Discover Duhallow Issue 113

113: 3rd May, 2024

Twohig’s Supervalu Grand Re-Opening

All the jackhammers, diggers, cranes, and lorries seen and heard in Kanturk town the last number of months have disappeared, and in there wake is the new and improved Twohig’s Supervalu. A big undertaking, Twohig’s grocery

on site and on the decks entertaining as well as getting to talk to the locals. Families young and old gathered for a great event.

The Twohigs issued a warm thank you and welcome to their customers and employees for all

Photo by Tim Murphy

Dromtarriffe Tractor Run

Newmarket OsKaRs

Duhallow News

Editors Note

As the sun graces the hills of Duhallow, we welcome the season of Spring with open arms. As the days lengthen, we find ourselves immersed in the festival of Bealtaine. It’s a time to honour the fertility of the land, celebrate life, and kindle the flames of creativity. In this issue, excitement filled the air as the newly renovated Twohig’s SuperValu opened its doors. Dromtarriffe recently revved up the engines for their Tractor Run. Newmarket transformed into a cinematic wonderland as the OsKaRs took center stage and local stars created movie magic. Dromagh National School demonstrated a heartwarming gesture by supporting AADI. Stay connected for feedback, suggestions, or to share your own stories. Wishing you a Bealtaine filled with joy!

Want to send us something? The next issue of Discover Duhallow releases on May 17th!

Email:

Duhallow in Pictures

Siobhan O Sullivan (SOS Fitness Coaching) and Alice O’Brien (CBT For All) held a very enjoyable Movement and Mindset Morning in Ballydesmond. The pair showcased the importance of movement and mental health.

Anne Marie Cremin, Tadhg O’ Leary and Bridie Murphy of Boherbue Co-Op, making a presentation to Declan O’ Keeffe who has retired after serving as CEO for the past 20 years. Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald

Duhallow in Pictures

‘First rule of IRD Duhallow’s Book Club - Talk about it!’ Pictured above is IRD Duhallow’s weekly book club. Here they were photographed on World Book Day. The group are always open to new members, if you want to get reading with them, contact Elmarie Young on 029 60633 or email: elmarie.young@irdduhallow.com

the county.

Members of Duhallow SAOI Network met with Healthy Age Friendly Homes to learn about the new initiative being rolled out across

Boherbue/Kiskeam Active Retired Group pause for a photo at Coomakista Pass on their recent trip around the beautiful Ring of Kerry

Duhallow in Pictures

On April 13th, The Glen Theatre Drama Group concluded their performance run in the Glen Theatre of John B. Keane’s The Rain at the End of the Summer. The group were delighted to welcome the late writer’s daughter, Joanne Keane, who attended their final performance. Pictured above are Tadhg Curtin, Mary Sheehan, Tadhg,O’Keeffe, Sinead Guiney, Olivia Lehane, Diarmuid Cronin, Philip Lenihan, Joanne Keane and Maureen O’Brien.

Huge congratulations to Donoughmore based entrepreneurs Alan Twomey and Siobhan Ring, who received an award at the annual prize giving ceremony organised by The Association of Irish Farmhouse Cheesemakers. It was in recognition of the high quality of the goat’s cheese they produce at Dottie and Dora. Well done, Alan and Siobhan!

Congratulations to Dan Dennehy and Saerlaith O’Keeffe who got married recently in St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Blackrock. Reception was at the Garryvoe Hotel. The couple wed on Saturday, March 16th, in the same church on the same date as Saerlaith’s parents did 39 years before. Here’s to Dan and Saerlaith enjoying as much time together!

Banteer Lyre Nadd and Districts Community Council

Banteer Lyre Nadd and Districts Community Council welcome funding of 30,000 euros under the ORIS programme announced last week. ORIS builds on the commitment under the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 20232027 which is set to shape the future of outdoor recreation over the next five years.

The funding is for the development/improvement of the existing Glen River walk kindly facilitated by the O Keeffe family Duinch.

The National Strategy aims to increase the number of people active in the outdoors, especially young people and underrepresented groups, and to foster a greater understanding of how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

Community Text Alert Scheme

Text alert money €10 due for 2024. Please pay to your local Community Council members. Note: Nonpayment will mean you will no longer get Community Alert texts. Please forward €10 to either Norah O Riordan Nadd,Eleanor Duggan, Denis Withers, Mary Cahill or John Buckley

Banteer Sportsfield/Park Draw is now on for 2024

This annual draw is for the ongoing operation, maintenance and development of the facility.Tickets available from members. Please support as your support helps us make improve the sportsfield for all users. Plans for this year include, subject to Sports Capital Funding; upgrade of old dressing rooms, goal posts replacement, sanding/aeration works, planting of trees/shrubs, boot washes, café equipment etc.

