149: 3rd October, 2025
Knocknagree Community Centre Is Like Brand New!
Knocknagree Refurbishment Project IS A Great Success
Knocknagree Community Development Group CLG welcomed the community on Saturday 20th September to the Official opening of the community centre which has been refurbished and open since January 2025 . The Group were successful in receiving grant aid from Pobal under the Community Centre Investment Fund in December 2023 and a LEADER Grant under IRD Duhallow Ltd. Successful completed projects todate in the village include a playground and sensory garden in the last number of years. The Committee were delighted to welcome Minister Jerry Buttimer to officially open the centre.
Community members young and old attended and celebrated with local musicians. Huge praise was given to the many people who made this day possible. Chairman Mike Courtney welcomed the community back to the Hall
Knocknagree Community Development Group CLG are delighted that their hall is been used by young and old and is open for new Business. Please contact any committee member or their social media platforms instagram or facebook for bookings.”
Duhallow News
Editors Note
As we step into October, autumn has truly arrived in Duhallow. This month, we’re delighted to highlight the Halloween Camp hosted by Newmarket Afterschools, promising a fun-filled break for children. We’re also celebrating a major milestone in Knocknagree with the official opening of Knocknagree Community Centre; a fantastic new venue that will serve as a cornerstone for events, gatheringds and local development for years to come.
Looking ahead, our next issue will feature the Duhallow Business awards where we’ll highlight hardworking individuals and enterprises that drive our region. It’s a chance to honour innovation, resilience and community impact
- Brendon
Celebrating Ireland’s Best BakerMary Buckley
Last Friday, 26th September, the Millstreet Active Retired group gathered for a special celebration ahead of our monthly bingo session. The occasion was a joyful one, we came together to honour our very own Mary Buckley, who was recently crowned Ireland’s Best Baker in a prestigious national competition.
The award was part of the first Gala Retail and Virgin Media Television Best Baker competition.
Open to amateur bakers of all ages, the initiative drew hundreds of entries from across the country, culminating in a hotly-contested grand bake-off final at Airfield Estate, Dundrum.
The winners were announced on World Baking Day, Sunday 18th May. Mary’s win is a testament to her skill, creativity, and love for baking. We’re incredibly proud of her and thrilled to see her talent recognized on a national stage.
Congratulations again to Mary Buckley, Ireland’s Best Baker!
Taking home the title of Ireland’s Best Baker with Gala Retail was Mary Buckley from Rathcoole
How To Read Nutrition Labels
What’s on the label?
To make healthier choices, you need to be able to make sense of food labels. Understanding food labels can be tricky. It takes time and practice. Start at home by getting familiar with labels on the foods you eat regularly. Then when you are shopping, compare labels of similar products to find the healthiest option. Here are the things to look out for.
Nutrition information can be found on the back/side of food labels. Sometimes you will also find a snapshot of this information on the front of pack.
Nutrition information is displayed per 100g and sometimes per recommended serving.
• Use the per 100g column to compare products.
• Look at the recommended portion size. This may be more or less than what you actually eat.
How do I know if a food is low, medium or high in fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt?
Some labels use colour coding to show at a glance if a food is high, medium or low in fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt.
Low (green) - the best choice
Medium (amber) - okay most of the time
High (red) - only choose occasionally
If the label isn’t colour coded, use our label decoder as a guide.
Fibre Matters: Don’t Be Fooled by Nutrition Claims
The fibre content is important when you are looking at foods such as bread, cereals, pasta and rice.
High fibre - 6g or more per 100g
Nutrition claims:
Some products claim to be ‘low in fat’ or a ‘source of fibre’ – but these claims don’t mean the food is the healthiest option. It is best to look at all nutrients before making a decision.
Duhallow News
Millstreet Library Knit & Natter Group Donates Handmade Twiddle Muffs
The Millstreet Library Knit & Natter group made a special presentation to Millstreet and Kanturk Community Hospitals, donating a collection of handmade twiddle muffs. Twiddle muffs are soft, knitted, or crocheted hand muffs with various textures and embellishments, designed to provide warmth, comfort, and sensory stimulation for patients, particularly those living with dementia. The Knit & Natter group meet weekly in Millstreet Library, combining creativity with community spirit, and this initiative reflects their commitment to supporting local healthcare facilities and enhancing patient wellbeing. Well done to all involved.
CATTLE, CROWDS & COMPETITION!!!
