CELEBRATE COMMUNITY SPIRIT AT NEWMARKET CLUBS DAY!
The Newmarket Community Clubs Day, was held in The Culturlann on Sunday 19th January 2024. This event provided a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the diverse range of clubs, organisations and committees that contribute to the local community. The purpose of the day was to showcase the activities and initiatives of these groups, attendees had the chance to connect with local groups, discover new interests, and consider joining as members. The event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the diverse activities and initiatives that make our community thrive. ■See pages 14-15
Wildflowers of Newmarket
Duhallow News
Mallow Adult Learning Centre.
Do you need help with reading, writing, spelling and numeracy?
Do you know someone that needs help?
If so, we can help.
Contact the adult learning centre for more information. 022 42642 Monday - Thursday 9 30am - 1 30pm Friday 9am – 12 00pm
Top floor, Parish centre, Mallow
Duhallow News
Editors Note
As we find ourselves nearing the end of the first month of the new year, we are excited to bring you the latest issue of Discover Duhallow. Inside, you’ll find a look at the Tullylease Mock Wedding, a delightful event that combined humour and tradition in a memorable celebration. We cover Newmarket Clubs Day, showcasing clubs and organizations throughout the community. We also feature the latest updates from Millstreet C.S., highlighting student achievements. Enjoy an exclusive interview with Shane Sweetnam, offering a dive into his career and accomplishments. We hope you enjoy this issue. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to bringing you more stories and updates in the months ahead!
Email: Discoverduhallow@irdduhallow.com
Phone: 029-60633
Facebook: Discover Duhallow Magazine
Instagram: Discoverduhallowmag - Brendon
Duhallow News
Happy New Year to all from Tureencahill Bridge Club. Bridge recommences in Tureencahill Community Centre on Wednesday January 15th 1pm to 4pm. All welcome. ABOVE: Club members enjoying their Christmas Bridge.
Daniel Cashman feeding the Ducks in Banteer Ivy Browne Enjoying the Snow Day in Knocknagree
Kilcorney woman Emma Dennehy did a fascinating talk with the Cork Literary and Scientific Society Lessons in resilience with the Iberian wolf
Denis Gayer, Nora Foley, and Rev Fr Pat Scanlan cut the cake at the Castlemagner Annual Sinsir Christmas Party.
Percival Street, Kanturk, Co. Cork. P51 HR29 Office: 02950081 Mobile: 0861638571 Email: kanturk@auctionmarts.com - Licence No: 002841
Dairy Sale
Saturday January 25th @ 12 noon
Full Clearance Sale of 35 Dairy Cows & In-Calf Heifers all AI Bred & some in-calf to FR Sexed Semen for Mr. James Taylor, Kilcaskin, Kanturk who is retiring from Dairy Farming. This herd has been built up over the years using AI Bulls Herd Avg: 1280gls, Milk Solids: 436kg, Butterfat: 4.26, Protein: 3.44, SCC: 182 followed by 26 In-Calf Heifers for Mr. Pat O' Keeffe, O' Keeffe's Farm, Killowen, Newmarket who is selling his in-calf heifers following on from his clearance sale of cows in Jan 24. All scanned in calf to AA on 06.12.24 & calving Jan - Mid-March. TB Test 06.12.24
Vaccinated for Salmonella, Lepto & IBR. All heifers are cubicle & parlour trained. Herd Avg: 1410gls, Butterfat: 3.91, Protein: 3.60, Avg EBI 140
Celebrating Success: QQI Level 5 Early Childhood Education and Healthcare Classes Complete Their First Semester
QQI Level 5 Early Childhood Education class captured during Christmas Lunch at DCFS, celebrating the completion of their first semester.
QQI Level 5 Healthcare class captured at IRD Duhallow, celebrating upcoming Christmas and the completion of their first semester.
