Cloonkeenkerrill Dawn Mass 2015

Dawn Mass celebrated by Fr. Raymond Sweeney on Sunday morning in Cloonkeenkerrill cemetery was a special occasion. It was a beautiful, albeit foggy morning but nevertheless there was a large turnout from both near and far. The cemetery was adequately lighted thanks in the main to John Joe Ward’s hard work during the week. The cemetery is a meaningful place to celebrate this special Mass of the Resurrection as lighted candle lanterns greeted all mass goers leading to the altar specially assembled at St. Kerrill’s bed. Two lighted fires, one at the entrance gate and the Paschal fire adjacent to the altar was used to light individual candles held by all attendees for the ceremony of light. Music was provided by Tony McLoughlin who was given special permission to leave his hospital bed to join the rest of his family and give a beautiful rendition of instrumental music on the flute, tin whistle & mandolin. The sound of the birds was also heard as the first rays of daylight slowly broke through the clear morning sky. There were refreshments and copious cups of tea & coffee provided afterwards for the congregation. Thanks to Olive Hynes & Anne Tuohy and their assistants for their great work.  Photos taken throughout the Mass compliments of PJ Finnerty will be uploaded in the next few days so stay tuned!