134: 7th March, 2025
EMPOWERING THE FUTURE MEP Billy Kelleher Connects with Duhallow Students
Transition year students in Scoil Mhuire and Coláiste Treasa Kanturk gave a warm welcome to Mr. Billy Kelleher MEP for Ireland South on his recent visit to the Duhallow area. Students in both schools had previously participated in educational EU related workshops, delivered and designed, by guest speaker Dr. Brendan O’Keeffe. As part of these events, participating students had developed their knowledge of the history of the European Union and its impacts on Ireland throughout over fifty years of Irish membership. In conjunction with these workshops IRD Duhallow organised
Kelleher MEP with
CEO Maura Walsh, IRD Duhallow Staff Lenora Kelly and Nollaig Murphy with Coláiste Treasa Students Cillian Collins, Rosemarie Moynihan, Ms Veronica Walsh (Principal), Ms Joanne Corkery(Deputy Principal) and Ms Anne Marie Griffin(TY Coordinator)
MEP visits to local post-primary schools. While visiting Kanturk, Mr. Kelleher was greatly impressed by local student’s interest in pressing EU issues and by the wide range of questions posed by groups in Scoil Mhuire and Coláiste Treasa. Wonderful engagement was shown in both schools, with Mr. Kelleher encouraging all present to become active citizens, outlining how this where positive change can often start.
Billy
IRD Duhallow
Editors Note
That extra time in the evenings we are getting is nice, isn’t it? I know the seasons change every year but the nice spell we are getting currently is a wanted antidote to the crazy elements we have gotten so far this year.
We are officially in Spring now! Spring cleaning is on our to do list. If you are planning on painting or getting rid of furniture, why not get in touch with IRD Duhallow Revamp. We would like to highlight their appearance on the February 26th broadcast of RTE’’s Nationwide. The wonderful feature on the enterprise can be found on the RTE Player for one month after its broadcast.
Plenty to check out inside Issue 134. But have a safe and great St. Patrick’s Day weekend. See you on March 21st!
- Tadhg
Email: Discoverduhallow@irdduhallow.com
Phone: 029-60633
Facebook: Discover Duhallow Magazine
Instagram: Discoverduhallowmag
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Duhallow News
Please support
Dromtarriffe Active Retired hosting Daffodil Day 2025 Tea/Coffee Morning
When: 28th March 2025, 10am –1pm
Where: Dromtarriffe Parish Hall
Congratulations to Banteer’s club camogie and football girl Ava on making the Cork u14 Basketball Team 2025.
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
Congratulations to Aisling McAuliffe from Rockchapel who was crowned Munster champion in English Singing u14 at Ceol an Gheimhridh in Cashel recently. She also came away with second place in Irish Singing u14! Aisling is under the tutelage of Elle Marie Dwyer. Well done, Aisling!
Duhallow News
Kilcorney N.S. are immensely proud of Lauryn, Doireann, Áine and Aoibhínn who sang their hearts out at the recent Scór and got through to the Duhallow Semi Finals. They represented Kilcorney N.S. so wonderfully and charmed all with their beautiful voices. To top it all off, they got through with their set dancing group also.
UNISLIM KANTURK
Unislim Kanturk Class: Thursdays 4.30pm to 6.30pm and Saturdays 9am to 11am
VENUE: Linn Gorm Hall, Market Place, Kanturk
New members always welcome
Special offer of 4 weeks of classes for €49
Showcasing Heartwarming Community Events and Talented Locals
The truly superb gathering of highly talented Singers and Musicians who recently performed at "The Pub" in Carriganima in aid of the Fundraiser Event for CARTCarriganima Area Rural Transport.
On his recent visit addressing the Students at Millstreet Community School newly appointed Minister of State at the Dept. of Education, Michael Moynihan, T.D. was presented with a creative plaque by the Board of Management and the Student Council.
As a result of the annual Christmas Morning
two impressive cheques were recently presented at Aubane Community Centre.
Mushera Climb
Members of Blackwater Valley Vintage Group pictured at the recent very successful Dromtariffe Vintage Club's fundraising Tractor and Car event.
Annmarie O'Riordan-Holmes, Singer supreme, video recording the recent Dromtariffe Vintage Tractor and Car Run.
One of the many scenes pictured on March Fair Day 2025 at Millstreet's Fair Field.
