Issue 158: February 20th 2026
Calving Season In Duhallow Safety Comes First
Calving is a time of new beginnings on farms across Duhallow. By taking simple precautions and treating every cow with respect, farmers can help ensure that the season remains productive — and most importantly — safe for everyone involved.
While Spring time is one of the most important and rewarding times in the farming calendar, it is also one of the highest-risk periods for farmer safety.
Across the country, there are countless stories of incidents where cows have turned suddenly on farmers or those assisting with calving. The behaviour of recently calved cows is highly
unpredictable. While no livestock can ever be completely trusted, even the quietest cow can perceive a person entering the pen with her calf as a threat and react instinctively.
Recently Calved Cows –Expect the Unexpected
After calving, a cow’s maternal instinct is extremely strong. If a calf cries out or appears distressed, this can trigger an immediate defensive response. However, it is important to remember that cows have been known to attack without any obvious trigger at all.
Advertising
Millstreet Moments........................pg 4-6
Work Opportunities in IRD............pg 7
Staying Safe While Calving Cows....pg 1, 8 HSE Update....................................pg 9 Gig Guide..................................pg 10-13
Rockchapel 5K Run................pg 14-15 Health........................................pg 16-17 Kids Page......................................pg 21 Duhallow News .........................pg 22-23
Millstreet Moments
A most successful Bake Sale where €878 was raised for the three Fifth Year Students from Millstreet Community School who will be participating in the Rise and Shine Trust young people’s pilgrimage to Lourdes during their Easter holidays in April. They are Katie O’Keeffe, Caoilfhionn O’Connor and Mike O’Donoghue (pictured seated).
Pictured at Millstreet Community School - representatives of the three main Sponsors of the upcoming Quid Games: From left: Donagh Hickey (Donagh Hickey Motors), Noreen Dineen and John Foley (Alps Alpine) and Patrick and Mary Coleman (Colemans Millstreet). Also included - Principal Pól Ó Síodhcháin (3rd from left) and Deputy Principal, Frances Moynihan (6th from left).
Photos by Seán Radley
Encouraging the great value of reading at Millstreet Library and exploring the possibility of participating in the Annual Read-a-thon in aid of MS Ireland.
Parents of Transition Year Students from Millstreet Community School pictured in Millstreet as the coach was leaving for the Ball in Tralee. From left: John D., Denise, Claire, Edward and Martina.
Organisers from Millstreet Vintage Club of the very successful Indoor Charity Car Show in aid of ADHD Ireland at Green Glens Arena on Sunday, 15th Feb. 2026.
Daniel Lucey displays his magnificent Kit Car (which has a motor bike engine and competes in competitions in places like Mondello Park in a sport entitled Legend Motor Sport). at the very successful Indoor Charity Car Show in aid of ADHD Ireland at Green Glens Arena on Sunday, 15th Feb. 2026.
Irina, Margaret and Jessica pictured at the very successful Coffee Morning held recently at Cronin’s Centra, West End, Millstreet as a fundraiser in advance of the upcoming Quid Games in aid of the Redevelopment of the Pitch at Millstreet Community School.
Millstreet Moments
Derry Morley from Cullen experiences the inside of Daniel Lucey’s magnificent Kit Car at the very successful Indoor Charity Car Show in aid of ADHD Ireland at Green Glens Arena on Sunday, 15th Feb. 2026.
Marian O’Sullivan with her grandchildren Annie and Max from Dublin - on a recent visit to Millstreet Museum. Marian’s husband, Michael, is a founder member of Millstreet Museum Society.
A most useful Communication Board has recently been put in place at the Children’s Playground in Millstreet Town Park.
One of the many colourful participating groups at the superb Rathmore Pantomime 2026 “Treasure Island”.
Millstreet Moments
Transition Year Students from Millstreet Community School pictured in Millstreet in advance of their attending a Ball in Tralee on Thurs. 12th February 2026.
One of the groups of Transition Year Students from Millstreet Community School pictured in Millstreet in advance of their attending a Ball in Tralee on Thurs.12th February 2026.
