Discover Duhallow Issue 137

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Issue 137: April 18th, 2025

‘Open Your Mind’

IRD Duhallow Hosts Talk on Neurodiversity

On April 12th, IRD Duhallow, though the support of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), and Workability programme, hosted NeuroInsight: Unpacking Diverse Minds, a dynamic and thought-provoking event held at the James O’Keeffe Institute. The event brought together individuals from across the region to deepen their understanding of neurodiversity, emotional regulation, the importance of sleep and the lived experience of adults receiving a late autism diagnosis.

Melissa Holland, Sharon McCarthy,

O’Dea, Laura Crowley, and Helen O’Sullivan

Three expert speakers delivered engaging and practical presentations, highlighting how everyday environments and societal structures can unknowingly exclude neurodivergent individuals.

Neurodiversity is a topic that is still misunderstood and judged to this day. Hosting this event at the aided in showcasing and highlighting key areas of interest for people within the community to digest. It furthers the needs for more inclusivity and, possibly, the ability to host more of these workshops in the future.

■Continued on pages 14 and 15

Áine

Great Turnout For The Great Ned Tarrant Memorial Tractor Run 2025

Great weather brought out a great crowd for The Ned Tarrant Memorial Tractor Run 2025 in Kilcorney recently. This year, funds were raised for the Irish Kidney

John and Eileen Murphy with their daughter Mary McKeown, and grandchildren; Aoife, Sean and Patrick.

Association, in memory of the late Dave Condon. Dave’s wife, Mary, said a few words highlighting the great organisation. Before the big boys and girls set off, the little ones had there own run in the village. The official run took the fleet past Rathcoole, into Millstreet before

LEFT: Martina Golden, Noreen Sheeahan and Pauline Sheehan kept everyone refreshed before the run got going.

RIGHT: Seamus Curtin with his Massey Ferguson 290 tractor.

LEFT: Humphrey Healy was working the BBQ on the day with Dan Joe Collins.

RIGHT: Son of the late Dave Condon; Dean Condon and his daughter, Adeline.

finishing in Healy’s Bar, Kilcorney for a wonderful BBQ courtesy of Humphrey Healy. The Cork match was watched afterwards, before patrons danced the night away to sounds provided by Pacific Dream and DJ Tadhg Curtin.

Photos and Words By Tadhg Curtin
Arriving in style for the kid’s run were sisters; Sophie and Ashley Kelleher.
Rachel Hurley and Barry Murphy.

Duhallow News

Well done to Dromtarriffe ARG for the fantastic Daffodil Day 2025 Tea and Coffee Morning they held recently, in aid of Irish Cancer Society. They presented €2363 to society representative; Nicola McMahon. Well done everyone!

ABOVE: Dromtarriffe LFGA u15/16s were recently presented with their new jerseys that were kindly sponsored by Colemans Millstreet. Pictured is John, Mary, and past Dromtarriffe player Emma Coleman, Club Secretary Mags Healy, alongside the present players Mairead Healy, Eve Murphy and Kylie Barrett. The Coleman family wished the players and club every success for the coming year and the years ahead. Emma also gave the girls a bit of advice and told them stories of her playing days with Dromtarriffe and about her five county medals she had won with the club.

Boherbue N.S. Get Ready To Tee Off

As part of ongoing efforts to support the students and community of Boherbue National School, the school will host a Golf Classic Fundraiser to take place on Saturday, April 26th at Kanturk Golf Club. The event promises to be a great day, bringing together golf enthusiasts, parents, past pupils and local businesses to raise vital funds for the continued development and improvement of our school. We would like to invite all to join us for this fundraiser. We are offering three sponsorship opportunities:

Team Sponsorship – €180

This includes entry for a team of three golfers to participate in the golf classic (3-ball Champagne Scramble Format) along with hot food afterwards provided at the club by Bobs on the Green. The

event will start at 11am with team slots available until c. 4pm in the afternoon. Team prizes will be available along with a longest drive and nearest the pin at selected holes.

Tee Box Sponsorship – €100

Your business will be prominently displayed at one of the tee boxes, showcasing your support for Boherbue National School.

