Issue 119: JULY 26TH, 2024
SONG, DANCE, AND GAEILGE GALORE
Duhallow Makes Its Mark On Fleadh Cheoil Na Mumhan 2024
Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan 2024 saw all disciplines come together for a massive weekend. With over 130 slots in their timetable, it’s hard to believe they had the energy for sessions on top of it!
The event decides who goes on to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024, and from ceílí dance to concertina, Duhallow’s teens made an impact in Thurles.
While competition was strong, the weekend included a concert headlined by Garadice that served as the perfect Friday night event. Music and dance were key components, but with workshops, storytelling, and even some classes in Gaeilge, there was something for everyone.
Culture is the focus of Comhaltas; Their branches are all over the country, and Comhairle na Mumhan has been in operation since 1960, working hard to preserve Ireland’s traditions.
Those who placed in 1st and 2nd place are heading to Wexford for the 4th to 11th of August, and timetables are already available on the fleadhcheoil.ie website.
We wanted to point our spotlight on Duhallow’s fantastic entrants with a list of only some of the vast talent inside. Well done to all those involved, and good luck!!
Background Photo: Moll Carthy’s Bridge by Tadhg Curtin
Liscarroll N.S.
Donoughmore Carnival
Munster Fleadh
Editor’s Note
Continuing through the summer season, our community continues to thrive with exciting local events. From the lively Donoughmore Carnival to the celebration of Irish music, dance and culture at the Munster Fleadh, showcasing the creativity and talent of our Duhallow community. This issue is packed with a delightful mix of updates and stories from our community. Vintage car enthusiasts geared up for the Dromtarriffe Vintage Run where classic cars and their owners come together for a memorable day. Liscarroll National School proudly raised the Active School Flag, promoting physical activity and wellbeing among students! Milstreet’s Active Retirement group headed to the Dáil. Their energy and wisdom inspire us all. Enjoy the read!
Want to send us something? The next issue of Discover Duhallow releases on August 9th!
Email: Discoverduhallow@irdduhallow.com Phone: 029-60633 Facebook: Discover Duhallow Magazine Instagram:
Well done to Rylane boxer Linda Desmond on another fantastic win in the U22 All Ireland!
Liscarroll N.S. Raises the Active School Flag
We were delighted to be awarded the Active School Flag recently. Our Active School Committee worked tirelessly during the year to ensure we met all the criteria. We had many meetings, activities and great fun during the past nine months. Cork Senior Footballer, Tim O’Mahony kindly came on our Active School Celebration Day. He presented all the Active School Committee with their certificates along with raising the flag. We’d like to sincerely thank Tim for taking time out of his busy training schedule to join us.
ASF
on the ASF Committee holding the Active School Flag. Two pupils from every class were elected onto the ASF committee and they all worked extremely hard to ensure we were awarded the flag.
Tim O’Mahony, Cork Hurler walking through a guard of honour made by all the pupils in Liscarroll NS.
Pupils
Staff members on the Active School Committee pictured with the principal. Left to right: Joanne Casey (SNA), Claire Doherty (SNA), Derval Vaughan ((Principal), Mag Mullane (Deputy Principal and
Co-ordinator), Sarah O’Riordan (teacher), Anne Daly (SNA).
Tim O’Mahony raising the Active School Flag at the front of Liscarroll NS. He is surrounded by the Active School Committee.
Pupils from 5th class pictured with Tim O’Mahony
Duhallow News
Banteer Railway Station Upgrade Works Officially Opened
Accessibility works have been completed at Banteer Railway Station as part of Iarnrod Eireann’s ongoing investment programme. This project was officially opened on July 18th.
Banteer is the latest new lift and passenger bridge on the network and follows the opening of Little Island earlier this year. Up to 11 more stations will see construction or planning progress for new lifts in 2024.
The company’s Disability Users Groups provides direct input from representative bodies and rail service users in developing accessibility programmes and projects.
