Category: People

Wonderfully Generous Response to AIB Coffee Morning 2024

A heartfelt thanks to AIB’s Carmel Hickey and her superbly dedicated Staff for recently organising a most successful Coffee Morning in aid of CART (Carriganima Area Rural Transport) and Millstreet Community Website.  The very impressive total cheque of €1,021.32 was divided equally between both Voluntary Groups – each receiving bank drafts for €510.16.  This financial assistance is of great benefit to both Groups in maintaining the two greatly appreciated community services operated on an entirely voluntary basis. Míle buíochas to All .  Here we share images of the cheque presentation and of the actual Coffee Morning 2024.  Tap on the pictures to enlarge. (S.R.)

Picture by Joan Anders

[read more …] “Wonderfully Generous Response to AIB Coffee Morning 2024”

Annual Arts & Crafts Showcase at Millstreet Day Centre on Sunday, 1st Dec. 2024

Millstreet Day Centre will be having their annual Arts & Crafts Showcase in the Centre on Sunday 1st December @ 12.15pm – 2.00pm. Pop in for a festive coffee & mince pie & see what the clients of the Day Centre have been busy creating over the past few months. There will be some items available to purchase on the day also! Any proceeds made/donations will go directly to Millstreet Day Centre. All welcome to attend!

Millstreet Gramophone Circle Presentation by Ted This Friday

Millstreet Gramophone Circle Presentation by Ted Leizcyneski, Headford, Killarney will take place on Friday, 15th November 2024 at 8.15pm in the Canon O’Donovan Day Centre, Clara Road, Millstreet. Among Ted’s many musical compositions is “The Star of Millstreet Town”. Everyone is very welcome. (S.R.)

From left: Ted who will be presenting this Friday’s music programme pictured with Paddy who presented last month’s excellent programme.

“Radio Treasures” Tonight Includes Cullen Concert, Drishane Reunion, NYC Marathon, Art Exhibition

Preceded by  Jimmy Reidy’s Archival Show No. 126 relating to Kealkill on Cork Music Station at 8pm on this Tuesday, 12th Nov.  2024…..“Radio Treasures” (from 9.15pm to 11.30pm) features at 9.30pm  Our visit to Kolkata Concert in Cullen with splendid music, chat and songs.  This will be preceded by an Interview with Eileen Riordan relating to a recent Drishane Reunion.     All this and so much more on tonight’s very special Show.   Feel most welcome to contact us on 086 – 825 0074 or by emailing corkmusicstation @gmail.com .  Tap on the images above to enlarge.  (S.R.)

Reunion of Past Pupils who sat their Leaving Cert in 1964 at Drishane.  We chat with Eileen Riordan….pictured second from right.
We chat with Humphrey Moynihan at the recent magnificent Concert in Cullen.
We chat with Breeda O’Riordan about the recent NYC Marathon.
We chat about Ed Ruane’s magnificent Art Exhibition in Killarney Library in June 2024. Ed is pictured second from left.
A section of the audience attending Becky Kealy’s public meeting at the Clara Inn on Monday night.  Becky is pictured fifth from left.

Clara Road Grotto in Autumn 2024.

[read more …] ““Radio Treasures” Tonight Includes Cullen Concert, Drishane Reunion, NYC Marathon, Art Exhibition”

Millstreet Christmas Lights 2024 – Annual Church Gate Collection This Weekend

Millstreet Christmas Lights 2024
Millstreet Christmas Lights Committee will light up our town again this year.  We feel it is imperative to
create a festive atmosphere in Millstreet. Our Christmas lighting uses energy efficient LED lights which
require 75% less energy than traditional bulbs. To add to the festive spirit we kindly ask households and
businesses in the town to decorate their premises.
We would like to thank all who provide power for our Christmas display, those who volunteer their time,
premises and equipment and those who contribute financially. 

Christmas magic at The Square.

Special thanks to Cork County Council for
their continued support.
This weekend November 16/17 we shall be having our annual Church gate collection and we would
appreciate your kind support.

(Sincere thanks to Niamh for the important Notice….S.R.)

