Discover Duhallow Issue 29

Issue 29: October 30, 2020

contact us at: info@discoverduhallow.com Our next issue will be out on Friday, November 20th

FREE

STUDENTS IN APPEAL TO BEEF FARMERS: SEE PAGE 3

YOU ARE NOT ALONE IRD Duhallow continues to support community in lockdown IRD Duhallow continues to provide essential services to the community during the renewed lockdown, including meals on wheels, friendly phone support, Newmarket Afterschools, Community Laundry, face mask delivery and much more.

A fleet of delivery vehicles and dedicated staff ensure that Duhallow is covered

 See pages 12 &13

IRD Duhallow Furniture Revamp Feature

Revamp celebrates recent success Coordinated by the Right to Repair movement and the European RREUSE network, the campaign ‘Repair Heroes’ sees IRD Duhallow Revamp chosen as one of two projects to represent Ireland in Europe and they are delighted with the promotion of Revamp and IRD Duhallow’s impact on the green and circular economy on the National and European stage. As part of the Repair Heroes they produced a short video promoting the advantages of Repair and Reuse

Above and left, still images taken from the ‘Repair Heroes’ video

The popular Revamp face masks

Revamp are currently working under level 5 restrictions click and collect options are available for customers’ convenience.

Every month should be repair month!

October is International Repair Month but at Revamp they believe every month should be repair month. Repair can help to reduce the huge quantities of household goods that we discard every year.

However, many repair skills have been forgotten and the repair of everyday furniture, appliances and clothes has become harder with the use of cheap parts, poor design and greater complexity. At Revamp, they offer a full restoration and re-upholstery service, keeping those important skills alive.

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and highlighting some of the issues involved; this video will be used

by The Right To Repair Europe movement and used in the social media all over Europe. This is a huge promotion for a local Duhallow based Social Enterprise. View the full video at www.facebook.com/ DuhallowFurnitureRevamp

Revamp began making face masks during the first lockdown to donate to Social Action Groups, community hospitals and local nursing homes.

After government and health officials recommended the wearing of face masks to the general public, Revamp made their high quality masks available to buy at their store in Newmarket.

The unique selling points of Revamp’s face masks are that they are pleated to fit snuggly around the

face and are also equipped with a pliable nose piece which helps with the huge problem of glasses fogging up when wearing a mask. Revamp’s masks are available in two sizes and different designs and can currently be purchased on a click and collect basis from our shop in accordance with level 5 restrictions. You can simply contact Revamp, pay with your credit card over the phone and the masks will be posted out to you for your convenience.

IRD Duhallow, James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket, Co. Cork. For further details, please call (029) 60633

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Issue 29 October 30, 2020

Duhallow news

Our bid to rear better beef We are three students from Boherbue Comprehensive School, our names are David Kenny, Amy Walsh and Rachel Breen. We entered the Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition in October 2019 and after a competitive application process, we reached the final, which was held in Croke Park last March.

We competed with students from all over the country and spoke to the judging panel, which comprised agri-food industry professionals.

We must have impressed them as we were delighted to get the news, during lockdown, that we had been chosen as national finalists in the competition which is run by Certified Irish Angus, Kepak and ABP. We are one of only five second level schools in the country to be chosen as finalists.

All finalists have now received five Irish Angus calves, which they will rear for 18 months. We will be rearing ours with the help of local farmer Michael Moynihan who has kindly offered to keep the calves for us.

We are delighted also to be supported in the competition by sponsorship from Boherbue Co-Op for all the animals’ feed and medical needs. We will be involved in every step of the rearing process and hope to produce the highest quality beef.

In addition to rearing the calves, we will be completing a research project linked to the senior-cycle Agricultural Science curriculum.

Our focus for the project is on “Traditions of Angus cattle production in the Duhallow area”.

We are appealing to the farmers of Duhallow to help us to further our research.

We hope to conduct case studies locally to deepen our understanding of the role that Angus cattle play in our farming communities here in Duhallow.

Issue 29 October 30, 2020

David Kenny, Amy Walsh and Rachel Breen with their Angus calves Left, the students after presentation of the finalist trophy with (back row from left) Boherbue CS principal Vera Leader, vice principal DJ McSweeney, Ag Science teacher Lorraine Heelan; and (seated) Charles Smith, GM of the Certified Irish Angus Group We are particularly interested in getting local farmers’ perspectives on the following: n How the docility of Angus cattle assists farmers; n How Angus cattle production benefits family life and suits part time farmers; n How past traditions are tailored on-farm to fulfil future needs.

With your help, we are hoping that we can piece together a clearer picture of Angus rearing

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in our locality. We want to include our local community as much as possible in this project.

We can’t wait to get started on this exciting journey!

If you are a farmer or a local history enthusiast and you are interested in helping us in our project, please get in touch by email at office@boherbuecs.com or by calling 029-76032. Any contact can be directed to our Ag Science teacher, Ms. Heelan.

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Duhallow Career Guidance Q & A

THE LIFE OF... A TEACHER JERRY FITZGERALD is a primary school teacher & special education teacher

Considering what career path to take? This series of Q&A interviews with Duhallow professionals offers candid insights into what the job really entails...

1. What is your job like?

While certain aspects of the job are quite routine other elements are unique to teaching. Children generally have a tremendous sense of honesty which I greatly admire. In the earlier years of primary school they tend to be less inhibited by social norms and peer pressure. This unpredictability means your days are very varied and almost never dull! A sense of humour is most definitely part of the job description and it helps if you have a sympathetic ear too.

The children you work with are so diverse and fascinating. You see personalities develop and friendships formed. Working with parents is a large part of my job as a special education teacher. Having good people skills is important. You need to be approachable and tactful. You may need to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of a student so that parents will understand the message and be receptive to the support being offered. This is especially important when you need to convey a difficult message about a student's behaviour or learning difficulties.

