Caheragh and Dromore Assembly Newsletter Christmas 2014
CHRISTMAS EVE MASS CAHERAGH 6.30PM (CAROLS AT 6PM)
CHRISTMAS DAY MASSES DROMORE 10AM CAHERAGH 11.15AM CONFESSIONS DROMORE SATURDAY 20 TH DECEMBER AFT ER 8PM MASS CAHERAGH SUNDAY 21 ST DECEMBER AFTER 11.15AM MASS SKIBBEREEN SUNDAY 21 ST DECEMBER 7PM CAHERAGH MONDAY 22 ND DECEMBER AFTER 9.30AM MASS DROMORE TUESDAY 23 RD DECEMBER AFTER 9.20AM MASS
Wishing all a happy and peaceful Christmas Fr. Daniel Pyburn P.P. Dromore, Bantry, Co Cork, 028-52985; 087-1303135 (NO TEXTS)
Parish Choirs. The Folk Group will be having a short Christmas Carol service in candle light before Mass on Saturday 20th of December in Dromore and before Mass on Christmas Eve in Caheragh. We invite you all to come along as we fondly remember that first Christmas night in Bethlehem. We wish all a happy and blessed Christmas. Dromore Choir We are a small group who sing at Saturday night Mass with organist Pat Hurley on one Saturday each month. We are always looking for new members. We will be singing at Mass on Christmas morning in Dromore & we encourage the children to join in and make it a joyful Christmas. Caheragh & Dromore Parish Choir Our choir was delighted to welcome many new members during the past year from both sides of the parish and we would like to invite anyone else who has an interest in singing or music to come along and join us. We sing in Caheragh Church on all Sundays except the first of each month and we join the Dromore Choir to sing in Dromore Church on the first Saturday night of each month. Now, as the year draws to a close we would like to wish everybody a very happy and peaceful Christmas and many blessings for 2015.
St. Vincent de Paul Skibbereen St.Vincent de Paul Society would like to thank sincerely everyone who contributed to our annual Church gate collection in Caheragh and Dromore over the weekend of the 6th and 7th December. All funds from our annual collections go towards helping people in the surrounding areas.
90th Birthday Congratulations to Kitty Hourihane who recently celebrated her 90th Birthday. Michael and Kitty also celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary.
WEDDINGS The following were married in either Caheragh church or Dromore church between 1st December 2013 and 5th December 2014 and we wish them happiness and the blessings of Jesus Christ: Patricia HOURIHANE and James REEN Anne COLLINS and Lloyd DALTON Marie CONNOLLY and Michael O’NEILL Helen BUCKLEY and Anthony BARRETT CHRISTENINGS The following were christened in the parish between 1st December 2013 and 1st December 2014 and we welcome them into the family of the Catholic Church: Maille Anne McSWEENEY, Australia Michael James WARD, Droumourneen Tadgh Joseph O’DONOVAN, Glounaphooka Thomas James HISCOCK, Australia Logan Rhys O’SULLIVAN, Caheragh Cáit Marie YOUNG, Colomane West Aoife Gemma BARRETT, Colomane East Méabh Rose GOUGH, Skibbereen Vivienne Rose McCARTHY, Bishopsland Lachlann James DEASEY, Inchybegga Odhrán Daniel CROWLEY, Gortnascreena Robbie Patrick MURNANE, Bauravilla Daniel Christopher BARRY, Gortnascreena Penelope Grace FLYNN, Tralibawn
Congratulations ·
Congratulations to Patrick Kirby Killeenleigh on gaining his M.Sc. in Business and Marketing. Here's wishing him success and happiness in his chosen career.
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Ellen McCarthy, Lissane was part of Skibberen Rowing Club’s U18 J unior Women' s national title winners in two categories in 2014 - quad sculls and coxless fours. She also represented Ireland in the Homes International Regatta held in Inniscarra where Ireland were 2nd to Scotland in junior Womens 8's.
St Mary’s Church, Caheragh Christmas Services are; Sunday 21st December
10.15am 8.00pm
Eucharist in St Mary's Church Carol Service in Abbeystrewry Church
Wednesday 24th December ( Christmas Eve )
4.00pm 11.30pm
Children's Crib Service in Abbeystrewry Church Eucharist in Abbeystrewry Church
Thursday 25th December ( Christmas Day )
10.15am 11.30am
Eucharist in St Mary's Church Eucharist in Abbeystrewry Church
Sunday 28th December
11.30am 6.00pm
Eucharist in Abbeystrewry Church Carol Service in St Mary's Church
St Mary's Hall is available for rent by groups for meetings or functions. The Hall has a fully fitted and equipped kitchen. For details and costs please contact Carole Pound on 086 3569952 - Wishing everyone a very Merry and Peaceful Christmas from St Mary's.
