Dia is mhuire diobh go leir a cairde and welcome to my weekly Report.
Heavy rain and high winds, normal enough for the sort of weather that we are accustomed to in these modern times. But of late we’ve been getting a mixture of hail, which leaves lots of people very surprised, worried even, Well what next. But in my young days ,hailstones were a common occurrence in April. It sticks in my memory because April being the time of year when fowl of all kinds were put down hatching. Hens mostly because they were capable of bringing out many other species as well as their own. Hatching hen eggs of course was natural for a hen, and took three weeks to mature, while duck eggs took a month, meaning that the unfortunate bird would be stuck in the nest for a week longer. Geese and turkey eggs the same. Usually the hatching was done in an empty and peaceful loft ,away from the other distractions of the farmyard. They were roofed with galvanised sheeting and when the hailstones came hard and fast as they often did in April. it was a cause of great worry. The danger was that the pounding noise would kill the young life as it formed in the eggs under the hens. As the weeks progressed the worried bean-a-tighe would take out an egg here and there and hold it up to her ear longing for the faintest sound of life. To check if they were fertile she’d hold the egg up to the light ,and look through the shell, if there was a little sack of light showing at the top then it was good. But if not it was sure to be a glugger and a glugger was bad news, the contents rotting away in the shell with the passage of time. The woman would take it away as soon as she was sure that there was no chick growing away inside. As children we’d be given the glugger to discard it. How we loved to take it away and throw it at some distant stone or ditch, thus filling the air with the most foul smell in all the world. People ask us today, what we did for fun in our young days, now there’s one example. There was nothing as cranky as a hatching hen or indeed any brooding bird, they fought to the death to protect their clutch. A few times a week each would have to be forceably taken out of the nest to have some exercise, toilet, food and drink and to dust themselves. Dusting to a hatching hen or any bird would be comparable to any of us having a bath. The heap of ashes after the fire, or a heap of dry earth or sand was heaven to them. Crouched down, they wallowed in it using their sharp claws to throw up the dust and mix it into their feathers and flap their wings in a wild frenzy. Then just as fast they were on their feet a quick shake of the body and wasted no time in returning to the nest as soon as possible, plumage askew and clucking, clucking loudly as she went and anything that stood in her way got the vent of the loud screech or a dig of her claws. Back in the nest she gently nudged her clutch of eggs into the right position and carefully sat down on them. Not everything went to plan of course there were losses and disappointments but never sure if was human error or the dreaded hailstones in April.
Things are looking up, Alps Electrical are hiring summer workers, cleaners and painters are ready to take your call and the old reliable The Green Glens are looking for people with accommodation to let. The First Show which is the Pony Trials will be held from June 16th to 19th . There’s a show in July from 16th to 19th inclusive and in August the Annual world renowned Horse Show will run from July 27 to 29. Already the request is out for accommodation and those who like to avail of the chance to earn a little extra money and can provide nice clean accommodation, please ring the office at the Green Glens.029 70800 and go on their list.
The visit of President Joe Biden was another spirit riser when he came last week. We had almost forgotten most of the nicer things in life until he spoke so sincerely of his love for God family values and how important it is to relish our neighbours, our country and our environment. Speaking as a man who had lost no less than three members of his immediate family over the years. For a man of his years you had to be impressed at the way he spoke, held on to his line of thought for hours, without ever looking at his notes or taking a sip of water. He put his native Ballina on the Map and watching the program from there on his final night, it was hard to believe that it was in any part of Ireland. God bless him he has the right idea and it is up to us to pray for him, to the God that he loves and believes in so well.
Time moves on and so does life, which leaves me on the verge of my 90th birthday. My loving family set the ball rolling at the weekend when they threw a gala party for me and the family and friends on Saturday night. Fr Paddy was there to say the grace before and after the meal. Geraldine Dennehy and Sean Radley to capture it all on in their own inimitable way. A video message from our friends up north, Daniel O’Donnell and Majella. Was a wonderful surprise. The Wallis Arms Hotel left no stone unturned in making it an occasion to remember. The décor, the food, drinks, the excellent service were beyond compare. Our friend Peter Lane of Blackwater Sound Fame wasn’t found wanting with his very own brand of entertainment which brings everybody on to the floor. The Young and the old were as one in a night of joy and merriment. Buíochas le Dia. An opening like that was well worth the 90 year wait. Many thanks to all those who came to celebrate with us, thanks for the many lovely cards and beautiful gifts and prayers. That will do for now.
The rest of this week will be all about our young people. Two of our children will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation on Thursday. Great grand daughter Ave O’Connor, at Dernagree before noon and Olivia Buckley, The Castle, Kilmeedy in Millstreet at 3pm which will include children from Cloghoula and Cullen. On Saturday 22nd Great Grandson Josh O’Connor will receive his First Holy Communion in Dernagree at 10.30. We wish God’s Blessing on all the children and their parents on these important and happy occasions.
The closing ceremony of the Divine Mercy Novena.
The closing ceremony of the Divine Mercy Novena was held in the Church on Sunday last Apr.16th at three pm. A record crowd attended. Some people came every day since Good Friday at three O’clock to say the prayer for each day, while others continued at home. In spite of the scarcity of priests today, five priests attended on Sunday. They were Canon John, Fr.Paddy OByrne, Fr. Sean Tucker, Fr.John O’Shea, and Fr. Billy Radley. The church Choir with Edel Fraser also attended. Canon John gave the special sermon which is always part of closing day. Confessions were heard, The Divine Mercy Novena Chaplet was recited ,and Holy Objects Blessed. And the hourlong proceedings brought to a close with all present joining the Choir with their wonderful rendition of ‘How Great Thou Art.’. Well done to all who organise this great Novena every year. Apart from Novena time ,we are urged to say the prayer every day, or as often as possible. Leaflets are often available at the back of the church.
Here are the results of this weeks lotto draw which was held on Sunday night. Numbers drawn were 2,4,9,18.and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to Maura Roche, Derry, Banteer, the seller Was JP O’Leary and they got €50 sellers prize, €50 went Denis O ‘Connell, c/o O’Regans Mills, €20 each to Dan & Joanna c/o The Bridge Bar. Donal & Zelic, c/o Reens, Michael Twohig, c/o Lehane, Kate O’Sullivan, Laught, c/o Capabu, Mary Lane, Old Coach Ave. c/o Colemans, Mary Ryan, c/o Mary Buckley c/o Colemans, Queen Anna, c/o Michelle Whelan, Marie & Pat Murphy, Dooneen c/o Corkery’s.
Next Draw April 23rd. Jackpot €7,800.
45Drive as usual at the Canon O’Donovan Centre tonight at 8.30.
Eucharistic Adoration every Tuesday from 10.30 am to 7.30pm.Please look up the website for details of all of our church services.
Tune in to Sean Radley on Cork Music Station tonight from 9.30 when he will play many items from my Birthday party including Dannell O’Donnell’s lovely message.
Agus sinn abfuil a cairde Slán is Beannacht Dé libh go léir.