ABOVE & BELOW: At a special function in Randles Court Hotel, Killarney on Friday, 13th February 2026 organised by Millstreet INTO, two wonderfully dedicated teachers were honoured by their Colleagues as both celebrated their recent retirements. From left: Patsy Dineen, Rathmore; Anne Horan, Glin, Co. LimerickNational President INTO; Maura Dineen, Millstreet.
Work Opportunities in IRD Duhallow
IRD Duhallow operates a number of labour activation schemes that give the opportunity to anyone who wants to return to the jobs market and or gain new skills.
The schemes we operate include Tus, Rural Social Scheme, Rural Dweller Pilot Scheme and Community Employment each of these have different qualifying criteria. Anyone interested in joining one of the above schemes will be advised by our team to which would be best suited to your current circumstances and guide you through the application process and indeed signpost you to other services that may be of benefit to you.
The schemes all have commonalities such as the working week which is 19.5 hours, top up payment, paid holidays and access to training. IRD Duhallow is best placed to offer you a chance to upskill, as we have a fantastic array of social enterprises, programmes and community opportunities across North West Cork, Mid Cork and South East Kerry that we can match anyone to their particular interest.
Types of work placements available
• Maintaining and enhancing way-marked ways, agreed walks and bog roads;
• Energy conservation work
• Village and countryside enhancement projects across;
• Social care and care of the elderly, community care for both pre-school and after-school groups;
• Environmental maintenance work, maintenance and care-taking of community and sporting facilities;
• Projects relating to not for profit cultural and heritage centres;
• Community Administration/Clerical duties
• Community Gardens
• Duhallow Community Laundry
• Duhallow Furniture Revamp
• Duhallow Community Food Services If you want to take the next step in returning to work, we’re here to assist you for more information, contact Marie Fleming on marie.fleming@irdduhallow.com or 029-60633
Enrolment for Lismire N.S.
Parents/Guardians who wish to enrol their child/children in Lismire NS for the school year 2026/2027 are asked to email the school at secretary@lismirens.com (or phone on 029-60531) to request an Application form. Closing date is 24th April. For any parent who is considering Lismire N.S. and would like some more information, please see the school website at www.lismirens.com or phone the school (see number above), and the Principal, Ailín, will be very happy to meet or chat with you regarding any questions you may have.
Bealtaine Festival 2026 –Call For Active Retired Groups In Duhallow
If you would like to run an event for your active retired group this May as part of the Bealtaine Festival 2026, please get in contact with Lenora Kelly at lenora.kelly@irdduhallow.com before March 11th.
CONT’D FROM COVER:
For this reason, it is best to treat all cows as potentially dangerous, paying particular attention to firsttime calvers, who may be more unpredictable.
Practical Safety Measures
That Save Lives
Safety is paramount for anyone entering a farmyard. When it comes to calving, being proactive can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury.
A sturdy, effective calving gate in a well-lit area with clear escape routes is a basic safety necessity on all yards where cows may be calving. Simple improvements can make a life-saving difference. Key safety practices include:
• Always restrain the cow in an effective calving gate when possible.
• When entering a pen with an unrestrained cow and calf, keep a gate between you and the cow at all times.
• Plan your escape route before
you enter the pen.
• Some farmers hang calving pen gates slightly higher than normal, allowing the gate to pass over the calf and create a protective barrier between handler and cow.
• When tagging, navel dipping, or assisting a calf to stand or drink colostrum, ensure the cow is securely restrained. If a cow is not effectively restrained and the calf cries out, it can instinctively trigger an attack. It only takes seconds for a situation to escalate.
Keep Dogs Away
Dogs should be kept away from calving areas at all times. A simple trigger such as a dog or even a cat entering a cow’s sightline after calving can provoke a protective and potentially dangerous reaction.
Small Changes – Big Impact
Simple, practical changes on farms can dramatically reduce risk: Securely hung gates
Good lighting in calving sheds
Effective and properly installed calving gates
Clear, uncluttered escape routes
These measures may seem minor, but they could potentially save a farmer or handler from severe injury — or worse — when handling a cow and calf.