ICE CREAM FUNDAY for Downs Syndrome Ireland The Parish Assembly would like to thank everyone who contributed so generously to the ice cream funday for Down Syndrome Ireland which was held the weekend of 25th & 6th July in Dromore and Caheragh. The sum raised was €1,352
Dromore N.S. Over the past few weeks, the boys and girls in Dromore have been very busy putting together lovely Christmas shoeboxes full of gifts for needy children in different countries. Everyone really enjoyed picking the items for their boxes that were recommended by the Irish Team Hope Organis ation that transports and distributes the boxes. A large number of boxes came into the school this year. These will all be sent to children in Eastern Europe and Africa. Well done to everyone! This year the senior classes are helping to organise the annual collection of non-perishable foods throughout the school for the St. Vincent De Paul Christmas appeal. The society is urgently in need of donations and is very appreciative of any items given. As part of our health promoting schools programme we are all continuing to take part in Friendship Week for one week each month. The aim is to make friends with people that we may not already be friends with. Older pupils are paired up at random with younger pupils. Everyone always has great fun during Friendship Week and it has helped us to get to know each other much better. The special Mass of Enrolment of the four boys who will receive the Sacraments of Penance and Eucharist took place in Dromore Church in November. The school choir sang beautifully for this lovely celebration. This term has certainly been a very hectic one for everyone in our school. All of the children are greatly enjoying the weekly rugby coaching sessions. Eugene McCarthy our rugby coach gives the lessons every Thursday. We look forward to continuing to learn and practice lots of rugby skills. We also had a series of golf coaching lessons at the start of the term. It was most enjoyable to try out a different sport. Members of the senior classes took part in the Skibbereen Library Quiz this term. They scored very well and did a wonderful job of repres enting the school. We have all been working hard towards our fourth Green Flag which is for Travel. We will be applying for it next term. We continued our Walk to School on Wednesdays for September and October and thankfully only missed one due to bad weather. We really enjoyed walking to school and it was a good way to start the day. We will be starting up again in April. We hope to have a small Christmas competition with children designing their own Christmas decorations made from recycled materials. It should be very interesting to see what great ideas the children come up with. Jess Mason also came into work with the senior room on a display which was shown in Bantry Library. It was made from all recycl ed materials to celebrat e European Week for Waste Reduction with the theme ‘One world, don’t waste it!” The senior room have also completed very detailed projects on ‘The Body’. We had a pupil bring in a sheep’s heart for us to have a look at and another student brought in a fish eye that we could investigate. We have learnt lots about teeth, the digestive system, bones, the appendix and many more. At the moment we are very busy preparing for our Christmas Nativity play which will take place in the Church on December 16th. It will be a lovely time for everyone to come together to celebrate and remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. There are six new Junior Infants this year. We welcome them all and their families to the school and wish them well during their time in Dromore.
Whole Group School photo 2014
Photo of Junior Infants 2014 Fiona Buckley, Michael Wynn, Ciara McCarthy, Oísin Moore, Una D'Hondt and Sean Horgan
Caheragh N.S. Christmas is fast approaching and preparations are underway with art and craft work, Christmas songs, hymns, drama and tin whistle tunes being the order of the day. As part of “Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal” our pupils filled sixty eight boxes with gifts for poor children in the Ukraine. This is a very worthwhile activity which brings untold joy to the recipients. Our pupils are busy collecting items for the “St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Food Appeal” Pupils from second to sixth classes have completed a ten week swimming programme in Dunmanway swimming pool. Weekly tin whistle classes continue this year for all pupils from 2nd to 6th classes under the expert tutelage of Mr. Tom O’ Sullivan. Archaeologist Áine Brosnan recently conducted history workshops in our school. The wide range of artefacts displayed and the different period costumes worn by Áine brought history alive in our classrooms. Our school was very well repres ented this year in the Scór na nÓg competition. Pupils took part in figure dancing, set dancing, recitation, the ballad group, the instrumental music group and the drama group. Congratulations to all involved. We wish the figure dancers the very best in the County Final. Congratulations to the quiz team which recently took part in the Skibbereen Library Quiz. Team members were Brian McCarthy, Colm McCarthy, Oisín Daly, and Aoife Kingston. Congratulations to Maeve Kingston and Maureen Keating who were runners up in the third and fourth class category in the Skibbereen Credit Union poster competition entitled “I Wish” Congratulations to our pupils who won prizes in the Sherkin Island Marine Station Environmental Project Competition, Alannah Crowley, Leah O’ Flynn, Rory Synnott, Catháil Hegarty, Maureen Keating, Maeve Kingston ,Cathal