Discover Duhallow - Issue 12

Issue 12: February 21, 2020

contact us at: info@discoverduhallow.com

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HORTICULTURE STUDENTS REAP REWARDS: SEE PAGE 6

JAMES O’KEEFFE LEGACY 100 years since birth of a local legend Born in the winter of 1920 on a farm of 60 acres and 15 cows in Scarteen, Newmarket, James O’Keeffe left school aged just 13 yet would go on to become one

of the most respected farming leaders in 20th Century Ireland with a legacy that lives on almost 40 years after his untimely death, writes Conor Judge. g See pages 14 & 15

South Munster MABS Mallow Office Tel: 0761 07 2440 Charleville Office Tel: 0761 07 2420

OUTREACH LOCATIONS:  Fermoy  Mitchelstown  Newmarket Ring to arrange an appointment MABS can provide Community Education presentations to schools and community groups throughout North Cork

FREE CONFIDENTIAL INDEPENDENT

MABS can help you to:        

Maximise Your Income Create a Budget Plan Explore Affordable Credit Options Avoid Disconnection of Electricity/Gas Negotiate with Your Creditors Avoid Rent/Mortgage Arrears Dedicated Mortgage Arrears Service (Abhaile) Explore Insolvency Options

Website: www.mabs.ie  Helpline: 0761 07 2000

MABS Mallow: 25 O’Brien Street, Mallow, Co. Cork  Email: mallow@mabs.ie MABS Charleville: Rathgoggan South, Charleville, Co. Cork  Email: charleville@mabs.ie

Do you wish to: Advertise your business Post job listings Share your community news Contribute to features Please get in touch with us on info@discoverduhallow.com or on 029-60633

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

The Doctrine of Signatures Half way through February already!

It’s hard to believe with the very mixed weather we’ve been having.

It’s a tough start for the garden, but daffodils and crocuses are beginning to flower, and snowdrops have been around for a few weeks now.

Other early flowering plants include Pulmonaria officinalis or Lungwort, one of my favourite garden plants with its pinky blue flowers from February through to April, followed by beautiful spotted foliage for the rest of the year. It is a very unassuming plant, looks after itself and reminds you every spring how beautiful it is.

The name Lungwort, and indeed the official name Pulmonaria officinalis, comes from its medicinal properties for lung complaints.

This harks back to the days when the belief was that if a plant looked like a part of the body, it could be used to heal that area.

This concept is called the Doctrine of Signatures, and is the age-old belief that plants resemble the very body parts they are intended to treat. The concept is perhaps as old as the history of mankind.

Lungwort derives from the borage or forget-me-not family, including a variety of shrubs, trees, and herbs. The plant’s signature appearance of white spots corresponds with the spots one might find on a sick lung.

Walnuts resemble the human brain 2

Lungwort remedies have been used for ailments including lung conditions circulation and stemming hair loss.

In the ancient past, the popular Another family of plants that reference for lungwort was tuberhave great health-giving properties culosis (or consumption), because are the alliums. This family of its widespread reach. In more consists of onions and garlic, recent times the lungwort remedy leeks, and chives. was more commonly used to Our overwintering onions and help in treating less dire lung garlic have survived against the conditions, such as pulmonary odds this year. emphysema, Although both of bronchial coughs, these plants can and asthma. take the cold, Other examples prolonged waterlogof the Doctrine of ging of the soil Signatures in plants can cause them to include: rot over winter. n Walnuts: which However, they resemble the made it through, human brain. Tradiand the longer days tionally, walnuts of February will were considered stimulate them into medicinal treatment rapid growth. for head-related The longer days ailments. Today, we will be bringing other know the fatty acids plants into rapid contained in walnuts growth as well, actually improve Nettles have been used in including weeds. concentration It is too wet to and memory. lotions to stem hair loss do much yet unforn Nettles: The hairs found on the stinging nettle resem- tunately but early weeding can save a lot of time further into the season, ble fine needles. This appearance and it is easier to pull young weeds has drawn the plant closer to before they get established. stinging-related conditions, such Lawn weeds will also be as insect bites, allergies, and beginning to grow. Dandelions are rheumatism. The appearance of hairs all over the plant also resem- one the most important food sources for early flying bumblebees bles the hair on our heads. And, so please do not mow your lawns in fact, stinging nettle is used in until they have finished flowering. It traditional German medicine is one small thing we can do to help topically as lotions, creams, and these vitally important insects. tinctures for improving blood

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Issue 12 February 21, 2020

Ballydesmond, Gneeveguilla & Tureencahill Share the bucket: The Gneeveguilla Community Development Council in association with the Gneeveguilla Basketball club weekly draws for share the bucket: Friday 7th February, jackpot €212, winner Anna Marie Brosnan. We also had a second draw tonight as well as a dinner voucher for two at the four star Country House Hotel in Mallow. The winner was Liz O’Riordan. The draw for Friday 14th February had a jackpot of €202 and our winner was Noreen Foley.

Guaranteed winner every week, go to our Facebook page to find out how and where you can play: facebook.com/gneeveguilla/. The draw takes place every Friday at 9pm live on Facebook.

Gneeveguilla GAA: Our annual social will take place in the GAA hall on Saturday, February 22nd. Medal presentations for Senior, Junior and Minor teams on the night. Music by The Kelts, contact Niall Foley on 0863420626 for tickets.

Gneeveguilla National School: Enrolment forms for school year 2020/2021 are available from the school and local Montessori schools in the area or you can download from www.gneeveguillans.com.

We also have a Facebook page called ‘Gneeveguilla N.S. Friends Association’ which gives regular updates on upcoming events in our school. Give our page a like in order to receive regular updates.

Save the date: Toureencahill Actively Retired Group’s February diary concludes with gentle exercise on Friday 28th February.

New members always welcome, every Friday at 11am – and don’t hesitate to bring a friend!

Ballydesmond National School welcomes toy donations that may help stimulate the imaginations of pupils in our infant classes.

Lessons in how to live better People get mindfulness and wellness mixed up. Mindfulness is a conscious act of consideration of self and others; whereas wellness is the action of care with the complete focus on mental healthcare, physical healthcare, emotional healthcare and spiritual healthcare.

Wellness also incorporates mindfulness into its scope of healthcare.

What you will learn: • Do’s and Don’ts of healthcare • Natural medicines in the kitchen and garden • Overcome panic attacks, anxiety and stress • Letting go of low self-esteem and insecurities for good • Improve your energy levels and bring clarity and calmness to the mind • Improve your sleeping patterns • Boost your immune system the natural way • Breathing techniques to help you stay calmer, more focused and driven.

What will you experience?

