Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan
The real magic of Christmas is captured is this fabulous image showing little Lucy Coghlan admiring a majestic diamond-like star dedicated to her grandfather which sits at the top of the giant Tree of Light in the grounds of Killarney’s St Mary’s Cathedral.
The feature star this year remembers the late Paul Coghlan, a two-time Mayor of Killarney, an effective councillor and a long-serving senator who rose to the position of Leas Cathaoirleach of the Seanad during a long and distinguished political career.
Paul, who passed away last June, will also be remembered with great fondness in Killarney for his outstanding contribution to community life, as a Trustee of Muckross House, a former captain and director of Killarney Golf and Fishing Club and as a very prominent businessman.
The Fine Gael politician was renowned for his friendly smile and wave, his cheerful disposition, his great social skills and his mischievous sense of humour.
This year the Christmas in Killarney Festival opted to honour the late Paul Coghlan by dedicating the star on the landmark tree to his memory.
It was illuminated following an open air prayer service conducted by Killarney Parish Administrator Fr Kieran O’Brien and Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Brendan Cronin, officiated at the switching on ceremony.
While his many friends in Killarney miss Paul’s great energy, his wisdom, his great nature, his wit and his can-do approach to life, the greatest sense of loss, of course, is felt by his wife, Peggy, and family.
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