Category: Lifestyle

Let the people be heard.

Presentation Sisters, Millstreet

Since the Presentation Order arrived in Millstreet in 1840 the Sisters have so very generously provided all-important education at both Primary and Post-Primary level for generations of Millstreet people and beyond.  (The very fact that I can type this section of our Millstreet website is entirely thanks to the late Sr. Assisi Fitzgerald, a Presentation Sister from Tralee who spent her religious life in Millstreet Convent and  who was a true expert in teaching the art of typing!)  Their influence has been enormous on our local community as they shared the Christian vision of their renowned foundress,  Nano Nagle.

Our pictures relate to a special commemorative day in the 1980s at Ballygriffin near Mallow, the home of Nano Nagle.

We also view Sr. Celestine near the portrait of Nano.

In 1993 the “Cork Examiner” took the picture of the Millstreet Presentation Community as they watched Niamh Kavanagh win the Eurovision Song Contest.

We extend our heartfelt best wishes to the Presentation Community on the Order’s  Feast Day which in on Sunday, 21st November, 2004.

We thank Sr. Mercedes for the following text which provides an excellent insight into the spirit of the Presentation Order:

A Little Girl Grew Here

A little girl grew here

For her, brownstone house was home,

Its fireside love and peace.

The blossoming hedgerows sang freedom,

The rivers told stories of places far away,

While beyond, dreaming mountains called.

(R. Consedine 1983)

Nano Nagle, foundress of the Presentation Congregation

on 24th December, 1775

Nano belongs to Ballygriffin, Mallow, Co. Cork, Ireland.   We know that she was born there in 1718, the eldest child in a family of seven of Garrett and Ann Nagle.   We remember them now.   A plaque marks the place where their home stood, looking out on the very beautiful landscape.   It is easy to believe that Nano would have been such a child of wonder as she played there and touched, tasted and smelled the various creations of the natural world around her.   It takes little effort to discover that, in the gentle care of her parents, she knew the happiness of childhood and by them she was taught to take her first steps in the love of God (T.J. Walsh).   She was of an exuberant, enthusiastic disposition, which proved too much for her mother sometimes!   Her father had other thoughts and declared emphatically “Poor Nano will be a saint yet” (Coppinger 1974).    It was in Ballygriffin also that Nano was nurtured through the uncertainties, sorrows, risks and dangers of 18th Century Ireland.   Must not a seed of grief have taken root in her heart, grief that even one of God’s children should be oppressed, deprived or hungry?

Who are you, little girl Nano?

What will you make of your inheritance?

Where will your heart find its pathway?

The seed sown in Ballygriffin and bearing abundant fruit later in her life, attracted Nano totally to the person of Jesus and revealed how sensitively and deeply affected she became by the awful situation of poverty of people around her.   Dr. Coppinger (1784) wrote of her:  “In her schools, ever laborious, patient, vigilant and judicious, she studied the dispositions of her pupils, the degree of capacity they possessed;  she adapted her instructions accordingly;  she watched their countenances which long experience had taught her to read, and proceed or turned back, or explained or repeated, as she found them impressed by what she said”.   What great gentleness and compassion from a heart with its roots in her Ballygriffin childhood experience!  Her way of relating to the children expresses the spirit of a woman aware of God’s love being poured into the hearts of all people by the Holy Spirit.

Presentation Sisters went “to the ends of the Earth” and responded to basic human problems.    Nano died on 26th April, 1784.   She had led such a life that it can only be done justice to by saying that it was the Gospels perfectly translated to practice.

Let us continue to pray for her Canonization one day.

Trek to Base Camp Mt. Everest

Start 26.04.09 Finish 9th May 2009

DAY 1 – Kathmandu

KATHMANDU: Arrival in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu is a fascinating almost medieval city full of extraordinary temples, monuments, and colorful street life. There are endless small streets jam packed with stalls selling cloth, pots and pans, spices, souvenirs, saris and a myriad of other merchandise. Scooters carrying families of 5, bicycles, taxis and pedestrians all compete for space and there is always something to marvel at. It was a shock initially as we were being drive through the streets of Kathmandu from the airport I was not expecting the streets to be so small or the people either!

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[read more …] “Trek to Base Camp Mt. Everest”

Out and About April 2009

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Sr. Barbara Bowe, Chicago, U.S.A. on a recent visit to Drishane, Millstreet guided by yours truly. Sr. Barbara was tracing her Dinneen Family roots in the Millstreet area. (Picture: Seán Radley)
[Sadly, Sr. Barbara Bowe, a Sacred Heart Sister, passed away in March the following year  (December 1st 1945-March 14th 2010)]
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A recent meeting of the Millstreet Branch of St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society joined by Kerry Diocesan visitors at Millstreet Presbytery. (Picture: Seán Radley)

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Siobhán Carroll (nee Hickey) presenting Matron Lena Kelleher with the impressive cheque resulting from the recent very successful launch of Kit Hickey’s CD and Video in aid of St. Joseph’s Community Hospital Fund, Millstreet.

[read more …] “Out and About April 2009”

Archeological History of the Millstreet Area

by JAMES BUCKLEY

Tower House

Townland: Kilmeedy East, Co. Cork

Parish: Drishane

Barony: West Muskerry

History:

Kilmeedy tower house is situated within the parish of Drishane and situated “on the confines of the baronies of Magonihy, West Muskerry, and Duhallow”. (Lee, P.G. 1914. Notes on Some Castles of Mid Cork: Journal of the Cork Historical and Archaeological Society. Guy and Co. Ltd: Cork. vol. 20. p. 63). The builders of the castle were the MacCarthys who were in control of the area at that time and were the owners/builders of such castles as Drishane, Carrigaphooca and Downyne (Healy 1988, 58).

There are conflicting reports regarding the exact date of construction of Kilmeedy tower house. The earliest date of construction is 1436 (Lee 1914, 64) while the latest quoted is 1445 (Lewis 1750, 498). It is fair to say that it was constructed in the early to mid fifteenth century at any rate. The castle is supposed to have been built by Dermot MacCarthy in 1436 or by his son Teige in 1445 (Healy 1988, 58). These were the MacCarthys of Drishane and were father and son and Dermot was the brother of Cormac Làidir of Blarney (Healy 1988, 58).

This tower house was built by the MacCarthys as they wanted to defend the pass of Keim between Musherabeg and Claragh Mountains (Healy 1988, 58). The main road (which it is just located off) was originally called the ‘Mail Coach Road’ and was the main road linking Macroom to Killarney (Lewis 1750, 498).

The castle was inhabited by the MacCarthys of Drishane in 1638. (Healy 1988, 58). During the Cromwellian disturbances, the MacCarthys were dispossessed of Kilmeedy tower house but thanks to the intervention of Lord Muskerry, they regained it (Healy 1988, 58). The MacCarthys lost their lands again after the Williamite times but yet again it reappears in the will of Donagh MacOwen MacCarthy (the centarian) of 1728 (Healy 1988, 58).

