from the Corkman 10-Dec-2009:
MILLSTREET TOWN FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS: The festive season is officially underway in Millstreet after the town switched on its Christmas lights last Friday evening.
Despite inclement weather and driving rain, excited children and parents turned up in the Town Square for the big switch on.
The event was hosted by the Millstreet Development Group who helped whip up just the right jolly atmosphere for the occasion and kept the crowd entertained.
Live performances came from Millstreet Comhalthas Ceolteoirí Eireann and there was a warm welcome for a horse drawn carriage with occupants Bertie Buckley and Anna Balla in periodic costume, filling the bill of lord and lady of the manor splendidly.
Development Group Chairman Tony McCaul and Millstreet Community Council Chairman Noel Buckley addressed the crowd. Soon it was time for the moment everyone had come to see when, with the flick of a switch, Millstreet’s countdown to Christmas officially twinkled to life, the official launch undertaken by members of the Millstreet team that captured the Co. U12 football Championship title.
As the evening’s festivities finally drew to a close the crowd dispersed and headed home, wet and cold but filled with Christmas spirit.
However for Bertie and Anna, the night was beginning, back on board the horse drawn carriage to take the trip to Drishane Castle for the Baby Jacob Concert.
Upcoming, a number of initiatives continue in Millstreet right up to Christmas Eve. Santa comes to Millstreet Youth Centre on Friday and Saturday, December 18/19 from 1 to 4pm.
From Thursday, December 17 to Christmas Eve, a Marquee operates in the Town Square each afternoon with a Christmas Market and seasonal music.
Additionally, carol singers from Millstreet schools convene in the town centre next weekend. Meanwhile in a novel concept, the local community are enticed to spend their money in Millstreet, vouchers available in the local Credit Union that can be used in many of Millstreet’s stores.
ROAD RACE SUPPORTS MARYMOUNT HOSPICE: Another worthy cause will benefit from the popular Duhallow Athletic Club Road Five Mile Road Race where another record number of entries are expected for the Newmarket to Kanturk showpiece on Sunday, December 20 commencing at 2pm.
Organisers related that all proceeds from the upcoming staging will go to Marymount Hospice. The official race starter is Regina Donnelly, Chairperson of the Friends of Marymount Hospice.
This year’s annual race is dedicated in memory to the late Francis Higgins, a great supporter of the Duhallow race. For those none too interested in the non-competition but seeking a means to work off unwanted grams ahead of the festive season, a popular fun walk commences at 1.30pm.
That’s 30 minutes prior to the start of the premier 5 Mile Race departing Newmarket and finishing in Kanturk.. Sign on time takes place in Hourigans High Street, Newmarket.
Sponsorship cards are available from Jerry Twomey, Catherine Higgins and Shane Browne.
TASTE OF CHRISTMAS: A large crowd attended the Tastes of Christmas festive cookery demonstration at Millstreet Community School organised and promoted by the Transition Year Students.
Chef Instructor, author and broadcaster Frank Moynihan presented an evening of festive cooking which included many seasonal tips on what to do with the leftovers.
For starters Frank prepared Goat’s Cheese and Cranberry Tartlets and also prepared a Roasted Parsnip and Pear Soup. His main course was supremes of turkey, red wine, garlic and shallot reduction.
The desserts included vanilla pannacotta with a berry compote. A mouth watering Christmas Chowder was also prepared which can be served with garlic bread and enjoyed with friends around the Christmas fire.
All items cooked were raffled and the lucky ones had a day free from cooking. The proceeds from the event go to the Baby Jacob fund, The Irish Heart Foundation and Cystic Fibrosis. The Transition Year Class extends thanks to all those that supported this event.
PARISH CHRISTMAS CARDS: Millstreet Parish Christmas cards are currently on sale in shops. The price is €5 for pack of 6 cards, all proceeds go to the Millstreet Church Restoration Fund.
CULLEN PARTY: Cullen and District Special Needs Association host their Christmas Mass and Party takes place in Cullen Community Centre on this Saturday commencing at 1.30pm.
SCOR: Millstreet gained a rewarding outing to the Cork County Scor na nÓg semi finals hosted in Millstreet last Saturday night. At the completion of the competitive affair, Millstreet’s instrumental music group and solo singing act enjoyed success.
Maura Buckley sampled success in the solo singing category. The instrumental music group featured a line up of Allanah Barry, Kelly Murphy, Cian Dennehy, Donal and James Linehan.
The successful Millstreet teams progress to the county final on Sunday, January 3 in the Eire Og GAA Pavillion, Ovens.
GRAMAPHONE CIRCLE: Millstreet gramophone circle host their monthly get together at the Canon O’Donovan Centre on this Friday night at 8.15pm. This month’s presenter is Margaret McCarron from Bandon and Cullen. Everybody is welcome to attend.
AUBANE PARTY: The Annual Christmas Party for the Aubane community and surrounding area takes place in the Aubane Community Centre on Thursday, December 17 at 8.30pm. A great night of food and entertainment is guaranteed.
COLLECTION: The annual St Vincent de Paul Church Door Collection takes place this weekend prior to Mass times in Ballydaly, Cullen and Millstreet.
GAA: A battling Millstreet came up short to Kilbrin on a 0-15 to 2-4 defeat in the Duhallow U21 Hurling Championship semi final played at a Meelin.
A chilly wind cut through the proceedings yet at least, the hurling warmed the dedicated patrons viewing the fare on offer. And at the end of the hour, Kilbrin hurled with far greater passion and purpose.
Millstreet put together a decent account of themselves and though goals brought them back into contention, Kilbrin held a facility to respond, their self belief unshakeable to sway matters. Kilbrin’s game had started at a brisk pace before Millstreet boosted by the fresh breeze, got to grips with the situation with Dean Desmond, Kieran Sheehan, Mark Ellis and David McCaul to the fore.
Their hopes brightened on Michel Murphy nipping in to goal. However Kilbrin enjoyed the bulk of possession, finding the target with points. Millstreet relied heavily on Mark Ellis for scores to allow a stalemate 1-3 to 0-6 position at the break.
Kilbrin re-emerged a more determined outfit, confirmed on a run of points to confirm a spell of supremacy. Millstreet attempted a recovery, Mark Ellis pointing yet they were left to bemoan a run of missed chances. A sharper Kilbrin answered on points to put some daylight between the sides.
Millstreet were far from a spent force and the game was thrown open on Darren Murphy placing Michael Vaughan to net. However Kilbrin failed to be ruffled, back to back points wriggled their way out of trouble.
Millstreet lined out as Denny Twomey, Conor Lane, Dean Desmond, Andrew Creedon, Kieran Sheehan, Mark Ellis, David McCaul, Muiris O’Connor, Darren Sheehan, Jamie Kelleher, Darren Murphy, John Buckley, Michael Vaughan, Cian Lawlor, Michael Murphy. Sub. Andrew Crean.
