Between Millstreet Town Bridge and Feirm where my life’s journey began
Where I went to school from and I grew into a man
The changes keep on happening there or so I have been told
But everything it changes and we grow frail and old.
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In the early thirties when my dad returned from the U S he hailed from Lisnaboy
He bought the farm at Claraghatlea off of Cashmans it was his pride and joy
Before marrying Mary Agnes Dinneen she was from Rathmore
I am going back in time now fifteen years with the three score. [read more …] “From The Finnow Bridge To The Feirm Bridge”
Category: People
Nora Bredhaeur
A daughter of Denis and Elly Murphy of green and high Claramore
Many years have passed since Nora sailed for Australia’s southern shore
For Victoria’s biggest City Melbourne where she became John Bredhaeur’s wife
Where she gave birth to and raised their children and lived out her long life.
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It must have been at least a decade since by phone to them I spoke
A warm and lovely lady married to a friendly bloke [read more …] “Nora Bredhaeur”
Archbishop Burke in Cullen
At 5pm on Thursday, 8th July 2010 in the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Cullen, concelebrated Mass was celebrated with, as the main celebrant, Archbishop Raymond Leo Burke who not only has been the Archbishop of St. Louis, U.S.A. but is now one of the most high-ranking prelates in the Vatican. On June 27, 2008, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Archbishop Burke to the office of Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, a position equivalent to that of Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, or President of the Conseil d’Etat of France. As such, immediately after the Pontiff, Archbishop Burke holds the highest judicial office in the entirety of the Roman Catholic Church. His court, as the final possibility for most all appeals unless they go to the Pope, ranks higher than the Rota or the Apostolic Penitentiary. In terms of the importance of his Curial post, Archbishop Burke is the second-highest ranking American prelate at the Vatican after Cardinal William Levada, who took Pope Benedict’s place as prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. And, as you may well recall, Cardinal Levada celebrated Mass in Kilcorney Church on a recent Easter Sunday. It was Tom Goggin who very kindly alerted us to that Kilcorney visit a few years ago. So having two such direct links to the Vatican with such close connections to our area is truly quite phenomenal. Here we share images of the Archbishop’s Culllen visit where he was truly delighted to meet with relatives (among whom were the Cremin and McSweeney Families as well as others) and Friends. Fr. Paddy O’Byrne knew the Archbishop in U.S.A. and we thank Fr. Paddy and also Photographer, Sheila Fitzgerald for alerting us to the visit. William Fitzgerald and I recorded an LTV2 interview with the wonderfully obliging and cheerful Archbishop. (Seán Radley for www.millstreet.ie )
Photos below: [read more …] “Archbishop Burke in Cullen”
Cork star John Coleman still motoring on
An All-Ireland minor medal in 1968, a senior award in 1973 and a club junior championship memento last season.
Save Clare’s audacious breach of that which had been ordained to be since 1936, football at senior level down in Munster has been unashamedly incestuous in nature. The Godfathers of Kerry and Cork have, for over fifty years now, bred legions of children of God whose collective footballing talents have ensured that the country’s southern provincial crown has been a real family affair. The twin giants have dwarfed their neighbours’ achievements with a measure of comfort that has come nowhere near to being matched in any other province in the country in modern times.
Yet, almost paradoxically, such is the nature of gaelic games, that the long standing Godfathers of the game down south have been forced to share their parental duties of propagating that winning feeling. By definition, they have been forced to sit in the losers enclosure too. The Rebel county and the Kingdom have learned how to lose as well as win. [read more …] “Cork star John Coleman still motoring on”
To John Ryan
I knew him in my school going days a few years younger than I
With foxy hair and fairly tall he was a hardy boy
In Cockhill he grew into a man two miles from Millstreet Town
Yet the undulating roads he walked on before he’ll never again walk up and down.
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From that green countryside by the Boggeragh hills his journey through life began
John Ryan went to live in England when he was a young man
The wanderlust was in him and as many others had done before
He left for to seek his fortune on the big sister shore. [read more …] “To John Ryan”
Millstreet Carnival Queen 1949
Millstreet Carnival Queen with her six ‘ladies in Waiting’, circa 1949.
