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Issue 18: May 15, 2020

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TRIBUTE TO OUR SELFLESS VOLUNTEERS: PAGE 3

Birds of prey poisoned Buzzard Photo by Brian Carruthers

Outrage after 23 buzzards die Birdwatch Ireland has recently announced the shocking news that the largest mass poisoning of Irish birds of prey in a decade has taken place in County Cork. The cruel use of poisoned meat baits in an attempt to

eradicate raptors has resulted in scores of deaths â€“ with 23 buzzards found dead in a single instance and other birds of prey also falling victim to the illegal practice.

ď § See page 5

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

Allow your lawn to flower With Easter having passed us by, the weather improving and the ground beginning to dry out, many gardeners’ minds are turned towards their lawns. The lawn is a traditional feature of suburban gardens that without a doubt has its place, particularly in a garden with young children but they really are a conundrum. We give over huge areas of planting to a species that we never allow to flower, meaning that pollen isn't produced for our bees to harvest. At the first sign of any flowering weeds appearing amongst the grass, we destroy them with killer concoctions. And we use vast quantities of petroleum and electricity in keeping them perfectly trimmed so they look nice and controlled for us and the neighbours. How sustainable is this realistically, for us and our environment? The level of biological diversity in an environment is determined by how many types of organisms share a space. But a typical Irish lawn represents a type of monoculture — a manicured carpet of green, a single turfgrass variety, with synthetic fertilizers and weedkillers enforcing the uniformity. In this kind of environment, even the occasional weeds tend to be the same. Ecologists worry that this type of monoculture helps to create biological deserts. Their

No lawn is complete without daisies 2

Do your first cut at the end of June to allow dandelions to flower for bees lack of biodiversity makes them more susceptible to pests and diseases. But we don’t have to ditch the lawn altogether. Approaching lawn care with a different mindset can create an environment that can suit all the family, and benefit the myriad of creatures that share our space. All you need is to make two very simple changes to your routine. First of all, you do not have to abandon your lawn and mower but raise the height of the blades so each cut is higher than 10cm. Hold out for your first cut until the end of June, to allow dandelions to flower for the bees. You will be amazed by the variety of flowers that will appear amongst the grass, without any need of introduction. Species such as clovers and vetches are very beneficial for the grass as they are nitrogen fixers and so feed the soil as they grow, stitchwort’s and creeping jennies are delicate little flowers that will have lain dormant in the soil, awaiting their chance to shine. And no lawn is complete without daisies.

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Leave a month between each cut until autumn. If you need a route to the washing line or shed, mow just a path. One of the worst mistakes we make with our lawns is using a ‘weed and feed’ strategy to kill weeds. This approach may help the grass plants, but it completely ignores the underlying soil, where biodiversity begins. Healthy soil is full of life, from earthworms to beneficial organisms that keep pests in check. Chemical fertilizers do nothing to cultivate good soil and tend to run off into bodies of water where they damage the ecosystem. By leaving lawn clippings and mulched leaves on your lawn after mowing, you allow those nutrients to return to the soil. If you wish to increase the number of flowering plants, remove the grass clippings after every other cut. Very simple changes to lawn care can have a very large impact on the level of biodiversity in an area and can bring life back to the garden.

Issue 18 May 15, 2020

Duhallow news

CELEBRATING VOLUNTEERS The novelty of the lockdown has worn off and we are increasingly counting down the days to freedom. In such times it is natural to look out for oneself – your health, wellness and sanity. However, for many, their minds are elsewhere. It is fitting that this spirit is acknowledged in these trying times. We have all become aware of the importance of our immediate community in our lives. Whether it is the friendly phone call or the daily delivery of meals, the importance of volunteers has quite literally come to our front door. We are thankful that there existed a strong network of volunteers across Ireland whose numbers have only grown over the past six weeks. These are the people on the phone to tradespeople between bouts of home-schooling, these are the people chasing down leases while fitting in a 60-hour week, these are the people who focus on others instead of themselves despite their well-earned retirement. These are the people fixing playgrounds, upgrading walks and maintaining the meeting rooms. These are the people who were told ‘to do something about it’ by well-meaning family

By CONOR JUDGE

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Volunteers are ordinary people who fulfil an extraordinary role made apparent in extraordinary times

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members and went out to do it. Here at IRD Duhallow, we are indebted to the work of our voluntary Board, Working Group and Committee members. They provide their time and expertise to help maintain the strong community oversight that we require which has been a central tenet of the organisation since its inception. It might be clichéd to say

that they ‘take time out of their busy schedules’ but it is true, many volunteer in multiple organisations while working full time and balancing a young family. Volunteers are ordinary people who fulfil an extraordinary role made apparent in extraordinary times. Although we often remarked that ‘your health is your wealth’ in days gone by, it was easy to forget this in a world that put profit and progress in front of our most basic needs. The return of basic values, at least temporarily, of health, community, volunteerism is edifying as opposed to narrow economic judgement and partisan politics. There is nothing so disempowering as dependence and we must all be thankful for the volunteers out there that not only make our communities a better area to live but in doing so give us agency and control over our place and our wider lives. We must be thankful to those who ‘are doing something about it’ because in doing so, they remind us that so can we. Cork Volunteer Week runs virtually over May 18th-24th. More details can be found at volunteercork.ie.

