The annual Civic Service and Festival Eucharist for St Patrick’s Day was held once again this year on Tuesday 17th March at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, bringing together representatives of civic, public, and community life from across Cork City and County.

As in previous years, the service formed a central part of the city’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations with civic representatives of City Council and Councillors led by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, and representatives of community organisations in attendance, continuing a well-established tradition of broad civic participation.

This year’s service marked the final St Patrick’s Day Civic Service presided over by Bishop Colton, who will retire in April after more than 27 years of episcopal ministry in the Diocese. Many present took the opportunity to attend the service specifically to hear him preach on this occasion, recognising it as his last civic address in office.

In his sermon, Bishop Colton reflected on the consistent themes that have shaped his preaching over nearly three decades: the enduring message of Christianity as brought by Saint Patrick, and the responsibility of Christians within an increasingly complex and diverse society. He emphasised the importance of humility, service, and ethical leadership, particularly for those in positions of civic and public authority, urging them to respond to contemporary challenges in ways grounded in the teachings of Christ. The sermon also highlighted values of reconciliation, bridge-building, and respect for pluralism, while pointing to the unchanging nature of God’s love as a steady reference point amid social change. You can read the full sermon here.

Following the service, the customary reception took place at The Bishop’s Palace, continuing a tradition in which the Bishop and Mrs Susan Colton welcome members of civic and community life to mark the national day together. This gathering has, over many years, provided an opportunity for conversation, connection, and shared celebration beyond the formal setting of the Cathedral service.

The 2026 Civic Service therefore stood not only as a continuation of a long-standing diocesan and civic tradition, but also as a moment of transition. It marked the conclusion of Bishop Colton’s final St Patrick’s Day in office, and an opportunity for many across the Diocese and the wider community to acknowledge his years of service and leadership.