Seated in front: Carnival Queen Mary Frances Mulcahy
Back row (left to right): Dole O’Byrne (West End), Miss Collins (Rathcoole), Mary Hickey (Main Street), Kitty O’Leary (West End), Hannah Mary Moynihan, Estie Cashman-Manley (Tullig House)
Also in the picture are some local gentelmen: Timmy Hickey (Centre Back), and Garda Coffey (on the right)
more photos below, with thanks to Dole for the photos [read more …] “Millstreet Carnival Queen 1949”
Connie McSweeney
Connie McSweeney was a good hard working fellow devoted to his family and his wife
He was well liked and he formed many friendships and he made the most of his great gift of life
He did not live on for to become an old man perhaps just a few years with the three score
He will be missed by all in Ballydaly in Millstreet Parish and his old homeplace in Cloghoulamore
He will be missed by his family and everyone who knew him a friendly bloke not hard to get to know
One can only hope he had a peaceful ending that death for him was not painful and slow
At least his suffering is now behind him his friends and family for him left to grieve
His mortal remains are in Nature’s bosom the earth that feeds us our remains receive
His bones at rest by Cashman’s Hill forever where many of the dead of Millstreet lay
The Reaper does not spare the life of any for all of us a final night and day
But what matter most Connie he was a good man I only say of him what is his due
The World was better for him living in it to the higher self he was one who was true
Young enough to die perhaps in his early sixties his bones in St Mary’s Cemetery forever lay
In life he was a good and decent person what more of him can anybody say.
Seán’s Impromptu Barbeque
Amidst the magnificent scenic area of Knocknakilla, Millstreet during a recent summer evening blessed with excellent weather, Seán Murphy decided to organise an impromptu barbeque in the picturesque setting of his garden. Lots of Friends were alerted and dutifully attended to enjoy a superb barbeque, excellent live music by Danoel 
(Danny Creedon & Noel O’Leary) and a most memorable campfire singalong where the annual St. John’s Night bonfire tradition was upheld. A brief LTV2 feature was also recorded at this very happy and utterly cheerful event. Such was the success of the mighty occasion that it may well become an annual event….perhaps!
(Seán Radley for www.millstreet.ie ) All photos below: [read more …] “Seán’s Impromptu Barbeque”
Fr Paddy O’Byrnes Golden Jubilee
On Friday, 25th June 2010 Fr. Paddy O’Byrne celebrated his Golden Jubilee to the Priesthood beginning with a very special concelebrated Mass at St. Patrick’s Church, Millstreet followed by a splendid musical recital by Millstreet Pipe Band outside the church as the very large congregation gathered in the church yard to greet Fr. Paddy. A magnificent reception then took place at Green Glens where Denis Doody and his Staff of Kingdom Kitchen Catering Service arranged a spectacular and delicious banquet. Tom Meaney as MC introduced speakers Willie Neenan, Fr. Declan O’Connor, Bernie O’Byrne, William O’Leary and Fr. Paddy. Connie and Tom of “The Kelt” with Pat Bucke provided marvelous musical entertainment joined by many local talented singers. The night ended with Fr. Paddy encircled by his many family members and friends receiving a rousing and enthusiastic reception. Special photographs during that night of celebration included the cutting of a very beautiful cake and the assembly of many athletes with whom Fr. Paddy ran …. just a few years ago! (Seán Radley for www.millstreet.ie )
Lots of photos below [read more …] “Fr Paddy O’Byrnes Golden Jubilee”
The Bush Bar Girls
The girls I knew from the Bush bar where might they be today?
Perhaps some might be living now in cities far away
Whilst some found love with local men and in Duhallow stay
And in the backyards of their homes their children romp and play.
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The Murphys Mary and Eileen and their friend Catherine Moore
Where these three women live today can’t say that I feel sure
And blond haired Rita Murphy from the road by Mushera hill
Did she find love near to her home and live near Aubane still?
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The O Brien sisters from near Rathmore they lived in Millview Lane
They found true love in the Bush bar and the memories remain
Of Breda Tarrant with the sweet singing voice she has a heart of gold
I keep on going back to the past back to the days of old
[read more …] “The Bush Bar Girls”
Frank Kirke Party
On Friday, 18th June 2010 Frank Kirke, musician supreme and dedicated teacher (in Newbridge, Co. Kildare) arrived in Millstreet for what he thought would be a quiet family get together at the Wallis Arms Hotel. Instead there was a surprise 50th Birthday Party arrranged where not only family but also many friends has assembled to honour this true gentleman who formerly lived at West End, Millstreet and was a wonderfully talented member of Millstreet Pipe Band. After a splendid meal and speech the night continued with a marvellous music session in McCarthy’s Bar at the Square. Here we share some images below of the very happy occasion. Special thanks to Millstreet website loyal visitor, Pádraig O’Driscoll for alerting us to this most pleasant and uplifting occasion.
