KILLAVULLEN
KILLAVULLEN CHRISTMAS LIGHTS READY TO GO
The weather over the last few weeks was favourable to our determined volunteers, who for many years have braved the elements to put up the Christmas lights along the street in Killavullen and along the church walls on the Mallow and Cork road. Donning their hi-vis jackets and a sense of humour and community spirit, the lights were hung.
However, it does not stop there. The Christmas Committee have decided that again this year we all need a bit of light in our lives and a sense of magic to end yet another year that will, for sure, go down in history.
This year the committee are working hard to install some new decorations in new places, stretching the festive spirit a little further, and making sure that while we may be restricted in our travels, we won’t have to travel far to experience the heart-warming feelings Christmas lights evoke.
A special word of thanks and appreciation must be extended to the residents of Main Street and Ross Street, who kindly allow us to plug the lights into their homes for the benefit of our community. This is a most generous gesture each year and it brings great cheer to all who pass by Killavullen during the festive period. Go raibh mile, maith agaibh. KILLAVULLEN CHRISTMAS DECORATION
Over the last few years we have sold a commemorative Killavullen Christmas decoration, which has graced the Christmas trees in our parish and have been sent to trim the Christmas trees of those who hold Killavullen in a special place in their hearts around the world. This year is no different.
2021 will be marked with a reindeer and the decorations will be for sale over the coming weeks and you can arrange to get one by contacting Marie 086807107, Roseanna 087-1320325 or Gillian 086-3845655. Decorations are €5 each, post and packaging extra if required. Also available to buy at Top Shop on Saturday evening.
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN!
You read that correctly, the man in the red suit has picked Killavullen as one of his green light destinations for Christmas 2021. It is going to be a little different again this year, but once you put on your festive hat and fill your heart with the spirit of Christmas, it promises to be a lovely start to end another epic year.
The plan for the Killavullen Santa Trail is as follows: Due to the unprecedented demand we are going to allocate time slots for the parade, based on your place in the booking queue. All those who have booked in have received a text letting them know what time slot they are in. You are kindly asked to gather in Killavullen GAA grounds on Saturday evening. While waiting you can join in with the Christmas sing along and enjoy your festive treats in your car.
It is up to each car to make the make the experience more magical for yourselves and your family. Wear your Christmas jumper, wrap up in blankets, bring travel mugs of hot chocolate, crank up the wireless and sing Christmas songs, even decorate your car! But please remain in your own car at all times.
The trail will take you up Monanimy Hill, along by the old railway crossing and you will have the opportunity to have a quick hello with Santa at Top Shop. After that, we invite you to drive through the village to see it lit up. IT’S NOT JUST FOR CHILDREN
Remember, you are never too old to search the skies on Christmas Eve, there is no expiry age for the magic of Santa! With this in mind, an extra special invitation is being extended to all those who have been isolating and cocooning, please feel free to join in the car parade. It would in fact bring much joy to the organisers this year to see you come along. To book in your car please contact our car valet elf, Marie at 086-8071807 PHOTOS WITH SANTA
This year the annual family photos with Santa will be much more difficult to take. With this in mind, we will have a life sized Santa picture in the village if you wish to stop there and take a photo. This will be up for a few days and we would encourage you to feel free to take your festive family photo on Saturday evening or come again at a brighter time if you wish. Please observe social distancing while waiting.
SANTA REPLIES
Santa will kindly reply to all the post he gets if you include your full address and a stamp or the price of a stamp to cover postage. If you have already sent off your letter draw a picture or write a little note. Santa loves to hear from all the boys and girls, and even the grown-ups! FUNDRAISING FOR LIGHTS
This year is another one which will undoubtedly go down in history, possibly even knocking Rudolph off his pedestal. Bringing Santa to Killavullen, lighting up the streets, bringing the magic home to our village does incur a cost and we depend on the generosity of all to help make sure we can do it year after year. This year we are making a big appeal to you all for your support.
We will have donation buckets on the evening and all contributions would be appreciated. Any person, family, organisation or business who would like to contribute in any way can contact any of the committee members named above. Already, we have been overwhelmed by individuals and groups who have made contact regarding a donation. Your support is appreciated. It is great to see that a pandemic cannot stop the community spirit which Killavullen is renowned for. LOTTO
Killavullen Community Council Lotto is back up and running on a bi-weekly basis, with the bonus ball in the National Lottery being the lucky number in each draw. The winners for last week were Brian Larkin on Wednesday, Nov. 24th and Lisa Thornhill on Saturday, Nov. 27th. Thank you to all who support this fundraising drive.
Covid-19 is a very important issue in all communities. We as a community need to make sure that our more vulnerable people and those who are isolated or live alone, those who cannot drive or who cannot get supplies as easily as some of us can are looked after.
In our own neighbourhoods we can check with others around us to ensure that they have all the essentials they need. It is also important to check in with these people to ensure that they are feeling well and to reassure them they have supports if required.
Postcodes are a vital piece of information all the time, but in particular at the moment. Keep yours written by your phone. For those who are checking in on older or more vulnerable people at this time make a note of their postcodes also. BUY LOCAL, THINK GREEN
It’s a good idea to be mindful of our local businesses as we approach Christmas and the prospect of Christmas shopping. If we all could try to keep our spending more locally it could help make the next few weeks less worrisome for the people who own and work in such places.
Remember these are often the businesses who we turn to for spot prizes and vouchers for our local events. It is time to express our gratitude by our support. KILLAVULLEN FARMER’S MARKET
Killavullen Farmer’s Market takes place every second Saturday. Social distancing guidelines are taking place at every market and all attending are being compliant and adhering to all safety measures, which makes the market a wonderful and safe place to be. The stallholders are looking forward to seeing you all at their next market on December 11th. SERVANTS OF THE HOME OF THE MOTHER HOLY HOUR AND RECONCILIATION SERVICE
There are communities of the Servants, a new Catholic congregation of priests, brothers and sisters in Fermoy and Mallow. We welcome them to our parish to lead a Holy Hour in Killavullen Church next Thursday (Dec. 2) at 7.30pm. NANO NAGLE PORCH AT KILLAVULLEN
In November a rededication of the Nano Nagle Porch took place, in the presence of the Presentation Sisters. November 21, (the feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary) is associated with the Presentation Congregation. Gratitude is extended to Killavullen Art Group for donating the tiling of the porch. In making the new floor, the ceramic hallway tiles that were popular in the Victorian Era, when Killavullen Church was built were used. The design features the Jerusalem Cross. It is associated with the kingdom of Jerusalem which was founded in the crusades of the thirteenth century.
The symbolism of the five crosses has been interpreted as representing: The five wounds of Christ crucified (his hands, feet and side); Christ with the four evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; The four corners of the world, to which Jesus sent his disciples
Three centuries ago, Nano Nagle took the word of God to heart as she grew up in this parish. She accepted the self-sacrifices involved in following Christ with a generous and noble heart. The Presentation Sisters have continued her example to this day and share the good news to the furthest reaches of the earth.