Follow National Guidance
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) provides clear guidance on staying safe during calving season. Their publication, Farm Safety During Calving, outlines practical steps farmers can take to protect themselves and others on the yard. All farm families are encouraged to review this guidance ahead of the busy spring period.
HSE Update February 2026
Dangers Of Sunbeds Awareness Campaign 2026
The HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), in collaboration with Healthy Ireland and cross-sectoral partners are working together to support people to reduce their risk of skin cancer by raising awareness of the dangers of using sunbeds.
This campaign will run all year round (January - December 2026) and aims to raise awareness that sunbeds emit UV radiation and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. This risk can be avoided by not using sunbeds. There is no such thing as a healthy sun tan. For more information visit www.hse.ie/sunsmart
Laura Brennan HPV Vaccine Schools Catch-Up Programme
The catch-up programme is designed to offer a further vaccination opportunity to young people, both male and female,
who may have missed earlier opportunities to receive the HPV vaccine.
The programme will be delivered primarily through schools. Free HPV vaccines will be provided to students in 5th and 6th year of secondary school between January and August 2026.
If a child is home-educated and born between 1st September 2006 and the 31st August 2009, and did not receive the HPV vaccine in first year of secondary school, the free HPV vaccine is still available.
Hse Talking Health And Wellbeing Podcast
The HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing podcast series returned on 7 January. Episodes are published weekly on a variety of health and wellbeing topics from experts and practitioners from the HSE and our many partners. You can listen on all podcast platforms and on the HSE Health and
Wellbeing YouTube channel. Recent episodes include discussions with experts on:
• Loneliness
• Vaping
• Managing stress & anxiety
• Global health
Listen and please share with your networks: https:// hsepodcasts.podbean.com/
Hse Campaign Aims To Increase Knowledge Of Sepsis Symptoms
The HSE public information campaign on sepsis is back on radio from February 9th to highlight the signs and symptoms of the lifethreatening condition, sepsis.
Channels include national and local radio for the month of February and digital audio up to the end of April.
For more information please visit www.hse.ie/sepsis
What’s On In Duhallow
Newmarket
An Chultúrlann
Weekly
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
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!
Gneeveguilla
SHARE THE BUCKET
Time: 8:30PM,
Every Friday Evening
Cost: Tickets €2 each or 3 for €5
Tickets: Are available at Teach Fáilte and can be bought online at https:// tinyurl.com/y2ade5om or in local businesses where you see the Green Share the bucket
Mushera Platform Dancing
May 17th Ballinagree Village
June 24th St John’s Night Mushera
August 23rd Mushera
September 20th Balinagree village
CYMS Hall
Newmarket Knitting And Crochet Group
Time: Fridays 10.30 to 12 All welcome
If you require anymore information please call Rita on 0862059745
Newmarket Bridge Club
Time: Every Tuesday at 7.30pm All members and newcomers are most welcome. Contact Eugene on 086 3247041 for more information.
Taekwando
Time: Mondays at 5pm. Contact Niall on 0831106501 for more information.
Drama with Mike
Time: Every Thursday
1st &2nd class as 5pm. 3rd &4th 5th & 6th classes 6pm. Teen Drama classes 7pm.
Creative Writing Teen Classes Wednesday at 5pm. Contact Mike on 0874124741 to book a place.
Julie Nolan School of Irish Dancing
Time: Every Tuesday classes from 4.15 to 7.30. Contact Julie on 086 3516386 for more information.
Catherine O'Reilly Exercise Class
Time: Tuesdays from 10 to 11am Contact Catherine on 087 6800280 to book your place.
Better Balance Staying Fit For The Future
Time: Tuesdays 11am to 12. with Cork Sports Initiative. Contact Catherine 087 6800280 to book your place.