‘Real prayer is organic’ Do you ever wish you were closer to God? Do you sometimes feel a twinge of guilt for neglecting prayer? Do you envy the people who seem to have it altogether? Do you long for peace and stillness of heart? Many people today think they cannot pray. If you are among these people or if you just need encouragement for your ongoing prayer journey – take heart. Real prayer is organic, it grows out of your own life, personality, needs and rhythms.

Issue 18 May 15, 2020

By SISTER HELEN CANNING Mercy House, Kanturk

Each day and every moment are filled with opportunities for prayer. If we seize these moments, we open ourselves to the greatest enrichment and most effective therapy possible. Prayer isn’t for specialists, prayer is for you and for me. When prayer invites you to take risks, have courage, God will uphold you. Today appreciate the beauty surrounding you, and you’ll recognise that God is here, there and everywhere.

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Birdwatch Hen harrier Photo courtesy Birdwatch Ireland

Irish Name: Lon dubh Scientific name: Turdus merula Bird family: Thrushes Status: Resident – and winter visitor from Norway, Sweden, Germany and Denmark. One of Ireland's top 20 most widespread garden birds. Identification: The most

Irish Name: Cromán na gearc Scientific name: Circus cyaneus Bird family: Raptors Status: Breeds in the uplands and bogs of Ireland Identification: 41-52cm long with a 97-122 cm wingspan. Females and juveniles similar – brown with white

common and widespread member of the thrush family In Ireland. The male’s all black plumage and bright yellow bill is unmistakable, however females are much browner, with speckles on the upper breast. Often cocks its long tail when alarmed or when running along the ground.

rump and dark rings on the tail, hence often referred to collectively as 'ringtails'. Females are bigger than males. Males are very distinctive, strikingly pale below, with blue grey upper parts and jet black wing-tips. Hen harriers have somewhat of an owl-like face, which is accentuated in female birds.

Blackbird Photo by Jerry Cassidy

Visit https://birdwatchireland.ie & https://www.irdduhallow.com/environment/duhallow-birdwatch-group

Blackcap Photo by Brendan Shiels

Irish Name: Corcrán coille Scientific name: Pyrrhula pyrrhula Bird family: Finches Status: Resident. Additional birds arrive from the Continent in winter. Identification: Named for its ‘bullish’ neck, the bullfinch is a stocky bird. At around 15cm long they are roughly

Irish Name: Caipín dubh Scientific name: Sylvia atricapilla Bird family: Warblers Status: Passage migrant mainly in spring and autumn to headlands on southern and western coasts. One of Ireland's top 20 most widespread garden birds Identification: About the

the same size as a house sparrow. Males have a black cap, face, wings and tail, a pale bar on each wing, and white rump patch, pencilgrey back and reddish-rose breast and belly. Females look similar, but breast and belly are greyish brown. Young birds are browner, and lack the black cap.

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same size as a robin. Adult male blackcaps have a distinct black cap, covering most of the head. The rest of the body is grey, while the vent is white. Adult female blackcaps have a pale brown cap, similar in extent to that of the male. The rest of the body is grey-brown, not as dark as the male.

Bullfinch Photo by Michael Finn

Issue 18 May 15, 2020

Birdwatch Wildlife criminals have struck again, callously killing birds of prey in the largest mass poisoning seen in Ireland in a decade. Birdwatch Ireland announced the discovery of 23 buzzards in County Cork illegally exterminated with the use of meat baits laced with outlawed toxins. In January there was also widespread revulsion after the death of a rare, protected hen harrier named Mary by the same means. She had been fitted with a tracking device as part of the EU Hen Harrier LIFE project, which Manx BirdLife and the RSPB, Birdwatch Ireland’s UK BirdLife International partner, had been using to monitor her movements and survival. The appalling practice of poisoning birds of prey in rural Ireland has taken an even more sinister twist, with the use of live bait in the form of domesticated pigeons laced with deadly toxins that pose not just a threat to wildlife but also to humans and pets. In one instance, live pigeons with their wings clipped were tethered in close proximity to a buzzards’ nest and covered with illegal carbofuran poison. Beside the partially consumed carcass of one of the pigeons, volunteers found two of the three buzzard chicks from the nest. The young birds had died instantly after feeding on one of the poisoned pigeons. Another raptor – a sparrowhawk – was also discovered dead at the scene.

Revulsion as birds of prey die from poisoning

Eurasian buzzard Photo: Birdwatch Ireland

tethered as bait and attempted to free them, the consequences could If children had have proved fatal. found live birds Hen harriers are fully protected laced with such in Ireland under the EU Birds Directive and, under the national poisons tethered as Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended), to bait and attempted kill or injure one is a criminal to free them, the offence. Despite this, hen harriers consequences could and other protected birds of prey continue to be killed, or disappear have proved fatal in suspicious circumstances. The National Parks and Wildlife Carbofuran poison was also used Service (NPWS) is actively investigating a number of such suspected in the killing of the hen harrier, crimes and is appealing for any Mary. The use both of carbofuran information. If anyone has seen and of poisoned meat bait are anything suspicious, NPWS urges serious criminal offences. Experts have said that if children had found them to report it to the Gardai or a live birds laced with such poisons local Conservation Ranger.

