Tipperary County Council Chairman Mattie Ryan saw off the group of walkers, which included Bishop Fintan Monahan and Fr Des Hillery, PP, Nenagh, at St Mary of the Rosary Church. Photograph: Bridget Delaney

Nenagh walkers on pilgrimage to see the Pope

A group of Nenagh walkers set off last week on a 220km pilgrimage to the Phoenix Park to see Pope Francis.


The group of about 20 walkers were accompanied by Bishop Fintan Monahan on the first day of their 11-day walk. They've been visiting several holy sites on the way to Dublin, including Lorrha, Portumna, Meelick and Shannon Harbour, before joining the Grand Canal toe path for the trek to Inchicore, Dublin.

They trekked along the Grand Canal on Wednesday to Roberstown, and on to Hazel Hatch on Thursday.


On Friday, the group hikes on to Inchicore and on the following morning the pilgrims leave the Grand Canal toe path at Inchicore and walk to the Phoenix Park for Mass with Pope Francis.


As the walkers travel along these ancient pathways and byroads, connected with their Christian heritage, they will have lots of time as they travel to ponder their own journey in life and connect deep within themselves to that place of all goodness, kindness and love. They will then share in the delight and joy of being part of such a joyous journey in celebrating their own life, and their Christianity, on the occasion of Pope Francis' visit to Ireland.


Anyone wanting to join the walk at any stage or find out further details can contact Donal Mackey, 087-2761442.