Individual Entry – €60

By selecting this option, you will be paired with two other golfers to form a team of 3. You will participate in the event’s 3-ball Champagne Scramble competition with hot food provided for

at the club afterwards by Bob’s on the Green. Please note that choosing this option requires participation in the event.

If you would like to play, sponsor a team or a tee box, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact John on 086 8562614 or Margaret on 087 9274444. Alternatively, you can let a member of staff know.

Boherbue N.S. pupils; Vasilisa Koronchuk, Dylan Walker and Edel Daly.

Duhallow

Holy Confirmations Around Duhallow

Special thanks to local photographer, Geraldine Dennehy, for sending on some lovely pictures of some of the classes throughout Duhallow who received their confirmation recently.

All photos by GERALDINE DENNEHY

Cloghoula N.S.
Cullen N.S.
Derrinagree N.S.
Dromagh N.S.
Rathcoole N.S.
Millstreet Boy’s N.S.

Congratulations to Kilcorney N.S. Chairman, Pat Sheehan, and his team; John Tarrant, Con Healy, and Jerry Doody. They were crowned the Munster quiz champions in the Scór Sinsir recently. Kilcoirney N.S. wishes the best of luck in the All Ireland Final Pat!!

Millstreet Girl’s Presentation N.S.
Boherbue ICA members at their recent AGM with guest speaker, Minister Michael Moynihan.
Ella Buckley was confirmed in Millstreet. Here she is with Lillie Chesham, left, and Abbey Chesham, right.

What’s On In Duhallow

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!

Séamus and Caoimhe Uí

Fhlatharta Concert

Venue: An Chultúrlann, Newmarket

Time: April 26th at 8pm

Cost: €20 on Ticketstop.ie

Performing during tSeachtain na Gaeilge. RTÉ Folk Awards 2024 –Best Emerging Artist

Don’t miss this magical sibling duo live at An Chultúrlann!

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 Bridge Club

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: CYMS Hall, Newmarket All members and newcomers are most welcome.

Newmarket Adults Tennis

Venue: Newmarket Tennis Courts

Time: Thurs 1st May for 6 weeks

7-8pm & 8-9pm slots

Men & Women 18+

New adult 6 week introductory programme www.sportscork.ie

Meelin

Meelin Dance Fitness

Time: Wednesday night at 7pm

Venue: Meelin Hall

€10 per night

Contact Deirdre 0879273672

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.

Banteer

Banteer Bingo

Every Tuesday night @ 8:30pm

Venue: Banteer Community Centre

The Glen Theatre Banteer

Time: May 24th, 8pm:

Seamus O’Rourke in ‘The Reverend’ Tickets are €20

Time: Saturday, May 31st, 8pm: Aoife Scott In Concert. Tickets are €20

Time: 18th and 19th April, 8pm:

The Glen Theatre Drama Group presents: Dying To Meet You. Tickets are €15

To Book Tickets, Phone 029 56239

Rathcoole Rovers

Walking Soccer

Every Tuesday night @ 8:30pm

Venue: Banteer Indoor Astro

Starting Sunday 23rd February

Teen Girls Badminton Camp

Time: Tuesday 22nd - Thursday 24th April 10am-12:30pm

Venue: Scoil Mhuire, Kanturk

Three day badminton camp for girls aged 11-17

Suitable for beginners and improvers

Freemount Social Dancing

Venue: Freemount Community Centre, P56 P893

Sunday 6th April

Declan Aungier

Sunday 13th April

Checkers

Easter Sunday 20th April

Michael Collins Band

Sunday 27th April

Teddy & Cathal Barry Freemount Community Development Association

AGM

Time: Monday night 28th April at 8pm

Venue: Freemount Community Centre, P56 P893, The Afterschools Room

All are welcome to attend.

