COMMUNITY NEWS BALLYLANDERS

ARAGLIN

Contact Bridget Leddy by email on bleddy@avondhupress.ie

TOMMY’S ALBUM

Just a reminder from last week’s notes, that Tommy O’Donoghue’s album which contains all of his original work, music, lyrics and poetry is for sale at Emmet’s shop and Centra in Kilworth. It’s a beautiful collection and includes 23 pieces. Great value at €15, with all the proceeds going to charity.

TOMMY BAKER RIP

Tommy passed to his eternal reward this past week. A man that was very akin to the walking trails of Araglen and those of us who had the pleasure of meeting him along his walks, will always remember his warm smile and his engaging conversation. He always had time for a chat. A true gentleman and a great friend to many people in Araglen.

It was not unusual to meet him out walking at the ‘Three Doons’ and there was no place he liked better than the ‘Goats Parlour’. From a work perspective, he was always my ‘go to’ in identifying names for old photographs. May your gentle soul rest in peace Tommy.

INTERNATIONAL STATUS FOR KNOCK SHRINE

Pope Frances will award our beautiful Knock Shrine international status on Friday, 19th March, which means that it will then be recognised alongside internationally renowned sites, such as Lourdes or Fatima.

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 these numbers close at hand - (058) 50982 or (087) 7695066.

MASS TIMES

Masses are streamed live on the usual Donal Leahy Facebook page. However our church 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 community notes pages. This will ensure that our community gets the best exposure possible.

BALLINDANGAN

Contact your local correspondent by email ballindangancommunitycouncil@ gmail.com before 8pm each Monday

COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS

Ballindangan Community Council was successful in their application to the Covid Emergency Fund 2021 and they secured €1,800 from the South Cork Local Community Development Funding. This funding does not cover any day to day running costs of the hall, but is much appreciated as it will enable the committee to purchase sanitising equipment and supplies, an outdoor noticeboard and to cover newsletter publishing costs.

Many thanks to South Cork LCDC and for all those who helped get the application through.

BROADBAND IN THE HALL

A community rural broadband connection with high-speed internet access was installed in Ballindangan Hall. Special thanks to the assistance of Dan O’Sullivan, broadband officer with Cork County Council.

The internet download speed is 110 megabytes per second (Mbps). Internet speeds of over 110 Mbps are considered high speed, as multiple online activities can take place at the same time, without disruptions. For anyone who is working from home and experiencing poor internet quality, the hall can be a space where you can be confident of good internet speed. While the internet access is free and locals are free to park outside Ballindangan Hall to avail of the connection, there is a nominal fee being charged to access the kitchen and heating facilities, depending on the hours/ days you need it for. Please do get in touch with us with any enquiries.

BALLINDANGAN COMMUNITY LOTTO

No winner of the €12,000 jackpot. Numbers drawn 1, 5, 9, 10. Congrats to the lucky dip winners: L Lyons, L Roche, T Buckley. The draws for Ballindangan Community Lotto are continuing to take place in compliance with guidelines.

If you wish to subscribe to the lotto, please contact 086-1900890 or your local hall committee member. Subscription is €50 for the year, and the jackpot is currently at €12,000. To all those who support the local lotto, thank you.

This support has helped the hall committee pay towards the running costs of the hall. Like other community halls around the country, this has been a difficult task given that there has been no income during the last year. Your contribution is much appreciated and we look forward to the hall being busy again in the future.

BALLINDANGAN NATIONAL SCHOOL

For parents interested in enrolling their child(ren) in Ballindangan NS, virtual tours of the school are now available. To arrange a virtual tour of the school and its facilities, or for any queries in relation to enrolment, please contact the school at 025-84654 or e-mail ballindanganschool@gmail.com

Information is also available on the school’s website www.ballindanganns. com or their FB page Ballindangan NS.

CLOTHES COLLECTION

A clothes collection will be held at Ballindangan NS on April 9th. Items accepted include clothes, shoes, belts, bags, curtains, sheets, etc regardless of condition. No duvets or pillows are accepted. For any queries, please contact Ballindangan NS. Thank you for supporting this important fundraiser.

NOTES

Any notes for inclusion in the Community News pages can be e-mailed to ballindangancommunitycouncil@ gmail.com

BALLYDUFF UPPER

Contact Denise Walsh on 087-2273737 or email ballyduffuppernews@gmail.com by Sunday night each week

LOTTO

The numbers drawn on 9th March were 13, 14, 15 and 23. There was no winner. The lucky €30 draw winners were: Chris O’Gorman, Conor Hickey, Pat Joe and Mary Ahern and Billy Higgins. Results from the draw on 16th March with a jackpot of €10,350 will be carried 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.

ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH, PASTORAL COUNCIL NOTES

Due to the ongoing restrictions, we cannot yet gather for Sunday worship. This has been difficult for many in our parish. We look forward to returning to church again when guidelines allow.

However, we now have internet in the church and have organised for Sunday Mass at 11am to be streamed online. This can be accessed by entering the following online: http://churchcam.mts. ie/ ballyduff/

Mass will continue to be broadcast on the radio Mass band 104.2FM. Please pass on all this information to your neighbours and friends.

The church is open for private prayer. We wish everyone well as we prepare for Easter.

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 0876151329; 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 0863175405; Agnes O’Donoghue 086-3384385 or Denise Walsh 087-2273737.

Also, Waterford Community Helpline is freephone 1800 250 185 or text 087 3613008.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Do more of what makes you sparkle! NEWS FOR INCLUSION

Thank you to all who contributed this week. To keep this notice page topical, everyone’s help is needed. If you have any photos, announcements, congratulations or condolences and stories you would like to be included in The Avondhu, then please contact Denise at ballyduffuppernews@gmail.com or 0872273737 by 9pm Sunday night each week. Contact Jim Hickey on 086-8564458 or email jimmy.hickey@outlook.ie

BALLYLANDERS LADIES FOOTBALL ‘SPLIT THE POT’ DRAW

Result from Saturday, 13th March. Congratulations to winner Orla Moriarty. Jackpot was €157. Next draw will be held on Saturday, 27th March. The draw takes place every fortnight on Saturdays at 10pm. Thank you for your continued support.

BALLYLANDERS GAA CLUB FORTNIGHTLY LOTTO

Next draw is on Saturday, March 20 for a jackpot of €6,600. Thanks you for your continued support.

BALLYLOOBY/ DUHILL

Contact your local correspondent by email catherinemolo@hotmail.com

VIRTUAL WALK FOR SEMRA

The Rhododendron Walking Festival in association with Siúl Eile, are organising a virtual walking fundraiser for SEMRA (South East Mountain Rescue Association) over Easter weekend. This is a very worthy fundraiser, as volunteers are on call 24/7 365 days a year. Visit www.gofundme.com/f/step-up-forsemra #stepupforsemra

ST PATRICK’S DAY SPIRIT ALIVE AND WELL THE VILLAGE

In Ballylooby, an enthusiastic group of locals got together to lift the spirits

of the community, adding a little colour with flowers, power washing, painting, gathering rubbish and weeding around the village and despite the inclement weather, they did Trojan work in a short time and all adhering to the Covid-19 guidelines. Well done to all involved!

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 number is 086-6044886 or the local Community Garda at 052-7445630.

CAPPOQUIN

Cappoquin Community Centre (058) 52746, Facebook is Cappoquin Community centre and email: cappcomdev@gmail.com

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, under which works 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. There are 8 grants available and first 8 submitted will receive the Painting Initiative payment.

CAPPOQUIN CHILDCARE FACILITY

It is unfortunate that, for another year, we are missing out on the St Patrick’s Day parade. All the staff and children of Cappoquin childcare, over the years, have had a blast participating in the parades. We were lucky enough to win a prize each year.

We are looking back at some of the fantastic floats we have made - 101 Dalmations, Wizard of Oz, Pirates and Princesses, etc. We had our own little parade this Tuesday in the local park. All the children wore green – a belated happy St Patrick’s Day from Cappoquin Childcare facility.

The creche will re-open for all children on March 29th. Bookings are 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 our 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.

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 Facebook page.

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 March 11th. The numbers drawn were 11, 12, 16, 18. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners - John Hayes, Sean and Catherine Lee, L. O’Mahoney, Annette Maguire, Cora Moloney and Ciara Moloney.

The next draw will take place this Thursday, 25th March with a jackpot of €8,800. 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 walkers please walk in a clockwise direction around the pitch and to maintain a 2m distance between 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.

KILBEHENNY

Contact Mary O’Brien on or email

087-2422660 maryobrien101@gmail.com WELCOME BACK TO OUR DSP TEAM

Lovely to see our DSP team back in our village again; also, their supervisors Carmel and Mairead. These wonderful people are the hub of our community. Without the services of these great people, Kilbehenny would be a sorry place.

