http://www.YoughalOnline.com - The Oldest Corpus Christi Procession in Ireland
Youghal, Co. Cork 14th June 2009.

The oldest Corpus Christi Procession in Ireland took place on Sunday 14th June 2009 with very large crowds marching through the streets of Youghal in the glorious sunshine. The procession started way back in 1898 and has continued ever since.

Fr. Patrick Winkle carries the monstrance with the Consecrated Host for the adoration of the people through the streets of Youghal flanked by Canopy Bearers, Canon Tom Browne P.P., Fr. Bernard Cotter S.M.A. and members of the 34th Reserve Defence Force.

Fr. Bernard Cotter SMA (Native of Youghal) confirmed the facts about the origin and date of the first Eucharist Procession in Youghal excerpts read as follows I have succeeded in locating an article in my files about Dean Keller, a former Parish Priest of Youghal. He was the person who obtained Papal permission for the holding of the first Corpus Christi Procession in our hometown. That was in the year 1898.

Dean Keller visited Italy in 1896, for the beatification of Blessed Thadeus McCarthy. It was during that visit that Dean Keller was received in audience by the Pope and received the permission to hold the Eucharistic Procession. On his return from Rome it would have taken him some time to organise the event. Hence it was 1898 before they were ready to process.

In 1998 as I have verified from an old diary-I was given the privilege of carrying the Monstrance in that Centenary Procession, as our then Parish Priest, Dean Thornhill, thought it would be good for a local priest to do the necessary. Enclosed herewith is a copy of an article that appeared in Irelands Own magazine which you might find of interest

[Excerpt from relevant article in Irelands Own magazine (Nov. 172006) on Monsignor Daniel Keller, The Peoples Priest by Maurice Aherne]..In September 1896, he accompanied a party of Bishops and Priests to Ivrea, Turin, for the beatification of a former Bishop of Cloyne- Thadeus McCarthy. Whilst there he sought, and was granted, an audience with Pope Leo XIII, who had condemned the Plan of Campaign. He left an enlightened Pope with a Special Papal Blessing for The Plan of Campaign stalwart, Maurice Doyle, who had spent seven months in jail for his beliefs. That was not all he brought back from Rome. He also obtained Papal permission to hold the Eucharist Procession in Youghal on Corpus Christi and the very first one ever held in Ireland was held in Youghal.

Video Footage: Kieran McCarthy & Michael Hussey
Editing: Kieran McCarthy
Audio: Community Radio Youghal (less info)