Three Star Private Keenan Barrett & Parents on TG4

As a new group of Irish Soldiers this week (Nov. 2024) embark on a Tour of Duty to Lebanon one of those brave Members of the Irish Army is Three Star Private Keenan Barrett from Letterkenny, Co. Donegal – son of Eugene and Kelly Barrett and grandson of John & Gwen Barrett, Aubane, Millstreet.  Keenan, Kelly and John all recently featured on “An Nuacht” on TG4 Television…filmed in Athlone… during which Keenan spoke brilliantly in his wonderful Donegal Irish!  We wish Keenan a very safe and fulfilling tour of duty.   Ireland is so very proud of its courageous Members of the Irish Army and being such inspiring Ambassadors as UN Peacekeepers.  Tap on the images (from TG4) to enlarge.  (S.R.)

Millstreet Parish Newsletter – 10th November 2024

PARISH NEWSLETTER

BALLYDALY-CULLEN-MILLSTREET

Thirty Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

10th Nov. 2024

Canon John Fitzgerald, P.P.

Telephone Nos.:  Landline:  029 70043  &  Mobile: 087 775 2948

Email:  millstreet @dioceseofkerry.ie

Website:   www.dioceseofkerry.ie

All Masses are livestreamed on www.churchservices.tv/millstreet

Parish Opening Hours 

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 

10.00am to 1.00pm  &  2.00pm to 5pm

RECENT DEATHS: Joe McSweeney, Macroom & Clonakilty

Mass Intentions for THIS WEEKEND:

Saturday 9th November:                Rosary will be recited at 5.40p.m.

Millstreet   6.15p.m.   Thomas Corkery, Derreen (recently deceased);  Charlie Cooper, Claraghatlea (recently deceased);  John McSweeney, Rathcoole.

Sunday 10th November:

Ballydaly 9.30a.m. Timmy D. Kiely, Ballydaly (First Anniversary) & the deceased members of the Kiely Family;  John Joe Buckley, Toorbonia (First Anniversary);  Charlie Dineen, Ballydaly.

Millstreet 11.30a.m. Connie O’Keeffe, Ducon Road (First Anniversary);  Lattie Murphy, Clarabeg;  Mary & Paul Fitzgerald & their son Paul, Clara Road;  Mikie Kelleher, Laught.

ANNIVERSARIES: Bridget & Edward Lawlor, Lackabawn; Sadie Dunne, Drishane Road; Willie C & Bab Han O’Riordan, Main Street; Arthur O’Keeffe, Mill View; Brenda Kirke, West End; Eileen Healy, Claraghatlea; Willie Cronin, Knocknakilla; Dan O’Connor, Cloghoulabeg; Sheila Murphy, Caherbarnagh; James O’Sullivan, Tubber; Christy Morley, Lislehane; Michael Lyons, Kilcorney. 

Mass Intentions for NEXT WEEKEND:

Saturday 16th November:               Rosary will be recited at 5.40p.m.

Millstreet   6.15p.m.   Humphrey Hickey, Dromsicane (recently deceased);  Denis O’Brien, Ballydaly & Cloghoulabeg (recently deceased);  Neily & Kathleen Dineen, Murphy’s Terrace;  Julia Mary & John Joe O’Sullivan, Rathduane.

Sunday 17th November: 

Cullen 9.30a.m. Fr. Jerry Singleton, Cullen (First Anniversary);  Andy & Kitty Walsh, Knocknageeha;  Dan Meade, Ahane;  Timothy (Tade) & Margaret (Peg) O’Mahony, Knocknageeha.

 Millstreet 11.30a.m. Denis Sheehan, Kanturk;  Kax & Jerome O’Hare, Coole.

Rotas for next weekend 16th & 17th November
CHURCH TIME READER EUCHARISTIC

MINISTERS
Millstreet 6.15 p.m. Liam Flynn  Group C  
  11.30 a.m. Bernie Lane  Group A
Cullen 9.30 a.m. Margaret Cooper  Ann O’Mahony

Millstreet Church: Mass times this week unless there is a funeral.

No Mass on Monday 11th November

Mass on Tuesday (12th) for People of the Parish at 10.00a.m.

No Mass on Wednesday 13th November

Mass on Thursday (14th) for Kitty Daly, Macroom Road & Peggy Prendergast, USA at 10.00a.m.