O’Donovan, Chloe O’Sullivan and a special mention to Caitríona Keohane who won the Dr. Michael Kennedy award in her class category for her project entitled “The Ilen River”. This prize was presented on behalf of the Inland Fisheries Ireland, in honour of the late Dr. Michael Kennedy who retired as manager of the Inland Fisheries Trust in 1973. Congratulations to Catháil Hegarty and Shane Casey on their inclusion in the U11 squad in the West Cork Emerging Talent Programme 2014/15. Ten children from second class were enrolled for the Sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist at the Enrolment Mass on Sunday November 16th. First Communion will be on May 17th. Our four Junior Infants have settled into school life. We hope this will be the first of eight very happy and fulfilled years in Caheragh N.S. As another year draws to a close, we would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a bright and prosperous 2015. Junior Infants Photo L to right (front row) Kate Kennedy, Muireann O’Shea (Back row) Patrick Mc.Carthy, Fionán Bohane , Mary Nyhan (teacher)
Dreeny N.S. Seasons Greeting from Dreeny NS Greeting from the southern corner of the Caheragh Parish and as always this is a busy place. On the start of October the pupils commenced eight weeks of swimming classes in Baltimore Community Leisure Centre. It is heartening to see children as young as four years making progress in the water and then the ten year olds performing life saving skills. It is essential that every child is taught how to swim. Back in the school we had weeks of improving football skills with James Mc Carthy from Castlehaven. We are again thankful to James for spending this time with us. In Dreeny we strive to achieve a physically active school community as we were awarded the Active school Flag last June. This was a tremendous award for a small school. There was a great effort put in by all the children in the various sports. Back in the class room great work is under way for our Christmas Carol service which will take place on Thursday 18th December at 1pm and all are welcome. Tea/coffee will be served afterward and you can sample the Christmas cake and mince pies that will be made by the senior room pupils. The Parents Association and the children from first class upwards will be Carol singing again this year in Skibbereen town on Sunday 21st December. This two fold event was a major success last year as it brought the Christmas Spirit to those who busied around shopping and it was a great fundraiser for our school. So if you are in Skibbereen on that day please come and sing along with us. We are very proud to tell you that our quiz team who were Matthew Murnane, James Mc Carthy, Brian Crowley and Shane Kingston came second in the recent Library Quiz in Skibbereen. They were beat en by one point by St. Patrick’s Boys school. Again this is a major achievement for our small school. This year there are changes to our staff as we said goodbye with sadness to our wonderful Principal Bernadette Moloney as she retired in October. Bernadette was special part of Caheragh Parish for the past thirty six years as she taught in Dromore NS for sixteen years and in Dreeny NS for the last twenty years. Bernadette was more than a teacher; she was an exceptional principal and friend to all her fellow staff members. It was in the classroom where she mostly shone. The senior room was home away from home for all children past and present. An environment where all pupils felt safe, loved and all there needs educationally, spiritually, emotionally and physically were well met. She had a way of extracting the best out of each student. On Saturday 8th November we had a retirement Mass and Party for Bernadette. This was a truly memorable day and one she will treasure forever. All the pupils, parents, staff, Board of Management and Parents Association took part in the celebration. She even took part her self, playing music at the mass. As we know from the parish Confirmation’s Bernadette music ministry touched the whole community and this we will miss her for. She was exceptional talented on the Piano, Keyboard, Tin Whistle and Violin. We hope now that Bernadette has spare time she will join an orchestra and use her precious God given talents. Many presentations were presented on the day and many wonderful tributes were paid to her by Fr. Michael O’Donovan, Fr. Pyburn, Board of Management chairperson Sean O’Flaherty, fellow teacher Kate Cormican, and John Mc Carthy from the Parents Association. Also present at the celebration were her family members, teachers she taught with for the past thirty six years and her friends. It was a credit to all the parents for providing home baked refreshments aft er the formalities. It is true to say that the community spirit is well and alive here in Dreeny. We wish Bernadette much joy, happiness and good health in her new phase of life. It is great to have Sean Daly back with us teaching in the senior room as we await the arrival of our newly appointed Principal Mrs. Isabelle Nealon. We also welcome Ms. Lorraine Barry to our staff and we hope she will enjoy her time with us in Dreeny. Finally we would like to wish all our fellow parishioners and readers a very happy, peaceful Christmas and many blessings in 2015. Our wonderful Principal Bernadette Moloney as she retired in October. Bernadette has been a special part of Caheragh Parish for the past thirty six years ….
Dromore Cross After the mass on 15th August at the cross on Dromore Hill; a presentation was made to Michael Cadogan of Dromourneen in appreciation of his many years of involvement with others in maintaining the cross.