The castle was attacked in 1713 by the dispossessed Tadhg O’ Keeffe of Ballymaquirke (Healy 1988, 58). The Sliocht Meirgeach O Mahonys, “chief stewards of MacCarthy Mór” are also said to have had possession of Kilmeedy in the seventeenth century (O’Murchadha, D. 1985. Family Names of County Cork. Glendale Press: Dùn Laoghaire. p.232). One final note to add to this brief history is that in 1651, one of the inhabitants of the castle, Charles MacCarthy was shot dead by a “span’d pistol” at the grate of the castle by a Colonel Ingoldsby (Lee 1914, 64). One last piece of local legend associated with the tower house is that “the golden gates of Kilmeedy are reputed to have been thrown in Comeenatrush (lake) in the neighbouring townland”. (Kiely, E. 2003. Seanchas Duthalla, vol. XIII. Duhallow Historical Society: Cork, p. 45).

Bibliography:

Healy, J. N. 1988. The Castles of County Cork. The Mercier Press Limited: Dublin.

Kiely, E. 2003. Seanchas Duthalla, vol. XIII. Duhallow Historical Society: Cork

Lee, P. G. 1914. Journal of the Cork Historical and Archaeological Society, vol. 20 (Second Series). Guy and Co. Ltd: Cork.

Lewis, S. 1750. A topographical dictionary of Ireland: Volume 1. Kennikat Press: Port Washington.

O’ Murchadha, D. 1985. Family Names of County Cork. Glendale Press: Dùn Laoighaire.

Power, D. 1997. Archaeological Inventory of County Cork, vol. 3: Mid Cork. Stationary Office: Dublin.

Church and Graveyard

Townland: Dromtarriff, Co. Cork.

Parish: Dromtarriff.

Barony: Duhallow.

History:

The history of Dromtarriff church and graveyard is fairly sparse. The placename “Droumtarriffe” is derived from the two Irish words ‘drom’ and ‘tarbh’ meaning the ridge of the bull. (O’Muineachain, T. 1976-1977. Seanchas Duthalla. Duhallow Historical Society: Cork, p. 61). Dromtarriff church was “here listed in the Papal Taxation of 1291 (Hickson 1891, 46)”, as quoted from the inventory (Lane, S. Power, D. 2000. Volume 4, Part II, Entry 14419). Dromtarriff church and graveyard are located in the parish of Dromtarriff which is in the Diocese of Ardfert and Aghadoe (Lewis 1837, vol. 1, 509).

Dromtarriff church was burnt in 1652 by the troops of Lord Broggill (Lewis 1837, vol. 1, 509). There is a poem which states that the pikemen first hid in Knockbrack wood, and then ran for sanctuary in Dromtarriff Church – there were some fugitives and local people also in the church. (Shine, D. M. 2003. Seanchas Duthalla, vol. XIII. Duhallow Historical Society: Cork, p. 32). There is a commemorative plaque today within the grounds of the church (see fig. 1) which reads:

“Dromtariffe Church

Here on 27th of July, 1651

(The day after the Battle of Knockbrack)

Dromtarriffe Church was burnt

By one of Cromwellian Lord Broggill’s Officers

Known as Butcher Maxwell

Approximately 400 persons perished in the fire”.

Therefore it can be established that the church was burnt with tragic loss of life during the Cromwellian era. N.B. there is a difference of a year between the date given by Lewis (1837) and by the commemorative plaque (which was erected on the 6th of May 2006). One last point of interest is that there was a church burnt in Kilcorney (a few miles away) also following the battle of Knockbrack by the same people. (Tarrant, C. 1986. Seanchas Duthalla. Duhallow Historical Society: Cork, p. 56). The church is no longer extant but the crossroads is still to this day called the old chapel cross.

Bibliography:

Lane, S. Power, D. et Al. 2000. Archaeological Inventory of County Cork, vol. 4: North Cork Part 2. The Stationary Office: Dublin (Entry 14419)

Lewis, S. 1837. A topographical dictionary of Ireland, vol. 1. Lewis and Co.: London

O’Muineachain, T. 1976-1977. Seanchas Duthalla. Duhallow Historical Society: Cork

Shine, D. M. 2003. Seanchas Duthalla, vol. XIII. Duhallow Historical Society: Cork

Tarrant, C. 1986. Seanchas Duthalla. Duhallow Historical Society: Cork

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Ringfort

Townland: Coolnagillagh Lower, Co. Cork.

Parish:Drishane

History:

Written information on this fort is virtually non existent. Pat Kelliher mentions a fort in the glen, three or fourfeet higher than the surrounding surface and concludes that this is the fort’s surface. (Broker, T. 1937. Sràid an Muilinn: A history of it’s people, by it’s people, for it’s people. Timothy Broker, Millstreet, Co. Cork: Millstreet, p. 47). Broker claims (pg. 42) that the forts were abandoned around 1350 A.D. at the time of the Black Death. The only other information obtained was (from the landowner) that there are three ringforts (including this one) which are supposedly constructed in a line and are linked underground by passageways.

‘Coolnagillagh’ is the anglicised version of ‘Cùl na Coileach’. This translates as Cockhill. (http://www.englishirishdictionary.com/dictionary). The townland Coolnagillagh (Lower) is known locally by its English translation, Cockhill. There was a query lodged in the Cork Memoranda (II) over the townland name, i.e. the surveyor was unsure whether to call the townland Cockhill Upper or Coolnagillagh Upper. Coolnagillagh Upper was chosen as the official name.

Bibliography:

Broker, T. 1937. Sràid an Muilinn: A history of it’s people, by it’s people, for it’s people. Timothy Broker, Millstreet, Co. Cork: Millstreet.

http://www.englishirishdictionary.com/dictionary

Location in Maps: Google Maps / 1890 OSI / 1840 OSI
It is on private farm land and accessible with the permission of the owner.

 

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Stone Circle

Townland: Knocknakilla, Co. Cork.

Parish: Drishane

Barony: West Muskerry

All the information for this section was sourced from the book: (Broker, T. 1937. Sràid an Muilinn: A history of its people, by its people, for its people. Timothy Broker, Millstreet, Co. Cork: Millstreet, p. 27).

The placename Knocknakilla was a source of dispute according to Broker’s book. It is outlined in the below quote:

“The Professor, however states that the name of the townland is Cnoc na Coille, not Cnoc na Cille. Not correct. On the other hand, Borlase who knew it was Cnoc na Cille, said the gallàn group was the Cill. Wrong again. The Cill was in Denis Buckley’s farm where a disused graveyard marks the site of an early Christian foundation”. Today, Denis Buckley’s farm is part of Millstreet Country Park – it is unknown today that there was such a cemetery – a good deal of his farm is in forestry.

The large outlying stone is called ‘Gallan Croum’ and there is supposed to be the print of fingers on it. (Broker, T. 1937, p. 27). Borlase called the large outlying standing stone ‘Dallan-crom-na-thittim’ (Broker, T. 1937, p. 27). “Margaret Kelleher (born 1795) of Ballyvourney, who married into the townland, said it was father and mother (thrown down) and five children” (Broker, T. 1937. Sràid an Muilinn: A history of its people, by its people, for its people. Timothy Broker, Millstreet, Co. Cork: Millstreet, p. 27).

