Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my Report.
Oh what a lovely day can do, and a lovely weekend is immeasurable. To get a fine Bank Holiday in the middle of bleak forecasts was nothing short of a Gift from God. For the first time in a long time, people from all walks were able to live the dream, carry out the plans they had made for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Others were not fortunate. Up the country there were damaging floods where people had to sleep in their drenched homes until help was available next day. For a small island like ours it’s difficult to imagine such extremes.
Roads were extra busy because of the Bank Holiday Weekend nd places and communities along the way held functions that were suited to their places. In brilliant sunshine. Very often raising much-needed funds for various causes. One of the most novel to my mind is the Sheep Races in Bearra.
Every year the vibrant community of Adrigole get together to raise money to keep the wheels of their clubs turning for the year ahead. Different places use the theme which is the most suited to them and in this beautiful place in the shadow of Hungry Hill with its scenic waterfall and rocky terrain, dotted with sheep ,the obvious choice would be a sheep race, among many other things. The excitement is electric as the woollies are rounded up, little children hop up and down with excitement and try to get close enough to get a feel of their woolly coats. It’s a case of all hands are on deck as volunteers come from home and away to help. Special fencing is put in place around the perimeter of the sports field and every animal can be identified by a large number on both of its sides. The betting is brisk as the crowds rush forward to put their money their favourite. Sometimes they put lines across the course to create jumps and it adds fierce excitement among the children as they see them going. Needless to say they have to be ushered on ,and the noise gets deafening as each punter shouts his own to the finish. By evening time the woollies are released into the wild ,having done their bit for a very worthy cause.
In our Family the August Bank Holiday weekend marked yet another one of our by-annual family gatherings. Buckley’s from all quarters of the family unit turned up at Kilmeedy Castle again to renew the bonds that exist between them all. Due to the pandemic it was five years since this gathering met last. Blessed by fine weather ,the organisers left no stone unturned to make it the wonderful happy event that it was. A marque, a bouncing castle and Kingdom Caterers of Denis Doody fame saw to all of the major details and as the clan gathered, there was enormous joy in front of the age old castle. Groups gathered for photos, with it proudly standing in the background and when all had met, they lined up indoors along the grand display of food of many ilk. Hot or cold ,sweet and savoury. This years organisers Den Buckley and his cousin Aoife Buckley ,from Youghal lead the proceedings and following the meal they led an exciting table quiz to let the food go down. The more energetic then took part in outdoor games while more of us sipped out favourite tipple and gloried in the wonder of it all. As is the norm two members were chosen to do it all again in two years time and there was no shortage of volunteers. Such gathering were never as important as they are today. And good management means that nobody is unable to attend due to expense of a place to stay.
It’s important when running functions similar to ours that they run on proper lines. As always our organisers do all the planning and tot up the cost and expenses, divide it by the number attending and each one pay their share. From there it’s fun all the way. Every possible bed was provided for those who were free to stay and next morning in brilliant sunshine, Denise and John D treated all and sundry to a hearty breakfast al fresco in their own covered picnic area, and then there were fond farewells until the next time in 2025 DV.
Being unsure of yourself is the best way to get help. Last week I mentioned the Davis Family as there was a request on the web for information of them. Since then I’ve learned that there were four sisters and not three. They were Sheila, Mary Teresa, Hanna-Mary ,who was in my class and is in my school photo, and Barbara ,who became a nun. Many thanks to all those to came to me with help. United we stand ,divided we fall.
I’m delighted to see that we are getting another Mural in our town. This time at the Fair Field, or what I always knew as the Fair Field.( It been a carpark for so long now I’m sure there are those who wonder why in was ever called a Fair Field. )On the wall of the O’Riordan Family Home. A very historic building in the life of Millstreet. I still recall carpenter Mikie O’Riordan. An easy going person who passed on his beautiful trade to many a young lad who wanted to be a carpenter. Life was very different back then ,and it was very difficult for an aspiring tradesman to get experience . But I can recall more than one young man who got his trade there ,thanks to the gentle Mikie O’Riordan and built a good life for himself afterwards’ Needless to say the picture of the horses on the wall ,will open up many other lines of thought when it is complete.
The Dublin Show starts this week, then can Millstreet be far behind. There will be great demand for accommodation, if you have some to offer please ring the office at the Green Glens 02970800. And the National Dairy Show is on the list again for later on.
For members of our Active Retired Association please know that there are some vacancies for the Exercise Classes in September. For details ring 0214347096.
Be reminded that the Thursday coffee at 11 is on again ,this time at Linda’s in the West End. Feel free to come.
Eucharistic Adoration every Tues following the ten o’clock Mass until 7.30pm.Please support it well.
45Drive every Tuesday night at the Day Centre at 8.30 sharp.
I have a lovely rich blue hydrangea flowering in my garden and I hear you say, what’s so special about that. Well I bought it in full flower about six years ago and that was the last time it flowered until now. I found the same with others of the same breed over the years. So I Googled my story and to my joy they told me not to worry because it is quiet normal for that to happen. Didn’t know that before. In the past I’ve asked others to take them away because they didn’t flower for me now I find I didn’t keep them long enough. Never too old to learn.
Here are the results of this weeks lotto draw which was held on Bank Holiday Monday night. Numbers drawn were.21,23,24,28and the Jackpot was not won. (and for almost the first time ever, there was NO ticket in the number twenty one section). €100 went to Pavi McCaffery,Lackabawn. The seller was Colemans and they got €50 sellers prize. €50 went to Myra Sheehan, c/o Angela Kelleher. €20 each to Nigel & Tommy c/o The Wallis Arms. Paddy O’Connor, Ballinkeen. Michael Twohig C/O Lehane & Robert. Kieran Lonergan C/O Michelle Whelan. Lauren Buicke c/o Capabu. Nora O’Connell,c/o O’Learys. Mary O’Mahony c/o Jerry, Maria Murphy c/o Angela Kelleher. Next draw August 13 Jackpot €11,000.
Agus sinn abfuil a cairde Slán is Beannacht Dé libh go léir.