Music Lessons With John
Time: Thursdays Upstairs in hall. Contact 0872322751 to book
Kanturk
Tuesday’s
Dancing with Dan: 8 - 10pm. All welcome
Foróige Youth Club: 7- 8.30pm in the Foróige room located at the front of the hall. Young People aged 12-17yrs. New members welcome. Contact 087-2065296
Wednesday’s
Bingo: 8 - 9.30pm. Single & 3 sheets = €15, Double & 3 sheets = €17, Double & 6 sheets = €22. Jackpot is €1,200 for month of January.
Thursday’s
Taekwondo: 6-8pm. New members Welcome.
Sunday’s:
Christian Worship Service: 11am Fountain Gate Christian Church Bingo at 2pm: Last Sunday of Every Month
Edel Quinn Hall Temperance Hall
Tuesday’s:
Kanturk Fly Fishing Club: 79pm. New members welcome.
Wednesday’s:
Kanturk Flower Club: Meet the first Wednesday of every month at 8pm.
Pilates
Monday, Tuesday & Friday Mornings
Grow Mental Health Meeting
in Kanturk
Time: Every Monday at 2pm (Except Bank Holidays)
Venue: Linn Gorm Hall, Kanturk, P51 YC57
Grow is a 12 Step Support Programme for any person coping,and living with stress, anxiety, depression, or any issue in your life, creating worry and concern. The Meetings are small in numbers, free to attend, relaxed, confidential, friendly and anonymous.
Banteer
Banteer Knitting and Crochet Group
Time: Every Monday 7-8pm
Venue: The Green Bean Cafe at Banteer Sportsfield.
Admission: €2 per person. Bring your own materials. All ages and levels welcome. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Any queries contact Denise on 0861025525 or Marian on 0861208749
Banteer Ladies Social Soccer
Time: Every Tuesday 8pm-9pm Venue: Banteer Indoor Astroturf For all ladies 16+. Fun, Exercise and Friendship. Any queries Text Laura: 087 468 1407
Banteer Macra
Banteer Macra are having a fundraiser night, “Bingo with a twist” on Friday February 20th at 8pm in Gortroe pub. Make sure to keep the date free as it is set to be a great night, full of prizes to be won. Everyone welcome, members and nonmembers to this event in aid of “Bru Columbanus”, who are an excellent charity that benefit so many families across Cork. We hope to see ye all there” ••Strictly over 18 event••
Banteer 5 Mile
Banteer 5 Mile is back for 2026 This road race ( AI and CCAB) is not to be missed
Race Date: 8th of March 10AM
Race 1 : of the Rebel Diamond League
As usual register fast to ensure you secure the highly sought after race
New addition of pacers this year 32, 35, 40, 45 and 50 minutes
Main Sponsors : E Tarrant & Sons Ltd
Tureencahill Community Centre Weekly Schedule
Monday: Yoga 6.45–7.45pm & 8–9pm (Contact Denise: 086 8901234)
Tuesday: Sean Nós Dance (Adults) 7–8pm, 6-week block (Contact Kieran: 085 1731073)
Wednesday: Bridge 1–4pm, Kids Kickboxing 4.30–5.30pm (Maurz: 089 4010475)
Kids Set Dancing 6–7pm (Marie: 083 0045432)
Thursday:
Monthly Pop-Up Gaeltacht Contact (086 3159744)
Friday: Active Retired 12.30–2pm Yoga 7–8pm & 8.15–9.15pm (Men only)
(Contact Denise: 086 8901234) Enquiries: 085 8771949 tureencahillcg@gmail.com
Dance Classes with Norella
Time: Every Wednesday @ 8.15pm
Venue: Ballydesmond Community Centre.
Admission: €10 pay as you go. Learn to dance the jive, waltz, quickstep, line dancing and more. Great exercise, good fun. No partner needed.
