A lot happens in a week, some good and some not so good but my story today is one of a miracle, a real miracle. Last week I told you about our dear friend who was hit by a car while out doing what he loved best,cycling. He was found by County Council Workers and airlifted to CUH where his tests revealed a very serious brain injury. He was put on life support over the Bank Holiday weekend, the doctors to come on Monday to remove it. In the meantime his family said their goodbyes and invited his closest friends to do the same. While we all waited for that phone call to say he was gone, a very different account came to say that our 68 year old friend had woken up and called his family members and friends ,(including myself) naming each one. He replied correctly to their questions. He took some liquid food and very soon taken out of the high-dependency room. A week later he can walk a little with the aid of a zimmer frame and is in a four-bed ward. Needless his wife, son and daughter are almost afraid to think that this is not all a lovely dream and that they will wake up and find that it was. Nobody knows what his future holds, but right now they are treating his case as a pure miracle. The medical team are dumbfounded, so also the nursing staff and all connected with his case.
And to quote the thought for the week from this weeks missalette.
‘Those who wait upon God get fresh strength, they spread their wings and soar like eagles’.
Needless to say this Godfearing family were in our prayers from the start and recovery so far is inspiring, proving once again that we must never give up on the Power of God.
Last week our Active retired Association organised a wonderful 5 day coach tour of the West of Ireland. It required two busses to accommodate the large number who travelled. A 52 seater and a 40 seater brought people from as far apart as Coachford, Rathmore, Duhallow and Millstreet of course. The weather was great and we wallowed in the grandeur of being completely spoiled. Staying at the beautiful Woodlands Hotel in Westport which was the perfect centre for touring all the local interesting and historic places such as Ballintubber Abbey, built in the 12th century and still in use today. The National Museum of Ireland, Kylemore Abbey. The picturesque village of Leenane, the foot of Croagh Patrick and the nearby coffin ship, to name but a few and Knock Shrine, Bunratty Castle on our way home.
The attention to detail has to be mentioned where everybody was made feel part of the whole thing. It was very pleasing to see more men coming along this time. We met many other groups along the way and can’t but notice the contribution that our elderly people are giving to hostelries around the country. They travel during the off seasons and fill hotels during slack periods. I must move on but before I do I must say a special word of thanks to the lovely Mary Sheahan who co-ordinated it all. left no detail undone in taking over eighty elderly people on the trip of a lifetime.
Many thanks Mary.
The word soon reached us as we viewed the wonders on the West, that there was a rather disturbing incident at home. Soon we got word that a silage outfit was on fire near the historic Holy Slanan Well off the Macroom Rd. where Kilmeedy got it’s name. The long dry spell seemed to be the cause of the precious outfit going up and burning out in spite of the local fire brigade. Needless to say traffic on the road below soon backed up as passers by looked on in disbelief and with todays modern technology pictures were soon on their way to all parts of the globe. The farmer in me soon got me concerned as to how the important work was going to be completed, following the destruction of the expensive harvester especially during the busy season, but I needn’t have worried. Before the fire brigade had finished their work, a replacement outfit entered the field and soon completed the task. It gives one a great gut feeling to hear how people are so at the ready to chip in when a need arises. Thankfully nobody was injured .
Even a few days away can leave you a little out of touch with all that is happening ‘back at the ranch’. Sunday was an action packed day here with the Parade through the town after the 11.30 Mass. A Most Holy Day in honour of the Body & Blood of Christ. All the little children who got their First Holy Communion came to the Mass with their parents and grandparents dressed in their white frocks and outfits. Afterwards they laid rose petals on the ground as Canon John took the Host to the Town Square for Benediction and a Blessing. The Pipe Band attended and prayers were said along the way. All blessed by the fine weather.
A large number of Our Community Singers with Marie Twomey paid a visit to Kanturk Hospital on Sunday where they entertained patients with their many songs and music and they were very well received. They often make themselves available for these pleasant occasions.
Our Primary Schools Parent’s Association held their 5km fundraising walk through the grounds of Drishane before returning to the Town Park for a wonderful picnic. Their forward planning paid off on the day. So well done all round.
It was also the day for Cullen Féis, a feature which goes down in the History of that historic Village. Well done to those who keep it going in spite of Covid.
Coming up this week, today Tuesday Mass at 10 am in the Church and Mass at Drishane Cemetery tonight at 7.30.
Other Mass times may be changed because of a Funeral.
Mass on Friday June 16th will be the annual Mass for those who support the Eucharistic Adoration and their deceased. At 7.30, All are welcome.
Mass on Friday June 23rd at St. John’s Well at 8pm.
Cullen Mass on Thursday June 15,in Cullen Cemetery at 7.30.
Mass in Cullen Old Cemetery Thursday June 27, at 7.30.
Courtmacsherry Lifeboat Church Gate Collection this weekend June.17/18. Please support it well.
Boherbue/Kiskeam pilgrimage to Knock Wednesday June 28. Contact Philomena 029 76116.
Kerry Diocesan Pilgrimage. Details at the bottom of the Church.
Millstreet Gramophone Circle. On Fri. night June 15th at the Canon O’Donovan Centre from 8.15. Presenter Joe Kennelly Inniscarra./Millstreet. All welcome.
Cullen & District Special Needs Association Annual Vintage Day Sunday July 16. Further details later.
Here are the results of this week’s lotto draw which was held on Sunday night. Numbers drawn were 16,20,21,30.and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to Guerins Shop Ballyday ,Sellers Guerins & Lehane they got €50 sellers prize. €50 went to John & Martina Healy c/o Michael Healy, €20 each went to Joan & Mary Rose. c/o The Bridge Bar, Susan Spillane, c/o Colemans, Connie Tarrant, Liscreagh. Ann Marie Kelleher, c/o Margaret Burke. Margaret Tia Kiely c/o Colemans. Helen Sheehan, c/o Tom Carroll, Sheehan Family Main Street, c/o Colemans, Emer & Sarah Dooneen, c/o Colemans. Next Draw June 18 Jackpot €9,400.
This week we mourn the passing of one of our esteemed people. Among other things Jerry Reardan opened the first chipper in Millstreet and called it the Millwheel. How overjoyed we were to read his menu on the wall outside and get our purchase right away, instead of driving to Killarney for our fast food. Our sincere sympathy goes to his lovely wife Mary and his sorrowing Family RIP.
Our continued good wishes and prayers go to those who are doing their exams at the moment, Also those who are sick or worried and hats off to those who are going on holidays. We hope they’ll have a great time.
Agus sinn abfuil a cairde Slán is Beannacht Dé libh go léir.
