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Issue 17: May 1, 2020

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COVID-19 VOLUNTEER HELPERS IN YOUR AREA: PAGES 2&3

GETTING BACK TO NATURE Hen Harrier Photo courtesy Birdwatch Ireland

Introduction to birdwatching With nowhere to go, why not get back to nature? In this issue of Discover Duhallow, we present a wide selection of birds you might spot from your window or garden – including the admittedly elusive Hen Harrier seen oppposite. In coming

issues we will provide more details on each type of bird featured, spotlighting four at a time. In the meantime, now’s your chance to get familiar with what they look like – and get spotting!

 See pages 12 & 13

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COVID-19 VOLUNTEER GROUPS: Help us keep our community informed! We will arrange for FREE delivery of copies of this magazine for you to drop off at vulnerable households on your routes. Please call us on 02960633 or email info@discoverduhallow.com

Duhallow news

COVID-19 VOLUNTEER/COMMUNITY Ballydesmond: Members of Ballydesmond GAA Club have volunteered their services to those in genuine need: Kevin O'Connell 087-1518778; Niall Rohan 0879111226; Denis Kelly 087-2579533; Tim Howard 087-9662540; Fergal O'Sullivan 087-6548583; Shane Kelly 086-0896903; Liam Murphy 087-4671451; Sean Cronin 0863442165; Donal O'Connor 0876604820; Neil O'Sullivan 0877056694; Dan Culloty 087-6997531; Sean Murphy 085-7029733; Donal Kelly 087-6878689; John O'Keeffe 083-8112768; Shane Murphy 0877005797; Nicky O'Leary 0872758180; John Brosnan 0876839570; Denis Ring 086-2242621; Paudie Breen 087-9162101; Niall O'Connor 087-9545113; Conor Linehan 087-9267750; Darragh Moynihan 087-7433936; James Kearney 087-6082246; Niall Collins 087-2668210; Willis O'Connor 0861414423; Ned Murphy 0871657241; Paudie Tarrant 0873971702; Donal Vaughan 0876212462; Sean O'Sullivan (Stan) 087-9694727; Tom O'Sullivan 0876125387. Banteer/Lyre & Nadd: Banteer Lyre and Districts Community Council

and other community members are available to assist: Rory O’Driscoll 086-2557280; Rosie Healy-Cronin 087-2227841; Denis Withers 0872820001; Garda Katryn CantyO’Connor 087-4140531; John Buckley 087- 3204882; Billy Murphy 087- 9624858; Orla O’Shea 086-1201306; Kay McAuliffe 087-9105239. Boherbue: Eileen Casey 0879800102; Tina Dunsten 0876479031; Ann O’Sullivan 0863716172; Rena Murphy 0872312192; Theresa Cremin 0851100479; Anne Hegarty Murphy 087-7424831; CJ 0’Sullivan 0876055922; Gerry O’Sullivan 0874662684; Andrew O’Connor 0879609741; Pat Casey 087-2600641; Roger Casey 086-8448989. Castlemagner: Castlemagner GAA members have volunteered to help those in genuine need: Call Alan Morrisey 086-8845601; Donal Gayer 087-7506755; Conor Murphy 0868954156; Des Cronin 086-4008923; Jimmy Linehan 086-1607781; Julie Sweeney 087-6695961; Denis Vaughan 087-9181349; Ger Glavin 086-2536113; Mick Tobin 0868553416; Pat Gayer 087-7861919;

Jim Donovan 087-8347089. Donoughmore: Donoughmore GAA is offering assistance to members of the community who are vulnerable: Call Secretary Gillian Golden on 086-8066016; Treasurer Bernie Honohan on 087-2215267; or Chairman Patsy Foley on 087-6798810. Freemount: Contact Freemount Community Development via call or text to 083-4589222 or any of these volunteers: Sinéad O’Sullivan 0868434753; Eilísh Dunstan 0872952488; Emer Healy 086-8604246; Michelle Green 086-3143952; Caroline O’Carroll 087-8240257; Margaret O’Mullane 086-0836042; Kate Keane 086-2320994; Breda Cuddihy 086-3137631; or Fiona Roberts 086-3900801. If you require shopping from Casey’s in the village, and you would prefer not to leave your car, please call Mary or Mike Casey on 022-28899. Gneeveguilla: Members of Gneeveguilla GAA are on standby to help vulnerable people in the community. Call in confidence on 087-0667786, 087-1261046, 0867925715 or 087-2733598. Also anyone wishing to help out can

FREE contact number 1800 805 819 available 8am-8pm seven days a week. You can also email covidsupport@corkcoco.ie or text (085) 8709010 2

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Issue 17 May 1, 2020

Duhallow news

GROUPS THROUGHOUT DUHALLOW make contact on 087-0667786. The number for St Vincent de Paul in Killarney is 064-6637467. Kanturk: Call the Mercy House Support Group on 029-51161 or 087-2309159. Kilbrin: Margaret O'Callaghan 0872741624; Ben O'Dea 087-2801908; Pat Drumme 087-8157741; Mairéad Lucey 086-8477275; Edel Heffernan 089-4186702; Eilish Hartnett 0861597429; Katie O'Callaghan 0877521462. Kilshannig: Kilshannig GAA have set up a group of volunteers to provide help that may be required by people in our community: Call Neil Shannon at 086-3155875 or Pamela Kiely at 087-6548041. Kiskeam: Members of Kiskeam GAA are available to assist in particular the elderly or otherwise vulnerable: Marie 085-8828556; Shane 087-2152424; Billy 0879315272; Dave 087-9046844; Dan 087-7946338; Mike 086-0589821. Kiskeam Area Community Covid-19 Volunteers Group members are also available to help: Cathy Linehan, Doon Kiskeam, 087-4116676 (working in Killarney if anyone has anything to pick up); Tim Murphy, Kiskeam (P.O.), living in Cork if there are any errands from Cork, 0861583435; Sean Bowman, Ballyhoulihan, 085-8511495; Craig Fennessy, Kiskeam Village and surrounding areas 087-3886738 (has a van for anyone who needs coal, fuel, etc, delivered); Gerard Meehan, Kiskeam, can do errands if needed. Van available for coal etc 0879087426; Tank Twomey, Kiskeam, available for any kind of deliveries (big or small) 089-4782092 or 0873733181; Rita O’Sullivan, Kiskeam Village, 087-6653107; Marguerite O’Sullivan, Kiskeam Village 0867392430; Catherine Twomey, Kiskeam and surrounding area, 0872189928; Eileen O’Sullivan, Reallen, 087-6597894; Liam O’Connor (Jack Tade), Kiskeam Village, 087-

