Easter Ceremonies 1916 in Millstreet

Easter 2015 is just gone, but here’s a look back at the Easter Ceremonies in Millstreet 99 years ago, and how different it was:

1916-04 Report on Easter Ceremonies in MillstreetThe impressive ceremonies connected with Holy Week were carried out with the customary solemnity in St.Patrick’s Parish Church, Millstreet. On Holy Thursday High Mass was celebrated at 10 o’clock, the celebrant being the Rev M. F. Scanlan, C.C.; deacon, the Rev. J. J. O’Sullivan, C.C, and the sub-deacon, Very Rev. J. Canon Casey, P.P., V.F. After Mass the Blessed Sacratment was taken from the High Altar to the Alter of Repose. The children of the Presentation Convent Schools, tastefully dressed, and the members of the Children of Mary Society, preceded by cross-bearcer and neolytes (sp?) . inarched in processional order round the Church. The Altar of Repose, where the Sacred Heart rested in a bank of flowers, and lit up by innumerable tapers, formed a beautiful spectacle, and was visited all day by a constant stream of devoted worshippers. On Good Friday Mass of the Pre-sanctified was celebrated by the Very Rev. J. Canon Casey, P.P., V.F., and tho Blessed Sacrament was taken back to the High Altar in processional order, as on Holy Thursday. All through theo day the Church was visited by worshippers, whose demeanour was most edifying. The glorious Feast of the Resurrection was celebrated with all the joy and splendour befitting the great occasion. At nine o’clock Mass, an eloquent sermon on the [read more …] “Easter Ceremonies 1916 in Millstreet”

In Seach of Millstreet’s “Golden Eagles” on this April Day!

Motivated by Michael's wildlife breaking news many went to check out the amazing sight in West End, Millstreet.  Alas ... Mary O'Sullivan of Millstreet Museum, Noreen Higgins (nee Murphy) of Holloway, London and Killarney Road, Millstreet and Liam Flynn (with binculars!) only discovered a crow who also came to investigate!   Wonderfully Creative Website Administrator, Michael Cashman...like to be extra creative on 1st April.  Click on the images to enlarge.  (S.R.)
Motivated by Michael’s wildlife breaking news many went to check out the amazing sight in West End, Millstreet. Alas … Mary O’Sullivan of Millstreet Museum, Noreen Higgins (nee Murphy) of Holloway, London and Killarney Road, Millstreet and Liam Flynn (with binoculars!) only discovered a crow which also came to investigate! Wonderfully Creative Website Administrator, Michael Cashman…likes to be extra creative on 1st April.  Even the media like “The Corkman” rang to discover the full story! Click on the images to enlarge.  (S.R.)

2Searching for the Golden Eagles in Millstreet on 1st April 2015 -8006Searching for the Golden Eagles in Millstreet on 1st April 2015 -8008Searching for the Golden Eagles in Millstreet on 1st April 2015 -800And our three dedicated Researchers continued to search….but no sign of [read more …] “In Seach of Millstreet’s “Golden Eagles” on this April Day!”

Golden Eagles nesting on Church Spire

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A young male golden eagle

The last few weeks have seen a pair of large birds appear to be nesting just under the bell on the spire of St.Patrick’s Church, Millstreet. We are delighted to reveal now that they are none other than a pair of Golden Eagles.

It’s very unusual to see them, as BirdwatchIreland.ie outlines – “Currently being re-introduced into Donegal (since 2001). Wandering birds from this project have been observed in upland areas throughout Ireland.”

Ornithologist Seán O’Connor of Birdwatch Ireland visited yesterday and was thrilled because it looks like the birds are nesting which is very rare in Ireland. The male was seen returning to the nest a few times during the day, presumably bringing food to the female who would be incubating the eggs in the nest. For now, people have been asked not to go near or disturb the nest in any way, and we’ll have to wait and see if chicks will appear in a few weeks.

