COMMUNITY NEWS
ARAGLIN
Contact Bridget Leddy by email on bleddy@avondhupress.ie
SCOIL MHUIRE, ARAGLIN
A huge welcome back to the teachers and pupils (Junior classes) at Scoil Mhuire. Here’s hoping that in a week or two, the senior classes will be joining you. Parents please adhere to the guidelines. Do the right thing to help stop the spread of Covid, so that our children can remain in school. Wear a mask when dropping and collecting and as advised, no congregating at school gates. Here’s hoping for a safe return for everybody.
REFLECTION FOR LENT - THE THREE R’S
Canon Leahy has asked us to focus on the ‘Three R’s’ during Lent. He encourages us to Read a passage from the Bible daily, then Reflect on this passage and finally, Respond to what we have read. There is also a Lenten devotion every Sunday evening at 7.30pm on Donal Leahy’s Facebook page.
MEDJUGORJE PRAYER GROUP MEETING AND ARAGLIN STATION MASS
Medjugorje Prayer Group meeting this Thursday at 8.00pm. The Station Mass for the Araglin station areas will be celebrated on Monday, 8th March at 7.30pm by Canon Donal Leahy and will be streamed live on his Facebook page. The Station areas covered in this Mass will be Gortnaskehy Upper and Lower, Lyre and Crinnaughtane, Lyrebarry, Billeragh and Lyreen.
You are encouraged to join in and pray together for the intentions of the Station area. Any outstanding Station money can be dropped via the letter box of the parochial house. The final Station Mass is the following Monday evening, March 15th. More details next week. NEW BABY
Congratulations to Louise and Paudie on the birth of their baby girl, Emily.
SAVE THE DATE
Darkness into Light 2021 online event Saturday, 8th May.
BLACKWATER SUB AQUA SEARCH AND RESCUE
In recent times we have seen first hand the wonderful work carried out by the Blackwater Search and Rescue. For those of us not familiar with this group, can I brief you by saying that they have just over thirty members who give of their time voluntarily as part of the search unit. In a recent search, some of the divers logged close to 15 hours underwater in a stretch of the Blackwater that’s a maze of overhanging trees and snags of all sorts. But it did not deter them in their search. Their commitment as part of the Search and Rescue team must be applauded.
They have been in operation since 1981 and they now find themselves strapped for funds as a result of the pandemic, as all their usual fundraisers are put on hold. The unit is now launching a new fundraising initiative, the Blackwater Swim Challenge, where divers within the club plan to attempt swimming the equivalent of the length of the River Blackwater and hope to do so in small groups, when restrictions allow.
While planning for the new fundraiser is still in the early stages, an iDonate button has been set up on the club’s Facebook page and further details of the fundraiser are soon to be announced. Remember, this a voluntary organisation and the work they do is incredible. More details to follow.
ARAGLIN’S HELPING HAND
As before, Bridget or Mike Kay represent a group of people in our area who are there to help you during this current pandemic. Please keep their numbers close at hand - (058) 50982, (087) 7695066.
MASS TIMES
Currently Mass has been suspended due to Covid-19, but Masses are streamed live on Donal Leahy’s Facebook page.
However, the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Araglin is open for private prayer. The usual drill applies and please follow the Government and public health guidelines.
PRAYER IN THIS TIME OF PANDEMIC
Lord Jesus, you heal the sick and support the bereaved. We pray that Covid-19, which has affected so many in our world can be contained, controlled and cured. We lift up to your mercy all those who are ill, all those working hard to study and cure this illness and all health care professionals and emergency management teams that are working day and night to keep us safe. Help us Lord to trust in your merciful care. Amen.
WEEKLY NOTES
Please send your photos, announcements, congratulations/condolences or any stories to bleddy@avondhupress.ie before Sunday night for inclusion in The Avondhu’s community notes pages, giving our community the best exposure possible.
BALLINVREENA INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
We would like to wish all ladies near and far, a day of happiness and goodwill on Monday, 8th March - International Women’s Day.
BALINVREENA SOCIAL CLUB
We are asking all members to send on some of their crafts in purple for a display outside Ballinvreena Hall on Monday to mark International Women’s Day. Anything you would like to put in, a photo, art, knitting, crochet, flowers, etc - these are just some ideas. Also, Balinvreena Ladies Club will also be asking their members.
GET WELL WISHES
We would like to wish all sick at home or in hospital a speedy recovery.