Dromtariffe LGFA Celebrate
Dromtarriffe LGFA had a celebratory night out in the Sandpit House on Friday 28th February. Dromtarriffe LGFA Junior and Minor medal presentations were made by newly appointed Chairperson; Fiona Kelleher. The Juniors won their North
Cork league and Non Exam competitions while the Minor ladies panel won the North Cork league. Photographed also is Chloe Collins captain of the Junior ladies making a presentation to their outgoing Manager, Owen Dennehy for his dedication, leadership, and hard
work over the past few years. Owens commitment has had a lasting impact on the team, the girls wish him well and appreciate everything he has done for the team.
Photos: Tadhg Curtin
Congratulations to Dromtarriffe LGFA and here’s to a victorious 2025 season.
Junior captain, Chloe Collins, made a presentation to outgoing manager, Owen Dennehy, acknowledging his work with the team.
Newly appointed Chairperson, Fiona Kelleher, presented medals to the ladies on the night. Here she presents Aisling Dennehy with her medal.
Duhallow Victory In Handball
Well done to all the players who competed in the Handball County Championships this year and well done to Ballydesmond, who regained the County shield for another year with eight titles won.
Cian Buckley and Tommy Walsh Tadhg O’Connor and Darragh Dennehy
Jake Kelly and Gavin Howard
Cillian Healy and Tadhg Mulcahy
Jamie Dennehy and Danny Fleming
Darragh Curtin, Ardán Gaine, Ben Burton and Sean Burton
James O’Callaghan, Lorcan Ahern, Kevin Curtin and Conor Herlihy
Éamon Óg Moynihan and Evan Dillon, Charley Whoriskey and Cillian Fleming
An Chultúrlann
Weekly
Monday Music Sessions
Time: 9pm
Cost: €5 on the door
Every Monday Night (except Bank Holidays) – An evening of live music, good vibes, and community spirit!
Writers’ Circle
Time: 7:30pm
2nd Wednesday of Every Month
Share your stories, get inspired, and connect with fellow writers. For details, contact 087 640 6705
Ciorcal Gaeilge
Time: 7-8 pm
Every Thursday – Practice your Irish in a relaxed, friendly environment. email theculturlann@gmail.com to be added to the WhatsApp group.
Rambling House
Time: 8pm
2nd Saturday of Every Month
An evening of traditional storytelling, music, and craic!
Newmarket Dementia Café
Time: 11am – 1pm
1st Thursday of each month. A welcoming place for people with dementia, their family and friends.
Social Dancing
Time: 9pm
Last Friday of Every Month –Dance the night away and meet new people!
Meelin
Meelin Dance Fitness
Time: Wednesday night at 7pm
Venue: Meelin Hall €10 per night
Contact Deirdre 0879273672
Meelin Jive Classes
Time:3rd and 10th of March
Venue: Meelin Hall
Classes can only go ahead if there are sufficient numbers. If interested please call Nora: 087 7454525
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.
Thursday Night Singalong
Sing, play, recite, watch, chat
All welcome
Newmarket: Scanlons 27th Feb Hourigans: 6th March
CYMS Friday Night Dancing
Venue: CYMS Hall, Newmarket, Co. Cork P51 V596
Friday 14th March
The Fantastic Ciarán Rosney Friday 21st March
Pat Daly Band
Friday 28th March
Nellie O’Connor Band
Blackwater Valley Vintage Group
Vintage Tractor Run for Pre-1995 Models Only
Time: Sunday March 30th
Sign on at Aubane Community Centre P51 EP49 from 10:30am
Take off at 12:30pm
Entry fee by donation
Contact Jack Sheehan for details 083 3736016
Rockchapel
Over 55s Keep Fit Class with Darragh
Time: Every Wednesday evening @ 7pm.
Venue: Rockchapel Community Centre
Cost: €10 pay as you go
Adult Social Dancing
Classes with Norella
Time: Thursdays 8.30-10pm.
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.
Edel Quinn Hall
Social Dancing
Tuesday night 8-10pm Everyone welcome!
Taekwondo Thursday evenings 5-8pm
Foroige
For children age 12-17
Mondays 7.30pm-9pm
Temperance Hall
Yoga
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Pilates
Tuesday and Friday Flower Club
First Wednesday of every month
Clothes Donations
Clothes bank located at the rear entrance to the hall. Shoes accepted.
