Local Notes
Showing below local notes from the Saturday February 4th, 2012 issue of The Southern Star.
Areas: Skibbereen | Macroom | Kinsale | Dunmanway | Courtmacsherry | Clonakilty | Carrigaline | Beara & District | Bantry | Bandon |
Skibbereen
AT a recent meeting attended by 12 members from the Skibbereen Floods Committee who were representing the different flooded areas of the town the proposals for the Preferred Option for Flood Relief was welcomed. 4.5 km of embankments,1.5 km of structural walls as well as a lesser amount of culverting are all proposed as part of the infrastructural improvements to the River Ilen, Caol Stream and smaller tributaries to cope with the impact of a 1/200 year flood.
This should go a long way to resolving the historical flooding problems in the town. Following in line after other towns similarly affected in the Munster region, the local flood committee are glad that they are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel.
The recent announcement made by the Minister Brian Hayes TD that infrastructural funds for flooding are ring fenced over the next five years gives a measure of relief to flooded communities. And the sooner the estimated €14 million proposed cost for the Skibbereen works gets underway, then the more confident businesses and householders will be that the resolution to their problem is imminent.
The general feeling of the meeting was that there is still an issue with the Kennedy Bridge and that there are oppurtunities for refinement and modification in this area to further expedite the flow of water from the Flood Plain in time of Flood. In the meantime the committee look forward to Stage 2 which involves the Environmental Impact Assessment and Planning Consents being completed on schedule in 2012.
For the future the committee support the efforts of the OPW, Local Authorities,and Consultant bodies in progressing to the vital stages three, four and five when machinery will hit the ground and the Flood Relief Scheme can be implemented in full.
Flood Relief Scheme
Fine Gael Cork South West Deputy, Noel Harrington, confirmed last Thursday, January 26th, that the Government’s commitment to the Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme, the money for which, he has been informed, has been identified and ring-fenced.
‘I have spoken to the Minister of State at the OPW, Brian Hayes, who has confirmed the Government’s commitment to proceed with the Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme, the funding for which has been earmarked and set aside for the completion of the project.’ Speaking after a successful public information day, which was held to keep the public informed of progress and the emerging Preferred Option for the reduction of flood risk in the region, Deputy Harrington welcomed the announcement. ‘Limiting the potential for floods in and around the Skibbereen area is absolutely essential. The public has been encouraged to contribute to the best way to progress with the development along the way, for which, I am sure, they are extremely grateful.
‘Confirmation from the Minister that funding will be made available to complete the Scheme is most welcome. It will mean significant infrastructural investment for the Skibbereen area and its people and will reduce the potential for flood damage in the area into the future.’
Fuse Youth Cafe
The youth cafe is holding auditions for a Variety Show on Saturday, February 11th between 3-6pm so whether you can sing, dance, play an instrument or put on a drama please come along on the day. Volunteers are urgently needed to keep the youth cafe open in the coming months. Please contact Sally Daly, chairperson of the voluntary committee, on 028-21546 or 087-6854489 if you can come on board in any way. Fuse thanked everyone who supported their Christmas raffle, those who donated prizes, the teenagers who sold raffle tickets and those who bought tickets. The raffle raised €550.
COPE
The COPE Foundation Fundraising Committee, Skibbereen Branch will hold its next meeting on Monday February 6th, at 8pm in the West Cork Hotel.
Charity fundraiser
A Monster Bingo will be held this Sunday afternoon, February 5th, at 3pm in the West Cork Hotel in aid of the Bru Columbanus Association, which is located in Wilton. This centre provides accommodation for families of patients in Cork hospitals and represents an essential service which provides home from home accommodation for the families of seriously ill patients, in any of the Cork hospitals or Hospice.
The centre does not charge for their service as it is mainly run by volunteers, so sponsorship and fundraising events are vital to the continuity of this invaluable facility. The home was established in 2005 and is easily accessible from any of the Cork hospitals or Hospice at Cardinal Way. The accommodation consists of 26 family en suite bedrooms with full kitchen facilities and comfortable lounges where families can meet other families in similar situations and can lend support and understanding to one another. In excess of 350 families use the facility each year and since the centre opened they have accommodated more than 2,900 families. For more information on what promises to be a most enjoyable event, people are encouraged to contact Francis at 028-33545 or Laura at 086-3439905.
Cancer Connect
Cancer Connect was established in 2011 to provide free and flexible transport for people receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments. Less than one year on and the service has proven very successful, thanks to the 110 volunteer drivers who gave of their time and provided over 250 trips to Cork hospitals. Transport is available for passengers across West Cork, five days per week. If you wish to become a volunteer driver, or to avail of the service for your treatment, contact Helen at 027-52727 or 087-1224404.