Kanturk Co-Op Mart - Debut Evening Weanling Show & Sale
Kanturk Mart is proud to host our first-ever evening Weanling Show & Sale as part of our continued commitment to supporting local farmers and showcasing the exceptional quality of livestock in our region. The exciting new event, which is kindly sponsored by Southern Milling is all about giving top quality weanlings and their breeders the spotlight they deserve. It is designed to give breeders a premium platform to present their top-class weanlings in a show setting that celebrates the hard work and dedication behind each animal. By holding the show in the evening, we aim to create a more accessible, community focused atmosphere that allows more buyers, sellers and spectators to take part.
It’s not just a sale; it’s a celebration of local farming excellence. Intake will open on the evening at 4.30pm with the sale set to commence at 6.30pm. So, whether you’re showcasing your finest weanling or looking to secure your next star, Thursday October 16th is the night to be at Kanturk Mart.
Please contact the mart on 02950081 or 0861638571 for all enquiries.
Basket of twiddle muffs
Knitting ladies in Kanturk Hospital
Kanturk Hospital resident enjoying the twiddle muff
Knit & Natter group presenting the twiddle muffs to hospital residents
COURSES FOR 2025/2026
Mallow Campus
• Administration
• Animal Care
• Apprenticeships
• Barbering
• Beauty Therapy
• Business
• Childcare
• Computing
• Hairdressing
• Healthcare
• Hairdressing Apprenticeship
• Early Learning & Care
• Mental Health Nursing (NTO Degree Course)
• Network Administrator
• Nursing
• Personal Trainer (iTEC)
• Social Care
• Special Needs Assistant
• Youthwork
Starting September 2025 - Sign up at MallowCampus.ie apply@mallowcampus.ie / 022-43309
Charleville Centre
• Secretarial Course (QQI Level 5)
• Business and Computers for Adults (QQI Level 5)
• Personal Trainer (iTEC)
• Beauty Therapy with Nail Technician (iTEC)
• Special Needs Assistant (QQI Level 5)
• Healthcare Assistant (QQI Level 5)
Starting September 2025 - Sign up at MallowCampus.ie/Charleville charlevillecentre@corketb.ie / 063-81422
CENTRE
What’s On In Duhallow
An Chultúrlann
Weekly
Monday Music Sessions
Time: 9pm
Cost: €5 on the door
Every Monday Night (except Bank Holidays) – An evening of live music, good vibes, and community spirit!
Writers’ Circle
Time: 7:30pm
2nd Wednesday of Every Month
Share your stories, get inspired, and connect with fellow writers.For details, contact 087 640 6705
Ciorcal Gaeilge
Time: 7-8 pm
Every Thursday – Practice your Irish in a relaxed, friendly environment. email theculturlann@gmail.com to be added to the WhatsApp group.
Rambling House
Time: 8pm
2nd Saturday of Every Month
An evening of traditional storytelling, music, and craic!
Newmarket Dementia Café
Time: 11am – 1pm
1st Thursday of each month. A welcoming place for people with dementia, their family and friends.
Social Dancing
Time: 9pm
Last Friday of Every Month –Dance the night away and meet new people!
Rockchapel Weekly Seisúin
Every Tuesday at Bruach Ná Carraige, Rockchapel
Traditional Irish Music, Song, Dance and Storytelling
Siamsaíocht Ghaelach Náisiúnta agus Ceol na nGael
Newmarket
CYMS Hall
Newmarket Knitting And Crochet Group
Time: Fridays 10.30 to 12
All welcome
If you require anymore information please call Rita on 0862059745
Newmarket Bridge Club
Time: Every Tuesday at 7.30pm All members and newcomers are most welcome. Contact Eugene on 086 3247041 for more information.
Taekwando
Time: Mondays at 5pm. Contact Niall on 0831106501 for more information.
Drama with Mike
Time: Every Thursday
1st &2nd class as 5pm. 3rd &4th 5th & 6th classes 6pm. Teen Drama classes 7pm. Contact Mike on 0874124741 to book a place.
Julie Nolan School of Irish Dancing
Time: Every Tuesday classes from 4.15 to 7.30. Contact Julie on 086 3516386 for more information.
Catherine O'Reilly Exercise Class
Time: Tuesdays from 10 to 11am Contact Catherine on 087 6800280 to book your place.
Better Balance Staying Fit For The Future
Time: Tuesdays 11am to 12. with Cork Sports Initiative. Contact Catherine 087 6800280 to book your place.