Issue 17 May 1, 2020

 Duhallow Community Food Services (DCFS) Meals on Wheels: 029-76375 IRD Duhallow Community Laundry Service (collection and delivery): 029-60633

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772743; Con Cronin, Kiskeam, 0877647366;Tim Breen, Kiskeam, 0879913266; John F O’Connor, 087-2073415. Knocknagree: Knocknagree GAA has provided the following contact details of volunteers kindly offering help and support: Cathy Linehan (Doon/Tureen) 087-4116676; Kieran Hickey (Knockeenagullane / village): 087-9327847; David O'Keeffe (village or Farrankeal) 087-9554626; Shiela Buckley (Nohaval) 0877645151; Donald Riordan (village) 0879860253; Daniel Murphy (Knocknaloman) 087-9865036; Sarah Weir (Hollymount) 086-8880373; Margaret Goulding (village) 0876239072; Junior Goulding 0876399874; John Prendiville (Tureen) 087-6555427; Margaret Brosnan (Lyreaoune /Carrigaline) 0851611878; Danny Brosnan (Lyroune / Carrigaline): 086-2426776; Mary Moynihan (Lacka): 087-7728795; Yvonne Brosnan (Umeraboy) 0877385672; Patrick Hickey (Mountcain) 087-7704615; Mairead Murphy (Tureen) 087-6427520; Catherine Ring (Lacka/Tureenareeha) 0833498778; Tim Murphy (Tureen/ Shanballa) 086-3880410; Cheryl Carmody (Scrahan) 087-6413612; Ava Looney (village) 087-1746950 Noreen MacSweeney (Laxie/Lisnaboy) 087-6270806; Jerry Carroll (Carrigaline): 087-7993454; Laurence Hickey (Farrancaol): 0863402852; Denis O’Mahony (Umeraboy) 087-1252430; Michael Courtney (Shanballa) 087-2797357; Fidelma Rahilly (village) 087-

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4682151; Gerard Looney: 0872051993 (van also available). Millstreet: Millstreet C.V. Support Group is a volunteer community group set up to help people who fear being exposed to the COVID19 virus or who may have to selfisolate. The group consists of almost 20 volunteers so far. We have two vans and an array of personal skills. Call Jeremiah Keating on 087-7932736 or Liam Flynn on 087-6380053. Newmarket: Newmarket GAA members are available to assist vulnerable in the community: Sean Irwin 087-6465732, Tim Murphy 087-9662217, Conor O'Sullivan 086-3630210, Luke McCarthy 087-7543868. Rathmore: A group has been formed in Rathmore which consists of local community organisations and businesses including members from Rathmore Community Council, Rathmore & Gneeveguilla GAA, Rathmore Social Action Group, Fr. Pat O’Donnell, Rathmore St Vincent de Paul, Sliabh Luachra Veterinary Centre, Reens Pharmacy, An Garda Siochana – Sgt Paul Lynch – and Rathmore Post Office. A dedicated FREEPHONE 1800 929 003 has been set up. Local volunteer contact details: Bernie Reen 087-2020143; Brian Kelly 087-2536808; Eilish Coakley 086-1038112; Niall Kelleher 087-6694104. Also, the Rathmore Social Action Group will continue to run its Meals on Wheels Service. Call Norah or Marie on 064-758588. Rockchapel: For anyone in the community, especially the elderly or otherwise vulnerable, who needs support during self-isolation, please make contact with Rockchapel GAA on social media directly or call / message 087-4138729. Likewise, for anyone who is available to help out with running errands or dropping supplies, please contact us.

Gardening tips by Rachel Budd, Horticulturist at IRD Duhallow Community Garden

Growth in a time of crisis Hopefully we are all developing a new appreciation for time spent at home as we continue life in a lockdown situation. There is no denying that times are difficult and the isolation from family, friends and colleagues is hard. But the effect on the world around us is quite remarkable. We’ve seen the news stories about the decrease in air pollution, the Himalayas becoming visible from 100 miles away for the first time in 30 years, reductions in particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide registered in localities throughout Ireland, the UK and elsewhere in Europe, including Paris, Madrid and Milan. Clear waters in the canals of Venice and animals coming down from the hills and venturing into towns and cities. And it’s not what we are doing that is causing these phenomena, but what we are not doing. We’ve stopped consuming, stopped moving around, stopped taking needless journeys and refocussed our ability to work in our own homes. Businesses have temporarily shut their doors, town centres and retail parks are desolate, manufacturing has reduced to the essentials. We as people are perhaps realising we need less to live. So what are we doing? The phenomenal demand for

Many types of containers can be made into plant pots or seed trays 4

More people are growing their own food due to lockdown supply concerns seeds, and gardening supplies would suggest that we, as a nation are gardening. From hardened horticulturists to complete beginners, the realisation that our food supply is not as secure as we thought and a new appreciation for our homes andgardens is driving a back-garden food revolution. If you want to be a part of this new green order, remember that you don’t need a lot of equipment to get started. Any container can become a seed tray or plant pot. Yoghurt pots, margarine tubs, plastic trays and take-away containers can all be repurposed, just remember to put holes in the bottom for drainage. You can plant supermarket potatoes and even garlic – though it is too late now for large bulbs, it will give you delicious fresh green garlic stems. Gardening friends and neighbours will always have spare seed and bucketloads of expertise to share with you (at an appropriate

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social distance of course) and just get started. You don’t even need a large garden. Salads can be grown in old drawers, potatoes in bags, dwarf beans and carrots in buckets and pallets can make a beautiful vertical bed for strawberries or herbs, planting between the slats. Be creative! Recycle, repurpose items that have been kicking around for years, and have fun. We are among the lucky ones, we live in a beautiful rural environment, lockdown is not the same hardship as for those living in intensely populated city environments. In these distressing times it is even more important to remain grounded, to feel the earth between your fingers, to appreciate the network of life that binds us all together. Enjoy the birds singing in your garden, no longer drowned out by traffic noise. You might even hear the first cuckoo of the spring. I did this morning!