BIRTHDAY WISHES
Wishing everyone celebrating their birthday this week a peaceful, happy birthday.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Sending all kids returning back to school best wishes and hope all goes well for ye!
BALLYDUFF UPPER
Contact Denise Walsh on 087-2273737 or email ballyduffuppernews@gmail.com by Sunday night each week
LOTTO
The numbers drawn on 23rd February were 1, 8, 12 and 16. There was no winner. The lucky €30 draw winners were: Richie Walsh, Gretta Kearney, Kieran Bolger and Agnes O’Donoghue.
Results from the draw on 2nd March, with a jackpot of €10,050, will be given next week.
With level 5 restrictions, there are no offline ticket sales. To purchase online, search for Clubforce, register and search for Ballyduff Upper GAA or download the Clubforce app, create an account and search for Ballyduff GAA. Further details on Ballyduff Upper GAA notes elsewhere in The Avondhu.
COVID COMMUNITY RESPONSE
The Ballyduff Covid Response Group is still in operation. If you are in need of someone to do a post office run, shopping or simply just someone to chat to, please do not hesitate to call one of our volunteers below.
Gobnait Branagh 087-6151329, Mag Cashell 087-6693702, Lesley Fennessy 087-2114005, Siobhán Flynn 087-2277120, John Jackson 087-9833905, Colette Martin 087-8515617, Kay McCarthy 086-8564661, Tom Moroney 086-3175405, Agnes O’Donoghue 086-3384385, Denise Walsh 087-2273737.
Also, the Waterford Community Helpline is freephone 1800 250 185 or text 087 3613008.
CONDOLENCES
The Ballyduff community express their condolences to the family of Ken Keating. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Go your own path before instructing others on theirs.
NEWS FOR INCLUSION
Thank you to all who contributed this week. To keep this notice page topical, then everyone’s help is needed. If you have any photos, announcements, congratulations or condolences and stories you would like to be included, please contact Denise at ballyduffuppernews@ gmail.com or 087-2273737 by 9pm Sunday night weekly.
BALLYLANDERS
Contact Jim Hickey on 086-8564458 or email jimmy.hickey@outlook.ie GLENBROHANE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION WALK - THANK YOU
On Monday, December 21st, 2020, Glenbrohane Community Association organised a walk up Slíabh Ríadh and a 5km walk around The Glen. Both walks were very successful and a total of €400 was raised for Rise4Daithi. Many thanks to all who supported this event and we wish Daithi and the fundraising committee every success in 2021.
The next walk in Glenbrohane (depending on the Covid-19 restrictions at this time) will take place on Monday, 21st June 2021, the summer solstice walk up Slíabh Riadh. So a date for your summer diary folks.
LADIES FOOTBALL ‘SPLIT THE POT’ DRAW
Result from Saturday, 27th February. Congratulations to winner Marie Williams, jackpot €152. Next draw Saturday, 13th March. Draw takes place every fortnight on Saturdays at 10pm. Thank you for your continued support.
GAA CLUB FORTNIGHTLY LOTTO
Next draw on Saturday, 6th March, jackpot €6,400. Thank you for your continued support.
ANNIVERSARY
Kitty Downey, Spittle; Gerry Hoare, Ballylanders; Johanne Russell, Knocklong Road.
MONTH’S MIND MASS
Month’s mind for John Morey, Spittle - Wednesday 10am Mass. This Mass will begin with a reflection on station two and three of the Stations of the Cross.
ONLINE MASSES
Each Wednesday at 10am via Facebook. Before each Mass we will reflect on two Stations of the Cross. This week Mass will begin with a reflection on station two and three.
Also at 10am, Sunday Mass via Facebook.
A PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH
The following prayer was composed by Father Kevin O’Gorman SMA.
God, our heavenly Father, grant us the fortitude of Christ your Son to face the Covid 19 Crisis with trust patience, and compassion.
Give us the grace of the Holy Spirit to free
us from fear and look forward together
to
the future with healing and hope. Through the intercession of Saint Joseph,
the guardian of Jesus, and Mary His mother and Mother of the Church, may we be guided through this time of peril. Preserve us in peace; protect the vulnerable; keep safe our health care workers and all who serve society, at home and abroad.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
TRÓCAIRE BOXES
Trócaire boxes are available in the church porch. Please be as generous as you can. This year Trócaire focuses on Sudan.
