Mass to honour contribution of Sisters of St Clare in Kenmare

A special Mass will be held in Kenmare this Sunday to thank an order of nuns that is leaving the town after over 160 years.

In February, the Sisters of St Clare, commonly known as the Poor Clares, announced they would be leaving the town.

The religious congregation said it no longer has sufficient numbers to maintain a presence in the parish.

The Mass will take place on Sunday at Holy Cross Church at 12 noon.

Anne Finn is a member of the parish; she was taught by the Poor Clares at primary and secondary level.

She went on to teach at Holy Cross College, which was run by the nuns.

Ns Finn says the order's impact on Kenmare was transformative:

The end of an era...The nuns from the Sisters of St Clare Order in Kerry are to depart Kenmare after more than 160 years. Pictured: Mother Abbess Julie McGoldrick with Fr George Hayes, also included, Sr. Maureen O’Dea, Sr. Anne Kelly, Sr Zita Daly, Sr Concepta Looney, Sr. Karen Small, and Sr Mercedes Coen.
Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

This building was a convent of the Sisters of St Clare from 1862 to 1993.
Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

The end of an era...The nuns from the Sisters of St Clare Order in Kerry are to depart Kenmare after more than 160 years. In a special ceremony at Holy Cross Church Kenmare, Co Kerry on Sunday, presided by Rev. Fr George Hayes. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

In a special ceremony at Holy Cross Church Kenmare on Sunday, presided by Rev. Fr George Hayes. The Sisters from Kenmare and across Ireland, gathered for a final farewell celebration, centre is Mother Abbess Julie McGoldrick with Fr George Hayes, also included, Sr. Maureen O’Dea, Sr. Anne Kelly, Sr Zita Daly, Sr Concepta Looney, Sr. Karen Small, and Sr Mercedes Coen.
Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan