Dia is mhuire diobh go leir a cairde and welcome to my weekly Report.
There is only one way for me to start my Report today and that is to talk about the trip of Gina and the Champions to Carriganima on Saturday night last July 8 2023. No words of mine can do justice to the courage and determination of Sean Murphy to take on such a mammoth function as to invite the great Gina & the Champions into the humble space at the back of what was known in the past as Mattie Maghúns and dancing is not new to the Village, I have a faint memory of a dance hall there many moons ago and they gave a welcome bread & jam and tea.
It was a far cry from Saturday night’s show. Against all the odds of doubtful weather, the lack of a dance floor just to begin with, the brave Sean forged ahead and after weeks and weeks of preparing the sight on the edge of the main Millstreet/ Cork Road the final result on Saturday night threw up a first class venue well fit to welcome the renowned Gina & Co. JCB’s were brought to level the site and it was a case of all hands on deck to get the huge concrete dance floor laid down. There was ample seating for those who wanted to sit and as the demand grew for more, it reminded me of getting ready for the Stations when parlour chairs and stools were handed in over the fence. There was a wonderful air of co-operation and Community Spirit. Peter Lane in his own inimitable way entertained the crowds as they arrived They came in their hundreds , a temporary bar on site was at the ready to boost the one indoors. Health and safety reigned throughout to make sure that nobody got hurt. Then at the given time of eight o’clock the lovely Gina was ushered in, arm in arm with John Joe Moriarty and Pat Joe Kelleher and up on the stage to join her band members. When the music started dancers in many colours and fashions stormed the dancefloor and the show was on. They did the slosh and line dance and every step known to man. It was a atmosfere of sheer joy. People met people that they hadn’t met since before the pandemic and one woman of advanced years was heard to say ‘isn’t grand to be out again’. Gina was visably happy to be there and when the wonderful Sean went up to say his cupla focail, he showed his inner glee by leading her in the jolly tune of ‘When I was a Little Pretty Baby’ and the crowds responded with a Mexician Wave some turning on their phones to let their friends in many parts of the world enjoy the moment with them. The lovely Tommy and Breda Sheehan couldn’t believe their luck to happen to be home for it from Oz and God himself was on their side that night. The only roof was the sky and the skies and the air were clear and warm and not a drop of rain in sight. (Buíochas le Dia). Mary O’Sullivan presented Gina with a beautiful bouquet of flowers to celebrate her fifty years in the business before she sang her final song with the promise to come back.
We have to lift our hats to Sean Murphy for his courage in taking on such a daunting contract in spite of all the odds. There were moments of worry and concern sometimes bordering on despair but Sean forged ahead and with help from his friends ,he won out and everybody respects him for it. In under two weeks Declan Nerney with be there and I’m confident that the crowds will be even bigger.
Still with dancing our Active Retired Association want you to know that Line Dancing lessons will be available in September. Ring Nuala for details of Line Dancing lessons which will be held at our Parish Centre from Wednesday September 27. From 2-3 pm €6 per lesson. Ring Nuala at 086 087 3223 by Friday, July 14 if interested.
The same Association have booked a cruise on Cork Harbour on July 19th , for more details contact Mary 087 053 7172. Some members enjoyed a gala BBQ at Ballyanly on July 6th. Many thanks to our Committee who continue to book these enjoyable events. If you would like to become a member contact Mary at 087 053 7172. You will be informed of all their activities as well as being covered by their insurance.
The members of the Men’s Shed meet every Wednesday evening from 7-9 where they have a cup o’ tea and a chat and make plans while they wait for work to be done on the upgrading of their premises. New members welcome, no need to book just turn up any Wednesday evening and you’ll be made welcome. Meanwhile their Bowling club is on summer break and there’s a hope that an outdoor facility can be placed near the Town Park/National School where it would be extremely welcome.
It’s that time of year again when the kindly Gertie and Maurice O’Donoghue open their prizewinning garden to the public in aid of Marymount Hospice. They live at Dromboy ,Carrignavar, Co.Cork T34 HK37 .which is off the main Mallow /Cork Road . They are open from 2-6pm on Sunday July 16th . Please give them your best support for this very worthy cause.
Pilgrimages to Knock are as follows. Annual Pioneer Pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Sunday July 16. Mass at 3pm. Anointing of the sick at 2.30.
National Grandparents Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine July 23. Anointing of the sick in the Basilica at 2.30 ,with Pilgrimage Mass at 3 followed by the Rosary procession. Further details at the back of each Church.
O’Callaghan coaches are running buses to Knock for the Annual Grandparents Day. Sunday July 23 .Pre booking is essential and can be accessed by ringing 064 6631095.
Kerry Diocese Pilgrimage to knock Shrine Saturday August 26. Booking forms are available at the back of each church. Or from the Parish Office.
Cullen & District Special Needs Association Annual Vintage Afternoon Sunday July 16. Includes Vintage display, Live Music, Blacksmith display, Children’s Sports and games plus fun for all the Family. Please give them you best support for their very worthy cause.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament every Tuesday from 10.30am to 7.30 pm .Please attend well, sign up for a regular hour each week or drop in any time on a Tuesday.
Legion of Mary Meeting every Tuesday night at the Parish Centre from 7.30.
Confessions every Saturday from 12.30 to 1.
The Statue of Our Lady of Fatima is available to any household which would like to have it for a week.
Contact Gobnait 085 825 2149.
Here are the results of this weeks lotto draw which was held on Sunday night. Numbers drawn were 4,26,28,29 and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to Kevin & Liam c/o PJ. The seller was PJ Creedon and he got €50 sellers prize. €50 went to Mary Lane, Old Coach Rd, €20 each to Ben Lyons c/o Rita O’Reilly, Molly Moynihan ,c/o Colemans, The Cowhagger c/o The MalPaso, Suzanne Cronin ,c/o Capabu. Tara Bourke, Stockholm, c/o Margaret. Michelle & Decky Forde, Cork, c/o Me Fein. Eileen Coakley Rathmore, c/o Guerins, Adam Bourke c/o Margaret.
Jackpot for next week €10 200 the draw on July 16th.
Thought for the week on our church leaflet, All of us could take a lesson from the weather , it never listens to criticism.
Slan is beannacht Dé libh go léir.
Agus sinn abfuil a cairde Slán is Beannacht Dé libh go léir.