‘

’

Ensuring the hen harrier stays in our skies The hen harrier is one of Ireland’s most spectacular and special birds of prey, yet is also one of our most threatened species. IRD Duhallow promotes awareness, research, understanding and protection of our local environment and when it comes to nationally and internationally important species such as the hen harrier, we feel a particular duty to help ensure they remain a sight on our landscape as they always have

Issue 18 May 15, 2020

Hen harrier Photo: IRD Duhallow

been. Advances in modern technology have enabled us to progress this cutting edge research with National Parks and Wildlife Service, using state-of-the-art satellite trackers. The travels of four young hen harriers from the Duhallow Region of East Kerry and North Cork, which began in 2012, can be followed on an almost daily basis, with updates available on the project website – henharrierireland.blogspot.com

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COVID-19 ADVICE COVID-19 Home Crime Prevention Advice

COVID-19 Home Crime Prevention Advice KEEP UNEXPECTED CALLERS OUT Do not open the door. Use the door chain. Look for ID. Use only the services of people you know and trust. If you require assistance call your local garda station. Keep a lookout for friends and neighbours while adhering to appropriate physical distancing.

Keep lights on inside and out. Do not keep large amounts of cash at home. Keep valuables & keys out of sight. Be alert to online and telephone scams. Do not share personal or financial data. For up to date advice on it COVID-19 vis HSE.ie

Visit www.garda.ie ffor or more crime prevention advice An Garda Síochána encourages the reporting of Hate Crime For more inf infor ormation see the Garda Diversity & Integration Strategy

For up to date advice on 19 visit ID--19 VID OV CO HSE.ie

Visit www.garda.ie ffor or more crime prevention advice An Garda Síochána encourages the reporting of Hate Crime For more inf infor ormation see the Garda Diversity & Integration Strategy

Support line for parents launched Barnardos has launched a national telephone support service for parents in response to the challenges they are facing during the Covid-19 pandemic. This service will be staffed by Barnardos project workers who are trained professionals. Barnardos staff can provide support and advice to parents on the following issues: g How to talk to your children about the coronavirus g Setting a good routine g Managing children’s behaviours and sibling dynamics g Managing aggression and family discord g Home schooling/managing school expectations. g Fostering natural learning opportunities in the home g Healthy eating g Accessing fun and educational activities for families and individual children g Managing your child’s worries g Self-care for parents g Helping parents manage their own worries g Managing children’s online activity Barnardos also provides specialist services and support in relation to bereavement, adoption and fostering.

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Issue 18 May 15, 2020

COVID-19 ADVICE

Overview ervie of Reopening Phases Commencing May 18th Ćˆ

Ĺ? oll;m1bm] ĆˆŇš|_ -Â‹Ĺ‘

ollÂ†mb|Â‹ ;-Ń´|_ 5km travel limit. Avvoid unnecessary journeys. A Small groups meet outdoors.

5km to 20km. Avvoid unnecessary journeys. A Retail hours and visits for cocooners. Short home visits in small groups -vbm] o= =Â†m;u-Ń´ u;v|ub1ŕŚžomvÄş

5km to 20km. Avvoid unnecessary journeys. A

Travel beyond home area Tr Short but slightly larger home visits. Small social gatherings (e.g. small wedĹŠ 7bm]vÄˇ 0-rŕŚžvlvĹ‘Äş

Trravel beyond home area T Some larger social gatherings (e.g. weddings).

_bŃ´71-u; =ou ;vv;mŕŚž-Ń´ healthcare workers. Opening of schools and colleges for teachers.

Phased opening of crĂ¨ches -m7 ru;ĹŠv1_ooŃ´v =ou 1_bŃ´7u;m o= ;vv;mŕŚž-Ń´ Â‰ouh;uvÄş

Phased opening of crĂ¨ches, 1_bŃ´7lbm7;uv -m7 ru;ĹŠv1_ooŃ´v for all.

"1_ooŃ´vÄˇ Ć’u7 Ń´;Âˆ;Ń´ -m7 -7Â†Ń´| ;7Â†1-ŕŚžom centres opening on a phased basis for 2020/21 academic year.

!;|Â†um |o Ń´oÂ‰ĹŠbm|;u-1ŕŚžom Â‰ouhÄş !;lo|; Â‰ouhbm] 1omŕŚžmÂ†;v for all that can do so.

Return to work where employees cannot remote work. Staggered hours. !;lo|; Â‰ouhbm] 1omŕŚžmÂ†;v for all that can do so.

Phased return to work across all sectors. !;lo|; Â‰ouhbm] 1omŕŚžmÂ†;v for all that can do so.

Small retail outlets with control of numbers open. Marts open. All subject to social distancing.

r;m momĹŠ;vv;mŕŚž-Ń´ u;|-bŃ´ oÂ†|Ń´;|v with street level access.

u-7Â†-Ń´ ;-vbm] o= u;v|ub1ŕŚžomv om _b]_;uĹŠubvh v;uÂˆb1;vÄş ;Äş]Äş -u0;uv -m7 hairdressers

Â†u|_;u ;-vbm] o= u;v|ub1ŕŚžomv _b]_;uĹŠubvh v;uÂˆb1;vÄş ;Äş]Äş v_orrbm] 1;m|u;vÄˇ |-Â‚ooÄˇ piercing.

Open public libraries. Small group team sports training (not matches) resume. All subject to social distancing.

Open playgrounds. / Behind closed 7oouv vrouŕŚžm] -1ŕŚžÂˆbŕŚž;vÄş r;m 1-=ŕŁ?v -m7 u;v|-Â†u-m|v ruoÂˆb7bm] omĹŠru;lbv;v =oo7 Ĺ&#x; 0;Âˆ;u-];vĹŒ-Ń´Ń´ vÂ†0f;1| |o vo1b-Ń´ distancing and strict cleaning protocols

Museums, galleries and places of worĹŠ v_br u;ĹŠor;mÄş "rou|v -m7 |;-l Ń´;-]Â†;v Ĺ?;Äş]Äş "o11;u Ĺ&#x; Ĺ‘ -m7 vÂ‰bllbm] pools. All subject to social distancing.