Rathmore/Gneeveguilla News

Gneeveguilla Community Facility Group reminds you that Share the Bucket takes place weekly.

The draw is every Friday evening in Teach Fáilte @8:30pm and can be viewed live on Gneeveguilla Community Facility Group Facebook Page.

This week’s jackpot was €203 and the winner was Daniel Collins. Tickets cost €2 each or 3 for €5.. They are available at Teach Fáilte and can be bought online at www. tinyurl.com/y2ade5om or in local businesses where you see the Green Share the bucket.

Rally of Lakes 2024 Road closures in Rathmore & Gneeveguilla

Sunday 5th May 2024 Stage 9&12 Gortnagane 09:00am16:20pm

Roads Subject of Proposed Closure:

L-1130 Caherbarnagh, Co. Cork –from County Boundary to Horan’s Cross.

L-1133 Caherbarnagh, Co. Cork –from Horan’s Cross to Hollymount School Cross.

L-52181 Hollymount, Co. Cork –from Hollymount School Cross to Knocknaloman Cross.

L-5218 Knocknaloman, Co. Cork – from Knocknaloman Cross to School Cross, Ballydaly.

Alternative Routes: Traffic from Caherbarnagh travelling to Rathmore should travel on the L-1130 as far as Crohigs’s Cross. There vehicles should turn left on the L-5171 towards Ballydaly. At Ballydaly Cross, traffic should turn left onto the R582 and continue onto Rathmore. The stated diversion route is applicable in reverse when travelling in the opposite direction. In addition, it is proposed to close all adjoining public roads for a distance of 205 Meters from the junctions with the roads listed above.

Minister Humphreys Launches Major National Awareness Campaign Aimed At Dog Owners

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, launched a major national awareness campaign to remind dog owners of their responsibilities.

The campaign entitled ‘It’s Not Your Dog’s Fault, It’s Yours’ is aimed at increasing awareness of the harm that out of control dogs can do to people and to livestock.

The goal is to change behaviour and to remind owners that they must always have their dog under control.

Launching the campaign, Minister Humphreys said:

“Being a dog owner is a privilege, but it comes with a lot of responsibilities. We have seen far too many devastating attacks by dogs on people, especially young children, in recent times.

I know the majority of dog owners are responsible and do the right thing. But we can all be guilty of thinking our dog wouldn’t hurt a fly. No matter how harmless a dog might seem they can be capable of causing a lot of damage. Ultimately, as the campaign says: it’s not your dog’s fault, it’s yours. Dog owners must make sure their dog is under control at all times, not running wild endangering people, livestock or other dogs.

I want this campaign to make people think twice about letting their dog loose and uncontrolled.”

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue T.D welcomed the campaign, sharing his hope that it will encourage wider conversations on dog owner responsibilities:

I really welcome this campaign. I know how traumatic dog attacks can be to people, especially children. I am also acutely aware of the devastation done to livestock by marauding dogs,

causing terrible suffering to the animals and both emotional and financial distress to farming families.

I believe it is essential we have conversations about responsible dog ownership and illustrating the dangers of marauding dogs, protecting people and animals from dog attacks. Dogs are a great addition to a home and a family, but owners must provide for their welfare and wellbeing, taking their responsibilities seriously. Dog owners should ensure their dog has regular visits to the vet, good nutritious food and water, exercise, and mental stimulation. It is also advised that while taking ones dog out for walks, dog fouling must stop with owners. A tip on walks where dogs are allowed is to bring special waste bags to collect the excrement and dispose of it on returning home.

I would like to encourage the many excellent charities working in the area of animal welfare, supported by my Department through the Animal Welfare Grants Programme, to leverage this campaign to share their own messages on responsible dog ownership.”

This campaign follows closely from a series of related initiatives;

• Increases in on-the-spot fines up to €300

• Additional €2 million to support dog pounds

• The establishment of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group.

• The Stakeholder Group was established by Minister Humphreys in March of this year and is independently chaired by retired Deputy Garda Commissioner Mr John Twomey.

The Group includes a broad range of sectoral interests and experts and been tasked with reviewing existing policy in relation to dog control and breeding establishments.

Welcoming the campaign John Twomey said:

“The campaign being launched today is an important step and just the beginning of a number of measures we need to introduce to reduce attacks by uncontrolled dogs. The Independent Stakeholder Group that I chair has an ambitious work plan and I would like to thank them for their willingness to engage so fully with this important issue.