• Talk on wellness and what it will

Catriona is on her way Best of luck to Catriona Casey of who is taking part in the Mardi Gras WPH tournament this weekend in New Orleans.

This competition is one where most of the world's top professionals will take part in and where Catriona is hoping to obtain her 8th consecutive title success.

She is already a 19 times WPH champion and is seeded number one. A great inspiration to current and future handballers in Ballydesmond.

Got community news?

Please make contact on: INFO@DISCOVERDUHALLOW.COM

or call us on 029-60633 Issue 12 February 21, 2020

do for you and your family.

• How to bring natural medicines into your diet and boost your immune system • Talk on CBD Oils and CBD products and the benefits • Breathing techniques • Self-meditation techniques • Kundalini yoga taster class • Yin yoga taster class • Body scan guided meditation with Reiki energy healing • The power of chanting • Reducing anxiety and stress.

There will be tea breaks and a small lunch break during the day.

Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing on the day (no jeans).

Bring your own yoga mat with if you have one, as well as a bottle of water.

This workshop is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The cost is €35 for the four-hour workshop, kids 12-16 go free.

Fermoy: Saturday 29th February 11am-4pm; Gneeveguilla: Saturday 7th March 11am-4pm; Limerick, Saturday 14th March 11am-4pm.

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A look back in time

Knocknagree: 1914 An excerpt from the Postal Directory of County Cork in 1914 showcasing Knocknagree. Many thanks to Michael (Mick) Lane of Newmarket for providing this.

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Issue 12 February 21, 2020

Bweeng, Kilshannig, Laharn & Lombardstown Bweeng Trail Blazers Couch to 5k programme starts on Monday February 24th, graduation run on April 19th. This will give you the chance to run in our own 5k race in May and hopefully take part in a relay team at the Cork City Marathon on the June weekend.

Kilshannig Ladies Football: Registration night, Tuesday 25th February. Registration Fees U8/U10: €30; Born 2010-2014 U12/U18: €60 after registration night, €55 on or before 25th February; Born 2002-2009 U21/ Junior: €65 after registration night, €60 on or before 25th February; Committee/Trainers/Mentors: €20.

Registration forms available next week.

Kilshannig's new text alert forms available at Lombardstown Post Office. Please return form with €10.

Well done to Bweeng Trailblazers Fiona, Caroline, Deirdre, Michelle, Caitriona and Amy who took the best that Mother Nature could throw at them and battled their way through. Huge congratulations also to Marius Luczak and Paul Twomey who completed our last Ultra in horrible conditions, and to all our club runners who ran in the half at Sli Gaeltacht Mhuscrai

Papal award is well-deserved for dedicated Eileen It was a very special day for Eileen Mullane of Bweeng when she was recently presented with the Benemerenti Award from the Pope for her service to the church as sacristan in Bweeng Church.

Eileen, cheerfully assisted over the years by her husband Jerry, was sacristan in the church in Bweeng (Co Cork) for almost 20 years.

Eileen was unwell in 2016 and was unable to continue her dedicated voluntary work when, at the same time, after a short illness Jerry passed away.

Eileen and Jerry gave much wonderful time and effort to all aspects of church requirements quietly, calmly and lovingly in the background, often spending long hours unnoticed and without complaint, always with a smile and a joke.

On Monday 10th February in Nazareth House, Bishop William Crean, Diocese of Cloyne, at a con-celebrated mass presented Eileen with a parchment scroll and medal awarded by his

Issue 12 February 21, 2020

Above, Eileen celebrates with Fr Paddy Buckley, Fr Brendan Mallon and Fr Chris Donlon

From left, Fr Chris Donlon, Canon Gerard Casey, Bishop William Crean, Eileen Mullane, Fr Brendan Mallon, Fr Paddy Buckley and Fr Gerard Coleman; right, Sheila Whelan, Sean Kelly and Mary Kelly congratulating Eileen Mullane Holiness Pope Francis.

Eileen began her time as sacristan with Fr Brendan Mallon and continued while the late Fr Jack Roche, Fr Chris Donlon and Fr Paddy Buckley ministered in the parish along with many other priests in the parish both

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resident and visiting.

Eileen will now wear her collar pin of the Benemerenti Medal with great pride, well deserved.

The Bweeng community and extended parish wish Eileen the very best in her retirement, and thank her for all her good work.

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Feature

LTI students reap rewards IRD Duhallow is proud to celebrate the achievements of nine students on the Local Training Initiative in Horticulture. This Level 5 programme came to conclusion on Thursday 13th February, following two years of training and study, which saw most students achieve a Level 4 qualification in 2019, following up with a Level 5 in 2020.

This wide ranging horticultural course is run by IRD Duhallow in conjunction with Cork Education and Training Board, and has access to superb facilities at the James O’Keefe Institute in Newmarket.

The programme consists of nine modules, including Fruit and Vegetable Production and Organic Production in which students learned how to grow, maintain, harvest and prepare for sale delicious organically grown fruit and vegetables, which they sold at a weekly stall to the local community through the growing season.

The Plant Propagation module allowed students to gain skills in producing new plants for the garden and for sale, from seed, division and cuttings; while the Plant Protection module equipped them with the knowledge of how to protect their plants using organic methods of pest and disease control.

The Level 5 Award contains both a practical and theoretical approach to learning and modules such as Plant Science and Soil Science and Growing Media gave students the theoretical knowledge to underpin all their practical skills, with an indepth look at the living entity that is soil, and an understanding of the importance of what lies beneath our feet. A botanical knowledge of how plants work is vital to really understand how best to care for them.

The Work Practice module saw the students undertake a two-month placement in various horticultural businesses, including Blarney Castle and Gardens, Muckross Estate Killarney, Manna Organic Farm,

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Assistant Coordinator Brighid-Ide Walsh (top left), IRD Duhallow Board Member Anne-Maria Bourke (middle row, far right) and Coordinator Rachel Budd (front row, far right) with LTI participants

‘

Through all adversity, this group of students came through it smiling and ready for the next challenge, and it is this attitude that will see them go far in the next stage of their lives – and we wish them all the luck in the world

’

Tralee, and closer to home, Kanturk Golf Course and Town Park, and local landscaping companies.

This programme couldn’t run without the team behind it, Team Leader Triona Dennehy, Coordinator Rachel Budd, Assistant Coordinators Mary Creedon and Brighid-Ide Walsh, and of course Catherine Power and Patricia O’Mahoney of Cork ETB. But ultimately the success of this

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programme is undoubtedly down to the sheer hard work undertaken by the students, who have embraced every challenge, whether that be physical work, adverse weather conditions, attack of the killer slugs, or the challenge of writing a 2,000word assignment for the first time in their life, or getting to grips with a computer for the first time.

