Discover Duhallow Issue 92

Hearing aids

Editors Note

Rain, rain go away! The sun is already well missed, but we can light up the day with some celebration!

Dromagh and Lismire schools celebrated the end of their school years with school tours and plenty more fun. IRD Duhallow celebrated their graduates, and the IRD Duhallow STRIVE group celebrated a fantastic day at Dáil Eireann. While the sun might be gone (only for now, fingers crossed!), we can still make the most of our summer freetime. Bright outdoors aren’t needed for a bright and wonderful day!

Caleb

Email: Discoverduhallow@irdduhallow.com

Phone: 029-60633

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Wedding Bells

An Olympic Achievement

Women’s Forum Celebrate 50 Years of The National Women’s Council

to the Special

on

Congratulations and very best wishes to Brendan O'Keeffe and Norma Riordan who got married in Gneeveguilla church.

Well done to Kevin O’Connor

his return

Olympics! Kevin placed 4th in Golf, and is pictured above with his playing partner Pius O’Callaghan

Judy O’Leary (Chair of Duhallow Women’s Forum) and Anne Maria Bourke (Vice Chair of Duhallow Women’s Forum) met Sabina Higgins at the garden party in the Aras, celebrating activists for female rights and equality and marking 50 years of the National Women’s Council of Ireland.

Community News

The Duhallow area is synonymous with Irish music and of course, the Sliabhh Luachra Culture. In an era where we have learned to live with Covid, it is great to see a wide variety of musical seisúins and events for people who want to join as musicians or those who simply want to listen. Here’s a list of the regular weekly events happening this summer.

Seisúins

Monday Seisúin Newmarket

Weekly throughout the year

Venue: An Culturlann, Newmarket

Time: 9pm

Admission: €5

Tuesday Seisúin Rockchapel

4th of July – 29th August

Venue: Bruach na Carraige, Rockchapel

Time: 9pm

Admission: €5

Wednesday Seisúin Freemount

12th of July – 16th of August

Venue: The Heritage Center, Freemount

Time: 8pm

Admission: €10

Dancing

Sunday Cross Roads Dancing

Sundays from June – Sept

Venue: Laharn Open Air Dancing

*If weather is unfavourable dancing will be in the Heritage Centre.

Time: 8pm

Admission: FREE

Enquiries to : 087-6904086

2nd July

Jerome Coakley & Lee Sound

9th July

Jerh Healy “The Singing Jarvey”

16th July

Billy O’Brien & Timmy Lehane

23rd July

Denis, Christy & Marino Sound

30th July

Mike Condon

6th August

Liam Cantillon

13th August

C&M Sound

20th August

Tim Joe & Ann O’Riordan

27th August

Ted McCarthy

3rd September

Ger O’Donoghue

An Chultúrlann

Sat, July 1st @ 8pm

Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh in Concert

Tickets €25 in local shops, at door and at ticketstop.ie

Sat, July 8th @ 8pm Rambling House. (2nd Sat of every month)

Everyone welcome - €5 at door

Saturday July 15th @ 8pm

Charolais

Comedy Drama by Noni Stapleton (Fair City).

Tickets €20 in local shops, at door and at ticketstop.ie

Friday July 28th @ 8pm

PJ Murrihy in Concert.

Tickets €15 in local shops, at door and at ticketstop.ie

Saturday Aug 19th @ 8pm

Luka Bloom.

Tickets €20 in local shops, at door and at ticketstop.ie

Saturday Sept 2nd @ 8pm

Fundraising Variety Concert.

Tickets €15 in local shops, at door and at ticketstop.ie

Sunday Social Dancing

Weekly – Sunday

Venue: Freemount Community

Centre

Time: 3pm – 5.30pm

Admission: €10

Enquiries to: 083-4589222

2nd July

Teddie & Cathal Barry

9th July

Paudie Coffey

16th July

Glen Flynn

Mushera Platform Dancing

Monthly

Venue: Mushera Platform

Admission: Free

Enquiries to: 086-0647381

16th July

10th Anniversary Tim Joe and Ann 3pm – 5.30pm

20th August Autumn Gold – 3pm – 5.30pm

Saturday Sept 16th @ 8pm

Brendan Quinn Trio

Tickets €20 in local shops, at door and at ticketstop.ie

The Fairies are Back!

and adults. Belinda has written and published two children’s mindfulness books available on Amazon, select bookshops nationwide, and Dunnes Stores. Books will also be available to purchase on the day, and book signing if requested.

tea/ coffee and chat while classes are being held.

Bella the Butterfly is returning to Slí Eile this Summer on Saturday 8th July from 10am to 1pm to host Mindfulness Fairy Fun in the Fairy Garden with lots of outside play activities.

Bella the Butterfly, author of mindfulness children’s books, will be holding mindfulness classes and incorporating mindfulness craft activities, breathing techniques, and meditations to help children become more calm and grounded.

