Category: Lifestyle

Let the people be heard.

Imbolc 2011 – Smaointe den scoth i mBaile Bhuirne!

Information in Irish follows the English version.

On the 12th of February eight of the most original and innovative thinkers in Ireland gather in Ballyvourney, Co. Cork, to give a day of talks on the ground-breaking projects they are working on. The name of the conference is “Imbolc”, and perhaps the most innovative facet of the whole event is that it is taking place entirely through the medium of the Irish language. This event is a perfect antidote to the negativity and paralysis that many in Ireland feel at the moment, and our goal is to inspire and challenge the audience to push the borders in their own thinking.

It is a one-day event, with each of the eight speakers given twenty minutes to make their presentation. As the speakers come from a wide range of disciplines, including business, science, the arts, and technology, this format will give the greatest opportunity for variety and the greatest possibility for cross-pollination of ideas. [read more …] “Imbolc 2011 – Smaointe den scoth i mBaile Bhuirne!”

Results & Fixtures: 10th Jan 2011

Greyhounds – Curraheen Park
575: Brendan O’Shea’s (Millstreet) Crossfield Luca (Droopys Vieri-Crossfield Way) (2) 3-1 1; Travel Free (5) 4-1 2; Cavies Flash (6) 3-1 3. 5.1/2l, 2l. 31.85. (see video below)

Soccer – Cork AUL
AUL 3A: Ballincollig 2 Kanturk 0; Ballinhassig 3 Los Zarcos 2.
Rylane Celtic v Rathcoole Rovers A (off)
Rathcoole Rovers B v Macroom B (off);

[read more …] “Results & Fixtures: 10th Jan 2011”

Christmas Eve 2010 Snow Tour – Part One of Two

The magical effect of freezing fog on snow covered trees near Keale Bridge, Millstreet on Christmas Eve 2010.

As promised, we are featuring part one of two sequences relating to the amazing weather related scenes in the Millstreet area on Christmas Eve 2010.   These scenes could not have been recorded had Brendan Murphy not very kindly provided his sturdy means of transport to the various points.   I could not even move onto Mount Leader Estate with my own ordinary car.   So we begin at Mount Leader, proceed into [read more …] “Christmas Eve 2010 Snow Tour – Part One of Two”

Brian Dennehy on the Late Late

2010-01-07 Brian Dennehy on the Late Late

Brian Dennehy’s appearance on the Late Late on Friday evening is available on RTE’s website until January 28th. He refers to Millstreet where his grandfather came from twice in the interview and also to Noel C Duggan.

The interview lasts for the first 21 minutes of the programme. Watch the interview here. [read more …] “Brian Dennehy on the Late Late”

Conor Visits Cullen & District Special Needs Association Christmas Party

Conor Counihan was a very popular Guest of Honour at the Cullen & District Special Needs Association's Annual Christmas Party on 11th Dec. 2010.

The Annual Christmas Party at Cullen Community Centre was a wonderful success.   Beginning with the celebration of Mass by Fr. John Fitzgerald, P.P.  and Martin Goggin as Altar Server, the many guests were treated to a delicious meal followed by [read more …] “Conor Visits Cullen & District Special Needs Association Christmas Party”

Brian Dennehy on the Late Late this evening

Irish-American Acting legend Brian Dennehy whose grandfather originally came from Church Street in Millstreet, will be appearing on the Late Late Show on RTE 1 this evening at 9:30pm.

He is currently in Ireland as he is playing The Bull McCabe in Field at the Olympia Theatre Dublin until Feb 12th. If you’re unable to see the interview tonight, you’ll still be able to see it on RTE Player for the next two weeks.

Read a previous article on Brian  Dennehy
With thanks to Padraig for the heads up

Revisiting Millstreet


Rev. Patrick Comerford had a few words on his visit to Millstreet in his review of the year 2010:

“After many years of absence, I also briefly visited Millstreet, my mother’s home village in north Co. Cork. This is a charming village, and I regret that I never got to know it properly. I’m very aware of my family history on the Comerford and Lynders sides of the family, but know little about the stories of the Murphy and Crowley families in Millstreet.”

from Rev. Patrick Comerford’s blog

Ice Hockey in Kanturk

Photos taken by Jim Mc Sweeney on Christmas Morning whilst James Mc Sweeney (in red), and Willam Mullane (in blue) were Ice Skating, playing Hockey on the river Dallow in Kanturk Town Park. Before the lads went on the ice we drilled a pilot test hole first and verified that the ice was 4″ thick. The two lads have played In Line Hockey for 10 years and have represented Ireland in the under 16 Team. The temperature was -15C at the time. The last time [read more …] “Ice Hockey in Kanturk”

Even The Thought Of Such Things

These are things that one would not do in a whim
The Mushera Hill Christmas Day climb or the Boeing New Year’s Day swim
Even the thought of such things leaves me feeling cold
Suppose this is what happens when one is unfit and feeling old
.
When bracken clad Mushera is covered in snow
In five or more degrees below zero the harsh Winter winds blow
Across the unsheltered face of old Mushera Hill
Brave men and women, boys and girls climb together in the cold morning chill
[read more …] “Even The Thought Of Such Things”

Big Con

When I was young I heard him speak in Millstreet
You might say then his better days were gone
But to the Millstreet Fianna Fail supporters
Their hero was the man known as Big Con.
.
And though he hailed from Derrinagree Con Meaney
They claimed him for their own in Millstreet Town
In Duhallow the man became a legend
And he was well worthy of his renown.