Congratulations to North Cork AC Under 10 team, who came in second at the recent Cork County Cross Country Relay races held in Bweeng/Laharn on Sunday January 12th, 2025, L-R Danny Hughes, Bill McAuliffe, Mark Cussen, Dylan Gleason. Fanahan McSweeney AC brought home the gold. Also a huge well done to the organizers of the event, it would not have been such a success without the help of local volunteers.
Duhallow News
They’ve dusted off the sign! Banteer 5 Mile will take place on the 9th of March at 10am. Entries are selling fast and the first 200 will get a free buff! Scan the QR code to sign up
This Tuesday, 21st Jan. 2025 an enthusiastic group of Supporters from Millstreet Parish travelled from West End, Millstreet to the University of Limerick in support of Darragh Cashman who captains the UL Team in the Sigerson Cup Match. Darragh’s father, John and Coordinator supreme, Mag O’Connor are among those travelling.
Duhallow News
Wedding Fever in Tullylease
Tullylease was the place to be on Saturday 28th December as Wedding Fever hit the village. The cast were on fire, the crowd was buzzing and Áine and Eamon finally said “I do” as did DanJoe & Rosie!! Many weeks of planning and rehearsals culminated in an unforgettable night in the village. A huge thank you to all involved, the cast & crew, those who helped set up the hall, Imelda Buckley for an amazing meal and Stokes Bar for hosting the reception. Special word of thanks to neighbouring community councils in Milford, Meelin and Dromcollogher who helped us out for the event as well as the Devon Inn Hotel and The Woodlands House Hotel who were also a great support. And finally thank you to everyone who bought a ticket. Without all your involvement and support an event like this would not be possible. We hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did. All proceeds will go towards a new preschool/after-school premises in the village. The support for the wedding and the prize draw has been phenomenal so far so thank you again.
The brides and grooms of Wedding Fever! (L-R)Eamon, Áine, DanJoe & Rosie played by Edward O’Connor, Annie Daly, Killian Cahill & Joanne O’Flaherty.
Eamon & Áine cutting the wedding cake. The amazing cake was made by Ann Gorman, Tullylease.
(L-R) Fr. Maurice Moynihan,Groomsman DanJoe, Bestman Kevin & Groom Eamon played by Mossy Noonan, Killian Cahill, Robert Gore & Edward O’Connor.
Full house in Tullylease Community Hall for Wedding Fever.
Duhallow News
Best Man Kevin played by Robert Gore entertaining the crowd with his speech.
(L-R) Bridesmaid wannabe Josie and official bridesmaids Mary & Lizzie played by Josephine Daly, Mary Collins and Aisling Stokes.
(L-R) Father and mother of the groom Martin & Joan Clancy with parish priest Fr Paddy Murphy. Characters played by Mort Madden, Michelle O’Gorman and Pat Murphy.
Father and mother of the bride Willie and Margaret O’ Brien, played by Liam Gorman and Hannah O’Connor, enjoying the lovely meal.
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 on thethe 2nd Wednesday of the month 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.
Adult Badminton
Adult Badminton is back for the season in Banteer community centre Mon from 8-9:30. All welcome. New players of all abilities welcome
Adult Social Dancing Classes with Norella
Time: Thursday evenings from 8.30pm to 10pm.
Venue: Rockchapel Community Centre
Cost: €10 pay as you go
A great social evening as well as a great way to stay fit and active. All are welcome.
Newmarket
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.
Athletic Club Training
Sunday mornings 10am
Duhallow Athletic Club training takes place in the Island Wood. All fitness levels and 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.
For Parents
Donoughmore
Parent and Toddler Group
Donoughmore Community Hall
Stuake, Co. Cork, P32WD9
Monday 9.30 - 11.30
Millstreet
Parent and Toddler Group
GAA Hall, Millstreet, Co. Cork
P51V577 Monday 9.30am-12pm
Rockchapel
Baby and Toddler Group
Rockchapel Community Centre
Thursday 10am-12pm
Newtownshandrum
Parent and Toddler Group
Community Hall, Newtownshandrum, Charleville. Friday 10am-11am
Newmarket Breastfeeding Support Group
Time: 11.00am to 12.00pm.
