Con Hurley, Co-author; Fr. Kevin O'Regan, Co-PP, Bishop Fintan Gavin, Gerald O'Brien, Co-author; Michael Dwyer, Committee Chairperson. (Photo: Kathleen Whelton)
The history of Skibereen’s Cathedral is the story of its people, Bishop Fintan has said.
Bishop Fintan was speaking at the launch of a book which chronicles the church’s history over its 299 years.
“St Patrick’s Cathedral, Skibbereen 1826–2026: A History” was launched at a function in the West Cork Hotel. The large attendance included parishioners of Skibbereen and the surrounding parishes, current and former clergy of the parishes along with contributors to the book.”
Launching the book, Bishop Fintan said that while it talks about stone and stained glass, architecture and art, bishops and priests, its deepest story is really the story of people and of faith.
“For 200 years it has stood at the heart of this community. Generations have come through its doors to celebrate baptisms, first communions, confirmations and marriages. They have gathered Sunday after Sunday for Mass. They have come to pray in times of uncertainty and difficulty, to light a candle, to make the Stations of the Cross and to bring their hopes and worries before God. And they have gathered in the Cathedral in some of the most difficult moments of life to mourn and commend those they loved to God.”
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Bishop Fintan paid tribute to those responsible for the book.
“I want particularly to congratulate Con Hurley and Gerald O’Brien, the contributing editors, and Fr Kevin O’Regan, the supervising editor,” he said.
The book is on sale at the Parishes Office in North Street, Skibereen, in local bookshops and online at
At the book launch
Bishop Fintan with current priests and those who previously served the parish.
The book sellers!
