed away last June, at the age of 79, was a two-time Mayor of Killarney who served locally as a councillor and as President of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce.
An auctioneer and an astute businessman who was always forward-thinking and energetic, Paul went on to make his mark in national politics and he was a long-serving member of Seanad Éireann from 1997 to 2020.
At a local level, he served as a member of Killarney Urban District Council from 1985 to 1999 and on Kerry County Council from 1991 to 1999.
Paul will also be remembered by many for his huge contribution to Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, as captain, director and as a playing member and he took every opportunity to showcase the wonderful local courses to visitors.
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