2. What subjects did you most enjoy in school/college?

I really enjoyed languages in school and still do. My favourite subjects in school were French, German and Irish. My father was an Irish teacher and I have always enjoyed Irish too.

I attribute my language capabilities to him. I now work in an Irish medium school so my interest in languages has been beneficial from a job perspective too.

3. How did you arrive at your current position?

Both of my parents were teachers and there is a strong tradition of teaching in my family background.

My ‘first teaching job’ was with my younger sister when we regularly played schools as children.

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I started teaching in 1999 in a school in Kildare. I really enjoyed my time in this school and had opportunities to share my interest in theatre with the pupils and work alongside a colleague to produce a number of school dramas. From there I was seconded to the European School in Karlsruhe, Germany where I worked for six years. This involved working with several nationalities and encountering many different cultures and traditions. The school comprised five separate language sections.

Children attended the language section of their mother tongue and learned a second foreign language from our equivalent to Junior Infants.

Living and working in Germany allowed me to develop my love for languages. I now work in Gaelscoil Thomáis Dáibhís in Mallow. Here I work as Gaeilge. Shortly after moving to the Gaelscoil, I undertook a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Education in UCC, in 2015 to support the work I do with the children there.

4. Have you any regrets?

I regret not having studied German beyond 1st year in college. While there have been government initiatives which support exposure and access to modern languages, I think it is a real shame that a more diverse range of languages isn’t more widely taught at primary level. I feel a more advanced qualification in

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this area would allow me to explore routes to furthering this possibility.

However, it’s not too late for me to do so yet.

5. What do you love most?

The thing I enjoy most about the work I do is knowing that you have taught a child to read or helped them to make sense of a concept they couldn’t grasp without your help. I know it seems like a platitude but it is nice to know you have helped someone in reaching milestones and fulfilling potential. Seeing a child who has struggled with an aspect of the curriculum or a specific social skill making progress because of your input gives me a great sense of accomplishment and pride in my work.

6. What do you love least?

This is easy to answer – yard duty!

7. Advice for students hoping for a career in your field?

It is a good idea to shadow an experienced teacher to see the realities of a school day. Very often I hear newly qualified teachers remarking on things that were never referred to in college lectures. In my case it was the roll book, when I first had to tally the attendance records I almost needed the help of an accountant! There is nothing to substitute time spent in a school environment to see what a school day really involves. No two schools are the same and your experience will vary accordingly. I strongly feel that teaching is a vocation and that while it’s not for everyone, you will know very quickly if it is or not!

Having a specialist area that you have an extra relevant qualification or experience in is always beneficial in terms of securing a job. This may or may not be a formal qualification but instead a love for music, art, sport or ICT that can contribute to the school community.

Issue 29 October 30, 2020

Feature

Career guidance & wellbeing g By DEIRDRE

O’KEEFFE, M Ed Incoming secondary school students have lost out on months of education as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic – with sixth-year and fifth-year classes most significantly impacted.

It’s a time of immense uncertainty in education and even the examination system itself, once a bedrock of Irish education, is being called into question.

I firmly believe that our children/ students will need to refocus and recalibrate their values, goals and career paths. The one certainty in their lives is that they will finish school, so they will need to have clarity about their future career.

Our young people spend years studying in school. But how much time is actually spent on developing a personal career path?

In my experience and expertise in education, I believe this is a crucial stage of our children’s/ student’s development?

Having created and delivered comprehensive educational, career and wellbeing programmes for senior students and young people, I believe this crucial stage is often overlooked and rushed.

Sometimes, students end up going down a career path they never envisaged taking. If Covid has taught anything, it has taught us how precious life is!

In my experience, points are too often seen as the end result for our Leaving Cert students. It needs to be viewed as a gateway and not something that limits a young person’s dream. If our young people have a greater sense of self-awareness, a sense of themselves, who they are, then they will have a far better chance of making more enlightened choices.

Issue 29 October 30, 2020

Getting your child back on track: Gain direction and refocus during Covid-19

Students must stay focused on their future goals regardless of circumstances Young people, this is your time.

It is the time in which you have tremendous freedom to choose, to shape, to chart your future. You might argue circumstances limit you, and take away your choice, yet you can choose your response and ultimately we are the sum of our choices.

Yes, your lives are difficult and challenging. Still, you must keep the Leaving Cert in perspective.

It’s a bridge, never lose sight of the fact that you are on course to become the leaders, the economists, the carpenters, the journalists, the educators, the farmers, the doctors, the innovators

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that will lead, shape and direct our country in the years ahead.

Your career is one of your end goals, so like any journey, before you start, you need to know your destination and how you will get there. It’s like Google Maps; when you put in your destination, you get different route options. Students need to consider all routes too, such as universities, private colleges, apprenticeships, Teagasc, BIM, Defence Forces, An Garda Siochana & Emergency Services, PLC Courses etc. g Deirdre O’Keeffe’s next article will be on a 5-step plan. She can be reached via email at deirdrecokeeffe@gmail.com.

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Community news

Above recent prizegiving event at Millstreet Pitch and Putt Club; left, sisters, Joan Wall and Kay Ryan demonstrate perfect social distancing in Millstreet Town Park recently; Photos by Seán Radley

Due to lockdown restrictions the November walk in the Mullaghareirks has been postponed to Saturday 12th December. Booking is essential. The meeting point will be in the car park in Meelin at 10.30am.

Chance to win a new VW Golf and aid club

Kiskeam GAA Club Draw 2020

LIMITED

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Scan to enter

ENTR Y €20 ONLINE ONL ONLY Y

www.kiskeamgaadraw.ie or text 0874163044

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* alloys shown are not standard

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Kiskeam GAA Club Chairperson Billy Dennehy says more than ever the importance of community being at the heart of GAA has been seen during Covid-19.