Macroom
MACROOM Twinning Association held its annual general meeting last week in the Macroom GAA Pavilion and chairman Pat Collins in a thought-provoking address spoke of the need for the Twinning Association to attract younger members so that it can continue to develop in the years ahead. Macroom Twinning Association is now over 30 years in existence and in that time has played a significent role in the cultural life of the town. Macroom is twinned with Bubry, a small town in Brittany and with Marcallo con Casone, a town in northern Italy, near Milan. Over the years groups from Macroom have travelled out and stayed in both towns and Macroom has hosted visitors in reciprical arrangements. De La Salle College Macroom students travel to Marcallo annually in a school exchange that arose from the twinning link and at present the links between Macroom and the two towns abroad are strong and vibrant. Chairman Paul Collins however in looking to the future sees the need to attract younger members to the twinning and to do this he feels the Twinning Association must make itself more attractive to young people. ‘Sell itself’ better and show clearly the benefits of membership and of twinning itself. In a programme of immediate action for the year ahead decided upon after a discussion on the situation, Paul set out four tasks to be undertaken in the months ahead. St Patrick’s Day Festival will be attended by a small group from Bubry and the Mayor of Marcallo is also being invited to attend. The Twinning Association will have a presentation at the parade. The Twinning Association will visit the schools to explain the purpose of the twinning concept and encourage young people to make their contribution and make a connect between various groupings in Macroom and their counterparts in France and Italy. Organise a social night in summer. Association secretary Mireille Kingston reported on the activities of the past year which included visits to Marcallo and to Bubry, the latter by an adult group for the Muscial Festival in June which was very enjoyable. In 2012, De La Salle will visit Marcallo in April and Marcallo will host groups from Macroom and Bubry in June for the tenth anniversary of the twinning between the towns. Treasurer Paul Kingston reported on a satisfactory financial position at present and the three officers were returned for another year. Mrs Margaret Ciarcia was re-elected vice-chairman.
Achievement
recognised
De La Salle College won the Cork Colleges senior football championship – Simcox Cup late last year and in recognition of their achievement De La Salle was joint winner of the inaugural Gaeilge Awards for January 2012. This is a new awards scheme st up by the Rebel Og Board in Cork to recognise outstanding club or individual achievement in underage or colleges GAA and it was a fine honour to be the first recipients (along with hurling champions Midleton CBS) of the new award. Mr Christy Cooney, Uachtaráin CLCG attended the awards launch at Rochestown Park Hotel on Monday evening last along with officials of Cork County Board and Rebel Og Board. Mr Noel Dunne, principal and Mr Eric Graham, coach, attended the function accompanied by De La Salle team captain Kevin Manning, Iveleary.
Flower Club
Macroom Flower and Garden Club will hold its annual general meeting on Thursday next, February 7th, at 7.45pm in Coolcower House. The AGM will be followed by a demonstration by Nora Lucey. Everybody is welcome to attend.
Briery Gap
The gala benefit concert for Macroom Community Hospital will feature ‘White Raven’ vocal group with guest star Gerry O’Connor, on fiddle on Sunday, February 12th, at 8pm. Tickets are €15 each and can be pre-booked. Sullane Players open on Thursday, February 16th, with the hilarious comedy ‘A Wake in the West’ and this comedy drama will run for three nights. Renowned balladeer Johnny Crowley will be joined by Stephen Leeson in concert at the theatre on Friday, February 24th.
Film Society
Sulan Film Society spring season of quality films continues on February 13th at the Briery Gap with the screening of ‘Midnight in Paris’. This coming week the Briery Gap will screen the acclaimed new film ‘The Pier’, a film which was shot in New York and in various locations in West Cork. The story tells the return to Ireland of Jack to see his father who pretends he is dying to renew contact after a lapse of 20 years. The film pits father against son as they struggle to communicate. The director of the film is Gerard Hurley who was born in West Cork and has now returned to live there after spending 25 years in New York. The Pier is on screen on Monday and Tuesday next, February 6th and 7th at 8.30pm each night. Admission is €5.
Weekly lotto
There were no jackpot winners this week in either of the club lottos in Macroom. In the Macroom GAA lotto the winner of the €70 main consolation prize was Serena O’Shea and the jackpot next week will rise to €3,200. In the Macroom Soccer Club lotto the €80 main consolation prize went to Tommy O’Mahony, Cork Street and the jackpot will stand at €2,000 for next week’s draw at Murray’s Bar.
Adult Learning Centre
The Macroom Adult Learning Centre located on New Street provides support for adults of all ages who need help with reading, writing, spelling, maths and computer skills, mobile phone and digital camera skills. The service is free and confidential and is supported by Cork County VEC.
Annual blessing
This Friday, February 3rd, is the Feast of St Blaise and the blessing of the throats ceremony will be held at all masses in Macroom on that day. Mass times are 7.30am, 10am and 7.30pm in St Colman’s and at 9am in Caum.
Soccer
Macroom B are off the bottom of the AUL Division 2 league table at last. On Sunday last they travelled to Leemount to play Ard na Laoi and defeated the home side on a 2-0 scoreline. Macroom took the lead in the 22nd minute through John Ronan and a dominant Macroom made it 2-0 in the 60th minute when Bryan Bradley was fouled in the box and Darren Kelly slotted home the resultant penalty. Macroom: Chris Cronin, Alan O’Connor, Denis Canty, Frank Kiely, John Ronan, Cathal Prenderville, David Murnane, Sean Kelleher, Darren Kelly, Bryan Bradley, Barry Fitzgerald. Subs: Pat Kelleher, Chris Browne, Barry Healy, Darragh Crowley, Conor O’Leary. Macroom A had no game scheduled for last weekend and Macroom U17s game with Richmond away was cancelled due to pitch conditions. Fixtures: Premier League, Macroom A v Kinsale at Murrays Field, Saturday, at 2pm. Division 2, Casement Celtic v Macroom B, at Carrigrohane, Saturday, 2pm, U17 Division 1, Kilreen v Macroom, Sunday, 2pm.
