Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.
Well, well, well, well what can we say, how can we talk about the strongest storms that ever hit our country. No doubt we were well warned, but nothing prepares you for the extreme. You fool yourself along thinking that it can’t be as bad as they’re saying. We’ve been warned in the past and we felt that the warnings were overdone and foolishly told ourselves that it’ll be the same this time, but it wasn’t. Judging by the devastation that was done in other places, we feel that we didn’t fare too badly, really. We had very little disruption in our power supply and we are hearing from people from all parts of the country where they have no hope of it’s return until well into next month. One thing which struck me was a new departure, Electric cars. People were grounded in a way that they’d have a chance to go anywhere. Another first was to see a wind turbine, bent over. One example the effects of the power cut was of a man who was invited to a birthday party up the country and the first thing he asked for was a shower, lucky for him he had a petrol car. We have yet to hear the many other stories of how the big wind affected others.
I have a feeling that we are the talk of the world because I’m getting messages from friends from as far away as Finland and far off Nebraska from friends who are worried for our safety. Having seen it on TV and their concern is showing in a very practical way. On the news I heard that many countries including Finland are sending repair teams to help. I can recall when there was great storm damage in England some years ago and our crew went to help. It’s great to see such co-operation existing in a global way.
The Annual Machinery Show which was held at the Green Glens last week was badly affected by the extreme weather. Business people who came from as far away as the North of Ireland were put at the skin of their teeth gather up their stuff and make it home. Pictures on the media show the utter devastation at the arena where valuable exhibits had to be retrieved from the debris next day. Our commiserations go to all concerned and especially to the Duggan Family who work so hard to continue to bring these big events to our town year after year. Better luck next time.
The amount of good will which is generated during such emergencies is indeed very heart warming. Every day we hear of the many acts of assistance that comes to play when the need arises. The wonderful members of the fire brigade remained vigilant all night in case there services were needed. Some people who live alone were asked to join their family homes if they were afraid to be alone. The list goes on. They say that the best way to deal with your concerns etc is to see how the other half lives. And I’m sure that we can draw some solace from the plight of the people Los Angeles , with everything in ashes around them, here at least somethings can be retrieved, repaired and rebuilt and returned to our normal living much faster. Buíochas le Dia.
In spite of wind and weather the Marian Players in Rathmore played to full houses at the weekend with their popular production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. They opened on Saturday night, had Matinee on Sunday and they are ready to do it all again on Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday this week and Matinee on Sunday. Ticket office beside the Hall is opened every day for tickets and information.
Meanwhile the members of the Aubane Social Club are ready to put their own homemade concert on stage on this Bank Holiday weekend. Opening on Friday night and a repeat on Saturday night with an 8 o’clock start. I have it on good authority that Friday night is sold out already. Booking is essential. The man to contact is John Dineen 085 784 7879.
Here are the results of this week’s lotto draws which was held on Sunday night. Numbers drawn were 2,8,16,19 and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to P J & Joan Creedon, Cloghoula, PJ was the seller and he got €50 sellers prize. €50 went to Pam Brophy, c/o The Camogie Club. €20- each went to Pat & John, No 9 South End. c/o Tony’s Butchers, Shane Browne, c/o Centra . Matthew O’Riordan, Ruhillmore c/o Colemans, Marie Neenan, Ballydaly, Tadgh McSweeney, Carriganima, Tim O’Donovan Mill View, Molly Moynihan c/o Colemans, Shane Tarrant , Dooneen c/o N. Tarrant. Jackpot for next Week €8,000.
The annual Church Gate collection in aid of our Day Centre takes place this weekend February 1/2. Please support it well.
Cullen & District Special Needs Weigh In continues every Monday night.
Last night 36 weighed in and 56 lbs were lost.
Table Quiz in aid of Lourdes will be held at Corkery’s Bar on Friday January 31, Proceeds to two 5th year students from the Community School who are going as helpers to Lourdes at Easter. Please support them well.
Secad Free workshop February 4th at the Adult learning Centre on February 4th. Topic being covered Understanding Government Supports for Employment & Enterprise.
Diocesan pilgrimage to Fatima led by Fr, Noel Spring. For full information contact 021 485 1700.
Theatre Classes in Millstreet Parish Centre. From February 4th. Contact 022 53477. Or 086 154 6913.
Spiritual Healing & Physical Healing at Coolcower House on Saturday February 1st, led by Fr, John Keane from 9.30 to 3.30pm.
Eucharistic Adoration every Tuesday From 10.30 am to 7.30 pm. Confessions every Saturday at 12.30
Legion of Mary meeting at the Parish Centre every Tuesday night from 7.30.
We live in dangerous times following the of Storm Eowyn. Huge challenges have to be met by all the available working groups etc. So that those of us who cannot provide assistance we would do well to stay safe and accident free in our homes. With the use of alternative heating and lightening accidents can easily occur. Already I’ve been told of a couple or ‘near misses’ stemming from the use of candles etc. and i think that we should use this occasion to supple ourselves with something that is safe to use. Fortunately for me I had a very useful battery lamp which one of the family gave me at Christmas some time ago . It’s a campers lamp, battery with various strengths of light. It can stand or can be hung up. Used indoors or out. An ideal gift. We would love to hear from other folk who have found other such safe devices and let others know that they are available.
This is Bank Holiday weekend and Monday February 2nd is the Feast Day of St. Bridget. The saint popular with animals and farming, a time that fits in well with Spring when all things of the land come in to play. St Bridget’s crosses abound at this time and they are widely sought after to hang in the home and places where cattle are kept along with the Holy Water in the hope that one of our most popular saints will make everything well in the months ahead.
In closing I wish you all a very safe and enjoyable February Bank Holiday weekend.
Slán is beannacht Dé libh go léir.