KNOCKNAGREE LADIES FOOTBALL CLUB
Our Junior Players and management are activity seeking new or returning players and additional coaches to compliment the existing management . The County League starts in March and training has resumed , please check out our social media for up to date training info . New players from age 4 to adult are welcome as well as new volunteers, coaches & FLO’s Please contact Chairperson Catherine on 083 3498778 for any information on our Club
Gig Guide
For Parents
Donoughmore
Parent and Toddler Group
Donoughmore Community Hall Stuake, Co. Cork, P32 FP49 Monday 9.30 - 11.30
Millstreet
Parent and Toddler Group
GAA Hall, Millstreet, Co. Cork P51V577 Monday 9.30am-12pm
Newtownshandrum
Parent and Toddler Group
Community Hall, Newtownshandrum, Charleville. Friday 10am-11am
Newmarket Breastfeeding Support Group
Time: 11.00am to 12.00pm. Venue: Castlecourt, Newmarket, Co. Cork.
Facilitated by PHN. Just drop in or phone 02961500. Breastfeeding mums and expectant mums are welcome.
Freemount Social Dancing
Time: Sundays 3 to 5:30pm
Venue: Freemount Community Centre P56 P893
Admission: €12.50
Strictly Adults only. Refreshments will be served. For more information: 083 458 9222
Set Dancing in Aubane
Venue: Aubane Community Centre P51 EP49
Time: Every Monday at 9pm
ABOVE: The Glen Theatre Drama Group, Banteer are getting set to perform a new comedy play; Key For Two, beginning on February 28th. L-R BACK ROW: Cathy Bailey, Tadhg Curtin, Olivia Lehane, Maria O’Sullivan, L-R: FRONT ROW: Philip Lenihan, Niamh Brosnan and John McCafferty.
The hilarious comedy focuses on Harriet, a canny divorcee, who solves her financial problems by dating two married gentlemen on different days of the week. She orchestrates their comings and goings with elegant artistry until her friend Anne unexpectedly turns up, hotly pursued by her husband (and Harriet’s ex-lover), closely followed by two irate wives in search of stray husbands.
by John Tarrant
Maurice O’Keeffe Festival 2026
Maurice O’Keeffe Festival Launch night at Kiskeam Community Centre commences on Saturday, February 28th at 8pm. It promises to be a fantastic night’s entertainment including Nancy Lehane current Cork Rose of Tralee to officially open the festival. An array of talent to include Donna Moynihan( Boherbue), Alan Finn & friends, Ellen O’Keeffe ( Kiskeam ), Michael Healy & Friends ( Kilcummin), Cill Mhín set dancers, Teape family (Ballinspittle) will all take part in the concert. A Fiddle recital with winners of the Maurice O’Keeffe Perpetual Cup from 2004- 2025 will take part to mark this special anniversary of the festival. Admission is free on the launch night so everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment. It promises to be a lively night and a great way to kick start the 5 day Easter festival event from Thursday 2nd- Monday 6th April. Watch out for more details of the programme of events in the coming weeks.
Photo
‘Cool Runnings’ - Rockchapel Gathering Weekend 5k Fundraiser Gets Bodies Moving
A message from the Rockchapel Gathering Weekend committee:
“A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support our Rockchapel Gathering Weekend Fundraising 5k on February 2nd. We really appreciate it.
Planning is underway for the Rockchapel Gathering Weekend 2026. It will take place from 5th to 7th June. More details to follow!”
by NEILY CURTIN
Photos
Siobhan and Maire Heffernan
Yvonne Lyons
Molly, Christina and David Curtin, Henry and Ann.
Orlaith Keating and Anna O’Keeffe
Willie Mulcahy, Noreen Buckley and Noel Callaghan
The Browne family
Patrick Buckley was the first male to finish
And they’re off!
Shane Lyons was the first child to finish
Kevin Collins with children; Aidan and Aoife
Health
Healthy Boundaries Benefit Everyone
By ALICE O’BRIEN
Alice O’Brien Counselling, Newmarket
Let me paint a hypothetical picture. You have a beautiful garden at the front of your house, you have worked hard on it and you are very proud of it. You love to show it off to your neighbours; they come and admire your garden regularly. After a while, you notice that the neighbours are freely walking into your garden, enjoying the fruits of your labour, but you do not mind, it is a beautiful garden. As more time passes, you notice that people are having picnics in your garden, leaving rubbish behind, maybe even walking on your flowerbeds or picking flowers to bring to their own garden. You realise it might be time to put up a fence, so you erect a six foot high
fence and keep everyone out of your garden. Now, only you can enjoy the garden, the only problem is, you cannot see anyone over the fence, so you have lost connection with others. What is the solution? Perhaps build a lower fence, something that you can see over but still maintains a reasonable divide between what is yours and what is others.