Kinsale
Kinsale Town Council has been informed by Labour TD for Cork South-West Michael McCarthy that it has been approved a grant of €195,000 for road maintenance works this year. He said: ‘I am pleased that Ministers Leo Varadkar and Alan Kelly at the Department of Transport sanctioned a block grant of €195,000 towards Kinsale Town Council as part of their 2012 road allocations programme. This is a direct grant made to urban authorities and the amounts have been preserved at the same rate when compared to 2011.
Urban authorities have been given greater flexibility under this grant category and have full discretion in the selection of roads where work is being undertaken. This money is in addition to some €45 million in funding allocated to Cork County Council for capital works and restoration work this year, and it represents the ministers' commitment to improving road conditions in towns like Kinsale.
This Government is operating within a very restricted financial climate at present; however, it is committed to accelerating investment in capital works that are shovel-ready and labour-intensive as part of its national recovery plan for jobs and growth. Today's announcement is a significant demonstration of that promise.’
Lifeboat appeal
The RNLI Kinsale Fundraising Committee is holding a SOS (Scoff Our Scones) coffee morning on Friday February 17th at the Temperance Hall, Kinsale, from 10am to 12 midday in aid of the SOS Life Crew Jacket Appeal.
Each crew life jacket in Ireland and the UK is due to be replaced by December 2012. It has become apparent that it is not cost effective to service all the jackets in the islands on an annual basis; therefore a decision has been made to replace all. The cost of a jacket is approx €400 and the Kinsale station needs to replace 14 jackets this year. The cost will be carried by the RNLI but local crews are encouraged to help with this project.
They already have three sponsors in Kinsale: Kinsale Credit Union, Kinsale Community Choir and the St Stephen’s Day Rugby Club, Fishermen and Crew rugby match game. The coffee morning will feature cakes, raffle, a sea safety check for life jackets and buoyancy aids, the RNLI mascot, a colouring competition and Storm Force section.
Further information is available at 021 4772307 or 086 3200452 or by e-mail to the RNLI.
Poetry evening
On Friday February 3rd, a First Friday Poetry Evening will be held at 8pm. Come and read a poem or two or just listen. Join us in the pub afterwards for plenty of literary chat. On Friday February 10th at 8pm, there will be a history talk by Christina Murphy, entitled ‘Graveyards: An Archaeological Investigation’. Christina gave a talk last year on recent archaeological findings in Kinsale and this new talk promises to be fascinating and informative.
Talented pupils
Two talented pupils of Summercove National School are looking for your vote right now, having reached the final of the Doodle4Google ‘I wish…’ art competition, which attracted thousands of entries from all over Ireland. They are Mia Buckley, aged eight, from Riverstick, in the 1st and 2nd class category, and ten-year-old Conor O’Callaghan from Abbeylands, Kinsale, in the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th class category. Both are among 73 other pupils across five categories in the final. The overall winner, who will be chosen by Google’s professional doodlers from their web design team headquarters in California, USA, will receive for his or her school a €10,000 technology grant. All five category winners ranging from junior infants to 6th year secondary and Youthreach will be presented with a laptop and one for their teacher at a Google prize-giving event in Dublin in March. Two more pupils also reached the semi-finals. They were ten-year-old Rob O’Connor from Compass Quay and Mia Hynes-Morrison, aged eleven from Summercove. All semi-finalists received a Google certificate and their names appeared on its website. Based on the distinctive Google lettering, students had to create their own doodle on the Google logo on the theme of ‘I wish…’, with a one verse poem on the back.
Conor’s intricate doodle was of buildings which he always like to draw and his poem was based on his wish to become an architect, while Mia Buckley’s, in wishing to become a mermaid, adorned her Google logo with a mermaid, squid, fish, a pearl, an octopus and a diver. Rob’s wish, as reflected in his art work was to surf big waves, play rugby, sail the world, climb high trees and climb big trees while Mia Hynes-Morrison’s theme was peace in our hands. The teachers were Jean Roberts (Conor), Sinead Flynn (Mia Buckley and Rob O’Connor) and Louise Hallissey (Mia Hynes-Morrison).Readers should log on to www.google.ie/doodle4google before the closing date on Monday February 6th. The overall winner will also have his or her doodle appear on the Google Ireland homepage, which is viewed by millions of users, for 24 hours. School principal Kathleen Lane and vice principal Colette Ni Luasaigh congratulated all the pupils who took part, the teachers and parents. To have one pupil reach the final out of so many thousand was marvelous but for four to reach the semi-finals and two to be in line for the top prize from the one school was amazing. Summercove NS, built in 1963 for 43 pupils and today a thriving ten teacher school with 215 students, continues its 14 year campaign for a new building on a site identified close by, planning permission for which was turned down by Cork County Council just when all seemed ready to go. Negotiations are ongoing between the council and the Department of Education and hopefully there will be progress in 2012 to replace the old two-room school and nine pre-fabs where two cloakrooms serve as a secretary’s office and resource room.