Belinda Murphy aka Bella the Butterfly is a Reiki Master and Mindfulness Teacher, and teaches all ages; from children, teenagers,

Costumes are recommended for the fun factor and not just for the children but also adults and animals. We have been known to have seen a fairy dogs or two at these events!

Parents can stay with the children during the class. There will be the regular Slí Eile organic farmers market running at tandem as these classes, and parents are welcome to pop in and out or grab and

For more information see www. bellathebutterfly.ie, FB/ IG @ bellathebutterflylove, belinda@ bellathebutterfly.ie

Millstreet Knit and Natter

This is our Knit & Natter Group making a presentation of blankets to Breda Dyland, Manager of the Kerry Cancer Support Group.

Our Knitters are a group of approx. 10 local Millstreet ladies who meet in Millstreet Library every Wednesday at 2 30 - 4 00 pm. The knitters decided to make blankets for the Kerry Cancer Support Group. This group was established 10 years ago to provide essential transport services to and from Cork to enable Cancer Patients attend appointments to receive treatment. The Kerry Cancer Support Group collect and distribute handcrafted blankets to their service users. They are given as part of a comfort pack when someone travels with them. The blankets are either crocheted or knitted and donated. The Knit and Natter group is a very social and supportive group and very beneficial to all who attend. Everybody is welcome. A presentation was made to Kerry Cancer Support Group on Wednesday 14th June. Breda HylandManager was present on the day to receive the collection of blankets made by Millstreet Library Knit & Natter Group.

For Jack and The School

Photos By NEILY CURTIN

Pat Mulcahy wrote a book recently called For God and Country He donated the proceeds of the book to Rockchapel National School and Bruach na Carraige equally. It is a book about his life which has so many twists and turns and ups and downs that it is a very interesting read.

Pat presents Eileen Curtin principal Rockchapel National School with €900, half the proceeds of his book, For God and Country. Some of the pupils and the staff enjoy the occasion.

Pat presents Jack Roche of Bruach na Carraige, with €900, half the proceeds of his book, For God and Country. Also present are Emer Lynch, Maurice and Sarah O'Keeffe and Kathleen Mulcahy.

Deputy Moynihan hosted IRD Duhallow Ability and Towards Occupation groups at Dáil Éireann. A fantastic day was had by the whole group, pictured here with Denis Justice and Brighid-Ide Walsh.

Cheque Presentation

Bob’s Bar in Ballydesmond celebrated Andy Moynihan’s hugely successful reverse car run on June 16th with the presentation of the cheque. The run on 9th of April saw Andy reverse through Duhallow and raise a phenomenal €18,700 for Pieta House in memory of Michael Murphy, Ballydesmond. Massive well done to everyone involved, and many thanks to all who donated.

L-R

Kevin Murphy, Oisin Murphy, Micheal Buckley, Ned Murphy, Janet Bourke, JJ Buckley, and Ger Brosnan.

L-R FRONT: Kristianna Murphy, Eileen & Andy Moynihan, Laura Moynihan, Mary Jane Murphy .

Eileen and Andy Moynihan, Caitriona O’Mahony, Fundraising executive Pieta House.

L-R

Kevin Murphy, Micheal Buckley, Oisin Murphy, Ned Murphy, Janet Bourke, Laura Moynihan, JJ Buckley, and Ger Brosnan

BACK:

JJ Buckley, Andy Moynihan, Jer Brosnan, and Micheal Buckley.

L-R FRONT:

Back:

Andy Moynihan and Caitriona O’ Mahony Fundraising executive Pieta House.

Tureencahill Launches LEADER Funded Digital Hub

Minister for Education Norma Foley cutting the ribbon and officially opening Sheilann’s Early Learning Centre in Tureencahill Community Centre with Proprietor Sheilann Moynihan, staff members Mag Duggan and Eileen Murphy and children attending the Centre

Minister Norma Foley cutting the ribbon and officially launching the Digital Hub at Tureencahill Community Centre funded by IRD Duhallow’s LEADER Programme with incoming Chairman Damian Fenton, Bertie O’ Leary and Lil Fleming of Tureencahill Community Group

Minister Norma Foley who officially opened the Digital Hub at Tureenchaill Community Centre pictured with Lil Fleming, Bertie O’ Leary, Maura Walsh CE IRD

Duhallow, Lisa Murphy, Damian Fenton, Eileen

Herlihy, Danny Healy Rae TD, Councillor Fionnán Fitzgerald and Laura Curtin

Dromagh N.S. at MTU for Primary School Sports Day

Great excitement amongst the children at Dromagh School as they headed to MTU (Munster Technological University) for the annual Primary Sports Day. Our children participated in the sprints and relays with great gusto and spirit. Congratulations to Eoin Golden and Molly Cotter on their successes. A great day was had by all and the very mention of suncream, ice-creams and treats were all part of this expedition.

