Discover Duhallow Issue 69

Issue 69: July 29th 2022

contact us at: discoverduhallow@irdduhallow.com

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IRD DUHALLOW HOLDS THEIR 2022 AGM: PG 19 A Degree of Excitement at IRD Duhallow Graduation Graduates celebrated in Recognition of Learning Ceremony

IRD Duhallow’s Recognition of Learning Ceremony saw over 200 people graduate from a wide variety of courses through programmes delivered by IRD Duhallow.

The Certificates were presented by the Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD and in an unprecedented event, the first ever level 8

Issue 69 July 29, 2022

degree certs were presented to successful graduates of the BA in Early Childhood Education and Care.

This was the first time that people have graduated from a QQI L8 programme from the Newmarket base.

■See pages 12&13

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Advertising

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Autumn Born Weanling Show & Sale

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Issue 69 July 29, 2022

Index Editor’s Note

The sunshine may have passed for the year, but we persist this edition with a wonderful poem reminiscing about “The Last Week Of July” by Steve Roche.

As well as that, Kevin O’Connor shares with us his experience from the Special Olympics in 2003, and we welcome Daniel O’Loughlin, our newest regular with his video game reviews!

And last, but certainly not least, we celebrate those who graduated at the Celebration of Learning ceremony held in the James O’Keeffe Institute in our centre spread, tá comhghairdeas tuillte ag gach duine!

- Caleb

To have your news included, contact us via: Email: Discoverduhallow@irdduhallow.com Phone: 029-60633 Facebook: www.facebook.com/ DiscoverDuhallowMagazine

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Index Community pages.............................4-11 IRD Graduation.............................12-13 “The Last Week of July” Poem............14 Kevin’s Olympic Experience.............15 LEADER Spotlight................................16 #SICAP Stories...................................16 Top Tips for Phone Interviews..............17 The Benefits of Sunshine..................18 IRD Duhallow AGM..............................19 Bats in Ireland....................................20 Croagh Patrick Pilgrimage...................21 Film Review: “Ghost World”.............22 Game Review: “Ratchet and Clank”....22 Crossword..........................................23 Keep an eye out online for the latest issue of Discover Duhallow, revisit your favourite articles, and have a look into what we’re doing next.

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Community News Sympathies

Used piano for sale. Good condition.

Contact for details: 0876729648

Congratulations to former Chicago Rose of Tralee, Teresa Daly and her new husband Paul Kelly on their wedding.

Mushera Platform Sunday 7th August Last Dance on the Mountain for 2022 Music by Timjoe and Ann 3pm - 5:30pm All Welcome No Cover Charge Enquiries to 0860647381

IRD Duhallow Vacancies Openings are available for:

Hollymount Celebration

-Social Farming Development Officer -Rural Recreation Development Officer -Kickstart Development officer

Katie Fleming from Islandearagh Full details of these vacancies and enjoying her first All Ireland Football any future ones are available on the Final.

IRD Duhallow website: Tureencahill Community www.irdduhallow.com Centre Digital Hub is up and

Dromtariffe Parish Walks Week 2: August 2nd - Prohus Loop.

Parking at GAA Club.

Week 3: August 9th - Boeing Walk.

Parking in Flintfield, P51 EF10 Week 4: August 16th - Derrygallon.

Parking in Derrygallon

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To Margaret Cronin Rathmore & the Creedon family on the death of her mother, Sheila Creedon, Mushra, Millstreet. Sheila was laid to rest in Millstreet on Saturday 9th July.

To John and Mary Curtin, Shanballa, on the death of their daughter Naomi, sister to Ester and mother to Claudia, Charlotte, and Kaylee, and extended family. Naomi was laid to rest on Saturday 9th July in Knocknagree.

To Ian Dineen, Rathmore, Helen, Tony, Cormac, and family on the death of their mother Kathleen Dineen Ballydaly, also to her brother Con and extended family.

Kathleen was laid to rest in Millstreet on Tuesday 12th July.

To Joe Foley and family on the death of his wife Sheila, also to her sister Marie O’Leary and O’Sullivan families L/o Lisnaboy Cullen/Rathmore.

May Sheila, Naomi, Kathleen, and Sheila rest in peace.

running!