The hope is that we will be able to link a webcam of the nest to [read more …] “Golden Eagles nesting on Church Spire”

Truly Beautiful Palm Sunday Tradition from Poland

This day, 29th March has always been special to me as it marks my late mother's anniversary (40th Anniversary today) but for the people of Poland who have adopted Millstreet as their home it is also the day on which Palm Sunday occurs and they shared their very beautiful Polish tradition with us at 11.30 Mass this morning.   We thank the two Polish families for permitting us to photograph such a splendidly colourful tradition on Palm Sunday 2015.
This day, 29th March has always been special to me as it marks my late mother’s anniversary (40th Anniversary today) but for the people of Poland who have adopted Millstreet as their home it is also the day on which Palm Sunday occurs and they very kindly shared their truly beautiful Polish tradition with us at 11.30 Mass this morning. We thank the two Polish families for permitting us to photograph such a splendidly colourful Polish tradition on Palm Sunday 2015.  Click on the images to enlarge.  (S.R.)

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Something Special

Millstreet Pipe Band at Ballydaly Mass - photo by John Tarrant
Millstreet Pipe Band at Ballydaly Mass on Tuesday morning last – photo by John Tarrant

St.Patrick’s Day is always very busy for Millstreet Pipe Band. On Tuesday they started early at Ballydaly mass, followed by Millstreet mass at 11:30, followed by the Killarney Parade at 2pm, and finally back to the Millstreet Parade at 5pm.

Now our Pipe Band always play during St.Patrick’s Day mass in St.Patrick’s Church Millstreet, so when it was mentioned the week before that they would be played again this year, I was happy because it’s always nice, but didn’t take extra special notice of it.

But … what they played as the reflection after communion turned out to be something unexpectedly special. It started with a number of pipers playing from the altar, but then the church organ started to play at the opposite end of the church, and as the musicians played, for a few precious minutes as the low bass vibrations of the organ and the pipers passed through us, everyone was enthralled by beauty and emotion of the moment, as the hairs stood on the back of our necks … and it was of course followed by a rapturous applause.  Truly, a moment not to be forgotten. [read more …] “Something Special”

Lá Fhéile Bríde – St. Brigid’s Day on Sunday 1st February 2015

To celebrate St. Brigid's Day 2015 Breeda Kelleher (pictured here on left today at Millstreet Library with Breda and with Denis J.Kelleher) arranged to make some 100 miniature St. Brigid Crosses for distribution at Mass. Breeda has been doing this wonderfully kind gesture for many years as did the late Teresa Tangney with a group of voluntary Helpers.  Millstreet Church has not just a very impressive large statue of the Saint but also an exquisite stained glass window.  Click on the images to enlarge.   (S.R.)
To celebrate St. Brigid’s Day 2015 Breeda Kelleher (pictured here on left today at Millstreet Library with Breda and with Denis J.Kelleher) arranged to make some 100 miniature St. Brigid Crosses for distribution at Mass. Breeda has been doing this wonderfully kind gesture for many years as did the late Teresa Tangney with a group of voluntary Helpers. Millstreet Church has not just a very impressive large statue of the Saint but also an exquisite stained glass window. Click on the images to enlarge. (S.R.)

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Celebrating the Nativity of Our Lord – Christmas Mass 2014

The new Crib at St. Patrick's Church, Millstreet was the focus of attention following the concelebration of Christmas Mass at 10pm on 24th Dec. 2014.   The very large attendance included many visitors home for Christmas.  Click on the images to enlarge.  (S.R.)
The new Crib at St. Patrick’s Church, Millstreet was the focus of attention following the concelebration of Christmas Mass at 10pm on 24th Dec. 2014. The very large attendance included many visitors home for Christmas.  From our Millstreet Website Team – We wish you all who have been such loyal followers of our local website a Very Happy and Peaceful Christmas 2014.  Click on the images to enlarge.   (S.R.)