Dunmanway
Parents Plus Early Years programme will be running in Dunmanway in February. This block of sessions is particularly aimed at young parents in order to facilitate the needs of the group and give young parents a chance to meet each other and support each other. There will be an information evening on Tuesday February 7th at 7.30pm in the youth café Dunmanway (back of St Patrick’s Hall). For more information or to book your place on the course, call the Dunmanway Family Resource Centre on 023 8856818. Parents Plus children’s programme for parents of children aged 6 to 11 years will be running in Dunmanway Family Resource Centre on Monday nights from Monday February 20th. There will be an information evening on Monday February 6th at 8pm in the Dunmanway Family Resource Centre. For more information or to book your place on the course call the Dunmanway Family Resource Centre on 023 8856818.
Cardiac support
The monthly meeting and AGM of the Clonakilty Cardiac Support Group will take place at the Emmett Hotel, Clonakilty on Wednesday February 8th at 8.30pm. The meeting is open to and welcomes people who have had a cardiac event such as angina, a heart attack, had angioplasty with or with out stents inserted, or who have had cardiac surgery (By-pass surgery, Mitral valve surgery, etc.). It is an opportunity to share experiences, fear and anxieties in a confidential setting. It is also is a source of contact for people waiting for heart surgery. For information, please contact Catherine Cahalane, Cardiovascular Public Health Nurse, HSE, on mobile: 086 7871552.
School open night
There will be an Open Night in the Model School, Bantry Road, Dunmanway on Thursday February 2nd from 6.30pm to 8pm. Parents and pupils interested in enrolling are welcome to view the school and meet the teachers. For further enquiries, please see www.modeldunmanway.scoilnet.ie or phone 023 8845034.
Hillwalking Club
Dunmanway Hillwalking Club’s next outing will be on Sunday February 5th to Coomerkane near Glengarriff. This is classified as a B walk, which is entirely on mountain track and roads and easy open countryside with very little climbing involved. It is planned to take about four hours to complete, covering a distance of 10 kilometres. It is specifically designed for beginners, so come and enjoy two delectable lakes set in the most peaceful valley under the shadow of the Sugarloaf. Prospective members are very welcome to join the club at the Supervalu car park at 8.30am. Good walking boots or shoes and raingear are essential. It is advisable to contact John at 087 7769637 or Denis at 086 0610220 or Tommy at 086 1225867 a few days beforehand so that transport can be arranged. Their full programme of walks for the 2012 season can be accessed on www.dunmanway.ie/activities/walking.
Bypass funding
Local Independent councillor, Mr Declan Hurley, has welcomed funding to the tune of €250,000 which was announced this week by the Department of Transport as part of the 2012 Regional and Local Road allocations. Cllr Hurley said: ‘The funding will come through the Specific Improvements Scheme and will allow for the long awaited road realignment at the Junction of Quarry Road, East Green, Park Road and Mary Street as part of the town’s improved bypass. Two dwellings which were purchased a number of years ago, along with the former County Council Area office buildings will be demolished as part of the works, allowing for a new road realignment lay-out with Mary Street giving better access through the town for motorists and heavy goods vehicles and greatly improving the quality of life for the residents in the area.
‘This recent allocation of funding will allow substantive capital works to be carried out on the local road infrastructure and is welcomed news for the town,’ said Cllr Hurley.
Courtmacsherry
The rain on the hills and the mist in the bogs are a stern reminder that Winter is still with us and might well last for most of February. Fields are satuarated and Spring work is being held up, with ploughing matches very much the victim, with three out of five deferred due to the weather. What a difference to the last two years when frost and snow were the order of the day. However, people need not worry, especially the ploughing fraternity, if we just cast our minds back to 1995. In that year, conditions were pretty bad up to mid March, with very little work done on the land, and over half of the ploughing matches held after Saint Patrick’s Day. In fact, the county final was held at Skibbereen on March 26th, and all Spring work proceeded from that to mid-April, and the result was the best year ever for crops. So the moral is ‘everything comes right, only wait for it.’
Obituary
The recent death of Paddy Cahalane (Augha and Beal Tra), which occurred at his home in Augha, has aroused much sympathy throughout the parish and beyond. A man who endeared himself to the life of the place, he spent the greater part of his working life attached to the Dairy Division of Barryroe Co-op. A sportsman of repute, he played football for Barryroe for a number of years after the club was revived in 1944, and from his position at corner-back, very few forwards got the better of him. At his Requiem Mass, the chief concelebrant, his neighbour and friend of long standing Father Peter Quaelly, Cssp, who was assisted by Father Eoin Whooley PP, described Paddy as a great Christian and family man, whose company he greatly enjoyed and cherished during the time that he lived at Beal Tra. Sympathy was extended to his family Elizabeth, Kevin, Jacqueline (Kelly), and Aidan, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, nieces, nephews, and a large circle of relations, friends and neighbours. He was pre-deceased by his wife Mary. Ar Dheis Dia go raibh an Ainm Dhilis.
