VOLUNTEERS JOIN DCFS AMID COLD SNAP
Locals Help Meal Deliveries During Worst Snow In Over 50 Years
Providing a warm nutritious meal to the elderly and vulnerable people in Duhallow is the primary function of Duhallow Community Food Services and the reason it was first established back in 1997. When the extreme weather hit January 5th, the management and team in DCFS put out a call to the local community for help from those with 4X4 vehicles and tractors in reaching all their destinations in the locality. Their own vehicles could deliver to those living on the more main routes but they knew many roads would be more challenging and nearing impassable. The Community did not let them down.
DCFS Staff have been working non stop to get hot meals out to the community
Locals showed up with their tractors to firstly help clear the DCFS yard in Newmarket to help get the vans out, and then along each route, locals were on standby where needed. In total, meals were delivered to our elderly on 6 different routes across Duhallow using 4 tractors and 4 jeeps. Two local healthcare facilities were also reached and given supplies as they were also snowed in and running low. With some of the volunteer drivers out until 9pm on Monday evening delivering meals it really showed the strong community and neighbourly spirit that is alive in rural areas.
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Editors Note
Happy New Year!
2025 has started in a surprising way with the largest fall of snow many Duhallow residents have seen in their lifetimes, but such a turn has brought the community together. Throughout the region, we’ve seen tractors travelling to those without access to medicine and food, volunteers delivering Meals on Wheels, and a Trojan effort by even more than can be mentioned here.
While it is a difficult start to the year, many celebrated the snowfall - as can be seen by the now famous Newmarket Igloo. We’ll take the good with the bad, and hopefully, by the next Discover Duhallow release, we will be seeing a little more green.
- Caleb
Email: Discoverduhallow@irdduhallow.com
Phone: 029-60633
Facebook: Discover Duhallow Magazine
Instagram: Discoverduhallowmag
Snow Days In Duhallow Community News
The snow shut down the region for much of the first week of January, but for many, the highest snow in memory led to making wonderful memories.
RIGHT: Shay and Orlaith Clarke enjoy the snow all the way over in Liverpool while wishing a happy new year to their family in Newmarket and Boherbue and beyond!
Michael O’Connor, Newmarket playing in the snow
Colin O’Leary, Sean O’Sullivan and Aidan Buckley built an Igloo in The Commons, Newmarket that has now been featured on all manner of news throughout the count, as well as featuring on RTE News
The Old School in Foilogohig by Caleb O’Connor
Horsing around; seen in Millstreet
Congratulations To Christmas Draw Winners!
Dorothy Barrett (Manager, Newmarket Credit Union) presenting Christmas Draw winner, Ellen Hartnett Lane with a Christmas Hamper.
Jacqueline King (Newmarket Credit Union) presenting Christmas Draw winner, Sheila O’Connor with a Christmas Hamper.
Arly O’Riordan (2 years) from Blarney reading the Farmers Monthly magazine on a Christmas visit to her grand uncle, Oween O’Riordan, in Boherbue
Santa called by Kiskeam before Christmas to practice some CPR with Critical CFR Blackwater
Community News
Uisce Éireann’s Free Text Alert Service
If something occurs affecting the water supply to your home or business, you need to know about it as soon as possible. Irish Water will notify you of any planned water supply issues in your area, and any unplanned interruptions or water quality events that last longer than four hours.
To sign up, please provide a valid mobile number in the form on their website along with your Eircode. Irish Water have developed a special services register for customers who are registered as vulnerable and a priority services register for those who are
Local Heroes
registered as critically dependent on water.
Special and priority services
The Special Services Register is for customers who are aged 66, blind or vision impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, have mobility difficulties, an intellectual disability or a mental health difficulty. Irish Water will send a text message or make a phone call to customers for unplanned interruptions that may last longer than four hours and for events where water is unfit for human consumption. They will also contact you at least two days in advance of planned disruptions.
The Priority Services Register
is for those who have a critical dependency on water as a result of their medical condition. Irish Water will contact (phone or text) these customers at least two days in advance of planned disruptions, and for unplanned interruptions that may last longer than four hours.
To receive updates:
www.water.ie/water-serviceupdates
To register a vulnerable customer:
www.water.ie/help/domesticaccount/vulnerable-customers
Many locals were celebrated for their efforts in the community during the cold snap.