I look forward to working with them to bring further recommendations to the Government in due course.

The media campaign will run from Monday April 22nd until the end of May across radio, print, and online media.

Visit www.gov.ie/Dogs to find out more.

Farewell, Gerard

By MAURA WALSH CEO, IRD Duhallow

The Board, management and staff of IRD Duhallow were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Cllr Gerard Murphy on Monday last.

Gerard was one of the first Directors of IRD Duhallow, joining our Board in 1991 and serving two terms, and was the first ever County Councillor to do so. He did much to create links between the Council and the Board of IRD Duhallow which was the frontrunner of local development companies in the county.

Gerard was a regular visitor to the office of IRD Duhallow in the James O’Keeffe Institute. He was a huge advocate for local projects and was very supportive of our work in the area of Rural and Community Development as well as the Environment, Community Services and Local Enterprise.

The recognition of the special requirements of the Duhallow area as a unique development region in successive County Development Plans, was thanks in no small way to Gerards insight and ability to communicate the needs of the people and the region into

policy documents. Gerard was instrumental in getting exemptions from certain planning restrictions on rural housing and enterprise infrastructure for Duhallow and West Cork. In his time in the Dáil, Gerard invited several Ministers to visit IRD Duhallow and the region to see first hand the needs as well as strengths of the area. This resulted in strengthened investment.

We express our sympathy to Gerards family, his wife Marian, his daughter Trish, son Donncha, grandchildren Ethan and Maya, son in law Michael, and indeed the wider Newmarket community that will mourn his loss as well as the Cathaoirleach, Elected members of Cork County Council, the County Manager and Staff of Cork County Council.

Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís agus ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal

Michael Moynihan, Sean Field, Louise Bourke and Gerard Murphy

Cllr. Gerard Murphy at the launch of IRD Duhallow’s LIFE Project with Pat Fitzpatrick, Fran Igoe, Aine Collins, Michael Twohig, Phil Hogan, Maura Walsh, and Michael Doyle

LCDC Members Cllr. Gerard Murphy and Cllr. Bernard Moynihan at the signing of the LEADER Contract for Kilguilkey House with IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh and Board members Brian Kelly, Michael Twohig, and Anne Maria Bourke

Stay Sun-Safe in Ireland

By BRENDON PURCHASE

With another summer upon us, and more and more of us choosing to spend time in our gardens, exercising outdoors, and other outdoor activities staying sun-safe is more important than ever.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in Ireland and the numbers are rising. With over 11,000 cases diagnosed each year it accounts for over one-third of all cancers diagnosed annually. However, most skin cancers can be prevented by following skin protection procedures.

Most people living in Ireland have fair skin, the type which burns easily and tans poorly, so are at high risk of UV damage and skin cancer.

It is important for physical and mental health to enjoy time outdoors but we should do so while also protecting skin from UV radiation to reduce the risk of our most common cancer.

Exposure to UV radiation during childhood is particularly harmful so protecting skin during childhood is extremely important.

Outdoor workers have been identified as a high-risk group for the development of skin cancer as they spend long periods outdoors. Here are some steps you and your family can take to protect your skin from the sun and reduce your risk of skin cancer in Ireland

Know the UV index:

When the UV index is 3 or above you need to protect your skin. In Ireland, the UV index is usually 3 or above from April to September, even when it is cloudy. Stay safe by limiting time in the sun when UV is strongest, typically between the hours of 11am to 3pm. Check the UV index on www.met.ie

Clothing:

Cover skin as much as possible, wear long sleeves, collared t-shirts, clothes made from closewoven material that does not allow sunlight through.

Broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB)

sunscreen:

Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30+ for adults and 50+ for children, with high UVA protection and water-resistant. Reapply regularly. No sunscreen can provide 100% protection, it should be used alongside other protective measures such as clothing and shade.

Wide-brimmed hat:

Protect your face, ears and neck.

Shade:

Sit in the cover of trees to avoid direct sunlight. Use a sunshade on your buggy or pram. Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight.

Sunglasses:

Guard your eyes against harm by wearing sunglasses with UV protection. Like your skin, eyes can be sunburned!

Tanning:

Do not deliberately try to get a suntan. Avoid getting a sunburn. Never use a sunbed.

For more on protecting your skin go to www.hse.ie/sunsmart

Skin cancer awareness is crucial because skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in many countries, including Ireland. It’s important to understand that 9 out of every 10 cases of skin cancer are caused by UV rays from the sun or sunbeds.

Types of Skin Cancer: Non-melanoma Skin Cancers. These are the most common types. They tend to grow in areas of the body that have been exposed to the sun and are more common in older people.