Community Alert—Text Alert CAHERAGH community alert is currently working on setting up a Caheragh area Text Alert. This service is at the moment in operation in other areas and all nearby parishes and has proven to be of great benefit. The feedback we have received as to the benefits of the text alert system include: * Enhanced crime prevention status for community alert with improved community/Garda participation and joint practical activities * Reduction in crime * Increas ed communication amongst local residents via the text system * Community feel safer * Increas ed communication between An Garda Siochana and the community * Garda are now able to get information to the community instantly * Garda can canvass hundreds of subscribers to an instant should they require information. HOW THE TEXT ALERT WILL WORK??? All members of the public are encouraged and supported in reporting any activity they deem to be of concern to them by ringing their local station. Should the information received at the Garda station be if interest to an Garda Siochana then they have the ability to contact grapevine communications, (the service provider ), who can then send out a Text Alert to the Community Alert Groups and the database of phone numbers in place. Text alert messages are never sent out between 10am and 8am. Text alerts regarding suspicious cars for example will only every contain partial registration. If the vehicle is spotted by a member of public they contact their local Garda station with the update. The cost of each text is .6 cent. Some community groups look for a once off contribution per household to get started and then hold an annual fundraiser in their community after that. If you require any further information regarding the text alert please be aware that a meeting of the Caheragh community alert group shall be held on 14th of January 2015 at 8.30pm in the hall. Representatives from every townland are requested to attend. Garda Ambrose Whitty, your local Garda, and Garda Brigid Hartnett shall be in attendance to answer any questions you may have. Looking forward to seeing you there. This is our chance to promote a safer local community. This in turn reassures people living in rural Irel and particularly the elderly. Remember by raising awareness and including crime prevention measures, we will make our local village and surrounding area a much safer place. Brigid Hartnett, Community Garda, Bantry.
Offertory Envelopes I am very grateful to all who used the offertory envelopes in 2014 and I encourage you to do so in 2015. Please use them at Masses in Caheragh and Dromore and also if you are at Mass in churches which surround Caheragh Parish such as Bantry, Skibbereen, Drimoleague, Drinagh, Durrus, Ballydehob, Kilcoe and Leap. It would not be feasible to bring the envelopes to churches which are further away than those. Also, the parish can receive financi al rebates from the Revenue Commissioners for offerings given to the parish by taxpayers. I urge anyone who pays tax to complete the form which is available in the porches of Caheragh and Dromore churches and return it as soon as possible. Fr. Daniel Pyburn P.P.
Scor na nOg and Scor na bPáistí. The Tadhg Mac Carthaigh Scor competitions were held in Caheragh Hall on Sunday November 9th. A great evening’s entertainment was had by all. It was wonderful to see an abundance of talent alive and well in the parish and to see lots of new faces taking part in the Scor competitions. There were participants in nine out of the ten categories. The following are the results. Figure Dancing. 1st Clodagh McKennedy, Maeve Kingston, Mairead Crowley, Aoife Kingston, Claire Hegarty, Amy McKennedy, Sinead O Donovan and Helena Collins. 2nd Maeve Kingston, Aoife Kingston, Helena Collins, Caitriona Keohane, Amy McKennedy and Sinead O Donovan. Solo Dancing. Under 2nd class. 1st Laura Kingston. 2nd Emma Hegarty. Recitation. Under 2nd class. 1st Johnaton O’Neill. 3rd class and up. 1st Caitriona Keohane, 2nd Emer Crowley. Solo Singing. Under 2nd class. 1st Katie Daly, 2nd Johnaton O’ Neill, 3rd Laura Kingston, joint 4th Ciara McCarthy and Emma Hegarty. 3rd class and up. 1st Helena Collins, 2nd Eugene Daly, joint 3rd Marie O’ Regan and Emer Crowley, joint 4th Aisling McCarthy, Oisin Daly and Hannah Crowley. Solo Music. Under 2nd class. 1 Johnaton O’Neill. 3rd class and up. 1st Caitriona Keohane, 2nd Maeve Kingston, 3rd Rory Kingston, 4th Stephen Delaney. Ballad Group. 1st Susannah Keohane, Jennifer Collins, Helena Collins, Aoife Kingston and Maeve Kingston. 2nd Helena Collins, Chloe Murnane, Caitriona Keohane, Maeve Kingston, Aoife Kingston, joint 3rd Eugene Daly, Oisín Daly, Katie Daly and Laura Kingston, Eva O’ Sullivan, Emma Hegarty, Katie Daly, Nora O’ Driscoll, 4th Adam O’ Donovan, Johnaton O’ Neill, Ciara Delaney, Kate Kingston. Musical Group. 1st Mairead Crowley, Aoife Kingston, Maeve Kingston, Jennifer Collins and Helena Collins. 