Bookings
Large of small events accepted for Edel Quinn hall and Temperance hall. Contact 087 4423544.
St Patrick’s Day
Rathmore
St Patrick’s Day Celebration
Time: Sunday March 9th @2pm.
Lead By Grand Marshall Danielle
O’Leary Rathmore & Kerry Ladies Footballer & Kerry Camogie & Claremorris.
This year’s Theme Follow your Dreams
Best Overall Float will be awarded the Frank Bluckley Memorial Cup Plus prizes for Best vintage vehicle
Commercial Float
Best Organisation Group Float
Window Display
Best Dressed Buggy/Pram
Agricultural Float
Best Dressed pet!
Kindly supported by Kerry County Council and supported by Our local businesses
Banteer
Glen Theatre Events
Sunday March 16th
Seán Keane Tour 2025
Admission €30
Saturday March 22nd
Aoife Scott at 8pm
Sunday March 30th
THE BRANDON McPHEE SHOW at 8PM
Admission €25
Banteer Bingo
Every Tuesday night @ 8:30pm
Venue: Banteer Community Centre
Rathcoole Rovers Walking Soccer
Every Tuesday night @ 8:30pm
Venue: Banteer Indoor Astro
Starting Sunday 23rd February
Roger’s Final Farewell
Time: Sunday March 9th at 8pm
Venue: Ballydesmond
Community Centre
Admission €15
Kanturk St Patrick’s Day Parade
Kanturk and District Community Council are delighted with the ongoing preparations for this year’s St. Patrick’s day parade. The parade will start at its usual time of 2.30 from Scoil Naomh Pádraíg, going down Percival street, through main street and finishing down the end of Strand street after passing the viewing stand. We are hoping for more floats, Music and dancing etc. in the parade and Twohig’s Supervalu have again come on board to kindly sponsor 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes.
St Patrick's Day Music Event
Time: Monday 17th March directly after the Parade come along to the Edel Quinn Hall to enjoy some Music & Dancing performed by groups from Scoil Naomh Padraig, Centre Stage, and Julie Nolan School of Irish Dancing. This event is Free Entry.
There will be Tea & Coffee along with some homemade baking. All are welcome.
Knocknagree St Patrick’s Day Parade
Time: Monday, March 17th
@11am The Insta Coffee van will serve tea, coffee, hot chocolates and treats on the day.
Millstreet St Patrick’s Day Parade
Time: Monday, March 17th
Organized by Millstreet Community Council Live music at 4pm Parade at 5pm
Prizes Galore!
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: Now held in Castlecourt, Newmarket, Co. Cork.
Facilitated by PHN. Just drop in or phone 02961500. Breastfeeding mums and expectant mums are welcome.
Womens Wellness Event
Time: Saturday 22nd March 11:00am-2:00pm
Venue: Freemount Community Centre
Cost: €30 per person
Join us for an afternoon of light movement and education talks on your health.
Topics covered include stress and anxiety, the importance of exercise, womens health screenings, peri-menopause and menopause
Contact Michelle 086 3143952 or Sinead 086 8434753 to book.
Gig Guide
L- R: Seamus O’Keeffe, Cathy Bailey, Donnacha Foley and Rory Driscoll.
Members and friends of the Glen Theatre Banteer Group took time out recently to enjoy a lovely meal, some drinks and music in Bobs On The Green. However the night was a ruse to acknowledge and honour a special member of the group. Rory O’Driscoll. On behalf of the group, Cathy Bailey presented Rory with a beautiful plaque that reads “To Rory, In appreciation for all your help, From all your friends.”
Congratulations, Rory and thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the Glen Theatre.
Communicating Europe
Communicating Europe: MEP Billy Kelleher
CONT’D FROM COVER
Credit: SHEILA FITZGERALD
Mr. Kelleher firstly visited Scoil Mhuire in Kanturk, where he met with Transition Year Students. As part of his presentation Mr. Kelleher gave the students a detailed outline of the structures of the European Parliament and the parliamentary formations that exist. He also spoke to the students in relation to the committee work attached to his role. Students were very interested in hearing about changes in current global power balances, and the challenges facing modern Europe. Mr.
