The long-standing tradition of mass at St Molings Well, Mullinakill, Tullogher took place last week around the hidden gem in south Kilkenny.
The tranquil site that rewards visitors with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside and remoteness makes it an ideal place to visit for those seeking a quiet place to pray or to simply sit and reflect, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
The mass saw the continuation of the ancient tradition where countless generations of people from south Kilkenny come to honour St Moling. The annual pattern mass is a yearly social event and the sun shone brightly to match the occasion.
St Moling was born in the year 614 AD in the Sliabh Luachra region of Kerry. The young Moling left Kerry to become a pupil of Maedóg (St Aidan) in Ferns, Wexford, and is also said to have spent time in the monastery founded by St Kevin in Glendalough, Wicklow.
Here he embraced the monastic life of prayer and solitude. Having completed his studies, he left to seek out a place where he could live a solitary life. The place he initially chose was close to Listerlin in Kilkenny in the Rosbercon parish.
He then moved to the Coolnahaw and Mullinakill area of the parish living as a hermit in a cave and using the well that now bears his name. The extraordinary 7th century saint went on to achieve much more in life, like becoming the Bishop of Ferns.
9. Going to receive holy communion
At Saint Moling's statue
10. Home from Surrey attending the mass was Carmel Lawlor with members of her family
Carmel came from this district of Glenpipe