16Celebrating Nativity of Our Lord in Millstreet  2014 -80010Celebrating Nativity of Our Lord in Millstreet  2014 -8004Celebrating Nativity of Our Lord in Millstreet  2014 -80015Celebrating Nativity of Our Lord in Millstreet  2014 -800Millstreet Choir added greatly to the true spirit of Christmas with an exquisite selection of Christmas hymns including magnificent solo performances.  Here we share some more images from the very special “Most Beautiful Night of [read more …] “Celebrating the Nativity of Our Lord – Christmas Mass 2014”

Wonderful Wedding of Caroline & Patrick on Friday

On Friday, 12th Dec. 2014 Caroline Daly and Patrick Corkery celebrated their wonderful wedding at St. Patrick's Church, Millstreet.  We thank the Happy Couple for permitting us to share a selection of images from the superb occasion blessed with blue skies, sunshine and great company in beautiful style.   Click on the images to enlarge.  (S.R.)
On Friday, 12th Dec. 2014 Caroline Daly and Patrick Corkery celebrated their wonderful wedding at St. Patrick’s Church, Millstreet. We thank the Happy Couple for permitting us to share a selection of images from the superb occasion blessed with blue skies, sunshine and great company in beautiful style. Click on the images to enlarge.   (S.R.)

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The truly marvellous music was by “Arundo” while the driver of the splendid wedding car was a true double of Conor Counihan while explaining that even though many people make the same mistake Mr. Horan from Brosna is not related to Conor!  Sincere Congratulations and Every Happiness to Caroline & Patrick.  Here we share many more images from Patrick & Caroline’s very [read more …] “Wonderful Wedding of Caroline & Patrick on Friday”

Official Launch of Millstreet Christmas Stamp

Official Launch of the Millstreet Christmas Stamp at Millstreet Post Office on Monday, 1st December.  Included are the Staff of Millstreet Post Office, from left: Anne, Margaret, Patricia and Noreen.  Standing from left Seán (Museum), Frank (An Post, Cork),  Bill (photographer of stained glass window which appears on the stamp), Canon John,Donal (who recently retired from Cork G.P.O.) and Julie (Sacristan).  More pictures to follow later.  Click on the image to enlarge.  (S.R.)
The Official Launch of the Millstreet Christmas Stamp took place at Millstreet Post Office on Monday, 1st December. Included are the Staff of Millstreet Post Office, from left: Anne, Margaret, Patricia and Noreen. Standing from left Seán (Museum), Frank (An Post, Cork), Bill (photographer of stained glass window which appears on the stamp), Canon John, Donal (who recently retired from Cork G.P.O.) and Julie (Sacristan). More pictures to follow later. Click on the image to enlarge.  We thank Sheila Fitzgerald for using our camera for this photograph.  Sheila’s picture is scheduled to appear on the “Corkman”.   (S.R.)

Magnificent Christmas Nativity Play by Presentation N.S.

Presentation N.S. truly impressed the capacity congregation at St. Patrick's Church on Monday night with its wonderfully superb production of  its Christmas Nativity Play.  The dedicated practices (see picture below) resulted in a most memorable exquisite presentation of the Christmas Story.   having so many children marvellously involved in the Play is no small achievement and required lots of careful coordination by the Principal and Staff.   Click on the images to enlarge.  (S.R.)
Presentation N.S. Millstreet truly impressed the capacity congregation at St. Patrick’s Church on Monday night with its wonderfully superb production of its Christmas Nativity Play. The dedicated practices (see picture below) resulted in a most memorable exquisite presentation of the Christmas Story. Having so many children marvellously involved in the Play is no small achievement and required lots of careful coordination by the Principal and Staff. Click on the images to enlarge.   (S.R.)