Kelleher explained how Europe recovered in the past from two world wars in the 20th century, to enjoying many years of relative peace and prosperity. In Coláiste Treasa, students Mr. Kelleher also spoke to students in relation to the changes and challenges facing the European Union, along with discussing agriculture, trade and politics. He also reminded students to be civic minded and to keep an eye on developments impacting their own localities. In each of the schools, students demonstrated their interest in current affairs and European issues through their attentive listening and dialogue.
Sinceire thanks to Scoil Mhuire Principal Mr Denis Keating and Coláiste Treasa Principal Veronica Walsh for their interest and support of the Communicating Europe Initiative. A very special thanks to Mr Gerald Crotty
Scoil Mhuire and Ms Anne Marie Griffin for their coordination of the school events.
As part of his visit to the Duhallow region, Mr. Kelleher also toured the James O’Keeffe Memorial Institute complex, Duhallow Community Food Services, Duhallow Furniture Revamp and the offices of IRD Duhallow. Mr. Kelleher also met with the CEO of IRD Duhallow along with the management team and staff. At this meeting he was provided with details of the diverse projects, services and programmes that are in operation in the region. While on site Mr. Kelleher expressed his admiration for the initiatives underway, and in a subsequent social media post spoke of the “great work” being accomplished.
Billy Kelleher MEP with IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh, IRD Duhallow Staff Lenora Kelly, Nollaig Murphy, Scoil Mhuire Principal Denis Keating and TY Student Melissa Enright O’ Sullivan
Billy Kelleher MEP with Coláiste Treasa Principal Veronica Walsh, IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh and IRD Duhallow Staff Nollaig Murphy and Lenora Kelly
Billy Kelleher MEP, IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh, IRD Duhallow Staff Lenora Kelly, Nollaig Murphy with the students of Scoil Mhuire and their Principal Denis Keating
Billy Kelleher MEP, IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh, IRD Duhallow Staff Lenora Kelly and Nollaig Murphy with Coláiste Treasa Principal Veronica Walsh and Students
Communicating Europe
Engages Duhallow Students in EU Dialogue
Billy Kelleher MEP meets Linda O’Connor Manager of DCFS along with Eileen Ahern, Anna O’Regan, Maire O’Donoghue, Aisling O’Donovan, Joanne O’Connor and Olive Casey
Billy Kelleher MEP visits with Linda O’Connor DCFS Manager and the bakery team on his recent visit to Duhallow Community Foods
Billy Kelleher MEP presented with a hamper by IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh, IRD Duhallow Staff Eileen Linehan, Helen O’Sullivan, Nollaig Murphy, Lenora Kelly and Triona Dennehy
Billy Kelleher MEP views the selection or RELOVE paint which is remixed, recoloured and repackaged and available to purchase at Duhallow Furniture REVAMP
IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh gives Billy Kelleher MEP a tour of IRD Duhallow’s Furniture REVAMP
Health
An Unpleasant Neighbour
By ALICE O’BRIEN
Alice O’Brien Counselling, Newmarket
Let’s say you get a new neighbour, and that neighbour is very unpleasant. Let’s give him a made-up name, we’ll call him Ronald Slump. So, Ronald is a bit of a bully, and when he moves in next door he starts shouting and roaring- but not at you so you ignore it, relieved it’s not you. After that he tells other people, people who have been in the area before he moved in, people who are pleasant and kind and work hard. Ronald tells them that they have no right to be there so he builds a big wall to keep them out. Next he targets the O’ Briens in
number 40- he says they shouldn’t exist, that he is going to make it a law that they no longer have a right to the life they know, because he is not an O’Brien so they don’t matter.
But, still Ronald has left you alone so you say nothing, but what happens if you continue to keep quiet- well Ronald gets more powerful because Ronald is a bully.
There are lots of reason why we should stand up to a bully:
• Standing up to a bully, even in a small way can make you feel empowered and lead to a feeling of confidence.
• Bullies often target those who can’t or don’t resist. So, sometimes we need to stand
up to the bully for others even if the issues don’t directly affect us
• Standing up to a bully can break the cycle, when others see that the tactics of bullying are not effective, they are less inclined to stand behind the bully.
It is fair to say that bullying is not acceptable. As for our neighbour Ronald Slump- he is a small man with a big shadow for now. And when small men cast big shadows, it usually means the sun is setting- hopefully the sun will set on Ronald soon, and we can all go back to enjoying our neighbourhood.