Through all adversity, this group of students came through it smiling and ready for the next challenge, and it is this attitude that will see them go far in the next stage of their lives be that starting employment, further training, or their own enterprise – and we wish them all the luck in the world.

Our new programme starts in April, and will be a Level 4 Major Award in Horticulture running full time from April until February. For further information on this, please contact Rachel Budd or Brighid-Ide Walsh on 029 60633.

Issue 12 February 21, 2020

Castlemagner, Cecilstown & Kilbrin Tir na Nog: The Tir na Nog group have started a new art project that will last five to six weeks, we wish them the best in this endeavour.

Credit Union Quiz: The Kanturk Credit Union quiz took place in Kilbrin last week and it was a great success with a very big turnout.

Congratulations to all involved.

Dr Croke House: At the end of this month we will be having another history and social night in Dr Croke house. We will give you full details closer to the time but it will be entertaining with special guests.

Do you have any community news about these areas to share?

Please make contact on: INFO@DISCOVERDUHALLOW.COM

or call us on 029-60633

Banteer, Lyre & Nadd Banteer Sportsfield Draw: Thanks to all supporters and sellers, please support same via €25 per quarter or €100 per annum. Also if anyone wishes to help sell tickets, please contact Denis Withers as we must raise up to €300,000 of matching funding to complete the project.

Alarms: Banteer Lyre and Districts Community Council Social alarms available from IRD Duhallow. If you are interested or require further information, please contact Mary O'Keeffe on 0860667822.

Banteer Bingo jackpot €4,000 with bingo on Tuesdays at 8.30pm.

Adult Badminton in Banteer, at 8.30pm each Monday.

RSS/CE scheme: A number of vacancies exist in the Banteer area for Rural Social scheme and Community Employment scheme positions. Open to all who qualify, please contact Paddy O'Connor at IRD Duhallow on 029 60633.

Vacancy: Banteer Community Childcare Services are inviting applications for full time Early Years Educators. Come and join our established team and share our passion and enthusiasm for

Issue 12 February 21, 2020

Joan Stokes and Helen Lane with their grandchildren Lucy, Sophie, Robyn and Danny at the Lyre National School Grandparents Day Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald early years care and education. A minimum qualification of QQI level 5 in Childcare is required. We are looking for dynamic, motivated staff with a fun loving attitude and a love for children. Candidates must be available to work rotas between

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7am and 7pm. Job description available on request. Apply with your up-to-date CV to: The Chairperson, Banteer Community Childcare, Clonmeen Road, Banteer, Co. Cork before Friday 21st February 2020.

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Job Centre Community Employment Vacancies

Banteer: 3 Village Operatives Duties: ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾

Looking after Village General Maintenance Painting Repairing fences Cutting Grass Community hall events etc.

These are community employment positions and applicants must be in receipt of a relevant Social Welfare payment If interested in the above vacancies, please contact Paddy O’Connor (CE Supervisor) on 029-60633 or your Social Welfare case officer for more information.

Community Employment Vacancy: Furniture Revamp

Community Employment Vacancy: Warmer Homes

Upholstery Operative

Insulation Operative

Duties:

• Build furniture up with loose fiber stuffing, cotton, felt, and/or foam padding to form smooth rounded surfaces.

• Repair furniture frames and refinish exposed wood • Varnishing and repairing old furniture

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Duties: • Insulate Attics, tanks and pipes, draught-proof doors and windows, fit low energy bulbs • Address any snags such as leaks, pipe damage and/or damage to ceilings • Insulate Cavity Walls; fill in holes with cement, as per NSAI Specification Garda Clearance will be needed by successful Applicant.

These are community employment positions and applicants must be in receipt of a relevant Social Welfare payment

These are community employment positions and applicants must be in receipt of a relevant Social Welfare payment

If interested in the above vacancy, please contact Paddy O’Connor (CE Supervisor) on 029Ǧ60633 or your Social Welfare case officer for more information.

If interested in the above vacancy, please contact Paddy O’Connor (CE Supervisor) on 029-60633 or your Social Welfare case officer for more information.

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Issue 12 February 21, 2020

Donoughmore & Firmount

Gaelic football for mothers & others Coming soon to Donoughmore! The Gaelic4Mothers&Others initiative is an innovative way to introduce mothers and other women to playing Ladies Gaelic Football.

Mothers often drop their kids to training and call back to collect them, but the Ladies Gaelic Football Association wants to change that.

The Gaelic4Mothers&Others initiative sees women playing

Charity tractor run is back on Due to unsafe weather conditions over the Valentine’s weekend, it was necessary for the safety and enjoyment of all to postpone the Vintage Classic Tractor, Truck and Car Run for Cystic Fibrosis to Sunday March 1st at 12 noon.

Registration from 10.30am, refreshments served. Come join us for a great day out while raising funds for a very worthy cause that is very close to a member of staff here at The Farm, Grenagh.

Enquiries to 0862555310. Looking forward to your support on the day, all welcome and encouraged to come along for a day of fun.

Date for your Diary: Come Dine with Me at Firmount National School on Saturday, March 28th. Book your table on 7337344 or 0872773361.

A fantastic night of food and fun is guaranteed.

Issue 12 February 21, 2020

Ladies Gaelic Football in a fun, noncompetitive and social environment.

It provides an opportunity for women to get their recommended weekly exercise in a fun way while meeting other mothers in the area.

The initiative has proved hugely popular with women of all ages and has taken off in all 32 counties with success stories popping up all over the country.

Donoughmore Ladies Football Club’s Junior All-Ireland winning team have won Team of the Year for 2019 at the Cork Northside and District Awards.

It’s a great honour to be selected from all the different sports in both mens and womens competitions. Well done girls!

Donoughmore Community Centre has announced that its new online booking system Bookapitch will be operational as the only means of booking all of the centre's facilities from February 1st. All payment is now taken online. Log on to https://bookapitch.com/venues/347 for all your bookings .Email donoughmorecommunity@gmail. com for an information leaflet on how use the system.