Venue: First Floor, Newmarket Primary Care Centre, Newmarket. Facilitated by PHN. Just drop in or phone 02961500. Breastfeeding mums and expectant mums are welcome.
Over 55s Keep Fit Class with Darragh
Time: Every Wednesday evening @ 7pm.
Venue: Rockchapel Community Centre
Cost: €10 pay as you go
Gig Guide
Family Fun Bingo Night
Gneeveguilla Basketball Club are hosting a Family Fun Bingo Night
Time: Sunday January 25th @ 6.30 pm
Venue: Gneeveguilla GAA Hall
Lots of money to be won!
Raffle on the night with lots of prizes. Games, fun and great entertainment guaranteed! Everybody Welcome
Marian Players Rathmore Panto 2025
Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs
Time: Saturday January 25th, Wednesday 29th, Thursday 30th, Saturday 1st February. Night shows at 7:30 & Matinées Sunday January 26th & February 1st at 3pm
Venue: Rathmore Community Centre
Booking: 0862031730. The office adjacent to the hall will be open from 1-30pm to 5-30pm Monday to Saturday from Thursday January 16th onwards and will have the booked tickets ready for collection otherwise they can be collected at the hall door before showtime. All proceeds to Kerry Parents & Friends Association
Glen Theatre Events
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
Wed 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).
Sat 8th March Reggie from the Blackrock Road is on the case with his Masters in Irish Mortification. All shows 8pm booking 029 56239
Miracle Prayer
Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favours, this time I ask for this special one (mention favour). Take it dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your heart, where your father sees it, then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour not mine. Amen. (Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never known to fail.
Tony Hayes
January 4th, 1943 - February 02, 2024
In loving memory o
The Newly Formed Aubane Drama Group Presents
‘Darby O’Gill & The Little People’
Venue:
Aubane Community Centre, P51 EP49
Dates: January 31st & February 1st, 8pm
Admission: €15, Under 18s - €5
Booking Essential To Book Tickets, Phone 085 784 7879
Newmarket Clubs
Photos by SHEILA FITZGERALD
CONT’D FROM COVER
A total of 25 clubs/ groups attended, each bringing energy and creativity to share. Their participation played a key role in the event’s success, offering attendees a chance to connect with local groups and discover the many ways to get involved.
We thank IRD Duhallow for generously providing refreshments. A special thank you also to The Cultúrlann for providing the fantastic venue and the CYMS for additional tables.
Finally, our thanks go to the clubs/groups themselves for their active involvement and dedication. Events like this highlight the strength of our community, and we look forward to seeing these clubs continue to grow and thrive with the support of new members. Thank you to everyone who made the day such a success!
Further work is continuing in this regard, a Community Meeting (open to all) will be scheduled in the coming weeks to provide further updates.
Rita Guiney, Eleanor Burke, Sheila Buike and Mary Guiney of the Knitting & Crochet Group pictured with their Blankets of Hope
Eoin Stan O’ Sullivan, Ross McAuliffe, Kathleen Angland and Raymond O’ Sullivan represented the Monday Night Music Sessions.
Award winning Actor and Newmarket native Michael Patric was representing the Cultúrlann Cinema Club
Clubs Day Is A Hit!
Alison Fitzpatrick, Mike Flynn and Mark O’ Sullivan represented Newmarket Pipe Band
First Responders Eileen McAuliffe, Annemarie Byrne and Sandra Jones
Newmarket Ladies Football Club
Mossie Angland and Morty O’ Keeffe of the Cultúrlann Committee
Treasa O’ Reilly, Kathleen Murphy, Goretti Cronin and Jim Cronin of the Church Choir
Ollie Dugdale and Maura Sheahan of Newmarket Development Association
Upcoming Events
The 2025 Marian Players Production of Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs is set to take place at the Rathmore Community Centre on Jan 25th, 29th and 30th and on Feb 1st at 7.30pm, with Matinée performances on Jan 26th and Feb 2nd at 3pm. The office adjacent to the hall will be open 1-30pm to 5-30pm Monday to Saturday, Thursday January 16th onwards for booked tickets collection otherwise they can be collected at the door before showtime. All proceeds to Kerry Parents & Friends Association booking office: 0852031730.
