Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my Report.
Before the drizzly rain started today there was a lively wind blowing outside and while savouring my first meal of the day I let my eye wander over what was happening in the great big world beyond my kitchen window. At ground level there was little change, just the weather beaten lawn and judging by the skies it was in from more. However high up in the sky the crows were playing high jinks. In full wing they seemed enjoy riding on the wind. They allowed themselves to be carried by it and play a variety of games. At times to soar ’til they were nearly out of sight and then drop wing and fall from on high at great speed, only to catch themselves at the last minute and rise again. They flitted in and out amid the flock and it was easy to see that they were having a great time. As a little reward for the free show I threw out a few scraps and it didn’t take them long to spot them and dive in for the morsels. After that they disappeared into wherever crows go after their morning rounds. Very soon the misty rain pulled a curtain over the scene and I was glad that I saw and enjoyed it at the beginning of my day, my week.
I think the crows have a better life now than they had when I was young. In my young days crows were shot and trapped and poisoned and their remains hung out as a warning to others. But those were the times when all farmers had mixed farming each had a few acres of corn. Crows settled in communities ‘or rookeries to use the proper word in many areas around the country. When grain was scattered by hand it wasn’t buried as well as it is today because the machinery wasn’t there. As soon as the work was done the crows descended on the red ground and retrieved as much as they could of the seed. Much to the annoyance of Farmer Jack. Most people kept a gun that time for dealing with this kind of problem and they would hang some of their ‘catch’ on trees in various places as a warning. And it always worked. Of course there were different kinds of crows, with different needs. The common crow, the magpie, the squall crow, the rook. At that time also there were yards of fowl roaming free and the crows were forever vigilant. While the common crow was no threat to young chicks or ducklings, the squall crow was number one. Of course the magpie who always arrived dressed for dinner was a threat to all ,and despite it’s beauty, was hated by all. There was a rookery not far from us at home, in the next farm where there were some very tall trees and in the quiet of the evening we could hear the hundreds of crows gathering home to roost. It used to take them ages to settle and in the quiet of the evening we loved to listen to their loud banter. The Jackdaw rarely gave any trouble except that they built their nests in any available chimney. It wasn’t a problem in chimneys that were used every day. But the one of the parlour ,drove the Bean’tighe mad. At Station time when she wanted the places all cleaned up and have a warm fire for the priest. Everything seemed to be done with the greatest of fuss and bother that time and crowds brought on to help and different methods teased out. There would be a big discussion as to how the all important flue could be cleared. Get a ladder generally a rickety home-made one and go up and poke down the blockage. Bringing an avalanche of soot and sticks and straw down into the room. Others liked to attack from below , push something up ,while bystanders issued a continuous variety of advice. ( At times much to the annoyance of the man on the job). Magpies and grey crows were the biggest offenders they’d take eggs, chicks and ducklings in the yard and attack the corn field both at seeding time and when Harvest time came round they’d swoop again. Once they made a start then it was time to act. Many different methods were used and the gun was the best, the loud report sent them scurrying and with a sample put hanging on a bush it made a great deterrent. Of course there was always the scare-crow the method that went back since time began. At harvest time the cornfields around the country were a showcase for every brightly coloured garment which was rooted out and put to work. The women would search for old coats and gansies which were long consigned to a nail in the stall or stable wall and the Fear a’ tighe would nail a few old boards, or sticks in the shape of a cross and there was always great fun in putting the finished product together . A fist of hay or straw was twisted into the form of a head and grandad’s battered old hat with the burned hole in it, secured on top. The creation would then be put in the most prominent place in the field, still bearing evidence on the gansy of lovely aran or blackberry stitches and cable that was lovingly knitted by herself away in the past. The old coat off the nail in the stable with tell-tale signs of the blue-stone after spraying the garden. The one himself wore for his wedding many moons before and with these creations dotted in many fields around the place they made a comical sight and drew the attention of all the passers by. The scare-crow was indeed a great look into the past and after serving its wearer well , the outfits swung into action once more to save the crops from the marauding crows . The few acres of corn and the chickens running free are gone from the scene now. The rookery is still there but not as many crows, and the gun is gone rusty.
Our deepest sympathy goes to broadcaster supreme Jimmy Reidy on the recent death of his lovely wife Peggy. Jimmy entertained us every week for years with his wonderful programs on C103. They were recorded at the refurbished schoolhouse in Freemount and Peggy was always there to support him and meet the continuous thongs of people who came to take part. Jimmy is retired now but thankfully many of his recordings can still be enjoyed, thanks the efforts of Seán Radley. Very often he includes one of Jimmy’s programs in his ever popular program on Tuesday nights from 9.30 on CMS. Which can be accessed through our website. May Peggy’s gentle soul Rest in Peace.
A very high powered information Session was held last week at the Adult Learning Centre (FET) on our Main Street. Cork ETB Resource Worker, Marie Twomey opened the session and invited the many speakers Guidance Councillor, Librarian, CE Supervisor, Community Education Facilitator, FTE Guidance Councillor North Cork and many others. In closing there were refreshments and lots of interaction between all those who attended. I’d like to congratulate Marie on convening this important gathering at this fine place of learning in our town.
Well done to the Marian Players in Rathmore on raising €14,000 at the recent show Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs The proceeds were presented to the Kerry Parents and Friends on their closing night.
Well done also to Con Houlihan on his recent success in the world of Piping.
The weekly Weigh In continues in Cullen on Monday nights in aid of the Cullen & District Special Needs. Please support them well. Weighing by Mairead Reen, Music and exercise with Hannah. This week 23 attended and 27 lbs weight was lost.
Our Town Square is in for a welcome uplift with the new bus shelter almost finished and a Laundry outlet opening at the newly refurbished premises at the former McCarty’s Bar. The historic premises across the street with its eye catching Veranda, formerly called Van stans is in new ownership. Meanwhile at the other side of town, just up the street from the lovely West End Café two families have moved into the rooms at the old cinema and the rear section will soon be upgraded to a modern gym.
The Millstreet Gramophone presentation will be held at the Canon O’Donovan Centre on Friday night February 21 at 8.15. All welcome. The Presenter is Michael Cronin of Boherbue.
Jubilee pilgrimage to Rome led by Bishop Ray will take place from May 19-23,
Details from Nora 087 931 8976 .
Eucharistic Adoration every Tuesday from 10.30 am to 7,30 pm. Please support it well.
Legion of Mary Meeting at the Parish Centre every Tuesday night from 7.30 All welcome.
The Aubane Social Club will present the proceeds of this year’s Christmas Day Climb of Mushera Mountain on Friday February 28th @ 8. All are welcome.
Dementia Awareness Online Training on February 19. Email sinead @ncdementiaaliance.ie
Here are the results of this weeks lotto draw which was held on Sunday night.
Numbers drawn were,3,8,21,29 and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to Eon O’Callaghan Drishane View, The Seller was Tom Carroll, and he got €50 sellers prize, €50 went to Mary Rose & Rachael Keane c/o The Mal Paso. €20 each to Margaret Hartnett c/o Mary O’Connor, Good & Jo, c/o Michelle Whelan, Patrick Murphy , Pound Hill, c/o The Clara Inn, Dan Crowley, Minor Row, c/o Mary O’Connor, Ann Marie O’Mahony c/o Jerry, Jerry Heineken, c/o The Bridge Bar, Noreen Murphy, Ballydaly, c/o Guerins Shop Dan Linehan, c/o Capabu. Jackpot for next week €8,600 the draw February, 23.
Please look up our Website every day and for the latest news at the Active Club ring Mary 087 053 7172
Sinn a bfuil a cairde Slán is beannacht.
