Dia is mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my Report.
Aaah Monday and the sun shining, what a brilliant start to the week. We don’t see the sun very often these days and the thing to do when we do, is to get out into it. Leave everything else till later and get out into the wonderful out-of –doors. Though it’s not fit for basking in it, there are still plenty of ways to make a meal of it. A stroll around the garden is always a good thing and following at the wind and rain there are lots of things to be picked up, even found in places beyond your imagination after the tornado-strong gales. How wonderful it is to see the tiny buds breaking through on the shrubs, while the daffodils wave in the breeze. Some camelias flower very early, mine are just about getting on with it now and oh how welcome they are just to stand and admire them in the warm sun. A gift from God. Make the most of every fine hour.
March is on the way. Lots to celebrate and look forward. Mothers Day March 10th and St.Patrick’s Day, which is on a Sunday this year, not far behind. Further to that it’s Leap Year and the ladies have their big chance to pop the question to the man of their dreams and we wish them luck.
We had no less than three priests on our alter for morning Mass on Thursday last. Unusual to say the least. But there was a good reason. Fr. Sean Tucker was celebrating his 60th year of priesthood and Canon John and Fr. Billy Radley came to celebrate with him. The congregation congratulated him afterwards. Many of his neighbours from Ballydaly came to be with him for his happy occasion and to wish him well. Later they were joined by a fourth, when Fr. Paddy joined them for a cuppa next door at Linda’s.
We were given a special leaflet at all masses at the weekend inviting us to the gathering of all Parishioners of the Pastoral area on Monday night March 4th at the Canon O’Donovan Centre, Millstreet, where they, ‘will explore and discuss questions such as what are the most important ministries we want from parishes in the pastoral area. In view of being without the presence of a priest to lead or co-ordinate. What aspects of Parish life could we, the laity take responsibility for and organise ourselves.’
It is indeed a very sad and very challenging situation, especially for those of my own caliber who never thought we’d see the day when priests would go this scarce and we can only pray and hope that the power of God will help us all in the years ahead.
Our Community Council are preparing for our annual St. Patricks Day Parade which will be held at 5 pm on Sunday March 17th. The items for the Parade will assemble at Noel C Duggan’s Carpark, Station Rd. By kind permission of the family. There will be valuable prizes for the winners of the various categories and they are appealing to many groups etc. to take part. Residents are invited to dress their places to help build an uplifting atmosphere in honour of our National Patron Saint. At their recent meeting which was held at the Adult Learning Centre the council invited some of our public Reps to discuss parking in the town and we await the outcome. With regard to their purchase of the cinema, they await the outcome of the fire officer’s report before starting work on turning this fine building into a modern day GYM. Moving it from it’s present location at the youth centre. This in turn will leave more precious space at the youth centre to expand the creche.
On behalf of us all I want to congratulate the children of our Presentation Convent School on winning the Prestigious Award at Feis Maitiu, at Cork’s City Hall on Friday February 23rd. Well done also to their teachers and tutors and all those who helped in any way to make their wonderful efforts a reality. Their achievement raised the spirits of the entire community. With so many youngsters competing, the group was very broad based and widely praised.
Our Community School Students will stage their School Play ‘ Say Cheese’ for three nights this week. In the School. Starting tonight, Tuesday and continue on Wednesday and Thursday February 27, 28, 29. Starting each night at 7.30. Tickets available at the door. Please give them your best support.
Further to that the Community School will hold a monster Table Quiz at the Wallis Arms Hotel on Friday, March 1st. Starting at 8 pm. Proceeds will go to their Lourdes Pilgrimage Fund at Easter.
On Monday, March 4th the transition year Students of the Community School will host a coffee morning for our Active Members at the Parish Centre following the 10 am Mass in the Church. This is a very enjoyable event every year, please make a note of the date and look out for someone who may not be able to come on their own.
Meanwhile not to be outdone the Men’s Shed will hold their AGM on Wednesday March 6th. at 8 pm. Their newly refurbished premises at Church St/ Macroom Rd. is ready to go and they have great plans for the future. They will open every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 2-4 pm. They have many plans for the future, but for a start using waste timber they will sell bags of kindling. Two bags for €5. Be sure and support them well .All are welcome at their AGM on Wednesday Feb, 6th.
Give your best support to the fundraiser in aid of CART, the Carriganima local transport bus. They have a night of music song and dance in the Pub this Saturday night for the cause. Please support them well, a great night is assured.
The sponsored Weigh-In continues in Cullen every Monday night. Last night 25 people attended and 25 lbs weight was lost.
‘Chair Yoga’ in the Ballydaly Hall this Thursday, 29th February at 11 am. Chair yoga is gentle exercise for all abilities and ages.
Here are the results of this weeks lotto draw which was held on Sunday night. Numbers drawn were13,16,30,31 and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to Noreen & Emma the P/O, the Seller was Mary O’Connor and she got €50 sellers prize, €50 went to Eveny Costello, Priests Cross, c/o Capabu. €20 each to Anne Marie O’Mahony, c/o Jerry. Rory McCarthy, c/o Betty Dillon. Kevin Hickey. Kilmeedy, Lary McSweeney, c/o Centra West End, Connie Riordan, Killowen. c/o Colemans, Marie & Cathal c/o Colemans, Eily, Macroom Rd. c/o Eily, Helen O’Sullivan c/o Ita Hickey. Jackpot for next week €2,800 the draw on Sunday March 3rd.
Eucharistic Adoration today from 10,30am to 7.30 pm.
Sinn a bfuil a cáirde,Slán is beannacht Dé´libh go leir.