The two Kevins; Kevin and Kevin Jr were out delivering groceries in Millstreet
Eoin and Con Goggin, and Cathal, Danny, and Charlie Cronin worked hard to get Dr O’Riordans Surgery clear of hard and frozen snow and ice.
Denis Angland and Aidan Buckley clearing the road in Dernagree
Shrone Stun With Their School Play
Lismire School Celebrate Christmas Community
Juniors, Seniors and First class enjoying some festive spirit.
The lucky winners of the Parents' Association Christmas raffle.
Éabha, Fíadh, Méabh and Tommy during their visit to the beautiful crib in Lismire Church.
Jane and Darragh (LEFT) and Emily and Ava (RIGHT) show off some Christmas Art.
Charlie, Aidan and Daniel enjoying their science workshop at the LifeTime Lab., Cork.
Community News
Lily, Leah and Niamh chilling out backstage ahead of their big performance.
Tadhg, Alex and Zack (The three little pigs) looking great in their costumes.
Charlie looking very regal ahead of his big performance.
Mary and Ella Mae (Cinderella and Red Riding Hood) all ready for the stage.
Adam, Saoirse and Ella Grace (Dwarfs) having fun before their performance.
Aidan and Clodagh - all ready to go for the Christmas Concert.
Clodagh and Emma all ready for stage!
Niamh and Jade all ready to go for their big performance.
Dáithí, Oisín, Mícheál (The Three Bears) and Aidan (Marty Morrisey) backstage during the Christmas Concert.
Community News
Dromagh NS Christmas 2024
“Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and New Year! Hope you had a relaxing holiday season” “Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi Mhaise daoibh go léir! Tá súil agam go mbeidh séasúr saoire suaimhneach agat.”
Advent Preparation
As the candles of Advent were being lit in Dromagh Church over the last few weeks, the children in the school were beginning for the arrival of Christmas. We spent time learning about Advent, Bethlehem, Baby Jesus and his family, the Manger, the star, Three wise Men, Angels and of course the arrival of Santa Claus. Christmas Carols were practiced and chocolate was plentiful! Our 1st Holy Communion Class also had their Enrolment Mass in the parish during December too. We look forward to their Holy Communion Day in 2025
Christmas And Winter Artwork
The children produced some lovely Christmas artwork during the month of December which included Christmas trees, snowmen, Snow falls, nativity scenes, Christmas wreaths, Christmas bells, Scrooge, Rudolph, Santa and his sleigh. The classrooms looked very bare as the children have taken their artwork to their own homes. Our homes for Christmas looked colourful, bright and personal.
Christmas Movie Time
That Christmas was the chosen movie. All children wore their pyjamas and cosy socks. The children enjoyed popcorn and treats with their movie. It was a lovely event that everyone enjoyed and it really kicked off the Christmas season.
Christmas Tour
We all headed off to Crag Caves by Bus for our Christmas Tour. We had a splendid day of fun, games, tricks and adventure at the Caves. We had a visit to Santa Claus and asked him many questions about his upcoming journey across the world on Christmas Eve.
RIGHT: At Crag Cave, the Senior Room children
Christmas Alphabet
Written by the students of Dromagh NS 2024
C is for Christ born on Christams Day
H is for Happiness and a Happy Christmas
R is for Rudolph pulling Santa’s Sleigh
I is for Icicles hanging from rooftops
S is for our stockings full of presents and Christmas treats
T is for toys for all us good children
M is for Merry Christmas to all A is for Angels who brought joy to the shepherds
S is for Santa who brings us all presents so lets all be good for Christmas is on the way!
Community News
Millstreet Community School Update Pt. 2
Think Languages 2024
December 5th saw Transition Year students participate in the Think Languages Event (rescheduled from the 21st November). A Champion Team led by seven Transition Year Students- Meabh, Connor, Ryan, Luke, Frankie, Joy, and Sara- organised a range of activities for the day. These included Bingo, A Polish and Volleyball Workshop, A Spanish Murder Mystery, and a Scavenger Hunt. Thanks to Ms Radon and Ms Byrnes for facilitating workshops and well done to all the prize winners.
Ideas Made Real During Advanced Manufacturing Experience
T.Y. Engineers of the future were treated to a fantastic experience when Michelle Lambert from FIT (Fast-track Information Technology) joined us for a workshop as part of the new ‘Ideas Made Real’ Module.