The garden in question represents your life and the fence your boundaries. If you have no fence or no boundaries, people will walk all over your garden, if you
have too rigid boundaries, you risk isolating yourself. So, getting the balance right for your boundaries is very important in maintaining healthy relationships.
Three ways to set healthy boundaries without being too rigid include firstly, being direct and clear in your communication. Saying what you are happy to do and what you are not happy to do is important, be clear and calm, you do not need to give apologies or excuses, you just need to be direct. Secondly, you need to follow up your words with actions; a boundary is not only about what you say, but also about what you do. Lastly, if you want to be consistent and maintain your boundaries, you need to let go of guilt, protecting your time and your energy is never something to feel guilty about
Ireland Reads Storytime
For Ireland Reads Day there will be a storytime in Newmarket Library on Saturday 28th February @ 11.30a.m.
All Welcome!
The Sweet Life
By MAIREAD O’KEEFFE New Leaf Health Store
In New Leaf Health Store, sugar cravings are something we hear about all the time — from women and men alike. It’s such a common experience. You start the day well, but by mid-afternoon you’re hunting for something sweet, or you feel that familiar pull towards chocolate in the evening.
you know it, you’re stuck on the rollercoaster.
Supporting balanced blood sugar is one of the kindest things we can do for our bodies. When levels are steadier, energy tends to be steadier too — and those strong cravings often ease naturally.
Sugar cravings are rarely just about willpower. More often, it comes down to blood sugar balance. When we eat sugary snacks or refined carbohydrates, our blood sugar can rise quickly and then fall just as fast. That drop can leave us feeling tired, a little irritable, foggy-headed and craving another quick boost. Before
One of my favourite, simple suggestions is cinnamon — but proper cinnamon. I always recommend Ceylon cinnamon, which is the lovely organic one we stock in the shop. It has a softer, more delicate flavour than the common cassia variety and has traditionally been used to help support healthy blood sugar levels. It’s easy to stir into porridge, add to yoghurt, blend into smoothies or sprinkle into coffee.
For those who need a little extra
help, supplements can provide additional support. We stock Terra Nova Chromium, Cinnamon and Alpha Lipoic Acid, combining nutrients that contribute to normal blood glucose metabolism. Chromium is particularly well known for its role in helping the body process carbohydrates. We also carry Solgar Chromium Picolinate as a straightforward option, and Patrick Holford Cinnachrome, which blends cinnamon with supportive nutrients aimed at maintaining balance.
For me, it’s not about cutting out every treat. It’s about creating steadiness and helping your body feel supported. With small, consistent changes, sugar cravings can become far more manageable — and that makes everyday life feel that bit easier.
Duhallow News
done to all who participated in
next Saturday.
• Set Dancing: Boherbue
• Ballad Group: Millstreet
• Recitation: St John’s - John O Sullivan
• Solo Singing: Millstreet - Conor Linehan
• Instrumental Group: Meelin
• Novelty Act: St. John’s
Well
the Duhallow Scór Sinsir Final in Aubane. Best of luck to those going through to Ovens
Can you find the words hidden in the puzzle?
TYRANNOSAURUS
BRONTOSAURUS
STEGOSAURUS
SPINOSAURUS
ALLOSAURUS
TRICERATOPS
VELOCIRAPTOR
Duhallow News
Congratulations to both Western Duhallow Men’s Shed and Rylane Community Park Association on their wins at the recent Mayor of the County of Cork’s 13th annual Mayor’s Community Awards.
The first winner on the night was in the Southern Division category, which went to Rylane Community Park Association.
