Year in review Part Three: Hectic finish to old year in Millstreet
THE past year saw Millstreet maintain a positive image with numerous highlights and in the concluding of a three part series, an appraisal of September, October, November and December reads:
SEPTEMBER: Equine stock down at long standing Horse Fair. Back to school for primary and post primary students and teachers. Millstreet GAA hosted their 10thh annual Golf Classic at O’Mahony Point, Killarney. Death of Ballydaly legend Tommy Tucker casts a gloom across the greater Duhallow Region and far beyond for his devotion to sport and GAA in mens and ladies. Huge turn-out for Cliona Hagan gig at Carriganima Harvest Dance, Los Zarcos convene for a medal presentation to acknowledge U12 and
U15 teams at a function in the Wallis Arms Hotel. Ballydaly born priest, Fr Con Kiely passes away after devoting his life to helping the people of Ecuador during a long ministry. Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club welcomed the first round of the Munster Cyclocross League to Millstreet Country Park. The annual Carriganima 6km mile run/jog/walk returns for 10th staging. Music and songs surfaced at a successful Fundraiser in Carriganima pub supporting the Irish Cancer Society. Cullen Pipe Band win Munster Championship accolades.
OCTOBER: The enthusiastic Millstreet Tidy Town Association earned a welcome ten mark increase and a bronze medal in the national competition. Brilliant weather lured a quality entry for Banteer Gymkhana on a return to the Green Glens Complex. 11th birthday celebrations for Cork Music Station. Millstreet native singer songwriter and guitarist Eugene Brosnan launches a new album in Germany. Millstreet Juvenile GAA host Perpetual Cup competitions in memory of Connie Kelleher, Connie Hickey, Jim Bradley, Tommy and Alan O’Connor. Popular Radio Kerry programme ‘Saturday Supplement’ focuses on Millstreet with a two hour show. National Dairy Show returns to Green Glens Complex for 41st staging. Rylane Boxing Club Halloween Fancy Dress Party draws spooky characters.. Carriganima Charity Tractor Run boosts CART. Primary Schools’ Parents’ Association host Spooktacular Afternoon. Millstreet Community School Open Night proved an outstanding success.
NOVEMBER: World premiere of “‘One Night in Millstreet’, a documentary on Steve Collins and Chris Eubank hits the screen at Cork Film Festival. Stefan Healy plays the lead role in ‘The Valley of the Squinting Windows’ at Gaiety Theatre. Scenes of jubilation greet Linda Desmond of Rylane Boxing Club after winning her first senior boxing elite title. Sadness occurred on the passing of respected Ballydaly dairy farmer Tim D Kiely. Millstreet GAA Quiz team enjoy outright success at the All Ireland Senior Scór Final. ‘Meet the Clubs’ open to all organisations in Millstreet proves a success. Athletic Club’s Lucy O’Sullivan enjoys cross country success. Garden of Remembrance acknowledges those that passed away during the past year. Millstreet Christmas Lights switched on by personality Matt Cooper.
DECEMBER: Community School Party with Marty celebrates 50th anniversary. Day Care Centre hosts an Arts and Crafts Showcase. Community Council initiates a special calendar for 2024. Carriganima Run Committee co-ordinate their Annual Food Appeal in support of Cork Penny Dinners. Vintage Club AGM confirmed €26,840.60 raised for charity during past year.
Cullen and District Special Needs Association host annual party. Community supports the Maureen O’Sullivan Hamper Packers and Food Parcels for the Homeless. Bake Sale supports Lourdes Fund. Lucky winner of St. John’s GAA Trolly Dash fundraiser is Ballingeary’s Matt O’Leary. Annual Mushera Mountain Climb on Christmas morning boasts a Maureen Buckley fundraiser for Capetown . Singer/songwriter Darren Kiely plays gig for Millstreet GAA. Death of businessman Jerry Sheehan. Millstreet Pipe Band play their traditional engagement on New Year’s Eve as 2023 comes to close in wind and rain.