127: 22nd November, 2024
Attention Election Candidates!
What IRD Duhallow is asking the next Government to prioritise for the region
LEADER, part of IRD Duhallow since 1991 is a European Commission programme supporting rural communities and businesses and promoting community led local development. Its ethos is based on organisations like IRD Duhallow building the capacity of local communities, earning their confidence and trust over time and supporting them with LEADER funding as well as providing practical support to implement their projects. LEADER has been the catalyst for several upgrades of our towns and villages including undergrounding electric cables and installing new LED street lighting in many places including Rathmore and Gneeveguilla. Playgrounds are now installed in almost all our towns and villages in co-operation with Local Authorities and in some instances in the past with CLÁR, this has made the wider Duhallow region much more child & family friendly. The walks around pitches and parks as well as long distance trails and looped walks have also been put in
pitches have been installed with LEADER. Practically every community centre has received support for upgrades and renovations and meeting room facilities. Several of our small and medium Enterprises have been supported to sustain and grow providing jobs, goods and services. The now familiar LEADER logo is part of almost all community facilities and businesses across Duhallow and indeed rural Ireland.
OUR ASK - To restore LEADER funding to 2008 levels in Duhallow.
FATSTOCK SHOW & SALE
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 26TH RING 1 @ 1pm approx
INTAKE OPEN FROM 8am & Show Cattle must be penned by 9:30am sharp
PRIZE CATEGORIES
SUPREME CHAMPION ~ sponsored by Bank of Ireland
RESERVE CHAMPION ~ sponsored by North Cork Co-Op, Kanturk
DUHALLOW BUTCHER HEIFER ~ sponsored by Twohig’s Supervalu
BEST BEEF BULLOCK ~ sponsored by Charleville Foods
BEST BEEF COW ~ sponsored by Boherbue Co-Op
BEST FRIESIAN COW ~ sponsored by Ducon Concrete
& SPONSORS
BEST PEN OF CATTLE ~ sponsored by Philpott Tyre Centre
BEST PEN OF AA BULLOCKS ~ sponsored by Joan Buckley
BEST PEN OF HE BULLOCKS ~ sponsored by T & D O’Keeffe Bros. Builders
BEST PEN OF AA HEIFERS ~ sponsored by Kanturk Credit Union
BEST PEN OF HE HEIFERS ~ sponsored by F.B.D Insurance
RING 2 @ 9.30am ~ General Cattle Sale ~ Calves, Weanlings, Cows, Heifers & Bullocks
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Duhallow News
Editors Note
We are a week away form the general elections and as you can see many of our local candidates featured in our magazine are seeking your vote. IRD Duhallow’s CEO, Maura Walsh, issues our various candidates a request to address the funding cuts to Duhallow. Having decreased over the years, she urges our next government to reinstate these funds and to not leave Duhallow behind. An informative read.
Elsewhere, you can see how the Seniors Conference turned out, a very special individual celebrates 100 years of living, and we see that you are all getting into the festive swing of things. Our gig guide is full of things coming up this Christmas season. Check it out!
-Tadhg
Email: Discoverduhallow@irdduhallow.com
Phone: 029-60633
Facebook: Discover Duhallow Magazine
Instagram: Discoverduhallowmag
Community News
Kanturk and District Community Council Chairperson, Gerard Greaney being presented with a cheque by Mary Owens, Manager of AIB Kanturk as part of of the preparation for Christmas celebrations in Kanturk. This kind donation will help with the purchasing of the Christmas Tree in the square for the Rememberance Ribbons.
SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DYSLEXIA
THIS ZOOM WEBINAR WILL GIVE PARENTS AND PROFESSIONALS PRACTICAL HELP AND ADVICE ON SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DYSLEXIA
SUITABLE FOR PARENTS AND PROFESSIONALS OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN UPPER PRIMARY AND ALL SECONDARY SCHOOL
TUESDAY 26TH NOVEMBER 7PM
Well done to Linda Desmond of Rylane Boxing Club on her second Elite Title!
Community News
That We May Never Forget
At the beginning of November, Kanturk Tidy Towns Community unveiled a Famine Pot in memory of those who died during the Great Famine (1845-1850). This historic artifact was unearthed by a local farmer when working on his farm, and he kindly donated it to KTT.
It’s new home is at the entrance to St. Patrick’s Place, chosen as it was here that the gates to Kanturk Union Workouse were positioned. This six acre compound was on land given by the Earl of Egmont, and today includes the office of South Doc, Kanturk Community hospital, and St. Patrick’s Place. The workhouse was built to accommodate 800 people, but during the tragic period of the famine, almost 1800 poor people
were crowded into this area.
North Cork was thought to have suffered some of the worst effects of famine during this catastrophic period of history. Many of these large cauldrons were donated to the Irish people by the Quaker community during the height of the famine in 1846. They were made of cast iron and were used to provide soup to the starving
Local residents and Tidy Towns Volunteers together at the site; Peggy and Dónal Mannix, Barbara Beaton, Martin O’Neill, Eddie Walsh, John O’Neill, Mary McAuliffe, Anne Goggin, Mary Corbett, Margaret Cotter.
people in soup kitchens and workhouses all around the country.
Community Spirit Shines at St. Olan’s Church Fundraiser Concert
The groups joined John on stage for the finale
St. Olan’s Church, Rylane, was the place to be on Saturday 9th November. Local musicians, The Hillbillies, opened the concert followed by the Junior Hillbillies, Ballinagree Folk Choir(pictured right) and Aghinagh Comhaltas.
This completed the line up for the first part.
After a short interval
John Spillane took to the stage with a rendition of some of his current and past songs including a few we all learned in school. The show ended with all acts joining John for a few verses of The Bold Thady Quill!
This concert was a fundraiser for the new Community Centre at Rylane Community Park.
Community News
Irish Traditional Music Duo Win Cork Persons of the Month Award
By MANUS O’CALLAGHAN Awards Organiser for Cork Person of the Year
Fiddle-player Matt Cranitch and Accordionist Jackie Daly have been jointly awarded November’s Cork Person of the Month Award in honour of their significant contribution to the Sliabh Luachra tradition of Irish music over the past several decades.