Our students got a fantastic insight into Engineering Technology throughout this workshop. They completed online cyber security courses, experienced virtual reality through specialised headsets, operated an Electro Pneumatic robot and programmed their own robotic cars to perform various functions.
The feedback from students on this module, as a whole, has been extremely positive. The ‘Ideas Made Real’ module has been be designed by ‘Irish Manufacturing Research’ in conjunction with TUS Athlone. M.C.S have adapted and tailored this programme and further advanced the opportunities available to students. This Project as a whole is supported by the Factory X-Change programme based in the U.K. and MCS is lucky enough to have been sponsored by ALPS ALPINE here in Millstreet. ALPS have been very supportive of this initiative and their support has led to the acquisition of advanced educational resources such as computer programming kits and equipment as well as a top of the range 3D Printer. Students in M.C.S are extremely grateful for this support and the opportunity to work with a Global Tech Company like ALPS. A huge thanks to Michelle and of course to the students for their active engagement with this initiative.
ALPS Supporting Technology Education in M.C.S
ALPS Representatives John Foley (Managing Director) and Noreen Dineen (HR / H&S Manager) visited our school on Friday December 6th to witness the manufacturing facilities in our Engineering Department. ALPS recently sponsored our schools new Transition Year initiative ‘Ideas Made Real’ which is being run by Irish Manufacturing Research based in Mullingar. The primary focus of this initiative is to develop and advance the Design, Research and Manufacturing experiences of second level students who may wish to work with advanced technology in the future. Students doing this program are given an insight into various different opportunities that this whole area offers in them going forward. Through ALPS support, the school received a top of the range 3D Printer and advanced coding and electronic equipment to support students learning. John and Noreen had a great interaction with students, and they got to see first hand the progress they are making in technology education as a direct result of their much appreciated investment. A huge thank you to ALPS and in particular to John and Noreen for taking the time to visit facilities and engage with our students.
Gig Guide
What’s On In Duhallow
An Chultúrlann
Weekly Newmarket
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.
Medjugorje
Invitation to celebrate jubilee year by joining us on Pilgrimages to Medjugorje on the following dates: May 14 to May 21.
June 25 to July 2. Sept 10 to Sept 17th. All pilgrimages ex Cork with Aer Lingus.
For further information contact Tom Dennehy on 0876468658
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 Thursday Club
Weekly meeting in Castlecourt from 2.00 - 4.30pm. New members welcome.
Newmarket Bridge Club
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: CYMS Hall, Newmarket All members and newcomers are most welcome.
Newmarket Community Development Calendar
The Newmarket community development calendar is now available. Proceeds from calendar sales this year will be donated to cancer connect. Purchase the calendar for 10 euro. Available in Supervalu, Newmarket post office and Tadgh Ryan’s foodstore.
TRASNA
Venue: Cultúrlann
Time: January 18th, 8pm-11.30pm
Cost: €22
Ger O’Donnell and Trevor Sexton promise a night of energetic and passionate music. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.
Athletic Club Training
Sunday mornings 10am
Duhallow Athletic Club training takes place in the Island Wood. All fitness levels and new members welcome
Bridge In Tureencahill
Bridge recommences in Tureencahill Community Centre on Wednesday January 15th 1pm to 4pm. All welcome.
Glen Theatre
Ashley Campbell
Sat 18th Jan
Singer Banjo player Ashley Campbell juggles all three roles, armed with the ability not only to dream up a modern country song, but to deliver it, too. Already known for her work alongside her father, country legend Glen Campbell, who, during his final years as a touring musician, leaned heavily on his youngest daughter as a banjo player, keyboardist and harmony vocalist, Ashley is now stepping out on her own.
Sandy Kelly & Marc Roberts
Sun 2nd Feb
Join Sandy Kelly and very special guest Marc Roberts for a very special intimate evening of new songs, old song’s and life stories
The Special Consensus
Weds 5th Feb
The Special Consensus is a bluegrass band that has achieved a contemporary sound in over four decades of performing, making their music a modern classic. Band leader and founder Greg Cahill is a recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Achievement Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA).
Reggie From Blackrock
Sat 8th March
Reggie from the Blackrock Road is on the case with his Masters in Irish Mortification
All shows 8pm booking 029 56239
Something we missed?
Send your events to us via email: discoverduhallow@irdduhallow. com Include the date, time, location, cost, and relevant contact information in these details.
