Eily’s Report – 25th October

Dia is mhuire diobh go leir a cairde and welcome to my weekly Report.

You look out and it’s raining, look again and the sun is blazing, decisions decisions, will I put out the washing or not. Well rather than put them in the dryer, I’ll put them out and see what God will send.

The 40th National Dairy Show was held at the Green Glens on Friday afternoon, all day on Saturday and there was a lot to celebrate, not just 40 years but the first in two years because of Covid. Many new challenges also had to be met because the comforts and securities of past years were now taken up by the Ukrainian people who had to flee from their own war-torn country. I was determined to go and see how the great Green Glens could accommodate it all. I arrived in brilliant sunshine on Saturday afternoon, when every where was fully crowded, well supervised car parks full and shuttles bus services in operation. I must say I found it hard to believe that I was standing in the Green Glens, the place that is so familiar to me since the day it was founded. The number of marquees and covered areas and passageways was baffling. Including the spacious covered diner. I  was told beforehand that there was a lot to do, to bring it up to standard, but it wasn’t until I saw with my own eyes, the magnitude of the whole undertaking. Trade stands abounded and seemed comfortable in their allotted sections with ample space to show off their wares. The Show Ring was a place apart, where the cream of all bovines inched their way  around under the sharp gaze of the team of judges. It being the 40th. presentations were made.  Every man who directed the National Dairy Show here over the years was called into the ring where they were lauded for their dedication to this important event in the life of farmers everywhere. Then the man who made it all possible, the one and only Noel C Duggan ,representing the Duggan family was called in and extolled for their outstanding co-operation over the past 40 years. Having received the special award comprising of a special clock, denoting ‘Time Given For Time Taken” and in his reply he lauded those wonderful  people who have kept the National Dairy alive and well at the Green Glens and looking to the future with more determination than ever. I have to congratulate all connected with the Dairy Show. The locals who put their shoulders to the wheel even on show day they were there fully alert to any problem that may arise. The National Dairy Show is important to Millstreet because a rising tide raises all craft it’s a boost to our community at many levels.

All concerned can justly take a bow.TG.

It’s hard to believe forty years that was 1982, Noel C showed a picture of the first one to the cameras at the show last Saturday, filming equipment wasn’t as good then as it is now, but at the same time it image conveyed the message. If only we could recall all the changes and improvements that have taken place since then. The first International Horseshow was in 1979. Believe me I know because I found myself in the chair of the Community Council that year. The Community Council itself was very young that time, formed just two years earlier in ’77. The First person to the take the Chair was the late doctor Pat Casey, the second Sean Reardon, (Drishane) and myself  the third. At the outset it was a pretty easy going thing, members brought accounts of potholes in their roads or the odd animal straying, or a remark about something or other. Then in 1979 as I was trying to ask myself, “why did I take this job?” and spending sleepless nights trying to figure a way to get out of it, along came my pal Noel C Duggan ,looking for the support of the Council to bring an International Horse Show to Millstreet. OMG, all hell broke loose. Five or six stalwarts of the meeting were all for it while others had their doubts and those in favour went along to the Duggan residence the next Thursday night and formed the first Equestrian sub-committee in Millstreet and opened the gates to the Harvey Smiths and David Brooms, Jerry Mullins, whom we admired as gods on English programs. I stood beside Noel C on the opening day of the first International Horse Show, (He still has  that picture of us). It was the wettest day ever and there wasn’t an inch of concrete anywhere, just deep muck, and he whispered to me, “Eily, if we make it today, we’re made forever because things can’t get any worse.” The rest is history, full of successes and failures and war and peace  stories that I will be relating as time goes on. But for now I want to pass on an experience that may help others. I learnt a lot on that chair in 1979, some very hard lessons but ones that have stood by me ever since. Being in no way educated and lacking in book learning, (lots of people were like that then) I was very shy and self critical. There was a man on the council who was a professional and I having a long standing dread of people of that ilk,  felt inadequate to talk or make statements in front of him. It kept me awake at night and I  prayed to God to help me, stuck in a position that I felt was beyond me. In the end I made up my mind to speak to the person himself, confide in him, tell him that his presence made me feel bad. Anyway that’s what I did and I spoke to him, told him my trouble, needless to say he was totally unaware of my fears, and after that my confidence was restored and I thanked God for his inspiration. The rest of my year in the chair was busy but trouble free. So my advise to anybody who has a worry like that, is to confront it head on, sort it and move on.

Don’t forget to tune in to RTE1 on Thursday night at 10.20  for a program with the renowned  Joanne O Riordan .

Sean Radley will be on his usual slot on Cork Music Station from 9.30 tonight.  A show never to be missed. Sean never fails to surprise.

Halloween is up next and young people are gearing up for the most scary weekend of the year. All kinds of weird things are being planted in the most unexpected places , to get you hopping with fright when you least expect it. There’s a fancy dress Party at the Bush Bar on Saturday night.

Here are the results of this weeks lotto draw which was held on Sunday night. Numbers drawn were 15,24,27,29 and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to Maura Roche c/o   O’Leary’s and they got €50 sellers prize.€50 went to Sean Twohig, c/o Tom Carroll, €20 each to Uncle Buck c/o Lehane, James Bourke c/o Margaret Bourke, Donal Cronin c/o Centra, Kat and Pa, c/o The Bush. Liam Hickey c/o O’Regan’s, Stephen Kelleher, Moulnahorna, John O’Keeffe, c/o Reens, Trish McEvery Noonan. c/o Capabu.  Next Draw Bank Holiday Monday Jackpot €3,400.

Well done to our Garda force who come out on traffic duty when large crowds attend funerals  etc. I gives people a sense of order and they know their turn will come.

In the past shops and businesses closed their doors when a funeral was passing, now  in some cases I see that shopkeepers and staff coming  out and line the street . In my opinion,  a lovely gesture.

Baskets were brought back in use at Masses on Sunday. It’s a long time since we had them and there are many new people have come here in the meantime, so there was a little confusion which will I’m sure sort itself out in time. The month  on November is upon us and our thoughts turn to our dear departed. Mass every day in Millstreet but when there is a funeral, times vary, so it is better to check. The list of Masses for November are on the missalette and our website, please check them for details to avoid disappointment.

45Drive in Millstreet every Tuesday night in Ballydaly on Sunday night and Cullen on Wednesday night, all with an 8.30 start.

Active Retired notes.

It’s the last Friday of the Month so it’s Tea and Scones and Bingo at the Day centre instead of Yoga on Friday.at 1.30.

Stay fit resumes November 7th and Yoga November 11th    3-4.

Friday is also  the monthly Meet & Chat day for all ages, at the Library.  11 to 12.

All welcome.

Knitting at the Library every  Wed. 2.30 to 4. All welcome.

The wet weather has made many places very slimy and coupled with fallen leaves  makes them extremely slippery, so please take care.

Don’t forget to stock up with a few goodies ,for when the little ones call to trick or treat on Bank Holiday Monday night.

Agus sin a bhfuil, a chairde, have a good week ,Slán.