2nd Maeve Kingston, Aoife Kingston, Oisín Daly, Helena Kingston and Caitriona Keohane. 3rd Kate Daly, Aoife Buckley, Claire Barry, Marie O’ Regan and Helena Collins. Set Dancing. 1st. Clodagh McKennedy, Maeve Kingston, Mairead Crowley, Aoife Kingston, Claire Hegarty, Amy McKennedy, Sinead O Donovan and Helena Collins. Quiz. Scor na nOg, Charlie McCarthy, Eugene Daly, Tadhg McCarthy, James McCarthy and sub Jennifer Collins. Scor na bPáistí, James McCarthy, Oisín Daly, Helena Collins and sub Colm McCarthy. The play was absent from the programme in the local round. Although a play has since been put together and has gone on to represent the club. The cast members were Eugene Daly, Oísín Daly, Connor McCarthy, Caitriona Keohane and Maeve Kingston. The Carbery Final of Scor na nOg was held in Rossmore on November 21st. The club was represented in all eight categories. The figure dance team of Clodagh McKennedy, Maeve Kingston, Mairead Crowley, Aoife Kingston, Claire Hegarty, Amy McKennedy, Sinead O’ Donovan and Helena Collins along with the quiz team of Charlie McCarthy, Eugene Daly, Tadhg McCarthy and James McCarthy came away with first prize, securing them a place in the County Final. Solo singer Helena Collins along with the Ballad group made up of Susannah Keohane, Jennifer Collins, Helena Collins, Aoife Kingston and Maeve Kingston and the Play came in second place. The Musical group, Set Dancers and the recitation also took part but were unlucky on the night. This was a great result for the club as talent was of high standard. The County Final of Scor na nOg was held in Coachford on Sunday December 7th. The figure dance group represent ed the club and the Carbery Division. They danced very well but were up against three other very talented groups. Carrigaline and Boherbue cam e first and second respectively. The County Final of the Scor na nOg Quiz will take place on a separate date. It is fixed for January 16th 2015. The Caheragh team will no doubt try their best and we wish them well. The next round of Scor na bPaisti will take place early in the new year. Once again the club will be strongly represented and we look forward to this competition. Many thanks to all who helped with our local round of Scor. A lot of time and effort goes into preparing for the competitions and a big thank you to all the parents/mentors who helped the children along the way. Tadhg Mac Carthaigh Rince Foirne dancers who represented Cairbre division in the Scor na nOg county final recently. Back:Mairead Crowley,Claire Hegarty,Jennifer Collins,Aoife Kingston. Front:Caitriona Keohane,Maeve Kingston,Sinead O Donovan,Helena Collins. Jennifer and Caitriona were subs for Clodagh and Amy McKennedy who were unavailable on the day.
Oisin Daly, Conor McCarthy, Eugene Daly, Caitriona Keohane, and Maeve Kingston who competed in Scor na nOg competitions recently performing the Novelty Act 'The Matchmaker.
Tadgh MacCárthaigh GAA News. With the 2014 Season now at an end and with the festive Season fast approaching it’s a good time to reflect on the year gone by. While Championship success eluded our Junior ‘A’ footballers following defeat to eventual finalists Gabriel Rangers in the fourth round, the Junior B team captured the South West league title against Kilmacabea while they were unlucky to lose the Championship final against O Donovan Rossa. A depleted under 21 football team also lost out to Rossas in the first round while the minor footballers came up against a strong Gabriels team in the first round of the Championship. The club hosted two West Cork football finals during September, when Gabriels drew with St.Mary’s. Both finals were excellently organised and indeed attracted much praise for the club’s professional approach. 60th Anniversary: The fundraising night held at Curraheen Park on Sat 22nd Nov to mark the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the club, turned out to be a huge success with large numbers travelling from far and near to create a wonderful atmosphere which was enjoyed by everyone. The club would like to thank most sincerely all those who supported the event either by buying tickets or ads for the programme and of course speci al thanks to the main sponsors West Cork Oil, as well as the management and staff at Curraheen especially Brian Collins. Cork: The O Driscoll brothers, Colm, Kevin and Brian made history when they were all part of the Cork Senior football panel for the National league campaign. Colm and Brian went on to play in the Championship and both started on the team that narrowly lost to Mayo in the All-Ireland quarter final. Brian was also on the Cork under 21 team that won the Munster Championship while Patrick Kirby was in goal for the Junior footballers in their defeat to Kerry. Juvenile: The under age teams provided us with some great days out especially the under 14 footballers who completed