Take advantage of this great opportunity for superfast wifi/ broadband. High speed internet access available to everybody, as well as work spaces. Contact 085 1741551 or 087 9924821

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Hollymount NS celebrates 150 years on Sat 1st October 2022. Any old photos, writeups, memorabilia etc. related to Hollymount NS would be greatly appreciated and can be posted or emailed to the school by 1st Aug. Alternatively, contact 150th committee members Don 0868101266 or Brendan 0862158508 Spread the word and all welcome!

Cullen and district special needs wish to thank all who contributed in any way to the success of the harvest afternoon.

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Community News

Pipe Band Fundraiser Millstreet Pipe Band have set up a fundraiser via a gofundme page. The band was formed in 1951 and it was their 70th Anniversary in 2021. 2021 was also a momentous year for the pipe band - They got new uniforms and band equipment. They received substantial funding for this endeavour from IRD Duhallow which was greatly appreciated. However this was 64% of the total cost so there was a shortfall between funding received &andthe total cost to the band. To help defray this 36% shortfall plus the lack of Church Gate Collections for two years due to Covid, they are asking the public for donations, large or small, to their gofundme page: https://tinyurl.com/Millstreetpipeband Alternatively donations may also be given to Marie Twomey, Theresa Cleary, Gillian McCarthy or any Millstreet Pipe Band Member.

ommunity Fu C m nD ea k ay s Kiskeam GAA Pitch Ki Adults €10

Sunday 31st July 1pm - 6pm

Kids €5

Sprint/Novelty Races •Face Painting • Penalties/Kick Fada Ice Cream Van • Inflatables

Music by Anthony Dineen 4pm - 6pm Banteer Macra members who attended a fun day at Ballyhass recently.

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Community News

Reeling In A Big One!

Kanturk man Michael Twohig proudly wore the Irish Green Jacket on the podium where brought home the Silver Medal at the World Masters Fly Fishing Championships in Italy. Michael came in second place just behind the USA’s Bret Bishop.

This was a step higher up the podium, for Michael who previously won Bronze at the 2019

Championships in South Africa.

Michael is a well known business man and is owner of Twohigs Supervalu in Kanturk, Askeaton and Abbeyfeale.

Many of the Kanturk businesses and local community groups took to Social Media to congratulate Michael on his outstanding achievement.

Michael Twohig celebrating with his family Michael, Lisa, Noreen, Aila, Fiadh, Carmel and Edel.

Rathmore Ladies Football All Ireland Semi Final

Congratulations to Danielle O’Leary, Louise Coughlan, Kerry senior ladies team and management on winning the All Ireland semi final over Mayo! Best of luck to them in the final at Croke Park against Meath.

Well done to Iveragh Holohan who participated in the Munster Blitz with Kerry u14s Camogie team.

Women’s open Irish 60x30 national result saw Cork’s Aishling O’Keeffe in top form as she progressed to the 2022 final.

Unfortunately she was defeated 15-10 15-3 by Martina McMahon from Limerick.

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Congratulations to Orla Cronin and her Kerry u16s camogie team mates. Kerry won on a 2-11 to 3-2 against Wicklow. Well done to the girls & management. The girls are through to the semi-final of u16 AllIreland championship against Roscommon on 31st July.

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Community News

Donoughmore Carnival And Vintage Rally

Well done to Donoughmore on their recent carnival festivities!

People from all over the area came to enjoy the carnival rides, games, and prizes, including some fantastically creative games like duck catching with a JCB! Other games included sheaf tossing, egg and spoon race, and a fancy dress parade. A wonderful day was had by all, there’s no doubt excitement at the prospect of next year’s events!

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Dromagh NS

Pre-school and Dromagh National School

It’s that time of year again, when pre-schoolers are registered for a fun filled school year! Time has flown! Within the grounds of the school, Curious Minds operates a breakfast club, preschool and afterschool service. Contact Marie on 086 – 311 4984 for

more information. We at Dromagh National School would be delighted to meet you and show you around our rural co-ed school.

Please contact the office for more information at 029 – 56067 or by email to nsdromagh@gmail.com.

Dromagh National School Sports Day June 23rd - Summer sun, SPF, and sport were the order of the day on our Sports Day at the school. The day came up trumps with the sun shining gloriously. The sun cream was applied for a day of activities.

The sporting talent of all students within the school was clearly recognisable.

All activities were hard fought from each class grouping. The children cheered each other in the various sporting games. The mighty challenge of the day - 6th class football match against

Fundraiser for Team Hope

On Wednesday 22nd June the school community had a nonuniform day, with all proceeds raised donated to Team hope. Well done to all the boys and girls.