Mass on Friday (15th) for Celia & Cormac Dineen, Mill Road and the deceased members of the Dineen & Kelleher Families at 7.30p.m. [read more …] “Millstreet Parish Newsletter – 10th November 2024”

Superb Concert for Kolkata in Cullen on Friday at 8pm

Count down is on…. the big day is nearly here…. all roads leading to Cullen Community Centre this Friday night  8th  November at 8pm Joining the gang are the All Ireland Champions u18 Crossfields Céilí Band and the u15 Crossfields Céilí Band who were 2nd in the All Ireland Final along with a host of other All Ireland champions.
See you there! (Patricia Moynihan)  

“Radio Treasures” Tonight Includes Our Final Visit to Knockalougha Rambling House 2024

Preceded by  Jimmy Reidy’s Archival Show No. 124 relating to a wonderful Selection of Entertaining Guests on Cork Music Station at 8pm on this Tuesday, 5th Nov.  2024…..“Radio Treasures” (from 9.15pm to 11.30pm) features at 9.30pm  Our Final Visit to Knockalougha Rambling House 2024) with splendid music, chat and songs.     All this and so much more on tonight’s very special Show.   Feel most welcome to contact us on 086 – 825 0074 or by emailing corkmusicstation @gmail.com .  Tap on the images above to enlarge.  (S.R.)

Superbly Successful Project by Joshua O’Sullivan, Ballydaly

After nearly 5 years growing, Maria Murray – Healy, of the Gilded Scissors, cut over 15 inches of hair off Joshua O’Sullivan, Ballydaly to donate to The Princess Trust /Locks of Love for Lauralynn on Saturday 2nd November 2024.  As well as donating the hair to the charity that makes real hair wigs for children and young adults, Joshua has also raised €2670 to date on a Gofundme page.  As each wig costs approximately €800 to make, that’s enough for 3 full wigs. The Gofundme page will be open for another week. Much appreciation to everyone who has donated.

Tim Kiely, Ballydaly – Acknowledgement & First Anniversary

Tim Kiely, Ballydaly, Millstreet

Died: November 13th 2023

Acknowledgement & First Anniversary.

On the occasion of Tim’s first anniversary, his family would like to acknowledge the many gestures of kindness and sympathy shown to us throughout Tim’s illness and funeral.

We are deeply indebted to Dr. Michael Casey, the staff at Tullig Medical Centre, Mrs. Nora Casey, and Dr. Mark Henderson for the remarkable kindness and care shown to Tim.

A sincere thank you to Mulcahy’s Pharmacy, to our dedicated community health nurses, and to his committed carers at home and at Araglen House.

A sincere word of thanks to Canon John Fitzgerald PP, Millstreet, who concelebrated Tim’s funeral Mass along with the SMA Fathers. Thanks to Marcella, our sacristan, and to Sharon for her great assistance.

Thanks to Tim’s good friend Séamus and the choir, and organist Kathleen O’Connor, who greatly enhanced the celebration.

To Davy, Cora, and all at Tarrant’s Undertakers, we are most grateful for their professionalism and personal touch.

 A special thanks to our wonderful neighbours, relatives, and friends who supported us at this difficult time and to all who travelled long distances to be with us to share in our grief. Thanks to those who organized the parking and all who took part in the guard of honour.

 The numerous messages of condolence we received have been a huge consolation and all were gratefully appreciated. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our thanks and appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of Mass has been offered for your intentions.

Tim’s first anniversary Mass will be celebrated in Ballydaly church on Sunday, 10th Nov. 2024 at 9:30 am.

Millstreet Parish Newsletter – 3rd November 2024

PARISH NEWSLETTER

BALLYDALY-CULLEN-MILLSTREET

Thirty First Sunday of Ordinary Time

3rd Nov. 2024

Canon John Fitzgerald, P.P.

Telephone Nos.:  Landline:  029 70043  &  Mobile: 087 775 2948

Email:  millstreet @dioceseofkerry.ie

Website:   www.dioceseofkerry.ie

All Masses are livestreamed on www.churchservices.tv/millstreet

Parish Opening Hours 

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 

10.00am to 1.00pm  &  2.00pm to 5pm

RECENT DEATHS: Timmy McSweeney, Rathcoole; Noreen Nixon (née Murphy), Glountane & New York; Leach Mae Forde, Turner’s Cross.

Mass Intentions for THIS WEEKEND:

Saturday 2nd November:                Rosary will be recited at 5.40p.m.

Millstreet   6.15p.m.   Annual Mass of Remembrance for those whose funerals took place in Millstreet & Ballydaly.

Sunday 3rd November:

Cullen 9.30a.m.  Annual Mass of Remembrance for those whose funerals took place in Cullen.