Local Efforts Are
CONT’D FROM COVER
In addition to the regular meal, DCFS also delivered fuel and petrol for generators to some, and extra supplies such as bread and milk were also delivered to keep people going for an extra few days. 250 meals were made and delivered on Monday with all clients receiving 1 hot and 2 chilled meals to last them the 3 days leaving no one without a meal. Staff from IRD Duhallow, Lenora Kelly and Colm O’Connor rowed in alongside DCFS staff to achieve this.
The staff of DCFS must be commended for firstly making their way into work in Newmarket in such treacherous conditions and then pulling out all the stops to get meals to everyone on their list. Sincere thanks to all for their help. Thanks to Billy Dennehy, [NAMES] and Ger Roche of Cork County Council for assisting in clearing the snow from the car park. Thanks to all the following volunteers for showing up with their tractors including;
• Tim O’Donovan
• Ciara O’Donovan
• Jim O’Brien
• Denis Vaughan
• Paddy O’Donovan
• Liam Keane
• Don Curtin
• Andrew Murphy
• James Kelly
• Neily Curtin
The weight of the snow brought down a tree in the Demesne, but thanks to Cork County Council, the road was made passable.
Aisling O’Donovan prepped meals to be delivered throughout the region, including chilled meals that could be heated in case people were inaccessible
Ger Roche of Cork County Council cleaning the DCFS yard with local help from Denis Vaughan and Don Curtin in their own tractors
Are Snow Joke!
IRD Duhallow Development Officer Lenora Kelly made deliveries with father James Kelly, Brosna along two routes
Neily Curtin from Rockchapel who volunteered with his tractor to take meals the final way to locals in Rockchapel
IRD Duhallow Supervisor Colm O’Connor delivers a meal in Coachford with Andrew Murphy, Boherbue, volunteering to drive.
IRD Duhallow Celebrates Hard Work
The Board of both IRD Duhallow and Duhallow Community Food Services held their annual Christmas Board Dinner on the 16th December. This was a lovely night to come together and acknowledge the great voluntary work of the board members and the work that was achieved by both companies during the year. The team at Duhallow Community Food Services were on hand as always to serve a delicious meal to all in attendance. Also on the night some of the staff of both IRD Duhallow & Duhallow Community Food Services(DCFS) were celebrated for their years of service. In a time where Irelands work force has become more fluid and transient, Chairman of IRD Duhallow Michael Twohig noted it was a testament to have staff with such long service. He also noted the important employment companies like IRD Duhallow give in rural areas along with the many social enterprises which operate within its structures. On receiving their presentations staff reminisced about their work experiences, job satisfaction and how both companies have grown so much over the years. Here are to many more years of service!
Linda O’Connor, Manager of DCFS, with her team Joanne O’Connor, Emily Flaherty, and Sinead Golden
Deputy Michael Moynihan with IRD Duhallow assistant CEO Eileen Linehan, Mayor of Cork Joe Carroll, and CEO Maura Walsh
Directors and Senior Management of IRD Duhallow with Deputy Michael Moynihan and Mayor of Cork County Joe Carroll at the IRD Duhallow Board Dinner
Una Fitzpatrick and Noreen Twohig, Kanturk
Colm O’Connor, Colm Crowley, and Billy Dennehy
IRD Duhallow
Derval
Brighid-Ide
Niall Burke: 10 years of service based in Duhallow Revamp, pictured with chair of IRD Duhallow’s Social Economy Working Group Mary Wallace
Ruth O’Sullivan 20 years of service with DCFS, pictured with IRD Duhallow Assistant CEO Eileen Linehan
Rachel Budd: 10 yrs service IRD Duhallow, pictured with Vice Chairperson of IRD Duhallow Anne Maria Bourke
Walsh: 5 years with IRD Duhallow, pictured with Vice Chairperson of IRD Duhallow Anne Maria Bourke
Derval Corbett 25 years of service with IRD Duhallow, pictured withVice Chairperson of IRD Duhallow Anne Maria Bourke
Michael Doyle, Banteer, and Sean Kelly, Bweeng
Corbett with Mayor of Cork County Joe Carroll and Deputy Michael Moynihan
Dan Murphy, Newmarket, Seán Radley, Millstreet, Denis Withers, Banteer, and DCFS Manager, Linda O’Connor
Community News
A Sit Down With Seamus; A Look Back At Kanturk Mart
By TADHG CURTIN
Snow is falling, Walking in a Winter Wonderland. Lyrics from songs surrounding snow at Christmas time. We have had an interesting start to 2025. I don’t know. I personally feel that while it can be magical for some of us, unlike the title of Dean Martin’s classic song, Let It Snow, we were all saying let it stop. As a result, my planned interview with retired Kanturk Co Operative Mart manager, Seamus O’Keeffe had to be conducted over the phone. I rang him on what should have been the first mart of 2025; Tuesday, January 7th but that was cancelled to save everyone travelling in treacherous conditions. In fact, he was by the fire.
