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A LIFE OF SERVICE: Fr. Jim Kennelly Retires After Over 50 Years of Ministry
After more than five decades of devoted Ministry, Fr. Jim Kennelly is retiring, bringing to a close an extraordinary era in the parishes of Boherbue and Kiskeam. From the classroom to the altar, his compassion has touched countless lives.
His retirement was marked by heartfelt celebrations: a packed thanksgiving Mass in Kiskeam on June
22nd, followed by a community gathering led by a lone piper and vintage car procession; and a special Mass in Boherbue on July 4th, where symbolic gifts were presented and parishioners gathered to share memories over a lovely community gathering in the Pearse Memorial Community Hall.
Ordained in St. Mary’s Cathedral in 1971, Fr. Kennelly began his priesthood with a year as a Curate in Kenmare, followed by eight years as Parish Priest in Ballydesmond. He later became a beloved and long-serving Parish Priest of Boherbue/Kiskeam for the last 21 years, where he ministered with compassion, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to his community
Before his full-time parish ministry, Fr. Kennelly was also a respected educator. A native of Millstreet, he taught history at St. Brendan’s College, Killarney for over two decades during the 1970s and 1980s.
In 2021, Fr. Kennelly celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his ordination, with a congregation of his family and close friends in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Boherbue. Known for his thoughtful homilies, gentle humour, and pastoral care, Fr. Kennelly became a cornerstone of parish life.
As he steps into retirement, the Boherbue and Kiskeam communities are expressing their gratitude. A retirement fund was set up in his honour, allowing parishioners and friends to contribute to a well-deserved tribute for his years of service.
Fr. Jim Kennelly’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his influence will continue to echo through the lives he has guided and the community he has helped shape.
Thank you to Noreen O’Connell, Boherbue for helping put this feature together
Kiskeam
The Sacred Heart Church in Kiskeam was packed to capacity on Sunday the 22nd of June as the people of Kiskeam celebrated a thanksgiving and farewell mass for their much loved Parish Priest, Fr. Jim Kennelly.
Mass was followed by a recitation by the local Brass Band and was then led by a lone piper as Fr. Jim was driven in a vintage car to the Community Centre where celebrations continued long into the evening.
Boherbue
A special event was held on Friday the 4th of July in The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Boherbue to celebrate the retirement of Fr Jim Kennelly. Fr. Jim Kennelly celebrated mass at the church where gifts were brought to the altar to signify many of the different aspects of Fr. Jim’s life as a priest. A prayer book was presented. Fr. Kennelly’s great devotion to the Mass and prayer was very evident throughout his Ministry. A stand out moment was during the covid pandemic when he Celebrated Mass alone for all those who took part with him on social media. A Manchester United cap was brought to the altar representing his love of many sports and his sense of humour when his favourite teams, be they Man Utd, Millstreet or Cork, win or lose. A mug was presented, representing Fr. Kennelly’s dedication to the sick, the people he visited at home, in hospitals and nursing homes. A book was brought to the altar, which signifies Fr Jim’s deep love of reading and learning as the community benefited from many of his excellent homilies when he shared great nuggets of his erudite knowledge. A symbol of a hand was presented, representing the hand of friendship and welcome which he extended to all those in need of his support. Through times of joy and sorrow, growth and loss he was there, always reminding us that God was near. Lastly, a cushion was presented, which represents Fr. Jim’s step into retirement. With it goes wishes of rest, peace and happiness. Although, we know that he still has so much to offer with his wisdom, his humour and his quiet strength that has shaped this Parish.
The local church choir performed beautifully on the evening. Parish Council Chairman, Ned Vaughan paid tributes and gave a farewell address to and thanked Fr. Kennelly for his devoted service to the people of the parish and to all the places he has served. Afterwards parishioners gathered at the Pearse Memorial Hall for a cup of tea and a chat, where people had the opportunity to wish Fr. Jim all the best in his well deserved retirement.
Discover Duhallow spoke to Fr. Jim about his time and legacy and what it meant to him.
“I’m a bit lonely leaving. I’ll miss the day to day routine, but I will still help out. I am happy though going back to Millstreet, to the town of my mother and father.
These past 50 years, It is a big change alright. I taught in St. Brendan’s in Killarney. When I first began in the priesthood, there were 168 priests in the dioceses but now there is only 38. There is a change alright.
What will do now in my spare time? Well I do love golf and I love sport in general but as I said, I am available to help when it is needed.”
Congratulations to you, Fr. Jim, from all of us here in Discover Duhallow magazine and IRD Duhallow. You deserve every accolade that comes your way. You will be missed but enjoy your time now outside of helping everyone. You deserve it!