Dromagh N.S. attends

Millstreet

Sports Schools Day.

On the 12th June, Millstreet Schools Sports Day run by Millstreet AC was held in Millstreet Town Park. Our boys and girls were only delighted and thrilled to be invited to participate at this event. They met many of their friends from the neighbouring schools and sporting clubs. Congratulations to many our students from the various classes who made it through from the heats to the finals. Well done to Caolain O’Leary, Eoghan Philpott, Jack Withers and Eoin Golden on 2nd place in the reply and to Eoin Golden who came 2nd in the distance race. In today’s world which is full of technology and devices it was a pleasure to see so many children taking part in sports and enjoying the outdoors. The fun between them was only joyful to see and hear. It was a day jammed packed with happiness, sharing and participation. A big “Thank You” to Millstreet AC for all their hard work in organising and running this superb day.

Day out together

Eoin Golden and Eooghan Philpott

Paul Golden and Cody Duggan

Having fun were Lisa, Sarah, Emma, Alice, Paul, and Amy

Brothers Ben and Cody Duggan after their races

Cody and Paul give each other great support after their race Caolain O’Leary having a rest before the relay

Georgina after her race

Paul Golden before his race

Duhallow

IRD Duhallow Celebrates Refugee Week

As part of Refugee Week 2023 IRD Duhallow held a number of events across the region. Refugee week takes place from the 20th – 27th June and is a special celebration of the contributions of refugees to the arts, culture, and our society. It coincides with World Refugee Day which is designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe on the 20th June. Local schools were encouraged to hold events as part of refugee week.

22nd June

IRD Duhallow Ukrainian Support Workers Alina Rusal and Yuliia Iliashenko attended a National Community Integration event in Croke Park hosted by Minister Joe O’ Brien. This event facilitated the exchange of ideas and sharing of best practice for successful migrant integration in local communities and focus on opportunities for shared learning and support.

23rd June

At the IRD Duhallow’s Recognition of Learning Ceremony a number of Ukrainians and Asylum seekers received certificates in Community Interpreting and Safe Pass from Minister for education Norma Foley.

FRONT COVER: Yuliia Iliashenko received a certificate for Community Interpreting through the Reach programme. Her certificate was presented by Minister for Education Norma Foley, Geraldine O’Leary, Anne Maria Bourke, Helen O’Sullivan and Maura Walsh.

26th June

Art in the Park

Local artist Jessica Baron hosted Art In The Park in Millstreet. The theme for the event was Culture and Identity.

27th June

Talk on sexual health in Millstreet by Hannah Dineen from The Sexual Health Centre Cork on women’s Health and Sexual Health Both Ukrainians and people seeking asylum were invited to take part.

Activity:

Dance and Yoga taster sessions to promote an active healthy lifestyle were delivered to adults in both Millstreet and Kanturk.

A guided walk up Mount Hilary with Alannah O’Callaghan gave refugees the opportunity to experience the beautiful Duhallow scenery and environment as well as promote an active and health lifestyle.

IRD

IRD Duhallow Support Workers Alina Rusal and Yuliia Iliashenko with Minister Joe O’Brien

IRD Duhallow Ukrainian Support Workers – Alina Rusal and Yuliia Iliashenko with Minister for Education Norma Foley.

Lismire NS

Lismire Splits For Summer

With another very busy term in Lismire National school, the children enjoyed many activities. The children in 5th and 6th were delighted when they received their plaque for their entry to the Curious Minds competition. They worked very hard last term on this STEM project - well done 5th & 6th Class! The children in 1st and 2nd class had their First Communion in Lismire Church on the 20th of May - a great day was had by all and the rain even managed to stay away! The children participated in a number of football blitzes and they also enjoyed a tag rugby blitz. Drama is a big part of our Community and what better way to develop the skills and talents of our children than a workshop with Comedian

Bernard Casey! There was great excitement in advance of the visit. The children got really involved in the games and drama pieces and it proved to be excellent for team building, decision making and creativity. Bernard’s content was most entertaining with a humorous theme throughout. Of course there were mixed emotions as we had the farewell graduation for our fabulous 6th class. It was a lovely occasion shared with family and friends. We wish our wonderful 6th class the very best for their next chapter and hope they will come back to visit us! The annual school tours were greatly enjoyed by all. The junior room headed for Fota Wildlife Park, and thoroughly enjoyed the trip around the park with the train ride

being the highlight! The middle and senior room went bowling and to the inflata park at Little Island - finishing up with a welcome trip to Supermacs! The annual Sports day took place over 2 days due to inclement weather - however ,it was a great success and great fun was had - even the staff couldn’t resist getting involved in an egg and spoon race! Finally, the Summer raffle was held on the day of the holidays. A big thanks to Margaret Ahern (Parent) who does great work in organising the much anticipated end of term raffle! The winners were the envy of all on the day. We hope all at Lismire NS enjoy their Summer break and we look forward to seeing you all again in September for a new school year.