“Going forward in these changing times we are now focused on developing our club facilities for all teams,” he says.

“We want to support the health and wellbeing of our club members and build camaraderie across all age groups in our club and community. It is important for us that we connect with the wider community through the provision of a range of activities in Kiskeam GAA and support mental and physical wellbeing.

“To raise funds to facilitate all this we have launched ‘Win the All-New VW Golf Draw’ in partnership with Newmarket Motors, who have been a great support to us and many other GAA clubs over the years.”

To enter online, visit www.kiskeamgaadraw.ie.

Tickets are available in Lehanes Foodstore, Murphys Post Office, or Murphys Foodstore, Kiskeam Village.

Email-pro.kiskeam.cork@gaa.ie or text 0874163044 for more information.

Ni neart go cur le cheile (There is no strength without working together).

Issue 29 October 30, 2020

Community news

Six accomplished harpers from Coláiste Treasa Kanturk took part in National Harp Day recently. Ava Hynes, Laura O'Connor, Sarah O'Keeffe, Jack Quirke, Yasmine O'Sullivan and Isobel Hynes were among 80 harpers from all over Ireland and abroad who too part in the virtual event at www.harpireland.ie

Above, Tom Horgan, John D O'Connor, and Tony Daly of Kanturk Rugby Club making a presentation to Ber O'Leary and Mary O'Connor of Kanturk Community Hospital, proceeds from the Rugby Club's recent 'Longest Try' fundraiser; and below, Sister Helen Canning receives a cheque on behalf of Mercy House from the same fundraiser Photos by Sheila Fitzgerald

The Millstreet Under 12 Camogie Team who took part in the very successful VHI Virtual Mini Marathon 10km up Clara Mountain on October 2nd Photo by Michelle O'Keeffe Issue 29 October 30, 2020

Left, Sheila Daly celebrated her 100th Birthday recently at Araglen Nursing Home, Boherbue. Sheila Daly (née Nunan) was born in Lisnacon, Kanturk, on August 31st, 1920.

She attended Dromagh National School and Drishane Convent. She married John Daly from Millstreet in 1954.

Sheila, John and their seven children lived in Clonbanin.

Thiha loses her locks for a very good cause

Thiha Kearney O’Sullivan, Kanturk, recently donated 16 inches of her hair to the Rapunzel Foundation which makes wigs for children and teenagers who suffer hair loss as a result of cancer treatment or alopecia. It takes 20 to 25 ponytails to make one wig and children's hair is needed to make children's wigs.

Tanya at Belle Hair in Mallow cut Thiha's hair. Belle Hair is one of a number of hairdressers nationally who offer their services free of charge for the Rapunzel Foundation.

Thiha had hoped to do a fundraiser for the Foundation but was unable to do so because of the pandemic – hopefully at a later stage!

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Crossword sponsored by Bob’s Bar & Restaurant, Kanturk

€20 voucher for use at Bob’s Bar & Restaurant, Kanturk

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:

Terms & Conditions: Deadline for submissions is noon on Friday, November 6th, 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.

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Across 1. Dock (5) 4. Sore (7) 8. Rubbish (7) 9. Sacred song (5) 10. Boulders (5) 11. Sincere (7) 12. Real (6) 14. Blemished (6) 17. Ancient Japanese warrior (7) 19. Concur (5) 21. Ashen (5) 22. Before (7) 23 Least difficult (7) 24 Viper (5)

Down 1. Bet (5) 2. Fruit (7) 3. Emblems (5) 4. Fragments (6) 5. Endanger (7) 6. Fire (5) 7. Restricted (7) 12. Relieve of blame (7) 13. Abbreviate (7) 15. Concerned (7) 16. Straightforward (6) 18. Relocates (5) 19. Main artery (5) 20. Mistake (5)

Solution: Issue 28, October 16, 2020

Solution in Issue 30, November 20, 2020

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WINNER! Well done to Julia M Lucey, Bounard, Gneeveguilla, Rathmore, who wins a €20 voucher from Bob’s Bar & Restaurant, Kanturk!

Issue 29 October 30, 2020

Advertising

Issue 29 October 30, 2020

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Job Centre

Lockdown jobsearch

By JACKIE KELLY With a second lockdown in place, we at IRD Duhallow's Job Centre are continuing to operate to help those who have been made unemployed due to Covid-19. We can offer guidance and support via phone and email on how to apply for positions and also on career directions or undertaking courses.

See some tips below during these challenging times: 1. Get the basics ready n Firstly, take some time to update your CV or call or email us in the Job Centre and we will assist you n Your CV should include a short personal statement, list your education, work experience, achievements and a list of all your relevant skills to match the job you are applying for n To help get your application noticed, write a cover letter and adapt it to suit each job that you are applying for n Create or update your LinkedIn page. LinkedIn is the social network for job seekers so keep your profile updated. Jobs are listed on LinkedIn every day 2. Applying for Jobs • Download job apps on your phone i.e. JobsIreland, Indeed, jobs.ie, Monster, Irish Jobs n Apply for jobs that match your skills n Ensure that you are prepared for online video interviews. Practice with friends or family online. Check your technology and use a plain background, good lighting and dress how you would for a normal interview. For online interview workshops, please contact us in the Job Centre n During this time some essential services such as healthcare, food chain supply, supermarkets and finance are still hiring. Recently, DHL have announced the recruitment of further staff

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During this time some essential services such as healthcare, food chain supply, supermarkets and finance are still hiring

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3. Skills & Courses n This can be a perfect opportunity to also upskill, check out courses that you might be interested in. By improving your skillsets, it can give you more opportunities n Adult Education courses are continuing at this time here at IRD Duhallow 4. Look after You! n Make sure you are looking after your physical and mental wellbeing

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by exercising and reaching out to family or friends regularly n Try to keep a positive mindset, as this will help ensure your job seeking stays on course n And remember, IRD Duhallow’ s Job Centre continue to offer guidance and support If you would like support in applying for future roles please call Jackie Kelly on 029-60633 or email Jackie.kelly@irdduhallow.com. g IRD Duhallow’s SICAP-funded Job Centre offers support and guidance to people in relation to CV preparation, the interview process, career guidance and job seeking.