Welcome to a New Chapter: Navigating Menopause with Ease at New Leaf Health Store
By MAIREAD O’KEEFFE
New Leaf Health Store
Menopause is simply a natural phase in a woman’s life—like a new chapter. It marks the time when the monthly periods wind down, a transition that’s as normal as any other life stage. The term itself comes from Greek words meaning “month” and “to stop,” quite literally describing this phase where the regular cycle takes a bow.
Menopause doesn’t happen overnight. It might start with the occasional missed period or unexpected changes in flow. It’s common to experience some hot flashes, a bit of night sweating, or mood changes—these could stick around for a bit, but they’re all just signs of your body tuning into a new normal.
Most women start to notice
these changes in their early 50s, though it can happen a bit earlier or later. If you’re noticing signs like hot flashes—yep, those sudden warm feelings that seem to come out of nowhere—you’re not alone. These are part and parcel of the menopausal journey for many.
Figuring out if it’s really menopause can be a bit puzzling. Age and symptoms give us clues, but a chat with a healthcare provider is a good step if you’re unsure. And while tests might help, they don’t always have all the answers.
Here at New Leaf Health Store, we’re all about embracing life’s changes naturally. That’s why we love sharing our range of gentle, plant-based remedies that can make this transition smoother. Feeling overheated? Sage might just be your new best friend to cool down those hot flashes. Struggling
with sleep or feeling a bit anxious? Valerian, known for its calming properties, could be just what you need.
Our shelves are stocked with favorites from A Vogel, like Menoforce® for those pesky sweats and Menosan® Menopause Support, which is great for overall wellbeing during menopause. These products are all about supporting you naturally, without any fuss.
Menopause isn’t just about ending fertility—it’s about stepping into an era of freedom from monthly cycles and embracing all the positives that come with it. Swing by New Leaf Health Store, and let’s chat about how our natural remedies can help you enjoy this chapter of your life with vibrancy and joy. Here’s to new beginnings and all the adventures yet to come!
Duhallow News
Senator Eileen Lynch has been appointed as the Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson on Rural Affairs and Community Development by An Tánaiste Simon Harris. This prestigious role is a testament to her dedication and commitment to Cork North West and Rural Ireland. We wish her all the best in her new role!
We would like to give a huge congratulations to Sarah O’Keeffe who completed 200km in 28 days in memory of her mom, Kathleen O Keeffe. Sarah has raised an amazing €17,000 so far.
Mary O’Connor Appointed Regional Commissioner for Irish Girl Guides
Boherbue resident Mary O’Connor is the newly appointed Regional Commissioner for the Irish Girl Guides. Bringing a diverse knowledge of the organisation from grassroots to board table, Mary will promote the Girl Guides concept across Cork, Kerry and West Waterford.
The Guides targets its programme of activity from 5 years and upwards, in an evolving training programme for their volunteer adult leaders. A native of Macroom, Mary has been involved in supporting girls to develop confidence through games, art and crafts, camping, cooking and various other activities.
In the summer of 2024, Mary and members of the Irish girl guides from the southwest region spent four days camping in the James O’Keeffe grounds with their “Camp Revive 2024”. The aim of this camp was to revive campcraft skills and the themes were based on Sustainable Development goals established by the United Nations Life Below Water and Life on Land.
There were one hundred and fifty members camping over the four days and included Brownies (7 – 10), Guides (10 – 14) Senior Branch members over 14 and adult Leaders, who came from Boherbue, Cork City, Carrigtwohill, Cobh, Macroom, Blarney, Dunmanway, Crosshaven, Bandon, Villierstown.
The many activities included in the camp were outdoor cooking, pioneering, learning knots for everyday use and to hoist the flag, a ramble to The Island Woods to study life under water with Tom Ankettell, painting vegetable markers, making scarecrows and planting for Rachel in the IRD garden, camp fires, mini-Olympics and most of all meeting members from all parts of the SW Region and making friends.
Mary has been involved in the girl guides since she was 5 years old, progressing to volunteering, making friends and becoming part of the worldwide girl guides organisation. “The Irish Girl Guides’ aim is to enable girls and
young women to develop to their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world”, said Mary.
Mary is a Guide leader in the flourishing Boherbue unit that caters for Lady birds (5-7), Brownies (7-10), Girl Guides (1014) and Senior (+14).