Pictured is Snow White(Jayme Linehan) with the 7 Dwarfs - Orlaith Murphy, Genie O’ Leary, Pawel Swies, David Reen, Matt O’ Riordan, Brian Kelly and Mike Cronin.
Millstreet C.S. News Update
Millstreet Community School Hosts Inaugural ACCS Schools Debating Competition
Millstreet, 20 January 2025 – Millstreet Community School was delighted to host the inaugural ACCS Schools Debating Competition today, welcoming students from across the region for a day of engaging and thought-provoking debates. Teams from Millstreet Community School, Boherbue Comprehensive School, Blackwater Community School, and Ballincollig Community School took part in the event, showcasing their critical thinking and public speaking skills in a highly competitive and lively atmosphere. The event was organised by Adrian Jackson, Principal of Carrick-on-Shannon Community School, with adjudication provided by Mr. Jackson alongside Mary O’Sullivan and John Irwin. Their expertise and guidance were invaluable in ensuring a fair and high-quality competition.
Speaking after the event, representatives from Millstreet Community School expressed their delight at hosting the competition. “It was fantastic to see such wonderful student engagement and to welcome so many visitors to our school,” said a spokesperson. “Debating is an essential skill that encourages students to think critically and articulate their views with confidence, and today’s competition truly highlighted their talents.”
The ACCS Schools Debating Competition aims to foster intellectual discourse among students while promoting collaboration and healthy competition between schools. Given the success of this inaugural event, there is great anticipation for future editions of the competition.
Millstreet Community School extends its gratitude to all participants, adjudicators, and organisers for making the event a memorable one.
Finally, congratulations to the teams that successfully progressed to the next round of the competition. Their impressive performances and well-structured arguments stood out in a field of strong contenders. We wish them the very best of luck in the upcoming rounds and look forward to seeing how they continue to develop their debating skills.
Huge Award for M.C.S Young Scientists
A huge congratulations to our tremendous trio of Anna Buckley, Saoirse Kiely and Meabh Casey who claimed third spot in this year’s B.T Young Scientist Intermediate Competition with their project “An assessment of the reliability of weather proverbs in a time of climate change”
This is a massive achievement for the three girls and for all involved with them and their project, in particular Mr. Shane Guerin who has done a lot of work with the girls during the year.
Millstreet Community Schools had a strong Representation of Young Scientists at this year’s show They had a busy few days in the R.D.S. Where our 3 groups were delighted with proceedings, and they impressed their respective judging panels with each of their Projects.
The second day was open to the public and our students got the opportunity to present their highquality work to interested parties. Daniel and the girls met loads of people and even had the opportunity to present their phenomenal work to An Taoiseach in waiting Micheál Martin.
This is a huge experience for the students involved and nothing short of an outstanding achievement for our school to have 6 students with 3 projects representing us so well on the national stage. Well done to the students, their parents and their supporting teachers on this fantastic achievement.
Daniel Bourke Picture with Micheal Martin at this year’s BTYSE in the R.D.S
MCS students Evelyn Smith and Kate Lynch Present their work to An Taoiseach in waiting.
Health
Snow Far Snow Good
By ALICE O’BRIEN Alice O’Brien Counselling, Newmarket
As it is still January, it is still considered the New Year. And what a January it has been so far. It is fair to say that for a lot of us we have never experienced the snow of 2025. Snow that covered our cars, blocked all our roads, knocked down our guttering and closed our schools. The snow of 2025 grounded us all it is fair to say. But, it was fun too, no school, snowmen the likes of which we have never seen before, young enterprising lads in Newmarket building their future lad-pad in the form of an igloo and children sliding
for yards on all sorts of household items- bin lids, plastic bags, even the odd, illegally obtained election posters still around since November. A real positivity during this week of dramatic weather was seeing the way a community came together. Rural meeting urban with farmers coming in to rescue the town folks by ploughing our streets, Cork Council workers gritting all night, Postmen calling to the elderly and isolated, local farmers clearing car parks for people to access a Doctors surgery. There are countless examples of these ways that a crisis brought us together. It would be impossible to thank everyone, so a collective community thanks will have to be enough. There are many benefit to doing
this. It builds morale as it can boost the over-all sense of purpose in the community by spreading gratitude. Thanking people also builds a positive community culture creating a ripple effect of kindness. It validates the time and effort put in to helping out. Showing gratitude can also encourage future involvement, valuing someone’s contribution can encourage continued efforts.