SICAP 2018-2022 is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development with co-funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014-2020.

Issue 29 October 30, 2020

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Issue 29 October 30, 2020

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Feature

USEFUL LINKS n Feel Good Friday online webinar – exploring mental health and self care through a variety of interactive and creative means: Log on to www.eventbrite.ie or use https://tinyurl.com/y3mp7es5 n HSE – tips for looking after your mental health: Log on to www2.hse.ie or use https://tinyurl.com/y4tnz3gb n Mental Health Ireland – mental health and wellbeing tips and advice: Log on to www.mentalhealthireland.ie n Spun Out – mental health resources: https://spunout.ie/ health/category/mental-health n Jigsaw – The National Centre for Youth Mental Health: https://jigsaw. ie/ information-and-elearning/ n Citizens Information Mental Health Services: log on to www. citizensinformation.ie or use https://tinyurl.com/ y3x3sjpq n Aware – Mental Health Resources: www.aware.ie /mental-health-resources/

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YOU ARE IRD Duhallow ramps up services again during renewed lockdown IRD Duhallow Clg continue to provide a range of services to the local Duhallow community. During these current Covid-19 restrictions we want to take this opportunity to remind you that we are here for you if support is needed.

In addition to the following list of services provided, IRD Duhallow are happy to accommodate the collection and delivery of essential items to those who may be cocooning or self isolating. We also have access to an extensive database of local volunteers. Your calls are welcomed.

Duhallow Community Food Services (DCFS) – call (029) 76375 n Providing take away meals and fresh baked goods n Meals on wheels service available Duhallow Community Laundry – call (029) 60633 n Low cost community laundry services available

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n Collect and return services available Duhallow Revamp – call (029) 60633 n IRD Duhallow Furniture Revamp Facebook page for click and collect options available n 100% cotton reusable facemasks for sale and can be posted out to you for your convenience Newmarket Afterschools – call (029) 60633 n Newmarket Afterschools provides a quality wrap around service to primary school children who are collected from school daily by bus with a passenger assistant n The children receive a home cooked nutritious dinner along with one to one help and supervision with their homework Duhallow Befriending Network – call (029) 60633 n Providing companionship through

Issue 29 October 30, 2020

Feature

E NOT ALONE

Above, IRD Duhallow HQ, James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket – from where our services are rolled out centrally telephone conversations with people in their own homes n These are confidential and nonjudgemental conversations Duhallow Alcoholics Anonymous – call (029) 60633 n A closed meeting observing strict safety guidelines is held in the James O'Keeffe Institute, Newmarket every Sunday at 11.30am, Tuesday at 8.30pm and Thursday at 8.30pm Duhallow Walkways – call (029) 60633 n The Duhallow region has a variety of walks which were funded through the LEADER Rural Development Programme 2014–2020 and previous LEADER programmes through IRD Duhallow to develop walks to suit all ages and interests n Visit www.irdduhallow.com for a complete list of walking trails throughout the area Duhallow Playgrounds – call (029) 60633 n The Duhallow area has been in receipt of substantial funding through the LEADER Rural Development

Issue 29 October 30, 2020

Clockwise from above, face masks being made at Duhallow Revamp; Duhallow Community Laundry; Duhallow playground facilities Programme 2014–2020 and previous LEADER programmes through IRD Duhallow to develop projects to enhance our local playgrounds n Ballinagree, Ballydesmond, Banteer, Boherbue, Bweeng, Donoughmore, Freemount, Kanturk, Kilcorney, Kiskeam (on the way), Lismire, Lyre, Millstreet, Newmarket, Rathmore, Rockchapel, Tullylease.

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Birdwatch

Cattle egret Photo by Doug Greenberg

Irish Name: Tiuf-teaf Scientific name: Phylloscopus collybita Bird family: Warblers Status: A common and widespread summer visitor to woodlands, as well as a common passage migrant and scarce winter visitor.

Identification: Very similar to willow warbler. Ages and

Scientific name: Bubulcus ibis Bird family: Cormorants (egrets) Status: Global population is evaluated as Least Concern by the IUCN Identification: The cattle egret is a stocky heron with an 88–96cm wingspan; it is 46–56cm long and weighs

sexes identical. Largely dull greenish above, slightly paler below. Has faint supercilium and dark eyestripe, and a narrow white eyering.

Chiffchaffs from Scandinavia and Siberia can appear (rarely) on autumn passage in Ireland, being almost pure white underneath and brown-grey above.

270–512g. It has a relatively short, thick neck, a sturdy bill, and a hunched posture.

The nonbreeding adult has mainly white plumage, a yellow bill, and greyishyellow legs. The sexes are similar, but the male is marginally larger and has slightly longer breeding plumes than the female.

Chiffchaff Photo by David Dillon

Visit https://birdwatchireland.ie and https://www.duhallowlife.com/raptor-life Crossbill Photo by Jerry Cassidy

Irish Name: Crotach Scientific name: Numenius arquata Bird family: Waders Status: Winter visitor to wetlands as well as breeding in small numbers in floodplains and boglands.

Numbers and range have declined substantially in recent decades, likely due to

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Irish Name: Crosghob Scientific name: Loxia curvirostra Bird family: Finches Status: Widespread resident in fluctuating numbers throughout Ireland, mainly in conifer plantations.