Both men are acknowledged masters of the rich musical tradition of Sliabh Luachra, a culturally unique area on the Cork/Kerry border renowned for its distinctive style of playing and special repertoire of tunes.
Matt is a world-renowned and award-winning fiddle-player, having won several All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil titles, the Oireachtas Crotty Cup, the M.J. Quill Irish Cultural Center Award in New York, and has been named The Fiddler of Dooney. Prolific in terms of writing, performing and composition, he is the author of The Irish Fiddle Book, first published in 1988 and now in its fourth edition, and has also contributed to a variety of other books on Irish traditional music. His discography includes albums with groups such as Na Filí, Any Old Time and Sliabh Notes, in addition to his solo album of slow airs entitled Éistigh Seal which he considers one of his proudest works.
In addition to playing music, Matt is also widely recognised for his deep knowledge of Irish traditional music. One of the leading authorities on the music of Sliabh Luachra, he received a PhD in 2006 for his study on the fiddle-playing tradition of this region, and has taught a number of courses in Irish traditional music at University College Cork. He has also served as a long-time
consultant for the Geantraí series on TG4, is a former adviser to the Irish Arts Council scheme for the traditional arts, and has served on the board of the Irish Traditional Music Archive.
Jackie Daly is synonymous with the button accordion in the world of Irish traditional music, having been described in The New York Times as “probably the best accordionist in Ireland”. Born in Kanturk, Co. Cork, where he grew up surrounded by the rich music tradition of Sliabh Luachra, Jackie credits Ballydesmond fiddle-player Jim O’Keeffe and Sliabh Luachra fiddle-master Pádraig O’Keeffe as two of the greatest influences on his early musical development. Despite primarily being an accordionist, Jackie has had a lifelong affinity for fiddle-music and is most well known for his highlyacclaimed albums featuring fiddle and accordion which he produced with figures such as the late Corkbased musician Séamus Creagh, Kevin Burke, Máire O’Keeffe, and,
most recently, with Matt Cranitch. Jackie has been a central figure in some of the most esteemed Irish traditional music in recent times. Attesting to his high standard of musicality and versatility, he has performed throughout the world with bands such as De Danann, Patrick Street, Buttons and Bows, Arcady, Reel Union and Kinvara. Notwithstanding his broad portfolio of work across various genres of Irish traditional music, it is the style and repertoire of the Sliabh Luachra tradition that has made the most significant impression on his accordion-playing and holds a special place in his heart, as evidenced by his performances and recordings.
A multi-award winning accordionist, Jackie has been honoured with titles including the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Award, the Kanturk Arts Festival Award, the M.J. Quill Irish Cultural Center Award in New York, and the Patrick O’Keeffe Traditional Music Festival Award.
GIANTS OF IRISH TRADITIONAL MUSIC HONOURED: Matt Cranitch and Jackie Daly were named Cork Persons of the Month for November. Pictured with Matt and Jackie (front) at the award presentation L/R: Padraic Hanrahan, The Metropole Hotel; Manus O’Callaghan, Awards Organiser; George & Max Duggan, Cork Crystal. Picture Vitaliy Makhnanov.
Matt and Jackie can now add the title of Cork Person of the Month alongside their impressive list of accolades.
Speaking ahead of presenting Matt and Jackie with their joint Cork Persons of the Month trophies, Awards Organiser Manus O’Callaghan said: “When Matt and Jackie come together to play anything from slides and polkas to reels and airs, whether in the studio or in live performance, they display not only their immense level of musical virtuosity but also their respect, love and deep understanding of the vibrant musical tradition of Sliabh Luachra.
“Their dedication to their craft and commitment to keeping this worthy Cork tradition alive is commendable. This Cork Person of the Month Award is in recognition of their stellar service to Cork’s musical and wider cultural landscape”, he concluded.
Matt and Jackie’s names will
Community News
now go forward alongside the other monthly winners for possible selection as Cork Person of the
Year at the annual Gala Awards Lunch in January, 2025.
Matt and Jackie have released two albums together – The Living Stream(2010) and Rolling On(2014) – and played together throughout the years; here they are in a performance at in the Augusta Hertiage Centre’s Irish Week back in 2016. The centre is located in the Davis & Elkins College in West Virginia and is renowned for its preservation and nurturing of cultures around the world.
Senior’s Conference
IRD Duhallow’s 6th Annual Senior’s Conference
IRD Duhallow’s 6th Annual Seniors’ Conference took place on the 12th of November 2024 in the marquee at the James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket, with over 180 guests in attendance. The event was officially opened by SAOI Network Vice Chair Kathleen Moylan, followed by a warm welcome from IRD Duhallow Vice Chairperson Ann Maria Bourke. SAOI is IRD Duhallow’s Active
Retirement Network, representing 21 active retirement groups throughout the Duhallow region. The network promotes the participation of older people in local decision-making processes, encouraging and supporting them to avail of the various opportunities available. It also highlights and values the role and contributions of older people in Duhallow by coordinating the efforts of locally
established active retirement groups to address regional needs. IRD Duhallow was delighted to welcome guest speaker Eileen Fehin, who shared her inspiring journey of living with a brain injury and how she continues to persevere despite numerous challenges. She highlighted the various supports available to those in need. Eileen was joined by Norina Nagle of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, who discussed the organization’s vital work in rebuilding lives over the past two decades.
Kathleen Moylan Anna Marie Bourke Eileen Fehin Norina Nagle Rachel Budd
Marie’s Singing For The Brain was enjoyed through more than just voice; Eileen Fehin and Jim Buckley made their own dance floor.
Kathleen Moylan, vice chair of the SAOI Network, welcomed everyone to the event
Sheila Fitzgerald provided wonderful music to accompany lunch
IRD Duhallow Team Leader Triona Dennehy hosted a panel with various managers to highlight what they can offer the community. Jessica Baron of ReVamp, Colm Crowley of Warmer Homes, Anita Castle of the Community Laundry, and Linda O’Connor of Duhallow Community Food Services.