Issue 17 May 1, 2020

Feature

Mindfulness and sleep By CHRISTINE O’RIORDAN (BA) Counselling & Psychotherapy As many of us will already know, a good night’s sleep can be an invaluable factor in feeling well and staying healthy. In these unprecedented times of unsettled routines and global health concerns, the value and importance we once automatically set on our sleeping habits could be getting lost in all of the chaos. This may be a good time to stop and ask yourself about your own current sleeping patterns. There will of course be some very obvious barriers to our sleeping routines cropping up now that would never have been an issue in the past. We may find ourselves staying up late to get some work done after the kids go to bed. We might be sleeping later in the morning without the schedule of work and so not finding ourselves naturally tired at our normal bedtimes. We could too just be reluctant to go to bed when we feel we don’t have to. All of these are common and understandable. What we may also be finding, however, is difficulty getting off to sleep without what may seem like any obvious reasons. So what are these invisible barriers and what can we do about them? We are worried. We are anxious. We are lonely. These are strong and powerful emotions and when they strike at night they can have a hugely disruptive impact on how we sleep. Trying some very simple Christine O’Riordan (BA) Counselling & Psychotherapy, Pre Accredited MIACP – 087 9822982 Aoife Douglas (MA) Counselling & Psychotherapy, Registered Member BACP – 085 2222206 Private Practice – Newbury Clinic, Dromahane, Mallow, Co. Cork

Issue 17 May 1, 2020

mindfulness techniques at night can be very helpful. There are dozens of apps for your phone that are free to download, specifically designed to help with sleep, but we also have the power within ourselves too. Firstly, try to get set some good sleep habits in place: n Set a reasonable bed time (if you never went to bed at 8pm no need to start now) n Avoid watching TV for at least half an hour before bed and longer if possible n Leave your phone in another room when you are going to bed n Turn off the lights before you get into bed, signalling to your brain that it is time for sleep. Practice these steps to help you relax and fall asleep calmly: g Get comfortable in your bed and imagine all the elements of your day are packed away and need no further attention

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Take a slow normal breath and think ‘1’ to yourself g As you breathe out, think, ‘relax’ g Breathe in again and think ‘2’ g Breathe out and think, ‘relax’ g Keep doing this up to 10. When you reach 10, reverse and start back down to 1 g Try to put everything else out of your mind. Try to see the numbers and the word ‘relax’ in your mind’s eye g When your mind starts to wander, just simply return back to 1 and continue to count g Keep things simple and stay within the 1 to 10 range. Mindfulness techniques work best when we build them up over time, practice them daily if we can and allow them in as a natural part of our routine. As we can see here, they do not need to be difficult or complicated, if fact often times the simpler the better. g

Feature

Mass online and on radio  Rathmore Parish covering the

following churches: St Joseph’s Church Rathmore, Church of the Holy Rosary, Gneeveguilla, Church of Christ the King, Knocknagree. For online livestream for St Joseph’s Church Rathmore please log on to https://www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/ st-josephs-church-rathmore  Newmarket Parish: All masses celebrated by Fr Francis can now be viewed on Facebook Live  Kanturk Parish: Ceremonies from Kanturk Parish (without a congregation) ]broadcast on Parish Radio (tune your radio to 107.2 FM)  Glantane Parish covering Bweeng: All masses celebrated can now be viewed on Facebook Live by checking out the Glantane Parish Facebook page  Boherbue Parish: log on to https://www.churchservices.tv /boherbue  Kiskeam Parish: log on to https://www.churchservices.tv /kiskeam  Freemount Parish: For live stream log on to the following link: http://churchtv.ie/freemount  Millstreet Parish: Religious broadcasts from St Patrick’s Church, Millstreet, with Celebrant Canon John Fitzgerald, P.P. on Cork Music Station by following the link http://www.corkmusicstation.com/ index.html (Cork Music Station broadcasts are transmitted one hour after the Celebration of Mass.

St Joseph’s Church, Rathmore Photo courtesy mcnmedia.tv 6

A time of mixed blessings We have just celebrated Easter. This year, 2020, this major Church Season will forever be remembered. Many will have missed celebrating in their Parish Church. Gratefully, technology came to the rescue. Masses were broadcast on TV and livestreamed from many locations across the country. For those of us cocooning during these weeks there are mixed blessings. Julia Baird in her book ‘Phosphorescence’ subtitled ‘Awe Wonder, Things that sustain you when the world goes dark’ advises: n Pay attention n Do not underestimate the power of the ordinary n Enjoy nature daily n Sow kindness n Practise grace n Treasure friends and family n Live deliberately. Nurturing my Spiritual Self, I find it helpful to begin my day with our wonderful prayer: Christ be with me; Christ within me; Christ behind me; Christ before me Christ beside me to comfort and restore me Christ beneath me; Christ above me; In quiet; In danger In the hearts of all that love me In the mouth of friend and stranger. I arise today in the name of the Trinity. Amen

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Sister Maureen Cahill of Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Order

The following links I use: www.knochshrine.ie and www.churchservices.tv/ Alphonsus. Mass is on RTE NOW at 10.30 each morning. The final word is a Blessing: Gracious God On the journey of this day, accompany us In times of uncertainty, bless us with faith In times of struggle, bless us with hope In times of worry, bless us with love, filled up, pressed down And flowing over. Amen – by Sr Maureen Cahill of Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart Order

Issue 17 May 1, 2020

Feature

Memories of my grandad By SHARON O’CONNOR

My grandad Maurice O'Keeffe lived in Kiskeam all his life. He lived to the great old age of 97-and-a-half years. He always made a point of including the half years as the extra milestone. He was always in great form and loved to have us visit and looked forward to it every weekend. He was very interested in what we were learning in school and how we were getting on. He had a great love of the Irish language as he would ask us several questions, some of which we were able to answer and he got a great laugh when we did not understand his question. From a young age I can remember that music was always a huge part of life in the O’Keeffe household. Grandad would always be either playing his fiddle or making a recording in the kitchen (when he would tell us all “ciunas”). Anytime I stayed over at Grandad’s I would be awoken at six o’clock in the morning to the sound of C103 FM blaring from his bedroom. Every Friday night we looked after Grandad and part of the routine was for him to take out his fiddle and teach Rachel a tune, ensuring she was making no mistake. His motto was practice makes perfect. He would ask her to play the tune a few times before he would give her a new tune. He liked to sing too, and one of his favourites was “You are

