Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a chairde, and welcome to my weekly report.
Fondest greetings everybody as we bask in weather that is so warm, mild and pleasant. Outdoor events are being held with no disturbance from the elements. People intent on fundraising are enjoying a bumper time with the weather playing no small part. The great music afternoon, held at Star Trax venue on Sunday by Peter Lane of Blackwater Sound Fame, in aid of his brother Pat surpassed all records. Supported by many of his friends in the music business, they pulled out all the stops in support of his beloved brother, the Pat and while we compliment them all on their great success we want to wish the popular Pat, our prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery in Dun Laoghaire. It will surely lift his heart to hear of the large crowds who turned out in support of his deserving cause.
Covid 19 is raising it’s ugly head in no small way again and I suppose if we care to admit it we are all wary of the bug in spite of having availed of every jab offered to us. The onset of a cold and especially a sore throat sends minor shock waves across our bows. I don’t mind admitting not that I was not in a good place last week as I prepared my weekly Report. My throat ached, I had a dry cough and what more did I need to set the alarm bells ringing. A friendly phone call brought one of the lovely young mothers of the family to my aid. Soon she was back from the chemist with a supply of those Antigen test packs and stuck it up my nostril and buíochas le Dia, I was clear. She said she would do another test two mornings on but by then I was right as rain, helped on by a sore throat bottle. Many thanks, Noreen.
In spite of the unusually fine weather I thing the birds know that it’s time to come a begging. The lovely little robin popped up of a bench outside my window during the week and in spite of double glazing which dulls a great deal of outside noises, he made his presence felt in no small way. A few crumbs later we were real buddies and now he’s a regular visitor. I must tell you about the pheasant. Of late this fine cock of the species is plain to see down the field at the back, picking his way along the long grass. My love for things of the wild is no secret and how I would love to have a few hens and ducks etc. in my place but for many reasons it’s not possible in today’s world. So I bought a fine life size pheasant, made of tin and stood him among the greenery on the edge of the lawn. He’s been there for months sometimes a little bird would come and perch on it’s head or a passing cat might throw it a glance, But can you imagine the surprise I got in todays brilliant sunshine when I glanced out and saw the lad from down the moors pecking near the my garden gnome. He was in no hurry leaving gave me time to take a picture he came as he went at a slow even pace ,I hoped he wasn’t too disappointed. I also have a false peacock, hoping for anything similar there would be asking for too much. I put up the pole for the peanuts this week and when I’ll put them out ,it will be lovely to see all the little birds that were fed by mother nature for the past number of months back again. T.G. for them especially these times when so much of our social live has been taken from us. It’s important that we keep on finding things that will sustain our minds and bodies as the days and nights go by. I’m tempted to bring out a jigsaw but perhaps it’s too soon to give up livelier pursuits.
The 2022 Calendar is out. Organised every year by the Community Council, it’s a must for every house and home. As well as the usual account of the months, days and weeks of the year to come, it is full of snippets of information, important phone numbers and dates and contacts. The new calendar is an ideal Christmas gift every year and the proceeds always go to some good cause. This time it will go to that most important service in the country, Air Ambulance. Please support it well.
Another excellent fundraiser which is doing the rounds at the moment is the CD, by Paddy Murphy. A collection of songs, some very old, some brand new, which he painstakingly compiled over a number of years. Going around the place with his little recorder and captured some great songs which may never again see the light of day, but for his efforts. The lovely cover was designed by Margot Gilbourne, Killarney Rd. I believe that the first consignment is sold out and a reprint on it’s way. As proceeds will go to the National Schools in the town, it is very important that it is well supported. Like the Calendar another excellent Christmas gift.
The Carriganima Transport service is in good stead following the very successful Tractor Run, organised by the Millstreet Vintage Club raised €2,885 in aid of them recently. The list goes on and on of all the great work being done at community level ,it all helps to keep the wheel of Millstreet Turning.