A special welcome to our new participants, namely Richard and Kevin. Hopefully, they will enjoy many happy times in our midst.

With the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines, there seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel. Now more than ever, it is encumbent on every individual to observe the rules laid down by NPHET and the government in a bid to fight this virus. Remember the coughing and sneezing etiquette and to wear a face mask.

KILFINANE

Contact Hugh Murphy on 087-6799064 or email hughmurphy70@gmail.com

SINCERE SYMPATHY

There was deep sadness in Kilfinane on the news of the death of Kathleen O’Sullivan, Chapel Street who died in University Hospital Limerick on Saturday night last, March 13. Sincere sympathy is extended to her loving husband Donie, her sons Donie Jnr and Tommy, daughters Marie Watson, Josephine Philpott and Brid Hanrahan and their families and to extended O’Sullivan family members. Sympathy also to the Kennedy family members in Effin.

May Kathleen rest in peace.

MASS

Sunday morning Mass at 11am in St Andrew’s Church will continue to be streamed. Also, the church will remain open daily for people to visit for private prayer from 10am to 4pm.

Anniversaries at this time: Paddy McCarthy (Castlefarm and Moorestown), Peg Condon (Ballinanima), Jo Connery and family members (Spring Lodge).

Remembrances: Nora Mulcahy (Thomastown), Kitty Howard (Lower Main Street), Alice O’Callaghan (Rupplagh), Mary McGrath, (Ballinlyna Upper), Michael Joe Hennessy (Darragh), William Clancy (Mountain View) and Kathleen O’Sullivan (Chapel Street) who died on Saturday, March 13.

Our parish priest is Rev. Fr. Michael O’Shea – contact 063 91016 or 087 9791432.

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Congratulations and best wishes are extended to those celebrating their birthday at this time: Michael Duggan (Ballyroe Lower) on Friday, 5th March; Brian Parkinson (High Street), Alan Walsh (Treada na Ri) and Aine O’Doherty (Bosnetstown) on Saturday, 13th March; Pa McGrath (Treada na Ri), Ruth McAuliffe (Treada na Ri), Doreen Foley (Hennessy), Forest View on Monday, 15th March; Keri Hennessy (Ballinanima), Frankie Mulqueen (High Street and Dublin), Rosaleen Griffin (St. Anne’ s Terrace), Ned Palmer Jnr. (Vale View) on Tuesday, 16th March; Bridget Keohane O’Riordan (Treada Na Ri) on Friday, 19th March; Helen Fitzgerald O’Sullivan (Radharc an Strathan) and Sr Patricia Coughlan (St Paul’s Convent) on Saturday, 20th March.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Sunday, March 28 Palm Sunday; Friday, April 2 Good Friday; Sunday, April 4 Easter Sunday.

HEARSAY FESTIVAL

The HearSay International Audio Festival will turn virtual for 2021, with the HearSay HomeFires edition which will take place from April 22-25. We look forward to it!

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. 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.

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS

Dr Judy Bugler 063 91299, Shannon Doc 1850 212 999, Power’s Pharmacy 063 91007, Sheehy’s Centra 063 91062, Murphy’s Your Shop & Post Office 063 91018, Hennessy’s Butchers 063 91457, Molly’s Restaurant and Takeaway 063 91919, Tasty Bites Take Away 063 91010.

Also, the Limerick Covid-19 dedicated helpline is 1800 832 005.

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

PARISH SPRING CLEAN

There is information within the GAA notes this week detailing our Parish Spring Clean 2021. For those who are travelling our roads on Saturday, please be aware and drive with extra caution for the safety of all those who are picking up litter.

KILLAVULLEN FAIRIES

Some of the beautiful fairy doors and their accessories have faded over winter and the recent flooding. It might be a nice idea to go for a walk along the trail and see if your one needs a spring overhaul! New fairies would also be welcomed if they wished to take up residence along the walkway. A nice little Spring project for young and old alike!

CORK NORTH GARDA DIVISION

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 then please contact Mallow Garda Station 022-31450 and they will be more than happy to help.

MASS

Sunday Mass from the parish office at Ballygriffin is live-cast via Zoom each Sunday at 10am. A link to the Zoom meeting has been sent to all parishioners who are on the parish e-mail list.

The call is hosted by Paul Murray. Fiona Hannon, the director of the parish choir, is the soloist. You will need the link to attend the Mass and it can be accessed on a tablet or phone.