Melanoma Skin Cancer. Melanoma is rarer but more serious as it can spread to other parts of the body and become fatal if not treated early.

Warning Signs to Look Out For:

• A new growth or sore that won’t heal.

• A new and changing mole, or the change in appearance of an existing mole

For more detailed information, visit www.cancer.ie or www.irishskin.ie Being vigilant about skin changes can make a significant difference in outcomes. Stay protected and inspect your skin regularly!

Be Sun Smart and protect your skin from the sun.

Gig Guide

What’s On In Duhallow

Freemount Social Dancing

Venue: Freemount Community Center, P56 P893

Admission: €10

Time: Sundays 3:00pm-5:30pm

May

5th PJ Murrihy

12th Ger Healy The Singing Jarvey

19th Peter Burke

26th Pat Costello

Edel Quinn Hall, Kanturk

Monday

Foróige

7.30-9pm

Ages of 12-17yrs. Time: Every Friday Morning 10:30am-12:00am

Tuesday

Social Dancing With Dan

8-10pm

All Welcome!

Wednesday

Taekwondo

6-8pm

All Welcome!

Temperence Hall, Kanturk

Tuesday

Fly Fishing Club

7-9pm

New Members Welcome!

First Wednesday of the Month Kanturk Flower Club

8pm

Monday, Tuesday, Friday

Yoga - Assorted times

Please contact Simon on 0873379121 for further information.

Kanturk Fitness Classes

Venue: USA stores, Greenane Street, Kanturk

Mondays

9.30am: Circuits

6pm: Boxercise

Tuesday

6pm: Dance Fitness

Wednesday

9.30am: Circuits

6pm: Dance Fitness

Friday

9.30am: Circuits

€10 pay as you go or 6 classes for €50

Message Deirdre O’Sullivan or text 087 9273672 for details/ bookings.

Bealtaine Tea Dance

Venue: Wallis Arms Hotel

Date: Sunday 12th of May

Time: 2.30pm -5.30pm.

Tea/Sandwiches/Queen cakes. Raffle on the day.

Hand Massage by The Red Cross. Music by Peter Lane Blackwater Sound.

Admission: €10.00 at the door.

Aubane Set Dancing

Venue: Aubane Community Centre P51 EP49

Time: Mondays 9:15pm

MAY

6th J Breen

13th D Nolan

Glen Theatre Banteer

Saturday, 4th May: Pakie O’Callaghan - The Stories of Eamon Kelly. 8pm.

To book tickets, phone 029 56239 or 087 755 8752.

CYMS Hall Dancing

Venue: CYMS Hall Newmarket, P52 V596

Admission: €10

Time: 9:00 - 11:30pm

Organised by John Joe Dances 087 9735113

May

Friday 3rd

Mike Condon Band

Friday 10th

Eddie Lee Band Friday 17th

Star Attraction Jack Keogh Band Friday 24th

Declan Aungier Band and Superstar Sensation Effie Neill Friday 31st

Jer Healy The Singing Jarvey

Island Wood Organized Led Walk

“Learning With Our Rivers: Come learn about Duhallow’s rivers, their importance to all who call them home, and how we can best preserve and protect their quality for generations to come”

Venue: The Island Wood, Newmarket

Time: May 8th 6:45pm

Meeting in the Car Park. Tea and Coffee after the walk as usual.

Registration is essential Please phone 029-60633 or WhatsApp 086/0849955 for registration.

Twohig’s New Shopping

The Twohig Family launched the next chapter at their fabulous Kanturk Store last week. Pictured are Linda Finnegan, Michael Twohig Jnr, Lisa Twohig-Rooney, Carmel Twohig-Jones, Noreen Twohig, Michael Twohig, Edel Twohig, Fíadh Jones and Aila Jones.

Staff member Kathleen

state

Senior

O’ Connell cutting Store at Twohig’s SuperValu, Kanturk, with the Twohig

Fr. John Magner and Canon Toby Bluitt performing before the opening at Twohig’s SuperValu, Kanturk.

Opening of the new store

Twohig’s SuperValu

of the art Store boasts new exciting shopping experience for customers

IRD Duhallow’s Maggie O’ Callaghan, Marie Fleming, Colm O’ Connor and Brighid Ide Walsh provided the refreshments

Shopping Experience!

cutting the ribbon and officially opening the New the Twohig family and fellow staff members

boasts 16,000 sq ft. of space, and brings a whole customers in Kanturk and surrounding areas

performing the blessing Kanturk.