There is a standing stone which measures six foot in height and five/six feet in girth in Con Lehane’s land in Abha Bàn, two miles off – this is said to have been thrown from Gallàn Croum in Knocknakilla by a giant (Broker, T. 1937, p.31).

Bibliography:

Broker, T. 1937. Sràid an Muilinn: A history of its people, by its people, for its people. Timothy Broker, Millstreet, Co. Cork: Millstreet.

Standing Stone

Townland: Lackdotia, Cork.

Parish: Drishane

Barony: West Muskerry

History and traditions:

Lackdotia in itself is an unusual placename. The most satisfactory sources regarding the origins of the placename were to be found online. The best that can be fournished as regards a translation from “Leaca Doite” is “the flagstone” (http://www.booksulster.com/library/plnm/placenamesVocL.php) “of fire” (http://www.englishirishdictionary.com/dictionary) or “the side of a hill” (http://www.booksulster.com/library/plnm/placenamesVocL.php) “of fire” http://www.englishirishdictionary.com/dictionary).

According to Broker, “Gallàn, 4 feet high and 5 feet in girth. A couple of feet outside it were 6 or 7 smaller stones arranged in a circle. Smaller stones were removed by James Kelliher in 1915 when ploughing. Smaller stones were like flags, 2 feet under and 2 feet over the ground. Circle was 6 or 7 feet in diameter”. (Broker, T. 1937. Sraid an Muilinn: A history of its people, for its people by its people for its people. Timothy Broker, Millstreet, Co. Cork: Millstreet. p. 28). The fact that there was a circle of flagstones around the standing stone links in with the first suggestion for the origin of the placename (the fire aspect may link to the idea of the gallàn as a sundial) but that is open to interpretation.

Bibliography:

Broker, T. 1937. Sraid an Muilinn: A history of its people, for its people by its people for its people. Timothy Broker, Millstreet, Co. Cork: Millstreet

http://www.booksulster.com/library/plnm/placenamesVocL.php

http://www.englishirishdictionary.com/dictionary

Holy Well

Townland: Mushera, Co. Cork.

Parish: Drishane

Barony: West Muskerry

History/Traditions:

“Two wells in commonage of Mushera mountain – one at the top (for cattle) and one at the foot (for Christians). Not many go to the top well but five or six hundred come to the foothill well…Both wells are called ‘Tobar na bhFaithní’, warts being cured by washing in them”. (Broker, T. 1937. Sràid an Muilinn: A history of its people, by its people, for its people. Timothy Broker, Millstreet, Co. Cork: Millstreet. p. 35).

St. Johns Well was founded by Michael Buckley of Aubane in 1954 (O’Brien, 1987, p. 8). It is said locally that when Michael Buckley died (1956), a light travelled down from the site of the well along the path he took (when travelling to it) and came to rest on the bridge in front of the house. The light then disappeared – a lot of people in Aubane are said to have seen it.

St. John’s Well has been a place of worship since pre Christian times according to O’Brien. According to a legend, this St. John had one brother and three sisters; Lasair, Inghean Bhuide and Latiaran (of Cullen), and St. Berihert (who founded a monastery at the defeated stronghold of druids at Tullylease) (O’Brien, M. 1987. St. John’s Well. St. John’s Holy Well Committee: Aubane, p. 7/8). According to O’Brien, their feast days more or less match those of the pagan celtic deities, St. John’s being Midsummers day, the 24th of June. This would suggest that the well may have had significance in pagan times.

There was a pattern day held up to the year c. 1940 – it consisted of tents set up about a mile and a half away from the well on the Macroom side in the townland of Moulnahourna. There is said to have been entertainment (e.g. three card tricks), sweet and cake stalls, porter stalls and even fights, sometimes involving factions. (O’Brien, M. 1987. St. John’s Well. St. John’s Holy Well Committee: Aubane, p. 8).

To sum up the recent history of the well, (as already mentioned) it was founded in 1954 by Michael Buckley. In 1958, there was a statue of the Infant of Prague placed at the well and it was blessed by Canon Costello of Millstreet. Mass was first celebrated at the well in 1974 and has been celebrated annually ever since. The Stations of the Cross were erected and blessed in the eighties. (O’Brien, M. 1987. St. John’s Well. St. John’s Holy Well Committee: Aubane, p. 8/9). The site is continuously been kept to this day by the St. John’s Well Committee.

Bibliography:

Broker, T. 1937. Sràid an Muilinn: A history of its people, by its people, for its people. Timothy Broker, Millstreet, Co. Cork: Millstreet

O’Brien, M. 1987. St. John’s Well. St. John’s Holy Well Committee: Aubane

Megalithic Tomb (Wedge Tomb)

Townland: Carrigonirtane, Co. Cork.

History/Traditions:

Townland Name:

Carrigonirtane: from the Irish Carrig an Fheartàin which means ‘Rock of the little vault or trench’. (O’ Connell, 1988. p. 143).

As well as giving the name to the townland, the monument has given its name to the field which it is located in, i.e. “Phile a’ Chalir”. (O’ Connell, 1988. p. 140). This (according to O’ Connell) has something to do with the fact that the megalithic (wedge) tomb is shaped like a table.

Bibliography:

O’Connell, D. 1988. Tales of the Foherish Valley. Kerry’s Eye Printing Works: Tralee.

Ministerial Visit to Aubane Commuity Centre to Launch 2 Publications

Aubane 1975 – 2008

On Tuesday 26th August 2008 the Aubane Social Club & Aubane Historical Society was very privileged to have Batt O’Keeffe Minister for Education visit Aubane Community Centre for a very historical event. The Minister was welcomed by Jack Lane Aubane Historical Society and John F. Kelleher Secretary of the Aubane Social Club. He was then introduced personally to each of Aubane Social Club Committee Members. It is the Ministers third visit to Aubane as his first visit was in April 2005, then he came for Jack Lane’s last Launch in May 2007 and now his present visit. The proceedings got under way by the President of the Aubane Historical Society Jack Lane who welcomed everyone as there was huge attendance. IRD Duhallow was represented by its Vice Chairperson Jack Roche. Apologies were sent by Michael Creed TD, Eily Buckley, Fr Gerard O’Leary, Canon Declan O’Connor, Maura Walsh IRD Duhallow, John Sheehan, , Michael Moynihan TD and Don Crowley V Chairman of IRD whom were unable to attend the function. Two publications

Books were launched on the night. The first book is written by Mr. Dan Cronin from Shrone entitled Around the Cork Kerry Border, recalling the Rambling House. In this book Dan presents in collection of stories and historical Sketches from his native shrone and surrounding areas. It is a tribute to the people of his area, their knowledge, culture and resilience in face of many difficulties. They are stories and experiences that impressed and entertained him, and many others and they give a real glimpse into bygone age by someone who lived in it and became one of its narrators. Unfortunately Mr Dan Cronin was unable to attend the launch but his wife Margaret Cronin deputized on his behalf. The second book was written by Ballydaly native Fr Sean Tucker entitled the origins development of the Parish of Millstreet. In this publication Fr Sean Tucker traces the history of Millstreet Parish across nearly a thousand years. It is the first such record of the parish. It is based on detailed analyses of church records using primary resources and is the result of years of original research by Fr Sean Tucker – truly a labour of love. On the platform was Batt O’Keeffe Minister for Education, President of the Aubane Historical Society Jack Lane and Fr Sean Tucker.