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Aubane & Millstreet

Millstreet’s very own ‘Disneyland-like’ new Children’s Playground delighted all the children and adults recently given the opportunity to experience the truly magnificent facility in Millstreet Town Park in advance of an official opening to come

Pictured in the Wallis Arms Hotel, Millstreet at the recent Medal Presentation Event organised by Millstreet Juvenile Club with MC Mag O’Connor and special guests Darragh Cashman and Shane Hickey – the Under-14 (and Under-13) Division One Football Plate Winners

Millstreet Active Retirement Association present the ‘Three Paddys’ with Millstreet Calendars. From left: Maria O’Riordan (née O’Sullivan) Director MDCC; Paddy Buckley, Banteer; Mary McSweeney, Chairperson MARA; Paddy Tobin, Castlemagner; Members of Millstreet Community Council recently photographed Mary Sheahan, Secretary MARA; Paddy McAuliffe, at their AGM in the Wallis Arms Hotel, Millstreet Castlemagner; Dolores Goggin of MARA 10

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Issue 12 February 21, 2020

Aubane & Millstreet

Members of Cobh Animation Team who attended the memorable Centenary Event at Carriganima in 2016. In March 2020 there will be special events in Carriganima to commemorate An tAthair Peadar Ó Laoghaire All photographs by Seán Radley

Maria O’Riordan, Director of Millstreet Day Care Centre with Sheila Murphy who coordinated a magnificent reception in the Dining Room on the occasion of the recent AGM of Millstreet Active Retirement Association at the Day Care Centre

St. Valentine’s Day 2020 at Millstreet Museum which received a bequest from the estate of the late Mary Gahan of Minor Row, Millstreet in the form of a splendid knitted name feature. When you look at it you either see a series of lines... or the name ‘Jesus’.

Millstreet Museum celebrates its 40th Anniversary on St. Patrick’s Day 2020

Pictured at the recent AGM of Millstreet Active Retirement Association held in Millstreet Day Care Centre at which the ‘Three Paddys’ were special guests to launch one of their many video documentaries which had local relevance Issue 12 February 21, 2020

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Issue 12 February 21, 2020

Kanturk Kanturk Tidy Towns invites you to join us on our eight-week Operation Transformation Challenge 2020 Fundraiser for Town Park and Tidy Towns, Kanturk Town Park every Saturday morning up to March 7th.

Registration from 9.30am. We ask for a donation of €5 or what you can to participate. Let’s walk, chat and get fit together. Weekly weigh-in and tracking card available to those who wish to track their progress. Find us on Facebook ‘Kanturk Tidy Towns’ or email kanturktidytowns@gmail. com for further information.

Kanturk Golf Club Quiz Night on Friday, March 13 at 8pm in the Clubhouse. €40 per table, teams of four. Non members welcome, please support. For more details or to book, please call 0858700935.

Friends of Kanturk Scouts proudly presents a family fun day St Patrick’s Day. Edel Quinn Hall, Doors open 3pm, 3-3.00pm puppet show followed by music, second puppet show and disco. Art fun with Messy Hands, face painting and balloonmaking with Party Squad Games, raffle and refreshments. Adults free, children €5 each, Under 2’s free.

Thank you for your support.

Kevin Roche of Kanturk Credit Union pictured presenting a cheque to Jena Aherne, Amanda Higgins, Sandra Mullane and Kevin Higgins of Kanturk Scouts in support of their forthcoming fundraising drive and St Patrick's Day fundraising event Photo by Sheila Fitzpatrick

Got community news? Email: info@discoverduhallow.com Issue 12 February 21, 2020

Rehearsals are well underway for Coláiste Treasa TY musical, East School Musical. Tickets €10 on sale from school office. Shows on March 5th, 6th and 7th March, 7.30pm, Edel Quinn Hall, Kanturk

Girls prove they know beef Congratulations to Transition Year students from Coláiste Treasa who have qualified for the semi-final of the Certified Irish Angus Beef Schools competition.

Hanna O’Callaghan, Laura Doody and Lisa O’Donoghue entered the competition in November of 2019 when they created a short video clip outlining the advantages of Certified Irish Angus Beef as well as their ideas on how they would promote the Angus breed to farmers and retailers alike.

The students then progressed to the second stage of the competition where they were interviewed in the South Court Hotel in Limerick by members of the Certified Irish Angus Producer's group, ABP and Kepak.

Thanks to their excellent presentation at the interview, they have been chosen from a large volume of entries to go forward to the next stage of the competition in Croke Park on

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Students Lisa O’Donoghue, Hanna O’Callaghan and Laura Doody 4th March where they will again showcase their ideas for promoting Certified Irish Angus beef to both farmers and retailers.

These students are in with a chance of winning five Angus calves. Best of luck!

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Feature g

By CONOR JUDGE

It is difficult for many of us to imagine what it would have been like to be born 100 years ago and be brought up as a child in that world. Young members of the family would have overheard whispers and discussions of the War of Independence and the Treaty, teenagers would have come of age during the economic war and Great Depression and emerged into adulthood at the onset of ‘The Emergency’. In the countryside, various groups battled for the hearts and minds of rural Ireland. Muintir na Tire’s Community councils blanketed Munster with parish-based volunteerism, the Farmers’ Party would have served in government and latterly, Clann na Talmhan in opposition.

Groups splintered and glued themselves together as the various strands of Irish farming all sought a foothold in the State.

This is the world James O’Keeffe, on a farm of 60 acres and 15 cows in Scarteen, Newmarket, was born into in 1920. With only primary education having left school at 13, James would go on to become one of the most respected farming leaders in 20th Century Ireland.

While he could never be accused of living a quiet life, having always been involved in local community groups, James rose to national prominence in 1964 on his election to the national council of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA), an organisation established in 1950 to represent milk producers following a Ministerial announcement that there would be a reduction in milk prices.

The 1950s were a trying time for farmers in Ireland where the fortunes of dairy farmers were far from the relative stability that they now enjoy.

In response, farmers moved from politics to activism in the post war years which saw the establishment of the National Farmers’ Association (now IFA). The ICMSA and NFA together became the dominant voices in Irish agriculture with a membership that greatly overlapped in milk producing areas.

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CHAMPION Tribute on 100th anniversary of the birth of James O’Keeffe increased production became the guiding force.

James O’Keeffe led the ICMSA through this period, co-ordinating the vision and co-operation that Irish Farmers needed in the Preacceptance and Transition period to the European Economic Community.

His vision for Irish agriculture remains timeless in many ways: “We have in this transitional period, a great opportunity to become established as the New Zealand of Europe” – James O’Keeffe, 20th February 1971 “I know I may not live to see it happen but many of the younger farmers will. Ireland will become the breadbasket of Europe in the years ahead. It will be a centre where only the best food will be produced and will be looked upon as such with James O’Keeffe, 1920-1981 confidence through Europe. The The Budget of 1966 spurred both development of good land, good groups into action, the NFA famously grass, good crops and the best of liveleading a protest march that grew stock would ensure the future prosfrom 16 farmers in Bantry to 30,000 perity of the Irish farmer” – April, 1978 protesters in the heart of Dublin.