Founded in 2016 to address the lack of amenities, RCPA has led a transformative, community-driven regeneration of Rylane. After securing a 4.5-acre site through determination and fundraising, planning approval in 2020 enabled a remarkable build. The site now includes a multi-sport grass pitch, a fully accessible playground, and a floodlit all-weather Astro used by all ages, with a new Community Centre underway.
Also winning on the night was Western Duhallow Men’s Shed. Western Duhallow Men’s Shed was established by Kiskeam Development Association to provide a safe, welcoming space for men at risk of social isolation. It has grown into a thriving hub serving Kiskeam, Ballydesmond, Boherbue, Cullen, Knocknagree, Glash, Newmarket, and the wider region, offering a place to gather, talk, share skills, and enjoy companionship.
IRD Duhallow was delighted to organise workshops for the Transition Year students of St. Mary’s secondary school Macroom recently. These interactive events were facilitated by Dr Brendan O’Keeffe and supported by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Communicating Europe Initiative. This programme provides funding to voluntary organisations, educational bodies, civil society groups, and local authorities for initiatives intended to deepen public awareness of the role that the European Union plays in our daily lives and improve the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues, at local, regional, or national level.
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. Mallow Adult Learning Centre.
Monday - Thursday 9.30am - 1.30pm Friday 9:30am – 12.00pm
Top floor, Parish centre, Mallow 022 42642
Interest
The Season Of Lent – A Time For Renewal
By TOM DENNEHY
The season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday which was a day of fast and abstinence.
We received blessed ashes on our foreheads from our priest with the words, “remember thou art dust and into dust thou shall return”, a reminder of the brevity of life and our need to be ready for the day when we are called to account for our lives.
Lent is a time for us to reflect and prepare while we still can and make changes to our lives to bring us into a closer relationship with Jesus. Lent is a forty day period, excluding Sundays, of prayer, fasting and alms giving beginning on February 18th and ending on April 2nd representing a time of spiritual reflection, preparation and repentance that mirrors the time Jesus spent in the desert.
Key Aspects of the Season of Lent
The main purpose of Lent is to give us a time to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday, focusing on conversion and turning back to God.
The forty days of Lent are associated with the forty days Jesus fasted in the desert at the beginning of His ministry life. “Jesus was now full of the Holy Spirit. As he returned from the Jordan the Spirit led Him into the desert to be tempted by The Devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights and afterwards was hungry “Luke 4;1.2.
At His weakest moment, the Devil tried to tempt Jesus but Jesus overcame every temptation by quoting the word of God. And when the Devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until another opportune time. We know that the Devil returned to
tempt Jesus during His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, again at His weakest moment.
Just as Jesus was tempted we will also be tempted on our journey through Lent. The Devil will try and persuade us to cease our prayers and fasting, afraid that we will grow closer to Jesus.
Ways we can grow closer to Jesus during Lent
1. Go to Mass more often, every day if you can and especially on Sunday.
2. Spend time in Adoration, as this is the best way to get to know the person of Jesus Christ. He is really there waiting to pour out His love and His graces upon you.
3. Spend time reading the Bible every day and get to know the person of Jesus Christ. Read even a short passage and ask the Holy Spirit to help you as you meditate on it. Read the Sunday readings before you go to your weekend mass. We too need the knowledge and power of Scripture to overcome the temptations of the Devil.
4. Pray the Rosary every day. The Rosary is a meditation on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. It will change your life and you will see miracles happening.
5. Fasting is praying with our physical bodies and gives great power to our prayer life and gives tremendous control over our temptations.
6. Give donations to the poor during Lent. We are so privileged and when we look at the great need in our world we see how much we need to give financial help.
7. Use the opportunity to go to confession and experience the grace and mercy that flow from this wonderful sacrament.
8. Pray the Stations of the Cross especially on Friday.
Our relationship with ourselves.
• Abstain from non-essential mobile use
• Abstain from social media
• Abstain from online shopping/ non-essential purchases
• Abstain from YouTube/Netflix/ TV/Video/Computer games
• Abstain from alcohol/desserts/ fizzy drinks
• Only listen to music that lifts your soul and spirit
Our relationship with others Volunteer to help clean your local church.