Jack Lane in his opening speech said that it was very symbolic to have a launch in Aubane this week as it is National Heritage Week and these two books are a great contribution.

He also said that the Millstreet Area is steeped in local history and urged that the present generation should read and learn about all about the happenings of long ago. He said this history should be thought to second level students at school. Fr Tucker then spoke, he first said that we have a lot of wonderful local heritage even in the Millstreet area. Fr Tucker in his address said he went for a drive the other day around the circuit of Clara which is about 15km. On this route there are many historical sites such as the Old Workhouse at Millstreet Hospital, the old Georgian house at Mountleader and Kilmeedy Castle. Fr Tucker went to college in Waterford and the first Minister he met was Sean Moylan who was the Minister for Education at that era. He paid tributes to Sean Radley Curator of Millstreet Museum on his publication Picture Millstreet, Fr James Mc Sweeney on his recent publication A year in Reflections and Canon Michael Mannings writings on the history of the Stain glass windows of St Patrick’s Church Millstreet. Fr Tucker was truly delighted to have Cullen native and a Minister to launch his publication.

Minister Batt O’Keeffe then made his speech. Batt said it was a hounour and a great pleasure to come to Aubane to celebrate the publications of two great authors who enjoy writing. He praised the Aubane Social Club as it is a club which thrives in a small community by the hard work the club members put in. The Minister then said it was great to see Fr James as he is now the new chaplain in Colaiste Cholim Ballincollig which is just down the road from where the Minister resides, Tom Meaney who was previously a Minister of State and whom he always looked up to. From the Ministers reading of the books he found the two books were written in a picturesque language, interesting and very educational. He said that his 26 year old daughter asked him to give her the two books also to read as after a few pages she too found them interesting to read. He also thanked the two authors for an outstanding contribution to local history and also praised the Aubane Historical Society highly. From his reading of Dan Cronins Book he said it brought back many old memories to him such as the Stations in the local area, the whitewashing of the house, threshing days, the pig and the making of the puddings. He said Dan portrayed these happenings of long ago very well.

In Fr Sean Tuckers book he found that the spirit of hope was very evident. He then declared the two publications officially launched. Jack Lane in his final speech said he could n’t have asked for better launch and praised the Minister. Jack Lane thanked all those who helped in the organising of the launch. Jack Lane then presented the Minister with a hand painted slate which was specially commissioned by Artist Kate O’Keeffe from Ballydesmond.

Tea and Refreshments were served afterwards. Entertainment was then provided by local singers, among them was the very popular Annmarie O’Riordan. Local Musican James Buckley played the Concertina. MC was myself John Kelleher

Article written by

John Kelleher

Secretary/PRO

Aubane Social Club

27th August 2008

Church Panorama – Part Two

On 1st August 2008 I again joined Foreman, Kieran O’Riordan to obtain even more extensive views from the very top of St. Patrick’s Church having climbed the nine levels of excellently constructed scaffolding. Also we had Pat O’Sullivan on video camera and Denis O’Shea on digital still camera recording the historic occasion from the first floor of Carnegie Hall …… really proving that we did reach the impressive heights including getting to ring the Bell of our Parish Church. The complete event was also recorded for LTV2. Our thanks to All who made this special occasion possible. (Seán Radley reporting for www.millstreet.ie from on high over St. Patrick’s Church, Millstreet)

Stained Glass Window – Ordination of a Priest

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This window was in the old church. It consists of two sections which coalesce to form one scene – the Ordination of a priest. The window is in remembrance of Rev. Jerome Harding who died on 16 Nov. 1876, aged only 28 years. He was curate in Cahirciveen but his people were from Millstreet. His remains were brought to Millstreet for burial and it was a massive funeral. The inscription at the foot of the window reads: “in memoriam reverendi jeremiae harding: obiit die novembris decimasexta mdccclxxvi” (“In memory of Rev. Jerome Harding; he died 16th Nov. 1876”). [read more …] “Stained Glass Window – Ordination of a Priest”

Brief Updates for December

BOOK LAUNCH

Fr. James McSweeney contributes a splendid Thought for Reflection on page four of the daily Cork “Evening Echo”. Many of Fr. James’s magnificent pictures also feature on that popular newspaper….as well as on his globally popular website www.todayismygifttoyou.ie . On Thursday, 22nd November 2007 a wonderful book of these reflections and pictures entitled “A Year in Reflection” was launched in Ballyvolane in Cork. An ideal Christmas present! Fr. James’s annual Calendar was also recently launched. Do look out for both the Book and the Calendar on sale locally in many local outlets.

[read more …] “Brief Updates for December”

Millstreet Scor (pre 2007)

This is an archive of Millstreet Scór news before 2007 (all pictures are at the bottom)

Scór News
by
John Tarrant

Homepage
Sucess in Duhallow and County Scór

Millstreet swept to a double success in the Co. Scór Sinsir Finals in Ovens. A Set dance team of Gretta Lane, Elaine Cleary, Daphne O’Connor, Ciara Hickey, Sinead Flahive, Laura Lynch, Daniel Roche and Shane O’Riordan performed the Sliabh gCua set to regain county accolades. Millstreet added a win in the question time from a team of John Tarrant, Liam Flynn and Pat Sheehan.
Also competing for Millstreet was Jerry Doody in recitation while Jerry teamed up with Cian O’Mahony in novelty act.
Millstreet enjoyed success in the Duhallow Scór na bPaistí Finals hosted in the Edel Quinn, Kanturk . Taking victory in the set dancing were a team of Aine McAulliffe, Leanne Murphy, Jessica Duinne, Kate Buckley, Conor Twomey, Darren Kiely, Patrick Cotter and Oisin Murphy. The team will compete in the County final in the Eire Og GAA Pavillion, Ovens on next Sunday in a programme underway at 2.30pm
[read more …] “Millstreet Scor (pre 2007)”

Stained Glass Window of Oliver Plunket

Oliver Plunket (East Aisle – first window on left up from door): St. Patricks Church, Millstreet

Oliver Plunket (1625-1681) was appointed archbishop of Armagh in 1669. The special cross he is holding in his left hand is a patriarchal or archiepiscopal cross. He was one of only two Catholic bishops in Ireland at that time and as a result he had a huge work-load – within the first few months of his appointment, he confirmed 10,000 people. He had good relations with the Protestant clergy and gentry. However, the panic caused by the false allegations of Titus Oates in 1678 resulted in his arrest. He was charged in Dundalk with plotting to bring 20,000 French soldiers into Ireland. He was imprisoned in Newgate in England until 1681. There was no basis whatever for the allegations brought against him but he wasn’t given time or opportunity to defend himself. He wrote a most interesting letter from prison a few days before his execution: “Sentence of death was passed against me on the fifteenth. It has not caused me the least terror or deprived me of even a quarter of an hour’s sleep. I am as innocent of all treason as the child born yesterday. As for my character, profession and function, I did own it publicly, and that being also a motive of my death, I die most willingly. And being the first among the Irish, I shall, with God’s grace, give good example to the others not to fear death. I expect daily to be brought to the place of execution where my bowels are to be cut out and burned before my face, and then my head to be cut off.” This is the barbaric death he suffered in Tyburn on 1st July 1684 – it is indicated in the lower part of the window. When this window was made, Oliver Plunket was “Blessed” but he was canonized in 1976 and his feast is on 1st July.