(Seán Radley for www.millstreet.ie )
Padraig, Frank and William, Drishane Fete 1988 (left) and in McCarthy’s Bar 2010 (right)
Cork Rose Selection
The selection of the Cork Rose for this years Rose of Tralee took place last weekend. Joanie McAulliffe represented the Millstreet Country Park (where she is the Marketing Executive). Unfortunately she did not win on the night as that honour went to Laura Mitchell. Though it is great to see someone local involved.
photos below [read more …] “Cork Rose Selection”
Niall Moynihan at the World Cup Opener
Niall Moynihan who grew up on the Killarney Road but now lives in South Africa was at the World Cup opener between South Africa and Mexico.
Soccer City, Soweto was fantastic. Great opening Match, Amazing atmosphere Well done Bafana Bafana, you were the better team on day. SA 1 : Mexico 1
Below are more of his photos of the occasion: [read more …] “Niall Moynihan at the World Cup Opener”
At the Munster Semi-Final
Shane Browne (on the right) who was spotted on The Monday Game on RTÉ2 at the Munster semi-final between Clare and Waterford in Thurles (2010-06-07)
Watch the game on RTE Player
Niall Kelleher in charge of Cork Juniors
Niall Kelleher from Aubane who played with Millstreet and Duhallow throughout his career this year has taken charge of the Cork Junior footballers. The Juniors square up to Kerry in Killarney next Sunday before the Senior Game, but with a team totally changed from last year as they won the All-Ireland last Summer.
Also watch out for up and coming star Shauna O’Sullivan of the Millstreet Girls School in the U12 Game at half-time at the match.
Read about tickets and travel to the matches in Killarney tomorrow
Result: Kerry 1-12 Cork 0-9
Something inside so Strong
“Something Inside, So Strong” the charity single by the Project in aid of Baby Jacob was officially released by iTunes yesterday morning, and is now available for download worldwide. It will cost you just 99 cent (or your local currency equivalent), with all proceeds going to Jacob!!
So go and download it from iTunes. It’s for a great cause.
Don’t know about Baby Jacob? Visit his website (babyjacob.ie), or his Facebook Page [read more …] “Something inside so Strong”
Denis Corcoran
Denis Corcoran
Denis Corcoran as a young man left Kilmeedy and he went to live in the U.S of A
And there he earnt his living as a Fireman he was a big and brave man on his day
But as the years went on he thought of Millstreet and of the fields by Clara far away
He visualized the bohreens and the hedgerows and the hawthorns in their white flowers of the May.
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When Denis Corcoran came home to live in Millstreet he met and fell in love with Miss Maud Brown
And they lived at Claraghatlea north by the old stream about a mile and a half west of the Town
They lived there for a few decades and were happy till they sold and bought a house on the Clara road
But since Denis and his wife went to the reaper a lot of water down Finnow has flowed.
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He was a very tall man and broad shouldered and he stood over six foot without shoes
And one might say quite a commanding figure and people listened when he aired his views
In his prime he led a life of adventure and of his stories one could never tire
He once showed us the medal that he won for bravery when he rescued a young baby in a fire.
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He lived his twilight years in his old homeplace the man who earned his fortune far away
The job he worked in was one fraught with danger and he was one who earned his every pay
We marvelled at his stories of adventure and he was one who could not tell a lie
And he became a hero far from Millstreet when he risked his life to save a baby boy.
Monsignor Michael Manning Presentation
On Thursday, 13th May 2010 as Monsignor Michael Manning concluded the celebration of Mass at Canon O’Donovan Centre a special presentation was made by Mary Feeley to the priest who has been the dedicated Parish Priest of Millstreet parish for the past seventeen years. It was also indicated that Margaret Kelleher is also retiring having been such a splendidly devoted Sacristan at St. Patrick’s Church for many years. Special retirement occasion will take place in the Church and at Millstreet GAA Community Hall on Friday night, 28th May 2010. (Pics: Seán Radley) [read more …] “Monsignor Michael Manning Presentation”
Bishop Tim Carroll resigns due to ill health
The Vatican announced today that Pope Benedict has accepted the resignation of Bishop Timothy Joseph Carroll SMA (a native of Minor Row, Millstreet) as Vicar Apostolic of Kontagora, Nigeria, in accordance with canon 401, para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law. In recent years Bishop Tim has been experiencing poor health and felt it necessary to hand over to a younger man.
Bishop Tim has worked in the Kwara and Niger States area of Nigeria since ordination in 1965.