Coursing
When it comes to sporting highlights, three parks come readily to mind – Croke Park, Prestbury Park, and Powerstown Park. All the emphasis will be on Powerstown Park this week when thousands will descend on the town of Clonmel for the national meeting. This is an occasion which brings coursing followers from all over Ireland together in a sense of community friendship, and since coursing has been banned in Britain, the event attracts a huge following of sportsmen from across the channel.
For many it is their annual get-together. Many would not have met since the previous year’s meeting and no doubt they would have more than dogs and coursing to talk about. With a good cut in the ground this year, some excellent coursing should be witnessed, as Clonmel has usually provided stags of hares which test the stamina of some of our greatest greyhounds. Our British visitors who harbour fond memories of their famous park at Altcar, near Liverpool, and the Waterloo Cup (so immortalised by Master McGrath) express their delight at the general set-up at Clonmel and the glamorous surroundings of Powerstown Park.
Recent death
Much regret has been felt throughout the Courtmacsherry area on the death of Mrs Clarice Smith which occurred at Mount Carmel Hospital, Clonakilty, during the past week. She was mother of Mrs Carole Adams (Courtmacsherry Hotel), and Jeremy Smith (The Pink Elephant). A native of Cambridgeshire , she was a lady of very pleasant personality who made many friends with the people of Courtmacsherry and its wider hinterland since she came to live there. Her Requeim service was conducted at the Church of the Ascension, Timoleague, by Rector Daniel Owen, who also conducted the Obsequis at Lislee Graveyard, after which a trumpeter sounded the Last Post and Reville. Sympathy was extended to her daughter and son, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grand-children, great-grand-children and all her family and friends. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Harry.
Clonakilty
ON Saturday last, on a damp January morning, the Cork Orienteering Championships were held in Cappagh Wood on the Nagle Mountains near Killavullen, Mallow. Clonakilty’s Scoil na mBuachaillí entered two teams in the primary schools’ competition, one in fifth class section and one in the sixth class. With nearly three hundred children taking part, the competition was very strong and competitive.
The school took first prize in both competitions. While no individual prizes came their way, the best four times in each were enough to claim both prizes. In the 5th class competition, Aaron Ferguson (4th), Trelan Zee (5th), Jamie Latimer (6th) and Óisín O’Sullivan (7th) claimed the fifth class top spot, while in the 6th class competition, JD O’Hea (4th) , Maurice Shanley (5th). Cormac Coleman (6th) and Niall O’Mahony (7th) took the honours.
Overall, it was a fantastic team performance from both classes. They now look forward to the upcoming Munster Championships on March 1st in Doneraile.
Google finalist
Olan Murphy, a six years old senior infants pupil at Lisavaird NS has been chosen as one of the finalists from all over Ireland in the ‘doodle4google’ competition. Voting is open to the public and is done on-line and only takes a few seconds. One may vote for Olan before next Monday, 6th, at http://www.google.ie /doodle4google/2012/vote.
Model Village Lotto
Results of Model Railway Village weekly lottery draw for Thursday January 26th: Jackpot €3,150 – no winner. Numbers drawn were 1, 13, 16 and 18. Lucky dip winners of €50 each – Mairéad Cullinane; Úna Mai Hallissey; Tom Murray; Del O’Driscoll, Castlefreke; Mary Crowley, Letter; Ger and Mary O’Donovan, The Garage, Rossmore; Eileen McNamara; Martin Moloney, 8 Shannonvale. Next draw is on this Thursday, 2nd, for a jackpot of €3,300. Only tickets numbered 1 to 30 are valid from this week onwards.
Special Olympics
The Clonakilty Special Olympics Club activities are held as follows: basketball skills at the Sports Complex each Thursday night from 8 to 9pm; soccer skills every second Monday night from 7 to 8pm. Golf skills will resume on February 11th each Saturday from 11am to 12 noon at Rosscarbery Driving Range. For further information, ring manager Rose Dempsey on 087-1189764.
The Pier
Worth checking out at the Park Cinema this coming week is a feature film made by New York-based Skibbereen native Gerard Hurley, called The Pier. The gritty drama is set mostly in West Cork. See page 11 of this week’s issue for further details about the production. It will be showing in Clonakilty this Saturday night, 4th, as well as next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, February 7th, 8th and 9th.
Gardening course
It’s that time of year again to start thinking about growing your own food and a gardening course at Páirc a’Tobair, Rosscarbery, may be just right for you. It begins in mid-March with preparing beds and sowing seeds. It is taught by Páirc a’Tobair gardener Jane Capener and the participants (max 14) have hands-on experience of all aspects of growing a wide range of vegetables.
Páirc a’Tobair began as an ‘Earth Learning Community’ in 2000 as part of a response by the Mercy Sisters to the ecological crisis. The course has been running for four years and participants have found that gardening together also has an enjoyable community and social dimension. As a result, some who have completed previous courses here have formed a Community Garden Group.
The 2012 Gardening Course runs from mid-March to September. Wednesday mornings, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. There is a registration fee of €20, the main funding coming from the Mercy Sisters. To book a place on the course contact Maria or Kathy at 023-8848963 or paircatobair@eircom.net
Growing vegetables
A talk and demonstration on vegetable growing will be held at Hosford’s Geranium and Garden Centre this Saturday, 4th, at 11am. Admission is free.