Bernard Casey did a fantastic drama workshop with the 5th and 6th classes.

RIGHT: Lucky winners of fabulous raffle prizes!

FAR RIGHT: Children in Ms. Buckley’s room enjoying a day bowling!

Teddy Bear Picnic

5th and 6th class with their Curious Minds Plaque!

6th Class Graduations

6th Class celebrated their graduation with special hoodies, and their friends and schoolmates signed their t-shirts.

Good luck, future 1st years!

ReMark-able Achievement for Revamp

By COLM O’CONNOR

On Wednesday June 14th in the Guinness Enterprise Centre in Dublin, IRD Duhallow Furniture Revamp received the Remark accreditation from The Community Resource Network Ireland (CRNI), the representative body for community-based reuse, repair and recycling organisations in Ireland, awarded the ReMark Quality Mark to seven organisations across the country for their outstanding commitment to sustainability and circular practices.

ReMark is a reuse certification scheme involving accreditation

Social & Environmental, HR, Governance, Health & Safety, Circular Service Management, Data Protection, Customer Service & Communication, and Physical Premises, to identify areas for improvement.

The action plan for each differed according to the results of the initial assessment, and a timeline was agreed for each applicant to implement or improve their processes, with regular liaison and support from the ReMark Project Manager throughout. The accreditation process culminated in an audit carried out by independent auditors before a decision was made to award each organisation.

Emma Kavanagh, National Executive, CRNI, comments, “I’m delighted to see these organisations recognised today for their commitment to sustainable practices. Research carried out by CRNI reveals that 85% of all adults in Ireland have purchased and/or been gifted a re-used good, while two thirds of adults have used repair or refurbishment services. Millennials are the demographic who most frequently engage with the circular economy, with

49% purchasing or being gifted second hand items at least every couple of months. These figures are encouraging and point to a growing consumer appetite to engage with the circular economy, for a multitude of reasons.”

“However, the research also shows that 40% of adults believe that hygiene would influence them not to purchase a second-hand item, while 30% cite the unknown reliability of products. The ReMark Quality Mark is a step in the right direction to instil greater consumer confidence in engaging with the circular economy. By achieving the ReMark Quality Mark today, these organisations are at the forefront of sustainable social enterprises in Ireland, and we hope that many more follow suit.”

IRD Duhallow Furniture Revamp’s Jessica Baron, says, “The improvements we have made in the process of getting the ReMark accreditation have changed the customer’s experience. The retail space is

of reuse organisations to an accepted operational and sustainability standard. The ReMark accreditation is specifically designed for charities, non-profits and social enterprises and is an initiative of CRNI, funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate & Communications through the Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme (CEIGS).

In order to achieve the ReMark Quality Mark, each organisation that applied for the pilot was initially assessed across a number of key areas including

The ReMark Quality Mark of Excellence

a lot more inviting and pleasant; our customer service team is well trained and professional in the services we provide. We have seen an uplift in sales and footfall, with improved customer experience and word of mouth. The brand ReMark should be instantly recognisable by the public as a quality reuse mark, instilling confidence that the holder of the accreditation achieves a high standard in their social enterprise or company.”

CRNI’s research also shows that one third of those who have

not used circular economy services claim that this is down to none being local to them or not being aware that the service existed, while over half of the population cite better value and supporting charity or local business as key positive drivers for purchasing second hand items.

L- R:Colm O’Connor and Jessica Baron being presented with the Remark award from Emma Kavanagh National exct, CRNI.

Colm O’Connor participated in a panel discussion. The audience in attendance on the day.

Learners Celebrated

IRD Duhallow’s Recognition of Learning Ceremony is always a special day, as graduates of different programmes delivered by IRD Duhallow receive their certificates. This year saw four major awards graduate; a Level 4 in Horticulture, Level 5 in Health Care Support, Level 5 in Early Childhood Education and Care and a Level 8 BA in Early Childhood Education and Care. It was an honour to have the certs presented to the graduates by the Minister for Education Norma Foley. Certificates were also presented to those who had completed programmes through SICAP and the REACH fund by the ETB.

Graduates of the Safe Pass which was delivered through Ukrainian with IRD Duhallow Board Members Anne Maria Bourke and Geraldine O’Leary..

Norma Foley Presents:

IRD Duhallow

Level 8 BA in Early Childhood Education and Care, Elaine Kennedy

Health Care Support, Patience Chivunge

Level 5 Early Childhood Education and Care, Mandy Hallissey

Safe Pass, John Gerard O’Keeffe

Community Interpreting, Olaide Vusayo Ojo

Community Interpreting, Roman Us

Graduates of the Community Interpreter programme delivered through REACH with IRD Duhallow Board Members Anne Maria Bourke and Geraldine O’Leary.