Extra Curricular Activities By Our Students

the other children in the school. This was gripping, tense and enthralling.

As the day progressed it was time to fill the famished tummies. The aroma of the summer BBQ filled the valley of Dromagh. All the produce used came from our gold award winning garden, The Incredible Edibles Garden.

At the end of the day, the students received their medals for their great achievements. Huge congratulations to them. What a great day of fun!

We strive to nurture the holistic development of the student at Dromagh NS and stress the importance of sports and activities within the curriculum.

We look forward to continuing and encouraging this healthy lifestyle.

Thanks to all our parents who support and encourage this healthy lifestyle.

Hurling, football, camogie, athletics, swimming, basketball, gymnastics, music, song, dance, badminton, rounders, question time/quizzes, drama, orientating, equestrian, tennis, rugby and tag rugby are only a sample of the many activities, sport and interests that our students display. We support and encourage them in partnership with the parents of the school. Congratulations to all our students who participated in their respective activity of interest at school, club, region, Munster and at All Ireland level.

Well done to you all. Keep up the training over the summer!

Eoin, Eoghan, and Jack

Ben, Darragh, Like, and Conor

Cody, Tara, and Paul

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Medals all round!

Plenty medals were awarded on the day!

RIGHT: Emma, Alice, Amy, and Lucy having received their medals BELOW: More winners!

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Dromagh NS

6th class having received medals on Sports day

The girls having received their medals LEFT: Paul throwing the wellie BELOW LEFT: Cody crosses the line in the egg and spoon race BELOW RIGHT: Concentration, concentration!!!

BBQ Time!

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Community News

Happy Birthday, Timmy!

By PAT FLEMING

Sliabh Luachra Musician The Rock Bar was hopping on Wednesday the 20th! The living legend himself, Timmy O’Connor, was celebrated with a surprise birthday party. Timmy is the oldest musician in the area, and at 87, he’s still going strong!

He’s still composing and playing, and with that, he teaches us that older style of music. It’s a window into the past, right back to the famous Tom Billy Murphy, back to well before recording was accessible. Timmy and his compositions have appeared on my own recently released album, and no doubt will appear in more to come. A fantastic night was had by all.

Happy birthday, Timmy, and thank you for the tunes!

Photos by Eddie Hennessy

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Community News

Issue 69 July 29, 2022

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Feature

Congraduations, everyone!

By LOUISE BOURKE

The sun shone radiantly, reflecting the proud smiles of the many graduates at the IRD Duhallow Recognition of Learning Ceremony. They were honoured to welcome Minister for Education Norma Foley to present the certificates to the graduates. Chairperson of IRD Duhallow Breeda Moynihan Cronin noted that “it is fitting that we are celebrating this ceremony here in the grounds of the James O’Keeffe Institute. I think it is safe to say that we have truly realised the fundamental aim of its Board many years ago; to establish this Newmarket building as a Rural Centre of Excellence for Learning and Development.”

It was a special day for many who had undertaken an unprecedented learning journey as the pandemic struck during their course. For some, it was the first time they had met as a group as their training had to be solely delivered online.

There were over 80 certs presented on the day: From oneday certs of attendance right up to Level 8 degrees. Included in this were four major awards: Level 5 Major Award in Healthcare; Level 7 & Level 8 Degrees in Early Childhood Care & Education

and a Level 4 Major Award in Horticulture.

Funded through the Skills Connect programme the Health Care Support Worker Level 5 Major Award saw 12 people graduate and receive their certs from the Minister. Skills Connect is focused on upskilling unemployed individuals in areas with identified skills gaps. As a rural area with an ageing population, health care workers are in high demand.

This is the fourth group of Health Care students graduating from the programme and over 90% of those who have successfully completed have gone on to full time employment.

IRD Duhallow has a longstanding track record of working with Child Care providers in the region having supported the establishment of six community crèches under the previous childcare capital programme.

Through their work with the North

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Cork Childcare Network, it was identified that there was a need to upskill childcare workers in the region to QQI Level 7 and QQI Level 8 degrees. In collaboration with IT Carlow a BA in Early Childhood Care and Education was delivered through the TNP programme of Skillnet and today 57 people successfully graduated from the programme.

IRD Duhallow Skillnet was founded in 2015 with the aim of delivering affordable quality training locally here from its base in the James O’Keeffe Institute.