Issue 17 May 1, 2020

Maurice O’Keeffe, top left with Sharon and above at a family gathering my sunshine”. He looked forward to these nights and so did we. Nineteen years ago, a festival was set up in Kiskeam in Grandad’s honour and has grown from strength to strength each year. He was absolutely delighted with the Easter weekend activities and

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looked forward to it each year. He enjoyed meeting old friends and making new friendships, and played music all day and all night. He never got tired or looked to go home and would be one of the last to leave. He loved young people and encouraged them to keep playing the Sliabh Luachra traditional music and to take part in the sessions in the local pubs over the Easter. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 this year’s festival could not take place. However, Timmy Collins from Kiskeam organised a virtual music festival in Grandad’s honour. It was great to see everyone who took time out and uploaded their tributes. Grandad was an inspiration for us all. He always had a positive outlook on life. Grandad has left a great legacy behind him with his passion for music being passed on from generation to generation for years to come.

Job Centre

How to prepare for a video interview COVID-19 is changing the way that we conduct our professional lives. If you have been called for a job interview, it is very likely that you will have to partake in a remote video interview. Here are some practical tips to help you get through this process. 1. Technology: Ensure that you have access to a laptop or PC. You will need a reliable internet connection to use Skype or Zoom. Contact the employer prior to the interview to ensure that you have the correct software installed on your device. 10-15 minutes before the interview, check your internet connection and sign into the meeting. Check that your sound and video are working. 2. Dress appropriately: During a virtual interview you should dress the same as you would during a face-to-face meeting. Don’t wear bright colors as this could impact on the lighting. 3. Preparation is key: As with any interview, you’ll get the best results if you prepare in advance. Just

g By JACINTA CARROLL because you are in front of your computer doesn’t mean you should rely on having answers written out in front of you. You should prepare such that you are able to have a natural conversation without reading directly from a script, which can seem rehearsed and unnatural. Prepare for questions just like you would for a normal interview. Even though this particular interview is hosted online, don’t forget to review your traditional interview skills. 4. Limit distractions: Ensure that you conduct the interview in a quiet room with no distractions. Choose a nice clean space and try to place your laptop on a table or a desk instead of on your lap or on the couch. Tell others in the house about the room that you are using and the time of the interview to ensure that the house stays quiet and free of distractions.

5. Body Language: Virtual interviewing limits the ability to communicate with body language. During your interview ensure that your camera is placed in a way that your face is in the middle of the screen. Find other ways to greet the interviewer and to exude enthusiasm, like smiling and maintaining good eye contact. 6. Follow up: It’s good practice to send a follow-up email within 24 hours of the interview, thanking the interviewer for their time and letting them know that you are available if they require any additional questions answered. 7. Stay calm: Most importantly, don’t stress too much about the process! Remain calm and relaxed throughout the interview. g IRD Duhallow’s Job Centre is continuing to offer guidance and support via phone and email. If you are out of employment and would like support or guidance, contact Jacinta on 029-60633 or via email on jacinta.carroll@irdduhallow.com.

You can now read all of our issues online by visiting www.irdduhallow.com/other-publications/discover-duhallow-local-community-news

or alternatively simply google search: ‘Discover Duhallow Community News’

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Issue 17 May 1, 2020

Advertising

Issue 17 May 1, 2020

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Crossword sponsored by Bob’s Bar & Restaurant, Kanturk

€20 voucher for use at Bob’s Bar & Restaurant, Kanturk Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 4.30-8.30pm Thursday: 4.30-8.30pm Friday: 4.30-8.30pm Saturday: 2.00-8.30pm Sunday: 2.00-8.30pm

To be in with a chance to win a €20 voucher from Bob’s Bar & Restaurant in Kanturk for food/drinks, complete the crossword below and post with your name & contact details to: Discover Duhallow Puzzle Competition, James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket, Co Cork Or simply scan completed puzzle or take a snap with your phone and email to: info@discoverduhallow.com

WIN! Terms & Conditions: Deadline for submissions is Friday, May 8th, 2020. First correct entry drawn will win a €20 voucher, valid for three months from date of issue, to be redeemed for food / drinks from Bob’s Bar & Restaurant, Kanturk. No cash alternative. Winner will be named in subsequent issue of Discover Duhallow. No correspondence will be entered into. Voucher to be collected from Bob’s Bar & Restaurant, Kanturk.

Across 1. Hanker (5) 3. Lariat (5) 6. Decimal base (3) 8. Conundrums (7) 9. Garret (5) 10. Dull pain (4) 13. Long narrative poem (4) 14. Commence (5) 17. Vegetable (7) 18. Novel (3) 19. Nursemaid (5) 20. Synthetic fabric (5)

Down 1. Abominable snowman (4) 2. Serviette (6) 3. Indolent (4) 4. Choice (9) 5. Marine mollusc (6) 7. Sustenance (9) 11. Time of year (6) 12. Gentle breeze (6) 15. Untrusting (4) 16. Aquatic bird (4)

Solution: Issue 16, April 17, 2020

Solution in Issue 18, May 15, 2020

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WINNER! Well done to John Nolan, Lyreneague, Rockchapel, Mallow, Co. Cork who wins a €20 voucher from Bob’s Bar & Restaurant, Kanturk!

Issue 17 May 1, 2020

Kanturk

Special thanks to frontline staff

Scoil Mhuire Kanturk’s community were asked to create video clips to thank our frontline workers. They came up with many creative ways – everything from art and crafts to cupcakes and sport – to thank our wonderful frontline workers.

We thank them all for their artistic talents in creating this collage. This video is on the school’s social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Well done everyone, and sincere thanks to all our frontline staff.

