Eily’s Report – 14th December

Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a chairde, and welcome to my weekly report.

The third Pascal Candle, a purple one, was lit on the Alter before Masses at the weekend, letting us know that the Season of Advent is moving on fast. This weekend the candle will be pink and the one for Christmas Brilliant white. So let us leave no prayer unsaid in the run-up to the great feast of the birth of Jesus on Saturday December 25th. But before then there are lots to be done. The level of fundraising has reached fever pitch as people some for the first time are throwing all their energies behind the effort to ensure that not one person will go without their needs this Christmas, whatever those needs may be. They say that nothing is ever all bad, that every cloud has a silver lining, that there is always another way and I think that the awful corona virus has proved all of these things to be true. When no way forward can be seen or achieved then it’s time to take a step back and consider an alternative. Life goes on, it has to. It’s not of our making, we can’t switch it all off so we must find a way or ways forward. It looks to me as if the world has looked at the less well off in a different way, taking the view that with a little help a great deal of situations can be brought up to speed, in a way that will give the have-nots to chance to become equals.  The present situation has changed many people’s lives. None or very few foreign trips to visit family abroad  or for loved ones to come home. At home there are mass cancellations of concerts, family parties, or hotel breaks. These things cost a lot of money and planning, but without them people have both time and cash on their hands, which sends them off in pursuit of something to do  and what could be better than to turn their thoughts and energies towards the country’s human problems around them.

Our St Vincent de Paul committee held their church gate collection at a wide range of churches at the weekend and out in Carriganima, the Roche Family laid on a real live  drive-by Christmas Crib for the same cause. Many of the local children took part and all the little animals and fowl got to feature in it. The weather was wet and wild but it did nothing to dampen the spirits of all those who came to give their support and enjoy the novel experience, especially the children.

Meanwhile out in Cullen they have delved into the past to compile a fine book of  recipes from the past, which will prove very interesting and entertaining. It’s on sale at many outlets for €10. For the full list of stockists contact them at 029.79201 or on Facebook. Another ideal Christmas Gift .

The people of Carriganima raised lots of funds for Penny Dinners.

The St. John’s GAA Club are making sure the future of their Club is in good financial standing. They are holding a Trolley Dash Draw in aid of their club. Just another example of how folks  are endeavouring  to keep their communities  afloat.

The old photos, which Sean put on the web recently have us all straining our eyes trying to pick out the people that we knew from the 80’s. The fine stalwarts like Johnnie O’Keeffe and Con O’Connor and so many more. But the background also drew great attention as people gazed in almost disbelief at the names over business doors of the time  and the fast food van at September Fair. In the days before fast catering became so popular and the picture of the long gone Dan Hallissy passing the petrol pumps in Minor Row. The little ass throwing a wry eye at the fluid of the future which would put him out of commission for ever.  Every picture tells tale.

The death notice on our website of Mary Teresa Chambers, formerly Mary Teresa Murphy late of Mill Lane was another brain jerker for me. She was in my sisters class in school from the early 40’s, a lovely petite little girl  always with a smart white bow on her dark curly hair. Like many others she was lost to us as she  emigrated to the USA, to build her future, while we carved out our own lives on the native soil. Her parents were Peter  and Kathy Murphy  but her Mom was always called Katty Dineen.  She was a beautiful singer and was always called upon at parties  and gathering,  she excelled herself as a member of our church choir.  Herself and Kathleen Moynihan, butchers across the road filled our church with their fine voices often singing solo at our Sunday Mass. Those were the days when the choir sang from the gallery. The original organ was in full fettle then and what an impression it made when both choir and organ performed in unison. We were in awe of the choir, I can still recall a few other faces such as John Joe Tangney, Pat Forde, Tadg O Driscoll, Liam Coffee and lots more men and ladies as well. How I’d love to see a picture of them today, all dressed up in their Sunday best. The ladies with lovely outfits topped off by hats of every hue, a flashy ribbon or perhaps trendy feather, the men in a tailored suit, impeccable collar and tie, shiny polished shoes and often a little three cornered hankie on the top pocket. They would be coming down the stairs as we’d be leaving after Mass and I thought that they were a people apart.  There was no amplification that time and it wasn’t needed because from their lofty stance the member’s voices soared high above the congregation and rained down upon them. The organ that time had to be manually pumped to make it work and a big strong man would kneel down and catch a large lever, which he would push up and down while the organist played. From far down below, how we often tried to steal a peep up at the gallery during Mass to see the choir members and the man pumping the organ but we were afraid to look because we were told not to look behind us at Mass and if a nun heard that we did, we’d be killed in school next day. Things are so different today in so many ways. The parish Choir no longer gets the honour of performing from on high, a matter which continues to be a great disappointment to us all.  Modern laws have changed many things in our lifetime. new ways which we are forced to accept but no law can ever compensate me for the loss of our magnificent gallery where organ and choir performing in unison filled our church, with holy music and song all those years ago.