Pubs, bars, nightclubs, theatres, cinemas and casinos. Close physical contact sports. Open gyms, exercise, dance studios and other indoor and outdoor =;vŕŚžÂˆ-Ń´vÄˇ ;Âˆ;m|v -m7 l-vv ]-|_;ubm]vÄş

Numbers restricted and monitored. Social distancing and hygiene measures 1omŕŚžmÂ†; =ou rÂ†0Ń´b1 -m7 rubÂˆ-|; |u-mvĹŠ port as passengers increase. "r;1bC1 l;-vÂ†u;v -| rou|v -m7 -burou|vÄş

u-7Â†-Ń´Ń´Â‹ 7;1u;-v; u;v|ub1ŕŚžomv bm l-fou urban centres. Hotels etc. on a limited o11Â†r-m1Â‹ 0-vbv u;ĹŠor;mÄş -uv u;l-bm closed. Social distancing and hygiene l;-vÂ†u;v 1omŕŚžmÂ†;Äş "r;1bC1 l;-vÂ†u;v -| ports and airports.

7Â†1-ŕŚžom Ĺ&#x; _bŃ´71-u; _bŃ´71-u; =ou ;vv;mŕŚž-Ń´ healthcare workers. Opening of schools and colleges for teachers.

1omolb1 1ŕŚžÂˆb|Â‹ Ĺ&#x; )ouh Phased return of outdoor workers !;lo|; Â‰ouhbm] 1omŕŚžmÂ†;v for all that can do so.

Limited return to onsite working subject to compliance capability !;lo|; Â‰ouhbm] 1omŕŚžmÂ†;v for all that can do so.

Â†Ń´|Â†u-Ń´ Ĺ&#x; "o1b-Ń´ r;m oÂ†|7oou rÂ†0Ń´b1 -l;mbŕŚž;vÄˇ bm1Ń´Äş pitches, tennis courts and golf courses. tourism sites, beaches and walks. OutĹŠ 7oou vrouŕŚžm] -m7 C|m;vv -1ŕŚžÂˆbŕŚž;vÄˇ bm groups max. four people, resume All subject to social distancing.

Criteria for progressing from one phase to the next are:

Progress of disease

$;vŕŚžm] -m7 1om|-1| |u-1bm]

Healthcare ealthcar capacity/resilience

Shielding at-risk groups

Secondary morbidity and mortality

The details of this phased re-opening of our country are now available on gov.ie Ń´;-v; v|-Â‹ |_; 1oÂ†uv;Äˇ -m7 rŃ´;-v; 1omŕŚžmÂ†; to save lives by by staying apart. Supported by the Government of Ireland.

Issue 18 May 15, 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

WIN!

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

Across 1. Friend (9) 7. Stringed instrument (5) 8. Part of a jacket (5) 9. Notion (4) 10. Prejudice (4) 13. Sand hill (4) 14. Vegetable (4) 17. Weak (5) 19. Freight (5) 20. Ended (9)

Terms & Conditions: Deadline for submissions is noon on Friday, May 22nd, 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.

Down 1. Stateroom (5) 2. Large house (7) 3. Worshipped (6) 4. Not working (4) 5. Short sleep (3) 6. Book of maps (5) 11. Disregarded (7) 12. Writing implement (6) 13. Postpone (5) 15. Stay clear from (5) 16. Tribe (4) 18. Part of a circle (3)

Solution: Issue 17, May 1, 2020

Solution in Issue 19, May 29, 2020

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WINNER! Well done to Helen Moore, Banteer, County Cork who wins a €20 voucher from Bob’s Bar & Restaurant, Kanturk!

Issue 18 May 15, 2020

Advertising

Issue 18 May 15, 2020

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Read Discover Duhallow 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 18 May 15, 2020

Kanturk

Leah, Eva and Daragh Browne of Kanturk make the most of the fine weather as they practise their stance while looking forward to the days ahead when everything will get back to normal again

Knocknagree

These kids really rock Creative children from Knocknagree have found a brilliant way to spread positive messages during the Covid-19 lockdown. Here are just a few examples of their many wonderful rock paintings...

Issue 18 May 15, 2020

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Feature

Profile of artist Jessica Baron Originally from Quebec in Canada and now based in Ballydesmond, Co Cork, Jessica Baron is a visual artist working mainly with oil paint. A mum of two, Jessica has painted with oils for many years but life led her on many different paths, from retail management to marketing and teaching. After discovering a passion for restoring and upcycling old furniture, her creative side was awakened and her brushes came calling again. Launched in 2016, Jessicaâ€™s art business offers a range of creative services, from selling her original paintings to making ranges of fine art prints, painting or sketching commissions for customers and also teaching. Her main goal is simply to create something beautiful that will speak to the viewer, evoke something for them, make them smile. Jessicaâ€™s current work is inspired by unspoiled landscapes, the contrast in light at different times, in different weather; often just from the side of the road in rural Ireland, capturing the brief moment when the light is just perfect. Her creative process often starts with several pictures from which she can construct a composition and color palette, making mini sketches before settling for the final painting. Bold colours and contrasts, full texture and perspective are what defines her paintings. Jessica works with what is known as 'wet-on-wet' technique or 'alla prima' with palette knife and thick paint, which means the different elements are painted mostly in one sitting, without allowing the oils to dry in between, which gives a very spontaneous and loosely sculpted result. Jessicaâ€™s work has been exhibited at several art events and festivals, many of which have been put on hold this year but all available pieces can be viewed on her website and all social media platforms. Although Jessica thrives on the freedom of creating original paintings, she also loves working in collaboration to produce commissioned pieces. From wedding dress to portrait, home place to much loved pet, Jessica translates something special into a work of art.