The message is clear- in times of crisis we come together in strength and we need to remember that. Personally, the next time I’m stuck behind a farmer, in a tractor doing their work- I will remember the tractor that cleared my road on January 2025 and I will be glad of them.
Optimum Nutrition: Boost Your Performance and Recovery
By MAIREAD O’KEEFFE New Leaf Health Store
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Protein is essential for postworkout recovery, and Optimum Nutrition offers a range of whey and vegan protein options. Consuming enough protein helps repair muscle damage, promote muscle growth, and prepare you for your next challenge. It may also support
a healthy metabolism, reduce appetite, and aid fat loss while preserving muscle mass. For convenience and quality, Optimum Nutrition products deliver the boost you need to excel—no matter your goals.
WIN AN OPTIMUM NUTRITION HAMPER CONTAINING THESE THREE GREAT PRODUCTS - To enter, email: hello@newleafonline. ie before 10th February with your name and contact number (you will be added to our emailing list)
Pitch Perfect: Duhallow Youth and Public Speaking
By NOLLAIG MURPHY Development Officer, IRD Duhallow
Following on from IRD Duhallow’s recent Public Speaking for National School event, we are delighted to present our fourth installment from the excellent speeches we heard at our closing ceremony in October. One of our participants chose to speak on the topic of local history; In this issue, we will hear about The History of Newmarket Town, by Robyn Murphy.
The History Of Newmarket Town
Have you ever been to Newmarket? Newmarket is a small town situated in North County Cork. It is located in a beautiful area of Northwest County Cork bordering counties Kerry and Limerick. It was founded in the 17th century and is historically known as Áth Trasna. It originated as a market town in the area of Duhallow. It was founded in 1620 when King James 1 of England gave a license to Sir Richard Aldworth to hold markets and fairs. This historic year marks the official birthday of Newmarket town. The Irish form for Newmarket is Áth Trasna, which means the crossing of the ford.
Sir Richard Aldworth’s ancestors remained closely tied to the town until the 1920 and what once was the Aldworth family home or Newmarket Court, still stands overlooking the town. In 1927 the religious order, the Sisters of St. Joseph, took over the building and they remained in Newmarket for 46 years. The building is now known as the James O’Keeffe Memorial Institute, and it now accommodates the rural development company IRD Duhallow. Many activities take place in this building, and it is a very busy place.
Some notable people came from Newmarket. The famous solicitor and speaker John Philpott Curran was born in Newmarket. Beautiful sculptures can be found about people associated with the town, including Sarah Curran, youngest daughter of John Philpott
Curran who was associated with Irish Patriot Robert Emmet. The wonderful writer Alice Taylor, famous for her book of memoirs, To School Through The Fields is from Newmarket.
There are five streets in Newmarket Town and on one of these streets there is a Cultúrlann, where many cultural events take
By ROBYN MURPHY, Newmarket G.N.S.
place. Newmarket has its own anthem which most people who live in the town know, it is called ‘Up Up Newmarket’.
Newmarket is a small place, but a great place. I hope you all liked hearing about the town and if you get a chance, you should pay it a visit.
Then vs. Now: (TOP) Newmarket early 1900s. From a series of postcards of the town. (BOTTOM) The same town today.