CATHOLIC GRANDPARENTS ASSOCIATION
You are invited to join us for Mass (via the webcam) on churchcamlive.ie/ cashel on the second Tuesday of each month at 10.30am. After Mass, we pray the Rosary and include the Prayers of the Catholic Grandparents Association. If you would like to include an intention in this Mass, please send it to cashelparish@gmail.com.
The theme of each Mass is to keep prayer at the heart of family life and to pass on the faith to the next generations. Please join us on March 9th. Fr. Enda Brady, Munster Province Chaplain.
DEFIBRILLATOR UPGRADE
Work continues towards replacing the defibrillator and the storage box in the village. The new defibrillator will be charged off the mains electricity. The cost is approximately €2,650, including VAT.
A GoFundMe page (https://gf.me/u/ yvxpjs) had been set up for the replacement of the defibrillator. If you have any fundraising ideas or would like to help with this initiative please do not hesitate to contact the committee on 0876647670. Thank you.
BALLYLOOBY/ DUHILL
Contact your local correspondent by email catherinemolo@hotmail.com
VIRTUAL WALK FOR SEMRA (SOUTH EAST MOUNTAIN RESCUE ASSOCIATION)
Rhododendron Walking Festival in association with Siúl Eile, are organising a virtual walking fundraiser for SEMRA this Easter weekend. This is a very worthy fundraiser, as volunteers are on call 24/7, 365 days a year. www.gofundme.com/f/ step-up-for-semra #stepupforsemra
SYMPATHY
The death occurred of Sister Assumpta Burke, Sisters St John of God Waterford and late of Roosca. We extend our sympathy to her sister Kitty Keating (nee Burke), Tubrid, her brother Phil, nephews, nieces, sisters in the congregation of St John of God. A private family funeral Mass was held in St Kieran’s Church, Ballylooby last Sunday, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
The death occurred also of Mrs Mary Tobin, late of Rehill Corner, Ballylooby. Mary was predeceased by her husband Jim and daughters Honora and Siobhan. Mary is mother of David, Patrick, Mary, Seamus, Maurice, John and Mag, sister Joan, and will be sadly missed by her family and sister-in-law Nellie, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nephew, niece, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, relatives and friends. A private family funeral took place in Ballylooby in accordance with Government guidelines.
May they rest in peace.
LOCAL COMMUNITY ALERT GROUP
Our local Community Alert group are willing to lend a hand to those who might find it difficult to get their supplies during this pandemic - text alert group 0866044886, the local community Garda can be contacted at (052) 744 5630.
BURNCOURT
Contact Breeda Fitzgerald on 087-6967661 or email breedafitzgerald@gmail.com
BURNCOURT COMMUNITY COUNCIL - NEW PROJECT
Burncourt Community Council (BCC) is reaching out to the people of the community to provide financial assistance with a project currently being undertaken by the committee, intended to be of benefit to all.
A major element of the work of BCC is the provision and upkeep of the Community Hall working on an ongoing basis with the community and the surrounding area, the school, clubs and organisations. The hall has and will continue post pandemic to provide for card games, dancing classes, keep fit, chair yoga, flower club, parent and toddler group and others besides.
At various times of the year, Burncourt is the social hub with festival events, a Hallowe’en party, drama productions, the Christmas community party and of course ‘The Big Breakfast’.
BCC also endeavours to support different charities by fundraising and to provide some comfort to those bereaved with the funeral tea. A lending policy is also in place to assist with the loan of tables, etc when required.
The Community Hall is not just for now. It will be there as a place to be enjoyed by all the young families and those who have recently opted to make their homes in the area
With the ongoing pandemic, all income to BCC has stopped, yet utility bills have to be met. However, BCC is looking forward to improving what is already a highly regarded facility.
Plans are in place to create a covered outdoor area at the rear of the Community Hall to cater for events that are unsuitable for indoors. There are many possible uses for this structure - outdoor concerts, drama productions, summertime entertainment, children’s events and as an overflow space for times such as The Big Breakfast and funeral teas. Other possible suggestions for use are most welcome.
We need your support to see this project through. All donations, regardless of how small, will be most appreciated. Donations can be made by the following ways:
Lodgement to Burncourt Community Council CLG bank account: IBAN: IE06 AIBK 9361 6210 3952 66 (BIC: AIBKIE2D); Return your donation to Maureen Creed, Breeda Fitzgerald, Margaret Fox,
Siobhan Hurley, Willie Walsh, Mags Carroll, Shelly Caplice, Shane Fox or Seán Fitzgerald.