When we see the market power of After a three week sit-in, the NFA Glanbia, Kerry and Dairygold today or earned the right to negotiate with the the fact that Kerrygold can be picked government on behalf of farmers. The up as easily in the supermarkets of ICMSA hosted similar protests but it Germany and France as it is in any was the work of the Two-Tier Milk Irish village, we can recognise that Price Study that James O’Keeffe these ideas had their origin over 60 worked closely on that won the years ago and were brought to life by personal thanks of then Minister for the hard work of visionaries such as Agriculture Neil Blaney, and inclusion James O’Keeffe. of a pilot Production Incentive His career spanned the critical EEC scheme in the following budget.

Transition period and he represented James was elected to lead the the views of agriculture on a number ICMSA in 1968, and in 1969 the of organisations including the group gained official recognition as European Economic and Social the voice of dairy farmers. The early Committee from 1973, the Board of ’70s has been referred to as a Bord Báinne in 1974 and the Chair of ‘Golden Era’ of milk production as Newmarket Co-op in the same year,

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Issue 12 February 21, 2020

Feature

N OF FARMERS

Ten of James O’Keeffe’s daughters and sons, Eileen, Sheila, John, Murty, Mary, Niall, Kathy, Seamus, Dan and Noreen with their children on a recent visit to IRD Duhallow which occupies the building that carries his name.

Missing from the picture is his daughter Anne as a director on the Agriculture Credit Corporation from 1972, AIB from 1979 and ACOT, later subsumed into Teagasc, in 1980.

Having witnessed the cut and thrust of farmers’ groups since his earliest years, James believed that when farmers were split into different

Issue 12 February 21, 2020

groups, this split was used against them and therefore sought the close partnership of representative bodies.

For many years, he spearheaded the potential merging of the IFA and ICMSA which culminated in the signing of official amalgamation intentions in November 1978. While

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no longer leader of the ICSMA, he was specifically invited to give a statement at the ceremony, an indication of the importance of his decade of leadership and skilful diplomacy.

His leadership style was widely recognised at the time, as Aengus Fanning commented on in relation to an ICMSA quarrel in the years after O’Keeffe left: “O’Keeffe, a forceful leader and a gifted diplomat, would have sorted out these personality and policy clashes… If necessary, a few heads might have been knocked together but there is no doubt that, in the O’Keeffe era, a united front would have been presented.”

He could be depended on to hear the other side’s point of view and operate in a fair and open manner which allowed for “quiet diplomacy, supported by a unique style of tenacity, patience and firmness, tinged with a sometimes scarcely perceptible sense of humour, provided just the right qualities”, as former IFA president Donie Cashman remarked upon his death.

James O’Keeffe passed away on November 5th, 1981 at only 61 years of age due to illness and was deeply mourned by family, friends, colleagues and the State at large, with personal representation of the President, Taoiseach and several Ministers of State. His legacy lives on in the ethos of co-operation that Irish farmers conduct in the spirit of Europe, and he was one of the father figures of Ireland’s present day successful dairy industry.

James O'Keeffe always pursued the virtue of self-help and, as a testament to his work in ACOT, Newmarket Court was renamed the James O’Keeffe Memorial Institute in 1987 for the purposes of a regional agricultural training centre. In its current form, the work of IRD Duhallow ensures his life’s work endures.

15

Advertising IRD Duhallow Upcoming Training & Courses 2020 Duhallow Skillnet is taking enrolments for the following training, to express an interest, contact us on 029-60633 or email duhallowskillnet@irdduhallow.com Course Date Time Cost Social Media for those working in Hair & Beauty 24th February 9.30am ʹ 1.00pm ΦϱϬ Customer Service for Health Care Providers 25th February 10.00am ʹ 4.30pm ΦϭϮϬ th Payroll Manual & Computerised 26 Feb (12 Weeks) 6.30pm ʹ 9.30pm ΦϯϬϬ Infection Prevention & Control 4th ʹ 25th March 9.30am ʹ 2.30pm FREE *** Training Delivery & Evaluation 5th March (5 Thursdays) 9.30am ʹ 5.30pm ΦϰϬϬ Intermediate Excel 25th March 9.30am ʹ 5.30pm ΦϭϬϬ Advanced Facebook 25th March 9.30am ʹ 1.00pm ΦϱϬ Care Support 25th March ʹ 23rd April 9.30am ʹ 2.30pm FREE *** th rd Lámh 15 & 23 April 6.30pm ʹ 9.30pm ΦϭϬϬ Using Canva 23rd April 9.30am ʹ 1.00pm ΦϱϬ Creative Mindfulness 23rd April 7.00pm ʹ 10.00pm Φ35 Palliative Care 27th April ʹ 14th May 9.30am ʹ 2.30pm FREE *** Sales & the Art of Selling 28th April 9.30am ʹ 5.30pm ΦϭϮϬ IRD Duhallow and IT Carlow are allso so taking expressions o off interest in a Bachelor o off Arts Honourrss in Earllyy Childhood Education & Care (Level 8) ŝŶ ƚŚĞ :ĂŵĞƐ K͛<ĞĞĨĨ ĞĨĨĨĨĞĞ /ŶƐƚŝƚƵƚĞĞ͕​͕ EĞǁŵĂƌŬĞƚ͘ d dŚ ŚŝƐ ŽŶĞ LJĞĂƌ ĂĚĚ ŽŶ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵŵĞ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ĂŶ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚLJ ĨĨŽ Žƌ ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚƚƐƐ ǁŚŽ ŚŽůĚ ĂŶ E FQ Level 7 ma ajo jor award in Earllyy Y Yea earrss to stud dyy for their Bachelor o off Arts Honourrss in Early Childhood Education & Care.

PEILͶDuhallow Work Opportunities for Women Duhallow, supports women in order to assist their return to the labour market. For further details, contact Jacinta on 029 -60633.

Course Name

Commencement Date

Time

Duration

Health & Wellbeing Seminar by Dessie Fitzgerald

Wednesday 26th February

7:30pm

1 night

9.30am-5.30pm

1 Full Day

9.30am-5.30pm

3 Full Days - Mondays

Patient Moving & Handling

Friday

FAR First Aid Responder

28th

Monday

February

2nd

March

Under the Dormant Accounts Training Programme for Carers, IRD Duhallow will be running the following courses; For further details, contact Helena at 029-60633.

Course Name Helping Children Deal with Loss;

Commencement Date Thursday 26th February

Time 10am-12pm

Duration 4 weeks

Wednesday 4th March

6.30pm

1 Night

Saturday 28th March

9:00am

1 Full Day

Grief Recovery Method Programme

Wednesday 22nd April

10am-12pm

8 weeks

Circle of Security:

TBC

TBC

8 weeks

4 week programme ffo or adulttss designed to teach them what to say & do and what not to say and do around children who have experienced emotional loss.