the League and Championship double defeating Oliver Plunketts in both finals. They defeated Croke Rovers in the County Championship Semi-final but were defeated by Boherbue in the County final. The under 16 footballers made the County final against Adrigole and were deprived of victory by some bizarre refereeing on the day. The club fielded two under 12 football teams who both made league finals. Team 1 were at home to Mizen Rovers and after a very exciting game the teams finished level. Extra time was required but unfortunately the visitors got a couple of crucial goals in the first period and ran out winners. Team 2 played U10 footballers & coaches at an end of season blitz in Skibbereen O’Donovan Rossa in Skibbereen and after an excellent display of attacking football ran out comfortable winners. This was a super win to round off the season and great credit is due to both teams. The under 12 hurlers had a great season also, winning five out of six league game to qualify for the final against Kilmichael but were beaten by a stronger side under lights in Aughaville. The under 8 and under 10 teams took part in numerous blitz competitions during the year and played some very exciting matches. Well done to all the players for turning out in such large numbers. Divisional Teams: A number of Caheragh players were selected on divisional Cork teams. Paddy Burke, Michael McCarthy, Brendan Keohane and Dylan Murray were select ed on the Cork West under 14 team while David O Connor was selected on the Cork West under 15 side. Killian Murray has been selected on the Cork West under 16 team and has also been called up to the full Cork under 16 panel, while Sean McCarthy has had Cork Minor trials recently. Well done to all the lads involved. Finally, the club would like to thank all the Coaches and selectors with the various teams for the huge amount of work that was put in during the season and wish them, the players, supporters and sponsors a very Happy Christmas and Healthy New Year.
Junior B football league winners and Championship Runners up.
West Cork Under 14 Championship and league winners plus County finalists.
Under 12 football league winners
Sponsors and committee members of Tadhg MacCarthaigh’s fundraising night held at Curraheen Park on Sat 22nd Nov to mark the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the club.
Bauravilla Bowling In championship action during the year Noel Dempsey won the Carbery Junior C from Joe O’Brien of Schull. Michelle Crowley Bauravilla won U-14 from Tarah Fleming Schull. Darragh Dempsey won U-10 from Matthew Murnane Bauravilla. Under age trials have been held at Reenas creena and Schull to select teams to play for Carbery in the county final on February 2015. Local players who took part were Darragh Dempsey, Cathal O’Donovan, Oisin Daly, Colm, Gavin, Aisling, and Michelle Crowley, Matthew Murnane, Eugene Daly, David O’Connor, Patrick Crowley and Natalie Dempsey. In the Mick Crowley Cup David Murphy the holder beat Martin Coppinger to qualify for the semi-final against James O’Donovan. Edmund Sexton plays Gary Daly in the other semi-final. The first semi-final in the Mickie Hourihane Cup was played on Sunday 30th November where Michael O’Sullivan Ross won from Muiris Buttimer Bantry and Joe O’ Brien Schull. Last year’s winner Finbarr Coughlan, Gurrane’s will play in one of the remaining semi-finals with the final due to take place during Christmas. Latest news Aaron Dempsey won his 1st ever score at the Phale Road on Sunday 30th November.
Caheragh Cheval and Vintage Run - Sunday 28th December 2014. This year, the Caheragh Cheval and Vintage Run will be held on Sunday 28th December, with proceeds going to the West Cork Rapid Response “Jeep for Jason” campaign and the Professor Gerry O’Sullivan Memorial Park. Pictured is the presentation of last year’s proceeds of €695 to the Professor Gerry O’Sullivan Memorial Park
Young at Heart Club (Caheragh Active Retired Group). It is always a joy at the end of the year to report no serious health problems with any of our members. We continue to meet on a regular basis, sometimes being creative, at others just enjoying each other's company. Our Tea dances rem ain popular at the West Lodge and the Parkway among others. A visit to the Jameson's Distillery proved very interesting, the history evident in the preservation of the old buildings. We enjoyed a meal in the Viaduct Inn on our homeward journey. We joined other retired groups in the West Cork Hotel on the 9th December where we first had a superb christmas meal and then a great evening's song and dance. Our last meeting in the hall will be Christmas themed. [ Save the date—Christmas party will be on Sunday 25th January 2015 ] We wish all a joyous Christmas and a very happy and prosperous New Year.
U10 Hurling Blitz Group of our ladies with Michael O'Mhurahurtaigh in the West Cork Hotel in October at a seminar.