Thirty years later he was appointed Prefect Apostolic of the newly-erected Kontagora Prefecture. In 2002 he was appointed Vicar Apostolic of Kontagora and ordained a Bishop on 17 August 2002 in Kontagora. Kontagora was carved out of three existing dioceses: Ilorin, Minna and Sokoto.
[read more …] “Bishop Tim Carroll resigns due to ill health”
Thady Quill
“The Bould Thady Quill” is a popular traditional Irish song. The song is ironic as it was written about an individual living in County Cork who was actually far from heroic.
It is common to hear critics or knockers, who, of course, never knew the man, emphatically assert that he was a phoney, while others, equally misinformed allege that he was utterly useless, an idler and parasite possessing innumerable vices and insisting that he never participated in any form of sport. It is only fair to the man that, because of the extremes of misrepresentation, he should be placed in proper perspective. We have his prowess and achievements fancifully exaggerated in the ballad and his shortcomings unfairly highlighted by his detractors….
read the full article on Thady Quill on Wikipedia
Carpe Noctem
A Millstreet student was a winner at the DARE2BDRINKAWARE film awards ceremony in Dublin last week. The young Corkman demonstrated his acting chops in the film, which was called ‘Carpe Noctem’ or ‘seize the night’. Now in its third year, DARE2BDRINKAWARE is a film competition for third-level students, aimed at highlighting young people’s attitudes to alcohol.
Billy Coleman in-car Porsche 911 footage
For those going to the Killarney Rally of the Lakes which will be in Millstreet this Saturday (May 1st), here’s a couple of Billy Coleman videos of in-car footage from the 1986 Circuit of Ireland rally, and also one of Colin McRae on Molls Gap to get you in the mood:
Brother Vincent Corkery’s Datoship
Brother Vincent J. Corkery, Director of La Salle Centre in Ipoh, described the datukship conferred on him in conjunction with the Sultan of Perak’s 82nd birthday as “a signal” of recognition for St Michael’s Institution as a long established beacon of excellence, where young people without distinction are prepared to take their place in society and serve with honesty and dedication.
He is happy to receive the award, Dato’ Paduka Mahkota Perak (DPMP), on behalf of the La Salle Brothers and St Michael’s Institution. “It will be greeted with joy amongst the thousands of our ever faithful alumni”, he said.
Brother Vincent, who was dressed in the ceremonial costume of Perak’s dato, received the award at an investiture ceremony in the throne room of Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar on April 19. A total of 912 people, including the Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, were conferred with awards and medals in the birthday’s honour list.
UCC Focal Scoir Award for Seán Radley
Seán Radley was recently presented with an award by UCC Department of Education after giving an influential Lecture to the Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs teachers group.. He said himself:
It was quite an honour to have been asked to give the “Focal Scoir” lecture to the Munster Post Graduates who have just come to the end of their UCC Course in the area of Learning Support and Special Education Needs. They were such a supportive and uplifting audience. The picture was taken by Michael English in the exquisite gardens of Mardyke House, UCC.
There is an article on this weeks Corkman with the full details of this story
Brother Vincent Corkery receives Honour from Sultan of Perak
Brother Vincent Corkery (Jerry Corkery) formerly of Liscahane, who has been on the Missions with the La Salle Brothers at St. Michaels Institution in Ipoh (Malaysia), was yesterday conferred a Datukship by the Sultan of Perak in recognition of his contributions in the education sector in Ipoh. The conferring is in conjunction with his Highness’ 82nd birthday (April 19th 2010). The investiture ceremony was held at the Iskandariah Palace in Kuala Kangsar.
We hope Brother Vincent had a great and eventful day. Congratulations!
Afterwards he commented:
I wish to express my deepest appreciation to His Highness the Sultan of Perak for this high honour, which I am happy to receive on behalf of the La Salle Brothers and St. Michael’s Institution.
As we approach our first centenary, it is a signal recognition for St Michael’s as a long established beacon of excellence. Here young people without distinction are prepared to take their place in society and serve with honesty and dedication.
It will be greeted with joy among the thousands of our ever faithful alumni.
