The Franciscan Community in Killarney has handed over a valuable church property for youth development in the town. A major part of the order's friary has been given to the Kerry Diocesan Youth Service for facilities for the youth of Killarney and the south Kerry area.
Father Michael Harris, the Guardian of the friary, said the move would not affect Mass or other services within the church and that the community, including friars and sisters, would continue to live in the complex until a smaller residence can be found for the eight community members. The decision, Father Harris added, would have an enormously positive effect on the town, and would help to tackle issues of disadvantaged youth, youth skills, training courses, and young people in difficulty. Father Ger Godley, the director of the Kerry Diocesan Youth Service, said the generosity of the friars would mean that for years to come young people in the Killarney/south Kerry area would benefit from a place dedicated to their needs. Bishop William Murphy of Kerry welcomed the Franciscans' initiative.