Subsequently, Mary became a Guide Leader and District Commissioner in Tralee and represented the South West Region on the National Guide branch Committee.
Now living in Boherbue, Mary continues her involvement and promoting the ethos of the Girl Guides. Prior to her new appointment, she was commissioner for the Blackwater Area.
The Boherbue unit remains active, upwards of 72 girls and voluntary leaders pursue Ladybirds, Brownies, Girl Guides and Senior Branch activity each Friday at Boherbue Educare Centre.
Mary O'Connor from Boherbue is the newly appointed Regional Commissioner for the Irish Girl Guides.
Roisin O'Connor and Mia Walsh - Boherbue Unit, at Camp Revive with Irish Girl Guide leader, Mary O'Connor
Advertising
IRD Duhallow wishes to recruit a
Social Farming and Community Gardens Coordinator
Duhallow Social Farming was established in 2021. It is a voluntary, locally led, community -based initiative supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Social farming provides opportunities for people with additional needs to experience day -to-day life on a working farm. It is a person-centred approach which aims to match participants with suitable host farms based on their personal interests, goals and desires. Social farming focuses on an individual’s abilities and possibilities rather than limitations. It supports people with additional needs and enables them to become more involved in their communities, develop valuable skills and extend their social circle.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
• Recruitment of project participants and host farmers through promotion and public awareness campaigns;
• Supporting the communication links between host farmers, participants and their guardians, service providers and IRD Duhallow;
• Establishing realistic, measurable targets that are properly tracked and evaluated;
• Assisting farmers in accessing additional supports and funding where necessary;
• Working in a professional manner to ensure the welfare and safety of the participants and hosts;
• Implementing the initiative in line with Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse – National Policy and Procedures;
• Developing and maintaining working relationships with farmers, health /social service providers;
• Overseeing and maintaining IRD Duhallow’s community gardens and polytunnels on the grounds of the James O’Keeffe Institute monitoring and managing the harvesting of plants etc.
• Maintain sustainable environmental, health and safety practices when performing duties;
• Implementing planting plans from seed to harvest each season using sustainable methods;
• Managing both the Social Farming and Community Garden Budgets effectively and levering additional funds where appropriate;
• Working in an integrated manner with other team members within IRD Duhallow;
• Carrying out risk assessments and manage risks and report to Team Leader
• Maintaining accurate records of work and report to Management, Working Group and Board
The candidate should possess:
• Third Level Qualification QQI Level 8 or higher or Professional Qualification;
• A background or qualification in Agriculture and Farm Related Activities, Horticulture
• Experience in Rural Development/ Health and Social Care and the issues pertaining to both the service users – project participants and farming families;
• The interpersonal and communication skills necessary to establish trusting relationships with all stakeholder groups and encourage engagement with the service;
• Familiarity with polytunnel management including plant care, temperature contril and pest management
• Good organizational skills both for own work and network/events within the region.
• Excellent presentation skills & proficiency in IT.
• Be able to work on their own and as part of a team
• Full clean driving Licence with own.
Application in the form of a Cover Letter and Current CV should be sent to Maura Walsh: duhallow@irdduhallow.com
Deadline: Applications must be received by 5pm on 28th March 2025
The Season of Lent
By TOM DENNEHY
Lent is a period of preparation for the most holy and most important time in our Church calendarthe celebration of Easter which celebrates the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Ash Wednesday, celebrated this year on March 5th, marks the beginning of Lent. On this day, blessed ashes were placed on our foreheads reminding us of the brevity of life and the good news of the Gospel.
Lent is a period of forty days, excluding Sundays, when we prepare to celebrate the sacred feast of Easter. It echoes the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, enduring the temptation of Satan, according to the Gospels of Mathew, Mark and Luke before beginning His public ministry.
How do we prepare:
The Church invites us to prepare for Easter in an activity orientated fashion-. We are invited to Pray, Fast and to Give Alms.
Prayer - The raising up of the mind and heart to God. In the course of our day we are preoccupied with our jobs, our families and the daily pressures we encounter. The trouble is that in our busy lives, we rarely raise our minds and hearts to God. Prayer is a friendship with God where we cultivate a relationship with Him. God needs to be the central focus of our lives. Prayer should be tuning into our relationship with God. So during Lent we are asked to pray more intently. The best way to improve our prayer is to give it more time. In order to cultivate a friendship with someone we need to spend time with that person and it is the same with Jesus. So during Lent let us take time to spend in prayer.