“I got a call from Dermot McCarthy in December 1999. We were shareholders and he told me the mart was closing and we should try and keep it open. I went to the committee that was there to see how we would keep it open but they refused to entertain us. A few days later, we met with the shareholders. There were 170 at the time and we got 70 signatures which led to a special AGM being held. In January 2000, there was a meeting held at the now closed Isle of Skye Hotel, which saw a big crowd attend and to put it mildly, the meeting was… interesting. There were two more lively meetings held subsequently. The meetings finally led to a vote of no confidence in the old committee. A new committee was formed which consisted of 16, including myself. Our job then was to give it a go.
sustainable. We got to work. We had a great team; some worked voluntary for a long time, myself included. I was never officially appointed manager, it just fell that way. Thanks to the support of customers, farmers, hauliers, dealers etc, we went from strength to strength. The Mart reached approx 30.000 animals leading into 2024. We also purchased land, a new car park was made and is available to the townspeople of Kanturk. A car wash operates on ground owned by the mart. And of course, we have a tremendous staff operating.
The biggest obstacle we faced or are facing is the change in farming. Many changes have occurred in my time. You had a lot more farmers before - time has caught up with many of them, both dairy
I have known Seamus since 2015 when I first joined the Glen Theatre Banteer Drama group. Since then, we have often shared the stage together. I even worked in the mart for a few months in 2016. They had just introduced a new system of scanning the cards for calves being brought in. I was brought in to work this new technology but got to explore the many other aspects that make up the mart. We touched on Seamus’ retirement in our last issue but I wanted to get more in depth with the man and someone I proudly call a friend. He didn’t disappoint. The two Seamus'; Seamus with Tadhg's father, Seamus Curtin a patron of the mart for many years
My first job was to try and get livestock for the mart. The number of animals going through the mart had diminished up to that point; 7000 had gone through in 1999 which was not
Community News
and suckler. There are obviously many customers for cattle but not enough people, small farmers, farmers doing it as a pastime. It seems many see it more viable to rent out their land rather than farm it themselves. This is an issue that needs to be addressed What was rewarding about my time as manager? Well, I enjoyed every day there. Working with great people. This includes my
colleague and the person taking over from me, Colette O’Connell. The mart was so lucky to get her. She is a fantastic human being, great at dealing with people. She is fair with everyone, likes to help everyone. I have no doubt she will do a great job as the new manager.
I guess what was and is rewarding in my opinion is that you can’t give 100% to a job you don’t
like, and I loved my job. I loved dealing with and helping people. There is a lot of annoying red tape caught up with farming now and some find it hard. We have often been in a great position to help those with an issue. Since my stepping down as manager, the correspondence from those we helped as well as patrons from over the years has been overwhelming.”
Seamus said a few words to the crowd on the day of the 2024 Fat Stock show with the newly appointed manager, Collette O'Connell.
Seamus is still on the committee so he will still be connected with the mart. Jokingly, he says that while he is still around to lend a hand, Colette is the boss and for the first time, he will have to do what HE is told!
We ended our conversation with Seamus sending lovely compliments from his 96 year old uncle in Dublin. His uncle had just received our Christmas edition of Discover Duhallow that Seamus had sent him. It featured a family picture of Seamus and his family from the 2024 Fat Stock show. Seems fitting but as I talked with him, a man that helped revitalise an institution that is now retired, is not sitting idly by. To paraphrase the Danny Aiello television show from the 90s, Dellaventura, if you need him, he’ll be around.
Seamus with the wonderful office staff Collette O'Connell, Liz O'Connor, Geraldine O'Sullivan, Michelle Hallihan, and Noreen O'Leary
Seamus with long time patron Denis Frawley
Seamus with John Cott, former Chairman of Kanturk Mart
Community News
Celebrating A Jubilee Year of Hope
By TOM DENNEHY
In Rome, on Christmas Eve at Midnight Mass, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica and with that he inaugurated the Jubilee Year of Hope, 2025.