Speaking at the opening of the bridge, Programme Manager for Iarnród Éireann, Colin Grimes said: “The opening of this bridge at Banteer demonstrates our commitment to making the railway more accessible to all. This new infrastructure will provide ease of access for generations to come for customers from Banteer. We are also honoured to be joined by members of our Disability Users Group here today as there input
is essential to ensuring that the upgrade works that I and my team undertake provide the best possible solution for persons with reduced mobility” Representatives from Iarnród Éireann’s Disability Users Group, local elected representatives and members of the community attended the special event at Banteer Station to mark the completion of the works. Contractors, Jon’s Civil Engineering, working on behalf
of Iarnród Éireann, completed the work in just under 12 months. The works included the provision of a new footbridge over the railway, featuring two 13-person lifts, remedial works to platform two and its complete resurfacing, and upgrades to the toilets.
Iarnrod Éireann said an “integral element” of the company’s ongoing investment programme is to continuously improve accessibility of its stations and services.
Planning And Housing Policy In Rural Areas –Have Your Say Poulgorm Water Outage
Those living in rural areas and looking at building houses in rural areas are being encouraged to have their say in a newly-launched public consultation on the National Planning Framework (NPF) by the Department of Housing, Planning, and Heritage
The public consultation on the draft revision of the NPF opened for consultation last week and will remain open for public views until September 12th 2024.
According to the Government, the NPF is the overarching policy and planning framework for Ireland up to 2040.
The purpose of the revising the framework now, according to the Department of Housing, is to
reflect changes in government policy since its original introduction in 2018.
These changes are in the areas of climate transition, regional development, demographics, digitalisation, and investment and prioritisation, the department said.
As part of the process, Public reps are calling for guidelines for rural housing to be revised and to be given statutory force.
Such guidelines should provide that local authorities grant planning permission for farm families who wish to live and work in their local community, and extended family members who have a link with their rural areas.
Another water outage occurred on Monday 22nd in Banteer and other areas with no water for a number of hours.
The Community Council are still waiting for a reply from Irish Water for an urgent meeting to discuss short term and long term options. This request was sent to Irish Water on 28th May last.
Text Alert Money Due
Note: nonpayment will mean you will no longer get Community Alert texts.
Please forward €10 to Norah O’Riordan Nadd, Eleanor Duggan, Denis Withers, Mary Cahill, or John Buckley
All aboard! Banteer Railway Stations upgrade is officially launched.
Duhallow News
Boherbue/Kiskeam Active Retired Group all; hatted out for their tour of the Power Plant at Ardnacrusha. They also visited Foynes Flying Museum and had a lovely meal in the Haggard on the way home. Great day out.
Aindrias Moynihan TD had the pleasure of hosting Millstreet Active Retirement in the Dáil on the 9th July. Mary Sheahan organised the trip.
The Girl from Blackpool
I met her in a night club down in Blackpool, The public bar was crowded, so I offered her my stool. I said “come here a little while and have a giant chat with me, and I will give you one of my All-Ireland tickets for The Hogan Stand Row Three.”
“come have will give one Stand Three.”
She said she came from the northside and that her name was Ann, She told me “you can walk me home.” I said “ sur, I’ve got a van.”
We pulled into a lay-by where she told me she loved me, So I gave her one of my All-Ireland tickets for The Hogan Stand Row Three.
she from that name was me “you can “ sur, I’ve van.” p ulled Row
That night we met her mother, she was waiting for us there. Stockings down around her ankles and curlers in her hair. She stood there in the doorway and she shook her fist at me, so I gave her my other All-Ireland ticket for the Hogan Stand Row Three.
met mother, she us there. around ankles stood the doorway and shook fist at so my All-Ireland ticket for the Hogan Row
Come all now ye young lads, beware of girls like she. For they only want you for one thing; your tickets for Row Three. So when you go down to Blackpool, walk in the night with care. Take heed I pray and stay away from the girl with the long black hair.
now ye young lads, for the with heed and girl black hair.
Written by Steve Roche Upper Bluepool, Kanturk, Co Cork
Roche Kanturk,
Community News
Kilcorney Angling and Leisure Group Invite You to Have A Seat!