Dunmore Golf
Ladies’ fixtures: Saturday 4th, Catherine Whelton's prize, 14 holes stableford; Wednesday 8th and Saturday 11th, Loni Murphy's prize 14 holes stableford; Spring League Round 1 continues to the 12th.
Gents’ round four of the Kevin O’Regan Fuchsia Footwear Winter League which was called off on last Sunday due to heavy overnight rain, will be played with a new timesheet next Saturday and Sunday.
Rossmore fundraiser
This Sunday, 5th, there will be a fundraising event in St Mary's Theatre, Rossmore, that will include a cake sale and lucky dip from 12.30 to 2.30pm. There will be a wonderful array of prizes and delicious cakes. Funds are being raised in aid of A Little Lifetime Foundation – a national charity providing information and support to parents when a child dies on or around the time of birth. Support would be appreciated.
Carrigaline
This month’s Carrigaline Céilí Mór takes place this Saturday February 4th, a week earlier than normal. Ceol is by Con Herbert and the Mountain Road Céilí band from Sliabh Luachra. Dancers for the first set of the night will be on the floor for 9.30pm. Táille isteach €10, including tea. Fáilte roimh chách.
Special mass
Arrangements are being made to transport those in need to bring them to the special Mass for the Sick in the Church of Our Lady and St John, Carrigaline at 11.30 on Saturday morning February 11th. Those needing transport, contact Ber in the Parish Office 437 1109.
Set dancing
Great craic is being had at the set dance class on Thursday nights in the Carrigaline GAA from 9 to 11pm. There is always a great welcome for new and regular members who all mix in together every night. Dancers there say that ‘it's a great way to get fit and meet up with new people who are in the same boat.’ No previous dancing experience and no dance partner are needed either. Enquiries to Fionan on 087 818 5111 or ceilifit@gmail.com.
Gospel choir
The Carrigaline Gospel Choir excelled and added greatly to the liturgy of the 10am mass in the Church of Our Lady and St John last Sunday, January 29th. This mass was celebrated as part of a series of preparation masses for those who are preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation this year. There will be two more masses for Confirmation preparation, one on the last Sunday of February and March. The Gospel Choir can be heard again next Sunday at 11.15am mass.
Summer festival
For many years, there was a great tradition of summer carnivals and festivals in Carrigaline. These were memorable and enjoyable community events and helped to raise the spirits of the people. They also helped to finance local clubs. Festivals are still being run in parishes the length and breadth of Ireland and it would be nice to see the Carrigaline Festival on the 2012 calendar.
Active retired
Forty nine members of the Carrigaline Active Retired Association attended last Thursday’s meeting in the Parish Hall. The guest speaker was Sheila Cagney of Autumn Angels organisation. She is running a six-week course in the Carrigaline Community School adult education programme. This Thursday, William O’Halloran is giving a talk on walks and activities, while on Thursday February 9th Fionán Cogan will teach some simple dances and Pat Stack will give a talk on home safety. Active Retirement Association is open to retired men and women over 55 years of age. New members, new ideas are always welcome. Contact 087 813 7990.
Bingo
Carrigaline GAA has commenced Bingo on Friday nights with the same prizes as Sunday night. A great night is assured and all are welcome
GAA lotto
There was no winner in this week’s Carrigaline Hurling and Football Club members’ weekly draw. The numbers drawn were 3, 8, 19 and 27, with a jackpot of €8,400. The €100 winner was Adrian Lynch c/o Club. The €20 winners were Abby Byrne c/o Jim Forbes, Michael Horgan c/o Paul Kidney, Eamonn Hennessy and John Keane c/o Club and Lorraine O’Brien c/o Sean O’Brien. Next week’s jackpot is €8,600. The lotto can be done online at www.carrigalinegaa.com.
Macra
Carrigaline Macra is organising an educational trip to Brussels with Sean Kelly MEP in March. Alan Jagoe, national president of Macra na Feirme, is using his contacts to arrange meetings with the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society, the European Council of Young Farmers and Michael Treacy, director of the IFA Brussels Office. This trip will include a tour of the Parliament and so much more. Contact Ollie Cronin on 086 897 4388 or Niall Nicholson on 087 7529 027.
Scór final
The South East Final of Scór Sinsear proved to be a most enjoyable event at Minane Bridge on Friday night last. Highlight of the night was the winning Tracton Novelty Act, which brought the house down. Tracton also won the quiz and the recitation with Paddy O’Brien. Carrigaline captured the overall Carrigdhoun Cup, with winners in the music, ballad group and set dancing and runners up in solo singing and recitation. The winner of the solo singing was Marian Keohane from Ballygarvan. The winners and runners up go on to the county semi-final in Lisgoold at 7.30 on Sunday night next, February 5th.
Scór na bPáistí
The first semi-final of the South East Scór na bPáistí takes place this Friday in the Hall in Ballinspittle at 7pm while the second semi-final will be held in the Marion Hall, Ballinhassig, on Saturday 11th at 2.30pm. The competition is open to all children attending National Schools in the Carrigdhoun division. For further information, contact Sheila Murphy on 021 488 8103 or Barry Cogan on 087 813 7990.
Scór na nÓg
Carrigaline representing Cork were pipped by an equally talented Limerick team in the Munster final of Scór na nÓg in Cappoquin on Sunday last.