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Issue 18 May 15, 2020

Feature

Painting inside the cocoon Jessica Baron is an artist based in Ballydesmond, County Cork and part of her work as a professional artist is to provide Art classes and workshops to, amongst others, Active Retirement Groups locally, all of which had to be cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. With her students cocooning, and the desire to help them keep painting, Jessica thought of putting together a facilitation project and 'Painting Inside the Cocoon' was born. Jessica wanted to find a simple way to assist people, especially those who have been asked to completely isolated, to stay busy and keep up with their hobby. She explains that she truly believes the Arts contribute to wellbeing, but that sometimes the blank canvas is too intimidating to know where to start. This project aims to provide the participants with the initial idea, reference images and a few tips to get them started. It is designed for beginners but would suit any level. Considering that some may have limited access or knowledge of technology, it had to be easily printable, so family members and friends can drop or post them to their loved ones. It is with that in mind that Jessica created painting activities that are short, step-by-step and easy to follow with illustrations. Anyone who is interested, for themselves or for someone else, can make contact and the activities will be sent via email, from where they can be viewed on a device or printed and used as a hard copy. Jessica is also offering her assistance for advice on work in

Issue 18 May 15, 2020

Jessica Baron and, opposite page, examples of her artwork progress or if anyone needs help sourcing any material when they are just beginning on their painting journey. Some basic paints and brushes are all that are needed as Jessica encourages participants to work with what they already have.

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If you would like to participate or have any questions, please email jessicabaron@live.com or visit www.jessicabaronartist.com. Follow her on www.facebook.com/ jessicabaronartist.

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Issue 18 May 15, 2020

Millstreet

Above, Donagh Murphy on behalf of Millstreet GAA seen delivering O'Keeffe's Supervalu shopping to residents at Mount Leader, Millstreet; below, Hollywood actor Brian Dennehy – pictured on his visit to Millstreet Museum in 1992 – died recently at the age of 81 in Connecticut, USA. Brian's grandfather, Denis, was born in Millstreet in 1888 All photos by Seán Radley

Above, Julia Murphy from Toorbonia in the parish of Millstreet, pictured here in 2019, celebrated her 106th birthday on 26th April 2020; below, Liam Buicke of Millstreet ensuring that everyone has a copy of the popular free community magazine Discover Duhallow

IN THE FRAME Readers are invited to share photos of their ‘Darkness into Light’ walks with us. 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 18 May 15, 2020

Cllr Bernard Moynihan completing the Darkness into Light walk for Pieta House as the day dawns in Kiskeam

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News

Help for older people in need Age Action has launched a Covid19 Hardship Fund in conjunction with the Irish Red Cross to respond to the immediate needs of older people in vulnerable situations across Ireland experiencing additional hardship as a result of the Covid-19 health crisis. Why?: Age Action and the Irish Red Cross know that some older people in vulnerable situations and at the highest risk of the coronavirus will need additional supports over the coming weeks, particularly as they are now required to cocoon to protect themselves and others. This scheme is designed to provide immediate practical relief to assist in alleviating the hardships that they may be experiencing due to the Covid-19 pandemic. How: Age Action and the Irish Red Cross have raised funds to provide additional assistance to older and vulnerable people around Ireland who are experiencing hardship as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic by making once-off grants, up to a maximum of €500, per person/ household affected. Who Can Apply?: Older people in need of assistance, family members supporting an older person and carers of older people, social workers and local voluntary organisations or community groups

providing direct assistance to individuals within this target group can apply for assistance. What Can I Apply For?: Any practical needs that are adding to your hardship as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic and increased social distancing restrictions of cocooning for over 70s. This can include the following examples with possible scope to add more: 1. Small household maintenance, repairs and safety improvements 2. Food and basic provisions and associated delivery costs 3. Upgraded or new small appliances (fridge, freezer, washing machine, TV, cooker, etc.) 4. Providing digital technology equipment, for example smart phones or tablets 5. Contribution towards increased energy costs or telephone bills 6. Contribution towards additional home or personal security costs 7. Contribution towards additional

travel costs for essential reasons (medical appointments, etc.). How Do I Apply?: The Covid-19 Hardship Fund application form is available at https://www.ageaction.ie or you can contact our offices to request a form by contacting us at: Email: hardship2020@redcross.ie; Phone: Irish Red Cross at 01 6424600 or Age Action at 01 475 6989. Please ensure that you clearly outline the need for which you are applying, how the grant will alleviate hardship and what it will be used for and details of the costs (up to a maximum of €500). What Happens Next?: Age Applications will be assessed and funds distributed. A member of staff from Age Action or the Irish Red Cross will contact you if they need further information. We will ask that you verify that the funds are being used for the purpose intended by supplying receipts and photographic evidence where possible. When Can I Apply?: The Fund will open on April 1st 2020 and the closing date for applications is 31st August 2020. What Happens To Surplus Funds?: Any remaining surplus funds will be used by Age Action and the Irish Red Cross to provide important supports to older people throughout Ireland.