[read more …] “Big Con”

New Years Day swim at the Boeing

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011

All  showed  the real spirit of the community  and Christmas when our local people, young and not so old ventured into the Blackwater on New years day to raise awareness and money for the Alzheimers Society North Cork Branch.

This is our third New Years swim and we had two parts to the swim this year. Some swimmers jumped in on New Years Eve as they had a wedding to go to. Thanks lads.

Thanks to all the supporters that cheered us on. A very relaxed and enjoyable time sipping hot punch or lemonade was had by all after the swim.

The Alzheimers Society here in North Cork (Mallow Base) offers Home Care, respite care as well as a Day Care to families in need of this specialist care.

St Mary Day Care Centre in Mallow, is a dementia – specific home from home day unit for people with Alziheimers and time for families to do other  things. The environment were people with dementia feel comfortable and are stimulated.

THANKS  to all the sponsers and for all whom supported the swimmers on the day.

Thanks to Joe, from  our local Supervalue  for sponsoring the hot punch and lemonade.

Thanks to The Bridge Bar and the Bush Bar for sponsoring the Tee- shirts that were proudly worn by the swimmers on completing their task.

Thanks to Davy Tarrant and Timmy for the use of the microphone system.

All Moneys raised will stay local

[read more …] “New Years Day swim at the Boeing”

Millstreet Pipe Band Welcomes 2011 – Happy New Year to Everyone!

Upholding a wonderful tradition in welcoming the New Year here we meet some of the members of Millstreet Pipe Band who at 8.00 p.m. tonight gave a wonderful recital at the Square beside the very colourful Christmas Tree ... and no snow! We dedicate this uplifting image to people like Ted Barrett in Wales, to the McSweeney Family in Cobh and to All our wonderfully loyal Millstreet Website Visitors. A very Happy New Year to Everyone and may a very Bright 2011 bring much Happiness and Joy.

Preparing for New Year’s Day Sponsored Swim

Reminding us of the Annual Sponsored New Year's Day Swim at the Boeing in the River Blackwater setting - Eileen & the two Margarets.

Four energetic gentlemen have already completed the Sponsored Swim today – the final day of 2010 but on 01/01/’11 – assembling at 12.00 noon with the actual swim taking place at 12.30 p.m. – the large group of enthusiasts will [read more …] “Preparing for New Year’s Day Sponsored Swim”

The Man From Gortavehy

If you’re Irish and in Melbourne and live up the Preston way
Give a call on Johnny Tarrant it will help to make his day
And he’ll give you a huge welcome as he has a heart of gold
That great man from Gortavehy a few with two score years old.
.
He’s worked hard throughout Australia for fifteen long years or more
And he’s still the same John Tarrant as I knew in days of yore
He still speaks with Irish accent and he hasn’t changed one bit
And at heart he’s still a youngster with a mighty sense of wit.

[read more …] “The Man From Gortavehy”

Millstreet at Big Tom Experience in Ballinasloe – 27th Dec. 2010

Pictured with Big Tom McBride in Ballinasloe on Monday, 27th Dec. 2010 - Ita and William Fitzgerald from Cullen.

On Monday evening we travelled to the Shearwater Carlton Hotel, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway to attend a superb Concert/Dance presented by the renowned Big Tom McBride and the Mainliners Showband.    Ita and William Fitzgerald have long been wonderfully loyal fans of the Band and, like many other true followers, have attended Big Tom Dances at various venues throughout Ireland.    Undoubtedly, Big Tom is the undisputed King of Country & Western Music here in Ireland and in an interview we recorded for LTV2 almost two years ago, the great man recalled with joy appearing in the famous “Star” Ballroom in Millstreet in the Showband days.    We were also blessed to meet with [read more …] “Millstreet at Big Tom Experience in Ballinasloe – 27th Dec. 2010”

Seán Radley’s Amazing Images

The wonder of it only does seem to grow
Sean Radley’s amazing images of Millstreet in snow
Though hardly the place for to go to for to improve your suntan
It is thanks for the great pics to the talented man

Though the images on screen beautiful to behold
The very thought of it leaves me feeling cold
The harsh winds of Winter with the breath of chill
Blowing through the old Town in view of Clara Hill [read more …] “Seán Radley’s Amazing Images”

Christmas Midnight Mass in Millstreet

Placing the Infant Jesus in the Crib at Christmas Midnight Mass in St. Patrick's Church, Millstreet.