Senior’s Conference
Next, IRD Duhallow’s Horticulturist Rachel Budd provided valuable gardening tips, including advice on garden maintenance and growing one’s own produce.
The conference also featured a panel of speakers showcasing the wide range of services IRD Duhallow offers to support the elderly community. These included Warmer Homes, Furniture REVAMP, Community Laundry, and Duhallow Community Food Services. Attendees gained great insight into the practical assistance available in their local area.
The event continued with presentations by Collette Vaughan on welfare rights, Finola McCarthy on her Life-Long Learning for Older Adults project at UCC, and John Noel Cronin, who inspired attendees with his talk on the joys and accessibility of solo travel.
A delicious lunch, catered by Duhallow Community Food Services, was accompanied by delightful music from Sheila Fitzgerald.
After lunch, Mary O’Reilly, a Cardiologist Nurse, educated attendees on the dangers of coronary artery disease and its warning signs. The conference concluded on a high note with an uplifting performance by Marie Twomey and Singing for the Brain.
The event was made possible through funding from the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme
(SICAP), co-funded by the Irish Government through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the European Social Fund Plus under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills, and Training (EIST) Programme 2021–2027, as well as HSE funding.
John Noel Cronin Collette Vaughan Finola McCarthy
Mary O’Reilly Marie Twomey
Mary Buckley, Rathcoole, Marie Forrest, Newmarket, Joan O’ Flynn, Newmarket, Cathleen Costello, Dromcollogher, Mary McSweeney, Clonbanin and Mary Roche, Meelin
The Donoughmore Active Retired Group
Members of the Thursday Club from Freemount
What’s On In Duhallow
An Chultúrlann
Weekly
Monday Night Music
Time: 9pm
Cost: €5 on the door
Weekly open session happening
Local music from all your favourite stalwarts. Refreshments served.
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.
2nd Saturday of each month
Rambling House
Time: 8pm
Music, stories and songs. All are welcome to come along, just listen or take part if you wish. Refreshments are served and a great time to relax, meet and chat with friends, old and new.
1st Thursday of each month
Newmarket Dementia Café
Time: 11am – 1pm
A welcoming place for people with dementia, their family and friends.
Christmas Market
Time: Sunday 1st December
Tables can be booked for €30.
Séamus & Caoimhe Uί
Fhlatharta in Concert
Time: Friday 22nd November 8pm
Tickets at ticketstop.ie or at the door.
Concert will be opened by young local Musicians; Eoin Ó Driscoll, Eve Ó Driscoll, Sarah Kelly, Emma Kelly and Rónán Hynes
Duhallow Choral Society
Carols for Christmas
Time: Tuesday 3rd December
Enchanting carols and festive tunes.
Newmarket
Athletic Club Training
Sunday mornings 10AM.
Duhallow Athletic Club training takes place in the Island Wood. All fitness levels and new members welcome
Newmarket Thursday Club
We meet every week in Castlecourt from 2.00 - 4.30pm. New members welcome.
Newmarket Breastfeeding Support Group
Time: 11.00am to 12.00pm.
Venue: First Floor, Newmarket Primary Care Centre, Newmarket. Facilitated by Public Heath Nurses. Just drop in or phone 02961500. Breastfeeding mums and expectant mums are welcome.
Newmarket Knitting And Crochet Group
Venue: CYMS Hall
Time: Fridays 10.30 to 12 New members welcome, come along for craft, chat and cuppa. If you require anymore information please call Rita on 0862059745
Newmarket Bridge Club
Time: 7.30PM
Venue: CYMS Hall, Newmarket Newmarket Bridge Club will start its 51st season.
All members and newcomers are most welcome.
Millstreet
Sliabh Luachra Cycling Club are accepting New members!
Saturdays 10am
Suitable for beginners of all ages. Regular or balance bikes. Stablizers not suitable, gloves and helmet required.
Millstreet Country Park P51 T652
Kanturk
Kanturk Tractor Run For Hope Foundation
December 8th 2:00pm-3:30pm
Leaving at 4:00pm
Register on the day €20
For Emma Higgins travelling to Kolkata as part of the Hope Foundation Finish at Colaiste Treasa. Come and see Santa Refreshments, Raffle and Prize for best decorated tractor. For enquiries, contact Kevin Higgins 086 0691784
Kanturk Foroige Church
Gate Collection
Date: 23rd and 24th November
Venue: Kanturk Church
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Banteer
Glen Theatre shows
Please note: To book tickets, phone 029 56239 All shows begin at 8pm
Nov 23rd, 24th, Dec 1st, 8th
Roger’s Final Farewell. Dec, Sat 7th
Fiona Kennedy. Dec, Sat 14th Robert Mizzell.
Round-Up
Duhallow Choral Society
Concert dates:
Sunday 1st Dec in Knocknagree Church;
Friday 13th Dec St. Nicholas Church, Churchtown at 7.00pm; Sunday 22nd Dec: Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kanturk. Tickets available from Choir members or on the door.
Castlemagner Sinsir Club
Cookery Demonstration
Tuesday December 10th at 8.00pm. Castlemagner Community Centre
Admission: €15
Demonstration by renowned local chef, Hazel Bourke. Mulled wine and Christmas treats. Fundraiser for the Sinsir Club Christmas Party
Women’s Health Talk
Tuesday 10th December at 8pm
Venue: Aubane Community Centre
P51 EP49
Free Admission
Dromtarriffe Social
Badminton
Venue: Dromtarriffe Hall
Date: Every Wednesday 8-9pm All welcome!
Aubane Set Dancing
November
25th: Tim Joe O’Riordan
December
2nd: Richard Lucey
9th: Neily O’Connor
23rd: Christmas Party with music by Hugh Kennedy
Kilcorney Table Quiz
Fri, Nov 22nd, Moll Carthy’s Bridge Bar, 8:00pm. €40 per table. In aid of Kilcorney N.S.