Home Safe: Reducing risks faced by older people Age Action has rebranded the Care & Repair service as Home Safe, focusing on urgent requests and on assisting older people who are being discharged from hospital, by ensuring that their home is safe for them, while also supporting our hospitals to respond to the Covid19 health crisis. Home Safe also provides an emergency response for urgent repairs and other supports for older

people in the community in order to ensure people can remain safely in their own homes. Home Safe is free of charge, with the service user only paying for any materials that need to be purchased. How does it help? Home Safe makes the older person’s home safer for them to live in or ready for their return on discharge from hospital.

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Home Safe will: Carry out minor repairs or installations g Move furniture such as a bed to a sitting room or kitchen g Declutter to deal with trip hazards g Install grab rails g Complete other small jobs as required How do I get in touch? Contact IRD Duhallow on 029 60633. g

Issue 18 May 15, 2020

Pet Corner

A dog is for life, not just Covid-19 With the fine weather having made an early appearance and most of us spending more time at home due to Covid-19, an increasing number of people are considering buying a new puppy. You might think that the time is right to add a pup to the family, with copious amounts of time on our hands and the kids getting more bored at home by the day, but I urge you to think long and hard before making the leap, particularly in our current restricted circumstances. In the course of the last month, I have received an unprecedented number of calls asking â€˜where could I get a puppy this week?â€™, citing reasons including needing to keep the kids entertained

Issue 18 May 15, 2020

g By JANE PIGOTT GP vet & Consultant Veterinary Cardiologist

and loneliness. These are perfectly valid emotions in the current circumstances, but not good enough reasons to panic buy a dog!

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I urge you to consider that a dog is for life (a minimum 10-year commitment), and not just for Covid-19. in the veterinary community, we are worried that there will be a spike in pets needing rehoming after the current pandemic situation is over, because people may not have realised fully the commitment they were entering into by taking on a pup. When you go back to work, will you have time to devote to your pup? When the kids go back to school, who will play with it and take it for its walks? Will the novelty wear off? A dog can be a great companion, but it deserves love, even 10 years later, in return.

Arts

Tune in to Meadhbh Walsh Meadhbh Walsh is a musician from Meelin. She always had a love for singing and a keen interest in all kinds of music, Irish in particular. She created a Facebook music page 'Meadhbh Walsh Music' last year as a hobby â€“ those without Facebook can see her on YouTube by simply searching her name. Over the course of lockdown, Meadhbh says she has been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from all over the world. She started posting more frequently as she had the spare time at home and quickly realised the numbers of engagements on her page were growing. People of all ages have been interacting and Meadhbh got to realise the importance of entertainment and Irish music to high-risk people and the elderly that are cocooning. She says she feels blessed to be able to have a platform to spread the love of

Irish music and enjoy it so much at the same time. Lately, Meadhbh has ventured into the world of live streaming her gigs straight from her home at the weekend. She takes requests during the week and tries her best to play them during the course of

her live streams. Meadhbh is glad to be able to provide a bit of entertainment to people over the course of this lockdown, and she hopes to keep posting in the future. To watch her live streams, she posts during the week the time when they are on. She usually plays Fridays at 8pm. To stay updated, you can simply subscribe to her YouTube channel and 'like' her Facebook page 'Meadhbh Walsh Music'. To watch her live streams you can look up her Facebook page â€“ she goes live at the time stated there.

Meadhbh Walsh, from Meelin, has a growing fan base

Book review: The Beekeeper

of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri Author profile: Christy Lefteri was raised in London, the child of Cypriot refugees. She is a lecturer in creative writing at Brunel University. The Beekeeper of Aleppo was born out of her time working as a volunteer at a Unicef supported refugee centre in Athens. Book review: This is the story of Nuri, the beekeeper, and his wife Afra, an artist, from the Syrian capital of Aleppo. Here they lived a life full of family, friends and love until the war shattered their lives. The loss of their son Sami and Afra's eyesight makes for a perilous journey through Turkey and Greece toward an uncertain

By BRIDGET JORDAN future in Britain. As Nuri and Afra travel through a broken world they must confront not only the pain of their own loss but dangers that would overwhelm the bravest of people. This book is moving and powerful, a tale of hope in the midst of adversity. It is profoundly heartbreaking at times, a story of fear, death and survival which gives an emotionally charged insight into what life is like for refugees facing the depravity of smugglers and needing the compassion of strangers. A simple story well written, a great read.

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The Beekeeper of Aleppo gives an insight into the perils refugees face

Issue 18 May 15, 2020

Beauty

HAIR TODAY... GONE TOMORROW Unwanted facial hair is something that effects a lot more girls and women than you may think, writes Sinead Murphy of Finishing Touch Beauty Salon, Ballydesmond. Some hide it very well, tweezing and plucking stray hairs daily in order to keep it at bay, it becomes part of their daily grooming routine. I’ve met so many women that are so self conscious about this that their self esteem has taken a real battering. But there is an effective solution... Electrolysis. With any form of hair removal, it is important to understand what may have caused the hair growth in the first place. Normal things like puberty, pregnancy and menopause with the change in hormones can often encourage hair growth in some people, and some people unfortunately are just that little bit more sensitive to these hormones than others. But other conditions – such as polycystic ovary syndrome and

certain medications – can also cause hair growth and if it is one of these I would encourage you to speak with your doctor first to see if your medications can be changed to ones that may not have such side effects. Unlike laser or IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), the hair does not need to be dark in order to be treated, any hair colour whether it’s blonde, white or grey and any skin colour can be treated as each hair is being treated individually. With laser or IPL, the light is attracted by the pigment in the hair, so to get the best results you

need to have dark hair – but with electrolysis a tiny probe is inserted into the base of the hair follicle where a current is applied in order to kill off the blood supply that is feeding the hair. The probe is not piercing the skin, it is merely being inserted into a whole (the hair follicle) that is already in the skin. Like anything, consistency is key, there is no overnight solution. Once you start treatment, the hair growth rate begins to slow down, then the hairs start to get weaker and weaker until they are eventually gone. Electrolysis has come a long way in recent years. I use Apilus Electrolysis which is the best technology on the market and the results are fantastic. If it is something you might be interested in, when this pandemic is over and salons are all open again, come in for a free, no-obligation consultation to see what electrolysis could do for you.