Please join us! With your donation, we’re one step closer to moving forward.
SYMPATHY
Our sympathy to the family of Mary Tobin who passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at St Theresa’s Hospital, Clogheen. Our deepest condolences to her sons and daughters David, Patrick, Mary, Seamus, Maurice, John and Mag, sister Joan, sister in-law Nellie, sons in-law, daughters in-law, nephew, niece, grandchildren and great grandchildren, extended family, neighbours, relatives and friends. A dear lady and mother, Mary will be greatly missed. May Mary’s gentle soul rest in the comfort of God’s Heavenly Kingdom.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
In all your old caterpillar desiring, In the hunger at the core of your being, The promise of butterfly
If you would but surrender
To the call
Of the cocoon.
If you would know, even for a day,
The wonder of wings
The freedom of flight.
- Brother Richard Hendrick
CAPPOQUIN
Cappoquin Community Centre (058) 52746, Facebook is Cappoquin Community centre and email: cappcomdev@gmail.com
CHILDCARE FACILITY
Pre-school is re-opening March 8th - the creche continues to be open for essential workers. The creche will re-open for all children on March 29th. Bookings now been taken for pre-school 2021. Spaces are filling up fast! A limited number of places are available in the baby room/toddler room
Bookings also being taken for the afterschool service 2021. Bus picks up children from the local school at 1.45 and 2.45. A hot snack is provided daily. Supervision of homework, with various activities daily. Please contact the service on 058 52746 or e-mail Cappoquinchildcare1@gmail.com for more info! We are looking forward to seeing you all very soon. Stay safe and well.
PAINTING INITIATIVE 2021
Cappoquin Community Development Company is delighted to announce that the painting initiative for the facades of premises in the town is now open. Since the start of this initiative, we have paid a painting grant for thirty properties throughout the town. This is a reminder to house owners to submit your expression of interest for this painting grant of up to €300. Premises on the Main Street are currently excluded as they are being
included in the Council scheme under the Village and Urban Programme, works for which are to start shortly.
If you wish to avail of the company’s painting initiative, please drop an envelope with your name and address in the letter box at the community centre and we will post you out an application form with the details required. There are 8 grants available and the first 8 submitted will receive the painting initiative payment.
GYM AND HALL CLOSED
Cappoquin Community Centre Gym and Hall are currently closed due to level 5 restrictions. We will keep everyone updated as we receive advice from the relevant authorities.
GLENROE/ BALLYORGAN
Contact Nicola Dennehy on 086-8275944 or email nicolajdennehy@gmail.com
GLENROE TIDY TOWNS
Spring is in the air and soon sowing of wildflower seed, planting native plants and hedging will be undertaken on Spittle Road, on both sides of the road where the open drains were closed over last autumn. Work on erecting the painted windows and door for the ‘ cottage’ at Darragh is also due to be undertaken.
TLC is holding their 6th clean up on Good Friday in compliance with Covid restrictions. Let’s surpass our positive experience last year with families cleaning near their homes and sending their photo in for inclusion in the GBCC online page.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
On 8th March, Ballyhoura Development will host an online celebration to mark International Women’s Day.
Ballyhoura Development is inviting all women to join this virtual celebration of women who have made huge contributions during the Covid-19 pandemic, to help promote mental health and positivity in Limerick and Cork.
Enjoy mindfulness, beauty and holistic sessions, while listening to positive inspiring stories from phenomenal women. Guest speakers will include: Nikki Bradley, an adapted adventurer and motivational speaker; Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, the Mayor of County Cork; Mary Fitzgerald, proprietor of Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel and Spa; Katie Sheehan, producers at Spin South West; Nicola Dennehy, life coach and proprietor of An Tobar Wellness Centre.
For more information check out the Ballyhoura Facebook page or contact lmoloney@ballyhoura.org
GLENROE-BALLYORGAN PARISH
Mass continues to be live streamed from St. Andrew’s Church, Kilfinane. The weekly link is available from the Community Council.
GLENROE GAA LOTTO
There was no winner of the lotto draw on February 25th. The numbers drawn were 3, 6, 8, 19. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners: Jim O’Connell, Ann Flynn, Ned Sheehy, Paddy Coffey, Kathleen Mulvey and Marie Russell. The next draw will take place on Thursday, 11th March for a jackpot of €8,600. Tickets from usual sellers or play online at https://www.glenroegaa.com/club-lotto.html
WALKING TRACK
The walking track remains open for walkers from within a 5km radius of the club. We would ask that all walkers, please walk in a clockwise direction around the pitch and maintain 2m distance between youself and any other walkers.