By TADHG CURTIN
On Thursday, July 18th, Kilcorney Angling and Leisure Group officially launched the new seating and table arrangements for the various picnic areas along the Kilcorney river. Donie Howard opened proceedings followed by Chairman of the group, Joe Dennehy. Joe noted that work really first began on the river walkway along with the creation
of the different picnic areas 25 years ago. For this current project, Joe shared that grant funding was received from Cork County Council Amenity Fund. The new furniture was supplied by Ballingeary Joinery. Materials were also kindly donated by Ducon Concrete.
Cllr John Paul O’Shea gave the final few words emphasising the tremendous community spirit in Kilcorney and the importance of its recreational areas for young and old.
It has been 24 years since the Kilcorney river walkway and it’s picnic areas were officially opened by RTE personality, Derek Davis. Quite literally, a lot of water under the bridge since then, with many beloved locals having departed and new locals joining us. Here’s to these beautiful recreational areas gathering young and old together for many years to come.
Words by Joe Dennehy and Tadhg Curtin. Present day photos by Tadhg Curtin.
Enjoying the refreshments in Moll Carthy’s Bridge Bar: Denis O’Riordan, Pat Sheehan, The Corkman’s John Tarrant, Donie Howard and Pauline Sheehan.
Welcome to Kilcorney! Have a seat and relax say - BACK ROW L-R: Sean Kelleher, Donie Howard, Joe Dennehy, Cllr. John Paul O’Shea. FRONT ROW L-R: Denis O’Riordan, Pat Sheehan, Nora Dennehy, Aron and Virginija Kelleher, Luke Dennehy and Danny Hickey.
Joe Dennehy, Sharon Bailey and Donie Howard.
Community News
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The beautiful areas along the walkway. MIDDLE: Here’s to absent friends, and to new friends - Derek Davis officially opening the walkway in 2000. Mia Cronin joined the group for the launch along with her grandmother, Caroline Cronin. They got a beautiful view from the bridge.
The band welcomed pipers and drummers to the bandhall in Cullen recently to foster our musical community. We were delighted to meet members from local bands who were treated to piping tuition from Margaret Houlihan professional Bagpiping instructor at the National Piping Centre in Glasgow. Drumming tuition was provided by our own Drummers ! Abbey & Mollie Herlihy & Geraldine Houlihan.
All Ireland fever in Millstreet Hospital!
Julia Duggan, Michelle Cotter, Pat O Connor, Jimmy Murphy, Margaret Daly and Kitty O’Leary, residents of St Joseph’s Millstreet Community Hospital getting ready for the All Ireland Hurling final between Cork and Clare.
What’s On In Duhallow
Edel Quinn Hall, Kanturk
Taekwondo
Thursday 6-8pm
All Welcome!
Social Pickleball Kanturk
Venue: Scoil Mhuire, Kanturk
Time: Every Tuesday at 8:00pm
Men and women 18+
€5 per person
Contact 085-2828654
info@duhallowpickleball.com
Kanturk Fitness Classes
Venue: USA stores, Greenane Street, Kanturk
Mondays
9.30am: Beginners Fitness
6pm: Boxercise
Tuesday
9am: Legs, Bums, and Tums
6pm: Dance Fitness
Wednesday
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.
Mushera Platform Dancing
Friday 9th August
8pm-10.30pm
Last dance for the 2024 season
Music by The Finbarr Denny Band
Raffle with lovely prizes!
No cover charge
Enquiries to 086 064 7381
Glen Theatre Drama Group
Performing John B. Keane’s The Rain at the End of the Summer
August 15th - The Everyman Theatre, Cork.
August 23rd & 24th -The Civic Theatre, Dublin.
Sean O’ Deadaigh’s stage play, A House Ablaze, is set to run in September. For more information, phone 029 56239 or 087 7558752.
Tureencahill
Summer Bridge
Venue: Tureencahill Community Centre, P51 T66349
Time: Wednesdays at 1pm
Friendly, non-competitive, enjoy a cup of tea!
For more info, contact 087 647 6536. All welcome!
