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Mist Fails To Dampen Spirits Of 5,000 At Rath Cemetery Mass

ORGANISERS estimate that up to 5,000 people went to the annual Rath Cemetery Mass on Wednesday night.

Bishop of Kerry, Ray Browne, was joined by 17 other clergymen to celebrate the annual Mass at the People’s Altar.

“The Bishop was thrilled with the Mass and the turnout,” said Chairman of the Rathass Cemetery Committee, Billy Locke. “To think, when we started years ago with an altar just outside the cemetery and about 50 people showed up. Even though there was a muggy mist last night, the people stayed throughout and everything went off perfectly,” said Billy.

This year the committee set 9,500 plants around the People’s Altar, which looked amazing on the night. All this is possible thanks to Joe Moynihan and his CE group as well as the generosity of the people of Tralee and beyond who support the fundraising efforts of the committee.

“There isn’t enough I can say about the generosity of the general public. They come up trumps every year,” said Billy.

Scroll for photos by John Cleary…

The Bishop of Kerry Fr. Ray Browne, celebrated the annual Mass at Rath cemetery on Wednesday evening, pictured with clergy and Rath committee. Photo by John Cleary.
The Bishop of Kerry Fr. Ray Browne (seated fourth from right), celebrated the annual Mass at Rath cemetery on Wednesday evening, pictured with clergy and members of the Rathass Cemetery Committee. Photo by John Cleary.
St. John's Choir pictured at Rath cemetery Mass for the Holy Souls on Wednesday evening. Photo by John Cleary.
St. John’s Choir pictured at Rath cemetery Mass for the Holy Souls on Wednesday evening. Photo by John Cleary.
Crowds arriving for the Mass for the Holy Souls at Rath cemetery on Wednesday evening by the Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne. Photo by John Cleary.
Crowds arriving for the Mass for the Holy Souls at Rath cemetery on Wednesday evening by the Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne. Photo by John Cleary.
Attending the annual Mass for the Holy Souls at Rath cemetery on Wednesday evening by the Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne. Photo by John Cleary.
Attending the annual Mass for the Holy Souls at Rath cemetery on Wednesday evening by the Bishop of Kerry Ray Browne. Photo by John Cleary.