Killarney

By Michelle Crean
<h3>For 50 years Killarney woman Rena Kennelly has been creating the life-size Christmas Crib in St Mary&#8217;s Cathedral for all to enjoy &#8211; and she&#8217;s now been rewarded for her efforts.</h3>
Rena received the highly coveted Benemerenti Medal &#8211;&nbsp; the highest honour given by&nbsp;the&nbsp;Pope&nbsp;to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Catholic Church &#8211; at a special Mass on Monday night.
It was given to her by Fr Kieran O&#8217;Brien, ADM of St Mary&#8217;s Cathedral, sanctioned by Pope Francis and the Vatican in recognition for her years of service to the Cathedral.
The annual crib is visited by parishes and visitors from all over the country every Christmas season.
On the night Rena was joined by her family and friends who helped her with her creation over the years, They included her two great-grandchildren, Roan and Ben Clifford, Shirley Clifford, Kate Kennelly O&#8217;Driscoll, Justine O&#8217;Driscoll, Jacquie O&#8217;Sullivan, Sr Rose O&#8217;Donoghue, Jason Clifford, Paula Kennelly, Ailbhne O&#8217;Driscoll, Catherine O&#8217;Driscoll, Enda O&#8217;Meara, Tadghie Fleming, Margaret Moriarty, John Joe Clifford, Mark Kennelly, Noreen Coffey and Dan O&#8217;Driscoll.

Rena receives Pope's medal for wonderful festive work

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