Behind the Reins: Shane Sweetnam Speaks with Kevin O’Connor
By KEVIN O’CONNOR 2003 & 2023 Special Olympian World Athlete
Shane Sweetnam, an accomplished Irish showjumper, has made a significant mark on the international equestrian scene. Competing in the 2020 Summer Olympics and numerous prestigious competitions. When you were small did you always want to be a show Jumper?
I have ridden since I was 4 or 5 and I know I started competing at 7 yrs old. Between education and other sports, GAA with Castlemagner at the same time. So I had a lot of things going but probably realized after college at around 22 years old that I wanted to do it professionally. Who got you into riding horses? My parents Maria and Jerry Sweetnam. Being the youngest of five and all of them rode and my parents having a real passion for horses and showjumping, it became part of my everyday life very early. Who was your very first coach? At the start my parents, that was the way back then. Now there is a lot more coaching systems in place. But since I turned professional I have been lucky to have had some very good coaches like Roelof Bril(Holland), Margie Engle(Usa) and the famous Gerry Mullins(Irish army rider). When did you start jumping around the world?
I started competing in Europe when I was about 15 on ponies. Then a bit in in Europe also in juniors. But probably more seriously Internationally when I started jumping on the senior Irish team when I was 26 with the great horse, Amaretto Darco. What kind of training and dieting do you have to do?
I like to run and workout at least 3 times a week. As I get older, it’s
important to have a good core and I also think it’s great for my head. Diet wise, I try to keep it simple and healthy enough. But I do have a sweet tooth. lol. What kind of the course have you never jumped in?
I have been lucky in my career that I have competed at all the major shows in the world and done all the championships. Very lucky.
Tell me about James Kann Cruz and Alejandro. What kind of Pedigree do they have?
James kann Cruz is an Irish bred horse from Galway. He is really special and loves the big occasion. He loves the job.
Alejandro is German bred. Who is retired at home in Castlemagner now. He was a very talented horse and had so many great results. If you did do a Show jumping charitable event what would it be?
I always try to support Down syndrome charities because of my brother Diarmuid.
So if it’s special Olympics or Down syndrome Ireland or st Joseph’s foundation, all great charities. In the sport of Show Jumping who is your legend of all time? Eddie Macken of course. I think any Irish rider would say Eddie,
a legend in the sport all over the world and most importantly a gentleman.
Did you jump under the Manager of Robert Splaine? What kind of Manager was he?
Robert gave me my debut on the Irish team and more caps after and I will always appreciate those opportunites.
Tell me all about your first Olympics.
Tokyo was a very hard experience but you have to learn from these experiences and get stronger. So this time around we are coming back stronger and in good form to do our best.
What kind of transport and gear do you have to carry over different competitions all over the world and what is your favourite horse?
So from USA to Europe, the horses fly on containers made into standing stalls for the horses. Then they travel by horse trucks from place to place.
They get looked after impeccably by their grooms Maria Israelsson and Seamus Mckeever. They get worked out, field and spa everyday.
Like my kids they are all my favorite lol.
Shane Sweetam, originally from Castlemagner, and his Irish Sport Horse
James Kann Cruz
Little Nellie of Holy God
By TOM DENNEHY
Ellen Organ, known as Little Nellie of Holy God, was an Irish child born in August 1903 with an extraordinary knowledge and insight into the real presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. After her mother died, Nellie was raised by the Good Shepherd Sisters in Cork who noticed her close relationship with God. She would have visions and conversations with the Child Jesus. She loved to visit the chapel which she called the House of Holy God and was fascinated by the statues and images on display and in particular the Stations of the Cross. When told the story of the suffering and death of Jesus, she burst into tears. She developed a mysterious awareness of the Blessed Sacrament. She could tell if her carers had received Holy Communion.