STAR TRAX MUSIC

Venue: Knocknagree, P51HH2Y

Time: Sunday 20th April 3pm-5:30pm

Glen Flynn Band

Mushera Platform Bealtaine Dance

Venue: Balinagree Village P12 PF66

Time: Sunday 4th May 3pm-5:30pm

PJ Murrihy & Jerome Coakley

Dromtarriffe

Dromtarriffe Community Alert

The Dromtarriffe Community Alert Group will hold it’s AGM on Wednesday, April 30th 2025 at 19.30 at the Dromtarriffe Community Centre.

Applications for membership for the 2025 year will be available and our Garda and Muinter Na Tire liaisons will be on hand to provide advice on security within our homes and community.

Mushera Platform Bealtaine Dance in Ballinagree Village (P12PF66 ) Sunday 4th of May 3pm to 5.30 pm Enquiries to 086 0647381.

Rathmore

The 2025 AGM of the Rathmore Social Action Group will take place on Saturday 19th April 2025 @ 10.30 to 1pm in St.Joseph’s Day Care Centre. The SAG is open to membership. Please email info@sag.ie to request a membership form.

Gig Guide

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.

Knocknagree Community Centre

Friday night

Dancefit classes from 6.30pm to 7.30pm with Deirdre O'Sullivan, 087 9273672

Saturday 10am -11am Yoga le Cheile with Denise 086 890 1234 8.30pm 45 Card Drive

Monday Irish Classes Fortnightly 7.30pm to 9pm

New classes coming with SOS Fitness starting on Tuesdays in May and throughout the summer.

The hall is available for rent.

Please contact any member of Knocknagree Community for updates and further information.

Feature

CONT’D FROM COVER. Held on April 12th, NeuroInsight: Unpacking Diverse Minds created a meaningful space for education, empathy, and empowerment. With a diverse audience of professionals, families, and individuals with lived experience, the event fostered deep conversations and offered a wealth of practical strategies and insights.

The day began with a warm welcome over tea, coffee, and scones, setting a relaxed and inviting tone. Dr. Áine O’Dea opened the morning with a compelling session on sensory and emotional regulation. Drawing from her extensive expertise as an occupational therapist, she broke down the science behind how the brain processes emotion and offered strategies to support co-regulation and self-regulation.

Her talk helped attendees better understand the connection between sensory input, brain function, and emotional well-being. Sharon McCarthy of UCD and Autism Journeys followed with a deeply personal and informative talk on adult autism diagnosis. With clarity and compassion, Sharon explored the journey of late identification, the emotional impact of masking, and the liberation that comes from embracing neurodivergent identity. Her words resonated powerfully with attendees, many of whom expressed feeling validated and inspired by her advocacy and lived experience.

After a refreshing lunch, Laura Crowley, a well-respected autism consultant and sleep expert, delivered a session focused on sleep. She shared clear, practical approaches for supporting healthy sleep routines among autistic individuals. Topics

included sleep hygiene, bedtime rituals, sensory regulation, and how anxiety can affect sleep cycles. Her presentation provided actionable advice for families and professionals alike.

The day concluded with a dynamic panel discussion, allowing participants to pose questions and reflect on the shared experiences and learning. The engagement throughout was genuine, open, and heartfelt. Many attendees shared how deeply they felt seen and heard during the event— highlighting just how needed and valuable this space was.

The day was more than an event—it was a reminder of the power of community and the importance of creating spaces where neurodiversity is celebrated and supported. With rich discussion, expert insight, and a palpable sense of connection, the day left a lasting impact on all who attended.

Gillian and Phil Daly, Boherbue
Theresa Cremin, Mallow, Áine O’ Connor, Kanturk and Meadhbh Brennan, Dromahane
Marie Daly, Newmarket, Bridget Flynn, Castlemaine and Máire Murphy, Kanturk
Gosia Murphy, Meelin
Noelle Foley Coughlan, Kilmeedy, Jack Neenan, Doneraile and Helen Whyte, Riverstick
Irene Murphy, Newmarket and Nuala Cronin, Rathmore

And the Oskar Goes To...