Identification: Larger than a House Sparrow, with heavy, thick set body and head. Tail

increased afforestation and agricultural improvement.

Identification: The largest wader, very distinctive with long legs, bulky body, long neck and long decurved bill.

Fairly uniform greyish brown, with bold dark streaking all over. May be confused with the smaller whimbrel, which occurs in spring and autumn.

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short, noticeable fork. Distinctive heavy bill has tips crossed. Male brick red, brighter on the rump, young males are variable, orange or yellow, streaked but with bright rump. Females are greenish and streaked.

Flocks distinctive in flight, strong and undulating, short tail with fork.

Curlew Photo by Colum Clarke

Issue 29 October 30, 2020

Artist in the frame

An instinct for art Artist VINCENT CROTTY, born and raised in Kanturk and living in Boston, USA, since 1990.

“One of my earliest memories, long before I could talk,” Vincent recalls, “is of sitting in a pram (baby stroller) and watching the sunshine make patterns of light on the kitchen wall. I was mesmerised. I have always been sensitive to light and colour.”

Vincent began painting at age seven, copying paintings by Rembrandt from his mother’s art books. After secondary school, he spent five years working in a factory, during the bleak economic conditions of Ireland in the 1980s.

Vincent then turned to painting at age 22 with a fierce commitment, as he says, “to make my living – one way or another – with paint.”

Leaving his factory job, he studied sign painting and interior decorating at Fás. This training, under instructors Noel McKenna and Gerry Fitzgibbon, gave him an understanding of paint chemistry and the fundamentals of drawing.

In addition to Fás, he sought out one-on-one study with the well-known West Cork sign painter Tomás Tuipéir. From these experiences, he mastered the old-world skill of painting free-hand letters, Celtic designs, and expressive pictorial signs.

“My background in trade school has given me a hands-on approach rather than a cerebral one. Being self-employed has forced me to follow my here-and-now instincts as an artist. I take a fearless approach and slap on paint liberally. I harness happy accidents,” he says.

In 1990, with an enormous appetite for learning, Vincent emigrated to Boston to seek out further art training. In the Boston area, he studied painting intensively

Issue 29 October 30, 2020

Clockwise from top left, two views of Kanturk; Kanturk by night; Newmarket cows in winter; and two men walking in Kanturk, by Vincent Crotty with artist John Kilroy for many years, and later trained in figure drawing with Paul Rahilly at Massachusetts College of Art. He attended the Scottsdale Artists School in Arizona, studying with Mark Daily and David Leffel. He has taken workshops with Tim Allen Lawson, Jeremy Lipking, Kevin MacPherson, Matt Smith, and John Stobart, and he continues to travel widely to pursue workshops and plein air painting events.

In addition to his gallery shows, Vincent’s paintings have been featured as set designs for theatre companies and touring productions including Atlantic Steps, the Cork City Ballet, the Huntington Theatre Company, Kieran Jordan Dance, and the WGBH Celtic Sojourn productions. Four of his

paintings were used on the film set in the 2003 Clint Eastwood movie Mystic River.

Vincent is also well-known for his paintings of Irish traditional musicians. He has painted commissioned portraits of beloved musicians Felix Dolan, Joe Madden, and Larry Reynolds, and has created CD covers for Irish music artists including Joey Abarta, Tim Browne, Marla Fibish, Bridget Fitzgerald, Sean Keane, Ben Power, and the group Childsplay. His large-scale Irish set dancing mural called ‘Side Couples Swing’ hangs as a permanent installation behind the bar in the Irish Cultural Centre of New England.

Vincent and his wife, dancer/ choreographer Kieran Jordan, live in Dorchester, Massachusetts.

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Environment

by Michael Morrissey MSc Ag Sci Blue Dot Catchments & EIP Farm Planner

Citizen science explained Citizen science refers to research conducted or carried out by members of the public. These amateur scientists provide invaluable data on biodiversity, water quality and the presence of invasive species.

The Duhallow Farming for Blue Dot Catchments EIP Project will utilise a citizen science approach to involve and educate project applicants on the importance of good river water quality and its impact on associated species assemblages habitual to good or pristine freshwater ecosystems.

The use of citizen science will play an integral role in the project and form the applicant self-assessment requirement for this innovative EIP/AGRI project.

The project team in collaboration with the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) and University College Dublin (UCD) will roll out a citizen science approach as a trial in the EIP project. This approach will require voluntary field trips for project applicants to a selection of locations with fast flowing streams to record, monitor and assess macroinvertebrates within freshwater streams.

Macroinvertebrates are referred to as bio indicators which are species used to assess the quality of an environment. They are described as organisms without backbones and are visible to the eye without use of a microscope.

However, for ease of identification a hand lens would be very beneficial. Freshwater aquatic macroinvertebrates live on or under rocks within the stream or river. These organisms are used as biological indicators in the assessment of river water quality.

Macroinvertebrates have a very important role to play in aquatic ecosystems in helping to remove nutrients by consuming algae and

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Note: Sampling to be completed using a pond kick net Bad Leech, worms, and/or bloodworm dominant

Score

10

Poor Shrimp, flatworm, and/or water louse present

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30

40

Medium Some mayfly, and stonefly present with some caddis or sedge fly 50

60

70

Good Mayfly and stonefly are abundant

80

90

100

Indicate macroinvertebrates present by ticking the boxes below

Leech

Water Louse

Cased Caddisfly

Mayfly

Bloodworm

Shrimp

Caddisfly

Stonefly

‘

The most sensitive forms of macroinvertebrates include stonefly and mayfly. An abundance would suggest good to pristine water quality

’

organic matter. They include a variety of freshwater creatures including aquatic nymph or larvae of winged insects, aquatic worms, aquatic snails and clams. They can be classified into groups based on tolerance to water pollution.

