Dia is mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my Report.
The few hours of warm bright sunshine was very welcome on Monday morning after two whole days when the sky was blanked out in a heavy smoky shroud. Our Sunday morning was brought to life by the local Vintage Club who swelled the town to celebrate the 6th annual Johnnie Hickey Memorial Vintage Run. Based at the dip of the town they had adequate parking in Noel C Duggan’s Car Park by kind permission, while registration and refreshments took place at Healy’s Bridge Bar. They had time for viewing the many cars as well as engaging in friendly chat. Marshals looked very striking in their motorcycle gear as they prepared to take to the road ahead of the cars to see that all was well along the route. All sorts of vintage vehicles were welcome and draws for various prizes. These Vintage runs never fails to add some life to wherever they take place, and long may they continue.
Four weeks of Lent are already gone. And this week as was always the norm a little break was made for to celebrate the feast day of our national patron saint, St. Patrick himself. What is it about St. Patrick, that his Day is celebrated all over the world. If the truth be said other countries are more passionate about it than we are. Rivers are died green, everybody dresses up in our national colour. Those abroad love to get a little sprig of Shamrock from the old country for that day. Not all samples arrive as planned. For as long as my brother Jerry was a missionary in the East, I sent him a decent piece every year. In the early days you could buy a special little box for the job. I’d search until I’d find a very special spray, wrap it in nice damp tissue to keep it fresh and make it up lovely for him to get it on time for St. Patrick’s Day. He never failed to appreciate the gesture which made me very happy that he got it on time and I’d have visions of him marching in their parade all dolled up in Kilmeedy Shamrock. But alas ,t took many, many years for him to pick up the courage to tell me that my gift arrived every time a sodden mess . It never occurred to me that as soon as the damp airtight parcel met the scorching heat of the Orient it just got cooked (for want of a better word) and there-by hangs my tale. In hindsight I should have ironed the Shamrock dry.
The people of Rathmore held their St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday. They were fortunate to get good weather and they can boast a fine turn out. Our Millstreet Pipers as well as Cullen’s Pipers band graced them with their presence. There were many prizes allotted to the various sections. Next Sunday it’s our turn and we again hope the elements will be kind. Our Community Council and their volunteers are putting every effort into their plan. There will be prizes for all the usual categories and a prize for the best dressed window. We are all asked to do our bit to ensure a great turn out. Assembling at Duggan’s Carpark Station Road for a 5 pm take off. Look up our website for details. I can’t believe its five years since Daniel O’Donnell and Magella graced us with their presence.
Mother’s Day was celebrated big time on Sunday. Beauty shops, florists, hairdressers etc did a roaring trade during the week and on Mother’s Big Day. Hotels and restaurants were booked to the limit and the Moms played their own part by turning up in their best finery with their best foot forward. Well done all round.
The people of Aubane put on a their act play, entitled “The Promise of Spring” at their social centre on Friday Night Written by local man Gerdie Buckley. The entire cast was made up of all locals. So great was the outcome that they will do it all again on Friday March 29th. Book early as tickets are being snapped up right now.
Not to be outdone Dromtarriffe put on a local stage show also in the recent past. A great boost for rural areas.
Hold on to your dancing shoes because Sean Murphy has booked Declan Nerney and all the other stars to make a return to the Carrig Ballroom in the coming months.
Mustn’t forget a word about the garden. I got my grass cut today, the first of the season. The first once over gives it a lovely even appearance and the birds are busy ‘shopping’ around in search of a place to build. While out travelling on Sunday I saw several crows working at their nests. High up on the tallest trees they were repairing their homes and it never ceases to amaze me how they can get a hold on the bear branches against the strong gales, lay their eggs, hatch them out and rear their young on such a rickety foundation. Crows amaze me anyway. They are great for gobbling up any waste from the kitchen. Sometimes its only a mouth/beakfull, but the finder will stand over it and call all the others. A human form would keep it all for himself, but not the poor old crow always ready to share. Could we learn something from them ?
Millstreet Gramophone circle presentation next Friday night, March 15 at 8.15 at the Canon O’Donovan Centre, Clara Rd, Millstreet. This month’s presenter Paddy Murphy, Tullig. All welcome.
The sponsored Weigh In at Cullen drew to a chose on Monday night. They had the usual party night. €5055 was collected and 525 lbs weight lost in the six weeks. Prizes were presented to those who brought in the most money. Also to those who lost the most weight. There was refreshments to celebrate the end of their 37th year. During that time they have raised many thousands of Euro in aid of their Special Needs Association. In a small rural area they deserve our best acclaim for such a mammoth fete.
Don’t forget to tune in to Sean Radley on Cork Music Station tonight from 9.30.
I regret to say that our restaurant in the West End closed down at the weekend. He told me not because of lack of support but because of other personal reasons. We will miss Linda’s.
The Holy Season of Lent is moving on fast. Four weeks already gone.
40 hour Adoration at the Church of the Resurrection, Killarney for Vocations to the Priesthood. Starting on Thursday, March 21 at 5 pm and ending with 9.30 Mass on Saturday 23. All parish groups and individuals welcome to sign up to cover the hours. Ring 087 688 4124.
Cork Lions Club are holding their annual Patrick’s Hill Ball Run in aid of the people of Gaza and local Cork Charities on Monday, March 18. All Welcome.
Here are the results of this weeks lotto draw which was held on Sunday night. Numbers drawn were 14, 17, 18,27 and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to Tim & Paula Deedy, Buttavent. The seller was Tom Carroll and he got €50 sellers prize. €50 went to Clare O’Shea, Cockhill, c/o Colemans, €20 each to Patrick Murphy, Cloghoulabeg, c/o Rite O’Reilly, Caroline Crowley, Mia Cronin c/o The Bridge Bar. J & M C/O Coleman, Anne O’Connor, Murphy’s Tce, c/o Noreen Tarrant, Anita & Sean Sraid c/o Corkery’s. Bar, Marie & Cathal c/o Colemans, Sheila O’Connor, Killarney Rd. Ciaran Murphy, Kilmeedy, c/o the Bush. Next Draw Monday, March, 18. Jackpot €3,200.
On behalf of us all today I want to extend our deepest sympathy to Mary & Donie and all the Healy Family Cloghoula on the sad death of their only daughter Maree, 44 on Mother’s Day. May God console them in their grief and grant the lovely Maree Eternal Rest.
Our prayers and best wishes also go to all those who are sick, worried or receiving treatment. Please keep them in your prayers.
Before I leave I want to wish you all a very Happy and Safe St. Patrick’s Weekend .
Sinn a bfuil a Cairde,Slan is Beannacht De libh go leir.
