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05 Oct 2025
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05 Oct 2025
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Mayor McGuinness presents Fr Jim Murphy with a certificate to mark his achievements
It is a rare occasion to see Father Jim Murphy taken by surprise, but at the end of the 11.30am service on Sunday, he was caught off guard by an unexpected tribute to him.
Mayor of Kilkenny Andrew McGuinness took to the altar to acknowledge Fr Jim’s lifetime of service to the people of Kilkenny. The popular priest, who has served across several parishes in his time here, is due to retire in August.
The mayor was ostensibly present to read out a letter to the congregation from the parish priest in St Canice’s Church in Kilkenny, Minnesota (more on that next week). However, after Fr Jim invited him to the altar, Mayor McGuinness informed the congregation that there was a second reason for him to address them.
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He then read out the letter from Minnesota and following that, he proceeded to speak about Fr Jim’s great work throughout Kilkenny City and county.-1748363560223.JPEG)
“I’m sure Fr Jim is very surprised as he did not know about this. I want to, on behalf of the people of Kilkenny, acknowledge Fr Jim’s lifetime of commitment and dedication to the many parishes that he served, including Tullaherin, Bennettsbridge, Rathdowney, Clara and St Canice’s, and to thank him for his service,” said Mayor McGuinness.
“With over 50 years of service, Fr Jim has nourished every parish he has served and he has always left each parish in a better place than when he arrived.
“Many of us, myself included, have grown up knowing Fr Jim and his calm, thoughtful services will be sadly missed but we are blessed to have had him and I’m sure he will never be too far away if we need him.
INCLUSIVE AND CARING
“He is very much loved by the people of Kilkenny, particularly in St Canice’s Parish and he has always opened the church doors in a very inclusive and caring way and that is obvious when you see the affection in which he is held by his parishioners,” the mayor continued.
“I want to say a big thank you to Caroline and all of the team at St Canice’s Church who were all in on the plan and made sure it was kept a secret and of course all in attendance who waited and joined in the celebration.”
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