11Christmas Nativity Play 2nd Dec. 2014 Presentation N.S. -8001Christmas Nativity Play 2nd Dec. 2014 Presentation N.S. -8009Christmas Nativity Play 2nd Dec. 2014 Presentation N.S. -800The music, singing, narration and acting – all excellent.   The overall production was recorded.   Here we share further images from the very special [read more …] “Magnificent Christmas Nativity Play by Presentation N.S.”

Bill Power’s Magnificent Christmas Stamp Projects Millstreet Worldwide

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Renowned Writer and Photographer supreme, Bill Power from Mitchelstown was very impressed by Millstreet when he visited this evening to photograph the splendid stained glass windows at St. Patrick’s Church.   (S.R.)
Renowned Writer and Photographer supreme, Bill Power from Mitchelstown was very impressed by Millstreet when he visited on Sunday evening, 13th April 2014 to photograph the splendid stained glass windows at St. Patrick’s Church.  It was on that very evening that Bill captured the exquisite image which now features on the €1.00 stamp which this Christmas will be one of the main stamps used by the Irish people for  posting abroad.  The image is from the beautiful stained glass window over the 10th Station of the Cross in St. Patrick’s Church, Millstreet.  Canon John Fitzgerald, P.P. made very special reference in his homily at Mass tonight to the great honour it is for Millstreet Church to have such a wonderful local feature going global through An Post and the marvellous photography of Bill.   Bill is pictured here with a copy of “Down the Park” before calling to the Wallis Arms Hotel on that very evening.  Click on the image to enlarge.   (S.R.)

A little bit of us will be seen all over the world this Christmas

2014-11-06 An Post Christmas Stamp 2014 which is part of the Harry Clarke stained glass in St.Patricks Church MillstreetThere’s thrilling news this morning that a photo of part of the Harry Clarke stained glass window (Adoration of the Magi) in St.Patrick’s Church Millstreet has been selected by An Post as one of three specially commissioned stamps for this Christmas. So a little bit of Millstreet will be seen all over the world this Christmas on letters and packages.

We featured the stained glass previously when it appeared on Fr.James McSweeney’s website 2u.ie. The photographer Bill Power is from Mitchelstown has an interest in Harry Clarke’s stained glass, has outlined in a nice piece  how it all came about:

MY PHOTOGRAPH GOES GLOBAL
It’s official – the news that I’ve had to sit on for a few months.

“One of this year’s three Irish CHRISTMAS STAMPS is a photograph that I was commissioned to take in May by An Post. I won’t have the [read more …] “A little bit of us will be seen all over the world this Christmas”

Divine Rainbow Photographed by Fr. James

We thank Fr. Jame McSweeney for this magnificent "Divine Rainbow" which he captured so creatively on Sunday evening.  I witnessed the rainbow from the Town Park and one had to be very  fast to photograph the uplifting scene as it lasted so very briefly.   One can visit Fr. James' own very inspiring website (link below) updated on a daily basis.   Click on the image to enlarge.  (S.R.)
We thank Fr. Jame McSweeney for this magnificent “Divine Rainbow” which he captured so creatively on Sunday evening. I witnessed that very rainbow from the Town Park and one had to be very fast to photograph the uplifting scene as it lasted so very briefly. One can visit Fr. James’s own very inspiring website (link below) updated on a daily basis.  In fact the above picture is the featured image in the website of Fr. James today.  Click on the image to enlarge.   (S.R.)

www.2u.ie  (Fr. James’s website)

Below is probably the same rainbow – it’s taken from Coleman’s Garage (photo by Andrej Chomicz)

Class of 1970 Reunion on Friday Evening in Millstreet

Members of the Leaving Cert. Class of 1970 who had a very special Reunion on Friday evening beginning with the celebration of Mass during which Canon John Fitzgerald, P.P. prayed for the six Deceased Members of the Class.   Following Mass a very enjoyable reception was held at the Wallis Arms Hotel.  Click on the images to enlarge.  (S.R.)
Members of the Leaving Cert. Class of 1970 who had a very special Reunion on Friday evening beginning in St. Patrick’s Church, Millstreet with the celebration of Mass during which Canon John Fitzgerald, P.P. prayed for the six Deceased Members of the Class. Following Mass a very enjoyable reception was held at the Wallis Arms Hotel. Click on the images to enlarge.   (S.R.)
Here the 1970 Class are joined by some Friends and Family.
Here the 1970 Class is joined by some Friends and Family following the celebration of Mass on Friday, 20th June 2014.