Understanding Dementia; Inffo ormation Seminar

SIBS Support & Behaviour Seminar (& SIBS Workshop) Sibshops are re ffu un workshops ffo or siblings o off children with special need eeds. s. T Th he workshops are aimed at children aged between 8-12 years.

An 8 Week balanced parenting approach

All of these above courses can be booked by visiting: https://www.irdduhallow.com/upcoming-events/ You can learn more about these courses by visiting: You https://www.irdduhallow.com/other-publications/employment-and-training/

16

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Issue 12 February 21, 2020

Cullen & Knocknagree

A huge honour for our club, and our community! Knocknagree Juvenile Club has received the much coveted Gold accreditation from Rebel Óg Coaching. This year we are the only Duhallow club to receive the accolade.

The award recognises our club’s best practice in coaching, promoting maximum participation and optimal playing standards.

The award is testament to the amazing efforts of all our underage coaches and our coaching officer, Tadhgie O’Callaghan.

The Juvenile section of the club has worked tirelessly in recent years to meet all requirements and receive this tremendous honour. It sets in place the foundations for a strong Knocknagree GAA club in the years ahead.

100-year-old Paddy O'Mahony who cast his vote at his local Polling Station in Cullen, pictured with Polling Station staff members Leanne O' Riordan, Catherine Cronin, Tina Neenan and Hannah Mary O’Leary Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald

Cullen GAA Club Lotto: Draw held 15th February, numbers drawn 2, 5, 8, 30. No Jackpot winner. Lucky Dip winners: €50 Kai, c/o Fin O’Connor; €20 Moira O’Keeffe, Glountane; €20 Betsy O’Sullivan, Millstreet; €20 Frank Sugrue, Umeraboy; €20 Donal Kelly, Coppeen; €20 Moynihan Family, Coalpits. Next Jackpot: €5,000.

Discover Duhallow is looking for volunteer contributors to provide regular community news about these areas. Please make contact on: INFO@DISCOVERDUHALLOW.COM

or call us on 029-60633

Issue 12 February 21, 2020

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17

Meelin, Taur & Rockchapel

Dan Kelleher, Killarney, and Nora Foley, Aghabullogue, presented a Framed Photograph of their late brother Canon Finbar Kelleher, to the Community in Meelin, where Fr Kelleher served as a Curate from 1963-1967. He is credited for doing sterling work in the Parish.

Photo By Sheila Fitzgerald

Joe and Ellen Walsh with their grandchildren Emili, Aidan, Lorcรกn and baby Harriett, at the Meelin National School Grandparents Day

Photo By Sheila Fitzgerald

Do you have any community news about these areas to share?

Please make contact on: INFO@DISCOVERDUHALLOW.COM

or call us on 029-60633 18

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Issue 12 February 21, 2020

Advertising

Discover the talent of the youth of Duhallow IRD Duhallow is delighted to host an expo of the Young Scientists of Duhallow A total of 39 students will showcase 19 projects that qualified for the BT Young Scientists in the RDS recently.

This will take place in the James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket, Co. Cork on March 20th, from 11am ’til 3pm and IRD Duhallow would like to invite members of the public and other schools to attend to see the amazing

diversity of projects that will be on display. This worthwhile opportunity allows the students to bring the wealth of knowledge generated from their projects to their own area.

•15,000 pallet spaces racked and freestanding •120,000 ft2 of secure custom built warehousing

Issue 12 February 21, 2020

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19

Dromtariffe & Kilcorney / Boherbue & Kiskeam

Some of the capacity audience attending the February 2020 presentation by Maura Sheehan in Boherbue’s Music Room held at the Pearse Memorial Hall, Boherbue Photo by Seán Radley

FUNDRAISING CONCERT FOR

K I S K E A M P L AYG R O U N D C H U R C H O F T H E S A C R E D H E A R T, K I S K E A M

Look back in time: Dromtarriffe GAA history committee are compiling the club’s history from 1885 to 2020. We are looking for match reports or historic information on players or members who have been involved with our club. Please email clubhistory.dromtarriffegaa @gmail.com – any input welcome.

Dontariffe GAA Club lotto: Results for 15th February, numbers 7, 17, 19, 20. Jackpot €10,000, no winner. €50 Michael Walsh, Carriganimma, seller Bridge Bar, Millstreet; €20: Cathal O’Sullivan, Meenskehy, €20 Christy Dunne, Boldmore; €20: Tady Curtin, Curtin’s Bar; €20 Michelle Murphy, Kanturk; €20 John Sexton, Dromskehy; €20 Dan Feehan, Boherbue; €20: Daniel Lucey, c/o Curtin’s; Next draw, Saturday 22nd February, Sandpit House, €10,100.

13th March 2020 at 8pm The Shandrum Céilí Band with special guests, Annemarie O’ Riordan, Kiskeam Brass Band and NASC

Admission: €15

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Tickets available from : Aileen Fitzgerald, 0877578835 | Marie Carroll, 0872079259 | Noirin Herlihy, 0876473651 | Marie O' Reilly, 0879720061 | Anita Sherlock, 0863062934 | Denis Quinn, 0876275511

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Chris Daly, Aisling Molloy, Enda Maloney and Charles Chavasse were the speakers at the Teagasc Beef Seminar which was held at Pearse Memorial Hall, Boherbue.

Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald

Issue 12 February 21, 2020

Duhallow news

Splash out on a Sock Saver 'The Sock Savers' are a TY Mini-company from Boherbue Comprehensive who have created a product to tackle the issue of losing socks in the wash.

The product is called a 'Sock Saver'. It is made up of eight cord-locks, and a piece of elasticated string.

One can place their socks in between the clips in pairs, and fasten the clips – this keeps the socks together in the wash, and eliminates the frustrating issue of losing socks.

Each product is hand sewn and made with extreme care.

The Sock Savers have sold at the Boherbue Christmas Market, the Kanturk Christmas Market, the Killarney Outlet Centre, and the Killarney Flea Market.

You simply put your Sock Saver in the wash, and when it comes out, your socks are still together.

They are currently selling Sock Savers for €8.

The product is unique, and completely hand-made. It has proven to be extremely popular in the market, having sold over 60 products within four months.

The idea came about when the members of the group decided to brainstorm over ideas that they could use to create a product.

The issue of mismatched socks came up multiple times throughout the group's discussions, and thus, the idea of the Sock Saver was born.