The honour is timely and much appreciated.
with thanks to his sister Eily Buckley for the news
[read more …] “Brother Vincent Corkery receives Honour from Sultan of Perak”
Féile Cheoil Tribute to Stephen Carroll
The Annual Millstreet Féile Cheoil was organised by the Millstreet Branch of CCÉ (Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann) and held at Millstreet Community School on Sunday, 18th April 2010. During that evening a special tribute was paid to the late Stephen Carroll who had been a dedicated Judge at a number of Féile Cheoil events but who sadly died at such a young age since last year’s event. Stephen’s parents, Michael & Sheila as well as family members, Adrian & Sinéad from the Kilcummin/Gneeveguilla area were present to witness the presentation of the new Stephen Carroll Shield for Button Accordian to Damien Mullane who was this year’s Judge in that competition. It was James Linehan and Michael O’Riordan of Millstreet CCÉ who organised this special and lasting tribute to the late Stephen. Stephen had always been such an obliging, talented, welcoming and sincere Friend to so many. We include a picture (taken in the hospitality room) from Millstreet Féile Cheoil 2009 (19th April) where Stephen is seated first from left. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal. (Seán Radley for www.millstreet.ie).
More photos and a tribute to Stephen are below: [read more …] “Féile Cheoil Tribute to Stephen Carroll”
Spring at Last
Spring has come at last, but it looks as if we have headed straight into Summer. The swallows have arrived over the weekend zipping around the place excited about the imminent nesting, and the long bright evenings have put a smile on most faces, and got them out and about. Below are some interesting photos from the last week from the Millstreet area.
[read more …] “Spring at Last”
Millstreet’s Cultural Icons
Now quite a well known artist his fame known far and wide
And to the people of Millstreet and Duhallow his success a sense of pride
The likeable Bertie Buckley people like him are rare
His knowledge of art and his gifts with other people he is prepared to share.
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The singer songwriter Eugene Brosnan for Millstreet waves the flag
A world wide known entertainer that is surely worth a brag
At many a big concert the favourite of the crowd
And of his remarkable achievements he ought to feel quite proud.
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The genius Bernard O Donoghue is one worthy of note
In the World of modern literature he is a major poet
As good as Brendan Kennelly and Seamus Heaney some have been known to say
Two of the leading writers in the Ireland of today.
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Claraghatlea’s own Jerry Kelleher is no stranger to renown
He has become quite famous long miles from Millstreet Town
His books ‘Irish journeys in America’ have brought their author fame
And in the World of literature his is a well known name.
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[read more …] “Millstreet’s Cultural Icons”
Young Musicians receive Doc Gleeson Awards
Recently I was at a concert in UCC were Kenneth Cremin (son of Breda and Denis from the Priest Cross) and Cáit Buckley from Derinagree both received the 2010 “Doc Gleeson” award for Musical Achievement at a special concert held at the Aula Maxima, Main Campus at UCC. Kenneth played a piece of Classical music by Steve Reich on the electric guitar while Cait Buckley played a collection of music on the harp. Two other students who also received the Doc Gleeson Award were Enda Buckley who played rock music on the guitar and Tara Breen from County Clare played a section of Irish jigs on the fiddle Tara who was on the recent series Lorg Lunny on TG4 has been chosen by music legend Donal Lunny to be part of his new band Cirrus who played their first concert last Saturday night on television .
A Gamelan concert was held in late March which Kenneth Cremin performed playing different intruments. this is a concert of new music, dance and traditional Javanese music performed by the UCC Gamelan with special guests Colin Dunne of Riverdance fame and Kate Ellis renowned cellist. This concert also honours Aloys Fleischmann Professor of Music at UCC from 1934 to 1980 the title of the concert was “Telephones and Gongs”. Current Professor of music at UCC Mr Mel Mercier said that the present class of music students were very talented group. After a non stop two hour concert a five minute standing ovation was given by a full audience to the students. So well done to Kenneth and Cáit and Millstreet
by Danny O’Nell (grandson of Rosie Todd)
Francis Duggan, Poet
In Penshurst lives a poet
Francis Duggan is his name
he posts work on the internet
as well as earning local fame
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his birth place was in Ireland
now he calls Australia home
every day writes rhyming verse
in lyrical traditional form
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his themes range from bird and tree
through to complex human nature
soul sees both beauty and misery
sympathises with living creature
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he wrote a wonderful anthology
called ‘Songs of Sherbrooke’
exploring many aspects of life
examines closely cranny and nook
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if there’s something that you want
to know about life down-under
follow Frank’s heart, see through
poet’s eyes world full of wonder
by Lee Emmett, Australia
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(1946 – Present) I have been penning stuff since 1973 have written up to nine thousand individual pieces which can be seen on various online poetry sites, I was born and raised in Claraghatlea, Millstreet Co Cork Ireland and I have been living in Victoria Australia for the past twenty three years (since 1989) – Francis Duggan.
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Contact Francis: <email>