Church Television Signal Now Successfully Restored

The much appreciated Church Television Signal (Channel 53 UHF) from St. Patrick’s Church, Millstreet  which has not been operating over the past few days is now restored.  Sincere thanks to those who corrected the fault and have again provided such a valuable service to many people in the area.   We especially thank Hickey Communications, Cullen (029 – 79020) – John Hickey and John Joe Moriarty for accomplishing as always such a successful restoration of Signal.    (S.R.)

Church Television Signal Interrupted at Moment

For those people who can receive the Millstreet Church Television Signal you may have noticed that the transmission is interrupted at the moment with a pink coloured picture displaying.   We’ve alerted our Technical Expert of the problem and it is hoped that regular broadcasts will shortly resume.   We shall keep you updated on developments.  (S.R.) 

Due to Weather – Cemetery Mass to be Celebrated in Church

The celebration of Mass scheduled to take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery this Friday evening will now be held in St. Patrick’s Church, Millstreet at 8pm due to weather conditions.   We thank Sharon Lane and Canon John Fitzgerald, P.P. for this important update.    (S.R.)

Day After First Holy Communion 2014

At 11.30 a.m. Mass in St. Patrick's Church, Millstreet the congregation warmly applauded the First Holy Communicants who sang two of their beautiful hymns which they had sung the day before at their First Holy Communion.  Maria Casey (nee O'Sullivan) provided splendid musical accompaniment for the  wonderful singers.  After Mass lots of families assembled to converse and to take further photographs of a very special occasion.   Click on the images to enlarge.  (S.R.)
At 11.30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, 18th May 2014 in St. Patrick’s Church, Millstreet the congregation warmly applauded the First Holy Communicants who sang two of their beautiful hymns which they had sung the day before at their First Holy Communion. Maria Casey (nee O’Sullivan) provided splendid musical accompaniment for the wonderful singers. After Mass lots of families assembled to converse and to take further photographs of a very special occasion. Click on the images to enlarge. (S.R.)

Sunday, 18th May 2014Sunday, 18th May 2014Sunday, 18th May 2014

 

Mission Appeal by Sr. Maureen and Sr. Mary in Millstreet This Weekend

Sr. Maureen OLA & Sr. Mary OLA attended Masses this past weekend in Millstreet giving an inspiring insight into their Milssionary work.   The OLA Sisters work in association with the SMA Fathers in such important international work.  The Sisters express sincere gratitude for the uplifting generosity received in Millstreet for their missionary projects.  Click on the images to enlarge.  (S.R.)
Sr. Maureen OLA & Sr. Mary OLA attended Masses this past weekend in Millstreet giving an inspiring insight into their Milssionary work. The OLA Sisters work in association with the SMA Fathers in such important international work. The Sisters express sincere gratitude for the uplifting generosity received in Millstreet for their missionary projects. Click on the images to enlarge.    (S.R.)

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A Truly Wonderful Day to Remember For the First Holy Communicants

What a truly wonderful occasion for the First Holy Communicants as they participate in the beautiful ceremony at St. Patrick's Church, Millstreet, as they experience a superb party in the GAA Community Hall where they are presented with framed certificates.
What a truly wonderful occasion for the First Holy Communicants as they participate in the beautiful ceremony at St. Patrick’s Church, Millstreet and as they experience a superb party in the GAA Community Hall where they are presented with framed certificates.  We share a selection of images from the church gallery (where no flash is used so as not to disturb in any way the solemn ceremony).   We visit the party in the Hall and we are invited to one of the many evening celebrations.   Click on the images to enlarge.  (S.R.)