Freemount Social Dancing
Venue: Freemount Community Center, P56 P893
Admission: €10
Time: Sundays 3:00pm-5:30pm
July
Sunday 28th
Dermot Lyons
August
Sunday 4th
Colm Burke
Sunday 11th
Michael Sexton
Sunday 18th
Declan Aungier
Sunday 25th
Dermot Lyons
Banteer Bingo
Venue: Banteer Community Centre
Time: Every Thursday @ 8:30pm
Taekwon-Do Summer Camp
€70 for three days
• Training
• Games
• Competition
• Grading Prep
14th, 15th, and 16th of August
For bookings and further info, contact: Johnathan Dowling 0879000593
Julian Dalton 0892387758
An Chultúrlann Weekly
Monday Night Music
Time: 9pm
Cost: €5 on the door
There’s an open session happening every week. Loads of local music from all your favourite stalwarts. Tea and biscuits served.
Bruach Na Carraige, Rockchapel
Weekly Seisuin continues.
Tuesday the 30th of July in Bruach na Carraige at 8.30pm.
Special Guests: Eibhlin Broderick & Guests
Wednesday Writers Group
Time: 7:30pm
Writers group meet every 2nd
Wednesday at the Cultúrlann. New members welcome.
For details, contact 087 640 6705
Thursdays Ciorcal Gaeilge
Time: 7-8 pm
Anyone interested, please email theculturlann@gmail.com to be added to the WhatsApp group.
IRD Duhallow AGM
The AGM of IRD Duhallow and the launch of its Annual Progress Report 2023 - 2024 will take place on Monday 29th of July at 7:30pm in the James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket.
Miracle Prayer
Dear heart of Jesus,
In the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask for a very special one. Take it, dear Jesus, and place it within your own heart, where your Father sees it. Then, in His merciful eyes it will become your favour and not mine.
Amen.
TradFest AthTrasna
Music song dance and fun for all the family!
Saturday 17th August
The highlight of the weekend, a concert by Irish folk rock band, SCULLION. This promises to be a great night in the Cultúrlann. Tickets €25 available on the door, in local shops, and at ticketstop.ie.
Sunday 18th August
Picnic in the Park with outdoor music - singingdance - food and fun for all the family - come join us.
More events and details to be announced later.
Tickets at €15 may be purchased at ticketstop.ie and in local shops.
Primary Care Centre, Newmarket.
Every Tuesday
Time: 11.00am to 12.00pm.
Newmarket Breastfeeding Support Group, facilitated by Public Heath Nurses. First Floor, Newmarket Primary Care Centre, Newmarket. Just drop in or phone 029 61500.
Breastfeeding mums and expectant mums are welcome to join us for breastfeeding support, advice and an opportunity to meet other mums and babies in your area.
Cill Mhin Summer Camp Music
| Song | Dance |
Games
6th-9th August 10am-2pm For 5 to 13 year olds
For info contact Rachel 0877956616 Sign up via form; tinyurl.com/CillMhinCamp
Fleadh’ing Fantastic!
O18 2nd Place Mixed Half Set; Aoidhbe Ducey, Maeve Cremin, Gavin Daly and Brian Hubbard
Ciara Lehane placed first in the U12 whistle slow air and Muireann Lehane placed 3rd in the U12 whistle competition.
Hannah Twomey who came first in the U12 concertina competition
Millstreet 4 hand lady ceili dancers 15-18 who came first today in the Munster Fleadh
Crossfields Ceili Band, Freemount who won in the U15 - 18 category.
Millstreet Katie O Sullivan taking home 1st in the over 18 women english singing
Duhallow News
Faoi 12
12-15
15-18
Over 18
Newmarket GAA Unveils Seán Browne Walkway
Newmarket GAA Club celebrated a major milestone with the inauguration of the Seán Browne Walkway within its club premises. This 800-meter walkway, which was partly funded by the LEADER and Clár grant, encircling two playing pitches and astro turf, offers a wonderful recreational space for the local community, allowing residents to enjoy a leisurely stroll or brisk walk while taking in the picturesque surroundings.
Designed with safety in mind, the walkway is accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re pushing a stroller, using a wheelchair, or simply enjoying a walk, the Seán Browne Walkway welcomes everyone.