The perfect at home salon look How do you style your hair, would you like the salon finish at home? Here’s some top tips to make life a little easier – let’s reduce the time you spend on your tresses, writes Clare Clernon Scibirowska of The Hair Studio, Kanturk. After washing your hair give it a soft towel dry, squirt in some joico lustre lock spray and then comb through with a detangling brush. This spray helps with any tangles and stops breakage. Next, add a tiny bit of the joico protective shield – just a small amount, about the size of your nail – and distribute throughout the hair mid lengths to ends. This fantastic product is an intensive, bond strengthening, UV protection cream to help protect and replenish strength

Issue 18 May 15, 2020

and moisture balance to help create soft, silky, shiny, healthy looking hair. When you start blow-drying, you need to make sure that you have the nozzle on the top of your drier – this will help to reduce frizz. Start at the front of your hair, blast dry from side to side with your brush, this side to side motion will smoothe out those dreaded

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cowslicks. Then make sure to blast your locks with cold air after the drying process as this will help seal the cuticle, setting the hair for long lasting hold and adding shine. We always want what we don’t have... creating volume to fine hair is a must to give that salon fresh look. To achieve this at home, you absolutely need Velcro rollers, they’ll instantly add oomph to your roots and are so easy to apply to dry hair. While you let them set, apply your makeup, get yourself glammed up, then remove the rollers just before leaving the house. Finishing tip: spray hair spray into the palm of your hands and distribute throughout your hair – this will give you hold without it being too set. The perfect at home salon look.

Feature

The merry month of May By RAYMOND O’SULLIVAN At first glance, some old ‘sayings’ don’t make much sense, but on closer examination, there is a grain of truth in most of them. They are like signposts on the well-worn path of life, and we ignore them at our peril. Here are a few that deal with May. ‘If you wash a blanket in May, you will wash one of the family away’: Maybe it was difficult to dry blankets at this time of year, resulting in someone sleeping in a damp bed. ‘Those who bathe in May will soon be laid in clay’: I wonder if this refers to swimming rather than washing oneself? My grandmother used to caution: ’April and May, keep out of the say (sea), June and July, you can swim ‘till you die’. One of the strangest and longestlived superstitions concerns marriage: ‘Marry in May, rue the day.’

Despite travel restrictions you can be sure some people will have made their way to an ancient place of pilgrimage on May Day, and indeed for much of the month of May, in accordance with timehonoured custom. It's known as 'The City', a stone fort which has stood at the foot of the Paps Mountains, five miles south-west of Rathmore, for thousands of years. For many folk in Western Duhallow, Eastern Sliabh Luachra and Ballyvourney on the other side of the Paps, May 1 has been the day to visit The City; say prayers, do 'rounds' and invoke blessings for animals and crops. Historically, May Day was hugely significant on the calendar. Not only did it herald the start of summer and the Celtic feast of Bealtaine, it was also bound up with piseogs and farming practices. The first people came to the general Duhallow and Sliabh

Hawthorn blossom or ‘mayflower’ Apparently it dates back to ancient Rome when the month of May was sacred to the Goddess of Chastity, and Christians dedicate the month to the Virgin Mary. Interestingly enough, it is reported that in rural France long ago, young girls did not wish to marry while ‘asses were amorous’. They thought it more seemly to wait until the end of the mating season. 'Ne’er cast a clout ‘till May be out': May, in this case, refers to the

mayflower, the flower of the hawthorn (whitethorn) tree, meaning you should not take off your warm winter clothes until it is in full bloom. It was considered unlucky to bring them into the house, a superstition that may date from when Catholics were persecuted for their faith. It was the custom to adorn little shrines to the Blessed Virgin with the mayflower in Catholic homes and if you were seen bringing them into the house, it could be very unlucky indeed. It has also been noted that the flowers smelled like the Bubonic Plague when they began to wither. In one of her poems, Sylvia Plath refers to “the death-stench of the hawthorn". ‘If you pick bluebells on May Eve, you won’t have a minute’s luck for the rest of the month’: I can find no rational reason for this one. Can you?

‘The City’ still casts a spell By DONAL HICKEY Luachra areas thousands of years before Christ. And there's plenty of evidence to show that the area under the Paps was populated in early times. Local historians generally agree that Pre-Christian people were so enraptured by the beauty and contours of the Paps that they dedicated the twin mountains to the goddess Danu or Anu. Initially a place of pagan worship and, it is believed, a centre for human and animal sacrifice, it has religious connections to this day. It is now very much under Christian influence and the statue of the Blessed Virgin was put there in relatively modern times. There was an historic happening

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at The City on May 1, 1983. Mass was celebrated there that day for the first time since 1925. Several hundred people attended, and the rain did not dampen their fervour as they prayed whilst slowly walking around the walls. People still take water from The City well, believing it to have special powers. In keeping with old traditions, they use it for blessing animals but some people still drink it in spite of warnings such water may be polluted. The late folklorist Dan Joe Cronin spent a lifetime researching the lore of The City and its immediate locality. I once heard him describe it as 'one of the most ancient, historical and interesting religious sites not only in Ireland but in the entire western world'.

