Carlow community gathers for annual peace mass
Representatives of the various emergency services and voluntary groups at the annual New Year's mass for peace in Carlow Cathedral Photos: Paul Curran
CARLOW Cathedral welcomed representatives from emergency services, community groups and elected officials for a special peace mass to mark the start of 2026 on Thursday 1 January.
The mass, celebrated by Bishop Dennis Nulty as part of the World Day of Prayer for Peace, brought together a broad cross section of Carlow's community in what mayor of Carlow, cllr Paul Doogue, described as “a lovely and important gathering”.
Representatives from Carlow An Gardaí Síochána, Carlow Fire and Rescue Service, Carlow Civil Defence, Carlow Order of Malta, IUNVA (the UN Veterans Association) and Carlow Town Scouts Group all attended the service, alongside cllr Doogue and cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Ken Murnane.
Following the mass, attendees enjoyed tea and biscuits at the parish centre.
Cllr Doogue praised Bishop Nulty’s sermon, saying: “He’s so clear in what he says. It’s coming from his heart.” The mayor of Carlow described the gathering as successfully bringing together various community groups and denominations, adding: “It was lovely. I suppose to me, it was a good start to the year and hopefully people will continue on in that way in the sense of people of all denominations and all groups pulling together.” Looking ahead, cllr Doogue suggested the peace-focused gatherings could be held more frequently than once a year, proposing quarterly events to maintain momentum and keep the community focused on peace.
“None of us is that important in the world that it’s going to crash if we take an hour off,” he said, emphasising the importance of taking time away from daily pressures for the reflection and personal connection the peace mass brought.
