Local town hosts annual outdoor Mass in iconic Tipperary location

The Templemore annual mass on the Devil's Bit took place on Sunday, July 20, before a crowd of around eighty people.

This year, the time was brought forward to 1pm to facilitate all getting home in time to watch Tipperary in the All-Ireland Hurling Final.

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From early morning the weather indicators gave cause for concern as rain fell constantly with low clouds completely covering the mass site which is now visible normally due to some recent harvesting by Coillte.

The wisdom of Canon Conor Hayes in providing a bus from the Templemore Arms Hotel from 12pm was availed of with a full 30-seater coach arriving in good time for the start of mass.

This year, Cormorant Films and TG4, who have been filming on the River Suir as part of a new series, learned of the annual mass sought and were granted permission to film the event with discretion and respect for those in attendance.

Those in attendance had the luxury of the mass being concelebrated by Canon Hayes supported by Fr Domnic Meehan and Fr John Makoni.

In his homily, the Canon remembered the volunteer spirit from more than 40 years ago, of many from the local area lead by the late Sergeant Paddy Reilly, who worked tirelessly to provide this special place for prayer and reflection.

At this time the sun had replaced the rain clouds with a clear sky revealing the natural scenery in every direction, showing the rural landscape in all its glory and on the horizons, Slievenamon, the Comeragh’s and the Galtee Mountains.

Just before the conclusionx, the following Reflection was read which has fitting sentiments for this special occasion.

"Reflection: A simple life but close to God (Peig Sayers reflecting on her life on the Great Blasket Island).

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"It is a simple life we lived here, but nobody could say that it was comfortable.

"Often during life I have known God’s holy help, because I was often in the grip of a sorrow from which I could not escape.

"Then the need was greatest, God would lay his merciful eye upon me, and the clouds of sorrow would be gone without trace.

"In their place would be a spiritual joy whose sweetness I cannot describe here.

"We helped each other, and lived in the shelter of each other. But my life is now spent, like a candle, and my hope is rising every day that I’ll be called into the eternal kingdom.

"May God guide me on this long road I have not travelled before.

"I think that everything is folly except for loving God."

The Legion of Mary, Templemore thanked all associated with the organisation and presentation of this annual mass.

Proceedings concluded with a rousing rendition of Slievenamon lead by Canon Hayes which was so appropriate on the day that Tipperary went on to win their 29th All-Ireland title.