Christmas Food Appeal And Collection In Lyre
Venue: Lyre Community Centre
Date: Saturday the 30th November 7-9pm.
Food Appeal for the Missionary Nuns in Blarney. Porridge, tea, coffee (non-perishable goods)
Kanturk Flower and Garden
Club Christmas Floral Demonstration
Date: December 4th at 8:00pm
Venue: Temperance Hall, Kanturk Admission: €10 (includes light refreshments, mulled fruit juice, tea & coffee, homemade mince pies)
With Demonstrator - Kornelija from J&K Flower Studio, Kanturk. Demonstrating Spectacular Christmas Floral Arrangements - “Christmas Cheer”. Everyone Welcome. A fun evening not to be missed - Please support. In aid of AOIFA Nominated Charity AsliAm - For Autism - Local Saint Vincent De Paul Society
Christmas In Duhallow
Kanturk
Men’s Shed
Christmas Fair
Sunday 24th November
Edel Quinn Hall, Kanturk
10am - 4.30pm
Music by Sheila Fitzgerald on the day, with raffle tickets available to support the Men’s Shed.
Santa Claus Grotto for a nice photo and a treat for those who visit.
Rathmore Turning on of the Christmas Lights
Sunday 24th November @ 6pm
Lots of fun in store
Special Guest in red suit on the night. More details to follow
Call 064 77 61000 to book
Millstreet Vintage Club Christmas Lights Run
Sunday 1st December at 6:00pm Assembly at Dairygold Car Park. Conciding with the turning on of the Christmas lights and the arrival of Santa. All clubs are welcome to take part with decorated vehicles.
Teach Íosagáin Christmas Market
Sunday 8th December
Teach Íosagáin, Rathmore
11am-1pm. Tables available for €20. Contact 087 0324826 to book.
Aubane Community
Christmas Mass & Party
Date: Friday 13th December at 8 pm
Venue: Aubane Community Centre P51 EP49
Live Entertainment. All Welcome!
Castlemagner Sinsir Club
Christmas Party
Sunday December 15th at 1:00pm. in Springfort Hall
Admission: €15
A lavish feast of fine seasonal food and wholesome hearty entertainment awaits all those who attend.
Santa Visits Newmarket!
Time: Saturday November 30th
Venue: The old Post Office building on Newstreet.
Santa will be there from 4pm to 6pm. Admission is free as always
Santa
Comes To Rathmore
Saturday 7th December
Teach Íosagáin, Rathmore
€15 per child
Call 064 77 61000 to book
Aubane Annual Christmas Day Morning Climb of Mushera
Date: Wednesday 25 December at 10.30 am
Venue: Meeting at Millstreet Country Park Gate. Proceeds of the climb are going two charities CRITICAL (Critical Emergency Response) and The Irish Cancer Society Night Nurses. Bucket Collection on the Morning Aubane Christmas Around the Fireside
Date: Sunday 29th December at 8pm. Aubane Community Centre P51 EP49
A night of stories and song
Rockchapel Christmas Market
Festivities Spark Holiday Joy!
The Rockchapel Christmas Market on November 9th was a festive delight, bringing the community together in a celebration of holiday cheer. Held in the Community Centre, visitors enjoyed a variety of handcrafted gifts and foodstuffs, delicious seasonal treats with coffee and waffles from Elaine from Brew and Banter and a fish and chip vendor who also catered for the hungry! There was also enchanting entertainment with face painting by Aileen. It was a memorable event that set the perfect tone for the upcoming holiday season.
Trish and Aaron Lofts, Newmarket, pictured at their Stall during the Christmas Market in Rockchapel
Local lady Chriss Bailey was at the Rockchapel Christmas Market
Stall holder Mick Broderick from Ballydesmond was busy at the Rockchapel Christmas Market
Tom Murphy from Brosna pictured at his Stall at the Christmas Market in Rockchapel
■Continued from cover
LEADER
The diagram across shows how funding has been cut drastically in Duhallow from €12.4 million between 2008-2013 to just €2.8 million for 2023-2027. Given the way construction prices, and the general cost of living has increased since 2008, this is a drastic cut and in our view, people living in rural Ireland and Duhallow in particular, deserve better and the Duhallow region cannot be left fall behind again. There are capital projects as well as facilities identified across all our communities for our LEADER strategy, but we simply haven’t the funding to meet the demand. We note, with some disappointment, that there is very scant reference and indeed no reference at all to LEADER in the manifestos of the main political parties. It is therefore imperative that our local candidates bring this message back to their perspective party HQs and seek support on behalf of the Duhallow region for increased LEADER funding from candidates in Cork Northwest and Kerry constituencies. We’re asking all the candidates in the Cork North-West and Kerry constituencies to support this request.
Social Inclusion
Social Inclusion is the broad programme that provides staff resources for a wide range of communities and people. Family carers; active retired and elderly; people with disabilities; mental health issues; addiction; learning difficulties; the unemployed; disadvantaged; youth; migrant workers; refugees and asylum seekers as well as those living in rural isolation with lack of resources and services including rural youth. Again, when the recession hit, and austerity was called for social inclusion budgets took a hit. 2008 €606,000 per annum. Cut in successive programmes until 2024 (just) €350,000 per annum. Austerity has passed and the government leaders are quick to tell us that there has been a fantastic economic recovery, and they have indeed improved minimum wages, social welfare payments but we have not seen a restoration of the Social Inclusion Programme Budgets which would allow us to properly address the issues and provide the supports necessary to tackle generational poverty and disadvantage.
OUR ASK – Restore Social Inclusion programme funding to the 2008 levels of €606,000 per annum.