(The inscription at the foot of the window reads: “Erected to the memory of Denis and Margaret Crowley of Millstreet by their son Cornelius. 1944”)

by Msgr. M. Manning, P.P., V.G.

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The stained glass window was made by Clement Watson & Co of Youghal, one of three Watson windows in St.Patrick’s Church [ref]

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The stained glass window  was erected by Cornelius D. Crowley (1879-1972), of Finnstown House, Lucan, Co Dublin, Roscrea, Co Tipperary, and originally from Coole House, Millstreet. He was anxious to be remembered in his native Millstreet, and so in 1944 erected this window (and another at the same time) to his parents, Denis and Maria Crowley, in Saint Patrick’s Church, Millstreet, in 1944.

“At that time, Finnstown House was the home of my Great Uncle Con and Great-Aunt Hannah. Cornelius D. Crowley (1879-1972), of Finnstown House, Lucan, Co Dublin, and Roscrea, Co Tipperary, was originally from Millstreet, Co Cork. He was one of my great-uncles, a brother of my grandmother, Maria (Crowley) Murphy (1882-1953) of Millstreet, Co Cork.
For many years Con Crowley was a director of the Roscrea Meat Company with his brother Jeremiah D. Crowley of Wallstown Castle, Castltownroche, Co Cork – the other directors included Robert Briscoe TD and G Fasenfeld. After World War II, Con Crowley” – by Patrick Comerford

The Maid of Millstreet

The Maid of Millstreet

By Con “Poet” Ahern

As performed on a recent LTV2 show by Jerry O’Riordan, Ballinatona
.
It was on a fine Summer’s morning,
And I going to Drishane for some lime.
The birds in each grove sang most charming,
Sweet nature being all in its prime
When a nice looking bright looking fair one,
Per chance on my way I did meet,
Her beauty enticed me completely,
She’s that lovely nice Maid of Millstreet. [read more …] “The Maid of Millstreet”

The Famed Millstreet Website

Millstreet Town has it’s own World wide web site few dreams like that come true
And for that Web-master Hannelie O Connor credit is only due
A great achievement for her and for her back up team
Though lot’s of honest effort goes into this ‘twould seem.

.
To Millstreet migrants living around the World their Hometown web site is a marvellous thing
Photographs of familiar faces from the past nostalgic memories to them bring
The old friends may have visibly aged but time on none do wait

And on each and every one of us there is a use by date.
.
John Tarrant keeps us well informed on sports and the G A A
And Eily Buckley keeps us up to date on the local happenings of today
And Sean Radley ‘In passing’ to the recent local deceased due respect pay
The present is linked to the past ’tis always been that way.

.
They are Hannelie’s main back up team as well there are many more
Who help to bring the news from Millstreet to many a distant shore
And what better way for any Duhallow migrant than spending half an hour at night
On a nostalgic visit to the famed Millstreet Web site.

.

Read  more of Francis Duggan’s Poetry on http://www.dreamagic.com/poetry/duggan_37.html or http://www.dreamagic.com/poetry/duggan.html

European Juggling Convention July 2006 Videos

I was wandering around the internet (as you do) and found a few video’s done by people at the EJC. If you didn’t make it to the juggling, then here’s a flavour of what they were up to. It may look easy, but it’s really very hard!!!





and finally, a really good one!

added 2016:

Heritage Information Trail

On Sunday 27th August, IRD Duhallow hosted a Heritage Information Trail on the side of Mushera mountain in conjunction with the National Heritage Week. It was unfortunate that the timing clashed with a number of other events in the area, but all the same a nice but truthly interested group showed on what was a lovely sunny afternoon. It was a really simple but effective idea to stop at a local place of heritage, discuss, and move onto the next one. We visited the Kerrymans Table and Jack Lane talked about the Butter Road, it’s past history, it’s current working role and it’s role for the future. From there we moved to St Johns Well where Monsignor Manning and Jack Roche talked about it’s history, importance and a few stories of its past. Then onto the Country Park where Donie Howard led the group through the walk that remembers people of local and national importance, and the effect they had on the area. Finally, enough of the history and there were plenty of refreshments provided in the visitors centre of the Country Park.

Thanks especially to Helen O’Sullivan who organised and and sponsored the day on behalf of IRD Duhallow.

*Monsignor Manning, John Kelleher and John Sheehan listening to Jack Lane
*Jack Lane talks about the history and the hopes for the future of the butter road.
*Some of the intestered audience on what was actually a lovely sunny day
*Jack Roche from IRD Duhallow who organised the information trail
*Jack Lane spoke about the origins of St Johns Well and also the other two wells on the mountain. There were other stories of interest told also.
*Donie Howard speaking in the Country Park
*Jack Roche outlining the achievements and importance of TK Whitaker

Christmas Day Climb 2006

The Christmas morning tradition of walking up a Mushera mountain while still half asleep, was held again this Christmas Day morning. This year sponsorship is in aid of two causes: the Courtmacsharry Lifeboats, and also for the purchase of a defibulator for the the area to be stored in the community center in Aubane. 10:30am and the first group headed off from St John’s Well, while more were tackling the slightly easier route up along the wire by the country park. It was a nice morning, but we could see what lay ahead of us – fog on top of the mountain. A small flock of sheep seemed the only other things moving. So after about an hour of moving uphill at our own pace, we got to the top at about 11:30. There was already a few dozen hardy souls plus a few dogs at the cross before us. By the time everyone had landed in the next half an hour, there was about one hundred or so cheerful souls on top. After a few photo’s and a good long chat, we we headed back for base, and the warmth of Christmas Dinner.

AUBANE NATIONAL SCHOOL

The Aubane National School, which is now Aubane Community Centre, was built in 1912 and was opened in 1913. It was one building with four separate rooms divided into a girls’ and boys’ school. The school closed in 1974 due to falling numbers. The school was then taken over in 1975 by the Aubane Social Club. The Community Centre now holds many different events like the weekly set dancing on Monday nights.