Music Lessons With John
Time: Thursdays Upstairs in hall. Contact 0872322751 to book
Edel Quinn Hall
Clothes Donations
Clothes bank located at the rear entrance to the hall. Shoes accepted.
Temperance Hall
Yoga
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Pilates
Tuesday and Friday
Flower Club
First Wednesday of every month
Kanturk Library
Multisensory Book Reading
Time: Wednesdays at 10:30
For babies and toddlers aged 0-3 All children must be accompanied by an adult
Banteer
Glen Theatre
Frances Curtin Kennedy and Sonny Egan Fri 10th Oct
Glen Theatre Drama Group One Act Drama Festival
Mon 20th Oct to Thurs 23rd Oct
Admission: €15 per night
Attend 3 nights get the 4th night free!
Norma Sheehan “Its Wine O’Clock” Sat 25th Oct
Billy O’Brien & Friends
A Night of Music, Singing Storytelling, & A One Act Play. 17th October 8pm
Admission: €15
All proceeds in aid of Banteer Tidy Towns
Please send by text and also include booking details
Bookings 029 56239 and also at www.glentheatre.ie
KNOCKNAGREE LADIES FOOTBALL CLUB
Underage (ages 4–16): Wednesdays
U6 & U8: 6:45–7:30pm U12–U16: 7:00–8:00pm
New players welcome!
Adults: Fridays 7:00–8:00pm & Sunday mornings (if no match) Open to newcomers, returnees, and anyone looking to get fit. Interested? Contact Catherine (083 3498778) or Maura (085 1450533)
Castlemagner Hall Quiz Night
Time: 11th of October at 8:30pm. Venue: Castlemagner Hall
Cost: €40 per team. (Max 4 per team).
Please support us to raise vital funds for our community centre.
Millstreet
Comhaltas Instrument Rental
For Comhaltas Term
Email: millstreetcomhaltas@gmail.com
If you would like to send in an expression of interest
Rathcoole Rovers Training Schedule
Every Saturday 10:30 and under 13s, 10s and 8s Tuesdays 7-8pm Venue: Cooney Park, Rathcoole
Gneeveguilla
SHARE THE BUCKET
Time: 8:30PM, Every Friday Evening
Cost: Tickets €2 each or 3 for €5
Tickets: Are available at Teach Fáilte and can be bought online at https://tinyurl.com/y2ade5om or in local businesses where you see the Green Share the bucket Banteer Lyre Nadd and Districts Community Council AGM
Time: Mon 13th Oct at 8.30pm
Venue: The Glen Theatre, Banteer
All welcome
Tureencahill Community
Centre Weekly Schedule
Monday:
Yoga 6.45–7.45pm & 8–9pm (Contact Denise: 086 8901234)
Tuesday: Sean Nós Dance (Adults) 7–8pm, 6-week block (Contact Kieran: 085 1731073)
Wednesday:
Bridge 1–4pm, Kids Kickboxing 4.30–5.30pm (Maurz: 089 4010475)
Kids Set Dancing 6–7pm (Marie: 083 0045432)
Thursday:
Monthly Pop-Up Gaeltacht (see noticeboard/social media) Contact (086 3159744)
Friday: Active Retired 12.30–2pm Yoga 7–8pm & 8.15–9.15pm (Men only)
(Contact Denise: 086 8901234) Enquiries: 085 8771949 tureencahillcg@gmail.com
Wildflowers of Newmarket Autumn Feast Fundraiser
Venue: An Chultúrlann, Newmarket
Date: Saturday, October 4th
Time: 7:30 PM
Admission: Tables of 8 - €100
All proceeds go directly to local biodiversity initiatives, helping to protect and nurture the natural beauty of our community.
Bookings & Enquiries: Teresa – 086 358 9521 Mary – 087 959 8362
Healing weekend in
Charleville Park Hotel.
Time: Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th of October from 9 30am to 5 30pm both days.
Venue: Charleville Park Hotel
Prayer, Praise and Worship, Confessions, Spiritual Accompaniment and Holy Mass both days.
Guest Speaker Ros Powell Catholic Evangelist Uk. Free admission. Enqueries Pat 087 2505528 Tom 0876468658.