The walkway is named in memory of Seán Browne, a remarkable individual who contributed immensely to
Newmarket - he was the dealer principal at Newmarket Motors and a former treasurer of the Newmarket Community Development Association. Seán was not only a dedicated family man but also a successful businessperson and a pillar of the community in Newmarket. His untimely passing in 2020 left a void, but the Seán Browne Walkway stands as a fitting tribute to his legacy.
The official opening ceremony took place recently, with locals, club members, and Seán Browne’s family in attendance. The community came together to honor Seán’s memory and celebrate this valuable addition to Newmarket GAA Club.
Newmarket GAA Club looks forward to seeing families, athletes, and nature enthusiasts make the most of this wonderful amenity.
Members of the Browne family along with Newmarket GAA, Michael Moynihan TD and Cllr. John Paul O’Shea at the opening of the Seán Browne Walkway in Newmarket.
Dromagh N.S. Dromagh
School Tour to Cuskinny Court Group Activity Centre, Cobh
We set off on our Coach at 8am for Cuskinny on our Annual School Tour. The excitement was palpable. The weather was a mixed bag on the day. The droplets may have trickled down the faces of our students at one stage but that was not going to stop this wonderful day of adventures. As the day rolled on, the sunshine started to break through.
The Junior Room got to experience Drumming Circle Nature Crafts, Grass Sledging, Squirrel Trail Low Ropes Course and the Team Challenge Zone. The Senior Room participated in Grass Sledging, Zip Line, Forest Maze Adventure Challenge and Archery.
The children had an amazing experience from start to finish. The staff were so friendly and truly made it an experience to recall. Well done to Cuskinny and we will be back again. Bhí taithí iontach ag na páistí ó thús deireadh. Bhí an fhoireann chomh cairdiúil agus is eispéireas a bhí ann chun cuimhne a choinneáil air. Maith sibh go léir agus beimid ar ais arís
Graduation for Dromagh National School
N.S. Update
School Sports Day
Monday 24th, we had School Sports Day. The fun day run between 9.30am to 2.30pm and was packed with games and novel activities.
The emphasis was on fun, exercise and enjoyment while trying something new and exciting. Activities included: sprints, egg and spoon race, relays to mention just a few! Great fun was had. The children received their medals at the presentation ceremony at the end of the day.
Congratulations to our sixth class students, Amy Cotter, Alice Golden and Darragh McAuliffe who graduated on Thursday, June 20th. The graduation was attended by the staff, children of the school, graduates and their families. As they embark on the next phase of their academic journeys, Mr. J. McAuliffe, Principal and father to Darragh, wished them all well in their studies.
Judy O’Leary making a presentation to Cliona Butler on behalf of the Women’s Forum with Janette O’Connell and Noreen O’Connell
Revving In The Years
Dromtarriffe Vintage Club held their first annual BBQ Car run with a wonderful turnout and some fantastic cars on display. The run set off from Noel C Duggan’s in Millstreet and made its way to Nadd pub for a BBQ.
Follow the club on Facebook.
Donoughmore Carnival: A Weekend of Fun and Festivities
The community of Donoughmore recently celebrated its annual carnival from Friday, July 19th to Sunday, July 21st. With a variety of activities and entertainment, this year’s carnival proved to be a weekend full of fun for all ages. Amusements from Clonroosk events were popular across the entire weekend. The festivities kicked off early on Wednesday with a progressive 45 card game and an indoor soccer blitz for 9 to 13 year olds, setting the stage for the excitement to come.
The carnival officially began on Friday with a series of engaging activities. Participants in the car treasure hunt tested their navigation skills and solved clues in an adventure around the locality. Giant board games and skittles were enjoyed by all ages while the wellie throwing competition saw entrants showcasing their throwing skills with much enthusiasm. The Teddy Daly memorial soccer match brought a sense of excitement and competition. The night concluded with bingo where a jackpot of €300
was up for grabs.
Saturday continued the carnival’s momentum with a sensory hour in the afternoon which was followed by an array of sporting events. The basketball tournament saw various teams competing in a display of athleticism and teamwork. Simultaneously, 60 girls played football in the Lily Martha Murphy memorial blitz. Donoughmore took on Mourneabbey in a friendly and spirited Mothers & Others match. The Paint & Sip proved popular with participants unleashing their inner artists while enjoying a few beverages, adding a creative flair to the festivities.