NOTES
If you have a notice that you would like to have included in these notes, e-mail nicolajdennehy@gmail.com by 8pm Sunday.
KILFINANE Contact Hugh Murphy on 087-6799064 or email hughmurphy70@gmail.com CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations are extended to local girl, Niamh Kelleher and her boyfriend, Jack Cakehead from La Rochelle, France are to become the new caretakers on the Great Blasket Island which has attracted thousands of applicants since it opened as a remote tourist destination The couple met in Bourg Saint Maurice in France when both were on their second winter season there, when Niamh was working as a nanny and Jack was working as a delivery driver. They applied for and were successful in being awarded the very coveted positions of caretakers of The Blasket Islands for summer 2021.
Over 40,000 applied for the positions, so it was a great achievement to be selected and best of luck. There are no permanent residents on the island, which was deserted in the 1950s because emergency services were unable to reach it in storms.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
International Women’s Day will be celebrated on Monday, March 8th. We want to celebrate all the women in Kilfinane on this day and acknowledge all the work that they do. Kilfinane is challenging everyone to light up their buildings, windows or just wear purple on the day. You can draw a picture with your children or you can hang a purple balloon on your front door. On the day, you can post your picture on social media and include the hashtags #IWD2021 #ChooseToChallenge #Ballyhoura
Ballyhoura Development will create a collage from all the photos received and share the photos across the region with you. We cannot meet up to celebrate this day but you can help in spreading the positivity. For more information please contact Marie O’Connor on 087-6958514 or send a message to Kilfinane Community Council online.
ST ANDREW’S CHURCH MASS
Sunday morning Mass at 11am in St Andrew’s Church will continue to be streamed, the church will remain open daily for people to visit for private prayer from 10am to 4pm.
ANNIVERSARIES
Anniversaries at this time: James O’Leary (Laurencetown), Jimmy O’Connor (High Street), Richard Fitzgerald (Chapel Street), Ned Moloney (Ballinanima), Eamon O’Donnell (Glenbrohane) and Derilla Hanley (Glenroe), Liam and Josephine Galvin (Moorestown), May and Paddy Murphy (West End), Ellen O’Donoghue (Ballinanima).
REMEMBRANCES
Michael O’Donoghue (Bosnetstown), Josephine Fitzgerald (nee O’Keeffe - Vale View), Jim Moloney (Glenroe), Josie Galvin (Moorestown), Mary Carmel Murphy (nee Barrett - Newbridge and late of West End), Maureen Magner (Mount Russell) who died on Friday, 26th February.
Parish priest is Rev. Fr Michael O’Shea - 063-91016 or 087-9791432.
SINCERE SYMPATHY
Sincere sympathy is extended to the Magner family (Mount Russell), on the death of Maureen Magner (nee O’Sullivan) who died peacefully at University Hospital Limerick on Friday, 26th February. Adored wife of Bill, devoted mother of Donal, Joanne, Liam, Mary and Elaine, she was beloved grandmother to her 13 wonderful grandchildren.
Maureen was laid to rest in the Hill Cemetery, Ardpatrick on Sunday last, 28th February after a private requiem Mass was celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church, Ardpatrick. Her passing is deeply regretted by her brothers and sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces, extended family, great neighbours and a wide circle of friends. May she rest in peace.
BIRTHDAY GREETINGS
Congratulations and best wishes are extended to those who celebrate their birthday at this time: Anthony Kelly (Mortalstown) on Saturday, 20th February; Conor O’Brien (Lower Main Street) on Sunday, 21st February; Jack Clancy (Radharc an Strathain) on Tuesday, 23rd February; Michaela McAuliffe (Ballyroe Upper) on Thursday, 25th February; Shirley Fitzgerald (Ballinanima) and John O’Sullivan (West End) on Sunday, 28th February; Mark O’Sullivan (Garrynlease), Seamus Ryan (Laurencetown) and Fr. Michael Hanley (Glendove) on Monday, 1st March; Liam O’Brien (Vale View) on Tuesday, 2nd March.