Social Enterprises
IRD Duhallow has developed a range of regionally provided supports for rural dwellers to address their unmet needs, these include setting up Duhallow Community Food Services to provide meals on wheels and a hot school lunch service across the region. Our Community Laundry Service with collection and delivery; Warmer Homes that provides retrofitting insulation for homes and businesses as well as community facilities – thus addressing climate change in a positive way; Duhallow Furniture Revamp which is upcycling and restoring furniture that would otherwise go to landfill and also in co-operation with Cork County Council recycles paint and provides it at low cost to communities. More recently we have supported the establishment of a community garden for Social Farming and a sensory garden. These services provide jobs for over 130 local people as well as training opportunities and provide essential services to a wide range of people. While social enterprises are featured in government department plans, we would like all candidates to be aware of the importance of these services in rural areas and to pledge their support for the staffing and the ongoing development and expansion of these services.
Rural Social Scheme
The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) since its introduction in 2004 has supported over 200 Duhallow low-income farmers by paying them for part-time community work while still farming. At its inception the top up on their farm assist payment was attractive enough to encourage over 70 to take up work through IRD Duhallow. It was this resource that enabled us to test and pilot many of the social enterprises and
community services. Again, when the economic crash happened the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs was abolished and the RSS was transferred to the Department of Social Protection where the payments to new RSS participants were ‘aligned’ or in other words cut to the same level as CE schemes which is €27.50 on top of their welfare payments. This has had a devastating effect on participation where Duhallow has seen numbers on the scheme drop from over 70 to just 23. Communities are constantly requesting help from RSS and to be fair to our supervisors and participants great work is being done but we no longer have the participants to allocate RSS workers to the 48 individual communities across our region.
The outgoing Minister Joe O’Brien TD did establish a review of the RSS on which IRD Duhallow had representations and it has come up with very positive recommendations, however the payments to participants was not within its remit.
Current candidates have been making representations. IRD Duhallow asks that the RSS payments be increased to attract low-income farmers so that we can give community volunteers the support they need and also keep the maximum number of farm families in Duhallow.
Tús
Tús was introduced in 2011, modelled largely on the RSS, but targeted at long term unemployed people. It provides them with one year’s work in communities and social enterprises to enhance their opportunities for getting back in the work force. It is a terrific scheme and while unemployment is only a fraction now of what it was in 2011 when we had 8 schemes, we have 3 Tús schemes operating at the moment. A big issue is the
lack of affordable public transport to get participants into our base in Newmarket. We have acquired our own vehicles over the years to bring workers out on site across communities and specific jobs like developing walks and maintaining them. The strength of our Tús scheme is in no small way due to the participation of our Ukrainian community who now make up almost 50% of our workers. Participation in community work is one of the fastest most efficient ways to achieving integration and acquiring new language skills. IRD Duhallow’s ask for Tús is to reduce the qualifying criteria to 6 months unemployed and to allow participants who have finished their year on Tús to return to the scheme if they are still unemployed one year after completion.
Community Employment
CE Schemes as they are known locally provide up to 3 years parttime work to long term unemployed people and every community has benefitted hugely from the support of CE participants. IRD Duhallow is implementing the scheme for over 3 decades and has seen the benefit it has been to participants as well as communities.
OUR ASK - What we ask for CE is that the rigidity of particular placements might be eased so that the individual requirements of the unemployed person can be taken into account and bespoke work found for them.
This could be confined to a small number, say 10% of participants so that those communities that have established CE places would not lose out.
Duhallow News
Childcare
IRD Duhallow prioritised the provision of community-based child Care throughout our region and worked with the then Equal Opportunities Child Care Programme and Pobal to establish 8 such childcare facilities across our region. These have been hugely successful and have surpassed all our expectations; they have contributed to the attractiveness of the Duhallow Region as a place to set up home and live in. Our population has stabilised and even begun to grow as a direct result of this essential infrastructure. But many of our creches are at capacity and if we want to continue to grow our population and economy, we need to look at providing further community-based crèches that will serve children from 6 months to 14 years. This will enable parents to work and have a decent standard of living.
IRD Duhallow has been providing childcare courses up to Level 9 (Master’s Degree) so that crèches can provide the best professional service through our Skillnet Programme. In all over 400 people have been trained through various levels in childcare through IRD Duhallow.
Our Ask For The New Government;
1. To introduce a capital programme to fund at least 3 more community crèches in the Duhallow Region to meet the needs of our population into the future.
2. To fund the staffing of community crèches, to support staff retention through recognising the key roles these workers play in supporting families and in the development of children especially those from disadvantaged communities.
In conclusion our Board, Management and Senior Staff at our recent Strategic Review looked at the priorities for the region for the coming years. Without doubt while we have a growing population that heralds the need for
1. More Creches. We also have a growing older population with better life expectancy.
2. Services like our Rural Meals, Community Laundry and Home Insulation service, must continue to grow and expand to support independent living for as long as possible.
3. We must look at providing locally based small scale sheltered housing developments across the region. Government and local authority policy while supporting such developments in the past had changed in the past decade to larger housing agencies. We ask therefore that Community based Sheltered Housing Units be supported so independent living is a reality.
4. Concern was also expressed that Planning Permission for the children of rural dwellers who have a site be facilitated to build on that site and form a support base for the older generation into the future.
5. Family Carers are the backbone of independent living and therefore there would be no means test for those providing essential care in the home for dependent family members.
6. Youth Clubs and Social Facilities was another concern raised at our Community Consultations and the next Government must also prioritise Youth in Social Inclusion Programmes and by providing adequate funding through LEADER much of the facilities deficits could be addressed and new community facilities be established that are fit for purpose in addition to the Sports Facilities.
7. IRD Duhallow believes that it has a continuing role to play in the climate change and biodiversity agenda. Our track record over the past 15 years especially speaks for itself. We must work with farmers and landowners rather than point the finger. Any future land use policy must take into account the EU’s Cork Declaration and support a LIVING COUNTRYSIDE. Rural areas like Duhallow must sustain their populations and grow after decades of decline. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and our main natural resources with a competitive and a comparative advantage for top quality food production. IRD Duhallow is ideally placed to implement locally, the National Policies of the new Government and be supported to do so in the best interest of the Duhallow Region. We have always worked with all our elected Representatives and will continue to do so.