What is a Jubilee Year?
In the Catholic Church, a Jubilee or Holy Year is a special year of forgiveness and reconciliation in which people are invited to come back to a loving relationship with God, with one another, and with all of Creation.
The jubilee is celebrated every 25 years and at its core, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. The theme of this jubilee is to be Pilgrims of Hope, to renew our faith and be messengers of hope in a troubled world, a world very much in need of hope. In his Christmas Mass, Pope Francis said that we receive the task of encouraging where hope has been lost, dreams have been shattered, lives have been overcome by adversity, people have no strength to carry on and where people are weary, lonely, oppressed or broken hearted.
It is a time of giving an expression of praise to God, looking back in gratitude at what God has done in our lives and using all the positive gifts God has given to us. The jubilee is a time associated with rest and relaxation, a reviving of the spirit, a time for taking stock and planning ahead and renewing our resources. We can focus on renewing our faith, rekindling our hope to deepen our love for God and one another.
Hope is not passive. It is something to be actively involved in and transform our own lives.
We are called to be reconcilers and healers. This jubilee calls us to mend broken relationships with God and with our neighbour. We are called on to foster love, understanding and encouragement within our own families and in the wider community.
It is a personal invitation for grace, each of us can recommit to the joyful journey as missionary disciples of Jesus, giving witness in our own lives to what God offers and His mercy to all who are open to receive it.
We are called to a deeper trust in God -the source of our Hope - as we gather in thanksgiving in celebration of Holy Mass and receive the Eucharist, God’s greatest gift to us and listen to the good news of the Gospel.
People go on pilgrimage during a Jubilee year. Pope Francis writes, “Pilgrimages of course are a fundamental element of every Jubilee year. Setting out on a journey is traditionally associated with our human quest for meaning in life. A pilgrimage is a great aid for rediscovering the value of silence, effort and simplicity of life.”A jubilee indulgence can be attached to making a pilgrimage, performing works of mercy and making visits to listed sacred places. They can also be applied to the souls in Purgatory.
Jubilee Logo
The images represent four people from the four corners of the globe; they are embracing each other to illustrate the solidarity between the peoples as the first holds on to the Cross.
The Cross of Christ is the hope that cannot ever be abandoned because we are always in need of it, especially in the most difficult moments.
The rough sea is a reminder
of the difficulties of the pilgrimage of life. Often personal events as well as those of the world press on us intensely, demanding greater hope.
The Cross, in the shape of a sail, is transformed into an anchor that imposes itself over the waves in motion. A universal symbol of hope.
Hope Does Not Disappoint
This hope is not a fleeting hope but a hope that comes from our relationship with God. It is also a moment of personal grace where we can renew our own relationship with Jesus. Pope Francis reminds us that Christian hope is not mere optimism but confident expectation of eternal life promised by Christ. The jubilee is an opportunity to share this confident expectation with a world yearning for hope and to be bearers of light in the darkness of our world.
Prayer for Jubilee Year
Father in Heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom. May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel. May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in a sure expectation of a new Heaven and a new Earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally. Amen.
Time To Get Bare Root Planting
By RACHEL BUDD Horticulturalist, IRD Duhallow
Bareroot season started in mid November and signaled the start of the winter season in the garden. Bareroot plants are trees, hedging and some shrubs that are raised in a field then lifted when they are dormant, between mid November and mid April. They are usually significantly cheaper than plants raised and sold in pots.
Bareroot plants are environmentally friendly; producing a bareroot plant uses less resources, ie. less fertilisers, less compost, less water, less plastic and less transport costs than a pot grown plant.
More varieties are available as stock can be bundled together to be held in nurseries, taking far less space than pot grown plants
By the same token they are economical to send by mail order they can be bundled and packed into each other - several hundred small trees can be delivered in one parcel!
Bareroot plants often get settled in and grow faster than pot grown plants.
However, it is very important not to let the roots dry out. If your plants have arrived before you are ready for them, you must ‘heel them in’ until you have time to plant them. This means that you must dig a hole and place your
plants in it up to the soil level on the stems. You can put hundreds of trees into one hole so it is not too arduous. Make sure you back fill the hole with soil. Trees can be left like this for several months but must still be planted within the dormant season or they will not establish well.