On this Christmas Day night we share images of Midnight Mass celebrated in Millstreet last night.   The Chief Celebrant was Fr. John Fitzgerald, P.P. who was joined by Fr. Paddy O’Byrne and Fr. James McSweeney.   Millstreet Choir enhanced the Christmas liturgy with their beautiful singing.    The special event was recorded by [read more …] “Christmas Midnight Mass in Millstreet”

And Finally…”Tiger” the Cat is Ready to Enjoy Christmas!

For "Tiger" the cat who has become quite a website celebrity since appearing doing a "snow roll" behind Postman Supreme, John Twomey, we felt you might like an update!

As our picture shows he really likes his food and has even obliged us by giving a further “snow roll” – an exclusive for www.millstreet.ie loyal visitors.     Such is his expertise in “snow rolls” that [read more …] “And Finally…”Tiger” the Cat is Ready to Enjoy Christmas!”

The True Spirit of Christmas as Expressed by Gearóid & Niamh

What a wonderfully heartwarming meeting between Gearóid Moynihan and Niamh Kavanagh at Green Glens, Millstreet in September 2010! Surely the winning smiles of the year!

Niamh Kavanagh, Eurovision 1993 Winner, visited Millstreet in September 2010 to participate in a major Australian Television Documentary entitled “The Secret History of the Eurovision Song Contest” which is scheduled to be broadcast before Eurovision 2011 which occurs on 15th May (the exact date on which the Millstreet Eurovision took place in 1993).   During her brief visit – she stayed at [read more …] “The True Spirit of Christmas as Expressed by Gearóid & Niamh”

Preparing for Christmas on a Frosty Thursday, 23rd Dec. 2010

Dedicated members of the Altar Society - Sheila, Margaret M. and Margaret T. - prepare the exquisite Altar for Christmas at St. Patrick's Church, Millstreet on 23rd Dec. 2010.

Our “Snow Tour” of Millstreet on this Thursday could, in fact, be called our “Frost Tour” today such was the picturesque effect of the overnight frost on the the trees and bushes.   We take you close to the Finnow River on Clara Road and into the busy town.    People doing their very best to complete their Christmas shopping in daytime temperatures which did not rise above minus 4 degrees throughout the day.  In the Church we note the preparation of [read more …] “Preparing for Christmas on a Frosty Thursday, 23rd Dec. 2010”

Joe Lynam, Showjumping Commentator, Passes Away

The death has taken place in Dublin of Joe Lynam. Joe was 73 and worked for RTÉ as a showjumping reporter in the early 1980s.

He frequently covered events in Millstreet (especially in the 1980s)  and the RDS for Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio One with Jimmy Magee.

He knew many figures in the showjumping community and was very close to RTÉ’s Darragh and Eddie Mackin.

We thank Jerry Kelleher for sharing the RTÉ link with us : http://www.rte.ie/sport/equestrian/2010/1222/lynamj.html

Important Services Provided Despite Snowy Weather

An Post's John Twomey enthusiastically carrying out his Postman's role at Mount Leader, Clara Road, Millstreet, despite the severe snowy conditions. We salute people like John who continue to provide such essential services in extreme weather conditions. Note the cat behind John which loves rolling in the snow!

Two Sides of the Snow

Each of us have a different view on this cold weather. For some like those playing in the snow above (also see tire tubing video below) it is all good fun, while for others like this fox which was captured at Coole this morning, snow is just another thing to make survival more difficult, and for her it can become a matter of life and death. [read more …] “Two Sides of the Snow”

Snow Tour of Millstreet on Sunday, 19th Dec. 2010

The magical effect of snow on the very attractive bridge feature in Millstreet Town Park on Sunday, 19th Dec. 2010.

Our virtual Snow Tour of Millstreet continues on this Sunday, 19th Dec..   We begin by observing Fr. Paddy O’Byrne saying 11.30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church as viewed on Church television available now in an increased number of homes due to the major extension of the aerial on the roof of the Church.   We then proceed from [read more …] “Snow Tour of Millstreet on Sunday, 19th Dec. 2010”

Snow Scenes in Millstreet on Saturday, 18th Dec. 2010

Snow very much in evidence at Minor Row, Millstreet on this Saturday, 18th Dec. 2010.

We are delighted to note the very large number of website visitors who have viewed our snow scenes from yesterday (Friday).   We now continue to take you on a Christmas tour of Millstreet from midday today until nightfall when people attended the Saturday night church vigil Mass at [read more …] “Snow Scenes in Millstreet on Saturday, 18th Dec. 2010”