The group immediately went to work, and designed the Sock Saver. The product is easy to use, and can help people with disabilities, as it is large enough to be used comfortably.

Issue 12 February 21, 2020

Boherbue Comprehensive students Linda Casey, Margaret Casey, Saoirse Ryan, Katie McCann, Kalem Browne, Jack Vaughan, Micheál Cronin, and David Kenny pictured with Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Christopher O'Sullivan

Sock Savers sell for just €8 Above, Micheál Cronin, Saoirse Ryan, Margaret Casey and Linda Casey with Michael Moynihan at the Christmas Market in Kanturk; left, David Kenny, Margaret Casey, Linda Casey, Lance O'Connor, and Saoirse Ryan selling the Sock Savers at the Boherbue Christmas Market It also keeps all of the socks together, and thus makes them easier to find, and pick up out of the washing machine.

The product has gone through many stages of testing, and has proven to be of the highest quality.

The group are through to the

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Cork Regional Finals for the Student Enterprise Competition.

They are working extremely hard on improving their product further, and promoting the product.

The group can be found on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter under the handle @thesocksavers.

21

Lismire & Newmarket Newmarket Bingo Fundraiser: Bingo but not as you know it!

Replace the numbers with all your favourite songs. Bingo never sounded so good. Game cards can be bought on the night. On Saturday February 22nd at 9pm in the High Street Bar, Newmarket, all in aid of Burren Chernobyl Project. Organised by Lily Coffey Kanturk, Abbie O'Donovan Newmarket and Natalie Keane Newmarket. Raffle and spot prizes on the night.

Award of Benemerenti Medal: The Pope’s Benemerenti Medal is to be awarded to Joe Aherne, Sacristan in Lismire and all-round community man, by Bishop Crean at 12 noon mass on Sunday 23rd February. Joe, along with Sister Philomena, Sacristan, Kanturk is awarded this medal in recognition of the long, outstanding and generous service given by them to the church, the parish and the local community. Bishop Crean will be presenting the medal on behalf of the Holy Father, Pope Francis.

Lismire National School: Parents who wish to enrol their children in Lismire National School for September 2020 are asked to contact the school on 02960531 to request an application form. Any enquiries regarding the on-site play school, before/after school services provided by Tina Dunstan

Officers elected at Lismire GAA’s AGM

The Last Man Standing challenge will begin on Saturday, February 22nd. €10 entry, prize money €500. Contact any player or committee member to enter (Cherry Blossoms) Lismire can be made on 0876479031.

Collection: Enable Ireland will hold their annual church gate collection on Sunday 23rd February in St Joseph's Church, Lismire.

Lismire Community Association will hold its next monthly meeting Tuesday 3rd March. Please lend your voice to the community.

Padre Pio Mass: The Padre Pio mass is held on the first Wednesday of each month in St Joseph’s Church, Lismire. The next mass is 4th March at 8pm.

The following officers were elected at the Annual General Meeting of Lismire GAA Club: Life Presidents Charlie O’Reilly, Con Ahern and Denis Jones; Chairman Maurice Field ViceChairman Joe Aherne; Secretary Karen Field; Assistant Secretary Colm Noonan; Treasurer Tom Stritch; Registrar & Membership Officer Sean Duggan; PRO Oliver Kearney; ASAP Officer James O’Neill; Cultural Officer James Moynihan; Children’s Officer Dympna O’Neill; Players Reps Richard Kiely and Mark Field; Duhallow Board Delegates Maurice Field and Joe Aherne; County Board Delegates Maurice Field and Oliver Kearney; Youth Officers: Joe Noonan, Maurice Hayes, Jeremiah O’Neill, Edmund Hayes and Gerdy McSweeney; Football Selectors: James O’Neill, Paddy Sheahan and Tim Aherne. Club Committee: Club officers plus Tony McAuliffe (ex-officio), Pat Bourke and Tim Aherne. Membership is now open at €30 for adults and €50 for family membership. New members welcome.

Farewell to gentleman Tom

RIP Tom Heffernan 22

Lismire recently lost a true gentleman, Tom Heffernan RIP. Tom became a hugely popular member of the community since he settled in the village after returning from England a good number of years ago.

He got involved in all aspects of the village which was evident from the turn out to honour him, and forming a guard of honour for his final journey back into the village there were representatives from Lismire Variety

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Show, Lismire GAA Club, the school where he spent many years as caretaker and Lismire Community Association, which he was honorary president of, on the night of his removal.

And again there was a large representation from the school and the local community alike for his funeral Mass.

Condolences to Tom’s wife Marion and his family. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam, May he rest in peace.

Issue 12 February 21, 2020

Crossword Across 1. Metallic element (4) 3. Fruit (5) 8. Insular (9) 9. Bend (5) 10. Female relative (4) 14. Portent (4) 15. System of reasoning (5) 18. With identity concealed (9) 20. Proverb (5) 21. Jealousy (4)

Down 1. Nothing (4) 2. Roman counterpart of Greek Poseidon (7) 4. Step (4) 5. Garland (3) 6. Courageous (5) 7. Arboreal mammal (5) 11. Imaginary creature (7) 12. Poisonous (5) 13. Subject (5) 16. Highly excited (4) 17. Diminutive (4) 19. Type of fish (3)

Solution: Issue 11, February 7, 2020

Solution in Issue 13, March 6, 2020

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

or alternatively simply google search: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Discover Duhallow Community Newsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Issue 12 February 21, 2020

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23

Ballydaly & Rathmore

Hugh Ryan, Chairperson, Kerry Parents & Friends is hugely impressed on recently receiving €20,500 on stage at the final performance of Rathmore’s Marian Players Pantomime 2020 – ‘The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe’ at Rathmore Community Centre Photo by Seán Radley Barraduff Tractor Run in aid of The Kerry/Cork Health Link Bus & Recovery Haven Cancer Support House Tralee, 1st March in Barraduff Village. Registration from 11am.

Tractor run starts at 1pm. The route will take you via Gattabawn, Gneeveguilla, John Gows Cross, Rathmore, Shrone Cross, Doocarraig, Kilquane and back to Barraduff village. Entry fee €20, open to all.

Vintage/non vintage tractors, vintage cars and motorbikes up to 75CC. Refreshments afterwards in John Dan's Bar Barraduff. The tractor run is organised in association with Barraduff Tidy Village Group.

Contact Maria on 0863584472 or Stuart on 0861297200.