LAG chairman signs LEADER contracts Cllr Bernard Moynihan, Chairman of North Cork Local Action Group (LAG) – despite the current Covid-19 restrictions – has signed three new IRD Duhallow LEADER contracts. These include Kanturk Playground, Boherbue Wild Flower Garden and Banteer Sportsfield renewable energy project. Issue 17 May 1, 2020

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St. Theresa’s Place turns 70

In the year that Mayo were hailed the All Ireland Football Champions, and Tipperary beat the Cats in the hurling, there was also a lot of excitement in Kanturk: 1950 brought the hugely anticipated addition of St Theresa’s Place Council houses in Kanturk. The Residents Association have been preparing since before Christmas with the support of past residents and present members to celebrate our 70th Birthday party. Plans were well advanced with the aid of IRD Duhallow and Allenweld’s event flooring in the planning of the mass and social gathering. The residents have all been preparing the flower gardens, lawns, beds and baskets to highlight the beauty of our area. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has cancelled the festivities that were planned for this May to celebrate the 70th Birthday, but the sense of community has shone through by the many offers of assistance and random acts of kindness. Hopefully we will have lots of walkers through St Theresa’s Place again this year to admire our efforts and enjoy the displays, and hopefully we will all be able to gather again in the near future to enjoy each other’s company.

Feature

Blackbird

Photo by Jerry Cassidy

Blackcap

Bullfinch

Photo by Michael Finn

Chaffinch

Collared dove

Photo by Phil McIver

Photo by Brendan Shiels

Photo by David Dillon

Photo by Dick Coombes

Coal tit

Photo by Padraig Kavanagh

Feral pigeon Photo by Richard T. Mills

Goldcrest

Photo by Carl Morrow

Greenfinch

Photo by Michael Finn

Goldfinch

Photo by Carl Morrow

Great tit

Hooded crow

Photo by Michael Finn

House martin Photo by Fiona van Dokkum

Blue tit

Photo by Carl Morrow

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House sparrow Photo by Padraig Kavanagh Issue 17 May 1, 2020

Feature

Birds to watch out for Here is a selection of birds for you to keep an eye out for – tick them off as you go! The photographs are all courtesy of https://birdwatchireland.ie – we

encourage you to become a member on their fantastic website, and also log on to https://www. irdduhallow.com/environment/ duhallow-birdwatch-group.

Watch out for future issues of Discover Duhallow, where we will be providing more information about the birds featured here – get set to become an expert birdwatcher!

Jackdaw

Photo by Michael Finn

Long-tailed tit Photo by Birdwatch Ireland

Magpie

Mistle thrush

Photo by Peter Walsh

Pied wagtail

Robin

Rook

Photo by Ronnie Martin

Swift

Photo by Dick Coombes

Issue 17 May 1, 2020

Starling

Photo by Shay Connolly

Photo by Michael Finn

Woodpigeon Photo by Richard T. Mills info@discoverduhallow.com

Photo by Michael Finn

Photo by Birdwatch Ireland

Swallow

Photo by Michael Finn

Wren

Photo by Michael Finn

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Issue 17 May 1, 2020

Millstreet

Millstreet CS students succeed in film and business A young entrepreneur attending Millstreet Community School has made it to the national finals of the Student Enterprise Awards Competition 2019/2020, while TY French students have won an award for film. Félicitations to our TY French students and their teacher Ms. Power, on winning the prestigious Best Film (Senior) Category in the French Teachers Association Film Competition 2020. The film, entitled Ile d'Amour, is a hilarious interpretation of Love Island and is a very worthy winner of this award. The theme of this year's competition was ‘Voyage’ and following an initial class brainstorm it was decided to do a version of Love Island auditions in the style of X Factor. Well done to students Éabha Sheehan (directing, filming, editing, acting) David O’Brien, Airidas Cesnauskas, Adam McGroary, Fia Hurley, Taragh Casey, Ciarán O’Sullivan (actors) Juliet Bailey, Alicia Sibindi, Ruth Connolly (props).

Jodie O’Callaghan’s product is a wall hanging for keys and dog leads This developed the class’s spoken French and green-screen video recording and editing. You'll find the film on the school website, millstreetcommunityschool.ie. Congratulations also to Jodie O’Callaghan, TY, who has been selected to represent Local Enterprise Office South Cork in the senior category at the National Final of the Student Enterprise Awards Competition 2019/2020. Her product is the JK9, a a petthemed wall hanging for keys and dog leads. (The name is a combination of Jodie’s initial and K9 as an abbreviation of canine.)

Jodie’s progress to date has seen her imagine an innovative and popular product; source raw materials and initiate a recycling scheme; impress supporters and get advice; design both a product and a method of mass production; develop woodworking skills; conduct market research; problem solve for a variety of issues; create a business plan; develop a marketing strategy - and this all led to a product that is so popular, Jodie's biggest problem now is keeping up with the demand. Best of luck to Jodie, and her teacher, Mr Kelleher.

Boherbue

TY group wins five weanlings to rear Boherbue Comprehensive School TY group ‘Rebel Angus’ have qualified for the National Final of the Certified Irish Angus Beef Competition. The group are one of five schools out of 32 (and the only Cork school) to reach the finals. They won five Aberdeen Angus weanlings which they will receive in September and will be in charge of rearing for the next two years. The winner of the competition will be announced in March 2022 winning an additional €2000. The group are comprised of Amy Walsh, David Kenny, Rachel Breen and their teacher Ms. Lorraine Heelan.

Issue 17 May 1, 2020

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News

Help those at risk of or bereaved by suicide Pieta House has issued an urgent appeal to help those at risk of or bereaved by suicide during the Covid-19 pandemic. The charityâ€™s main fundraising event, Darkness Into Light, has had to be postponed. Without the funds raised by this event, all of Pietaâ€™s services are now facing an immediate and devastating financial crisis. More than 80% of their funds come from the public, and they need you to help them

keep their lifesaving services available to those who need them most, especially during these darkest days. As there will be no Darkness Into Light walk this May, Pieta and Electric Ireland would like to invite everyone to show community and

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solidarity with those impacted by suicide by getting up at 5.30am on Saturday, 9th May to watch the sunrise from their homes. Please spread the message and offer hope by wearing a Darkness Into Light T-shirt, or anything yellow, and sharing your sunrise moment using #DILSunriseAppeal #DIL2020 on social media. Visit www.darknessintolight.ie for more details â€“ and please make a donation to this vital cause.