SCHOOLS RETURN

Last Monday 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th class pupils, 5th years and staff made a return to school. As a community, it is lovely to see and hear the buzz that this brings and it will always be a sign of new beginnings and hope. We wish all the children and staff a safe and healthy return.

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.

NANO NAGLE BIRTHPLACE

Pondering on Life, a six-week programme based on Jan Richardson’s writings on the concept of Sanctuary, will be held virtually on Wednesday evenings, which started at 7.30pm on March 10, continuing for six weeks. The series will be led by Sr Lois Greene, the new director at Nano Nagle Birthplace. To register, contact secretary@nanonaglebirthplace. com to receive a link for each Zoom meeting. This is a new program, not a continuation of the earlier series.

LADIES FOOTBALL CLUB ASKING FOR YOUR HELP

If you shop 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. There is only a short time for this promotion so the club would appreciate all the support they can get from anybody who wants to support this campaign. You can do your shopping in any of their stores, once you select Killavullen Ladies Football Club as your chosen team they will be given your stamps. 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.

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.

Be wary of bogus tradespeople 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.

HELPING THOSE IN RECOVERY

Caitriona Horgan, Shonee, has been volunteering with volunteer group, Street Angels and is willing to collect and take the following items to them if you have them to offer: hoodies, jumpers, scarves, hats, and toiletries, indeed anything that may be suitable for adults.

This group supports those affected by homelessness and addiction in conjunction with the Remar Recovery Home in County Tipperary. Items collected will be given directly to the homeless on the streets of Cork and Limerick. You can now also opt to sponsor a sleeping pod which provides shelter from the elements and warmth. These pods are €35 and you can contact Caitriona at 086-3798959 for more details. You can make arrangements, by text, for any donations.

GO RAIBH MAITH AGAIBH GO LÉIR

Every day we are proud of all those in our families and neighbourhoods who go to work to work in frontline and essential services. A sincere thank you to all doing their best each day to ensure we all get through this crisis safely. We are grateful for what you do, inspired by your bravery and courage as well as being very proud of you all. Those of us who are asked to stay at home within our 5km range should just do that to ensure we all return to a more regular and less stressful way of living, sooner rather than later.

When this is all over and life resumes consider supporting all the various businesses and trades that you have asked for support over the years for fundraisers and events. It would be a great way to support them as they restart and rebuild. Stay safe.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

If you are self-isolating and need help with picking up shopping, a friendly phone-call posting mail or urgent supplies then call the parish office (02246578) and a local member of the pastoral council will contact you to assist.

AND SO A YEAR HAS PASSED - by Donna Ashworth

A year of change, of loss, of collective chaos,

Yet oh, so very quiet.

The people had learned that freedom was a blessing

They hadn’t been thankful for, until now. Priorities had shifted, all by themselves, With a hug from a loved one at the very top.

And in the year of change,

So much happened to the world, That the people were questioning the life they once knew.

They had learned so much about themselves

They were coming out of the shadows With fresh eyes and a wiser soul. They couldn’t unsee what they had seen, in the quiet.

And that was okay.

The world was no longer in a hurry.

KILWORTH REPAIRS

Happy to report this week that repairs to the section of bridge and roadway that collapsed many months ago at Glenseskin (Stanton’s field) is due to get under way in the next week or so.

CLOTHES BANK

St Vincent de Paul are looking for a new location in Kilworth for their clothes bank. Should you have any suggestions or can offer a suitable site, please contact

Liam Roche at 087-7711585 or Mr Sean Hegarty at 086-2717950.

FOREST

Now that the section of roadway which had subsided at Glenseskin Wood is completed, extra clearing of some areas by Will Collins should bode well for the amenity (depending on how they will be eventually finished) as the area is used by hundreds of epople on a weekly basis. While the area might be a little messy underfoot following the works, this will dry up over the next few weeks.

TOMMY O’DONOGHUE’S ALBUM

Tommy O’Donoghue’s album which contains all of his original work, music, lyrics and poetry is for sale in Centra. All proceeds forom the sale of the album are going to charity.

CHURCH NOTICES

Holy Hour will be streamed on-line on this Sunday at 7.30pm.

Any outstanding Station money can be dropped via the letter box of the parochial house.

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.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY

The game of handball petered out in Kilworth in the mid 1960s and remained that way for the next 20 or so years until the sports complex was built in 1984. This new facility included a fine 40x20 court with a maple floor that was also used for racquetball and squash.