Issue 18 May 15, 2020

Gneeveguilla

Gneeveguilla GAA celebrate LEADER funding approval

Thomas Carmody, Development Officer Gneeveguilla GAA, and Pat Barry, Chairperson Gneeveguilla GAA, pictured with Cllr Niall Kelleher, Chairperson Kerry LCDC/LAG to mark the awarding of LEADER funding Gneeveguillla GAA are delighted to have received their LEADER contract to repair the roof of Gneeveguilla Community Centre. Gneeveguilla GAA ‘s LEADER application for funding to the tune

of €37,774.88 was approved in April – the grant is toward the cost of repair of the roof, replacing the floor, upgrading the toilets, painting and catering equipment. Gneeveguilla GAA is eager to

get a start on the project for this essential work to the community centre and hope to have all the work done once the restrictions are lifted all patrons will be able to use the facility.

Rathmore

Plea for working devices to help elderly stay in touch A caring Rathmore family has devised a wonderful initiative to ensure that nursing home residents can keep in touch with the outside world during the Covid-19 restrictions. Garrett Thompson, his wife Una Moynihan, and children Alex, Neil and Karl, are collecting, formatting modifying and distributing tablets, smartphones and laptops to nursing homes for the benefit of residents and to help them keep in contact with loved ones. They can also be distributed to elderly people who are cocooning at home.

Issue 18 May 15, 2020

By MICHAEL O’MAHONY They have set up a Facebook page – Kerry Covid-19 Tablets – to encourage people to donate devices they are no longer using. They have already delivered a number to devices to care homes. They have also established a GoFundMe page to raise money to buy additional new equipment, with over £700 already donated. Funding is required to purchase tablets, e-access mobile credit, tablet cases. stands for

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tablets and headphones with microphones, It would be great if people could help with the worthwhile cause in any way they can. By using technology, families and loved ones can communicate and support each other in the safest way possible. Being able to watch Mass online, connect with family and get reassurance when needed is vital. For anyone who has technology they wish to donate, Hickey's Centra Rathmore and Circle K in Scartaglin will accept them and they will be collected for distribution.

Kid’s Corner

Let’s colour!

Join the dots!

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Issue 18 May 15, 2020

Sport

Duhallow Sports Greats Q & A 1. What/who inspired you to become a sportsperson in your field? I’m not sure that anybody in particular inspired me to become a sportsperson – I don’t think I ever even really made that decision! Sports was always just something that I did for fun in school and after school. Both of my parents were/ are runners, so I was always around athletics to some degree, but I definitely played more football and team sports when I was younger, and spent more time doing gymnastics too. I think all of these sports helped me to become a better runner when I decided to focus on that – so maybe all the different coaches I had in all the different sports I did growing up. 2. What was the moment that you knew you were on the right track? I got an athletics scholarship to study in the US and that was probably when I started focusing more on athletics. I think I went there as much for the experience and to do something different as I did for the athletics, but it definitely set me in the right direction. And after running the Olympic Qualifying standard in 2015, I knew that I was in too far to stop! 3. What is your greatest strength? Probably persistence! 4. What is your greatest sporting achievement? Competing at the 2016 Rio Olympics, or finishing 7th at the European Championships that summer. 5. What is your greatest personal achievement? Probably surviving teaching practice! I don't like being ‘in charge’ and had so much dread going into school every day back then! But I’m delighted that I kept at it and qualified as a teacher.

Issue 18 May 15, 2020

Michelle Finn is a local track and field and cross country runner from Castlemagner who represented Ireland at the 2016 Olympics, 2015 and 2017 World Track & Field Championships and the 2016 and 2018 European Track & Field Champs – all in the 3,000m steeplechase – and had qualified for this year's European Championships in the 5k before

6. What was the greatest challenge you faced in your career and how did you overcome it? Making enough from athletics to be able to stay in the sport and compete at the highest level; or working enough to survive and finance it, while still having the time and energy to put in the required training – basically work/sport balance! It’s an ongoing challenge! 7. Who supported you the most in your career? The people from different towns and villages around Duhallow! So many different sports teams, local businesses, the people in general around here were so supportive before the Olympics. O’Callaghan’s Toyota have stuck with me for four years now and have been so good to me. Even now in lockdown, my neighbours are pretty supportive when I run

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Michelle Finn it was cancelled. Michelle has represented Ireland at all of the European Cross Country Championships from 2014-2018 (2014 & 2015 cross country teams won bronze), and is currently training for the Tokyo 2020 (one!) Olympics.

past their houses and farms about ten times a day! 8. What advice would you give to young players just starting out? It’s often easier said than done, but enjoy it – you’ll run faster when you’re having fun doing it! Finding some good training partners makes it more fun and keeps you accountable, and in athletics consistency is key! 9. What do you do outside of sports? I’m a PE and Irish teacher but took time out to focus on qualifying for Tokyo and trying to compete well there. I’m getting a bit rusty with the Irish so have been doing a bit of that during this lockdown and have been knitting lots too! Other than that, just generally anything that involves being outside! 10. What are your goals going forward? Tokyo 2020 (one!)

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