Thousands expected at Tullamore Congress mass

Up to 5,000 are expected at a special mass in Tullamore to coincide with the Eucharistic Congress event taking place in Dublin. The open air Mass has been planned for O'Connor Park in Tullamore today (Saturday) at 7.30pm, followed by a Corpus Christi procession to O'Connor Square. Sergeant Ollie Baker of Tullamore Garda Station advised motorists that O'Connor Square will be closed to traffic from 5.30pm until 11pm, with traffic disruptions expected from 9pm as the procession makes its way through the town. Fr Sean Heaney said vigil Masses in the locality have been cancelled for tomorrow evening and up to 5,000 people are expected to fill the stand at the special Mass. He also put on record his appreciation to Offaly County Board for making the stadium available for the event. Special Masses will also be held in Tullamore's Church of the Assumption at 10am for the duration of the International Eucharistic Congress, focusing on themes the main event in Dublin will also be looking at. Meanwhile, Tullamore parish is up to 20 tickets short for a special International Eucharistic Congress Mass in Croke Park on Sunday week, June 17, after a late surge in interest. Speaking to the Offaly Independent on ThursdayFr Heaney said the parish has been allocated 60 tickets for the event, but an additional 20 are now keen to attend. This year marks the 50th International Eucharistic Congress, which will be held in Dublin's RDS from Sunday next, June 10 until the following Saturday, June 16. The event that focusses on the importance of the Eucharist will be ended with a special Mass in Croke Park on June 17, attended by delegates from all over the country. It's the first time since 1932 the event has been held in Ireland. On that occasion two Tullamore men - Edward Daly and Patrick Kenaney - tragically lost their lives as a result of an accident in Leixlip on their return from the event. A plaque was unveiled to the two men last month in Leixlip. Meanwhile Fr Heaney said a memorial Mass will be held in their memory on June 24 next at 11.30am.