Maura
Walsh, IRD Duhalllow CEO
Peggy O’Shea Honored with Fr. James Cullen Memorial Medal
Photos by Seán Radley
Peggy O’Shea of Tullig, Millstreet was officially Awarded by Canon John Fitzgerald, P.P. in St. Patrick’s Church, Millstreet on this Sunday, 17th Nov. 2024 with the Fr. James Cullen Memorial Medal marking Peggy’s 62 Dedicated Years as a PTAA Member. As well as her husband, Tim (who is renowned as one of the wonderful original members of Millstreet Pipe Band) great friends were also present for the special occasion. A very impressive Framed Certificate was also presented. Sincere congratulations, Peggy, on such an inspiring achievement and for giving such splendid example to All over six decades as a Member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association
From left: Eibhlín, Bríd and Cecilia Roche, Peggy O’Shea, Canon John Fitzgerald, P.P., Tim O’Shea, Siobhán Buckley, Mary and Dan O’Riordan, Julie Brady (Sacristan).
Los Zarcos Soccer Victory Social: Celebrating Triumph at Killarney Avenue Hotel
Zarcos Soccer Victory Social held on Saturday the 16th of November
From left: Cian O’Mahony, Chairperson Los Zarcos Soccer Club; Trevor O’Connor, Coach; Shane Dineen and Hugh Linehan, Joint Players of the Year; Mark Neville, Manager; Ronan Galvin, Secretary
Millstreet Community Text Alert 2025
Millstreet Community Text Alert is now accepting applications from those who wish to renew or join the Millstreet Text Alert System for 2025 at a cost of €10. This system is a mechanism for Gardaí to provide crime prevention/information to community groups. It also enables communities to receive alerts advising them of suspicious or criminal activity in their area. If you are interested in renewing/joining, please put your name, address & mobile number with €10 in a sealed envelope & drop it to Wordsworth in Millstreet or to Guerin’s Shop in Ballydaly.
Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, November 29th 2024.
Millstreet Community Council Ltd would like to thank Niamh & her staff at Wordsworth & the Guerin family, Ballydaly for facilitating the collection of the envelopes.
Los
in the Killarney Avenue Hotel.
Festive Fun At Christmas Cookery Class At IRD Duhallow
On Saturday, 16th November, The Cool Food School hosted an exciting Children’s Christmas Cookery Class in IRD Duhallow for ages 7-13, sparking festive spirit and culinary creativity.
The highlight of the day was crafting Santa’s Power Balls – a healthy, energy-packed snack perfect for the winter season. Under the expert guidance of
Deirdre from The Cool Food School, children peeled, chopped, mixed, rolled, and decorated their treats with enthusiasm. The focus was on using nutritious, natural ingredients to promote healthy eating habits while encouraging fun and imagination in the kitchen.
the workshop was a resounding success, kicking off the Christmas season with flair. A perfect blend of festive cheer and foodie fun!
With laughter, learning, and delicious results,
Inspiring Futures At IRD Duhallow’s Careers Exhibition
IRD Duhallow recently hosted its annual Careers Exhibition, bringing together universities, colleges, and agricultural institutions to guide young people in shaping their futures.
The event provided students with a unique opportunity to explore
diverse educational and career paths. Exhibitors offered valuable insights into courses, programmes, and career prospects, helping attendees make informed decisions about their next steps. From university representatives to agricultural college advisors,
the day was filled with engaging conversations, tailored advice, and inspiration for all participants.
This dynamic event underscored IRD Duhallow’s commitment to empowering youth through education and career development.
Students from all over Duhallow attended the exhibiton. IRD Duhallow wishes the very best of luck in life to those that attended as well as good fortune in the career path they will follow.
Photos by Tadhg Curtin
Pitch Perfect: Duhallow Youth Mastering the Art of Public Speaking Duhallow
By NOLLAIG MURPHY Development Officer, IRD Duhallow
Following on from IRD Duhallow’s recent SICAP supported Public Speaking for National School event, as promised, we are delighted to
present our first instalment of the excellent speeches, we heard at our closing ceremony in October. Some of our participants chose to speak on the topic of ‘Local Heroes’. Today we will hear about two Duhallow men who are considered to be “Local heroes” by our young contributors Méabh O’Keeffe and Tommy Clifford.
Local Hero Con Collins
Con Collins was an extremely good hurler and footballer, and he is very involved in Newmarket GAA. Con is the current Life President of Newmarket GAA. When he played GAA he was wingback with Newmarket and Cork. Con also trained and played with my grandad John O’Keeffe “Johnny Charlie” for Newmarket. Con won the Junior Football County Final with Newmarket in 1970. Many people remember this inspiring day. Con almost retired in 1969 the year before the final but luckily, he stayed and won the final with Newmarket the year later. Con played for Cork in football for a few years. After he retired, in 1972 he trained Newmarket teams in hurling and football. He trained
by MÉABH O’KEEFFE, Newmarket G.N.S
my Dad in Hurling. He became the club president in 1987. As the Newmarket GAA president he goes to all the matches and supports the Newmarket players. Con has been with the club for seventy years. In 2022 Con walked 60kms over 6 days at 82 years old to raise funds for Kanturk’s Community Hospital because his wife Peggy died in that hospital, and they were very good to her before she died. So, he walked every day for 6 days and raised over €22,000. Con is a very popular figure in Newmarket and a legend in Newmarket GAA. He inspires many people to stay healthy and fit. It is fascinating to see Con walking every day and participating
Local Hero Séan Meehan
Séan Meehan was born in 1999 and lived in Newmarket until 2010. He attended school in Newmarket Boys National School and Boherbue Comprehensive School. He is an inter county player with the Cork senior football team and plays Cork Senior Championship with my local GAA club Kiskeam. His normal position is centre back and believe it or not, he was the only Cork player in 2021 to receive an All-Star nomination due to preventing Kerry’s David Clifford from scoring in the Munster final. He was a joint
by TOMMY CLIFFORD, Boherbue N.S.
captain for Cork with Brian Hurley from Castlehaven in 2022. Sean has been very unfortunate as he has sustained multiple hamstring injuries in 2022 and 2023 which prevented from playing for Cork and his local club Kiskeam. I was glad to see him back playing this year. Have you ever imagined being taught by a well-known cork footballer? Well now you can as he is a Primary school teacher in Ovens. He graduated from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick in 2022. I get to meet him most weeks at the local GAA pitch as he
in the annual Newmarket 5 KM. To see him finish the Newmarket 5k every year no matter how long it takes is amazing and it shows how determined he is. I think Con is an inspirational figure within our town, for all the time he has dedicated to the club, as a player and a trainer. He is a passionate Newmarket man and is very deserving of the title our local hero.
his actively involved with running of the Kiskeam Academy for Kiskeam juvenile GAA players. I am honoured to know him.