By TINA DUNSTAN

The recent Kanturk Oskars Fundraiser for Kanturk Astroturf was a tremendous success. The Oskars project raised over €50,000, helping the Astroturf committee reach their target of €170,000. The wonderful films produced were The Snapper, Father Ted, Veronica Guerin, Bridesmaids,The Wind That Shakes The Barley, Misery, and Suffragettes. The awards ceremony took place in the Charleville Park Hotel on the 4th of April. Talk show host, Adrian Kennedy was the MC on the night. A night to remember for everyone involved, Well done to everyone! Tina and some of the actors involved reflected on the great project.

Tina on the event: “The Kanturk Oskars Award Ceremony in the Charleville Park Hotel was a celebration for all those who dedicated their time and energy to this wonderful project. The glitz and glamour and fun was just incredible. This has brought the whole community together. Now, people are meeting people on the street that they passed so many times, but now they salute, and smile and stop to chat as a result of meeting new people.

The sense of community the Film Awards has brought to Kanturk is astronomical. And of course it progressed/helped the Astroturf project too.”

Norelle Murphy who played Maud in Suffragette: Participating in the Oskars has been an amazing experience. We had great laughs and fun. Fantastic memories made. It was a great way to get to know the local community in Kanturk. It

was so well organised and the night itself in Charleville was fantastic. Well done to everyone involved!

Shane O Connor who played Fr Ted: “Taking part in the film awards was incredible. Being cast in the comedy Fr Ted bought lots of laughter to us as a group and new friendships. It was great to see the community coming together for this worthy project.”

Sharon McCarthy played Violet Miller in Suffragette:

This was my third Oskars/Film Awards. I had previously been involved pre-covid with Milford and Broadford, both times with people I knew, but this was different. I only knew one person in the Suffragette group. I’ve worked in Scoil Mhuire for 13 years and didn’t really know anyone in Kanturk outside of work. The Film Awards have changed all that. I now walk down the street or into a shop and have chats with

people that I would never have met if it wasn’t for this. It was great to meet new people and new friends. We had a fabulous group of over 17, and we all got on great. I really loved the experience. Thank you. Martin O’Riordan, who played David Llyod George in Suffragette: “It started as a fundraiser for the Astroturf but quickly grew into an adventure in community spirit. The generosity of people with their time and was evident to see, culminating on Oskars night in Charleville. The floodlights of the Astroturf will serve as a beacon of community spirit for years to come.”

The judges on the night were Meadbh Walsh, Lorcán McLoughlin, Maura Walsh and John Paul O’Shea.
MC, Adrian Kennedy takes a selfie with the audience. Thanks to Kevin Rowe Events for the wonderful pictures they took on the night.
Eileen Houlihan, star of Misery, with her husband Denis, who starred in Fr Ted and their daughter, Kaitlin. The cast of The Wind That Shakes The Barley
The cast of The Snapper
Aileen Lehane won the Oskar for Best Makeup on the night

God’s Love And Mercy Poured Out Upon Us

When we approach the priest for confession we experience the power of God’s great love and mercy. If we have any doubt about God’s great mercy, Jesus has given us a great insight into the depths of His great mercy to Saint Faustina in her diary “Divine Mercy in My Soul.”

“Today I am sending you with my mercy to the people of the whole world. I do not want to punish aching mankind, but I desire to heal it, pressing it to my Merciful heart.” (1588)

That is a very revealing quote. Our Saviour Jesus is very compassionate. While He is certainly offended and grieved by our sins, He also sees clearly how our sins can wound and tear the very life out of our souls. He sees how mankind is “aching” from sin and so He wants not only to forgive our sins, but to heal our hearts, too, pressing them close to His own Merciful Heart.

Perhaps the most remarkable teaching that Our Lord gave to St. Faustina about this sacrament is found in Diary Entry 1448. Jesus said to her;

“In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, there, the greatest miracles take place and are incessantly repeated.” Jesus says to go to His representative, our priest and reveal to Him our sins and it is then the miracle of Divine Mercy is fully demonstrated. He also refers to sinful souls who have been away for a long time and these souls may seem like a decaying corpse and from a human standpoint there could be no hope of restoration. Everything would appear to be lost, but “it is not so with God. The miracle of Divine Mercy restores that soul in full.”