Millstreet 11.30a.m. Jack Kelleher, Aubane;  Bridie & Cornelius Keane, Drimoleague;  Hannah Keane & Fr. Denis Keane.

ANNIVERSARIES: Nannie O’Donoghue, Lackabawn; Julia O’Sullivan, Claraghatlea; Donal Barrett, Liscahane; Mary & John O’Connell, Toorenbawn; Maurice O’Connor, Liscreagh; Peg Murphy, Lisnaboy; George Forde, Lislehane; Jerry Creedon, Laught; Mikie Kelleher, Laught; David, Nora & Mary Nagle, Freemount; John Cronin, Cork & Murphy’s Terrace; John Hoare Junior, Macroom; Sheila Murphy, San Francisco & Curraraigue; Noel Doocey, England & Millstreet.

Mass Intentions for NEXT WEEKEND:

Saturday 9th November:                Rosary will be recited at 5.40p.m.

Millstreet   6.15p.m.   Thomas Corkery, Derreen (recently deceased);  Charlie Cooper, Claraghatlea (recently deceased);  John McSweeney, Rathcoole.

Sunday 10th November:

Ballydaly 9.30a.m. Timmy D. Kiely, Ballydaly (First Anniversary) & the deceased members of the Kiely Family;  John Joe Buckley, Toorbonia (First Anniversary);  Charlie Dineen, Ballydaly.

Millstreet 11.30a.m. Connie O’Keeffe, Ducon Road (First Anniversary);  Lattie Murphy, Clarabeg;  Mary & Paul Fitzgerald & their son Paul, Clara Road;  Mikie Kelleher, Laught.

PASTORAL AREA PRIEST ON DUTY: Sunday 3rd November: Fr. John Fitzgerald (087) 7752948. Sunday 10th Nov: Fr. Pat O’Donnell (064) 7758026/ (086) 8351732

Rotas for next weekend 9th & 10th November
CHURCH TIME READER EUCHARISTIC

MINISTERS
Millstreet 6.15 p.m. Maura O’Sullivan  Group B  
  11.30 a.m. Raymond Gilbourne  Group D
Ballydaly 9.30 a.m. Eileen Guerin  Mary G. O’Leary

Millstreet Church: Mass times this week unless there is a funeral.

Mass on Monday (4th) for Jimmy O’Sullivan, Newmarket at 10.00a.m.

Mass on Tuesday (5th) for People of the Parish at 10.00a.m.

Mass on Wednesday (6th) for the Holy Souls at 10.00a.m.

No Mass on Thursday 7th 

Mass on Friday (8th) for the deceased members of ALPS Electric at 7.30p.m. [read more …] “Millstreet Parish Newsletter – 3rd November 2024”

November Garden 2024 Remembers Our Faithful Departed 

Just put in place so very creatively at St. Patrick’s Church, Millstreet – the very beautiful November Garden in Remembrance of our Faithful Departed.   Since November 2023 and November 2024 we especially pray for and remember the 56 people in Millstreet Parish included in this year’s November Garden who went to their Eternal Reward.   Eternal Rest to All the Holy Souls.

Tap on the images to enlarge. (S.R.)

[read more …] “November Garden 2024 Remembers Our Faithful Departed “

Millstreet Community Calendar 2025

Millstreet Community Calendar 2025

Have you got that special photograph that you would like to be considered for the Millstreet Community Calendar 2025? Perhaps it is of the Northern Lights, a victory celebration in the community or your favourite scene?  If so, Millstreet Community Council Ltd. is inviting individuals, groups & organisations to share those photos.

Please email your photograph with your name and the title/caption of your photograph to millstreetcommunitycouncil20 @gmail.com before Thursday October 31st, 2024.  All photographs will be considered. (For printing purposes, the photographs must be of a high resolution).

The Calendars will be printed & made available to purchase locally from November 2024.

We thank Marie Twomey, Lackabawn for this important Notice.

“Radio Treasures” Tonight Includes Fourth Visit to Knockalougha Rambling House 2024

Preceded by  Jimmy Reidy’s Archival Show No. 123 relating to Labbamologga near Mitchelstown featuring the late great Sam O’Doherty from Tipperary on Cork Music Station at 8pm on this Tuesday, 29th Oct. 2024…..“Radio Treasures” (from 9.15pm to 11.30pm) features at 9.20pm  A brief Interview with Museum Guests from Rylane and Aghabullogue while at 9.30pm (preceded by a special request for Cath and Mervyn Sharpe from U.K.)  Our Fourth Visit to Knockalougha Rambling House 2024…Final Visit next Tuesday at 9.30pm) with splendid music, chat and songs.     All this and so much more on tonight’s very special Show.   Feel most welcome to contact us on 086 – 825 0074 or by emailing corkmusicstation @gmail.com .  Tap on the images below to enlarge.  (S.R.)