Graduates of the Safe Pass Programme delivered through SICAP with Anne Maria Bourke and Sandra Jones of IRD Duhallow

Graduates of the Level 5 Major Award in Health Care Support funded through the Skills Connect programme, with Enda Murray (Progressive College), Janet Lucas (Progressive College), Dave Flynn (Skillnet Ireland), Louise Bourke (IRD Duhallow) and Monica Gilmore (IRD Duhallow).

Graduates of the Level 8 Degree in Early Childhood Education and Care with Rosemary Flynn (SETU), Dave Flynn, (Skillnet Ireland), Minster for Education Norma Foley, Louise Bourke (IRD Duhallow) and Monica Gilmore (IRD Duhallow).

Graduates of the Level 5 Major Award in Early Childhood Education and Care funded through the Skills Connect programme, with Janet Lucas (Progressive College), Dave Flynn (Skillnet Ireland), Louise Bourke (IRD Duhallow) and Monica Gilmore (IRD Duhallow).

Graduates of the Level 5 Major Award in Early Childhood Education and Care Rachel,

L- R Rebecca, Rachel, Eileen, and Maureen O’Callaghan.

Michelle Cronin receiving her Certificate in Health Care Support from Minister for Education Norma Foley, Anne Maria Bourke (IRD Duhallow), Maura Walsh (IRD Duhallow) and Dave Flynn (Skillnet Ireland).

Sarah, and Linda pictured on their graduation day. Photos by Tadhg Curtin

Sarah O’Keeffe and her husband Gerard.

Graduates of the Level 5 Major Award in Horticulture with tutor Rachel Budd and IRD Duhallow Board Member, Geraldine O’Leary.

Minister for Education Norma Foley presenting Atika Altaf with her Level 8 BA in Early Childhood Education and Care, also included in the photo Rosemarie Flynn (Director of Life Long Learning, SETU), Anne Maria Bourke (vice Chair of IRD Duhallow), Maura Walsh (CEO of IRD Duhallow) and Dave Flynn (Executive Director of Skillnet Ireland)

Linda Jones was joined by her mother, Margaret, her sister, Sandra, and her daughter, Ava.

Travel Abroad with Optibac

By MAIREAD O’KEEFFE New Leaf Health Store

It’s so good to be able to travel more freely again this summer and I want you to enjoy your holiday to the fullest. There’s nothing worse than getting an upset stomach from the different food and water that you are consuming when you are away, so why not try to help your body to handle your adventure by using Travel Abroad by Optibac. Travel Abroad by Optibac contains both friendly bacteria and Saccharomyces boulardii, which together help to reduce the risk of picking up a tummy bug when travelling in exotic countries. The

strains of bacteria included in this product have been proven to be more robust strains capable of surviving in higher temperatures and humidity.

The strain L. rhamnosus Rosell-11 within this supplement is extremely well-researched. This strain, and the rest of the probiotic bacteria in this product, help to line the gut and provide a strong barrier against contracting a tummy bug when abroad.

In addition, the Saccharomyces boulardii in this product actively helps to keep ‘bad’ bacteria from colonising in the gut. It’s a really well-rounded, two-pronged approach to protecting the gut whilst travelling abroad. ‘Travel Abroad’ can be safely given to

adults and children from 4 years and over. The recommended dose is one capsule daily with breakfast, starting 3-5 days before departure, continuing during travel and for a few days upon return, or as professionally directed.

For anyone unable to swallow capsules, the content of the capsules may be mixed with a cold meal or beverage.

We have brilliant reviews from travellers who have used this product abroad, who have said that they felt more protected against diarrhoea, but at the end of the day sometimes these things are unavoidable, in which case we hope this product will ease the symptoms and help promote a quicker recovery.

Win “Optibac 1 Week Flat” or “Optibac For Every Day”

To enter, join the New Leaf emailing list - send an email to hello@newleafonline.ie with your contact details before 11th July 2023 (if you have a prize preference - let us know)

Relic of Carlo Acutis Visits Ireland

By TOM DENNEHY

The remarkable life of Blessed Carlo Acutis was recalled when a relic of his heart was brought to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral on June 12th The Feast of Corpus Christi. Archbishop Eamon Martin, in his homily, stated that “In a world where technology dominates our daily lives, it is truly inspiring to find someone who harvested its power for a greater purpose. Blessed Carlo Acutis, a young Italian teenager, left an indelible mark before his untimely passing at the age of 15 years.”

Blessed Carlo Acutis was born on May 3rd 1991 in London to Italian parents. He grew up in Milan, Italy where his family relocated when he was just a child.