Beara & District
A monster table quiz in aid of St Vincent de Paul Beara will be held on Friday February 10th at 7.30pm in the Forge, Castletownbere.
The format is teams of four at €20, with the first prize being €200 euro and a boat trip on Kenmare Bay. All are welcome.
Cancer Connect
Cancer Connect was established in 2011 to provide free and flexible transport for people receiving chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments.
Less than one year on and the service has proven very successful, thanks to the 110 volunteer drivers who gave of their time and provided over 250 trips to Cork hospitals. Transport is available for passengers across West Cork, five days per week.
If you wish to become a volunteer driver, or to avail of the service for your treatment, contact Helen at 027-52727 or 087-1224404.
Parenthood classes
The next course of ante natal/preparing for birth classes in Castletownbere will start on Monday February 27th at 6pm. These sessions are facilitated by the HSE public health nursing staff and are free of charge. All are welcome.
For further details, phone 027 74374.
Bantry
THE 2012 Atlantic Challenge takes place in Bantry in July, and was officially launched at Cork’s Clarion Hotel on last Friday night by Simon Coveney, TD Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine before a distinguished gathering. A further launch will take place in Bantry nearer the date and local people will be kept informed of the exciting maritime event which is attracting crews from all over the world, as the date approaches.
Beicin Gym
Cork County Council received funding towards the end of last year from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport under the allocations for Sports Capital Projects for the installation of adult gym equipment along the Beicin Walk. A grant of €16,344 was received for the seven pieces of equipment which were installed by Outfit Outdoor Fitness Equipment comprising a ‘Walker, ‘Rider’, ‘Waist Extension Machine’, ‘Strider’, ‘Shoulder Flexor’, ‘Rotator’ and ‘Leg Press’. The equipment which is free for members of the public to use is proving immensely popular and has received very positive feedback. Now, with the longer evenings, why not go along and try out the machines for yourself? You’ll be suprised at the feel-good factor ensuring from them!
Mental distress
Family, friends and carers of those in mental distress (in conjunction with the Mental Health Co-Operative Leadership group) ask: Do you care about or for someone with mental health difficulties or mental illness? Do you wish that there was more support for you? They are an action group which are focused on improving supports for the family and friends and carers of those in mental distress in West Cork. They have been meeting since October to discuss needs and resources; do you need more information, more skills, more support, more influence, a safe space to talk, someone (staff, service users, other family/friends/carers) to talk to? They invite all interested on Monday, February 13th, at 7pm or Thursday, February 16th, at 11.30am to the Dromleigh Resource Centre, Bantry. For further information call Ann-Marie on 087-1219034 or Theresa on 087-9874650.
Lifeboat dinner
Bantry Lifeboat will hold its annual dinner-dance on Saturday, February 18th, at 8.30pm in the Maritime Hotel with music by ‘Never Heard of them’. There will also be live horse racing with The Life Boat Gold Cup. Tickets available from Fastnet at Bridge Street, Bantry.
St Patrick’s Weekend
The annual St Patrick’s Day Parade will not take place this year. In its place Bantry Town Council together with Bantry Business Association and Bantry Vintners are organising an exciting weekend long festival from Friday, March 16th, to Sunday, March 18th. The general theme of the festival which will be called the ‘Fado’ festival will be Bantry town as it was long ago.
Various pubs will take part in a competition having adapted their premises to a pre-electrification theme to determine which one captured the theme best of all. No TV, no radio, just storytelling, ceol and craic by candlelight. In the centre zone of the town public lighting will not be switched on until 10.30pm adding to the atmosphere.
On Saturday night a colourful pageant with fire eaters and drummers and other side shows will wind its way through the streets of Bantry all in the cover of street light darkness.
On Friday it is hoped to have a return to Bantry Fair Day long ago with displays of farm animals and many of the shops will be adapting the ‘Fado’ theme. Locals will be encouraged to buy into the theme by wearing appropriate ‘Fado’ costumes. A weekend of Ceili Irish Dancing, ceol and craic is promised. So dates for your diary, March 16-18th ‘Fado’ festival, Bantry, your Southern Star correspondent will keep you up to date with programmes, news and events over the next few weeks, watch this space.
Gaelscoil Bheanntraí
Children have settled in well in the second term and Rang 5 and 6 are rehearsing again to take part in the Féile Drámaíochta Gael Linn in Fermoy in February.
The Green School Committee is up and running again and working hard towards earning the school their third Green Flag. The school is putting in place arrangements to celebrate the school receiving the ‘Digital School’ Award. More details later.
The new laptop trolleys are almost ready and will be available for use in each classroom which will ensure each child has their own laptop during computer and other classes. This, combined with interactive whiteboards in each classroom, has moved the school well into the digital age. Each classroom also has a bank of five laptops at the end of the room for use by individual children during the school day.
The children are looking forward to a visit from the SkyDome Academy on February 13th. This is a mobile digital planetarium. This should be both entertaining and educational for the children and will complete Step 2 for the Award of Excellence in Science and Maths. The school has been successful over the past five years in achieving this award and hopes to again succeed this year.