Photos By SHEILA FITZGERALD

The Twohig family with Store Manager Stacey Reen, Assistant Manager Greg Muzyk, Checkout Supervisor Shane O’ Connor and some of the staff members

Checkout Supervisor Shane O’ Connor with the Checkout staff

Michael Twohig Jnr, Anne Maria Bourke, Michael Twohig, Maura Walsh, Sergeant Mark Daly and Garda Darren Rooney

Health

Know Your Energy Jump Leads

By ALICE O’BRIEN

Alice O’Brien Counselling, Newmarket

What a pain when the battery in your car dies. You have to get the jump leads, find someone who knows what they’re doing and hope that the energy that you need transfers from one battery to another so you can get back on the road. You are temporarily stopped in your tracks until your battery is charged again. And you’re also wondering what depleted your battery in the first place- even though you often have a pretty good idea.

It is not always your car battery that runs out of charge - your own energy can deplete also. Often suddenly, with no warning, you are out of energy, your lust for life

depleted, and you find it hard to keep on the road.

It is important for us to know the difference between the energy takers and the energy givers in our life. The energy takers are things like negativity- being around negative people. Situations that cause us a lot of stress- extra work demands, excessive worry or negative and toxic relationships. Our thinking can also be an energy taker- focusing too much on the past, resentment, negative thoughts as well as excessive social comparison. Physical energy takers are things like poor diet- junk food, sedentary lifestyles or too much screen time. All of these things drain our battery and prevent our engine from starting. What about the energy giversthe jump leads if you like? Well

there are plenty of them around if we look for them. Positive social connection, being around people we enjoy. Spending time in nature- my much loved Island Wood in my biggest energy giver. Practicing gratitude, which helps us to see that what we have is enough. Good sleep patterns is a huge energy giver. Exercise and movement as well as exercise for the brain- learning and being curious. The thinking styles that give us energy are positivity, focus and a clear perspective.

So, there will always be times when we go to start our engine and we are met with a deafening silence - no purr of the enginebattery totally flat. But we don’t have to stay that way, get out the jump leads and start again.

Helping With Exam Stress

By

MAIREAD O’KEEFFE New Leaf Health Store

When you are studying for the exams try to take regular breaks and get fresh air. Be kind to yourself. Think about all the things you’ve already achieved, both inside and outside of studying. Try to keep your sleep routine regular to allow your brain to process the information you are learning.

there are various natural remedies you can use for stress and brain function.

Bach flower remedies can be useful for stress and confidence and are suitable for all ages, consider using Clematis for improved focus, Larch to build confidence, Gentian for self-belief or White Chestnut for clarity.

During the exam itself pace yourself and if you find yourself rushing through the questions, purposefully slow down to avoid skim-reading and missing an important element of the question. Now and then, check in with your posture and how your body is feeling. Deep breathing can be used while revising, when entering the exam room and even during an exam. For a little added support

Passionflower’s anxiolytic (antianxiety) effects are thought to be a result of a specific phytochemical cocktail found in the leaves and flowers. Scientists believe passionflower works by increasing levels of a chemical called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, making you feel more relaxed. A Vogel Passiflora spray is suitable for over 12s and is a useful product to carry around to when needed to combat exam anxiety.

For adult and leaving cert students there are a few other options:

There have been several clinical studies which indicate that Ashwagandha may benefit cognitive function by improving attention and memory, as well as helping our bodies deal with stress. Research has also shown ashwagandha helped people fall asleep faster, improved sleep quality, increased total time spent asleep, and led to less time spent lying awake worrying.

NaturesPlus Stress Support which contains a combination of herbs, vitamins and minerals all working together to reduce stress. It can be a great choice for those suffering from exam stress.

FabÜ Focus Brain’s main ingredient is the edible mushroom Lion’s mane. It is blended with amino acids and vitamins. It supports mental performance, psychological function and reduces tiredness and fatigue.

Great Turnout For Dromtarriffe Vintage Club Tractor And Car Run

Some good looking tractors and cars gathered in Dromtarriffe for the Vintage Club run recently. The run was held in aid of running the Dromtarriffe Vintage Club for the year. Special thanks to Tom Corbett for sharing some of his photos with us. You can see what the vintage club is up to by following them on Facebook.

O’Flynn, Chairman of the Dromtarriffe Vintage Club, with Liam O’Keeffe, James O’Sullivan and William Cleary.

Linehan on a David Brown tractor.

LEFT: Tom Linehan and Brian O’Sullivan getting ready to head out on the run. ABOVE: Some of the vintage cars looking well, sparkling in the sun.