1998 saw the establishment of a new club at the prompting of Michael Dunne and it catered for both boys and girls. The club went on to be hugely successful, bringing county and national honours to the village at both juvenile and adult level. At one stage, there were no less than 80 youngsters actively involved in the club.

Michael himself would have played handball both as a young lad going to school, in Minor grade (a Munster title winner) and in later life, in the Masters series in which he had his fair share of success also. Michael always maintained that hurlers should play handball frequently as it would benefit greatly with their ‘ eye-hand’ co-ordination. He has fond memories of the old handball alley which, he says, was a very important social place to meet at that time.

Following the opening of the complex, a number of lads were interested in handball, lads such as John Sheehan and Tom Flynn who played quite a lot and later, some of those who started at juvenile level, went on to compete successfully at adult level.

The club had great success in the 1990s with lads such as Niall Cotter who was the first of a number of members to win an All-Ireland title. Brothers Michael and Timmy Dunne won and All-Ireland in the larger 60x30 alley.

Not to be outdone, Brid Horgan kept the flag flying for the ladies having won an All-Ireland U17 singles title. There was massive success for the ladies when 15 year old Muireann O’Brien with playing partner Celine Kelleher from Boherbue, won the U15 40x20 doubles in 2018 and the following year won the U17 Doubles in 60X30 beating Kilkenny. They were also winners of the April Rebel Óg awards the same year (see picture).

Moving on to adult level, Dion Cahill (partnered by Tadhg Carroll from Mallow) won an All-Ireland doubles title in 2009 at Junior level, followed later by John Kiersey who also took All-Ireland honours. James Moakley and John Horgan also went on to compete in an All-Ireland final at U21 level and, while beaten by Tyrone, might well have won as they were well up to standard. Another talented handballer Shane O’Brien, went on to compete at All-Ireland level (Minor doubles) with Donnacha O’Dee (Ballydesmond) in 2001 but had to give way to their Wexford opponents.

Numerous championships, Munster and County titles were also won and the club was the very proud winner of the Shield for having won the most county titles - all at juvenile (U18) level.

I wish to apologise in advance should there be others deserving of a mention who may have been overlooked, or if someone mentioned happens to be misrepresented. Let’s hope that in 50 or 100 years time, another scribe will be looking back and charting the feats of handball in Kilworth.

(Incidentally, the original handball alley at the top of the village was built to the exact same plan as the courts in both of the British Army barracks (East and West - off Barrack Hill) in Fermoy (an open alley with no back wall) so, it is most likely that there was some British Army involvement in the building of the Kilworth facility. And also, it’s worth noting that Kilworth Dramatic Society was started all those years ago by the handball club to help with its finances.)

TALLOW

Contact 058-56445 or email info@tallowenterprise.ie

TALLOW ENTERPRISE CENTRE - THE CHILDREN’S PLAYROOM

It was with great delight that the management and staff of the Children’s Playroom in Tallow Enterprise Centre welcomed the children back on Monday last, March 8. It has been a long and arduous few months where the children were separated from all the little friends they had made in September, but those friendships were soon rekindled when they once again saw one another.

At present the offices of the Enterprise Centre remain closed as per Government guidelines, but as soon as is permissible, the doors will be open once again. Until such time any queries can be emailed to info@tallowenterprise.ie.

TALLOW COMMUNITY CENTRE

While we are all weathering the storm on this Covid-19 journey there is hope, and a light at the end of what has been, a very long tunnel. Tallow Community Centre is very aware of the huge loss the temporary closure of the Community Centre has been to the community in general. All sporting events, drama etc., has been suspended, as has the weekly bingo session. This weekly event drew people from far and wide around the Tallow area and beyond each and every Sunday evening. For many, this may have been their only outing in the week and was much anticipated.

With the arrival of Covid-19 all this stopped and though the hardworking committee did set up the outdoor bingo, this too fell foul of Covid-19.

But fear not, as soon as it is possible and safe to do so, Tallow Community Centre will once again open its doors and, along with all the other activities, Bingo will most definitely resume.

In the current age of technology, many have been able to enjoy Telly Bingo and other such resources online. However this will never fill the void left by not being able to physically interact with friends, have a chat and enjoy the night out, which was going to Bingo. We all need to feel that sense of connectivity with other human beings, and the weekly bingo session was a great way of promoting that connectivity within our own town and the surrounding towns and villages. Community integration is vital in rural areas, it is what keeps small communities like Tallow thriving.

