A Franciscan friar who was hugely popular during many years spent in Killarney has celebrated the 65th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.
Colleagues of Fr Cletus Noone marked the occasion in Ennis – where he is now based – and he is still healthy and as witty as ever at the age of 91.
A master of engaging homilies, Fr Cletus is fondly remembered in Killarney where he spent several years in the 1970s and ’80s and his jolly manner and great preaching skills made him a real favourite with locals and visitors to the town.
He served as guardian of the friary for a spell and he will be remembered by an older generation in Killarney for his insightful contributions to the St Anthony’s Novenas on Tuesdays which always attracted a huge attendance.
He was also very actively involved in the Franciscan Youth Club, which operated from a small building on the grounds of the friary, and in his early years in Killarney, Fr Cletus, a keen sports enthusiast, was always willing to pull on a pair of boots for a friendly kick-around in the walled in Áras Phadraig pitch on Lewis Road which was later turned into a car park.
Up to his late 80s, Fr Cletus was still a big hit on the airwaves as well as the pulpit as he presented a hugely popular radio programme on Clare FM every Saturday night.
The Noone at Night slot was a not-to-be-missed show for years and he was unquestionably the oldest regular broadcaster in the country.
Fr Cletus and Bishop Emeritus of Killaloe, Willie Walsh, were both ordained on the same day – 21st February 1959 – in different ceremonies in Rome.
His many friends in Killarney – where he still holds a special place in people’s hearts – congratulate Fr Cletus on his remarkable 65 years in the priesthood.
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