Dia is muire diobh go leir a Cairde. And welcome to the New Year, 2016.
Baoichas le Dia that Millstreet and its people escaped and serious injury or damage from the fierce Hurricanes that lashed to land since we last met. And I hope that those who made it home from afar for Christmas were able to enjoy their visit in spite of the weather.Our Christmas Church ceremonies were all very well attended in all three churches .The newly refurbished Crib in Millstreet looked amazing as the crowds flocked to pay homage.
A silent collection was held in aid of our church restoration fund which is the norm at the Christmas time and raised in advance of €6,000. Well done to all those who supported it. And well done to all those who helped in any way to make our Christmas so devout and cheerful and meaningful.
The Christmas Day walk to the top of Mushera Mountain went ahead . Proceeds will go to the Men’s Shed and the presentation will take place at the Men’s Shed Church St .January 26th.
Then the dip in the freezing floods of the BlackWater on New Years Day. All in aid of good causes.
And all those involved in St V de Paul and others fundraisers, worked right up to the last minute to make sure that many people had a good Christmas after all.
Our lovely Pipe Band rang in the New Year in the Town Centre
And the Christmas lights and other decorations stood up well to the ravishes of the weather.
And now with Christmas behind us, things are beginning to come alive again as we get ready for 2016.
Events at the Green Glens will kick off on January 20/21st with the annual Machinery show. All indoors in the mighty arena. Running each day of Wednesday and Thursday January 20/21 from 12 noon to 10pm. Free carparking is available on the grounds and food and refreshments will be available.
In the coming months there is a vast increase in the number of equestrian events coming to the Green Glens which is now World Standard.
The following if a brief rundown starting as early as March.
March 24-28 Millstreet Welcome tour CSI. And again from April 1-3rd.the welcome tour continues.
July 12-16 The World Team Mounted Games Competition .
July 26 -31st FEI European Jumping Championships for Young Riders ,Juniors & Children.
Aug 9-14 Millstreet International Horse Show.CSI
August 24-28 the Millstreet/Drishane Castle International Horse Trials. CCI & CIC Classes.
October 28-30 the Annual, Pony Owners Charity Show.
Apart from these confirmed fixtures many,other events will be held at the Green Glens throughout 2016. And we wish the Duggan Family every blessing and Success for 2016 .
Wednesday January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany is a Holy Day of obligation.
The Millstreet Community Singers will perform at the Pub in Carriginima on January 6th starting at 10pm.
Tickets are available for the Womens Christmas annual party which will be held at the Wallis Arms Hotel on Friday night January 8th. Contact Mairead Daly at 087 903 1475 to book your ticket. A Meal will be served, followed by music by the popular Danny Creedon. Spots and Fun Galore, a night not to be missed.
The two day annual greyhound coursing event was held in the Town Park on Friday and Saturday .
And please take note that the Town Park is open to the public from now on.
The weekly lotto resumes this weekend. The draw will be held at Tarrants Bar on Sunday night with a Jackpot of €6,200.
Our Sympathy goes the relatives of Rev. Bro. Charles O Leary, formerly of Cushloura Macroom who passed away at his mission in Borneo on Christmas Eve. Bro. Charles, a member of the De la Salle order was 87 and worked right up to the time of his death. And many of the influential people of that side of the world, owe their great successes to the learning provided by the Irish Brothers and Sisters in religion.
May the body of the gentle Bro.Charles Rest in Peace in his beloved Borneo.
Please take note that a special Mass for Bro. Charles will be said at his native Carriganima Church on
Saturday January 23rd at 6pm.
Schools and businesses are all opening up following the Christmas recess. Days are still short and dark both morning and evening, and the weather unpredictable. Please be prepared for the influx in traffic, especially around schools and factories.
Before I go I want to wish you, God’s Blessing for a very Happy, Safe and Successful 2016.