Once again, take note that when it is safe to do so, Tallow Community Centre and of course the weekly Bingo, will be back better than ever.

In the meantime everyone, Stay safe.

CONDOLENCES

What seems like a never-ending saga of losing friends and neighbours to their eternal reward, in recent times, we once again mourn the passing of two of our own, namely Theresa McCarthy and John Gayer over the past week.

The death of Theresa McCarthy of Woodview Park, marks the passing of one of our elder esteemed ladies within the community. Known affectionately as Mrs McCarthy, this showed the total respect and esteem in which she was held by all.

She cared for her family as any mother would do and in recent years as she grew older, that same love and care was returned to her in abundance by her family. It is almost impossible to comprehend burying one’s own children but such was what Theresa endured during her life, with the loss of her infant son Seamus and in recent years the death of her equally beloved daughter Loretta. They are now finally re-united.

During her removal from her home in Woodview Park a huge crowd lined both sides of the road in tribute to a wonderful neighbour and friend. Theresa was without doubt part and parcel of life in Tallow and fully supported any social occasion which took place in its environs.

Following 11am Mass celebrated by Rev Fr Pat Condon, Theresa was interred in the adjoining cemetery.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to her daughters and her entire family on their great loss. May her gently soul rest in peace.

JOHN GAYER

No sooner had we learned of the death of Theresa than the news of the death of John Gayer (Barrack Street) filtered through. From and equally well-known and respected family, our town was once again overcast with a deep shadow of sadness. John, like Theresa was a very refined and highly respected indivudual. Since the day he was born he formed a tremendous bond with his late mother Alice and for years and years, both could be seen at GAA matches and Point-to-Point meetings. The two H’s you might say, horses and hurling.

The passing of Alice in recent years had a profound effect on John as one would expect with the loss of one’s’ mother. Nevertheless he carried on as best he could and was never left wanting for a spin whenever he needed to go anywhere, thanks to his good friend and neighbour, Don O’Brien.

Indeed both Don O’Brien and Noel Buckley were at John’s bedside in hospital during his final hours and would like to pay tribute to the staff of Waterford Regional Hospital for the wonderful care John received in his final days.

Indeed it was such kind neighbours who cared for John in recent times, when he became ill. I will not mention them all individually as there were many many neighbours and friends throughout the town who cared for him during his life and death.

Torrential rain poured down as John’s mortal remains progressed from Aidan Walshs’ funeral home to the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Darkness was falling amidst the rain but did not deter another huge crown from standing in silence and tribute to one of our own.

The hearse paused briefly outside the front door of John’s house where a candle flickered in the window alongside a beautiful floral display, before continuing on its journey to the Church where once again, many people lined the route as a mark of respect. John was interred in the Gayer family plot alongside his beloved mother Alice and other family members following 11am Mass on Saturday morning, offered by Rev Fr Gerry McNamara PP. Another one of life’s gentle souls gone home to God. May he rest in peace.

Our sincere sympathy to all the Leahy family in London and John’s other relations in Ireland who could not travel for obvious reasons. Our sympathy also to the family of Eileen Lee (nee Leahy) a cousin of John’s from Youghal and formerly Glenaboy, whose death occurred during the week and who was buried the day before John,

Leaba i m’beasc na n-Aingil go raibh an triuir acu.

As aforementioned the large crowds who bid farewell to Theresa and John maintained the Covid-19 guidelines in full. Aidan and Marie Walsh and staff performed the funeral duties to their usual very high and caring standard.

PICTURES

Following from last week’s piece some more wonderful photos from Tallow Anglers Clubs archives attached.

REFEREES

We had another lovely little article lined up for this week’s notes but quite frankly didn’t have the heart to put pen to paper because of the sad passing of our friends and neighbours. So just to finish on a somewhat happier note, here is a quote from Joe Brolly, from a Sundry Paper. It is basically about “who would want to be a referee” in Gaelic Football and tells yarns from both sides, be it player or referee.

As you are aware every referee has to file a report to the relevant board after each game. I picked just the one and it is a follows:

Barry McElduff once send me a referee’s report from a league game in Tyrone in 1962, written by a Carrickmore referee who signed his name P Haughey. The entire report reads as follows: “Given the violent history of this fixture, I brought the players from both teams to the middle of the field before the throw in and exhorted them to conduct themselves in the true spirit of the Gael, at which point I was struck from the side with a heavy blow to the temple, which rendered me unconscious. In the circumstances I have nothing further to report”!