Issue 17 May 1, 2020

Pet Corner

Prevention always better g By JANE PIGOTT GP vet & Consultant Veterinary Cardiologist

Many of the queries I answer these days are regarding routine preventative treatments in our pets during this time, such as flea/worm treatments and annual vaccinations. Are they still important to continue during this time, or can they safely be postponed until a later date? Flea and worm treatments are important to continue during this time; believe me, preventing an infestation is far, far easier than dealing with eradicating worms or fleas from all over the house. What’s worse, given the extra time we are spending with our pets, the chances of us picking up worms, particularly for children, from pets in the household is high if the pet is not receiving regular preventive de-worming treatment. Even if you can’t see worms in the pet poo, the worm eggs may still be there, invisible to the naked eye! In general, for an adult dog or cat, preventative de-worming is required at least every three months, as they will pick up worm eggs from the environment and other in-contact pets. As for fleas and other ‘small visitors’ such as ticks, mites and lice, as the weather gets warmer their numbers in the environment grow, and with the recent spell of beautiful sunshine, you can be sure they are out in their droves. Preventative spot-on or tablet treatments are available, and

Issue 17 May 1, 2020

If vaccinations have to be delayed, keep your dog on lead when out treatment is required from monthly to every three months depending on which product you use. Battling a flea infestation is no fun – all fabric in the house has to be hot-washed and a special flea killing spray sprayed in the house – a situation best avoided at all costs by prevention! If these treatments fall due during this period of restriction, it is best to contact your local vet before you intend to collect the products so that they can have them ready to go in order to help minimise contact. If you are cocooning, contact your vet to see how they can best help you to obtain the preventative treatments you need for your pet. At our hospital, Island Wood Veterinary Hospital, we are happy to post out flea and worm treatments to our cocooning clients to help during this difficult time. The same goes for pets on long term medications – give your vet plenty of notice before you run out of tablets so that they can ensure that they are in stock and ready to be collected or posted as required. Annual vaccinations are important to prevent a host of dangerous infectious diseases, however during this time the

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current advice is that annual vaccinations should be postponed until after the restrictions are lifted. Vaccinations are generally due every 12 months, but there is a leeway of an extra month or two before the immunity to disease lowers. If your pet is overdue for its vaccination now, we advise that they are kept on lead when out walking to prevent contact with other pets and that wooded areas or waterways are avoided as these represent ‘hotspots’ where infection could easily be picked up. Once restrictions have lifted, we can get them back on track with their vaccinations easily by giving them two injections a few weeks apart (just like when they were puppies/kittens). At our hospitals, Island Wood Vets in Newmarket and Millstreet Vet Group, we will be giving the extra second injection required to get pets back on track for free as we will be operating a vaccination amnesty to help pet owners out in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. If you have recently acquired a new pup or kitten, please contact your local vet for detailed advice on how to keep your new arrival safe from infectious diseases during this period.

Health

Boost your immune system By MAIREAD O’KEEFFE As Covid-19 is a virus, with no vaccine or effective treatment yet found, we rely on our bodies’ health and immune system to fight it, and our behaviour to avoid contact with it. Social distancing, hand-washing and avoiding touching your face can all help to prevent you coming into contact with the virus. If we do get Covid-19, we need to ensure that our bodies will be able to cope, and there are lots of ways we can boost our immune system. 1. Get a good balance of exercise and rest to keep your body healthy and your immune system strong. Aim for eight hours sleep a night. When you sleep, your immune system releases proteins called cytokine. Certain cytokines need to increase when you have an infection or inflammation. 2. Look after your gut health. 70% of your immune system is located in your gut. It is very important to eat a colourful, unprocessed diet which is rich in fibre to support gut health and provide vitamins and minerals. It can be helpful to take a probiotic to improve your gut health. Probiotics are bacteria and yeasts that are good for you. Taking a probiotic supplement can help balance your ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria. To

Some of the immune-boosting products offered by New Leaf

strengthen and heal the lining of the gut, omega 3 oils can help. These can be in the form of fish oils – if you are looking for a great tasting liquid fish oil locally made, Somega is suitable for all the family. Vegan omega 3 oils available include Udos Oil or Testa Omega 3 capsules. 3. Supplement with key immune supporting nutrients and ingredients such as zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, elderberry and beta glucans. Vitamin D is increasingly being highlighted as playing an important role

in helping our bodies to handle respiratory illness. In recent Irish studies, vitamin D deficiency was found to be common, particularly amongst the older population. Our bodies produce it in response to the sun. It is also present in oily fish, liver, cheese and eggs. It can be hard to get enough vitamin D from your food or from sunshine so it is helpful to supplement your vitamin D intake. At New Leaf we have a wide variety of supplements, including vitamin D sprays, tablets, and liquids and a wide range of fish oils in liquid or capsule form. Our New Leaf Stores are still open in Kanturk and Charleville and the staff here are able to give you personal advice according to your individual situation. If you can't come in and need a delivery, or you would like us to prepare your order for you in advance, contact us by phone on 029-51922 or 063-30015.

UCD launches National Covid-19 Food Study UCD has just launched a National COVID-19 Food Study in response to the current global pandemic. Using an online survey, it aims to capture changes that people have made to their food habits due to COVID-19 restrictions. Public health issues and

national emergencies like the current COVID-19 situation can have significant effects on our food availability and the food choices that we may make. Understanding the impact that the current COVID-19 situation is having on our lifestyle and diet is important so that we can be

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better prepared to adapt in the event of future similar situations. The online survey takes just 1015 minutes to complete, and you can also enter a draw to win a €50 All4One voucher. Go to covidfood.ie to take the survey – and please pass on to anyone over 18 living in Ireland.