Some require pristine freshwater ecosystems while others can be tolerant to certain pollutants or nutrient enrichment.

Macroinvertebrates can be classed into groups such as pollution sensitive, less sensitive to pollution and pollution tolerant.

Monitoring of macroinvertebrates includes a method referred to as kick sampling.

When preparing for an assessment of macroinvertebrates

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in a freshwater ecosystem, having necessary equipment for the field trip is the first step. Equipment including wet weather gear, a professional hand net and a sampling tray are essential when carrying out a field assessment.

Once the location for carrying out the kick sample has been identified, the method is as follows: Begin with agitating the stones and sediment by foot for approximately 30 seconds, catching the sample in the hand net held downstream of the kick sample point; rinse the contents of the hand net into the sample tray which should be full of fresh water from the stream. The species diversity can then be recorded based on species absence or presence.

The most sensitive forms of macroinvertebrates include stonefly and mayfly. An abundance would suggest good to pristine water quality.

Somewhat sensitive species include cased caddisfly while caseless caddisfly could be classed as less sensitive forms.

Pollution-tolerant forms include leech, pond snail and blood worm.

Issue 29 October 30, 2020

Vet Corner

Keep pets safe over Halloween With the Halloween season upon us, a few dangers lurk in the shadows for our pets.

Although the spooky festivities are likely to look different this year, I’d say it’s a safe bet to suspect that houses will be nevertheless filled with the usual chocolate treats and sugary sweets.

Make sure to be vigilant with not allowing your pet to eat any of these products – chocolate is toxic to dogs and can cause serious problems. If your pet has accidentally eaten chocolate, call your vet for advice immediately.

Likewise, the sugary sweets are not a good snack for our pets, as some of the sweeteners used in these products, such as xylitol, are also toxic for pets.

Loud bangs and fireworks are another hazard and can cause

g By JANE PIGOTT GP vet & Consultant Veterinary Cardiologist

significant stress in pets. Make sure your pets are secure inside – it can only take one loud bang to cause them to run away disorientated and be unable to find their way back home. Create a cosy den in a quiet spot in the house for your pet to hide during the noises, pop some calming music on the radio a little louder than usual to mask the bangs and most importantly, try to act as though nothing abnormal is happening. Our pets are extremely astute at picking up on our emotions – if we seem worried (even if we are only worried about them) they may interpret this as a

signal that they should indeed be very concerned about whatever is going on, and this can add to their stress. Act calmly, create a safe hiding space and the loud bangs will be over before you know it.

Tureencahill Active Retired Group resume weekly meetings virtually

Tureencahill Active Retired Group will resume their weekly meetings virtually from Friday 30th October at 11.15am, which can be viewed on the Tureencahill Community Group Facebook page.

Mary Culloty O’Sullivan will encourage us all to sing, and Marie Keane will have a knitting project to keep us busy. On Friday 6th November have your canvas and paints ready, Jessica Baron (pictured above) will tutor us on the art of painting.

On Friday 13th November, Nora Dunlea will have an exercise programme for us to help us keep fit.

Please join us on our virtual journey!

Issue 29 October 30, 2020

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17

Health

Boost your immune system

By MAIREAD O’KEEFFE During this second period of lockdown we need to work as a community to stem the spread of coronavirus. In terms of behaviour, we can help to prevent the spread by wearing a mask, social distancing, and hand-washing. This is our first line of defence. 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 keep our bodies healthy and boost our immune system.

1. Get a good balance of exercise and rest Exercise and rest help to keep your body healthy and your immune system strong. Many people are struggling with their sleep at the moment due to stress and uncertainty. Irish Botanicals Peace and Calm is a traditional herbal medicinal product used for the temporary relief of symptoms of mild stress and to aid sleep.

2. Look after your gut health 70% of your immune system is located in your gut. It is important to eat a colourful, unprocessed diet which is rich in fibre. Taking a high quality probiotic, such as Udos

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‘

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 keep ourselves healthy and boost our immune system

’

Choice Super 8, can help balance your ‘good’ and ’bad’ bacteria.

3. Supplement with key immune supporting nutrients Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, plays an important role in helping our bodies to handle respiratory illness. Taking supplements of Zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Elderberry and Beta Glucans may help to

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shorten the duration and severity of Covid-19. There are some excellent multivitamin formulations on the market such as Source of Life Gold.

4. Coping with symptoms We have cough medicines and immune system boosters to help you if you do get ill. Irish Botanicals All Seasons Complex is a soothing cough medicine and their Echinacea is a high potency formulation which can help your body recover from viral illness.

Our New Leaf Stores are still open in Kanturk and Charleville and our staff are able to give you personal advice. 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. Stay safe and contact us if you need help.

Issue 29 October 30, 2020

Health

YOUR ROUTINE IS IMPORTANT With many people working from home, it is important you maintain a routine, writes Daniel Daly, manager and personal trainer at Millstreet Community Gym. Wake up, eat and finish working at the same time. Dress for your typical work day, when it comes time to train, change into your gym gear and you will subconsciously switch from work to workout mode.

Focus on what is important first and foremost.

A good metaphor for this is the Rock, Pebbles, Sand story: A professor presented their class with an empty jar. They filled it with rocks, asked if it was full and the students agreed it was. The professor then added smaller pebbles to the jar and the students again said the jar was full. The professor then proceeded to add sand to the jar, shook it up and

Daniel Daly, manager and personal trainer at Millstreet Community Gym now it was finally full. The jar represents your life, the big rocks being the most important aspects such as your health and family.