Victorious Duarigle Gaels Team pictured at Supervalu prior to their victory parade and reception at Millstreet GAA Community Hall.

Renowned International Soccer Star Goalie, Caoimhín Kelleher’s grandfather was the late Jim Hergarty from Drishane Road, Millstreet.
The exquisite beauty of Autumn 2024 at Drishane, Millstreet.
End of Autumn 2024 at Mount Leader, Millstreet.
Millstreet celebrates Halloween 2024 at Main Street.
The superb vintage style of the new windows ensures the magnificent old-world appearance of this famous premises at Main Street, Millstreet.

[read more …] ““Radio Treasures” Tonight Includes Fourth Visit to Knockalougha Rambling House 2024″

Millstreet Parish Newsletter – 27th October 2024

PARISH NEWSLETTER

BALLYDALY-CULLEN-MILLSTREET

Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time

27th October 2024

Canon John Fitzgerald, P.P.

Telephone Nos.:  Landline:  029 70043  &  Mobile: 087 775 2948

Email:  millstreet @dioceseofkerry.ie

Website:   www.dioceseofkerry.ie

All Masses are livestreamed on www.churchservices.tv/millstreet

Parish Opening Hours 

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 

10.00am to 1.00pm  &  2.00pm to 5pm

RECENT DEATHS: Theresa Sheehan, Drishane Road; Franjo Maric, St. Joseph’s Gardens; Humphrey O’Donoghue, Station Road; Larry Morley, Coalpits; Jimmy O’Sullivan, Cahirbarnagh; Eileen O’Flynn (née Burke), Shanballymore; Agnes O’Sullivan, Kilmacrane & Dublin.

Mass Intentions for THIS WEEKEND:

Saturday 26th October:                  Rosary will be recited at 5.40p.m.            

Millstreet   6.15p.m.  Eileen Healy & Gretta O’Sullivan-Rua-Healy, Claraghatlea.

Sunday 27th October:         

Ballydaly 9.30a.m. People of the Parish

Millstreet 11.30a.m. Peggy & Con Lane, Cahirdowney;  Noreen & Mary Murphy, Inchileagh;  Kevin & Ann Cronin, Clara Road.

ANNIVERSARIES: Jack & Peggy Cronin, Drishanemore; Arthur O’Keeffe, Drishane Road; Betty Culhane, Clara Road; Maura Falvey, Killarney Road; Eily Kelleher, Kilmeedy; Denny McCarthy, Cloghoulabeg; Jerh & Andrew McCarthy, Currow; Mary McSweeney, Cloghoulamore; Denis Murphy, Cahirdowney; Paddy & Margaret Burke, Kanturk.

MASS INTENTIONS FOR FEAST OF ALL SAINTS 1st November:

Thursday 31st October:                              

Millstreet   7.30p.m.  Betty Culhane, Clara Road

Friday 1st November:         

Millstreet 11.30a.m. Dave Campbell, Scotland (recently deceased)

MASS INTENTIONS FOR NEXT WEEKEND:

Saturday 2nd November:                Rosary will be recited at 5.40p.m.               

Millstreet   6.15p.m.  Annual Mass of Remembrance for those whose funerals took place in Millstreet & Ballydaly.

Sunday 3rd November:         

Cullen 9.30a.m. Annual Mass of Remembrance for those whose funerals took place in Cullen. 

Millstreet 11.30a.m. Jack Kelleher, Aubane;  Bridie & Cornelius Keane, Drimoleague;  Hannah Keane & Fr. Denis Keane.

PASTORAL AREA PRIEST ON DUTY: Sunday 27th: Fr. Jim Kennelly (029) 76151/ (087) 2401331. Sunday 3rd November: Fr. John Fitzgerald (087) 7752948.