For Parents
Donoughmore
Parent and Toddler Group
Donoughmore Community Hall
Stuake, Co. Cork, P32 FP49
Monday 9.30 - 11.30
Millstreet
Parent and Toddler Group
GAA Hall, Millstreet, Co. Cork
P51V577 Monday 9.30am-12pm
Newtownshandrum
Parent and Toddler Group
Community Hall, Newtownshandrum, Charleville. Friday 10am-11am
Newmarket Breastfeeding Support Group
Time: 11.00am to 12.00pm. Venue: Castlecourt, Newmarket, Co. Cork.
Facilitated by PHN. Just drop in or phone 02961500. Breastfeeding mums and expectant mums are welcome.
Dromtariffe Active Retired 20th Anniversary Celebration
Venue: Dromtariffe Parish Hall
Time: Sunday 12th October 2025 Commencing with Mass at 12 noon, followed by lunch and a trip down memory lane. Lunch is €20 per person and needs to be pre-booked. To book your place please contact Eilish on 0862169459.
Rockchapel Parents Association Fashion Show
Time: 10th October
Venue: Rockchapel Community Centre
Admission: €10
Door Prize: 1 night B&B in the Killarney Towers Hotel & Leisure Centre
Shops and boutiques on display: O’Shea’s, Noirin’s, Lady Lydia, Heavenly Gifts & Interiors, East 73, Divas & Dudes, Linehan Fashions
Photos by TADHG CURTIN CONT’D FROM COVER
Jerry,
Minister Micheel Moynihan, Minister Jerry Buttimer, John Paul O’Shea TD, Cllr. Bernard Moynihan and Cllr. Trish Murphy with Knocknagree Community Development Group Noreen McSweeney, Michael Courney, Norita Casey, Yvonne Brosnan, Mairead Cronin and Angela Dennehy for the official opening of the newly refurbished Community Centre in Knocknagree on Saturday night.
Local musicians Michael Brosnan, Amy Cronin, and Killian Cronin entertained at the official opening of Knocknagree Community Centre
Sophie Hickey, Maura Murphy and Mairead Fleming pictured at the opening of Knocknagree Community Centre
There was fine dancing and singing on the night
Aiofe, Mairead and Áine Fitzpatrick chatting to Minister Jerry Buttimer and his sister at the opening of Knocknagree Community Centre
There
Norita Casey, Elaine Cronin, Denise Fitzpatrick and Cara Fitzpatrick were at the official opening of Knocknagree Community Centre
Shiela Courtney and Yvonne Brosnan enjoying the official opening of Knocknagree Community Centre
Elizabeth and Betty Walsh, Marian Hartnett and Carmel O’Mahony
Margaret and Denis Bradley
To Hug or Not To Hug
By ALICE O’BRIEN Alice O’Brien Counselling, Newmarket
If you’ve been watching the TV in the last few weeks, you will have noticed the newest edition to our viewing- The Traitors. A confusing new format of pitting adults against others to win money. One famous scene arose when a traitor was tasked with hugging another player inorder to eliminate them. The player proclaiming “I’m not hugger!!” And it may be true, some people will easily throw their arms around you in an easy embrace that comes natural to them, while others would recoilnot because they don’t like you but because their space is sacred to them. Hugging etiquette is hard to follow.
But, there are some benefits to receiving or giving a hug- hugs can build trust, help a person feel safe, ease feelings of isolation, boost self-esteem and even lower blood pressure. A hug can release the feel good hormones into the body to allow for relaxation and pleasure and foster a huge sense of connection.
There are people who really don’t enjoy hugs. In these cases, a hug has the opposite effect, releasing the stress hormones and causing a high feeling of discomfort. Personal space can be hard to maintain, with a rejected hug causing tension at times, leading to more worry. Hugging etiquette has a few rules. Firstly check for cues as you approach to give a hug- is the person leaning in to embrace
or moving away to avoid. If your hug is received, keep an eye on body language, do you notice any tension. Be clear on your own boundaries, if you are not a hugger it is ok to say so, a firm handshake or pat on the back is sufficient. And remember, it’s not personal, it’s the hug that is being rejected, not you. Most importantly of all. If you find yourself on any RTE shows- hug nobody.
