St Augustine's Church in Cork Overflows with Emotion for Its Last-Ever Mass

St Augustine's Church in Cork overflows with emotion for its last-ever Mass

There were tears as the Augustinians' 750-year history in Cork ended. But it was also a celebration of faith and good humour — including a moving rendition of 'The Banks of My Own Lovely Lee'

Church closes as Augustinians bring almost 800 years of service to people of Cork to an end

Decision to close Washington Street church was linked to falling vocations, but Fr Paddy O’Reilly hints at a possible future for the building

Bishop Gavin pays tribute to Friars at final Mass in Saint Augustine’s Church

The final Mass at Saint Augustine’s Church, Washington Street, Cork, was celebrated on Sunday July 12th, 2026 at 11.30am. The principal celebrant of the Mass is Father Paddy O’Reilly, Provincial of the Augustinian Order in Ireland. At the beginning of the Mass, Bishop Fintan Gavin, Bishop of Cork and Ross, offered the following words of appreciation: Today is a sad and historic day for Cork.  It marks both the closing of this much-loved church a…