Church displays gives visitors plenty to crib about

The fabulous crib in Killarney’s Franciscan Friary – complete with a collie dog

Crib tourism has become quite a phenomenon in Killarney with hundreds of visitors flocking to the local churches this festive season to see, light a candle and say a prayer at the local works of art.

While the numbers attending services dropped dramatically during the pandemic, there has been a major return of the faithful this Christmas with Masses attracting huge congregations and people queuing to see the cribs.

The spectacular feature crib in St Mary’s Cathedral has again set heads turning such is the intricate work involved and the life-sized central characters and animals featured, as well as the striking water feature.

At the blessing of the crib in St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney, Bishop of Kerry, Ray Browne, welcomed first class pupils from Holy Cross Mercy School, Evie Spillane, Clodagh Blennerhassett, Abby Quill, Shepherd, Molly Ferris, Sadie O’Connor and Alice Harmon

The cathedral crib has been created by Killarney woman Rene Kennelly for the past half a century and she spearheads a small team of volunteers when building it and adding to it every year.

In recognition of her dedication to the church, Rene has been honoured with the Benemerenti Medal, one of the highest awards the Catholic Church can bestow.

Her work of art has become a seasonal tourist attraction in its own right with people travelling long distances just to see the crib during the festive season.

The striking altar at the Franciscan Friary with dozens of poinsettia plans in front of, on and at the rear of the altar

Another crib in huge demand this year is the more traditional feature in the Franciscan Friary which has been a real favourite for generations of locals.

One of the quirkier and talked-about features this year is how the life-sized collie dog not only managed to wrangle its way in alongside the more traditional creatures found in a crib but how it secured pride of place very close to the right hand of the feature infant statue.

Another striking feature in the tranquil friary this year is the sparkling tree and dozens of red and white poinsettia plants – also known as the Christmas star flower – that are adorning all areas of the church, including the entire area at the rear of the altar and at every possible vantage point near every pew.

In his Christmas message this year, Bishop of Kerry, Ray Browne, asked the people of the diocese to put the crib at the centre of their celebrations and, it would appear, they were more than happy to adhere to his request.

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