Vitamins Without the Gunk
By MAIREAD O’KEEFFE New Leaf Health Store
I’m often asked about supplements – which ones are worth taking and how to know what’s really in them. The truth is, when you turn over the label on many bottles you’ll often see a list of things that don’t sound very nourishing at all. Fillers, colours, sweeteners – extras that are more about making manufacturing easier than supporting your health. That’s why I like Viridian and their No Gunk campaign. It’s a simple, honest approach: supplements made only with ingredients that are beneficial, nothing added that isn’t needed. Everything
is nutritionist-formulated, produced in small batches, and made with care. No shortcuts, no unnecessary extras – just effective, ethical, pure nutrition. Viridian have been working this way for 25 years, and it’s why we’re proud to stock them here at New Leaf. When I recommend something, it matters to me that it’s genuinely good quality and something I’d happily take myself. With Viridian, I can trust that.
To mark the No Gunk campaign, Viridian have kindly given New Leaf a supply of their bestselling High Five Multivitamins to share with our customers. If you’d like to give them a try, just pop into the shop and mention this article.
Any of us on the team will be glad to hand you one to take home (while stocks last). So, if you’ve ever wondered whether your supplements are really as clean as they look, this is a great chance to try something different. And of course, if you’d like advice or just a chat about what might suit you, do call in – we’re always here to help.
Boherbue Comprehensive School Were Honoured To Host
The 50th Anniversary Of Project Children
Boherbue Comprehensive School were honoured to host the 50th Anniversary of Project Children.The event paid tribute to Rockchapel brothers Pat and Denis Mulcahy, whose vision and compassion offered hope and peace to over 23,000 young people during the darkest days of Northern Ireland’s Troubles. It was inspiring to welcome past participant of Project Children Gerry McCann who shared his story and reminded us of the lasting impact of this incredible initiative. As part of the celebration, students also watched ‘How to Defuse a Bomb - The Project Children Story’ before meeting the brothers in person. Denis has been nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize and is a former NYPD detective. Pat is a former investigator with the NYPD organised crime control bureau. A truly unforgettable day.
and well done to the
EPS named one of Ireland's Best Companies 2025
EPS Group once again has been named one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies 2025 by Deloitte Ireland.
EPS have been a Deloitte BMC for 11 years and were named a Platinum status requalifier for the 3rd time this year at an awards ceremony in The RDS, Dublin last week.
The Group which has strong local Banteer links with the Buckley family Banteer continues to grow and this award is another major recognition for the company.
A thorough judging process precedes the recognition each year, evaluating the entire management team and our business strategy. The judges examine a wide range of areas when assessing Ireland’s top privately-owned businesses, considering each business’ strategic planning, governance standards, and financial performance, in addition to each organization’s culture, talent strategy and how they are innovating year on year.
Attending the event alongside colleagues from Group company IPP Ireland Pat Lambe and Sean O’Donnell and invited guests Mark Hannon, Ger Cox, Patrick McDermott, Barry Walsh & Chris Hand. Managing Director Patrick Buckley congratulated all and said it was great to see a further 8 additions to the BMC programme for 2025 including some of Ireland’s new and older well established export focused companies, evidence that the programme is as relevant as ever for progressive Irish companies.
Congratulations
Boherbue Comprehensive School Junior Camogie Team on winning the shield final at the Southwest Camogie Blitz in Causeway.
Millstreet Camogie Team with their trainers Dermot Golden and Derry Collins after they won the U13 Avondhu Final
Photo by Geraldine Dennehy
Duhallow News
Members of Boherbue ICA visited Billy Kelleher MEP at the European Parliament on 23rd September 2025
Pictured are members of Dromtariffe Active Retired who visited Billy Kelleher MEP at the European Parliament on 23rd September 2025
Childminding –
Is This A Career Option For You?
What is a childminder? A childminder is someone who cares for other people’s children (along with their own) in the childminders own home.
Are you a childminder or maybe you’re thinking of becoming a childminder? Are you at home caring for your own children, have you considered childminding, is this a career option for you? You could operate a small business from your home and earn an income while caring for your own and other people’s children. Maybe you are interested in setting up and running a professional, child-centred, quality childminding service in your home. Do you have questions about setting up a childminding business or wonder how you could go about doing it?
Cork County Childcare Committee in collaboration with IRD Duhallow would like to invite you to a Childminding Information evening on: Wednesday evening 22nd October at 7pm at IRD Duhallow
At this information session we will be able to tell you everything you need to know about operating a childminding business as well as the supports that Cork County Childcare Committee and IRD Duhallow can offer.
If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact Denise Quinlan, Childminding Development Officer, Cork County Childcare Committee on 022 23880 / dquinlan@corkchildcare.ie or Helen at IRD Duhallow on 029 60633.