From a young age, Carlos displayed an extraordinary devotion to his Catholic faith. He attended daily mass, received the sacraments regularly, and developed a deep love of the Eucharist.

Carlos referred to the Eucharist as “His Highway to Heaven.” His mother had only been to mass three times in her life but she was captivated by her son’s devotion to the Eucharist which led to her conversion.

He prayed regularly before Jesus, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament and he allowed Him transform his youthful heart.

He used to say, “If we sit in front of the sun, we get suntans, but if we get in front of Jesus in the Eucharist, we become saints.” As a result of regular prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, Carlos was able to reach his full potential and become the person God wanted him to be.

A technological pioneer, Carlos, at the age of 14 years, created

a website detailing an array of Eucharistic miracles which have taken place around the world.

He has included 32 in all, and all these Eucharistic miracles involve incidents in which the Eucharistic host has turned into human flesh and blood.

When scientifically examined by the world’s top scientists they are astonished when told they come from a consecrated host. The tests show that the flesh comes from the left ventricle of the heart, the part which pumps the blood around the body and the blood is type AB. Even more astonishing, it is living tissue and the tests show that it is from a heart that has suffered terrible trauma. These miracles show that the words of Jesus come through when he said, “I am the living bread come down from Heaven. He who eats My flesh will live for ever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” John 6;51-59.

Carlos was concerned by people growing distant from the Church and the sacraments and he wanted to bring them back. His website, miracolieucaristici.org, is a call to shake consciences and many young people throughout the world have had their faith strengthened by his work.

Carlos could not understand why stadiums were full of people and churches were empty. He would say, “ they have to see, they have to understand that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist.” Carlos understood that we have a foretaste of Heaven on Earth when we receive the Eucharist.

In 2006, at the age of fifteen, Carlos developed a rare type of leukaemia. As he was dying he said, “I am happy to die, because I lived my life without wasting even a minute of it on anything

unpleasing to God.”

He is patron saint of the youth and his relic will be present at the World Youth Week which takes place in Lisbon on the first week of August.

Quotes from Carlo Acutis:

1. Reciting the rosary is the most important appointment of the day.

2. The biggest gift that God has made to us was to send His only Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for all of us. It is very important to pray that Jesus Christ be loved and known by all peoples throughout the world.

3. The sacrifice on the cross which occurred two thousand years ago is just as present to us in all the masses celebrated today.

4. Jesus is Love and He has made Himself food and drink for us in the Eucharist.

5. Life is a gift because as long as we are on this planet, we can grow in our ability to love. The more we learn to love the more we will enjoy eternal blessedness with God.

6. The celebration of Holy Mass is the most important prayer we can perform to help the departed souls to leave Purgatory.

7. Find God and you will find the meaning of your life.

We hope and pray that many young people today will follow the example set by blessed Carlos Acutis and follow his plan of lifeto be always united with Jesus.

It’s A Dog’s Life

By ALICE O’BRIEN Churchview Therapies, Millstreet

You put the key in the door after a long day, open your front door and a warm welcome awaits…” welcome home, I missed you all day, I’m so happy to see you, you are the most important person in the world…”. Then he wags his tail and off he goes. Yes, it’s the dog, because you can always count on the dog being happy to see you. The rest of the family will acknowledge your return with a grunt or a request for dinner, but the dog is thrilled.

This can be said for all aspects of your routine. The family pet is always a mood booster, always loyal, always ready for your attention, never judges or

demands, just delighted to be part of your family.

The mental health benefits of being around animals is widely researched and proven. Interacting with pets reduces the cortisol levels in your blood, thus reducing your stress levels and blood pressure.

• Pets provide companionship and reduce loneliness as they give a sense of security and a feeling of having someone to share the day with.

• If you have a dog, he will need to be walked. Even when you don’t feel like it so owning a pet makes you more physically active. Getting out for the walk can also help you to meet new people.

• Another benefit is that pets boost self-confidence. Pets are great listeners, never criticise you and offer unconditional love, which is exactly what you need if you lack confidence.

• A feeling of responsibility- pets need to be fed, they need to be vaccinated and looked after. They need you to do all that, so they provide a feeling of purpose and we all like to be needed.

So, if you have a dog, a lizard in a cage or a gold-fish. If your pet of choice is a donkey in the back field or a house cat. Whatever you chose, love them and appreciate them because they definitely love you.

Duhallow Farming for Blue Dot Catchments EIP Booklet of Measures Launch

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue launched the Duhallow Farming for Blue Dot Catchments EIP project’s Booklet of Measures at Charleville Park Hotel. Members of IRD Duhallow’s board, IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh and EIP Project Scientist Mike O Connor attended the launch and met with the minister to discuss the EIP project and other IRD Duhallow projects.