We were thankful to emerge from Storm Barra with no great damage done to property. Coming out next morning it was like a re-birth as we stepped out very gingerly to see if anything was left after the dreadful weather forecast. But happily all was pretty well and we found the forewarnings in our area were a little over rated but perhaps better safe than sorry.  It was indeed strange to see our Shops and stores and places of business closed for the day, also many schools. Nice in it’s own way  to know that we have a bigger power there to let us know of impeding threats. Thankfully our Christmas Lights came through the storm very well  and continue to raise the spirit of Millstreet in no small way. Please continue to shop at home. Give meaningful gifts  as the days of novelty things are not practical in the present climate. And your support will sustain our local shops as they labour through the effects that covid and Brexit are having on their livelihood. The upgraded foot paths in a few places in the town have added their own improvements to the scene.

I’m sure that gardening and grass cutting can be put on the back burner from now on. With no lawnmowing going on we can seize the moment to put some of our favourite garden gnomes and ornaments at vantage points where we can admire and enjoy them from the haven  of our warm indoors. Phormiums came into their own during storm Barra, it belted them with all its power and they danced to it’s venom, it’s long ribbon like foliage looked almost like it was enjoying the challenge. The fox seems to have deserted me and I have to say I miss him. His stealthy appearances seemed like I was seeing something that I shouldn’t. However the cheeky Robin comes ever more near and knows that I will toss him a few scraps before mister crow makes his appearance. Every Season gives us something to enjoy in the out of doors.

There is a notice on the website to say that the Text Alert Project is closed  and those who did not renew their application will not be included in the 2022  list.  The TextAlert is a wonderful project which is organised by our Community Council in union with our Garda Siochana. For a mere €10 per annum the member will be informed by text of any suspicious happenings  or dangers in their area and I would like to thank council members Marie Twomey, Priests Cross and Dan Collins ,The Tanyard for the great work that they do every year, working with our Garda to bring us this great service.

The Community Council Church  annual Gate Collection will be held in Millstreet on the weekend of December 18/19. Please support them well  and enable them to continue their great work which they do for all sections of our Community.

Thanks also to the nice people who go to the trouble of complimenting me on my weekly Report, makes my efforts all the more enjoyable.

Here are the results of this week’s lotto draw which was held on Sunday night, Numbers drawn were 18,24,25,27,and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to Louise Cooper, Liscahane, the seller was Corkery’s Bar and they got €50 sellers Prize, €50 went to Denny Lane Drishane Rd. €20 each to Marie Creedon, Cloghoula, Tom Kalleher c/o ORegan’s Mill. S  Higgins c/o Bridge Bar, Linda and Mary Coleman, Denny O Connell c/o Lehane, Triona O’Leary c/o James Michelle and Buddy c/o Sheila Lane,  Squeezer c/o Michelle Whelan. Next Jackpot €18,200 .

Please drive carefully in the run up to Christmas. Changes in weather and dark evenings can lead to many hazards on the road and the one great fear of people of my own calibre is the loss of the driving licence.  If we lose it we also lose our independence. We walk a very thin line and one mishap could do it for us.

Canon John is asking us to book early for  places at Masses for Christmas. Ring the parish office 02970043 for details of times etc.  Book your place on time and do not be disappointed.  Blessed copies of the annual church calendar are available free of charge at the back of the church.

Agus sin a bhfuil, a chairde, Slan agus beannacht.