Sunday was packed with family-friendly activities and entertainment. Throughout the day, the Boathouse Bouy tea-tent offered a relaxing spot to enjoy a cup of tea and a sweet treat, while the craft and wellness tent highlighted the creativity of local people and services to promote physical and mental well-being. The sensory room was a welcome addition as a peaceful retreat from
the excitement of the day. The kids’ fancy dress competition saw children showcase their wonderful costumes. Tug of war was pulled in memory of Seán Honohan and kept spectators and competitors highly entertained. Strength and precision were tested in the sheaf tossing and penalty shootout events, while the parent and toddler activities provided fun and engagement for the youngest attendees. The milk churn races and spin the wheel game added excitement for all ages. A highlight for many was meeting Dottie & Dora’s adorable goats. Egg throwing and Macra sideshows were as popular as ever. The All-Ireland final had to feature as part of the day with supporters gathering in the community centre to watch the match. This was followed by the St John Forde Match which entertained spectators with great competition. The evening was capped off with live music by The Landlubbers, pizza from Ya Wanna Piotsa This? and the carnival raffle draw.
Future Tug of War champions in the making! Maria O’Shea, Nora Healy, Bernie Honohan and Anne-Maria Corkery show off their creations at the paint & sip night
Players in the Lily Martha Murphy Memorial Blitz Macra team, winners of the Basketball tournament
Tug of war competitors
Teams in the St John Forde Cup match
Players in the indoor soccer blitz
Mick O’Shea and Josephine Kelleher, winner of the bingo jackpot
Duhallow News
Swing and A Hit for Kanturk
Kanturk and District Community Council held their second annual Golf classic on Saturday the 6th of July. The main sponsor was Kanturk Credit Union, and other businesses kindly sponsored teams and tee boxes.
It was a great event again this year and everyone had a great time. Another great success.
Team ALLEY BAR came out on top followed by team Credit Union. Thanks to all our sponsors, players, Kanturk Golf Club and everyone that helped make this event a success.
The continued support is appreciated.
Winners
Team Alley Bar
Ursula Desmond, Bernie O’Connor, and Eileen Sheehan O’Connor
Runners Up
Team Kanturk Credit Union
Michael Walsh, Ben Flynn, and Ollie Kearney
Fire Safety in Edel Quinn
There was two more fire safety doors fitted in the Edel Quinn Hall recently, kindly funded through grants from Cork County Council. Cork County Council have been great to help Kanturk Community Council down the years and it is appreciated by the community.
Clothes Donations in Edel Quinn Hall
If anyone has any unwanted clothing or pairs of shoes, there's a clothes collection bin at the back gate entrance to the hall on the tech hill. All funds raised will go towards the continued upgrading of both halls.
Kate O’Brien, Aine Howard, and Theresa Cremin
Betty Shiels, Pat O’Grady, and Mary Fitzpatrick
Duhallow News
Walking And Social Group
Walking and Social Group day trip to West Cork with its fresh air and beautiful blue skies.
First stop was the beautiful Dunmanway for a light breakfast and guided tour of St Marys Church the burial place of the infamous Sam Maguire. Walking shoes on and off they headed to Castlefreke Walk Trail outside Rathbarry where the group walked the High Cross Trail which has the tallest High Cross in Ireland standing at 30 metres. Magnificent weather and wonderful views overlooking Long Stand And Owenahincha Beach made the walk most enjoyable.
Onwards to Clonakilty where the group had a guided tour of Michael Collins House followed by dinner in The Emmett Hotel.
The Walking and Social Group meets on Mondays at 12pm and Wednesday at 11am at the Island Wood in Newmarket. New members are always welcome. Contact Elmarie Young at 029 60633.
Towards Doneraile
Some of the participants of the Towards Occupation Group recent trip to Doneraile House and Doneraile Park. The group had a magnificent tour of the Doneraile House and Gardens and enjoyed a refreshing cup of tea and scones in the onsite café.