To book a place on this information session, scan the QR Code Below:
Huge congratulations to Tomás Kiely Shronebeha who competed for Ireland in the U17 British and Irish Mountain running championships in Wales recently, with Tomás finishing in 18th place overall and was the 3rd Irish man home
Millstreet Moments
Photos by SÉAN RADLEY
This image shows the magnificent Mural designed and created by talented Participants guided by dedicated Staff at Cork College of FET Millstreet Centre. The Mini - Library is also made in conjunction with Millstreet Men’s Shed.
The Millstreet Community School Golf Team who recently came second in the World Schools Golf Championship in Scotland pictured with School Staff and Family following a celebratory breakfast at the School
Presentation of a very impressive cheque by Blackwater Valley Vintage Group to Aubane Community Centre Committee - the fruits of a recent very successful Tractor/ Car Run
of the recent very successful
out important maintenance work enhancing
Coordinators of the recent very successful Open Day at Cork College of FET Millstreet Centre
Coordinators
Open Day at Cork College of FET Millstreet Centre
Carrying
Tubrid Holy Well, Millstreet. From left: Matthew and James O’Sullivan assisted by John O’Callaghan
Duhallow
Gilead Volunteers Dig Deep at IRD Duhallow Social Farm
By ELLIE DONOVAN Social Farming Coordinator
On Friday September 19th we had the pleasure of welcoming a group of volunteers from Gilead Life Sciences to IRD Duhallow Social Farm. We were delighted with the volume of work completed by the Gilead team, working together with our own Social Farmers from the New Directions group. Our apple trees were weeded and mulched with the finest manure, courtesy of John Holmes, local farmer and RSS participant. We also added manure and covered some of our beds in vegetable garden, ready for planting in Spring. We are very grateful to the team at Gilead Life Sciences for all their hard work on the day and the generous donation of tools. We are very thankful that IRD Duhallow Social Farming project was selected as Gilead’s charitable giving partner, and we would be delighted to welcome them back in the future.
Gilead volunteers, still smiling after their day’s work on IRD Duhallow Social Farm
Denis, Patrick, Brian and John collect apples in the orchard for Duhallow Community Food Service.
Gilead volunteers weeding and mulching the apple trees
Community Spirit Shines in Support of Cancer Connect
Cancer Connect recently received generous donations from several community led fundraising events.
The cheque presentations all took place in Paddy Molly’s Bar, Rockchapel. These heartfelt contributions support those affected by cancer, ensuring continued access to transport and care services provided by Cancer Connect.
Helen Downey held a coffee morning recently for Cancer Connect, donating €5,520. present at the presentation in Paddy Molly’s Bar Rockchapel were Fr. Denis Stritch, Helen Driscoll, Cancer Connect, Helen Downey, Denis Murphy and Dan Murphy Cancer Connect.
Henry Keogh organised an art exhibition during the Rockchapel Gathering weekend and raised €600 for Cancer Connect. present were Karen O'Connor Cancer Connect Helen Driscoll Cancer Connect, Henry Keogh, Lily Stack and Neily Curtin.
Rockchapel Community Center members and Dromtariffe Drama Group present a cheque for €2480 to Cancer Connect members Helen Driscoll, Karen O'Connor and Dan Murphy, this was the proceeds of a play put on in the local hall.
Tom Dennehys’s group enjoyed a wonderful week in Medjugorje accompanied By Fr Brian Boyle, Fr John o Shea and Group Leader Tom Dennehy.
Duhallow News
Crossword sponsored by Duhallow Community Food Services
Across
1. Cultivated plot (6)
4. Written musical compositions (6)
9. Film (5)
10. Refrain from voting (7)
11. Listlessness (8)
12. Meat or vegetables cooked slowly (4)
14. Shrink (6)
16. Evaded (6)
19. Part of the neck (4)
20. Resident (8)
23. Inactivity (7)
24. Play (5)
25. Excused (6)
26. Deferred payment (6)
Down
1. Risk taker (7)
2. Stud (5)
3. Panache (8)
5. Monetary value (4)
6. Responded (7)
7. Tendon (5)
8. Freight (5)
13. Flatfish (8)
15. Use up (7)
17. Take away (7)
18. Large expanse of water (5)
19. Dissonance (5)
21. Accolade (5)
22. Pace (4)
Solution: Issue 148, September 19th, 2025
Duhallow News Duhallow
Complete the crossword and post with your name and 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 email to discoverduhallow@irdduhallow.com
Terms & Conditions: Deadline for submissions is noon on Friday, October 10th 2025.
