Lemanaghan celebrations to mark St. Manchan's Day

The Bishop of Ardagh & Clonmacnoise, Most Rev. Paul Connell, will travel to Boher in west Offaly this Friday, January 24, for a special celebration to honour the life and legacy of St. Manchan.

As well as honouring the life of the patron saint of the area at a Mass in St. Manchan's Church at 7pm on Friday evening, Bishop Connell will also officially launch the Jubilee of Hope in the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, which is part of Pope Francis’ 2025 worldwide celebration themed “Pilgrims of Hope.”

Central to Friday's celebrations will be the 12th century Shrine of St. Manchan, one of Ireland’s most treasured medieval relics, displayed in Boher Church. Pilgrimage remains alive in Lemanaghan, where the historic Slí Mór path traverses the wetlands and bogs, connecting the parish to Clonmacnoise.

The special evening of celebration continues at 9:30pm with a social night in Gussies, featuring live music by' Drink Related' and a raffle by the Lemanaghan Bog Heritage & Conservation Group.

This special day is a call to honour the past, embrace hope, and preserve the sacred heritage of Lemanaghan for generations to come, and all locals are asked to join this unique celebration of faith, history, and community.