Afterwards they had a tour of St Marys Church in Doneraile. The spire of which famously gives its name to the term ‘Steeplechase’. The group got to see the original bell that dates to 1636 that originally called locals to worship. Six local bellringers gave a wonderful display of musical talent as the bells chimed throughout the visit.
Participants Brian, John, Denis, Patrick and John of the Towards Occupation Programme with Rural Community Health Worker Elmarie Young and Donal O’Brien
Participants of the Walking and Social Group led by Elmarie Young Rural Community Health Worker in IRD Duhallow
Together We Stand
By ALICE O’BRIEN
Alice O’Brien Counselling, Newmarket
Last month the grounds of the James O’Keeffe Institute was a hive of activity, even more so than usual. A cluster of excited young people arrived in force to camp on the grounds when Camp Revive welcomed almost 150 girl guides to set up their home for four days. Imagine the excitement, the noise and fun being emitted, the feelings of nervousness at being away from home combined with excitement of being part of a bigger community for a while. Weather or rain being no obstacle for these ladies.
As adults it may have been a while ago since we felt that sense of belonging. That feeling of being part of something important. That
is why community and involvement in activities are so important for our mental health. Being part of something gives us a great sense of belonging and purpose, engaging in an activity that will not just benefit ourselves, but others in our community also. Maybe you’re part of the local GAA club, a reading group in the local library or the tidy town’s committee- your presence there is noted by others and appreciated.
With community involvement comes empowerment, this allows us to feel like we are influencing positive change over what matters to us. Another big factor is the sense of connection these groups can bring for us, connecting with people in our community, our neighbours or our friends. Connection can get lost as we
all carry on with our busy lives, so formally engaging in these activities can make interaction with others part of our routine. As humans we are not meant to be alone for long periods of time, we are evolved to be sociable and part of a group.
Another great benefit from being part of a group is that we learn from others. We can benefit from the experiences of others while also getting a chance to share our own knowledge- sharing information for the benefit of all.
So, get out there and get joining whatever groups ignites your passion.
As Helen Keller said: Alone we can do little: together, we can do so much.
Reducing Dementia Risk
By MAIREAD O’KEEFFE New Leaf Health Store
As we get older, it’s completely normal for some of our brain cells to die off. But with dementia, this happens on a much larger scale, causing parts of the brain to shrink. This can lead to gradual problems with memory and thinking skills over time. With the spotlight on Joe Biden’s health, discussions about dementia are gaining increased attention. Many people are looking for ways to maintain their mental sharpness and prevent dementia. Recent research suggests that diet and lifestyle plays a crucial role in brain health. An active body, an active mind, and getting enough sleep are beneficial. It’s important
to try to reduce stress.
Eat a low glycemic load (GL) diet that focuses on consuming foods that have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels, eating more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables while avoiding highsugar and processed foods, and reducing carbohydrates like bread, white rice and potatoes. Vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and asparagus, berries and some spices like cumin are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols which are great for the blood circulation and reduce inflammation. The fats that we eat are important too. Good sources of healthy fats are fish, olive oil, avocados and nuts.
This low GL diet will also benefit your gut health as it will encourage
good beneficial bacteria to thrive. Research increasingly indicates that gut bacteria and the health of the brain are connected. The microbiome in our mouths will also be improved by a reduction in sugars in the diet and studies have shown that there may be a connection between gum inflammation and dementia. In terms of supplements omega-3 and vitamin D are recommended for brain health, and also heart health and good circulation. B vitamins help to keep your homocysteine levels low which prevents blood clots and keeps arteries healthy.
Remember that old sayinghealthy body, healthy mind.
Sister Clare Crockett; All Or Nothing
By TOM DENNEHY
Clare Crockett, a precocious 17 year old girl with bright blue eyes and chestnut hair, from a very poor area of Derry, was living the dream as an actress. She embraced the show business lifestyle. She enjoyed the party lifestyle as drinking, smoking and dating became her pastimes. Clare Crockett’s greatest desire was to become famous and one day become a film star in Hollywood.