First correct entry drawn will win a €20 voucher, valid for three months from date of issue, to be redeemed for food at the Duhallow Community Food Services. No cash alternative. Winner will be named in subsequent issue of Discover Duhallow. One entry per person. No correspondence will be entered into. Voucher to be collected from Duhallow Community Food Services, Newmarket.
Congratulations to Geraldine Reen, Rathmore who wins a €20 voucher for Duhallow Community Food Services!
The Power of the Holy Rosary.
TOM DENNEHY
The Holy Rosary is not just a prayer; it is a powerful spiritual gift that has the ability to transform lives, strengthen faith and draw us into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Through its simplicity and depth, the Rosary offers a unique means of communion with God, invoking the intercession of Mary, the Mother of God, and meditating on the mysteries of Christ’s life.
A Weapon of Spiritual Warfare
One of the most well-known descriptions of the Rosary comes from St. Padre Pio, who referred to it as a “weapon” against the forces of evil. He said, “The Rosary is the weapon against the evils of the world.”
The Rosary is a gift from Heaven given to St Dominic by the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1208 as a spiritual weapon to combat heresy and sin. A Prayer of Meditation on the Life of Christ
At its core, the Rosary is a meditative prayer. Each decade— the recitation of ten Hail Marys—is accompanied by a reflection on a specific mystery from the life of Jesus or Mary. These mysteries are divided into four groups: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous. Each mystery helps us to enter into a deeper contemplation of Christ’s life, passion, death, and resurrection and of Mary’s role in God’s plan for salvation.
Through these meditations, the Rosary draws us into the heart of the Gospel. The Rosary is not merely an act of reciting prayers; it is a profound exercise of spiritual contemplation. It invites us to reflect on the divine truths revealed in the life of Christ and to grow in understanding of God’s love, mercy, and salvation.
The Intercessory Power of Mary Central to the power of the Rosary
is the role of Mary, the Mother of God. By asking for her intercession, we are entrusting our prayers and needs to a mother who is intimately connected to her Son, Jesus. The Rosary places us in the company of Mary, who brings our prayers before the throne of God. In her privileged role as Mediatrix of All Graces, Mary is seen as a powerful intercessor.
The Spiritual Benefits of the Rosary
The power of the Rosary is not confined to a mere external recitation of prayers. Its power flows from its ability to transform the soul. When we pray the Rosary, we are entering into a sacred dialogue with God, mediated by Mary, who points us to her Son. The consistent prayer of the Rosary nurtures the following spiritual benefits:
1. Peace and Consolation
In a world filled with anxiety, stress, and confusion, the Rosary offers a path to peace. The repetitive nature of the prayers, particularly the Hail Mary, brings calm to the mind, opens the heart and nurtures the presence of God’s peace.
Pope St. John Paul II once said, “The Rosary is a prayer that brings peace to the world.”
2. Strength Against Temptation
The Rosary acts as a spiritual safeguard against sin and temptation. It reminds us of the virtues of Jesus and Mary, helping us to imitate their lives of holiness. By meditating on the Sorrowful Mysteries, for example, we unite our suffering with Christ’s Passion, gaining strength in our own struggles.
3. Increased Faith and Hope
Through the Rosary, we are constantly reminded of the promises of Christ—eternal life, forgiveness of sins and the hope of resurrection. By meditating on the Glorious Mysteries, for example, we reflect on the victory of Jesus over death, which strengthens our
faith in God’s promises.
4. Deepened Relationship with God
Ultimately, the Rosary is about building a deeper relationship with God. The prayer focuses on Jesus Christ and His work of salvation and it leads us to more fervent love, trust, and devotion. By repeating the prayers and reflecting on Christ’s life, we are drawn into the mystery of His presence, which transforms us more and more into His image.
The Rosary and the Triumph of Good over Evil
Throughout the history of the Church, the Rosary has been seen as a powerful weapon in the spiritual battle between good and evil. In 1571, for example, Pope Pius V urged Catholics to pray the Rosary to obtain victory over the invading Ottoman Empire at the Battle of Lepanto. The Catholic fleet’s victory was attributed to the intercession of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the Pope instituted the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7th to commemorate this victory.
May the prayer of the Holy Rosary transform your life and let us join with Pope Leo who has called us all to pray the Holy Rosary for peace in our world during the month of October.