The graces of healing that flow from this sacrament are truly amazing. In Diary Entry 1602, Jesus said to St. Faustina that confession is a personal, life giving encounter with Jesus Himself;

“Daughter, when you go to confession, to this fountain of My mercy, the Blood and Water which came forth from My Heart always flows down upon your souls and ennobles it. When you approach the confessional, know this, that I Myself act in your soul.” Our sinful soul meets the God of Mercy. Trust is necessary. “If their trust is great, there is no limit to my generosity. The torrents of grace inundate humble souls.” Preparation.

It is important to prepare for confession by spending some time examining our lives as we study the Ten Commandments which are as relevant today as they ever were. The first three are an examination of our relationship with God and the remaining seven deal with our relationship with one another.

You can Google Examination of Conscience on a Catholic website. Confession is really about the graces, healing and great mercy we receive and the freedom that comes from being set free from any worries or sin which can be a barrier to having a close relationship with a loving God.

Divine Mercy Sunday

The focus of Divine Mercy Sunday, celebrated on the Sunday after Easter, is on the great gift of Mercy and Love given through Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.

“My daughter, tell the whole world about My Inconceivable mercy. I desire that the feast of Mercy be a refuge and a shelter for all souls and especially for poor sinners. On that day the

very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon the souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to confession and receive Holy Communion on Divine Mercy Sunday shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment due to sin. On that day are opened all the divine floodgates through which graces flow. Let no soul be afraid to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet.”

Diary 1109.

Many churches will celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday with the focus on the Image of the Merciful Jesus, The Chaplet, The Hour of Mercy and spreading devotion to the Divine Mercy and the availability of confessions. Confession in the Jubilee Year. We can also gain a plenary indulgence which gets rid of all punishment due to sin. The condition attached is to be in a state of grace, and having been to confession, receive Holy Communion and pray for The Pope’s intentions by praying The Creed, one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be.

Please note The Divine Mercy Novena begins on Good Friday and has a different prayer intention for each day.

So in this great Jubilee Year let us avail of this great sacrament of Confession.

Stacking Up

We are all resisting the urge to say it…. There’s a grand stretch in the evenings. That grand stretch brings a lot of motivation with it, almost akin to New Year’s resolutions. We feel the need to fill the extra hours of brightness with new activities, going walking more, sending time in the garden, we might even consider taking up jogging, but let’s not get carried away.

It is easy to think of all the extra activities that we know will enrich our lives or benefit our health, who wouldn’t enjoy a walk in the Island Wood after work. It is not as easy to carry out these activities or keep them going as part of our routine after a few weeks. It is easy to slip

back into well-established routines or habits that don’t always serve us well.

One way of implementing a new habit is by habit stacking. Habit stacking is a way of building new habits by linking them on to habits that we already have. The idea is that, instead of starting a brand new habit from scratch, which can just add to an already busy schedule, we add it to something we are already doing. An example might be if you wanted to increase your water intake, you could begin by drinking an extra glass of water after you brush your teeth every morning. Another example might be if you wanted to increase your step intake you might walk a lap of your work car park while making your phone calls.

How does habit- stacking work? Firstly it uses existing neural

pathways of the brain. Your brain already recognises the initial habit so it can make room for the new habit easier, making it easier to remember and carry out. It also reduces decision fatigue. You don’t have to think about ways to get your steps in if you add it to your phone calls, you’re on the phone anyway, and you’re just walking now too. It also creates a chain- reaction, small wins build momentum, when we are successful at one healthy habit, we are more inclined to add extra habits to strengthen them.

Fuel Your Cells, Fuel Your Life: The Power of Zell Oxygen® Plus

Your body runs on trillions of tiny engines—your cells. When they’re well-nourished and protected, you feel energized, focused, and resilient. That’s exactly what Zell Oxygen® Plus is designed to support.

Developed by Dr. Wolz, this unique supplement combines enzyme yeast cells, essential vitamins, and trace elements like zinc and selenium to deliver powerful cellular nutrition. But what makes it special? It’s not just what’s in it—it’s how your body absorbs it.