John

Daniel

Deirdre Murphy and Anna Murphy

Rachel Tarrant, Siobhan Philpott, Alice Golden, Majella Golden, Anna Philpott, Maura Dunlea, Eilin Cotter.

Communicating Europe

European Elections 2024

By NOLLAIG MURPHY Development Officer, IRD Duhallow

IRD Duhallow is delighted to be one of the applicants awarded funding under the Department of Foreign Affairs 2024 Communicating Europe Initiative for the project Active and Inclusive Citizenship: Communicating Civic Engagement and Belonging to Our Young European Citizens. The purpose of this project is to deepen public awareness of the role the EU plays in our daily lives and this year’s project will have a specific emphasis on stimulating interest in European affairs in students attending post-primary schools across Duhallow. Europe Day is due to be marked on the 9th of May. This day commemorates the Schuman Declaration of 1950, an ambitious plan to ensure political cooperation in post-war Europe. It signifies the

of EU citizens at European Level. The European Union as

beginnings as what we now know as the modern-day European Union. Friday the 7th of June is also a most important date as the Local and European Elections are due to be held. The European Elections will see millions of people across the European Union vote in Members of the European Parliament. The European Parliament represents the 450 million people that live in the European Union and the European Elections are one of the biggest democratic votes in the world. Direct elections to the European Parliament are held every five years. In June, the continent-wide elections, will see 720 members of the European Parliament elected. These MEPs will meet in plenary sessions, held in chambers in Strasbourg and Brussels. Each member state will elect different numbers of MEPs depending on their population size. For example,

Germany will elect 96 MEPs and France will elect 81 MEPs. Conversely Luxembourg and Malta will only elect 6 MEPs respectively. The European Parliament has approved a decision of the European Council increasing the number of seats in the Parliament for the next legislative term from 705 to 720. Ireland stands to gain one seat under this decision with the Northwest constituency to benefit. Laois and Offaly are being transferred into this area and Ireland’s total number of MEPs will increase to fourteen. Please see below map of the electoral divisions as found on the Electoral Commission’s website: www. electoralcommission.ie.

Every Vote Counts...

we know it has been built over many years, with hundreds of millions of EU citizen’s interests now represented in the parliament. The workload of MEPs involves work on parliamentary committees, voting in plenary sessions and engaging with constituents within their own home countries. MEPs are divided up into a number of committees, in order to prepare for the larger parliamentary plenary meetings. There are approximately 20 of these committees, which can consist of up to 88 MEPs. These committees deal with a myriad of issues for example Justice, Foreign Affairs or Women’s Rights. During committee meetings MEPs review reports and draw

up proposals. Also, by monitoring the proper use of EU budgets, MEPs play a significant role in the oversight of EU activities. Voting is always important, whether elections are taking place at Local, National, or European level. They provide excellent opportunities to have your say on topics that impact you. The European Parliament is the only directly elected EU institution. It will adopt policies and laws which impact everyone over the next five years, therefore we should keep in mind the following quote which became famous during a recent American Presidential race, “There is no such thing as a vote that doesn’t matter”.

The members of the European Parliament represent the interests

Communicating Europe

Candidates Running for the Ireland South Constituency

Below is a list of candidates who have announced they are running for election in the Ireland South Constituency, please note this list was compiled at the time of publication and therefore updates may apply. The final list of candidates will be set out on the constituency ballot paper on Friday the 7th of June.

Billy Kelleher

Fianna Fáil (Incumbent MEP for Ireland South)

Seán Kelly Fine Gael (Incumbent MEP for Ireland South)

Grace O’Sullivan Green Party (Incumbent MEP for Ireland South)

Mick Wallace Independents 4 Change (Incumbent MEP for Ireland South)

Kathleen Funchion

Paul Gavan

Niamh Hourigan

Susan Doyle

Sinn Féin

Sinn Féin

Labour Party

Social Democrats

Patrick Murphy Aontú

John Mullins Fine Gael

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú Fianna Fáil

Cian Prendiville People Before Profit Solidarity

Lorna Bogue An Rabharta Glas

Mary Fitzgibbon Independent

Michael McNamara

Eddie Punch

Derek Blighe

Independent

Independent Ireland

Ireland First

Ross Lahive The Irish People

Una McGurk Independent

Graham De Barra Independent

Michael Leahy

Irish Freedom Party

Christopher Doyle Independent

Ciaran O’Riordan Independent

Interest

The Month Of May Dedicated To Our Blessed Mother

By TOM DENNEHY

Mary has a unique and privileged place in history. Because she answered yes to becoming the Mother of God, she is our first model of discipleship and our model of grace and trust in God.