• The Rosary is the most effective way to pray and one which we are all familiar with and your life will definitely change for the better. If you take the time to pray it every day, you will see miracles happening in your lives.
• Meditation is a good way to focus our minds and hearts on God as we ask Him to guide us to live our daily lives in a Christian way. We may meditate on the gospel readings of the day.
• Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament is a powerful hour of uninterrupted prayer with Jesus.
• Pray the Stations of the Cross meditating on the passion of Jesus. It is a great preparation for Easter.
• There are several short prayers to say during the course of your day, for example, “O Jesus I surrender myself to you, take care of everything.”
• The Holy Mass is our greatest prayer – let us make a commitment to attend Mass as often as we can during Lent. Fasting - is a great discipline to practise in our lives. It gives us control of our desires so that our deeper hungers can emerge. It is a great aid to prayer and Our Lady asks us specifically to fast and pray for peace in our world. Fasting helps us control the physical desires whish may have taken over our lives such as addiction to alcohol, food, shopping or spending too much time on social media.
When we refrain from something we desire we become more conscious of
it. It makes us more aware of our dependence on it and more aware of our vulnerability and our need for God’s help.
Fasting and Repentance is about changing our lives, giving God access to our hearts and turning away from our selfish and materialistic ways and putting ourselves in a close relationship with God.
We need the help of the Holy Spirit as we need God’s grace to do all the things we plan to do during Lent. It is often a good time to renew our New Year resolutions.
Alms Giving:
Alms giving often goes hand in hand with fasting; it is motivated by love of neighbour, charitably giving to the poor.
The Bible tells us we should give ten per cent of our income to the poor and worthy causes.
In our world today we have such great need for people to give generously. We have so many great organizations at home and abroad who do amazing work caring for war and famine situations around the world. During Lent we should make a special effort to give generously to anyone who asks for our help.
The most important thing is that we do not waste the opportunity to spend our Lenten time preparing for The Sacred Season and on Easter Sunday morning, we can joyfully sing “Alleluia, He has risen, Alleluia”.
By NOLLAIG MURPHY Development Officer, IRD Duhallow
Interests
In 2024 IRD Duhallow’s Youth and Education working Group organised a series of SICAP funded public speaking workshops for National School pupils. During these workshops local children spoke in relation places, people and topics that were of specific interest to them. In this issue we are delighted to present a speech which was delivered by Cara Fleming, a student in Boherbue National School.
The Twelve Arch Bridge in Ballydehob
Did you know that one hundred years ago nearly all of Ireland was accessible by railway?! My name is Cara and today I’ll be sharing an element of local history from West Cork which I have a personal connection to called the Twelve Arch Bridge in Ballydehob. It was a major construction job and took just over a year to complete. Today it serves as a public walkway, The Twelve Arch railway viaduct was built in 1886 by my great great great great grandfather Patrick Cotter and many of the Cotter family. Some of you may have heard of the famous telegrapher Marconi who crossed the viaduct a number of times in the early nineteen hundreds to try and send
the very first radio message across the Atlantic. The Twelve Arch Bridge was built as part of the Skibbereen and Schull railway.
Almost everyday I’m in West Cork I go walking here with my grandmother and her small dog. In fact my great Aunt now lives in the building where the railway station used to be, right next to this bridge.
This railway bridge is an amazing feat of engineering and is even more impressive close up. I am very proud to be associated with the Twelve Arch Bridge in Ballydehob. It’s very sad that the railway no longer travels across this bridge but
By CARA FLEMING, Boherbue N.S.
we can still enjoy the magnificent spectacle that it is.
Keep your eyes open as you travel around as you might see remnants from Ireland’s old railways, You might not know it but they are all around Ireland.
The Irish Team’s Front Row
I will tell you now a story
About some lads we know
They are known in this country
As the Irish team’s front row
When they go into action
They put on quite a show
They work shoulder to shoulder
The Irish team’s front row
Shoulder to shoulder here we go
Are you ready? Yes or no?
