Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a chairde and welcome to my report.
What a cruel turn of fate has hit the people of the Ukraine, when they’ve had to abandon home and country and seek shelter in many places, foreign to them. Once again because of the Duggan Family and the Green Glens, Millstreet is able to play a leading role in offering solace to a great number of these homeless people. We do not know what the future holds for them, but at the outset we have to be proud of our Community Council and all our people who have stood out in the face of the world as a welcoming and caring society when a great need arises. There is no way of knowing what the future holds for these people but while they are here with us, they are sure of a safe and friendly reception. I was asked to say that if people want to donate for the cause, please contact IRD Duhallow. Donations will not be accepted at the Green Glens.
Well I’m into the last of my 80’s. Did I ever think I’d see the day. Life is strange, it keeps you guessing all the time from one minute to the next you’re never sure of what’s in store, your fate is not in your own hands. I don’t know what I’d have done all these years if I didn’t have God to talk to at the end of every day. In our young days we found it hard to learn our prayers and to say them and I’m grateful that those who took part in our growing years made us toe the line and do our religious duties. Back then we had no major concerns, we had parents and teachers and elders who took the burden off of our daily lives. Well eased them anyway. Where our bread and butter came from, or who paid the bills was not our worry so life was pretty good. Goodness knows we still had our own set backs in our own less important world, enough to make us turn to God when all else failed. But as time went on we began to think that maybe there was something to this prayer thing after all. In school from an early age we said a fervent prayer when the inspector was due the same when going for Conformation. We were warned that if couldn’t answer the Bishop’s question that we wouldn’t be confirmed and perish the thought if we were turned away in all our finery in front of all our friends. Prayer was the best way out of all of these situations, in our young lives which were important to us at the time. We didn’t get all we asked for but we still kept come back time after time.
Growing up and getting married, life took on a more profound turn. In my young days girls didn’t go for higher education, it was considered beyond them so marriage was the only option. We actually gave up our identity in the process. Not only handed over our family name but the ownership of ourselves. Instead of being Eily Corkery I was Mrs. Dan Buckley. I must hasten to add that I was one of the lucky ones, because I was treated with love and care always. But it was never easy. Our relationship with our Maker took on a new meaning. We were on our own then, as it were gone from the security of parental home to making one of your own, bringing children into the world and even though young love can conquer many stumbling blocks, it cannot do everything. When problems beyond our ability arose it was great to know someone who could help. Few things are more wearing than a crying or sick child, or a dying loved one, or things going bad on the farm and many other things that we meet on our journey through life and it’s then that the power of God comes into it’s own. It’s a support, a crutch to lean on when there is no light at the end of the tunnel. In times like these when the weight of grief or worry is so heavy that you can’t pray, I can recall telling God last thing at night that I can’t pray and that all I had to give him was my worried mind. You can ask me, did it work? Well I have survived.
Living alone, though not ideal, has its own good points. When you have to fetch everything for yourself, it keeps you active. Long ago old people sat by the fire and asked for everything to be done for. ‘shut the door, I want a cup’o tae , rub my knee, wash my clothes,’ They were almost encouraged to be old that time, to act their age, even as early as in the 40’s. Wear dark dull clothes and flat footwear. But that is no longer the case and while it would be nice to get a cuppa put into your hand just as you settled in your favourite recliner to watch tv, I have to admit that it’s better for the body to get it for yourself. I want to thank my family for my lovely birthday (surprise) party and thanks to all those sent me cards and flowers and vino, text messages etc. All very much appreciated. Míle Buíochas.
Here are the results of this weeks lotto draw which was held on Sunday night. Numbers drawn were 13,15,17,18 and the jackpot was not won. €100 went to Billy Linehan, Dooneen, the seller was O’Regans Mills and they got €50 sellers prize, €50 went Frank Hartigan, c/o J P O’Leary. €20 each went to Derry Morley, c/o The Camogie Club, The Wall Family. c/o Capabu, Margaret Duggan c/o Guys & Dolls, Leah, Cillian and Jake c/o Paula Healy, Mary c/o Patsy Corcoran. Anita Gartnier, Mill View, Maura Cronin, c/o Denny, Eileen Dineen C/O Herlihys Centra. Next draw Monday May 2nd, Jackpot €20,000.
The Merry Month of May is already upon us. In days of old May eve was a very spooky night when pishogues were rife. Bounds ditches were blessed with Holy Water to keep the evil ones at bay. The custom is all but extinct by now but it was still there in my younger days and we sometimes found evidence of their work on our farm. Eggs or pieces of dead animals the most common and tales of an old hag walking the banks of the river at dawn working her spell. We were told to ignore such things and if we didn’t believe in them, they could not harm us. Thankfully we abided by what we were told and never suffered any ill effects. But there were a few others who allowed the witch to win and it played on their nerves for a while and they recovered. But the Merry Month of May is all about sunshine and flowers and outdoor pursuits and planting things and trusting in God to bring us good months ahead.
In closing I want to wish you all a very Happy and safe May Bank Holiday weekend. Slán.