Issue 17 May 1, 2020

Beauty

Skincare: Simplicity is key My name is Sinead Murphy and I am the owner of Finishing Touch Beauty Salon in Ballydesmond as well as the creator of my own award-winning organic skincare line, Blumáin Organic Skincare. My passion for skincare led me to creating my own line as I wanted to make affordable but high quality products. My skincare products are all certified organic through the Irish Organic Association and contain only the finest organic vegetable oils, essential oils, botanical extracts and active ingredients. I believe that good skincare does not have to be complicated, it’s all about finding products that work for your skin and your lifestyle and learning how best to use them. With the current restrictions in

place, most of us have more time than usual for a little selfcare so it’s the perfect time to get into a good skincare routine. Once you have the basics of cleansing, toning and moisturising down, it’s time to move onto treatments that are really going to make your skin glow. The first of those is exfoliating. An exfoliation should be done once a week (twice max) and it can make such a big difference to your skin. On the surface of our skin we tend to get a build up of dead skin, especially after the long Winter when our skin usually gets more dry. By exfoliating once a week, we get rid of that build up of dead skin, leaving our skin smooth and refined. It also allows any other products we may be

applying to soak in better and work more effectively. A serum is another great product to add your routine. Your serum will be the most potent product in your routine and will be packed with active ingredients to treat a whole host of issues like fine lines, collagen production, skin cell regeneration etc. It would be applied after toning or exfoliating and before any eye creams and moisturisers.. For more hints, tips and tricks be sure to check out my Instagram and Facebook pages where I share Information and videos about my products and how best to use them. The products are available to buy online through my website www.blumainorganicskincare.ie and at my salon in Ballydesmond when it reopens but feel free to contact me about any skincare advice needed in the meantime.

Top wedding day hairstyle tips Whether you go for a timeless up-do, Hollywood waves or glam vintage style, your hair is the finishing touch to your bridal look. You need a stylist you can trust to bring your vision to life, writes Clare Clernon Scibirowska of The Hair Studio, Kanturk. My advice for your wedding hair would be always have a trial four to six weeks before your wedding, not too early as this way everything is nearly finalised like hair accessories and jewellery picked. Thanks to Pinterest, finding inspiration for your hairstyle is easier than ever. Don’t choose just one inspiration photo – you should find a whole collection of photos so you can pick particular things you like about each one so your stylist gets a better idea of the overall style.

Issue 17 May 1, 2020

Many brides try to go with a different look than what they are used to – why not look at old photos of styles you loved when you were a wedding guest, that way you will know what you will be most confident and comfortable with. Then your stylist can enhance that look to create the bridal wow factor. To veil or not to veil, that is the question. Nowadays the options are endless, not everyone chooses a veil. It all depends how you have

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dreamt of your look. Make sure to always try on veils when fitting wedding dresses as you might just find the perfect one. If veils aren’t your thing, there are a variety of different hair pieces like bird cage veils, hairbands, hair drapes, combs or hair pins which can all be added to compliment your look. I opted not to wear a veil for my wedding but knew I needed to add something so I came across a rustic, flower-shaped brooch then sewed a hair comb onto it so it could slide comfortably into my hair. They don’t always have to be made specifically for hair, it could be a sentimental piece from a loved one like a brooch, chain or flowers – or sometimes less is more, just a beautiful hairstyle is all you really need to compliment your look.

Feature

The terrors of May Eve By RAYMOND O’SULLIVAN A piseog is usually a relatively harmless superstition, but what was referred to in the past as ‘working piseogs’ was a dark and evil practice intended to bring harm to people. Our grandparents believed implicitly in it but, thankfully, it has practically disappeared in this age of science and enlightenment. It generally, though not exclusively, applied to farming, and its object was to bring bad luck on a neighbour and transfer the riches of his or her enterprise to that of the perpetrator. The latter was usually a woman – the power to ‘work piseogs’ was believed to pass from mother to daughter, and they were very well known in their communities. May Eve was the danger zone and a significant part of the black magic, as with the ‘voodoo doll’, was to let the victims know that the ‘evil eye’ was on them. Placing eggs or meat or maybe a dead chicken, the leg of a calf or the clearing of a cow that had aborted. on the victim’s farm were classic devices. It would be impossible to go into any great detail of other malevolent means used in these few lines but some horrific tales are told of

Masses were offered in barns and byres to ward off those ‘working piseogs’ skimming dew off of grass with a dead man’s hand, or the hand of an unbaptised baby was even more effective. People lived in terror of May Eve! Some farmers stayed up all night guarding their property. They shook holy water on their crops and animals and all around the boundaries of their farms. Masses were offered in farmhouses, barns and byres with a special invocation to St. Michael the Archangel, the Devil’s deadliest adversary, in an effort to exorcise the curse.

It was believed that some women had the power to work piseogs

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It all seems incredible to us nowadays, but people were extremely superstitious in the past and one cannot help wondering if they didn’t draw much of the harm on themselves with worry and horror when they found the eggs in the hay or the dead chicken in the haggard. Maybe they were working hard, doing their best, but things were not going well, and they looked around in desperation and suspicion at a neighbour who seemed to be thriving. Could that sort of thing happen again in the troubled and uncertain world we live in today? Does something that is deeply ingrained in the psyche of a people for hundreds, maybe thousands, of years, disappear in a generation or two? The sean-fhocal says: ”Ná dean nós, agus ná bris nós” (Don’t make a custom, and don’t break a custom), but let us hope and pray the link is broken, that we have outgrown this vile, satanic sorcery and that it remains banished in the deepest and darkest recesses of history where it belongs.

Issue 17 May 1, 2020

Castlemagner Castlemagner Tidy Towns: In line with public health advice, the 2020 SuperValu TidyTowns Competition has been cancelled. We hope to be back bigger and better for 2021! Castlemagner Walking Group: With restrictions in place the walking group has been put on hold for the moment but Shirley has been keeping everyone active with her home workout videos, all available on YouTube at www. youtube.com/channel/UCZwRSWv H8v1MGK434cArsbw

Poster competition to bring smiles Castlemagner Community Development Association are running a poster competition, with the theme ‘What makes me smile!’. Category 1: Junior infants, senior infants 1st Class; Category 2: 2nd, 3rd and 4th Class; Category 3: 5th and 6th Class. Prizes for the best entries will be €10 book vouchers.

Posters will be displayed in the community noticeboard in the village when restrictions are lifted. We are asking for a little help from all parents to submit entries, please find us on Facebook and enter under the poster competition post at www.facebook.com/ CastlemagnerCDA. Closing date: 15th May.