Keep your ear to the ground I’m told that Steve Collins is coming to Millstreet very shortly. With so many restrictions and the constant use of mask it is very difficult to keep abreast of all that is happening around us. Will we ever forget the big fight when World Boxers Collins & Eubank battled it out in the hey-days of the mighty Green Glens. Times that we must never forget. I have no more info on his visit but don’t say I didn’t alert you.
Talking of Alert, I was asked by the Community Council, to mention again the importance of renewing your Text Alert membership for the coming year. Put your name and address, plus your mobile number and E10 into an envelope and drop it in to Wordsworth Book store or Guerin’s Shop Ballydaly. Do it right away the closing date is November26th. People of Aubane are invited to renew theirs also.
Never before was this great service so important in our community, in light of recent happenings. House alarms are being fitted by many people right now. Families may like to give one to an elderly relative or at least help them to have one installed.
I read in the paper today that very soon there will be a jab to combat the dreadful ailment of Alzheimer’s disease. PG. What a difference it would make to so many. So keep up the prayers.
Still with prayers, with the month of the Holy Souls going by very fast. Let us not forget our dear departed loved ones who are depending on our help. A beautiful November Garden is placed in our Church for the whole month. An ideal place for a quiet reflection in honour of those who are gone.
There is a note in the Mass leaflet this week from Trocaire, thanking all those who supported their recent special weekend collection and with a reminder that contributions can still be dropped into the Parish Office this week, for this worthy cause.
The Kerry Diocese has produced posters giving details of addiction services available in the Diocese ,they are displayed at the back of each church.
The AGM of the Cullen and District Special Needs association will be held on Monday night November 22nd at 8 pm. New members needed.
A lovely twilight Mass was said at Tubrid Well on Saturday evening. Organised by the Traveller Group of West Kerry, they had their own priest for their ceremony. Many local people attended. And lighted candles were given out giving the occasion an air of intrigue and holiness. Because of the obvious, Holy Communion was distributed to members only, while hymns were sung in low tones. A lovely ceremony must say.
Our very best wishes goes to the one and only Seán Radley, who had a foot procedure done lately and we wish him a full and speedy recovery. But not to be stopped, our Sean continues with his outstanding shows every Sunday from 12.30 to 2pm and on Tuesday nights from 9.30. on Cork Music Station. Shows not to be missed. Be better soon, Seán.
Here are the results of this week’s Lotto draw which was held on Sunday night. Numbers Drawn were 15,23,26,28 and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to Deirdre and Joan,the seller was Joan Casey and she got €50 sellers prize. €50 went to Furball, C/o The Mal Paso, €20 each went to Fr. James McSweeney, Altamount. Maria Kelleher, Pound Hill, PJ O’Sullivan, C/O Lehane. Joan Moynihan, C/O Centra, Shane Browne, C/O Jackie,The Bridge, Mary Irish, c/o Tony’s Burcher. Patrick Cronin, C/O Pat Randals. Sharon & Denis Lane, c/o DP Lane. Jackpot for next week €17,400 the draw on Sunday night.
Look up our website every day, our excellent team work very hard to bring you all you need to know of what is going on in the parish and beyond. Job offers, services available, even turkeys for Christmas.
The Christmas Lights are being put in place in the Town, The large Teddy and his friend at the monument are already creating an atmosphere, while to Swan at the West End keeps up the good work there. Please do your bit to make Millstreet a bright and happy town in the run up to the Festive Season.
In closing, pardon me if I boast, but I want to congratulate my daughter Noreen on becoming a member of Accounting Technicians Ireland this week. Following years of working at Alps, GI, Boston Scientific and Stricker, rearing the children, she decided to change direction, studied at night for two years and after all the years of travelling is now working for a firm in town. Well done, Nora.
A get well wish goes to Geraldine and her husband Mick who are recovering from Covid 19, which has kept them lying low for the past couple of weeks. But the bottom line is that it brings hope that people who are vaccinated, can recover. Buíochas le Dia.
Agus sin a bhfuil a cairde, Keep well and help others to keep well also.
Slan agus beannacht.
.