Rotas for next weekend 31st October/1st November
CHURCH TIME READER

EUCHARISTIC

MINISTERS

Millstreet

 7.30 p.m. Mary Ita Cronin Group E  
11.30 a.m. Mona Linehan Group B

 

Rotas for next weekend 2nd & 3rd November
CHURCH TIME READER

EUCHARISTIC

MINISTERS

Millstreet

 6.15 p.m. Michael Cashman Group A  
11.30 a.m. Jerry Doody Group C

Cullen

 9.30 a.m. O’Leary Family Irene Duggan & Derry Morley

MILLSTREET CHURCH: Mass times this week unless there is a funeral.

Monday (28th) Funeral Mass for Jimmy O’Sullivan, Cahirbarnagh at 11.00a.m. 

Mass on Tuesday (29th) for Private Intention at 10.00a.m.

Mass on Wednesday (30th) for Private Intention at 10.00a.m.

Mass on Saturday (2nd) for The Holy Souls at 10.00a.m. [read more …] “Millstreet Parish Newsletter – 27th October 2024”

Wonderful School Photo of the 1940s

We thank Eily Buckley not only for the wonderfully historic School Photo of the 1940s but also its very comprehensive caption.   The photo features Eily’s late sister, Mary who was also known as Sr. Rupert, a Presentation Sister who was especially renowned in her role as Choir Coordinator supreme in the very beautiful St. Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney.  This photo is sure to evoke special memories for many.   It was taken in the playground of Millstreet’s Presentation N.S..  Tap on the images to enlarge.  (S.R.)

Recalling the Millstreet Branch of Ancient Order of Hibernians

Among a number of truly historical items recently presented to Millstreet Museum is a superb photo dating most likely from the 1960s.  We thank Tony Murray-O’Callaghan for so very kindly presenting these treasured items.  Here we share that special photograph and we include as comprehensive a caption as possible.   However, there are some names which we cannot immediately identify.   If you can fill in any of the blanks it would be greatly appreciated.  Please email millstreetmuseum @gmail.com or WhatsApp 086 825 0074.  Tap on the image to enlarge.  (S.R.)

From left:  1. – 2. Dan Carroll 3. – 4. John Cremin 5. – 6. Jimmy Cashman 7. – 8. Danny O’Leary 9. Pat O’Sullivan 10. Maurice Murray-O’Callaghan 11. Jimmy O’Connor 12. Christy Fitzgerald 13. – 14. Jack Buckley 15. – 16. Leo Murphy 17. Paddy King 18. Michael Murphy.   The venue for the meeting of the members of the Millstreet Branch of the A.O.H. was at the A.O.H. Hall, Minor Row, Millstreet.

Features on “Radio Treasures” Tonight Include Third Visit to Knockalougha Rambling House 2024 & Happy Reuniting of Photo with Owner

Preceded by  Jimmy Reidy’s Archival Show No. 121 relating to Muskerry including Ballinagree and surrounding areas on Cork Music Station at 8pm on this Tuesday, 22nd Oct. 2024…..“Radio Treasures” (from 9.15pm to 11.30pm) features at 9.20pm the very Happy Reuniting of the Lost Photo with its Owner while at 9.30pm  Our Third Visit to Knockalougha Rambling House 2024  with splendid music, chat and songs.     All this and so much more on tonight’s very special Show.   Feel most welcome to contact us on 086 – 825 0074 or by emailing corkmusicstation @gmail.com .  Tap on the images below to enlarge.  (S.R.)

Our third broadcast from Knockalougha Rambling House 2024 will be broadcast at 9.30pm this Tuesday night.
This photograph which was found at Coleman’s Car Park, Minor Row, Millstreet has now been reunited with its Owner…We listen to the happy story at 9.20pm. Tap on the image to enlarge. (S.R.)

Kevin’s Wonderful Poetic Tribute to Noreen

From Kevin McDermott from Co. Wexford we received the following much appreciated message followed by his magnificent Poem dedicated to Noreen:  “I wrote this love poem as a memory of a wonderful Millstreet girl Noreen Cronin from Murphy’s Terrace.  Noreen was my partner, wife and soul mate for 53 years until she passed away over four years ago.  I hope to turn the poem into a song and have already composed the music to fit the words. The attached photo shows Noreen on her wedding day.  I’m sure that a few people will remember her .  Kind Regards, Kevin McDermott.”

*A Lovely Old Waltz*

Our hearts were young and life was fun

When we met in a bright city street

Her smiling face in that lonely place

Caught my eye and my heart skipped a beat.

I was beguiled by her lovely smile

Alone and far from her home

That Irish colleen who would be my queen

My dearest, my darling Noreen.