Newmarket As I stroll around the wood the words that Dan O’Connell penned all those years ago in New York often come to mind: “In the lovely Island Wood where with pride we often stood gazing at the scenic beauty all around.” Things may have changed a lot since then but what hasn’t is that the Island Wood remains a habitat for the trees, flora and fauna that thrive there and it is an important sanctuary for all that use it. Seasonally, the wood brings different surprises, colours, scents and stirrings of life. From when the catkins first appear on the hazel, to the emergence of the first wild flowers such as celandine, primroses, dog violets, wood anemone, wood sorrell, to the

A year in the Island Wood eventual carpeting of the woodland floor with the delicate bluebell and the multitude of other species that follow on throughout the Summer, the wood is a vibrant haven from the brisk pace of the modern world.

The Island Wood is renowned for its array of mature tree species from oaks and ashes to beeches and Scots pines. However, its most famous inhabitant is its Douglas fir, referred to locally as ‘the twelve apostles tree’ which was titled so due to its twelve branches. As Spring comes to an end, it is often observed ‘oak before ash we are in for a splash, ash before oak we are in for a soak’ – happily the ash seldom ventures into leaf before the oak. The Island Wood is a diverse landscape that supports a wide range of trees and plants that rely on each other to survive, long may it continue to give us joy and memories. – Source: ‘A year in the Island Wood’, Instagram

IN THE FRAME

Readers are invited to share their photographs with us – the best will be featured here. Be sure to caption your image and provide your full name and details of where the photo was taken. Email it to us at: info@discoverduhallow.com

Issue 17 May 1, 2020

Social distancing done right Photo by Eileen O'Connor, Taur info@discoverduhallow.com

Kid’s Corner

Let’s colour!

Join the dots!

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Issue 17 May 1, 2020

Sport

Duhallow Sports Greats Q & A 1. What/who inspired you to become a sportsperson in your field? I didn’t actually set out to be a sportsperson, I just wanted to find what I was good at and eventually I found rugby at 15 and took 10 long years of really hard graft before I made it to professional rugby. Danny Culloty was my hero – as a kid we drove him mad looking for autographs... every day. 2. What was the moment that you knew you were on the right track? I don’t think I ever did – there were a lot of games played on Saturdays and Sundays over many years, when I started to see players getting selected for Munster that I thought I was better than, they came and went, and I’d like to think I took my chance when it came. 3. What is your greatest strength? Right now I think it’s resilience – it’s something I didn’t have for many years and was really struggling. It just means that I can deal with what life throws at me and have the tools to deal with all the stresses and pressures life throws at you. 4. What is your greatest sporting achievement? First cap for Ireland in Argentina was special for me, something I will never forget. 5. What is your greatest personal achievement? Achieving all my personal goals when I set out in professional sport. 6. What was the greatest challenge you faced in your career and how did you overcome it? Overcoming severe mental health difficulties. After many years of treatment and medication we finally found the solution

Issue 17 May 1, 2020

TONY BUCKLEY Former Ireland rugby union player Tony Buckley, from Newmarket, was born on September 18th, 1980 and was educated at Boherbue Comprehensive School and Newbridge College. He first started playing rugby for Kanturk R.F.C. He was capped for Leinster Schools before playing for Shannon RFC. He joined Munster from Connacht in 2005 and in April 2007 was named in the Irish squad for a tour of Argentina. He was added to the 2007 Rugby World Cup and 2008 Six Nations Championship squads. He was selected in Ireland's training squad for the 2011 World Cup, and won a place in the final 30-man squad to go to New Zealand, scoring his first World Cup try against Russia. The 6 ft 5ins tighthead won 25 caps for Ireland over the course of his career, retiring in June 2014. and thankfully I have been doing really well since. It’s really difficult to overcome this as a player and the supports weren’t there when I played, so the road to recovery started when I retired. 7. Who supported you the most in your career? Obviously the women in my life were always there for me, starting off with my mother and then my wife Elaine who was always there through the good times and the bad and no shortage of injuries and operations – she would’ve made a great nurse! 8. What advice would you give to young players just starting out? Look after your education first, play as hard as you can, train as hard as you can and enjoy

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yourself. It’s a game you play for fun and when its not fun any more there is no point in playing it. Learn about emotions and mental health to prevent what happened to me happening to you. 9. What do you do outside of sports? 5-a-side soccer, walking in the Island Wood with our dogs, shouting at my kids, avoiding housework. 10. What are your goals going forward? I achieved all the goals that I had when I started out and getting a permanent job in a pharmaceutical plant was my last one which I achieved last week, so going forward nothing crazy, just to get more active and enjoy life a little more with my wife and kids.

Twohig Group Kanturk Twohig Abbeyfeale & Askeaton 1 WEEK

MAY

STRIPLOIN

FILLET IRISH

SAV E

33%

RIB EYE

IRISH

SAV E

FRESH

FISH

33%

Check out SuperValu.ie for fish tacos recipe

SPE CI AL O FFERS

€9

FRO M

€2

S av e € 2 . 49

TORRES SANGRE DE TORO 75cl was €11.49

€2 EACH EACH Rudd’s Black/Whit White Pudding 280g - €7.14/ €7.14/kg was €2.39, €10.42/kg was €3.09, €2.50 EACH Rudd’s Black & Whit White Roulade 240g - €10.42/ ges 330g - €7.58/ €7.58/kg was as €3.30, Dr Dry Cure/Smoked Traditional Jumbo Sausages €13.89/kg was cher Style S Pork ork Sausages Sausa 324g - €7.72/ as €3, Butcher Rashers 180g - €13.89/ kg was €3.30, Premium Sausages ges 454g - €5.51/ €5.51/kg was as €3.49, Sausage Sausa Roulade de 240g - €10.42/ €10.42/kg was as €3, Mini Pudding Chubb 240g - €10.42/ €10.42/kg was €2.69, Premium Chorizo White €12.20/ was €3 e Pudding 205g - €12.20/kg

THE PERFECT MAT MA TCH TO ACCOMPANY YOUR STEAK

€9 S av e € 2 . 99

YELLOW TAI TAIL SAUVIGNON BLANC 75cl was €11.99

Offerrs valid from Thursday 30th Aprill - Wednesday W 13th May 2020, unless oth herwise stated.

SERVING VING THE COMMUNITY FOR 65 YEARS AND LOOKING L FORWARD WARD TO TO MANY MORE!