Finally, the open day for enrolments and for information for children and parents wishing to come to Gaelscoil Bheanntraí will take place at 1.30pm on Wednesday, February 29th next. For information ring 027 51966 or e-mail: gsbeanntrai.ias@eircom.net A visit to the school’s website at www.gaelscoilbheanntrai.scoilnet.ie provides an insight into the school environment.
Naíonra Bheanntraí will also hold an open day and details of this will be posted at a later date.
Bandon
The St Patrick’s Day Committee is holding a fundraising Tea Dance on Sunday February 5th in the Bandon GAA Pavilion from 2pm to 5pm. Music is by John White. Admission is €10 and refreshments will be served. Your support would be greatly appreciated to help cover the cost of the parade.
Cope Foundation
The Bandon branch of the Cope Foundation is holding its AGM in the Munster Arms Hotel on Monday, February 6th, at 8.30pm. New members are welcome.
GAA lotto
There was no winner of the €5,250 in last week’s Bandon GAA lotto draw. The following received €40 each: John Murphy, c/o Tom O’Donoghue, Eleanor Swanton, c/o Bingo, Fin O’Sullivan, Fiddler’s Bar, Michael Nolan, c/o Chaplin’s Bar. The next draw takes place on Thursday, February 2nd, and the jackpot is €5,600,
Food intolerance
An information evening on food intolerance is being hosted by Brookes Pharmacy in the Munster Arms Hotel on Monday, February 6th, at 7.30pm. The guest speaker is Martin Healy of the Fitzwilliam Clinic. All are welcome.
Pitch and putt
In Brinny pitch and putt, winners of last Sunday’s competition were: 1st nett, Kathleen Canty, Jim Deane, 1st gross, John McCarthy, Dick O’Regan. Games are on Sunday at the usual times. The West Cork leagues start on February 11th and 12th in Rosscarbery – draw for partners on Saturday from 1.30 to 2.00pm, Sunday from 9.30 to 10am.
Septic tank charges
A meeting of Knockavilla Anti Septic Tank Charges Group was held in the Munster Arms Hotel, Bandon, on Wednesday, January 25th . There was an attendance of 250 people covering a wide area from Goleen to East Cork, from Timoleague to Macroom. Once again the attendance were vehemently opposed to the introduction of these charges and saw them as a start to a rural-urban divide which would set this country back 40 years.
Michael Brennan publicly challenged Minister Phil Hogan to admit that the EU Directive he was using to push this bill through was flawed, in that it did not cover septic tanks at all but was a framework for waste management which dealt with discardable, disposable items. He also said that excluded from the scope of the directive in Article 2 are ‘gaseous effluent emitted into the atmosphere’ which to his mind referred to septic tanks. The rural residents will now be charged a fee for being compliant with planning regulations over the years and could now be deemed to be in contravention of new governances. It was felt by those attending that failure to pass the proposed inspection could lead to remedial costs of thousands of euro without any grant aid, while urban sewerage upgrades have been funded by the taxpayer and EU monies.
John Cronin said that the bill was flawed, vague, unworkable and was anti-rural. He pointed out the inadequacies of the Bill and the costs inherent in it.
It was decided to organise a protest march from Cork city centre to the County Hall on Friday February 3rd, where an alliance of Cork county rural residents will demonstrate their anger at the imposition of these charges and will present their views to the Cork County Mayor at County Hall.
Cardiac support
Bandon Cardiac Support group will meet on Tuesday, February 7th, in Bandon Town Hall from 2pm to 4pm. Its aim is to provide encouragement, advice, support and information to patients who suffer from heart disease. Spouses/partners are also welcome to the meeting.
Soccer lotto
There was no winner of the €4,150 jackpot in the Bandon Soccer Club lotto draw of Monday, January 30th. The following received €35 each: Kieran O’Connor, c/o Poachers’ Inn, Catherine McLaughlin, c/o Poachers’ Inn, Jonathan and Marie Hurley, c/o Kilmichael Bar, Daniel Hackett, c/o Poachers’ Inn. The house winner was Julian O’Gorman, Poachers’ Inn. Next week’s jackpot will be €4,650 and the draw will take place in the Plunkett Inn.
Golf Club
Men’s results: Saturday January 28th, Spring League Singles: John Minihane (5) 35 pts (B9-22,B6-15), Robert Creedon (6) 35 pts (B9-22), Declan O’Neill (6) 35 pts; Sunday January 29th, Spring League Singles: E Collins 38 pts, B Fitzgerald 37 pts, D O’Brien 37 pts, D Whelton 36 pts, N Hurley 36 pts, P Lordan 35 pts. Fixtures: Saturday February 4th, Spring League Fourball (sponsor: Dental Care); Sunday February 5th, Spring League Fourball (sponsor: Dental Care).
Ladies’ results: Wednesday January 25th, 15 Hole Stableford: 1st Miriam Murphy (12) 28pts, 2nd Kathleen O’Donoghue (20) 27pts, 3rd Anne Buckley (33) 27pts, 4th Michelle Hennessy (33) 26pts. Weekend competition January 27th, 28th and 29th, 12 Hole: Winner: Michelle Hennessy (33) 26pts, 2nd Miriam Murphy (12) 25pts. Fixtures: Wednesday February 1st, First Round of Spring League, 15 Hole S/Ford (sponsor: Clona Dairy).