Interest
Donoughmore’s Role in the Fight for Irish Independence Captivates the World
Land War to Civil War 19001924 Donoughmore to Cork and Beyond, a story of conflict and perseverance leading to Irish Independence is continuing to attract great interest locally and internationally. It is available in local bookshops and retail outlets see www.donoughmore.ie for the list.
The following excerpt relates the disorder and confusion in Dublin at the AGM of the United Irish League (U.I.L.) in 1908
‘John W. Honohan was a seasoned campaigner and ardent nationalist who spent time in prison during the Land League days. He was now a prominent member of the (U.I.L) being the Mid-Cork representative on the National Directory having attended their AGM in 1906 in that capacity. He travelled to Dublin in January 1908 for the eight annual meeting of the League despite not receiving an invitation. He had been mandated by the Macroom District Council, the previous week, to propose at the AGM, a national convention as a mechanism to achieve national unity among divided nationalists. As the directly elected representative of MidCork he felt he had a right to be present. Honohan had earned
this right having displaced the outgoing representative Cornelius O’Callaghan of Millstreet in August 1907 by a large majority. When he attempted to enter the meeting at the ULI offices 39 Upper O’ Connell St., he was refused admission by the organiser who was standing guard at the door. The North Cork representative W. N. Barry had a similar experience. On insisting their right to be admitted they were told ‘I don’t care whom you represent, but out you go’.
Tellingly, two other delegates Thomas O’Donnell MP (North Kerry) and Eugene O’Sullivan (East Kerry) who had not received invitations and were accompanying the two Cork delegates were allowed in. Cornelius O’Callaghan according to the story of the week in The Irish People attended as well ‘on the strength of some little hole-andcorner meeting’ where he was ratified. This was contradicted in the Cork Examiner report of the meeting where it stated that, among others, Cornelius O’Callaghan had sent a letter of apology for his non-attendance. The UIL minutes of the meeting also confirms a letter of apology from O’Callaghan was received. Both of the representatives Barry and Honohan were pounced on by a band of chucker’s-out
who were hiding behind a door. A violent physical encounter took place, the two men determined that they would not be put out by these hired roughs without a struggle. Being two powerful men, they maintained their ground for a considerable time. A large crowd has at that stage congregated including local Cork MP, Mr Gilhooly who ‘protested against such scandalous treatment of men whose claim to a place in the councils of the Directory was far more incontestable than that of three-fourths of those admitted without question.’ They made another attempt to enter when another delegate arrived, but the security pushed them out again. This time they had the satisfaction of forcing the organiser on to the street with them.
John W. Honohan
Scoil Naomh Pádraig Take Part In Creative Chair Project
Some of the children in Scoil Naomh Pádraig took part in a Creative Chair Project run by the St Martin Apostolate, Dublin under the direction of staff members, Aileen Lehane & Mary Boyce. The project entailed designing and painting a small chair which will be on display at the Moving Crib in Dublin for Christmas. The two teams of children came together to create something truly special for the Creative Chair Competition. Their designs symbolise inclusion, individuality, and friendship. Through their artwork, they celebrate the unique qualities each person brings, showing that everyone has something beautiful to contribute. Working together on this project, they discovered their own creativity, teamwork, and self-belief, proving that they are each valued members of the school community.
Words by Mary Boyce
Photos by Tadhg Curtin
Mary Boyce and Aileen Lehane
This chair was painted by the FSG Team AKA the Fantastic Sketch Gang. Team Members: Leja, Conor T, Sarah, Katelyn, Angel. Kayla and Conor O’ S. The Children in the FSG Team are from 4th, 5th & 6th Class.
Celebrating 100 Years Of Life - A Man Who Helped Improve Life In General
Tom O’Neill, MBE, early in his career.
Meet Tom “Tommy” O’Neill, MBE. He is a native of Kanturk, residing in Mansfield, England. He is the uncle of Discover Duhallow’s man on the road, Martin “Bam Bam“ O’Neill and recently, he celebrated his 100th birthday. While that is an achievement in of itself, the man has a few more big ones in his life. Working as a radiographer, Tommy was one of the pioneers of the ultrasound. His contribution to the field of Ultrasound is so significant, the Ultrasound department of King’s Mill Hospital in Mansfield was named in his honour and he received an MBE from Queen Eliazabeth the 2nd in 1989. We at Discover Duhallow salute and thank you sir! People like Tommy make the world a safer and better place for the rest of us.
This chair was painted by the JEP Team AKA the Joyful Exceptional Painters. Team Members: Caitlyn, Goda, Ailis Marie, Kayla, Lauren, Alexandra, Aine, Arina, Grace, and Denys. All from 6th Class
Relics of Carlo Acutis visit Diocese of Kerry
By TOM DENNEHY
The remarkable life of Blessed Carlo Acutis will be recalled when his relics will visit both the Holy Cross Dominican Church, Tralee and St. Vincent’s Church, Ballyferriter on the weekend of November 22nd. This affords all his many followers a chance to visit his relics and pray for the continuation of the great conversion revolution he has begun all over the world, especially among the youth.
Blessed Carlo Acutis, a young Italian teenager, soon to become a great saint, left an indelible mark before his untimely passing at the age of 15 years. His devotion to the Eucharist and his great love of Jesus led him to do extraordinary things including creating a website
of Eucharistic miracles that have taken place around the world.