During Holy Week 2000, everything changed. Clare was asked to take the place of someone on a retreat held in Spain. Clare said yes because she thought it was going to be a vacation and an opportunity to party. It turned out to be an intense Catholic spiritual retreat. Little did she know God’s plan for her. She would have a spiritual breakthrough and conversion.
During the Good Friday liturgy, the faithful adore and kiss the Crucifix. Clare joined them. It was a simple gesture, but it was a changing point in her life. When the service was over, a sister found her crying as she repeated, “He died for me, He loves me! Why hasn’t anyone ever told me this before?” Clare had understood how much the Lord loved her and how much He had done for her, she understood that “Love is repaid by love alone” and that the love that the Lord asked of her was a total gift of herself and to live for Him alone.
However when she returned home, the teenage Clare became lost in her old ways and her lifestyle of mortal sin. She got caught up again in the whirlwind of superficiality and sin that the world of cinema offered her. She said, “I lived very badly; I lived in mortal sin, I drank a lot, I smoked a lot,
I began to smoke drugs. I continued with my friends, with my boyfriend. I didn’t have the strength to break with all these things, because I didn’t ask the Lord to help me.” At one of her lowest points, she experienced Jesus’ presence, “One night at a party, she over drank once again. She heard Jesus say to her, “Why do you continue to hurt me?” She responded to God’s call with the motto; All or Nothing She was going to be a famous nun and no one could change her mind. Neither her family’s pleas nor her manager’s promises could stop her. On August 11 2001, she gave her life to God in the Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother. Once she joined the sisters, she found God and experienced His love for her. She was able to begin to resist temptation. Yet Clare had surrendered to Jesus Christ’s immense love for her and there was nothing that would stop her. She herself explained, “At first, I was tempted to look back and say, ‘I want it back’, but I understood that I had found an even greater love.”
you had to pick up that same enthusiasm. Sister Clare had a complete openness to doing the will of God. Whatever He asked, she would do. She allowed the Holy Spirit to possess her, so that when she sang, she demonstrated a total giving of self.
She did everything with great joy, “Everything seems little to me, the lack of sleep, fasting, the heat, having to attend to the people. Everything that could be difficult fills me with joy, because it brings me closer to the Lord.” Clare had confidence that she had reached holiness and was destined for Heaven. “Why should I be afraid of death, if I am going to go with the One I have longed to be with my whole life?”
Sister Clare began to show her special gift to reach souls of children and young people teaching them the truth and the love of the Lord. Her zeal for souls, especially those of the youth, was immense.
Her life centred around the Eucharist and she transmitted enthusiasm for Jesus in the Eucharist to others. The children picked up on the enthusiasm that she had for the Eucharist. Once you had been with her, you knew
Clare died when a devastating earthquake hit her school in Ecuador in 2016. The story of her life in a book titled Alone with Christ Alone continues to inspire and there are so many testimonies of people who have been touched by her witness and have decided to return to the sacraments and live their faith with greater intensity. The cause for her canonization was opened in May 2023. Her body rests in Derry City Cemetery and her grave is now a place of pilgrimage.
Duhallow News
Crossword sponsored by Duhallow Community Food Services
Across
1. Large oval fruit (5)
3. Units of time (7)
7. Fished commercially (7)
9. Several music tracks issued together (5)
10. Irritated (5)
11. Birds of prey (6)
13. A business that serves other businesses (6)
15. Published (6)
18. Save from loss or danger (6)
20. Having three dimensions (5)
22. The relative magnitudes of two quantities (5)
23. Passage selected from a larger work (7)
24. School for special training (7)
25. Flowed back (5)
Down
1. Based on traditional stories (8)
2. Lubricated (5)
3. Happening without warning (6)
4. Alterations (7)
5. Stately (5)
6. Japanese form of wrestling (4)
8. Leg joint (5)
12. Enlightened (8)
14. Violent windstorm (7)
16. An earth pigment (5)
17. Cure (6)
19. Additional (5)
20. Periodic repeated series of events (5)
21. Elaborate song for solo voice (4)
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, AUGUST 2nd 2024.
Solution: Issue 118, July 12th, 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 James Lucey, Rathmore, who wins a €20 voucher for Duhallow Community Food Services!