Here at IRD Duhallow, we have a wide selection of bareroot trees, hedging and fruit bushes available for community groups as part of our Communities Planting for Biodiversity Project. For more information, please contact Rachel or Rowan at duhallow@ irdduhallow.com or on 02960633
Interest
Walking And Talking Confidently Into 2025
The Rural Community Health Project in IRD Duhallow plays a vital role in providing people in the region with the opportunity of joining a group and providing them with an opportunity to get fit and healthy through the ‘Walking and Social Group’ or the opportunity to socialize and have a chat through the ‘Reading for the Brain’ Book club.
These groups provide opportunities for locals to engage in activities that promote mental and physical well-being, contributing to healthier and more active communities.
Joining a club or group helps you meet new people with shared interests, fostering meaningful friendships and expanding one’s social network. Clubs offer a supportive environment where you can feel connected, valued, and understood, contributing to overall positive emotional well-being and improving mental health.
Rural Community Groups help bridge gaps in social isolation and social services, ensuring that even remote areas remain vibrant and resilient. In many rural areas, people can experience social isolation due to geographic distance and a lack of public services. Community groups provide vital social connections, helping to combat loneliness and creating a supportive network for people in the Duhallow region.
The ‘Walking and Social Group’ meet on Monday at the Island
Wood in Newmarket at 12pm -1pm for a 30 min walk or 60 min walk. On a Wednesday the group meet at 11am in the Island Wood for a walk and afterwards at 12pm in IRD Duhallow for a well-deserved cup of tea and a scone.
The ‘Reading for the Brain’ Book club meet every Tuesday from 2.30pm – 3.30pm for book discussion and refreshments also.
Both groups are open to new members at any time throughout the year.
To register and join any of these groups, please contact Elmarie at 029 60633 or Elmarie.young@ irdduhallow.com
Members of the IRD Duhallow Walking & Social group on a walk in Killarney National Park.
Members of the Reading for the Brain Book Club with Rural Community Health Worker Elmarie Young celebrating World Book Day.
‘Roger’s Final Farewell’ Has The Crowds Laughing
By TADHG CURTIN
The Glen Theatre Banteer Drama Group saw a triumphant finish to 2024 with the debut of the late writer Seán Buckley’s solo work, Roger’s Final Farewell Directed by Tadhg O’Keeffe, the comedy follows the Johnson household with matriarch Aggie and her two daughters; Hazel and Purdly. They are mourning the recent death of household patriarch Roger. However, his drinking and gambling debts are revealed, throwing the home into disarray. A collection of strange characters in and out of the house, including a confused Irish War of Independence veteran Grandfather with a ‘strong patriotic devotion to Ireland’, only adds to the hilarious chaos. So far, the play has been a resounding success with audiences flocking to the Glen for a night of laughter.
Seán Buckley was a native of Ballydesmond. According to The Glen Theatre’s Tadhg O’Keeffe, he was a talented man in many avenues. He was gifted in the arena of building, having worked
in the architectural, plumbing, and electrical side of the industry. He even looked after animals in Coolwood Park in Killarney. However, Seán had another talent that not many people knew about, and that was his gift of writing. Seán passed to his eternal reward in 2023. When announcing his death on rip.ie, his family posted with it the following sentiment:
“To us you were someone special, someone set apart, your memory will live forever, engraved within our hearts.”
Roger’s Final Farewell is Seán’s only work but he can include that in his legacy. It can be considered
his masterpiece. The Glen Theatre Drama Group would love to thank Seán and his wonderful family, for the privilege of bringing his hilarious words to life for the first time. Thank you for the laughter, Seán! Here’s to Roger’s Final Farewell causing a lot of it!
Roger’s Final Farewell plans to continue its run of performances this January. For more information or to book tickets, phone 029 56239.
Rogers Final Farewell in The Glen Theatre
January 17th, 19th and 26th
February 1st and 3rd
The cast of Roger’s Final Farewell - Seated L-R: Tadhg O’Keeffe, Laura Dunlea, Eileen Houlihan, Pat O’Brien, Dan Joe O’Keeffe, Denis O’Connell, Patrick O’Callaghan, Seamus O’Keeffe, Seán O’Riordan, Diarmuid Cronin(inset). Couple dancing: Niamh Brosnan and John O’Sullivan.