Unlike many supplements that use isolated, synthetic nutrients, Zell Oxygen® Plus provides them in a natural matrix, embedded in

enzyme-rich yeast cells grown through a patented oxygen fermentation process. This ensures nutrients stay biologically active and are more easily absorbed—just as nature intended.

Why does that matter? Inside each of your cells, mitochondria act like tiny power plants, producing the energy your body needs to function. But this process also creates free radicals— unstable molecules that can damage cells over time. That’s why your cells need antioxidant protection, which Zell Oxygen® Plus provides through its carefully selected blend of micro nutrients.

For daily use, dilute 20–30 ml (2–3 tablespoons) of the concentrate with 200–270 ml juice or water. Take it all at once during or after meals, or spread it out over the day—whatever fits your routine best.

Of course, a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are essential for overall well-being. But when you want targeted support where it matters most—your cells—Zell Oxygen® Plus offers a scientifically backed, natural way to energize, protect, and nourish your body from the inside out.

Your cells work hard for you—now it’s time to return the favour.

Highlights from Last Term at Lismire

The girls all ready for their basketball blitz in Scoil Mhuire.
The boys ready for action at their football blitz.
The annual whole school Patrick's Day Parade
Aisling, Sean, Aidan, Méabh and Niamh having fun doing science experiments.
Alex, Ella Mae, Niamh and Ema enjoying the Tráth ns gCéist for seachtain na gaeilge.
Jane and Siobhán excited to see the Musical at the Edel Quinn hall.

Duhallow

‘Making Your Mind Up’ IRD Duhallow Host Talk on Assisted Decision Making

On Monday, 7th April, Áine Flynn, Director of the Decision Support Service, delivered an informative session on the Assisted DecisionMaking (Capacity) Act 2015. The session focused on what you need to know about the Act and why it may be important now or in the future.

This event provided essential information and equipped attendees with the tools and knowledge to engage with this important rights-based legislation with confidence.

Following the presentation, a Q&A session offered the audience an opportunity to ask questions and gain further clarity.

If you or someone you know would like to find what this service provides, free phone +35301 211 9750 or visit their website at www.decisonsupportservice.ie

Dr. Áine Flynn(centre), Director of

and IRD

Läetitia Logan and Claudia Plop attended the event

Season’s Greetings: Working with Wildlife

As spring begins to unfold in full force, there are many ways that individuals and communities alike can work with wildlife to help look after our non-human neighbours, promote biodiversity, and help amplify the beauty of our natural environments. There are many ways to do this, on all kinds of budgets and spaces both big and small. For example, a bird feeder will feed hungry birds for as long as it is filled, while an oak tree either planted or left to grow un-altered can support at least 67 species of moth, whose caterpillars feed woodland birds and provide bursts of protein to their young hatchling chicks or feed other bird and insect species with its sap. Even making the decision to avoid removing caterpillars from garden plants can help to feed birds such

as blue tits.

Now is also the time to sow wildflower seeds in order to enjoy their blossoms and work with our pollinators. The most suitable time for sowing is anywhere from March to June, after the last of the frosts give way to warmer weather. To make the most of your wildflower seeds, it is ideal to prepare the seedbed in advance so that it is free of grass, weeds, and other plants which could risk out-competing the wildflowers. You may be familiar with No-Mow-May, or No-Mow-Summers, which we

will cover in greater depth when the summer season approaches, and its general principle applies here of delaying work until absolutely necessary to avoid disturbance of wildlife as much as possible. When in doubt, nature almost always knows best! So we can help our wildlife by observing and mimicking the patterns of nature in our own actions too.

Try paying careful attention to the nature around you this month –what lessons do your observations offer?

connecting to nature ie)

ABOVE:
the Decision Support Service delivered a very insightful talk on the DSS entails. Pictured with her is IRD Duhallow Board member; Mary Wallace (L), who attended the event,
Duhallow’s Lenora Kelly (R).
RIGHT:
A blue tit feeds on a green caterpillar on the branch of an oak tree (source: birdfact.com)
A wildflower meadow with species including trefoil, vetch, meadowsweet, yellow rattle, red clover, and more (source:

Get Ready to Vote: Voter Registration Day is Here!