Shoulder to shoulder here we go
With a song of the Irish team’s front row
The present Irish front row
They are very strong
They are made up of Dan Sheehan - Portor and Furlong
When the referee gives the signal
And its time to go
They work shoulder to shoulder
work
The Irish team’s front row
The four best clubs in Ireland
They make up this team
As we stay shoulder to shoulder
In the end we will share our dream
With just two games to play
With confidence we go
And we will crush the opposition
With the Irish team’s front row
Ireland end share just the the front
Written by Steve Roche, Upper Bluepool, Kanturk
Plant Profile
“Question – Why is a primrose like an umbrella? Answer – because at the touch of spring it opens.” –
By ROWAN LANNING Ecologist, IRD Duhallow
Latin name: Primula
Vulgaris (First Flower)
Irish name: Sabhaircín
Common name: Primrose
Typically flowers from March to May
A riddle
from County Kerry from the National Folklore Collection
The primrose is a beloved native wildflower who harkens the arrival of spring and is one of our ancient woodland indicator plants – those whose presence is often most strongly seen in rare ancient woodlands and are slow to expand elsewhere. Typically seen from March through to May, the primrose decorates our woodlands, roadsides, and grassy banks with its blossoms and provides an important nectar source for pollinators including the small tortoiseshell butterfly. Although this spring wildflower is most often seen from March to May, it has been documented as early as December and an early sighting may be a sign of good luck! Several entries to the National Folklore Collection from County Cork state that if
you see a primrose (or three, as one specifies) in February, it is a sign that you will not get a cold for the rest of the year! Another common piseog from the National Folklore Collection attributed to County Kerry tells of the protective nature of primrose, instructing to “Guard the house with a string of primroses on the first three days of May. The fairies are said not to be able to pass over or under this string”.
A small tortoiseshell butterfly and primroses (photo credit: Brian Arnold)
Wild primroses in bloom (photo credit: Getty Images) Open for business! A bee
The Glen Theatre Banteer Drama Group Presents
A comedy Written by Ron Hutson and Directed by Tadhg O’Keeffe “
VENUE: The Glen Theatre, Banteer
Time To Get Bare Root Planting
Rain, Snow, Storms. We have certainly had a wild start to 2025 weather wise but the evenings are getting longer, the birds are starting to sing, the days are a little nicer. Spring is finally here! You may be thinking about going back out into the garden. Well if you are, IRD Duhallow may be able to help you with that.
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.
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 plant.
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.
For more information, please contact Helen or Rowan at duhallow@ irdduhallow.com or on 029 60633.
Are Your Energy Bills Over €10,000 Per Year?
With Solar PV Panels, your community centre or business can generate its own electricity, cutting reliance on the grid and protecting you from ever-changing energy prices
IRD Duhallow has teamed up with SE Systems to provide discounted energy audits to eligible businesses, communities, farming and equine enterprises
Through the SEAI Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA), eligible companies can avail of a €2,000 voucher to offset the cost of the audit.
For Community Centres and businesses such as shops, pubs, restaurants, coffee shops, butchers etc, you only pay the VAT portion of the invoice
(Bigger facilities will be on a case-by-case basis as they take far more time to complete and will incur additional costs).
Typical savings range from 10%-50% for commercial facilities with payback periods (before grants) ranging from 4 years right through to 7 years.
For further information or to book your Energy Audit contact Colm Crowley 029-60633 or Email
colm.crowley@irdduhallow.com
Duhallow News
Crossword sponsored by Duhallow Community Food Services
Across
1. Bicycle for two (6)
3. Legal (6)
8. Metal bar (5)
10. Voter (7)
11. Choices (7)
12. Stingless male bee (5)
13. Ire (5)
15. Accumulate (5)
20. Entice (5)
22. Recess (7)
24. Let go (7)
25. Automaton (5)
26. Riding seat (6)
27. Repented (6)
Down
1. Sartor (6)
2. Evening (5)
4. Make better (5)
5. Asinine (7)
6. Food store (6)
7. Laconic (5)
9. Fish (5)
14. Wandered (7)
16. Type of musical scale (5)
17. Begins (6)
18. Bet (5)
19. Combined (6)
21. Path (5)
23. Relating to a city (5)
Solution: Issue 133, February 21st, 2025
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, March 14th 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.
Congratulations to Mrs Marie Kelleher, Liscahane, Millstreet who wins a €20 voucher for Duhallow Community Food Services!