‘HOMEFIRES’ EDITION
This year a special virtual edition of the HearSay Festival will take place from April 22-25. The online event will be known as ‘HearSay HomeFires’
KEEP IT LOCAL
In these times of level 5 lockdown, remember to shop local and support local business. Respect social distance and stay at home as much as possible. As restrictions are now extended to Friday, March 5. We are all in this together, a big thank you to management and staff in the local businesses outlets who are so helpful in these times, and indeed our local newspapers for publishing the local news items weekly.
GET WELL WISHES
Sincere good wishes are extended for a speedy recovery to those from Kilfinane and surrounding area who are in hospital at this time, and to those ill at home or in a nursing home.
KILLAVULLEN
Contact your local correspondent by email killavullennews@gmail.com
SPRING HAS SPRUNG!
The daffodils are timidly appearing around our community. New buds are awakening on the trees. The blossoms are unfolding. Cows and cattle are grazing. Birds are chirping, thanking us for feeding them over the harsh months. They are busy building nests.
Mother Nature is beginning to shed her winter dress and starting the makeover process from winter to spring. There is a new crispness in the air, morning fog gives way to sunnier afternoons. The rain that falls suddenly has a new purpose, to nourish. It even smells different to winter rain. There is a hint of brighter days to come. Extended daylight is beckoning us to come outside and enjoy a few more minutes each day, which gradually becomes an hour and then some with it. The world is calling us, urging us to get out, watch and enjoy new life and new beginnings. Leave troubles and worries behind.
Enjoy nature’s raw splendour. Walk. Dig. Weed. Plant. Sow. If that isn’t for you, sit out and allow the sunshine warm your face. Enjoy the warmth of tea or coffee outside. Read. Write. Ring a friend. Draw. Sing. Snooze. Listen. Enjoy life a little more. Allow the rejuvenations to motivate yourself to do something you enjoy. It is a privilege to be alive, to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.
Last Monday saw the reopening of our two parish schools for juniors, seniors and 1st and 2nd classes. The sights and sounds of children making their way to school and playing, seeing cars doing drop-offs and collections is a sign of great hope for us all for better days to come. Best wishes to the children and to the dedicated staff of Ballygown NS and Killavullen NS for a safe and healthy return to school. All going well on a national basis, the rest of the children will be returning to school on March 15th.
Leaving Cert students have also returned to school. We wish them and their teachers every good wish for their remaining weeks at school.
BALLYGOWN AND KILLAVULLEN NS
Enrolments for new pupils are now being accepted at Ballygown and Killavullen National Schools. For further information visit www.killavullenns.ie or www.ballygown.ie and click on the ‘Admissions’ tab for more information.
LADIES CLUB ARE ASKING FOR YOUR HELP
If you do your shopping in Lidl you can download their Plus app to your phone and take part in their new campaign which may secure a new set of jerseys for our girls. Anytime you spend €30 or more and scan the app you will get a digital stamp. Once you have 6 stamps you can submit them and select Killavullen as the club you wish to support. It would be a great help to the club and a new set of jerseys would be a great saving on expenditure in the year ahead.
This is a great way to encourage support from family and friends who are not even in the area, a way of connecting in a time when we are apart. Go raibh maith agaibh.
PILOT PROJECT
Cork North Garda Division have been selected to take part in a pilot project to help those in isolation to get in touch with family, etc. Gardai have access to a tablet and can go to your home and set up a chat with family/friends. If you, or anybody you know, may benefit from this scheme please contact Mallow Garda Station 022-31450 and they will be more than happy to help.
CASH AT HOME
Thieves and burglars love nothing better than cash. It is therefore important
to observe the following: Do not keep large amounts of cash in your home. Use banks, building societies, credit unions, post offices, etc. Mallow Credit Union and the post office in Castletownroche are open 6 days a week for you to lodge or withdraw money as you need it. Keep all credit/debit cards in a secure location as well as financial statements, records etc. Out-of-date cards should be destroyed. When out and about, avoid carrying large sums of money.
SCAMS
Be alert to con artists. Don’t fall for anything that sounds too good to be true. Do not give out personal information over the phone unless you know whom you are talking to.
This also applies to internet communication. Do not give out your credit/ debit card, bank account, Social Welfare numbers, etc. to anyone over the phone, unless it is a trusted transaction e.g. grocery shopping in a local shop, prepaying at a pharmacy, etc. Do not leave old and no longer relevant financial statements lying around. Be wary of bogus trades people calling to your door and advising you that your roof needs to be repaired, gutters are blocked and need to be cleared, trees need to be felled, etc.
