Did we make a bit of 'baptism history' this week in Clonakilty?

Recently ordained Deacon Paul Ryan ministered at a baptism for the first time when he assisted Fr Tom Hayes at the baptism of two babies in Clonakilty parish church.

Deacon Paul baptised baby Ellie Grace O'Reilly who lives in Clonakilty and Fr. Tom Hayes baptised baby Odhrán Sammy O'Callaghan who currently lives in Sydney, Australia but is visiting his O'Callaghan grandparents in Clonakilty.

Deacon Paul has been appointred to minister in our family of parishes by Bishop Fintan and this was the first time he was the minister of a baptism.

Baptisms are celebrated in Clonakilty each Saturday at 4pm and in the ther parishes of the family of parishes on one Saturday of each month at 2pm.

Baby Ellie Grace O'Reilly, Tawnies, Clonakilty, with her family, sponsors and Deacon Paul Ryan.

Annual Mass at the Lady's Well Grotto in Dunowen, Ardfield for the Feast of the Assumption

A picturesque site for an altar is the focus of attention and prayer on Our Lady's Day in Ardfield.

The altar is located beside Our Lady's Well, a spot to which generations of people have come to pray and find peace.

Located just a field away from the Atlantic Ocean in the townland of Dunowen and just to the east of Red Strand, the altar holds pride of place in the hearts of local people.

Mass was celebrated here on the Feast of the Assumption and was made possible through the efforts of local people who keep the altar tidy, adorn the altar with cloths and flowers and the sacristans who bring the needful from the church.

All ages were represented and took part in the Mass, whose celebrant was Fr. Tom Hayes.

Two people who grew up in Crosshaven Parish headed to West Cork for their marriage celebrations.

Kirsti O'Flynn and San Jermyn went to the same secondary school in Crosshaven and have never been far apart since.

They celebrated their marriage at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Clonakilty, with their families, relations and friends. The celebrant was Fr Tom Hayes Co-PP.

Hymns at the Mass were sung by family friend Dr. Eva McMullan, accompanied by Pádraig Wallace.

The first time the narried couple were both near an altar together for a sacrament was the day of their Confirmation in Crosshaven! 

Kirsti and Sam have chosen Kinsale as the place where they are setting up home but they promise to be back to Clonakilty for regular visits.

Marriage of Kirsti O'Flynn and Sam Jermyn, both from Crosshaven Parish, at Clonakilty Parish Church. (Ted Murphy Photography)