The pebbles represent smaller, non-essential and dynamic parts of your life, such as your job, friendships etc.. Finally, the sand represents the materialistic things that are not important to us, such as watching TV. The metaphor being, that if you filled the jar with sand first, you would have less room for the bigger rocks.

When it comes to your health, focus on the big rocks. Get seven or eight hours of sleep, hydrate sufficiently, eat three or four different vegetables and one or two servings of protein with each meal and do something active that you enjoy.

Don’t spend your time worrying about the pebbles and sand, until you have filled the jar with the rocks. g Follow Millstreet Community Gym on Facebook and Instagram.

VITAMIN A – WHY I LOVE IT!

By Joanne Guiney A deficiency in Vitamin A really does play havoc with our skin.

It's when skin abnormalities such as acne, pigmentation, lines and wrinkles occur.

We need to keep our levels high for a healthy functioning skin. If we are not using Vitamin A topically, things like heat, light and air will all destroy Vitamin A in our skin and it will take days and weeks for it to build up again through diet alone.

After heavy sun exposure it can take seven days to get levels back up. If we are using it topically and we go out in the sun, and we destroy our Vitamin A levels, it will take no longer than three hours to build those levels back up again.

Issue 29 October 30, 2020

Vitamin A is the only proven molecule to scientifically change our skin. It is known as a skin normaliser, basically this means it is for everyone.

It assists in the promotion of healthy collagen formation by stimulating fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen in the dermis), leaving our skin looking firmer and more youthfully radiant.

Vitamin A helps speed up healing, it supports our skin’s immune system, it normalises pigmentation and it promotes natural moisturising factors – which help to hydrate our skin, giving it a radiant glow.

Amongst its incredible benefits is it's ability to normalise our sebaceous glands. Let's elaborate!

We need our sebaceous glands, they produce natural oil in our skin

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known as sebum, but if they are working too much, on overdrive, that's when breakouts, oily looking skin and in the worst case scenario, acne, occur. On the other hand, when our sebaceous glands are not producing enough sebum, that's when dryness occurs. Vitamin A really gets to working on calming the sebaceous glands, communicating with them and telling them to produce the right level of sebum that we need.

Environ Skin Care have a very clever Vitamin A step up programme which helps us to introduce it into our skin at a slow and steady pace.

If you would like to learn more, why not book a virtual consultation at Beautify by Joanne: 0879801404. g Joanne Guiney is an Environ skincare specialist.

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Interests

A new way to remember

By RAYMOND O’SULLIVAN The clocks have gone back and we enter the dark months of the year.

Samhain slips in, silent as a ghost, and the veil between the world of the living and that of the spirit world grows thinner. So thin, in fact, that at Hallowe’en the dead can pass through and walk amongst us once more, call on old friends and visit their old homes.

OMG visitors! I’ll have to do a lot of housekeeping – washing ware, mopping floors, burying the dirty laundry in the garden. Why hasn’t someone invented a ride-on vacuum cleaner? If only I had a couple of women. We could have a ‘threesome’ – one doing the washing, the other doing the cooking and yours truly doing the supervising. I’ll put some get-well cards on the mantelpiece: they’ll think I was too sick to do any cleaning.

But what if they’re just coming to visit me and not my old, dilapidated, born-again-bachelor abode? Taking everything into consideration, it would be far more convenient and much less of a bother for all concerned, if they stayed where they are and I stepped through the veil to visit them instead. Next year, perhaps!

But seriously, November is the Month of the Dead and a time one finds oneself saying “what if” more often than usual. Clonfert, Ballydesmond, Rockchapel, Old

Kilcorney, just some of the places where friends, family members and loved ones lie, graveyards that are part of the annual November pilgrimage of sorrow and remembrance. What if I took a different approach this year?

What if I visit places where we were young and full of life and happy together instead?

Where to start? The list is almost endless: churches and public houses, restaurants and ruined monasteries, remote islands and bustling cities, woodland walks and dance halls, bogs and beaches, mustn’t forget the schools, the old swimming holes and the music sessions.

What if I remember them on a windy day on the top of the Bochaura, or over a quiet pint in the Alley Bar in Kanturk or a cup of coffee in an off-season seaside café – what if I celebrate their lives rather than stand silently staring at their graves?

Writer profile: Mary Angland Writer and playwright, Kanturk Most of my adult life has been spent teaching and it wasn’t until 2010 that I began to write seriously. In 2011, I won the Canon Sheehan Short Story Award at the Doneraile Literary Festival which was a great impetus to keep going.

‘The Laughing Boy’ was set during the War of Independence and featured an IRA flying column and that rarest of creatures – a good Black and Tan! It’s included in my short story collection.

My plays have been staged over the years at Kanturk Arts Festivals and Kanturk Culture Nights. They have also been performed by a number of amateur drama groups

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including Milford and Killavullen.

In 2017, Newmarket writer and drama teacher Mike Guerin and myself got together to form ‘Staged’.

We present new plays twice a year using actors from the Duhallow area (nothing, of course, happening this year because of the pandemic).

My debut collection of short stories ‘Cry of the Curlew and Other

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Stories’ is for sale in Kanturk Bookshop Presents of Mind, Supervalu in both Kanturk and Newmarket, and on Amazon.

This year I collaborated with digital photographer Viv Buckley on a coffee table book of photos and short stories which was due to be launched this month but had to be held back because of Covid-19.

Hopefully, we’ll see it hit the bookshelves sometime in 2021.

My first novel ‘Love in the Shadows’ will be published by Nine Star Press in early December and that’s very exciting, a bit like Santa coming early!

Find me on MaryAngland@ wordpress.com and on Facebook.