Pets Corner

Photos are at the bottom

Tabby befriending the Garden Gnome

Deer in Millstreet Country Park

Filmed by the crew of LTV2 for transmission during the next season.
LTV2

Millstreet Country Park

EILY BUCKLEY’S HEN

The little hen lays green eggs (rare) and six little
chicks hatched. They are a lovely lavender colour.

CHELSEA

Chelsea was born on the 15th March 2005.
It was the first day of Cheltemham, naming her Chelsea was suitable to the occasion.
She was born to the 12year old Jessie.
Chelsea is Jessie’s first foal.

SASPERILLA

This swan moved in at the lake, Drishane Castle on Christmas Eve. She befriended the staff and residents of the Castle. They became very fond of her and named her Sasperilla.

Mary Cahill, Tullig pictured with Sasperilla

If you own an unusual pet or animal and would like to share a story please contact us.

MEMBERS REPORTS

April 2005

Jamie Hooper, Millstreet Youth Club Candidate, Dáil na Nog 2005 writes:

Dáil na nOg Elections

On the 16th of March, I attended the Comhairle na nóg in the Tralee Youth Centre.  This was an evening event where four speakers from three areas of Kerry had to speak for two minutes about two issues which affect Young People today, either Facilities for young people, or acohol and drug misuse.
From each area one candidate was to be elected by the other people there and there was also a “Wild Card” vote which I think the Jundges elected which could be from any area.
The people elected would then go to Dáil na nOg on the following Saturday in Dublin.  Two candidates from Gaeltacht areas had been pre-elected.
We each had to have an election slogan.  Mine was “Mol an óige agus tiocfidh si”
The judges included two people from Kerry who had gone there before, Fr Jerry Godly, Director of KDYS and a journalist from “Kerryman”.
I was one of the candidates to have to speak but first there was a social meeting in which we had Pizza and drinks in the Youth Café and then we were split into two groups to discuss and debate the topics.
In these groups the teenagers decided what we would like to see being done in our areas.  Ideas ranged from Drop-in-Centres to Swimming Pools and even a Roller-Disco.
Then came the time when we had to speak.  The Killarney group (my group) was first to speak, and I was third to speak.  I had never spoken in public before.  My speech was mainly about how the lack of good facilities for young people results in alcohol and substance abuse.  Well my turn came around after listening to two okay speeches.  I read it as best I could, but I hafe to habit of looking down at the sheet and not into the crowd.  When I had finishes Fr Godly congratulated me.
Next up was Shirley Somers from Killarney who did a brilliant speech not having it al written down and mostly in her head.  Then it was time for people from the other areas to vote on a ballot card which one from Killarney would go to Dublin.  I had a fear that my speech didn’t revolve around the issues enough and that all the others would be far more in depth than mine.  My fears were not realised however as candidate after candidate came to the microphone and talked about themselves for two minutes straight.
On and on about why they deserved to have a free trip to Dublin and I thought damn I didn’t sell myself enough. But then I thought sureley with speeches like that they don’t have a chance but one person frim each area had to be elected.
Then the results came out.
From my group, as predicted, Shirley Somers was elected, I was pleased because she had put a lot of work into it.
I was annoyed that the one other person who did speak about the issues did not get elected and I had hoped that if not me, he would get the “Wild Card” but it was neither.  Just another one of the people who spoke about himself got the “Wild Card”.
So I left the thing thoroughly disappointed but the man from the Kerryman did day he was happy that some people spoke about the issues.
I am not sure if I’ll try again next year but I suppose it can’t be hard to write a speech about myself, can it?

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January 2005

Hi

Just and update on what we have been up to at the youth club.  We have been busy since we came back from our Christmas break.  Every year KDYS organise inter club competitions.  We had two soccer teams, one under18 and under15.  We also have a quiz team and there is a chess and drafts day coming up.

All our members did us proud and a good time was had by all.  We also attended a disco held be Cordal Youth Club Co Kerry, which was a great night.  The next disco is being held by Dromtariffe Youth Club in March.  So we are really looking forward to that.

There was a training day held in Tralee.  Sox pf us went.  There were arts and crafts, computers, drama, out-door sports and co-operative games.  It was absolutely a fantastic day.

We learnt lots and I thought you might like to try some of the games. We had some laugh doing them.  ENJOY!!!!!!

EILEEN MURPHY

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In Passing March 2005

In Passing
by Seán Radley

CORK 2005

January 8, 2005 saw the official opening of Cork as the European Capital of Culture for 2005.    What a colourful firework display was witnessed on that Saturday.   On the Sunday an occasion which had a direct link with Millstreet took place in Cork City Hall at a spectacular Tea Dance. The famous Pádraig Pearse Harp which had been presented to Drishane Convent many years ago by Senator Margaret Pearse (sister of Pádraig) had, in turn, been given to the Cork School of Music where it would continued to be played rather than be a Museum display item.   In recent years it has been superbly restored. It was officially played for the first time since restoration at Cork City Hall with the Cork Pops Orchestra on Sunday, 9th January as a very significant cultural event of Cork 2005 – European Capital of Culture.

The historic event featured recently on LTV2.

WEB

Over 21,000 hits on http://www.millstreet.ie/ in the first eleven days of January is certainly uplifting news for Hannelie O’Connor and all those involved with the newly revised Millstreet website.   This proves the popularity of the website with an increasing number of new visitors who become regular browsers of the site.   Feedback to our email address <email> is wonderfully encouraging with lots of suggestions like the inclusion of a street map of Millstreet and continuation of photographic galleries of life in our parish.    We’ve even had web visitors from Austria, Hungary and lots from emigrants in the five continents.   This month’s website Personality of the Month is John Kelleher, Aubane.   We encourage you to inspire your relatives abroad to log into our website at least weekly for updates of their native Millstreet and to visit our “Links” on the site which includes Fr. James McSweeney’s excellent spiritual site http://www.todayismygifttoyou.ie/ which changes daily.   The valuable assistance of Michael Cashman, Tullig in the ongoing development of our local website is deeply appreciated.   We especially appeal to those abroad who regularly visit http://www.millstreet.ie/ to let us know by sending us a brief email to <email>

LTV2 MILLSTREET

We’ve now reached Programme 10 with our signal continuing to improve.   Response has been enthusiastic.  One of the easiest ways of receiving the Local Channel is to tune into Channel 4 (UK) on the Seán O’Connell,  Knocknagree multichannel service (should one already have this system in place) on Thursdays from 10.00 to 11.00p.m. with a repeat on Sundays from 8.00 to 9.00p.m..   The Local Channel just logs into the UK Channel 4 for those two hours weekly.   Alternatively (but a more complicated approach) one may also get both LTV and LTV2 (Millstreet & Macroom) by arranging to automatically tune into the VHF (just above RTE 2) signal from Mushera or UHF (Channel 50) from Tullig but this is, however, dependent on correct direction of the aerial system in one’s home.

