Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.
And welcome to 2025 , a New Year full of plans and hopes and prayers to make it a good one. Le conamh Dé. God knows the Christmas period put us to the test, with snow and ice and all the things that falls victim to them. Blocked and impassable roads, abandoned cars and trees down from the weight of snow. Even our religion was affected like never before. When did we ever experience Masses being cancelled, moreover during the Festive Season. Funerals didn’t escape, with coffins of loved ones having to be transported by any means possible and our Parish Priest transported by jeep. But the elements didn’t stop the rather regal removal of Dan Joe O Connell, R.I.P. a horse lover all his life, it made waves to see four jet black steeds in high plumes lined up in our church yard to ferry his remains to his final resting place. Only goes to show that combined effort makes everything possible.
I had a brush with the elements myself. A dear friend invited me to his 80th Birthday party in Dublin on January 4th. The snow still hadn’t fallen but was forecasted. I was glad to accept the company of my dear daughter-in-law Denise to accompany me on my journey, because I’d never have managed on my own, the booking of train seats, and taxis in Dublin, finding our Hotel and the venue for the party. All went well, we booked into the historic Castle Hotel, (which gave us a feeling of home). €161.00 for a twin room including a wonderful breakfast. We got the life story of each of the taxi men whom we encountered. One from Africa, doing fine with his growing family here, another not so good, from the Philippines, where he has a wife and 14 children and when we asked why so many he explained that in his country a man must have a son and he got 6 girls before he got a son, but then went on the have a few more. It’s five years since he’s been home and he was very lonely for his family. He couldn’t believe the friendly relationship between myself and Denise. In his country Mother in Law and Daughter in law would be mortal enemies. He was very courteous a friendly and got to us on our return journey on good time. With Denise’s help we boarded our train and found our seats without a bother and then we waited and waited. The train was half an hour late leaving Heuston because they didn’t have a driver. We sat at ease while others battled with their luggage and searched for the seats which they had booked and it’s amazing how many people get it wrong, wrong carriage, wrong number, etc. All the while we were getting word from home that the snow had started and was falling thick and heavy. Finally we were off and did well till we were well past Mitchelstown ,and then the train stopped and we were told there was a problem at the level crossing on ahead, then after a while we even started to go backwards. All the way as far as Mitchelstown where they told us to get comfortable and they opened the doors so that people could go out for air. The first man out fell flat on his face on deep snow, but soon recovered himself. Then a group of high spirited young ladies on a Hen outing skipped out past us and in their flimsy gear, started a snowball fight. The bride–to-be was adorned in a veil for photographs while we enjoyed the spectacle from our warm seats. You can’t bate the youth. On reboarding the lovely girls spoke to a few of us, oldies and asked if there was anything they could do for us. In no time all on board were talking to each other creating an atmosphere of caring and fun. Phones were buzzing ,with people trying to change their plans. Back on track again we resumed our journey and arrived in Mallow where we had to wait for an hour in the blizzard, for our connection. Due to the snow the schedule was in disarray. The platform was crowded and we were asked to cross over the bridge to the other side which we did, only to be told a little while later that we had to cross back again. We were ok the whole time because we knew we’d be met at our journey’s end. But to hear other people’s stories. One couple flew up from Kerry Airport for a wedding in Dublin. But when coming back their plane couldn’t land and they were diverted to Shannon where they had to hire a taxi to take them to Limerick Junction to catch a train, to take them to Farranfore where they had no option but to walk in deep snow as far as the Airport, to be reunited with their car. A lady of 88 from Balingeary who turned out to be a relation through marriage was on board, I wonder how did she get on. On reaching our own Station seven hours after leaving Heuston, it was great to have John D at the ready to take us home. But not just yet. A few people alighted there also and they’d no option but to start walking up to the town One a semi-invalid pulling a wheely and two more bags on her back. Luckily we had room for two and brought them into town while the others had to be content with shanks mare. With only a little over a mile to go we headed out Macroom Road, I didn’t dare call in to my own cold and unheated abode and went on but alas the 8 inch snowfall prevented our transport from going up the incline to the house, so we had to abandon ship and wade our way till we reached our goal. Oh the sound of the steaming kettle and hot food never sounded so good. Still nothing could take from our enjoyment of the wonderful party in Dublin the previous night.
Looking back I think that Irish Rail handled it very well. While we were stuck on the line we wanted for nothing. The carriages were comfortable and warm, toilet facilities were all working. We had the tea trolly serving everything from tea, coffee, cakes etc even cup o’ soup, we had places to charge our phones, plug in laptops and they kept us informed about the situation all the time. Nothing really prepares you for a sudden fall of snow and it was an education to us to see how people’s lives can be put in danger when they get caught off guard by it. Thankfully our trip was great and we’d do it all again.
Many congratulations to our Community School Students on the great success at the BTYSTE 2025 in Dublin last week. Tune in to Sean Radley on CMS tonight for details of their great achievements.
The Annual Weigh In has resumed in Cullen. 66 weighed In last night with Mairead Reen. Continues next Monday night plus exercise to music with Hannelie.
Here are the results of this week’s lotto draw which was held at the FET on Sunday night. Numbers drawn were 15,27,29,30 and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to G. Curtin, Drishane Rd. The seller was Cronin’s Centra and they got €50 seller’s prize, €50 went to Megan, Kate , Leik & John Coleman. €20 each to Eileen Enright, Station Rd, Mary Morrissy &Susane Desmond, ‘The Friendly Cousins,c/o Corkerys, Saoirse O’Riordan,c/o Margaret Rea. Helen Curtin, Tullig, Packie Linehan, Buttavent, Party go c/o O’Leary’s Butchers, Thomas Kelleher, Cullen, Next Draw Jan. 19. Jackpot €7.600.
Please look up our website every day for details of all that is happening here, in Church and state. Many of the events which were closed for Christmas will be starting up again. Pass the word to others so that all can avail of them and take part .Following so many days and nights of confinement ,with the full heating on afraid to venture out an inch on the snow and ice in case of falling it would be easy to remain in situ and let the rest of the world go by, but we have to make the effort to look up what’s going on out there and get involved.
Eucharistic Adoration every Tuesday from 10.30am to 7.30 pm, Please support it well.
Before I go I want to wish you all a very Happy New Year, may 2025 be the year of great things for you and pray that the help of God will be with us all the Way. Slán.