Give generously to local charities. Talk to someone about the gift of the Catholic faith.
Regularly visit a sick or lonely person you know.
Actively forgive someone who has hurt you.
Compliment someone every day. Don’t complain. Be positive. Be grateful.
Be joyful – it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Refrain from gossip.
• So during our Lenten journey, let us continue to journey with Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit as we prepare to celebrate the Great Easter Triduum. Our preparation and sacrifices during Lent help us appreciate the great sacrifice Jesus has made for us. He died on the cross for us and he has given us a free gift of eternal life.
Let us be ready to join in singing Alleluia, Alleluia, and Alleluia on Easter morning.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 3: Good Health & Wellbeing
By SHANE MCHALE
Benjamin Franklin once wrote that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Although written in 1736, his often cited quote is only getting more relevant in our lifetime and captures a significant change in direction that is currently happening in how we approach our health.
For as long as healthcare as a discipline has existed in human history, its primary focus has been reactive. In others words, more focused on the “cure”. However, we are living in a time where this focus is dramatically shifting towards the “prevention”. Sustainable Development Goal 3: “Good Health and Wellbeing: Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages” reflects this paradigm shift in physical and mental healthcare, and its impact is not just global, it is also very much relevant to us locally here in Duhallow.
The remit of Goal 3 includes suicide mortality, and as data from the Central Statistics Office has consistently shown, Cork remains above the national average each year. The Rural Community Health Project that operates here in IRD Duhallow, as well as Ballyhoura and Avondhu, was created specifically to address the high rates of suicide across North Cork. Target 3.4 sets a target of a one third reduction in this area by 2030. Based on the most recent data available from the CSO, achieving this target would translate to, at a conservative estimate, 10 more people alive in rural Cork every year who otherwise would be lost to suicide.10 more of our friends, family members, neighbours and colleagues alive each year. This is a target worth hitting, so what
action are we taking to achieve it here in IRD Duhallow?
Suicide prevention is about more than reducing risks, rather a significant focus is on proactively creating life enhancing opportunities and initiatives. The Rural Community Health Project hosts a variety of groups and clubs that provide opportunities for connection and a sense of belonging.
On the surface the Walking & Social Club or the Men’s Breakfast Club may not look like suicide prevention, however, it is through these initiatives that people meet, feel a sense of place and realise their value in the broader community and directly counter isolation, which is the blight of modern rural Ireland.
Through IRD Duhallow’s Wellbeing & Recovery College, community members address mental health issues directly with a room of their peers. This lifts the shadow of stigma that still stubbornly sticks to discussions of
mental health. As Ann Voskamp wrote, “shame dies when stories are told in safe places”.
The work of tackling suicide in our community cannot be done in isolation however. Factors such as poverty and unemployment for example, are known to be significant risk factors for suicides. Therefore, the work of other initiatives here in IRD Duhallow, and other Sustainable Development Goals that you will read about in the next few weeks in Discover Duhallow, are all playing a part in unified preventative action that will not just hit targets, but save real lives here in Duhallow.
Walking Group on a trip to Cobh
Crossword sponsored by Duhallow Community Food Services
Across
1. Mode (7)
4. Pole tossed in the Highlands (5)
7. Relating to the moon (5)
9. Diplomatic (7)
10. Aromatic herb (7)
11. Cove (5)
12. Main artery (5)
14. Sturdy (5)
19. Relinquish (5)
21. Burrowing rodent (7)
23. Four-sided parallelogram (7)
24. Stories (5)
25. Abated (5)
26. Despised (7)
Down
1. Bird of prey (6)
2. Meaning (5)
3. Country (6)
4. Desert plants (5)
5. Perplexed (7)
6. Connect (6)
8. Respond (5)
13. Forbidding (7)
15. Let in (5)
16. Veer (6)
17. Dissertation (6)
18. Rubbed out (6)
20. Flowed back (5)
22. Claw (5)
Solution: Issue 157, February 6th, 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, February 27th 2026.
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 Jobete Keane, who wins a €20 voucher for Duhallow Community Food Services!
