Mass was broadcast on RTE radio on Sunday morning, 21st September, from St Michael’s Church, Upper Glanmire - See Homily. This was part of the bicentenary celebrations that are taking place this year. The celebrant was Fr Noel O’Sullivan P.P. whose homily is available on this site (See News and Updates). Mass was also broadcast on Sunday, 28th September, with Fr Ted Sheehan C.C. as celebrant.

A big ‘thank you’ to all who have made the broadcast Masses possible: the bicentenary committee, the children of Scoil Naomh Micheal, who provided the readers and music for the liturgy and, especially, the principal, Micheal Cremin, teachers Helena Kearney and Deirdre White; Siobhan Carne, the organist; Noirin Kelleher and Maura Ryan who read the reflections. As always, we are indebted to sacristan, John Kelleher, for his meticulous attention to detail.

An unexpectedly large number of people came to Coolgreen on the evening of 15th August for Mass on an ancient Christian site, situated on the farm of Tim and Catherine O’Mahony. Nobody seemed to notice the rain, such was the beauty of the place and the rich heritage that was evoked in this natural sanctuary. The site consists of a well, which is thought to be of pre-Christian origin, and a Mass rock. The last Mass was celebrated here in 1988 by Canon Kerry Murphy O’Connor. This is a site that has attracted the attention of scholars such as Prof. Patrick Power, who wrote about the well in 1923. The Archaeological Department of UCC did a special study there in 1983. The site of the Coolgreen well is identical to its counterpart in Tubereenamire and both are thought to have been religious sites in pre-Christian Ireland. In his homily, parish priest Fr Noel O’Sullivan recalled those who had sincerely searched for God before the coming of Christ. However, he emphasized that any attempt to go back to a pre-Christian religion smacks of New Age, with all its pitfalls. We have the full revelation of God in Jesus Christ and it is with gratitude that we salute those who went before us who changed this place into a Christian site.

After the Mass over 200 people were treated to refreshments by the O’Mahony family and their neighbours. It was a wonderful occasion, thoroughly enjoyed by young and old alike. Míle buíochas to our hosts and to all who helped us discover some of the religious history of our parish.