An accordion played, to the music we swayed,

Our hearts were at one with the beat

I looked in her eyes they told me no lies,

 I loved her, there was no retreat.

She said she loved me, how I hoped it would be

I prayed that her words were not false

In London town true love we found

As we danced to a lovely old waltz.

Those days are long gone but the memories live on

Of a life that was loving and blessed

Our love it stayed strong as the years moved along

For our children we both did our best.

But the good Lord He came and He called her by name

To his heavenly home up above.

My darling is gone, yet the music lives on

And the tune is a lovely old waltz.

Eily’s Report – 22nd October 2024

Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

The Autumn leaves got a quick shift on Sunday when Storm Ashley swept the land. It blew fast and strong as we made our way out of 11.30 Mass on Sunday.and continued until well into the night.  In the past such gales would be sweeping all sorts of debris in it’s path. But due to modern day methods, and the efforts of our Tidy Towns volunteers ,etc. we have been conditioned into an anti-litter way of thinking, such as picking up papers and general rubbish. I couldn’t but notice that the only thing in its path, were to multicoloured leaves. How things have changed. It’s interesting to note how we’ve all been trained to keep our public and private places  looking good and  litter free. And it wasn’t easy. At my age , I suppose I’m safe to say that we grew up in an untidy world. Anything that was no good was thrown away . In the country side there was plenty of room for old broken buckets , cups and plates, cardboard boxes, clothing , bits of galvenise ,tin cans,the list goes on. They were all fired into some hollow in a nearby hedge or wood ,while still around the yard ,old garments ,torn and no longer used,could be left hanging of an old nail on a haybarn pole or cowhouse or piggery until they eventually fell off and got mixed with the heap of dung , the heap of dung which was a permanent feature in every farm yard.  When planting time came it was no surprise to find a relic of a long discarded knitted guansai amid the dung in the drills as you planted the schilaanes.Everything was ‘thrown’. The skins of the potatoes after the dinner were ‘thrown’ out in the yard to the fowl and the animals. So also the rubbish,it was ‘thrown ‘ out. We lived within striking distance of the town. And every town dweller kept a pig or two ,out the back. But were at a loss as what to do with their waste. So my Father would let them bring it to our dung heap. Needless to say in time it made its way into our ground. And at harvest time or at the time of digging the potatoes, we regularly found bit of crockery or bit of an old garment,  different from any of ours. Letting us know that their heap of dung was also their ‘throw-away’ facility.

It took a long time to change that kind of thinking. The old adage of ‘what’s good enough for my father is good enough for us ‘ was hard to break. As well as that,places were in some cases, badly built, and indeed badly kept, so when the storm came a lot of damage was done . Even the winter snow was a thing to be feared when it fell heavy on a badly maintained  roof .some fell and were never re-built  .   Like so many other changes which have crept upon us with the passage of time ,anti litter and better maintenance is here to stay. In looking back to the way we were,can anybody blame me for the way I felt in the blinding rain and high winds on Sunday morning last,while waiting for my drive , for noticing the passing stream of golden leaves,devoid of tin cans,and glass bottles and rags which were so much part of life  when I was young.

This week we celebrate the twentieth anniversary passing of my beloved husband Dan Buckley. RIP. Our Family has increased alot since then and  I wonder what he’d think of us to-day. I know he’d smile.

I went to the Community Council meeting last Tues. night. Their meetings are held on the first Tuesday night of the month and they now meet at the lovely FET centre on the Main St. It was indeed a very uplifting occasion for me. A brand new trio are at the helm. Anne Collins deputising for Noel Buckley,Marie O’Riondan (O’Sullivan) Treasurer ,and Sinead Corkery (Roche) Sec. And a fine mix of young vibrant members making up a very promising   Community Council in our parish. Their books are full of things to do and they have the support of all the town traders and business people of the area. They even have their own website . As ever, cash  or the lack of ,will always be a challenge. But they have many irons in the fire and they will be telling us about them in due course. The development of the Cinema getting top priority at the moment. Like everything else ,things have come a long way since 1977 when we took it on for the first time.(And I’m the last survivor of that first Council). They deserve the full support of everybody, please help them in every way you can, for the good of our place. At the moment they are gathering material for the 2025 calendar, and they are asking for any photographs etc. which you’d like included. Please send yours to Marie Twomey, Priest’s Cross.087 2802529. [read more …] “Eily’s Report – 22nd October 2024”