For those who practise our Catholic faith, May is most well known as “Mary’s Month,” a specific month of the year when special devotions are performed in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

May is one of the most beautiful months of the year when hedges are in full bloom. God’s creation is showing off its greatest beauty and splendour so it is fitting that we dedicate this month to Mary. It affords us the opportunity to give her thanks for her great love and protection.

For centuries, the Catholic Church has set aside the entire month of May to honour Mary, Mother of God. Not just a day but the entire month.

She was the one who said Yes to God’s plan for the salvation of the entire world. Her Yes gave birth to God’s son, Jesus who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. This enabled Him to come down from Heaven to become one of us. He suffered the same pain and rejection that we experience . He taught us about the love of His Heavenly father and showed us how to love and forgive ourselves and others.

Mary, as Mother of Sorrows, understands all our pain and suffering. She loves us all dearly. She loves each of us individually and uniquely as if she had given birth to each one of us. She has told us in Medjugorje , “ If you knew how much I love you, you would cry with joy.”

She is our protector from all evil influences. When we recite the

litany of the rosary, we honour her with fifty different titles. She is our Mediatrix of all graces – the dispenser of all graces from on high. One of Her titles is “Mother of Divine Grace.”

She is constantly interceding for us before the throne of God.

Mary has appeared more than two thousand times all over the world. Many of these are private apparitions. We are familiar with Lourdes, Fatima, and Medjugorje, all places of Pilgrimage and miraculous healings. Her appearance at Knock at a very difficult time in our history gives us great hope. Knock is a very significant apparition site as it depicts the Holy Mass and is a Eucharistic Shrine. Appearing with Our Lady in Knock were Saint John the Evangelist, Saint Joseph, and Jesus as the Lamb of God being sacrificed on the altar. The angels were hovering overhead.

Praying the Rosary.

Mary, tells us that without Mary, our actions and intentions are of little value, but if we go to Jesus through Mary, our work will be Mary’s work and consequently will be “Most worthy of God.”

Our Lady asks us especially to pray the rosary. She tells us it is our greatest weapon to bring about peace in our world ravaged very much by war at this time.

She implores us to help her to overcome the battle against evil. She tells us in Medjugorje that Satan wants evil, hatred, and war, but by our unceasing prayer, we can win the battle against evil and she has promised, “In the end My Immaculate Heart will triumph.”

By praying the rosary, Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth will intercede for us. We give our prayer to her for our intentions, She will make them perfect and give our prayers to Jesus who will work miracles with them. St.Louis De Montfort, in his teachings on

There are fifteen specific promises attached to the rosary given by Our Lady to Saint Dominic. We meditate on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and the part Our Lady played in our salvation.

So for the month of May, let us make a special effort to make our Lady present in our lives by praying to her for protection and for her intercession. Let us make a May altar with flowers and a statue of Mary in our homes and in our schools. Visit a grotto or shrine dedicated to Our Lady and sing songs in her honour.

Why not make a special effort to pray the rosary(even if you begin with one decade) while out for a walk or driving along in your car.

Our Lady tells us nothing is impossible if we pray the rosary.

Mary is our Queen of Peace and she is the only one who can bring great peace into our lives.

OsKar Night

“And the Oskar goes to...”

We wrote about the lead up to the Newmarket Oskars in our last issue. Well, the big night finally arrived and what a night it was. Held in the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, the esteemed four judges: actors Don Wycherley and Michael Patrick, former rugby player Mick Galwey and sportsperson Brid Stack had the difficult task of picking the winners. But, pick them they did, and you can see them here. Well done to everyone involved for pulling off a unique event.

Best Adaptation of an All Time Classic was awarded to Michael Collins. Presenting was Liam Allen Accepting was Jerry Fitzgerald.

Best Support (Male) was awarded to Mick lynch for his performance in The Field. Presenting was Irene Walsh.

Female

Honor O’Flynn for

was Kate Kenneally

Best Support (Female) was awarded to Kathleen Murphy for her performance in Sister Act. Presenting was Cormac Murphy.

Best

Actor was awarded to

her performance in The Snapper. Presenting

Best Male Actor was awarded to Michael Kenneally for his performance in Forrest Gump. Presenting was Tony Hourigan

Best Costume was awarded to Michael Collins. Accepting was Tony O’Keeffe. Presented by Jackie Allen

Photos by ANNMARIE BYRNE

Best Comedic Moment was awarded to Man About Dog. Presenting was Elaine Collins to Neilie McCarthy.

Best Dramatic Moment was awarded to Joann Murphy for Derry Girls, presented by Connie Tarrant.