Issue 29 October 30, 2020

Interests

HOME-MADE BROWN BREAD Recipe kindly provided by Ann O'Connor of Boherbue: Ingredients: n 225g plain white flour n 225g coarse brown flour n 100g porridge oats n ½ teaspoon salt n 2 teaspoons bread soda n 2 tablespoons of pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds n 1 beaten egg mixed with 450ml buttermilk n 2 tablespoons sunflower oil Instructions: Mix dry ingredients; mix wet and dry ingredients together; pour mix into lined loaf pan.

Fan oven, heated to 180. Bake at 180 for 10 minutes, then 160 for 40 mins (approximately).

Issue 29 October 30, 2020

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Kid’s Corner

Let’s colour!

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Issue 29 October 30, 2020

Sport

Duhallow Sports Greats Q & A 1. What/who inspired you to become a sportsperson in your field?

I suppose I never really looked up to anyone at first. I started when I was under 8 and continue to play because of my love for the sport.

But I do remember the days in National School when Donncha O’Connor used to come to the school with the cups they had won with Cork.

2. What was the moment that you knew you were on the right track?

When I made the Cork U14 team for the first time. Having gone for trials, I never really believed I could make it so when I got the opportunity I was absolutely delighted and on top of that was named vice captain for that year.

3. What do you believe is your greatest strength?

As I was playing football with older girls from a young age with St. Peter’s, I believe it taught me that I had to be a bit wiser with the ball as I wasn’t as physically strong as my markers. I also learned a lot of skills from playing with more advanced players from such a young age. I believe it stood to me when I went for trials for Cork U14. I can thank my coach Mike Carrol for giving me the opportunity to play with the older girls.

4. What is your greatest sporting achievement?

I will never forget the day I won my first and so far only Munster medal with Cork, which was last May. After two years with no success it was a remarkable feeling to finally cross the finish line. We later went on to lose the semi-final of the All-Ireland against a very strong Galway team. But to this day I couldn’t have picked a better bunch of girls to win a Munster final with. I will never forget that day or the celebrations that followed.

Issue 29 October 30, 2020

Laura Doody, aged 17, lives in Newmarket Co. Cork. She plays football with St. Peter’s (Meelin/ Rockchapel) and went for her first Cork trial at the age of 13/14. She made the Cork U14 football team that year and has done so for the past four years: U14 (vice captain), U16, U16 again, minor and she hopes to make the minor panel again next year as she will

5. What is your greatest personal achievement?

Being one of two girls that have made the Cork football team for the last four years in a row.

6. What was the greatest challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?

Since starting football I have had problems with my hamstring which sometimes caused me to miss out on matches and training with both my club and inter county. I’d say my mother has driven me to every physio in the locality at this stage.

Missing these games and training meant I had to prove myself even more and fight for my position a little harder, which I believe made me a better player to this day.

7. Who supported you the most in your career?

My mom – without her I couldn’t

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LAURA DOODY actually be on the age. She has played centre back and wing back with Cork, and plays on the half forward line usually for St. Peter’s.

For the last four years she has also been playing camogie with Banteer and usually lines out as centre back/midfield. have done what I did. She spent nearly every Wednesday and Saturday and sometimes Monday evenings on the road with me to Cork training and matches, never mind the same for with St. Peters and Camogie with Banteer for the last four years. I’m grateful to my family as they have always backed me. My aunt Eileen, Grandad Anthony, Nana Nell and Dad were at nearly all of my matches down through the years.

8. Advice for young players just starting out?

Not everything comes easy and if you truly want something you have to work hard for it. Everyone can have a bad day so don’t beat yourself up over not playing a good game, stick with it.

9. What do you do outside of sports?

I like to do a bit of walking and hill walking. I’ve done the trails in Duhallow several times such as: Claragh Loop, Mount Hillary and Mullaghareirk Mountain. This August I climbed Carrauntoohil for Temple Street Hospital with my family. I also did Cardiac Hill and Torc Mountain during the summer.

10. Goals going forward?

Hopefully get the points needed in my Leaving Cert in 2022 to get into Mary Immaculate College for primary school teaching – and to make the Cork minor team for 2021, hopefully making it my fifth year with Cork football.

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Twohig’s of Kanturk Twohig’s Abbeyfeale & Askeaton 1 WEEK ONL ONLY Y 29TH OCT - 4TH NOV

HALF PRICE

SAVE SAVE

33%

IRISH

SAVE SAVE

33% IRISH

SuperValu ear Bag 7pce was €1.19

SuperValu Closed SuperVa Cup Mushrooms 250g - €1.96/kg was 85c

49c EACH

79c

SuperValu Carrot & Parsnip Tray 500g - 98c/kg as 99c

EACH r Great fo ! n e e Hallow

SuperValu Courgette 1pce was 89c

SuperVa SuperV alu Mango Loose oose 1pce was 89c SuperValu Halloween een Peanuts in Shell 270g - €2.93/kg

6 FO R

€40

*

that’s €6.67 per bottle

VA T

Mix & Match

S IN AV CL IN U GS D ED

SuperValu Famil SuperVa Family Apple Bag 10pce was €1.29

€12.30

EACH EACH

€6.89 EACH WAALLY’S HUT SHIRAZ/CABERNET SAUVIGNON* * 75cl was €8.84 Save €1.95

€7.87 EACH EMOTIVO O MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO 75cl was €9.84 Save €1.97/ L JOUBERT CABERNET SAUVIGNON/ 7/ NIEL CABERNET SHIRAZ 75cl was w €11.80 Save €3.93/CHRONOS BLACK 4 LABEL RESERVA CABERNET T SAUVIGNON 75cl was €10.81 Save €2.94

Offers valid from Thursda Thursday 29th October - Wednesday 4th November ember 2020 , unless otherwise stated. Prices es ccorrect at time of going to print. *Selected wines onl only, see in-store for details. Offers Offers available, a while stocks last. Customer quotas may appl apply. Enjoy alcohol responsibly.