HOME SECURITY
Fit a door viewer and a door chain/ limiter. These will allow you to safely check callers and retain control over security. Front and rear doors and windows should be kept locked day and night. Keep a list of emergency numbers that you can refer to quickly, if required, e.g. family, neighbours, gardaí, medical or fire service. Keep a ‘Personal Information Pack’ on your fridge (Age Action Ireland, tel: 01-4756989 for further information). Keep your postcode near your phone and also make sure your family or close contacts know it, in case of emergency.
LATE LATE SHOW ST PATRICK’S DAY SHOW
Ryan Tubridy and the show are looking for Irish people abroad to take part in this year’s extraordinary Late Late Show St Patrick’s Day Special which will air on Wednesday, March 17th.
They are calling on the Irish abroad to take part virtually. All you need to do is to go to rte.ie and find Late Late Show and apply. It might be a lovely surprise for some locals or indeed your own family if you share this information with your family and friends who are abroad. It would be lovely to see some familiar faces and voices in our homes.
MASS
Mass is broadcast live every day at RTE NewsNow TV at 10.30am. On every second Sunday, Mass is broadcast at 11am on RTE One TV; on the other Sunday it is found on RTE NewsNow at 2.15pm. The readings of the day are found at the parish website: www.killavullenparish.ie
PARISH OFFICE
The parish office at Ballygriffin is open. The weekly newsletter, together with other ideas for prayer and spirituality, are e-mailed to parishioners each week. If you know of someone who would like to be added to the email database please contact parishofkillavullen@ gmail.com.
I WANDERED LONELY AS A CLOUD
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the Milky Way, They stretched in never-ending line Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance, Tossing their heads in sprightly dance. The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee: A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed - and gazed - but little thought What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils. By William Wordsworth
KILWORTH SWEEPER
The Council sweeper was a very welcome sight around the area last week as it gave many of the kerbsides a much needed clean-up. As well as keeping weeds down, it also helps to keep the debris from blocking the drains. Having said that, some of the drains could do with a clean-out also.
FIRST DATES
A Kilworth native will feature on next Thursday night’s ‘First Dates’ on RTE 1 after the 9 o’clock news. Denis Hynes who grew up in Glenseskin (Pound Lane), the son of the local taxi driver Billy Hynes, now lives in Newbridge, Co Kildare. Let’s tune in and see how he fares.
CONDOLENCES
We extend sincere sympathy to the family of the late Rodger O’Halloran, Monty’s Meadow, Conna and formerly of Kilworth, who died suddenly on Sunday.
CHURCH NOTICES
A Medjugorje Prayer Group meeting will be held on this Thursday night at 8.00pm in the Parochial House, Kilworth.
Lenten devotions at 7.30pm on this Sunday evening, please join on Facebook.
The Station Mass for the Araglin station areas will be celebrated on Monday night at 7.30pm and will be streamed live on his Facebook page.
Any outstanding Station money can be dropped via the letter box of the parochial house. The final Station Mass is the following Monday night (15th).
Masses continue on-line on Canon Donal Leahy’s Facebook page at 10am weekdays, 7.30pm Saturday and 11.30am Sunday. The church is open daily for private prayer until 4pm - please observe the guidelines.
TROCAIRE BOXES
Trocaire boxes are available in the church. Please pick one up and think of those suffering terribly from the brutality of the war in South Sudan.
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY
Apart from a hiatus of approximately twenty years from the mid 1960s, the sport of handball has been played in Kilworth, dating back to at least the late 1900s. The original alley which can still be seen at the top of the village (opposite what was O’Flynn’s shop), had just the standard three walls and it wasn’t until the late 1940s or early ‘50s that a restructuring of the alley saw the walls raised by an extra seven or eight feet, a back wall added and a viewing gallery installed. The following lines by Junior Griffin, Listowel are very apt:
When school was o’er, our hearts would soar,
At meals we would not dally, With homework done, to seek our fun,
We’d wander to the alley.
To toss that ball against the wall, And combat every rally,
With pouring sweat we’d play ‘til death
Those games within our alley.
If we found it difficult to get a game there, that didn’t stop us as we made the wall of ‘the old barracks’ at the end of Pound Lane (where Tom Halloran’s house now stands), our very own ‘alley’.
