The small congregation gathered for daily mass at Cork's North Cathedral this morning gave a heartfelt round of applause to their parish priest as he welcomed them back after 24 weeks.
Just under 50 mass-goers and stewards jointed Fr Damien O'Mahony for today's 10.15am mass at the city's Roman Catholic cathedral, St Mary and St Anne's.
An emotional Fr Damien told those gathered that he wished they could see the smile on his face hidden by his mask. "Its a great day of hope, a great day of joy, especially for you to be here, and for us your clergy." "It really is great to be here this morning".
It has been 135 days since a public mass has been held at the Cathedral. Among those attending the service was Frances O'Rourke, who was helping to