The present LTV2 service is being provided free of charge through the voluntary group of enthusiasts who believe in the tremendous potential of a Local Channel which is community based and non-commercial.    While lots of necessary equipment has been voluntarily bought by members of the core group the cost of transmission aerials and broadcast equipment used on the mountains and in the studio is quite substantial and will need public financial support if the weekly broadcasts are to continue. In the near future ways by which the funding of such projects will be suggested.

MUSEUM  NEWS

The famous “Irish Examiner” photograph taken by photographer Denis Minihan continues to reappear consistently in the newspaper in its promotion of its professional prints service of past pictures of the national paper.   It was taken  in Millstreet’s Carnegie Hall in the 1980s and features Rosemary Healy, daughter of Denis and Nora who lived in Church Street at the time.    The child is seen reading a book in front of the beautiful stained-glass door at the entrance of the
Carnegie Hall.
We thank Maurice Walsh of Ickenham for much appreciated copies of the “Irish Post” which included an excellent photograph of Tony and Delia Barrett receiving a presentation in recognition of their splendid work for the London Cork Association.
To James O’Shea of Cork we also extend thanks for extra very interesting information relating to his remarkable research into the history of the O’Shea Family who originally came from Carrigacooleen, Millstreet.   A splendid Clan Gathering took place at the Duhallow Park Hotel last Summer.   Members of the Family were very much involved in the construction of some of Cork’s most famous buildings including the renowned Opera House.

One of the most significant presentations to Millstreet Museum took place recently when Seán & Catherine Buckley together with Nora Creedon arranged to donate the many historic Cups and a Shield associated with the very famous Kilcorney Feis.   The important occasion was recorded by John Tarrant and has received much newspaper coverage.   It will also be shown on LTV2 Millstreet.    Míle buíochas to the Kilcorney Feis Committee for such a generous gesture.   The valuable items will be on display for generations to come.

Millstreet Museum / Tourist Information Centre is open on Tuesdays from 10am to 3.30pm and on Wednesdays/Fridays from 10am to 5.00pm.    Our e-mail address is <email> while our telephone number is 029-20844.

Our  Faithful  Departed

The very special tribute delivered in such a heartfelt manner at the funeral of the late Seán O’Riordan, Church Street, Millstreet by Jerry Doody appears under the GAA webpage on http://www.millstreet.ie/ .   We also very especially remember the most memorable 40th Anniversary to the Priesthood of the late Fr. Michael Cashman of Tullig who recently went to his Eternal Reward in New Zealand where he has so dedicatedly ministered for many years.   The late Timothy Duggan, West End was such a wonderful Barber who shared a wealth of fascinating stories and humorous tales in such a welcoming manner.

We also extend our sincere sympathy to the relatives of Mary Goggin, Priest Cross;  Jim Fitzpatrick, Carrigaline, Rathmore;  Christopher (Sonny) Byrne, Dublin & Rathcoole;  Liam Miller’s two daughters who died in a road accident in France….Liam had directed Eurovision ’93 in Millstreet;  Michael O’Connor, Coolikerane; Denis (Denny) Murphy, Shanaknuck;  Denis Sheahan, Glenbeigh Village, Co. Kerry (father of Billy, Wallis Arms, Millstreet);  Adrian Ryan, London & West End, Millstreet (brother of Marie,  “Moyne Hill”, Station Road);  Anne Lehane (mother of Michael of LTV Macroom);  Helena Hegarty, Churchtown,  Dublin (mother of Edel Fraser, Claraghatlea, Millstreet);  Sr. Pius Singleton (Drishane Sister)  of Cullen and the English Mission;  Hannah McSweeney, Meenskehy East.

May they all rest in peace.

BRIEFLETS

We extend heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to John Kelleher, Aubane on his recent retirement following many years of wonderfully dedicated service to the Millstreet Branch of Cork Co. Council.   As Martin Corcoran, B.E. who made one of the many presentations to John at a hugely attended special retirement function at the Duhallow Park Hotel, stated John’s utter commitment to such major projects as the construction of the new Keale Bridge, was of enormous importance.   John recently presented very generous financial support for the work of LTV2 Millstreet.

We congratulate Eilish O’Rahilly, Killarney Road, Millstreet on her recent engagement to Brendan Breen, Beaufort, Co. Kerry.

When the ever-popular dog “Rooter”, at the age of fifteen, died recently it marked a very real change at the Square, Millstreet.  Owned by the Manley Family, the black dog became a favourite pet not only to Anthony, Ursula and Family but became such a popular animal friend throughout the town.  He used even win the local Lotto Draw!   He used to recognise my car or even the sound of it when I lived at the Square and make his way over to patiently wait for his favourite biscuits.

Two excellent articles appeared in recent “Ireland’s Own” issues (January, 2005)…. one on the history of Kilcorney Feis beautifully written by Mary Gaffney, Killarney Road, Millstreet and featured a colour picture of Seán Buckley, Kilcorney.   The other very interesting article related to the Showband series when the featured Band was “Pat Max and the Specialists” with its members from Ballydaly, Rathduane, Rathmore and Millstreet.

Thought for reflection:  When considering the Country Code – Take nothing but photographs – Leave nothing but footprints!

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AUBANE HISTORY

Aubane comes the Gaelic Abha Ban, white river, which indicates as townland names usually do, an essential topographical feature. The Aubane River flows through the countryside of Aubane. The white refers to the whiteness resulting from the shallowness as it is near its source and flowing over the rocks and stones. But no doubt a very regular feature and it was this flooding that provided the fertile soil for the valley. There is an inexhaustible supply of this soil to be had from its source in Mushera Mountain. The meandering part of the river has therefore in a real sense created Aubane. The Aubane River into a black river, the Blackwater. Aubane is situated three miles from Millstreet Town. The townland is very much a farming community.

The Townland of Aubane can boost many tourist attractions such as the following: -The Kerrymans’s table is a large flat rock situated on the Old Kerry Road or the Old Butter Road as it was previously known, four miles from Millstreet on the road to Rylane exactly mid-way between Killarney and Cork City, 25 miles on either side. It is also about 25 miles from Castleiland, a very important market town for the farmers of Kerry in bygone days. If one were to look at a map you will notice that Castleiland, Millstreet and the top of Blarney Street where the Butter Market wa situated, form a straight line “as the crow flies.”

Long ago people from Kerry travelled this route on their way to Cork with horse and cart taking firkins of butter to the Cork Butter Market. This rock is reported to be the place where they stopped and refreshed themselves and rested their horses. It was also a collection point where people who did not have adequate means of transport brought their living transporting the butter to Cork and returning with hardware for the shops in Millstreet, Rathmore etc.

Before 1736, Millstreet Town consisted only of an Inn, a Mill and five small Cabins. A hundred years later it had one long street with several smaller ones diverging from it and contained 312 houses, the majority of which were small but well built. Situated on the south side of the Blackwater, amidst the lofty mountains of Muskerry, Millstreet derived its principal support from being a great thoroughfare on the road form Cork to Killarney and Castleisland and on that form Mallow to Kenmare.