MC Himmy Noonan addresses the audience following a performance
Bring A Better You Into The New Year
By ALICE O’BRIEN Alice O’Brien Counselling, Newmarket
The festive season is behind us and we have entered a new year. As always with a new year, we are faced with a bombarding amount to messages about changing our lifestyles, becoming a better version of ourselves, starting new fitness routines, and eating plans. We are told that the version of ourselves up until now is not good enoughwe must be better, we must be thinner, we must be fitter, we must be healthier.
But, what if the person we are up until December 31st is ok? What if that version of us has served us well, do we really need to overhaul everything? Do we really
need to throw out the old us to create a new version?
Of course not, but if we want to make improvements then that’s ok. Set some new year’s resolutions that will improve the existing you;
• Habit stacking is a great way to add healthy routines to your existing routine. For example, if you wanted to start meditation, try doing a two minute practice after your breakfast.
• Another great new year’s resolution is to work on selfgrowth or self-development. Examples could be to try some daily journaling- there are lots of great prompts and ideas for starting available online now. Self-growth can also include a commitment to read more or learn something new.
• Health and wellness are
always areas that we focus on at the beginning of the year as we shake off the excesses of Christmas. So, start a sustainable exercise planwalking or yoga or planning healthier meals.
• Focusing on relationships and connection can also be an area to work on in the New Year. Start an evening class or group activity. Join a voluntary group or visit the library more. Make a plan to meet up with friends more regularly.
January doesn’t always have to be bleak if we let go of the resolutions that ridicule the person we are. It can be a time for positive growth if we allow it to be.
Stay Well This Cold and Flu Season with These Natural Remedies
By MAIREAD O’KEEFFE New Leaf Health Store
Cold and flu season is well and truly here, so we’ve rounded up some remedies to help you stay healthy—or recover quickly if you’ve already caught a bug.
Boosting Your Immunity
Start with Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin. Even if you’re getting outside, winter’s weak sun and extra layers mean you’re likely not absorbing enough. Keep supplementing with options like Pharmanord’s Bioactive D Pearls for a reliable boost.
Your gut health is key too—80% of your immune system is there! NaturesPlus Immune Microbiome
packs 19 strains of beneficial bacteria to support both digestion and immunity.
Vitamin C is another must-have. Somega’s Liposomal Vitamin C is a family-friendly, great-tasting liquid that’s highly bioavailable— perfect for fighting off colds.
Echinacea can also help shorten the duration of colds and viruses. It comes as a throat spray, tincture, or tablets, so it’s easy to add to your routine.
Relieving Symptoms
For blocked noses, Viridian’s Horseradish & Garlic Complex is a game-changer. It also contains Vitamin C and zinc for an extra immune boost.
FireTonic is a fantastic allin-one herbal remedy. Made
with raw apple cider vinegar, turmeric, ginger, cayenne, and local East Cork honey, it’s loaded with immune boosters and antiinflammatories.
For Coughs and Congestion
A Vogel Ivy Thyme Complex is a simple yet effective remedy—just add a few drops to water. For extra help, Dr Clare Apothecary’s Mucotone or Congestion formulas use herbs carefully selected to ease symptoms and support recovery.
If you’re feeling under the weather, pop in to see us or order online for these natural remedies. Let’s get through the season feeling our best!
Crossword sponsored by Duhallow Community Food Services
Across
1. Assortment (7)
5. Group of insects (5)
8. Large herbivorous mammal (5)
9. Pagan (7)
10. Unfeigned (7)
11. Ledge (5)
12. Lifted (6)
14. Appraise (6)
17. Notions (5)
19. Fruit (7)
21. Direction (7)
22. Taut or rigid (5)
24. Days of the month (5)
25. Embroiled (7)
Down
1. Chart (3)
2. Inert gas (5)
3. Dissimilar (7)
4. Reverberated (6)
5. Photos (5)
6. Attain (7)
7. Public declaration (9)
10. Decorated food (9)
13. Imprecise (7)
15. Abridge (7)
16. Captured (6)
18. Secret agents (5)
20. Invalidate (5)
23. Conclusion (3)
Solution: Issue 129, December 20th, 2025
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, JANUARY 17th 2025.
First correct entry drawn will win a €20 voucher, valid for three months from date of issue, to be redeemed for food at the Duhallow Community Food Services. No cash alternative. Winner will be named in subsequent issue of Discover Duhallow. One entry per person. No correspondence will be entered into. Voucher to be collected from Duhallow Community Food Services, Newmarket. WINNER
Congratulations to Eileen Madigan, Kanturk who wins a €20 voucher for Duhallow Community Food Services!