He has included 32 miracles in all and 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 forever; and the bread that I
will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” John 6;51-59.
Carlos was concerned that people were growing distant from the Church and the sacraments and he wanted to bring them back.
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 buried in Assisi and his grave is now a great place of pilgrimage.
Sound the Alarm
By ALICE O’BRIEN Alice O’Brien Counselling, Newmarket
It is fair to say that all responsible home owners have a smoke alarm system in their homes. It is a very useful tool to detect a treat of an impending disaster. Warning us to take action early to avoid our homes burning down. We react differently to this device depending on when we hear it. For example, if your smoke alarm goes off in the middle of the night, the loud noise breaking the silence will spur you into action, you will move fast to protect yourself. But, if the smoke alarm goes off after someone has burnt toast or spent too long in a
steaming shower- the alarm will be an irritation that you will try to silence without any drama.
Anxiety plays a very similar role. It is a threat detection system in our bodies. It is designed to keep us safe from harm. Anxiety in the body is there to warn us by actingour heart begins to race, our palms might get sweaty, our face flushed, our limbs weak or our stomach may churn. All ways anxiety tries to get our body to be vigilant, to keep safe.
Anxiety is very useful at times and shouldn’t be ignored. Certain situations require us to be vigilant. The problem is that our inner alarm can go off when there is no treat- a false alarm- someone is making toast and our house is not on fire. Our brains however, takes
all alarms seriously, so it is difficult for us to tell the difference between a potential treat and a false alarm. We can help ourselves by being aware of our bodies. Deep breathing can help us to see that our alarm system is sending a false alarm. Mindfulness and mediation is another tool to use as well as physical activity. These things can help our body to stay grounded and to know that it is safe.
So, when it comes to alarm systems, it can be tempting to take the batteries out to silence the noise- but we all know that is dangerous for our safety. Within your body, you can’t silence the alarm all the time, but you can learn which alarms needs your attention, and which don’t.
Fueling for the Finish: Sam Hand’s Nutrition Secrets for Ultra Marathons
By MAIREAD O’KEEFFE New Leaf Health Store
Sam Hand, champion of the Kerry Way Ultra Marathon 2024, knows that success in ultra running isn’t just about training—it’s also about fueling right. As the newest ambassador for New Leaf, Sam shares insights into the nutrition strategies that help him endure Ireland’s toughest trails.
Sam, congratulations on your Kerry Way Ultra Marathon victory! Tell us about your
approach to nutrition during such intense races.
Thanks! Nutrition is critical for ultra running. For the Kerry Way Ultra, I relied on Precision Gels, Tailwind drink mixes, and Precision electrolyte tablets to keep my energy and hydration up over the 200 kilometers. Tailwind is especially useful because it combines calories with electrolytes, which are key for long distances.
Do you have any go-to foods at aid stations or with your support crew?
Absolutely! Besides gels and drinks, I find it essential to include some real food at crew stops for longer races. Soup, fruit, and noodles are great choices—they’re easy on the stomach but still provide much-needed energy. Real food also offers a break from the sugary taste of gels, which can be tough after hours on the trail.
How did you develop this nutrition plan?
It’s been a lot of trial and error! I test different gels, drink mixes, and solid foods on my long training runs to see what works best. Everyone’s stomach reacts differently under stress, so it’s important to find what your body can handle over hours of running.
Any advice for first-time ultra runners on nutrition?
Practice with your race-day foods during training runs. Don’t wait to experiment on race day—you don’t want to find out mid-race that a certain gel doesn’t sit well with you!
What’s the best part about fueling well?
It allows me to perform my best and enjoy the race more. Proper nutrition is the foundation for a strong, sustainable performance.
Duhallow News
Crossword sponsored by Duhallow Community Food Services
Across
1. Restricted (7)
5. Perils (5)
8. Detection device (5)
9. Villain (5)
10. The sheltered side (7)
11. Flightless bird of Australia (3)
12. Chasm (5)
14. Complies (5)
19. Prohibit (3)
20. Diplomatic (7)
22. Nimble (5)
23. Light beam (5)
24. Reside (5)
25. Boring (7)
Down
1. Food store (6)
2. Decoration (5)
3. Goals (7)
4. Fin (6)
5. Stiff (5)
6. Stage set (7)
7. Repress (6)
13. Dressing (7)
15. Perplexed (7)
16. Overseas (6)
17. Dialect (6)
18. Tusked marine mammal (6)
20. Test (5)
21. Lariat (5)
Solution: Issue 126, November 8th, 2024
Duhallow News Duhallow News Duhallow News
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, November 29th 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.
wins a €20 voucher for Duhallow Community Food Services! To
Kanturk Mart Show and Sale
The main winners of the Kanturk Mart Show and Sale that occurred on Tuesday, November 12th. The Mart are looking forward to holding their Fatstock Sale which will be on Tuesday, November 26th.
Supreme Champion winner David Murphy, Banteer pictured with his Dad, John, Joe O’ Flynn & Kieran Noonan Munster Bovine, Joe Noonan, Kanturk Mart & Judges John Jeffries & Maurice & Katie Cogan.
Reserve Champion Maurice Stack, Broadford pictured with Joe O’ Flynn & Kieran Noonan Munster Bovine, Joe Noonan, Kanturk Mart & Judges John Jeffries & Maurice & Katie Cogan.
Supreme Champion: A Belgian Blue (BBX) Bull that weighed 400kg and sold for €1500.
Reserve Champion: A limousine (LMX) Heifer that weighed 352kg and sold for €1310.
Best Pen of Cattle Eamon Roche, Banteer pictured with Joe O’ Flynn & Kieran Noonan Munster Bovine, Joe Noonan, Kanturk Mart & Judges John Jeffries & Maurice & Katie Cogan.
Best Pen of Cattle: Limousine (LMX) Bulls that weighed 307kg and sold for €1070.
Photos by Kanturk Co-Operative Mart.