The advent of the Railway did much to halt the development of Millstreet as the landlords of the time. unsure of its impact, kept the line well north of the town. When roads were developed at the beginning of this century by the first native governments both the Cork-Kerry road and the Kerry-Dublin road bypassed the town and halted its growth as a commercial centre. In May 1998 Mr Michael Kelleher formerly of Aubane and New York unveiled a plaque at the Kerrymans Table during the Butter Road Commemoration Weekend.

St John’s Well Mushera

St John’s Well is 3km from Aubane

Like most holy wells, St John’s Well has a large amount of tradition and legend, which has been passed on from father to son. The well on top of Mushera has always been known as a well for cattle where herdowners prayed for the health and prosperity of their hers. The well on the Kilcorney side has little tradition that we know of except that it moved from one side of the road to the other at some stage in its history. The well on the Millstreet side has been and still is reputed for its cure of warts. These wells like many others are almost certainly of pagan origin and were Christianised over time. Pre-Christian man paid homage to water and in many places it was held sacred to the gods. The early saints in an effort to exorcise any evil forces believed to be active in the water blessed numerous springs and wells throughout Ireland thus consecrating them to the Christian God. However, the pagan rituals never Quite disappeared, instead they were absorbed into Christian practices, and a still evident example of this can be seen in the widespread practice of bringing gifts of offerings of cups, coins, medals etc. to the holy wells.

June 24th is of course Midsummers’s Day, the feast of the nativity of St. John the Baptist. Although it may seem strange that a saint on the Boggeragh Mountains should share the same name and feast day as John the Baptist, cousin of Jesus, it is necessary to remember that the concept of a calender year held little relevance for the pagan or early Christian Irish, and that Midsummers’s Day itself daters back to an era long before Christianity. Midsummer Day, the summer solstice marks the point where the sun turns and retraces its path in the sky, starting the decline, and in doing so beginning the gradual shortening of daylight. The awareness of what the solstice heralded must have filled the hearts of pagan man with fear and terror, and he may have believed that by lighting fires to honour the sun he might prevent its decline of daylight, keeping darkness at bay. Midsummer held a symbolic importance for primitive man, and Christianity absorbed this mystical quality in it’s celebration of the day, the result is a merging of the two beliefs, the ancient pagan ritual of the festival of light, and the Christian celebration of the nativity of St John, both observed on Midsummer’s Day.

In 1954, a mad who is long since dead, Michael Buckley of Aubane bought a picture of St. John and placed it on the grotto early on St John’s Day. The late Sonny Buckley, Tullig, Millstreet who called later in the day to pay his round decided to make a timber altar to protect the picture. Even this did not seem to be enough to provide permanent protection for such a delicate object in such a windswept site. A committee mainly of people from the Aubane area was formed and a few pounds put together for the purpose of building the centre grotto, completely by voluntary labour. The altar containing the picture of St John was placed inside this stone grotto and the picture lasted until quite recently.

In 1958, a statue of St John was purchased and placed in the centre grotto. Again with voluntary labour two side grottos were erected, one contained the altar with the original picture and the other an altar with a statue of the Infant of Prague. The statue of St John was blessed in 1958 by Canon Costello of Millstreet. The first Mass at the grotto was celebrated on 24th June 1974 and has been celebrated every year since.

The late Sonny Buckley had great faith in St John’s Well and often spoke of erecting Stations of the Cross in the vicinity of the Well. When he died in 1979, he left £500 in his will towards the erection.

Many of the old committee including Sonny Buckley were then dead so a new committee was formed with the task of carrying our Sonny’s wishes.

A fund was opened and it would be appropriate at this stage to pay tribute to the very large number of people who subscribed so generously, because without their help it would have been impossible to carry out the job intended. The Forestry Department was very helpful in many ways, indeed we had to have its permission to erect the Stations it the first place! The Stations were designed by Liam Cosgrove of Blackpool in Cork city, but before they could be erected a great deal of work had to be done. First fourteen concrete slabs were made in which the Stations were encased. Then the bulldozer made the ground ready and with limestone from Ballygiblin the work got under way. Voluntary labour again played a very large part with most of the building being done by John Kelleher and Brendan Kelleher. Completing the erection was no easy task because it had to be done in peoples’ spare time, however the stations were completed and all involved felt a great sense of achievement at the result.

Very many people come to the well throughout the year especially on Sundays. A Faith and Light group visited in 1985 and some of them acted out the Passion and Death of Our Lord. It was a very moving ceremony. At St John’s Well there is also a cure for warts, it is believed that warts disappear by cleansing your hand in the water.

Millstreet Country Park is also an attraction situated about 3.5 km from Aubane Cross. Further information. Go to www.millstreetcountrypark.ie

There is also a song about Aubane, which is called The Lane of Sweet Aubane

The Lane of Sweet Aubane

Come all you loyal comrades, come listen for a while

Till I relate the praises of a spot in Erin’s Isle

It’s there I saw the daylights first when around me it did dawn

On the lovely little valley ‘round the lane of sweet Aubane

To leave that spot will break my heart and to cross o’er the raging main

And to leave behind, my parent’s kind whose tears will fall like rain

But when we land on the American shore there‘ll be cheers by each and all

For those young brave young rattling hero from the Lane of sweet Aubane

There’s many a handsome cailin around those pleasant glens

Their voices sweet and melodious you’d hear the valley ring

They will ring the valley from the dark until early dawn

Those handsome pretty colleens from the Lane of sweet Aubane

Mushera Christmas Charity Climb 2002

2002-12-25 Mushera Christmas Climb 22002-12-25 Mushera Christmas Climb 1

The Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation – Helping the forgotten children of Ireland.

Christmas Morning 2002 sponsored climb to the top of Mushera Mountain – half of the amount collected went to The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation
What does the foundation do?
The Jack and Jill Children’s foundation helps to alleviate the very
distressful suffering experienced by the tiny babies born with severe
development delay until they reach the age of four years. Today the sad
reality in Ireland is that succour for children under four years of age and
their family is at best underdeveloped and at worst non-existent. Most
people are not aware of this distressing “age gap” in healthcare services.
These tiny babies and their parents could be the forgotten people of Irish
society. So the Jack and Jill Children’s foundation was set up to help these
babies and their families.

The Jack and Jill foundation helps these tiny babies and their families by
providing them with early intervention and home respite care. At present
they have over 200 children and their families under their wing all over
Ireland.

Aubane Social Club raise money for the Jack and Jill foundation.

On Christmas day 2002 at 10.30 a.m seventy people climbed Mushera mountain
in aid of the Jack and Jill foundation. It was the largest turnout of people
ever to participate in the annual mountain climb. The duration of the climb
was 2 hours. On the day sponsor card were given to each climber. On January
2003 the total sum of 3,500 euro was presented two charities. 1750 euros was
presented to Hannah Crowley representing the Jack and Jill foundation and
1750 to the Daniel Brosnan Desmond Fund.

 

– from an old Millstreet website: http://homepage.eircom.net/~millstreetupdate/parish%20news.html