Split the Pot: Rathmore Community Council with Rathmore

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Ravens, Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club & Sliabh Luachra Men’s Shed. Tickets €2 each or three for €5. Yearly ticket €90. Three yearly tickets €250. Last week’s draw was held in Bridge Bar Bar. The winner won €208. Split the Pot winner Andy Cronin in care of Dennehy Bar. Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club is starting a couch to Ring of Kerry programme for all levels of cycling abilities. The programme will include 8-12 weeks of spinning and bike skills sessions before hitting the road. Message us on Facebook or call 0879178836.

Star Trax Music Venue: Sunday 23rd February, Air Ambulance Service Fundraiser, Laura Dunlea/ Pat Daly, dancing 2.30-5.30pm €10.

Call Mike on 087 2593878.

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Pictured at the Sliabh Luachra Menshed Table Quiz fundraiser at Cahill’s Bar recently are, from left, Eoin Herlihy and Andy O’Halloran Knocknagree, Darragh O’Brien and Donie O’Leary, Rathmore, Seamus O’Connell, Knocknagree, Daniel Vincent O’Connor, QuizMaster, Rathmore, Jack Hickey, Knocknagree

Issue 12 February 21, 2020

Freemount & Tullylease Bingo in the hall in Tullylease every Friday night at 8.30pm with over €1,400 in prizes up for grabs.

Drama: Tullylease Drama group presents ‘Pretend Sick’ by MJ Ginnelly, at Tullylease Community Hall. Curtains 8pm sharp, shows on Sunday 1st, Thursday 5th, Saturday 7th Sunday 8th and Thursday 12th of March.

Tullylease Community Hall: The Hall will be available for group activities, classes etc. from the end of March onwards. For enquiries contact Mary on 0863486246.

Tea Party: Freemount Community Development needs support for a 'Freemount Tea Party' in the Community Centre on Saturday night, Host a table for your families and friends to help raise funds for ongoing community projects.

Each table will make their own arrangements with regard to food and beverages and there will be a charge of €10 per person. DJ Mossie will be on form, plus a raffle and a prize for the best dressed table. Call 083 4589222, 0868604246 or 0868434753 to book your table.

Debating team head for semi-final

The Freemount Senior Debating Team Siobhan Ring, Lisa Ring, Breda Stritch and Noirin Stritch who have progressed to the All-Ireland semi-final Congratulations to Freemount Macra’s Senior debating team of Siobhan Ring, Lisa Ring, Breda Stritch and Noirin Stritch who progress to the All-Ireland semi-final of the competition.

Congratulations also to Breda Stritch on being awarded best debater on the night. Our team took on Donoughmore Macra last Saturday night in the quarter final in Rusheen. Best of luck in the next round.

Congratulations also to our Capers team who took to the stage recently in the All-Ireland final and were awarded 3rd prize for a fantastic performance on the night. Well done to all involved – cast members, our producer, back stage crew, as well as those who

Issue 12 February 21, 2020

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helped with sound and lighting.

Also, congratulations to Aoife O'Connor on winning the award for Best Female. The show, titled ‘Dont Stop Us Now’, was produced by Miriam Angland.

There was a Regional Karting Competition on February 9th in Kartworld, Watergrasshill. A great day had by all.

The National Talent Competition is fast approaching. There are a wide variety of categories to enter: ballad group, disco dancing, set dancing, solo instrumental, solo singing, novelty act or mastermind. The Regional round will take place on Friday 6th March. Contact us on our Facebook page ‘Freemount Macra’ or on 0870969654. All are very welcome.

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Environment by Nuala Riordan

Love is in the air for pondlife This is the time of year you can see ponds, drains or still/slow moving water rippling with action, as love is in the air for our amphibians. Procreation is well under way, with large clumps of frogspawn being found in these wetlands.

Frogs were once very common in Ireland but are now increasingly coming under threat. One reason for this is the loss of suitable habitat such as wetlands. The loss of farm ponds is also a particular problem and National Parks and Wildlife have given frog habitats an “unsatisfactory” rating.

It is likely that the loss of this habitat is forcing our current frog populations to settle for less suitable habitat for spawning. If this situation continues then the future for frogs is bleak.

After heavy rains and floods, some frogs mistake the flooded areas as suitable habitat to rear their young, but when the flooding recedes the frogspawn is left stranded high and dry to die.

Frogs are protected under the Irish Wildlife Acts of 1976 and 2000, and are listed on Annex V of the EU Habitats Directive. Ireland is required to report regularly to the European Commission on the species’ conservation status.

It is important to consider that frogs provide a useful service to humans by controlling pests such

The depletion of suitable habitat is an increasing threat to frogs in Ireland slugs and midge larvae. The adults also provide food for certain mammals including otters, badgers and a range of birds from herons to kestrels.

Fish and large invertebrates such the Dragonfly larvae and great diving beetles also feed on tadpoles.

So we encourage people and

landowners to retain wetlands, ditches and other areas that frogs can use as habitat, to retain these habitats, as they not only help reduce flooding during wet weather by holding rainwater back, but are vital for the survival of our cherished frogs.

After all, who hasn’t as a child watched frogspawn change to tadpoles, then growing legs and finally transforming into little frogs. The wonder of it all!

Frogspawn in local wetlands

Irish Peatland Conservation Council hold an annual Citizen Science Frog survey, can you help by recording any sightings?

Log on to http://www.ipcc.ie/hop-to-it-in-2020-and-take-part-in-irelands-longest-running-citizen-science-frog-survey/

26

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Issue 12 February 21, 2020

Sports Kanturk AFC Fixtures Cork Schoolboys League Fixtures: Saturday 22nd February – U12 Division 4, Kanturk Vs Bweeng Celtic, Gurteenard, kickoff at 10am, Referee Brendan O'Regan; U14 Division 2, Corinthian Boys A Vs Kanturk Castletreasure, kickoff at 10am, Referee Owen Mullane; Sunday 23rd February – U16 Division 4, St Mary’s B Vs Kanturk, St Mary's Park, kickoff at 11.45am, Referee Ray Allen.

Thiha jumps to victory

Ballydesmond Handball

Well done to the boys and girls from Ballydesmond Handball Club who took part in the Munster Cumann na mBunscoil. Local winners were as follows: Girls – U11S: Amy Brosnan (Ballydesmond NS Cork); Boys – U11D: Bobby Vaughan/ Dylan Ward (Ballydesmond NS Cork); 13D – Thomas Myers/Ryan Linehan (Ballydesmond NS Cork).

Talented young equestrian Thiha Kearney O'Sullivan, Dromcummer, Kanturk, who recently received an award at the Cork/ Kerry Showjumping Ireland Annual Awards at the Oriel House, Ballincollig

The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of IRD Duhallow CLG.

Issue 12 February 21, 2020

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27

Twohig Group Kanturk Twohig Abbeyfeale & Askeaton

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