The Commemoration Weekend for the 1400th Anniversary of the death of St Fin Barre, the Patron Saint of Cork, came to a close on Monday, 25th September, the Saint’s Feast Day. Throughout the weekend a series of events were offered at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral to allow everyone to visit, pray, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Cathedral and its grounds.

Beginning on Friday morning at 11 am, the three local primary schools were presented with Wildlife Kits from the Cathedral’s Operations Manger, Eoin Murphy, and the Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Colette Finn. The cathedral also arranged for a drama to be performed for the pupils to learn about the history of Cork.

In the evening Choral Evensong officially opened Culture Night at the Cathedral, which over 800 people attended this year.

On Saturday 23rd September Bishop Paul Colton started the day with a Commemoration Service. Nearly 1,000 people visited the cathedral throughout the day, of which nearly 80 people were Finbarrs and 1 of which was a poodle named Finbarre! Bishop Paul Colton had a small present for each of them. In the afternoon members and champions of the St Finbarr’s GAA and St Fin Barre’s National Hurling and Football Club visited together with the Lord Mayor, Cllr Kieran McCarthy.

In the evening the Celebrity Organ Recital with the renowned organist and composer Naji Hakim took place and everyone celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the Organ rebuild. Naji travelled from his home in the South of France especially to be with us for the weekend.

On Sunday, 24th September, a Festival Evensong for the Patronal Festival of Saint Fin Barre took place at the Cathedral. The preacher was the Dean of Ossory, the Very Rev. Stephen Farrell. As part of the Evensong a specially commissioned icon of Saint Fin Barre was consecrated by the Bishop

On Monday, a Quiet Day and Retreat for the clergy of the Diocese led by the former Archbishop of Armagh (and former Dean of Cork), the Right Reverend Dr Richard Clarke, took place at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral. Refreshments for the clergy were provided all day at the Bishop’s Palace.

The commemoration weekend culminated in the evening with the Ordination of the Rev. Martin Steele to the priesthood. You can read about it here.

Photos: Eoin Murphy