Nellie receives Holy Communion
The child soon began to ask to receive Holy Communion. She longed to receive Holy God, as she called Him. At first the sisters hesitated- she was too young for the sacrament. Wondering if she understood what the Eucharist was, they observed her at prayer in the chapel and saw that she was captivated by the tabernacle, which she usually referred to as the lock up. Ellen had been born in the army barracks, where the prison was called the lock up. Upon seeing the Eucharist in the
tabernacle, she regarded Jesus as the prisoner in the lock up. During Mass when her carers came back from Communion, the child would ask them to kiss her so she could somehow share in their Communion. The sisters spoke to a Jesuit priest who ministered to the community and while he was hesitant, he decided to come and speak to the child. After spending some time with her, he came to the conclusion that she had reached the age of reason even at an extraordinary young age. He brought the matter to the Bishop, who after thinking about it for a short while, consented and Ellen Organ made her first Holy Communion on December 6, 1907. When asked what Holy Communion was, she said, “Communion is Holy God. I receive Him on my tongue and he goes down into my heart and makes me and the nuns and the other children holy.”
Shortly after her death, St. Pope Pius X lowered the age for First Communion, from 12 years down to 7 years citing Little Nellie as his inspiration.
Between December 1907 and February 1908, Ellen Organ’s health declined. She was in constant pain. Given the times, there was little could be done. The sisters tried to make her as comfortable as possible. Various visitors, including the Bishop of Cork, noticed her fortitude and her intense prayer life. She was constantly happy. At this stage, tuberculosis had set in and she was suffering and found it painful to eat. The mouth disease caused a horrible odour which her caregivers treated with disinfectant. She did not complain of the pain that this caused her as she, holding the crucifix in her
small hands, contemplated the pain that Christ endured during The Crucifixion, stating, “Poor Holy God. Poor Holy God.” It was noted by the sisters and nurses that when she began receiving Holy Communion the smell totally disappeared. All she wanted at this stage was to receive Communion. She was also aware that she was going to die soon and this did not trouble her. It made her happy – in fact she was looking forward to it.
Nellie’s Death
She died on February 2, 1908 after four years of life. Witnesses said she appeared to see something at the foot of her bed which caused her to smile and her eyes to well with tears. She followed that something with her eyes looking overhead when she died.
She was buried in St Joseph’s Cemetery in Cork and a year later when her body was exhumed, it was found to be incorrupt, just as the day of her burial, with her dress and communion veil like new.
Her grave attracted visitors from all over Ireland and as a result, her remains were transferred to the Cemetery of The Good Shepherd Sisters in Sunday’s Well, Cork.
Little Nellie of Holy God is patron and a model for all our children who will receive their First Holy Communion this year. She is an inspiration to all teachers who are currently preparing them and an encouragement to all parents who support them. Let us hope that they too will grow to love Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament just as Little Nellie did.
We continue to pray for the beatification of little Nellie of Holy God.
Duhallow News
Crossword sponsored by Duhallow Community Food Services
Across
1. Anteater (8)
4. Parts of a play (4)
8. Unfathomable (7)
10. Declare invalid (5)
11. Permit (5)
12. Mariner (7)
13. Denunciation (6)
15. Polar region (6)
19. Amalgamated (7)
21. Publish (5)
23. Din (5)
24. Aromatic herb (7)
25. Hazard (4)
26. Edible snail (8)
Down
1. Intransigent (7)
2. Majestic (5)
3. Gusto (6)
5. Devise or invent (7)
6. Storage towers (5)
7. Cab (4)
9. Darned (5)
14. Dried grapes (7)
16. Salary increase (5)
17. Cigar (7)
18. Detestable (6)
19. Relating to an arm bone (5)
20. Notion (4)
22. Vernacular (5)
Solution: Issue 130, January 10th, 2025
Duhallow News Duhallow News Duhallow News
To be in with a chance to win
Complete the crossword and post with your name and contact details to:
Discover Duhallow Puzzle Competition, James O’Keeffe Institute Newmarket, Co. Cork
Or simply scan completed puzzle or take a snap with your phone email to discoverduhallow@irdduhallow.com
Terms & Conditions:
Deadline for submissions is noon on Friday, JANUARY 31st, 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 Kathleen O’Brien, Rathmore who wins a €20 voucher for Duhallow Community Food Services!