87Millstreet First Holy Communion 17th May 2014 -800 41Millstreet First Holy Communion 17th May 2014 -8003Millstreet First Holy Communion 17th May 2014 -800We thank the O’Keeffe Family of Dooneen for inviting us to their splendid open-air celebration which was so marvellously organised with lots of visitors calling and the children having such great fun.   Many thanks for permitting us to share such a magnificent occasion in such an exquisite [read more …] “A Truly Wonderful Day to Remember For the First Holy Communicants”

Millstreet First Holy Communion Blessed with Glorious Sunny Weather

Blessed with glorious weather the annual First Holy Communion ceremony took place at St. Patrick's Church, Millstreet this morning.  We shall have lots more pictures to follow later.  Click on the image to enlarge.  (S.R.)
Blessed with glorious weather the annual First Holy Communion ceremony took place at St. Patrick’s Church, Millstreet this morning. Here we see the 32 children with teachers Mrs. Fiona Hurley and Ms. Norma Buckley.  We shall have lots more pictures to follow later. Click on the image to enlarge.   (S.R.)

The Wonderful Wedding Today of Denise & Diarmuid in Millstreet

At St. Patrick's Church, Millstreet in the afternoon today the wonderful wedding of Denise Gallagher and Diarmuid O'Keeffe took place in excellent weather and in the exquisite setting of the beautifully adorned Church.   We thank the Happy Couple for permitting us to share the occasion on our website.  Sincere congratulations to Denise and Diarmuid.  Click on the images to enlarge.  (S.R.)
At St. Patrick’s Church, Millstreet in the afternoon today the wonderful wedding of Denise Gallagher and Diarmuid O’Keeffe took place in excellent weather and in the exquisite setting of the beautifully adorned Church. We thank the Happy Couple for permitting us to share the occasion on our website. Sincere congratulations to Denise and Diarmuid. Click on the images to enlarge.   (S.R.)

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Every happiness to Denise and Diarmuid for the future.  Here we share three more pictures from the [read more …] “The Wonderful Wedding Today of Denise & Diarmuid in Millstreet”

Impressive Attendance at Divine Mercy Sunday Ceremony 2014

There was a large attendance at the  3pm Divine Mercy Ceremony on this Sunday, 27th April at St. Patrick's Church, Millstreet.  Here we view some images from the very popular annual spiritual occasion.  Click on the images to enlarge.  (S.R.)
There was a large attendance at the 3pm Divine Mercy Ceremony on this Sunday, 27th April in St. Patrick’s Church, Millstreet. Here we view some images from the very popular annual spiritual occasion. Click on the images to enlarge.   (S.R.)

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During the hour-long ceremony Canon John Fitzgerald, P.P. reminded the congregation that today was also so very historic in that two Popes were canonised in Rome – John xx111 and John Paul11.   Great credit is due to the organisers of the Millstreet occasion.   People travel quite a distance to attend this [read more …] “Impressive Attendance at Divine Mercy Sunday Ceremony 2014”

Meeting the Corkery Family This Morning

Pictured this morning at St. Patrick's Church, Millstreet with Canon John Fitzgerald - members of the Corkery Family - from left - Sr. Rupert, Eily Buckley and Brother Vincent Corkery (presently on an Irish visit from his wonderful work of over 60 years in Malaysia.)   Click on the image to enlarge.  (S.R.)
Pictured this morning at St. Patrick’s Church, Millstreet with Canon John Fitzgerald – members of the Corkery Family – from left – Sr. Rupert, Eily Buckley and Brother Vincent Corkery (presently on an Irish visit from his wonderful work of over 60 years in Malaysia.)   Click on the image to enlarge.   (S.R.)