The Duhallow Farming for Blue Dot Catchments EIP project is a 5-year EIP project with funding of €1.47m. The main goal pf the project is to work alongside the farming community of the Allow River catchment to protect and restore high-status waters using an innovative results-based scheme. The booklet of measures aims to make the project’s measures accessible to farmers and others working in agriculture.

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TD Michael Moynihan, IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh, EIP Project Scientist Mike O’Connor, Minister for Agriculture, food, and the Marine Charlie McConalogue, IRD Duhallow Chairperson Michael Twomey, IRD Duhallow Vice Chairperson Anne Maria Bourke, and IRD Duhallow Board Member Geraldine O’Leary.

Communicating Europe

Europe Supporting Ireland and Duhallow

By JOHN BRETT

Ireland joined the EC (European Communities) in January 1973, 50 years ago. There were two other countries included at the time of Irish accession: the United Kingdom and Denmark. A late trading block was formed which was an advantage to Ireland. The opening up of European markets and the single market has greatly helped to support Irish business. The Duhallow region has advantages including rich and diverse farmland which supplies many industries. There are very strong traditions in relation to dairy and food co-operatives in Duhallow. Local co-ops are in existence in Duhallow due to its rich farming history. 17% of Irish cheddar comes from Newmarket, this is exported all over the world. Ingredient Solutions, based in Boherbue is a producer for dairy products for the food industry. Their products are also exported

to European countries and further afield. At one point in time, sugar was also supplied to from Mallow sugar factory to Cadbury’s plant in Rathmore by rail. Readily available local supplies of milk have also been needed by this factory, including milk from Boherbue Coop.

Other advantages of joining the EU includes funding to community groups which contributes enormously to the development of the Duhallow area. Funding provided to IRD Duhallow allows for the provision of further education opportunities to many people in the local community. Tourism also plays a part in the economy of the Duhallow region and the country as a whole. Both the River Blackwater and the River Lee are beautiful rivers which need environmental protection, this is the key to the existence of all forms of life. The gem of the Lee Valley is the Gearagh south of Macroom.

Today the Gearagh is protected by European legislation and designated a Ramsar site and biogenetic reserve. In 1993, the Eurovision Song contest took place in Millstreet, putting the town fully in the focus of the world with visitors from all over Europe in attendance. It is said that miles of telephone cable were necessary to host this ambitious production and put in place necessary communications.

A further memorable event was the world boxing event which saw Steve Collins defeat Chris Eubank in 1995, and several high profile European equestrian events have also been hosted. Today Millstreet still welcomes new communities, including people arriving from Ukraine. In European history it was envisaged that there would be no more wars after World War 2, the devastating war on European soil in Ukraine has proved that this was not to be.

Refugee Walk at Mt. Hillary

By ALANNAH O’CALLAGHAN

This year as part of Refugee Week, we organised a group walk over Mount Hillary, Banteer. On Wednesday 21st of June, a group of Ukrainian refugees and staff members Alannah, Yulia and Alina went over to tackle the green Knightfield Loop.

Mount Hillary is known locally as ‘Cnoc and Iolar’ - the Hill of the Eagle - despite its name there have been no sighting of the golden eagle in the area for the past century. Though there’s no eagles to be seen, the loops in Mount Hillary ascend gently through forestry roads between spruce, pine, and fir trees and are home to a variety of other creatures that can be found throughout Duhallow. On the clear, bright Wednesday evening of our walk, other than the chatter of our group, all we could hear was the sounds of birds and the gentle breeze through the trees. Basked in sunlight, it was impossible not to appreciate the colours of the Irish countryside. The foxgloves and fuchsia bright pink against the brown and green of the forestry, made the group stop and take

pictures more than once.

The Knightfield Loop is 3.2km along forestry paths, however, I insisted that the group do a leg up along a section of the blue loop to a section where the trees have been cleared so that the group could see the view and admire the area from a high point. Though this meant walking uphill, the group was rewarded by spectacular views looking out towards Banteer and the surrounding area. Being someone who is lucky enough to get out walking in the Irish countryside regularly, I take for granted how beautiful it is around here. Seeing the group admire the landscape, flora and fauna gave me a new appreciation for Mount Hillary. We left the viewpoint and headed back to the trailhead to sit down for tea, coffee, and of course, a few chocolate biscuits! It was a lovely evening full of questions,

terrible pronunciation of new Ukrainian words (on my part), laughter, and friendship.

For those of you who haven’t been to Mount Hillary before, there are a variety of walking loops that are perfect for all the family. The short green loop is 3.2km, or there are longer routes of 8km (blue loop) and 10.8km (red loop – pink on the map). All three are waymarked and easy to follow.

IRD Duhallow’s walking group will be walking over at Mount Hillary on Wednesday 12th of July at 7pm. The walk is free, and everyone is welcome to join. To register for the walk please call Alannah/Nuala on 029 60633.

