St Augustine's Church in Cork overflows with emotion for its last-ever Mass

There were tears as the Augustinians' 750-year history in Cork ended. But it was also a celebration of faith and good humour — including a moving rendition of 'The Banks of My Own Lovely Lee'
One member of the congregation wipes away a tear during the emotional final Mass at St Augustine’s Church in Cork. The church officially seats 1,200, but one priest estimated the congregation spilling out into Washington Stand the Grand Parade was close to 2,000. Pictures: Chani Anderson

One member of the congregation wipes away a tear during the emotional final Mass at St Augustine’s Church in Cork. The church officially seats 1,200, but one priest estimated the congregation spilling out into Washington Stand the Grand Parade was close to 2,000. Pictures: Chani Anderson

Sun, 12 Jul, 2026 - 21:09
Donal O’Keeffe

St Augustine’s Church seats 1,200, but with Sunday’s faithful literally out the doors onto Washington St and the Grand Parade for the Augustinian Order’s final Mass in Cork, one priest estimated the congregation was close to 2,000.

In his homily, Fr Paddy O'Reilly, vicar provincial of the Augustinian Order in Ireland, offered some hope, but scant details.

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