My lasting recollection of the alley was when I was around 12 years of age. Having been sent for ‘ the messages’ to (O’)Flynn’s shop where Paddy Breen and Mickey (O’)Sullivan worked, the shouts of excitement inside the alley attracted me and, peeping in the door to see the ‘goings on’, I saw a few lads playing the game - but with hurleys. Sean Sweeney is the only one I can recall. Whoever I was with, pushed me into the alley just as one of the players swung his hurley, catching me just above my right eye.
With blood gushing out of me, someone took me to ‘Eily the Nurse’ (Eily Lomasney who later married Sgt Meighan). Eily and her aunt (better known in the village as ‘ Auntie’), lived just above Cotter’s pub (also a grocery at the time). ‘ Auntie’ attended the wound, giving me the unwelcome trophy of three stitches. She was brilliant at her job, her services often called upon during or after a match in the park.
Handball alleys all over the country would have been built by voluntary labour and the Kilworth alley opposite Flynn’s shop was probably no exception. I would imagine it got a new lease of life when the GAA launched its first handball championships in 1923. This was a catalyst that resulted in the construction of purpose-built handball alleys all over the country. (Part 2 next week)
TALLOW
Contact 058-56445 or email info@tallowenterprise.ie
THE CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, TALLOW
For obvious reasons, our church remains closed for services for the time being. However, both the church and the adjoining cemetery are open during the day for private prayer and reflection. All are welcome and are requested to follow the public health guidelines.
Both weekend Masses are now live streamed and can be viewed on the following link - http://churchcam.mts.ie/ talow/ or tune in on radio at 104fm
Mass times as follows: 6.30pm on Saturdays and 9am on Sundays. 9am Mass will be celebrated on St. Patrick’s Day.
SOME HISTORY
For maintenance purposes, we recently had a ramble through the upper echelons of our church, it’s interesting to note the various stages in which it was constructed.
The main church was constructed in 1826. It was then renovated in 1868 with a single bay three–stage tower added to the south. This is the area at the top of the tower where the bell is situated, marked 1892.
It was renovated again pre-1999 - pitched slate roofs on a T-shaped plan (continuing into half-polygonal section to apse: pitched to sacristy) with decorative red clay ridge tiles, cut-stone cross finials to the apexes.
The late John Delaney, who lived in the Old Road, was the person who oversaw and worked on this latest project circa 1970. A true artisan of his trade and no doubt it is good for another few hundred years or more thanks to his work.
The gateway to the south, with its pair of sandstone ashlar panelled hexagonal pillars, was added circa 1868.
Inscription cast on bell reads: ‘1982 M. Byrne Fountain Head Bell Foundry James St., Dublin; Sancta Maria, Immaculata Conceptionis Ora Pro Me; Jacobus Prendergast Parochus De Tallow’
Rev Fr. Denis O’Donnell was parish priest in Tallow from 1812 until his death in 1830 at the age of 55. He was responsible for overseeing the building of the church. He is buried within the church, underneath the side altar, at the right hand side facing the main altar.
Rev Fr James Prendergast (whose name is cast on the bell) was parish priest from 1866 until 1902. He is laid to rest in front of the main altar within the church.
A beautiful detailed book was produced locally in 2010 depicting the various parts of the church and their history. Six hundred copies were produced and it sold out, many making their way overseas to the four corners of the globe to family members who emigrated many moons ago. Sadly, there are no available copies for purchase, but copies can be found in the county libraries including our own library here in Tallow.
CONDOLENCE
St. Joseph’s Carmelite Convent has long been part and parcel of our lives in Tallow. Founded in 1836, it has welcomed all and sundry through its doors in the intervening years and has witnessed all that life entails in our town, parish and beyond.
The past week or so has witnessed the sad loss of another member of the community with the passing of Sister Joseph. Originally from the Abercorn Rd. in Derry, Sister Joseph (Dolores Merci Rose Hutton) was a treasured member of the convent. A lovely person indeed and she will be greatly missed by all.
On behalf of all of us here in Tallow, we offer our sincere sympathy to all in the Carmelite community and also the Congregation of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God, her extended family members and wide circle of friends.
May her gently soul rest in peace, Amen.
SYMPATHY
Our sincere sympathy is also extended to Sheila Ryan and family, West Street, on the recent passing of her sister Mary Sweeney, late of Killiney, Dublin. Mary was originally from a well known and popular Tallow family. We extend our condolences to all her family at this sad time. May she rest in peace.