Danny Hourihane
Some of the ladies outside the Jameson Experience in Macroom
Caheragh Vintage Threshing At the beginning of the year, we in common with many fund-raising committees felt a slight apprehension that the continued recession, coupled with adverse publicity generated by media coverage of some charity work would impinge on our efforts. Thankfully this did not happen, the public responded magnificently enabling us to donate a total of â‚Ź59,000-00 to Cancer Research and local charities. As usual our main beneficiary was Cork Cancer Research and on the evening of 6th December we were able to celebrat e success at a presentation evening. In accepting the cheque Dr. Declan Soden, Cancer Research Centre, while expressing his thanks, could not stress enough the importance of research. Of course the unstinting help of volunteers, sponsors and other support makes this event possible, it was heartening the numbers who turned up to join the celebration. Chairperson: D.J. Dineen expressed his thanks to all. The evening continued with dancing to music provided by Gerry McCarthy and Autumn Gold, Kathleen, Eileen, and Teresa made sure that ample refreshments was provided for all. As another successful year draws to a close, the Committee extend Season's Greetings to all and a Happy and Prosperous New Year to each and every one. At the Caheragh Threshing Presentation Front L. to R.: Tess Healy, Coaction, Bantry, DJ Dinneen Chairperson, Dr. Declan Soden of Breakthrough Cancer Research, Cork, John Scully, Treasurer, Pat Gregory, P.R.O, Sheila Derham & Kathleen Kirby, Secretary. Centre L to R: Rev. Fr. D. Pyburn PP Caheragh, Shane Scully, Orla O'Sullivan Dolan, CCRC, Len Gregory, Catherine Kingston, Chairperson Bright Beginnings, Tim McCarthy & Eileen Scully. Back L to R: Bernard O'Donovan Parents Assoc. Dreeny N.S, Kieran O'Sullivan, Sean O'Sullivan, Pat J. Hourihane, Sean Collins, Christy Keohane & Tim O'Sullivan. Missing from photo Teresa Keohane.
U8 Football Blitz
I.C.A. News Caheragh guild of I.C.A. meet on the 3rd Wednesday of every month (except July & Aug) at 8pm in the Community Hall. New members would be most welcome This year we had speakers on many topics including Arts & Crafts, Patchwork Quilting, a solicitor, a pharmacist, and others. At the November meeting Cardiac Public Health Nurse, Catherine Cahalane led the members on an easy exercise programme and spoke on the importance of daily exercis e. Members enjoyed visits to the sports centre in Skibbereen which was grant aided and led by manager Mary Kelleher. Members plan to attend the Christmas lunch at the Celtic Ross Hotel on December the 9th. At the December meeting Christmas wreaths will be made with some members demonstrating their floral skills and works of art. As another year draws to a close we wish you all a very happy Christmas and a bright and prosperous New Year
Professor Gerry O’Sullivan Memorial Park Phase 1 is now substantially completed. The Park was open briefly to the Public on the Sunday of the Threshing. We hope early next year to embark on Phase 2. Phase 2 will comprise of selection, erection and completion of the Memorial. The large stone foundation is in situ. This phase will also include planting of flower beds, starting on the outdoor planetarium, and commencement of the “Science Through Nature” Theme. For Phase 1 we got 75% funding from W.C.D.P. – Leader. The source of this funding was Central/EU Funds, specifically designated for Village Renewal “Infill” Projects. Cork County Council also approved €15,000 from their Community Fund. Our fund raising target is €50,000. To date through subscriptions/fundraising we have €8,400 collected. Donations of all sizes will be appreciated. Contributors have the option of contributing €100 and become a “Friend”. Friends will be listed on our Website. We are a Registered Limited Liability Company and have been granted Registered Charity Status. It is also our intention to have a “Phase 3”. Equally we recognise this project will have ongoing maintenance and will take a number of years to mature. Hands on involvement and/or suggestions and ideas from individuals and organisations throughout the Parish will be very much appreciated. Our sincere thanks to all of those listed below for their professionalism, enthusiasm and specifically for going the “extra mile” for us. Phase 1: Contractor: John McSweeney, Plant Hire Ltd. Engineer: Gavin McCarthy, DMCA Consultants Ltd Landscape Architect: Mike Waldvogel, Forestbird Designs Legal Advisors: Denis O’Sullivan, Wolfe & Co Solicitors, Luke O’Donovan, O’Donovan Murphy & Partners Solicitors. Michael & Kathleen Kirby donated 3.4 acres for the Park. Mile Buíochos to the Kirby Family for their generosity. I also wish to thank my fellow Committee Members for their hard work and commitment throughout the year. Padraig O’Driscoll (Committee Chairman)
Caheragh/Dromore Defibrillator Group Caheragh Dromore Defibrillator Group continues to meet regularly to practice Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of the AEDs. Practice training usually takes place one evening a month throughout the year (with a break for the summer months) in Caheragh Community Hall. All are welcome to attend. Keep an eye out for Spring training dates; members receive a text reminder and the sessions are announced at all Masses and in the Southern Star notes. Our trainers, Carole Pound, Kenneth Kingston and Rose McCarthy generously donate their time and skills to be available to do the practices. Anyone who wishes to practice CPR and the use of an AED can drop in and practice (this takes about 15 minutes). If you have forgotten the code for the locked AED boxes, this is an opportunity to refresh your memory also. The group takes responsibility for maintaining and checking all four AEDs: at Dromore National School; Clancy’s Cross; Coachman’s Inn Bauravilla; and on the outside wall of West Cork Oil offices in Caheragh. We wish to thank the Parish community for continued goodwill and support. It is important to carry on the work started by the group over four years ago, when 150 local people were trained to Irish Heart Foundation certification level. Recertification of members needs to be done every three years. If your certificate is out of date and you want to re-train please contact any committee member of Caheragh Dromore Defibrillator group, or ring Kathleen at 087 225 9935. Keeping your training up to date means that in the event of a heart related emergency, locally trained volunteers can access and use one of the four AEDs. Swift intervention has been proven to save lives, so please come to a practice. Caheragh Dromore Defibrillator group wishes everyone a happy, healthy and a holy Christmas.