Voter registration is crucial for ensuring that every eligible citizen can participate in the democratic process. By establishing a National Voter Registration Day, Ireland aims to increase political participation ensuring that all voices are heard in local and national elections. It is an initiative aimed at promoting voter registration in Ireland, with a particular focus on reaching minority groups, disadvantaged communities, and young people.

The second National Voter Registration Day is taking place on the 30th of April 2025

Registering to vote:

Registering to vote can now be completed online.

When you register to vote, you are added to the register of electors.

To be eligible you must first be:

• 18 years of age or older (if you are 16/17 you can pre-register and your name will be added once you turn 18)

• Resident in Ireland

To register to vote go to checktheregister.ie

Once there, you can check if you are registered. To register you will need your PPS number and your eircode and you can fill the form there.

Those already registered to vote are encouraged to make sure that their details are current and correct.

The coming 24 months will be a relatively busy electoral period with Local and European Elections in June and both a General Election and Presidential Election due before the end of 2025.

Voting:

Your polling station (where you go to cast your vote) is on your polling card, which you should have received by post if you are registered to vote.

You need to bring identification when voting. You can use a passport, driving license, workplace/student identity card, public services card or birth/marriage certificate.

When you arrive at the polling station, you will be asked to state your name and address and should have your identification ready for inspection.

On the ballot, you must indicate the order of your choice of candidates by writing “1” or “one” in the box beside the photograph of your first choice of candidate and, if you wish, “2” or “two” beside the photograph of your second choice of candidate, “3” or “three” beside the photograph of your third choice and so on.

Once you have made your choice or choices, simply fold up the ballot paper and post it into the ballot box.

Your involvement helps create a well-informed and active voter base, guaranteeing that everyone’s voice is represented. Your voice matters, your vote is important.

Sample general ballot
Sample polling information card

Duhallow News

Crossword sponsored by Duhallow Community Food Services

Across

1. Entrust (7)

5. Small thin biscuit (5)

8. Dissonance (5)

9. Projecting upper floor (7)

10. The sheltered side (7)

12. Unvarnished (5)

13. Scheme (6)

15. Become visible (6)

18. Flowed back (5)

19. Athlete (7)

21. Hinged window blind (7)

22. Slight push (5)

23. Two or more contesting groups (5)

24. Striking (7)

Down

1. Tapers (7)

2. Inexperienced (5)

3. Frozen water (3)

4. Personify (6)

5. Decorative covering (9)

6. Photographic film (7)

7. Synthetic silklike fabric (5)

11. Short accounts of incidents (9)

14. Quashed (7)

16. Private place with peace and quiet (7)

17. Marine mammal (6)

18. Alleviates (5)

20. Emblem (5)

22. Nothing (3)

Solution: Issue 136, APRIL 4th, 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, April 25th 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 Margie Clarke, Lisrobin, Boherbue who wins a €20 voucher for Duhallow Community Food Services!

Millstreet Moments: Capturing Uplifting Events

We thank Phil Sheehan for the update on the fundraising total from Daffodil Day 2025 in Millstreet. The impressive amount has reached €7,775.00 which is a credit to the many generous donors and the dedicated Daffodil Day 2025 Volunteers.

Promoting the upcoming Vintage Car Run on Easter Monday 2025 beginning in Cullen and organised by Blackwater Valley Vintage Group in aid of the Irish Kidney Association. From left (holding the large BVVG Banner): William Fitzgerald and Jack Sheehan. Wearing and holding the IKA Yellow T Shirts: From left: Luke Hurley, Ita Fitzgerald, Marie Fleming, Declan Ryan, Breda Sheehan, Mary Crowley and Mairéad Hurley.
Ukrainian Organist, Oleksii Shemshur, played magnificent music including Bach during recent weekend Masses in Millstreet.
Millstreet GAA in conjunction with Millstreet Tidy Towns Association at a recent Project during which several sacks of litter were collected... achieved such an impressive result in two hours on a Saturday morning.

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