Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my Report.
With September on our doorstep and children about to return to school,’tis hard to believe that the year is moving on so fast. It’s a time when in the past we looked forward to the annual September Fair. The very thought of it almost raises the excitement within me as I recall crowds and the carnival in O’Leary’s Lawn (now the Town Park) and loud speakers on all the poles in the town blaring all the lovely music and songs that were popular at the time. Mighty stallions would be paraded through the streets with strong men at both side, reins in hand to keep them under control. People and animals all mingled together, there was no mention of Health & Safety and yet I can’t recall that there was ever any serious injury. People were naturally vigelant back then because they lived with danger all the time. There were no proper fences to keep animals under control, so they broke out and galloped free sometimes where people especially children were and had only a split second to jump to safety. Where some repairs were in progress boards with nails sticking out of them were another hazard. Many the unsuspecting passer by stepped on one at their peril. An experience I had more than once. Such things made us very watchful, very clever and the dangers at the Fair bore no threat to us at all. Beforehand there would be a Carnival Dance to choose a Carnival Queen and once chosen she would be free to elect her own ladies in waiting, four of them. This was in the day when there were no mobiles phones, nor on-line shopping and outfits were a lot less fashionable than they are today. So you can imagine the excitement in the run-up to the parade. We waited with bated breath to see the beautiful gowns , worn by her ladyship and her attendants. How we wished it could be us, but it was never to be. Pony trotting was very popular back then, the course was from town to Kilmeedy Bridge. The driver beautifully dressed whip in hand was a sight to behold and the clip clop of the nimble hooved beauty was music to our ears and a gymkana on the lawn was also a crowd puller.
Memory surely plays tricks on you , it’s a well known fact that old people keep looking back at their long-ago and can talk about events with great clarity. Now that I’m there I can vouch for it . For while I can still recall details of what happened over 80 years ago, I can’t remember the happenings of the recent past. Looking back the 60’s,70’s,80’s ect can often seem a blur. The best way I have of pinpointing them is by the birthdays of my children and their children and also by looking at photographs. There are plenty of them now ,and the old saying that a picture is better than a thousand words is so very true. People like me have a lot of spare moments and there is nothing better than to browse through a family album, to tick your box. Moments of sheer joy, some questionable, some of course to draw a tear. But the mix is a good leveller and the to prove it all, I’m still here.
Well done to Paddy Murphy, Tullig. His latest CD paid off well as did his two previous ones. Out of the blue the humble Paddy traversed the place complete with his recorder and asked people from all walks to sing or recite or play music and so on. Never really saying what he wanted them for. But in time he had these lovely CD’s of all local talent on the market and all the proceeds going to good causes. His latest with the help of the reliable Eileen Tarrant was for the Guide Dogs for the blind. They presented a decent cheque at their headquarters on the Model Farm Road recently. Well done once again to all.
I’m asked to mention the problem of Dog Fouling in many places in the town. Please refrain from this unsanitary habit and there is a heavy fine if you’re caught. Our town now complete with another Mural is getting a few welcome facelifts in recent times. Our Bank of Ireland will be great when the work is done. As far as I can recall it’s the first time I ever saw it being done up. A few new colours along the length of the town give a nice fresh appearance. A few people have done so but I suppose I will never see the day when my wish to see all the chimneys painted will be realised. It would give our streets a wonderful elevated aspect.
The approach roads were got a great build-up recently and new white lines added, but we are anxiously awaiting the yellow lines which are so important in defining our borders. The borders are newly trimmed now and please do not litter them.
I’ve given up feeding the birds. It’s as though my friends are gone on holidays, I miss them so much. But I had a reason. On a chance fine day I spent hours in the garden .The Autumn garden is overflowing with pods of seeds of every ilk there for the taking for our feathered friends and as long as I’ll provide nuts for them they won’t bother with their gifts from Nature. I’ve even made peace with the moss. I think there is nothing as soothing or as nice as to walk, barefoot if you like, along your new mown lawn with its thick blanket of warm moss . It’s lovely to bring in some blossoms this time of year, especially the Wild Woodbines. How they fill the house with their own distinctive aroma, I love it.
Our roads continue to be plagued by dreadful accidents, and young lives nipped at the bud. The death of four beautiful young people in Tipperary last week affects us all and as we’ve done since time immemorial, we can only turn to God and ask him to help all those who are mourning their loss.
Don’t miss Cliona Hagan at the pub in Carriginma on Sunday next Sept 3rd. Another night not to be missed .
Here are the results of this weeks lotto draw which was held on Sunday night. Numbers drawn were,1,7,19,23 and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to Mike Ash, c/o the Bridge Bar. €50 sellers prize went to the Bridge Bar. €50 went Kathleen O’Leary c/o Jimmy. €20 each to Rita and Anna Jean, c/o Rita O’Reilly, Kathleen Healy c/o Tom Carroll, Joan Moynihan c/o Centra, Joan & Siobhan, c/o O’Regan’s Mills, Pat & Mags Dineen c/o the Clara Inn, Paddy Sheahan, c/o Tom Carroll, Anita and Sean Sraid, c/o Corkery’s, & Joan Anders, Kilmeedy c/o Me fein.
Next Draw September 3rd. Jackpot €11,600.
The Cullen Special Needs Association were blessed with fine weather for their Annual Vintage Day on Sunday. Having being deferred some weeks ago because of adverse weather. It went ahead on Sunday in brilliant sunshine with all the usual attractions up and running. Vintage display, Live Music, Blacksmith display, Children’s games and Sports. They are indeed to be complimented on their achievements in aid of their very worthy cause.
The Communal First Saturday devotions will take place on Saturday September 2nd at 8.45 at the Church of the Resurrection Killarney .This is to fulfil Our Lady’s request at Fatima for the conversion of sinners, to make reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and to obtain World Peace. Please support it well.
I want to say hello to all those who are trying to squeeze in the last few days of holidays before the opening of the schools on Thursday . A Get-well message to those in Hospital or ill at home.
To quote a message from our Mass leaflet of the Weekend by Canon John to the Leaving cert students.
“I want to take this opportunity to wish all students in our parish who received their Leaving Cert results, all the best as you embark on the next stage of Life. As you begin your journey let the words of Mother Teresa be a gentle guide, yesterday is gone, tomorrow has not yet come, we only have today. Let us Begin.”
Agus sinn abfuil a cairde Slán is Beannacht Dé libh go léir.