Highest Grossing project was awarded to The Field. Presenting was Helen Mackessy and accepting was Seanie Daly.

No rivalry amongst the casts - Joann Murphy, Sinead Guiney, Kate O’Connor, Carmel Fleming, Peig O’Connor Niamh Brosnan and Aoife Murphy.

Newmarket Notes’ lady with the lens, Annmarie Byrne, got to be photographed with two of the competition judges - actors Michael Patric and Don Wycherley.

Cathal O’Riordan, Dara Weathers, Diarmuid Lehane and Stephen Murphy enjoying the buzz.

Dromagh NS

Dromagh National School motto was to GIVE for the month of March

As the month of March approached and our National Holiday March 17th was about to descend upon the nation, our motto for the month was to GIVE

Give the gift of reading: World Book Day and Our Shared Reading Programme

World Book Day took place on March 7th, a very busy day for us. Great care and time was given by each student to the choosing of their favourite book. Attention to detail to their costumes and the reciting of extracts from their books was all very exciting and attention grabbing.

A shared reading programme was introduced within the school. Lisa Dunlea, a parent of the school participated in the reading of books to the junior room. This was encouraged further with the senior pupils being matched with a “reading buddy” from the junior room.

Well done to all the students.

Give the gift of reading Irish language to be encourage Volunteer for a charity

Encourage participation in sport and fun.

Irish language to be encouraged: Our National Holiday – 17th March Celebration.+

We prepared for the approaching of St. Patrick’s Day. The pupils practiced their Irish dancing in the school yard. Óró, sé do bheatha ‘bhaile, Amhrán na bhFiann were a few of the songs learned and heard in the air of the school grounds. Tin whistles were resurfaced to practice their Irish tunes.

Georgina

Joshua in Costume!

WBD In action!

Lisa, Joshua, and Sarah

Princess Tara

Shared reading with mum Lisa Dunlea

The Seige of Ennis

Volunteer for a charity: Student Council Successful Fundraiser for Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland

We would like to compliment our student council, the pupils, staff and the parents of the school on a very successful fundraiser. The AADI team visited our school on Thursday 7th March at 12 noon and accepted a cheque of €630.55 for funds raised at our bake sale. The students prepared and baked them all themselves. A huge thank you to the local community who visited our school for the fundraiser.

Encourage participation in sport and fun: 5 A-side FAI Soccer Tournament & Dance

The boys of the school headed for Blarney FC to participate in the 5 A-side FAI tournament. They played with great gusto and spirit getting to the semi final of the tournament being narrowly defeated. The soccer skills, teamwork was to be admired. The school were very proud of the boys.

With the month of March being a month of celebration and fun, the children enjoyed a Ceili in the school yard with many of the young boys and girls getting the taste for the traditional Irish dance and fun. Irish dance or high jinks – it was all part of the fun for March!

The school community were very sad to see Ms. Fiona Sheahan leave the school this month after a year with us. She brought great open mindedness to our SPHE curriculum and to the world of education and protecting our environment. She was a great asset to the school and enriched the lives of our pupils while she was with us.

Guímid gach rath ort i do ghairm bheatha agus i do shaol amach anseo. Go raibh maith agat as an scoil ar fad.

Farewell to Ms. Sheahan

Elaine and Willis from AADI accepting their cheque from the Student Council

Willis, Caolain, Georgina and Jack

Willis visiting our school with Elaine from AADI

Sconemakers

Alice and Amy - baking some beautiful cakes Soccer Squad

TikTok Dance!

Eoghan

Duhallow News

Crossword sponsored by Duhallow Community Food Services

Across

1. Block out (4)

3. Amaze (8)

8. Article of clothing (7)

9. Meaning of a word (5)

10. Board game (5)

11. An extreme attainment (6)

13. To the opposite side (6)

15. Upper deck of a ship (6)

18. Reptile (6)

20. Thick (5)

23. Nimble (5)

24. Look over carefully (7)

25. Got back (8)

26. Notable achievement (4)

Down

1. Prestidigitator (8)

2. Tennis stroke (5)

4. Planet (6)

5. Disregarded (7)

6. Pay close attention to (4)

7. Periodic population count (6)

9. Pouch (3)

12. Vanquished (8)

14. Precipitating (7)

16. Pungent edible root (6)

17. Look up to (6)

19. Simian (3)

21. Female relative (5)

22. Impartial (4)

Solution: Issue 112, April 19th, 2024

Duhallow News Duhallow News Duhallow News

To be in with a chance to win

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, MAY 10th 2024.

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.

WINNER

Congratulations to Della Collins who wins a €20 voucher for Duhallow Community Food Services!