Bright Beginnings Childcare facility, Caheragh As 2014 draws to an end may we take the opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone that has supported our community facility throughout the year. We have had some great social events this year including our most recent Santa Grotto where all the boys and girls got to meet Santa and Mrs Clause. The lighting and blessing of the tree on the grounds of Caheragh Church by kind permission of Fr. Pyburn to remember our loved ones during the Christmas period and last month Lily’s Christmas Icing demonstration in the Travellers Rest. Put a note in your diary for our upcoming events for the New Year: Quiz night Saturday 31st January at 8.30pm in the Coachman Pub and our AGM on the 21st January at 8.30pm with guest speaker on the night. On Monday 8th December, Bright Beginnings had the blessing and lighting of the tree on the grounds of Caheragh Church. The tree remains lit throughout the Christmas period. The photo shows all the boys and girls that were at the blessing pointing at our lit community tree.
The Captain Francis O’Neill Memorial Co. Once again the Captain Francis O’Neill Memorial Co. had a successful year. The weather was favourable for the open-air platform dancing at the O’Neill Monument in Tralibane on June 21st for the Mid-Summer Dance there was a good attendance. Likewise at the Annual Pattern Day on September 14th. 2014. The Annual O’Neill Walk led by Timmy McCarthy took place on Sunday November 16th. Preceded by traditional Irish music by Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Bantry and others at Tralibane Bridge. The Walk was from the Tralibane Bridge to the O’Neill Monument in Tralibane via O’Neill’s Birthplace in Tralibane. More music was played at the Monument and refreshments were served there. Our thanks to all our supporters and to the Hall Committee for the use of the hall and to all those who helped in any way during the year at the Ceili & Old Time Dances and at the Open -Air -Platform dancing. Our next Ceili &Old Time Dance is on January 2nd. 2015. Winners of the Junior . Waltz for the Nora Cremin Shield 2014 are Michelle & <= Winners of the Patrick O’Sullivan => best dressed ladies for the Arts Cup 2014 are Helen O’Neill & Catherine O’Brien.
Gordon Shannon => presenting the Jackie Shannon Memorial cup to the winners of the Senior waltzing competition 2014; Michael Lynch & Nora O’Sullivan at the Annual Pattern Day
Pastoral Area Autumn Prayer Service In October, Caheragh Parish hosted a prayer service in Caheragh Church with our neighbouring parishes of our Pastoral Area. The service was the second of what we hope will become an annual prayer and reflection service embracing our Pastoral Area Group; Castlehaven having hosted the inaugural service last year in Union Hall. Our Pastoral Area, as many of you will know, is a co-operation between six neighbouring parishes and on the night Caheragh welcomed the parishes of Aughadown, Castlehaven, Kilmacabea, Rath and The Islands, and Skibbereen. The theme for the service was chosen earlier in the year at a meeting of The Pastoral Area coordinating group; which again is a group made up of representatives of the six parishes and parish assemblies, the theme chosen was “THE FAMILY” to coincide with the Synod on the Family this year in Rome. Given this theme, it was appropriate Caheragh should host the evening in the Church of the Holy Family. The evening was a great success with reflections lead by each of the six parishes, and beautiful music by Caheragh’s choir. Following the service all enjoyed refreshments arranged at Caheragh Hall. Many thanks to the wide group of people who contributed in many ways to make the evening enjoyable and such a success.