Marymount Concert Fundraiser

On the night of June 24th, Kanturk Mart was hopping!

Following an auction held earlier in the week and a raffle on the night, Duhallow musicians rounded out a fantastic fundraiser for Marymount Hospice.

Tuesday 20th saw a bullock auctioned for over €2,000 before the concert even began. A crowd of local talent from 8 to 88 performed in Kanturk Mart.

The impressive ensemble was made up of everyone from Boherbue Choir and Boherbue Comprehensive Students to Elle Marie O’Dwyer and Sheila

Fitzgerald. The finale saw Timmy O’Connor, local music legend, taking centre stage. The event was a collaboration of unique talent through Duhallow, and while celebrating that talent, they supported a beyond worthy cause with an unforgettable night.

Many thanks are extended to contributors and participants, and special gratitude to Seamus

O’Keeffe

Colette O’ Connor and Seamus O’ Keeffe of Kanturk Mart drawing the raffle tickets Fundraising for Marymount Hospice, Niamh Ní Bhuachalla.

Pictured outside the Mart on Tuesday where the Bullock was auctioned for Marymount hospice

and Collette O’Connor of Kanturk Mart. The cheque will be presented in early July.

Photos by SHEILA FITZGERALD

Ballydesmond Scór Group accompanied by Eddie Kiely Scoil Mhuire, Kanturk students on stage

Sheila Fitzgerald and Boherbue Choir

Boherbue Comprehensive School students (Freemount Comhaltas)

Elle Marie O’ Dwyer with musician Dan Sheehan. Elle Marie was also MC at the event

Steve Roche, Rachel O’ Connor, Conor Daly, Pat Fleming, Alan Finn, Meabh Buckley and Eddie Kiely

Pat Fleming, Timmy O’ Connor, Alan Finn, Councillor Bernard Moynihan, Elle Marie O’ Dwyer and Sheila Fitzgerald

Down

1. Save from destruction (7)

2. Bird of prey (5)

3. Haptic (7)

5. Strongroom (5)

6. Observed (7)

7. Join up (5)

8. Hints (5)

14. Resolved (7)

16. Sports contestant (7) 17. Booming noise (7)

19. Additional (5)

To be in with a chance to win a €20 voucher for Duhallow Community Food Services 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, JULY 7th, 2023.

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.

Where Is My Mind?

By TADHG CURTIN FILM REVIEW

A sensational thriller becomes eerily prescient in John Frankenheimer’s haunting, superb and surprisingly modern The Manchurian Candidate (1962).

When it comes to art and real life overlapping, I can’t think of a work of art that embodies this notion more than The Manchurian Candidate. Based on a 1959 novel by Richard Condon and released in October 1962, it is a political thriller about the son of a prominent U.S. political family, Raymond Shaw (Lawrence Harvey), a soldier in the Korean War who is brainwashed into being an unwitting assassin for a Communist conspiracy. In November 1963, thirteen months after Manchurian’s release, the 35th President of America, John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated. His alleged assassin; Lee Harvey Oswald, a soldier in the US marines with connections to the communist Soviet Union.

The movies title has even entered everyday speech as shorthand for a brainwashed sleeper, a subject who has been hypnotized and instructed to act when his controllers pull the psychological trigger. Having not seen it in years, what struck me

rewatching it is how it’s surprisingly modern despite its age. Frankenheimer uses experimental photography and editing to implement effects that add to its nightmarish quality. Just bask in the brilliant execution of the New Jersey garden club sequence. The acting all round is fantastic. I’ve underestimated Frank Sinatra as an actor in the past but I think this is one of his best performances. Lawrence Harvey is great as well. Others have said that they never bought him as an American soldier but I feel this adds to his alien quality amongst his troop. Janet Leigh is underused but is great with what she’s given to do. As for Angela Lansbury, she’s amazing as the mother from hell; Elenor Iselin. You’ll recognise her as the genial Jessica Fletcher from Murder She Wrote. However, here she relishes the chance to play an absolute monster. She plays a woman who is willing to sacrifice her son’s safety to bring down a country’s democracy (the movie even suggests an incestuous relationship between mother and son which is more apparent in

the novel). In fact, so good a role was the mother that when Sinatra told his friend, President John F. Kennedy, that they were making it into a movie. Kennedy’s response was to ask; “Who’s playing the mother?”

In the wake of JFK’s death, Frank Sinatra had it pulled from circulation for over 20 years. It’s only recently that modern audiences are discovering this stone cold classic. Jonathan Demme helmed a really solid remake in 2004 starring Denzel Washington, Liev Schreiber and Meryl Streep but this is the one to start with. Manchurian endures as a creepy, classic thriller. Just be wary the next time someone asks you to play a game of cards. The queen of diamonds may cause you more problems than a just bad hand. Available on DVD, Blu Ray and to stream on Amazon Prime.