They have a great record of accomplishment; in that time, they have supported 2930 Member companies, 6621 employed trainees, 395 unemployed trainees across an excess of 50,000 training days. In her speech, Minister Foley acknowledged the important work being undertaken

by IRD Duhallow and its voluntary Board.

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Feature

Photos by Sheila Fitzgerald and Tadhg Curtin

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Feature

The Last Week of July We planned our annual holiday when I was just a lad.

We went to Ballybunion, but the weather it was bad.

In my brand new shirt and shoes that hurt.

The ones my mother saved to buy.

To go to Ballybunion on the last week of July.

We met the bus down in the square, my bucket in my hand.

And all the fuss to get on the bus, for I always had to stand.

Then I’d be sick, and my shoes I’d kick, the ones my mother saved to buy.

To go to Ballybunion on the last week of July.

They would put me up by the driver, for me to get some air.

And my mother would always say, he’s never been sick before, and she would come and comb my hair.

Then I’d see the sea, and I would want to pee, And if I couldn’t I would cry.

When I went to Ballybunion on the last week of July.

Our caravan was waiting, two miles from the sea, and we forced the suitcases open, we did, cause my uncle lost the key.

I tried to light the gas fire, and I burned half my tie, When I went to Ballybunion of the last week of July.

We went to the beach on Sunday, and I created quite a fuss, I pinched my brothers bucket, for I left mine on the bus.

I cut my foot with a bottle and my cousin said "You’ll die.

And we’ll bury you in Ballybunion on the last week of July".

We left for home on Monday, my bucket full of shells, The weather was getting better then, with bright and sunny spells.

As I climbed on the bus, I waved the sea goodbye, On my trip to Ballybunion on the last week of July.

Written by Steve Roche Upper Bluepool, Kanturk, Co Cork Special thanks to Steve for sending us a wonderful poem!

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Feature

My Experience at the 2003 Special Olympics World Games

By KEVIN O’CONNOR

Special Olypian Athlete In 1996, the Special Olympics came to North Cork. The Duhallow Riders Special Olympics Equestrian Club was formed in Churchtown riding school with Norma Bourke as instructor.

I was one of eleven athletes who joined along with Kieran Buckley, Jermy Brosnan, Norita Hedigan, Diarmuid Sweetnam, Emily Hurley, Maeve Long, Lisa O’Brien, John Fehan, Patrick Ahern, and David O’Connell. We trained once a week every Thursday.

As time went on, we improved our riding skills under the expert coaching of Norma Bourke, and we took place in Special Olympics

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Competitions winning medals which qualified us to Represent Munster in Ireland’s Competitions.

The Special Olympics World Summer Games was always held in the USA, and went outside of the Country for the very first time with Ireland being picked to hold the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Dublin.

In 2003, the President of Ireland Mary McAleese, and the President of South Africa Nelson Mandela opened the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Croke Park in Dublin.

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On the day we came home to Kanturk town, there was a big reception. Oh boy, what a night to never forget!

This was one big dream and one goal, to take part in one massive event.

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LEADER and SICAP

LEADER In The Communty - Spotlight on: Water Biodiversity Training Programme for Duhallow Communities

By STEPHANIE MOYNIHAN In 2022, with the aid of LEADER funding, IRD Duhallow was delighted to deliver Water Biodiversity Training Programme for Duhallow Communities.

The overall aim of this project was to equip local community and voluntary groups with the knowledge and skills necessary to plan for water biodiversity in their local area and to ensure it has minimum negative impact and maximum benefit for the local environment.

This project met the needs of community groups in Duhallow who identified a lack of knowledge and education in successfully approaching Water Biodiversity initiatives. The need for this training was identified through

outreach work carried out by IRD Duhallow whereby this project provided comprehensive training in water biodiversity to help communities to help themselves and deliver local area impacts through targeted action.

The Water Biodiversity Training Programme is in keeping with a long running history of community based environmental action in Duhallow that has stimulated the area through a bottom up approach to citizen led environmental science.

IRD Duhallow engaged a qualified Consultancy team to develop this training, with development

potential of local projects and roll out of Citizen Science locally. The project facilitated networking and cooperation between people of all ages including young people, community groups and farmers.

It provided an ideal learning environment for those involved and brought people together who may not have met otherwise was it not for this project.

#SICAPStories: Nurturing Resilience in Children

-Becoming more mindful of our language and what it might be communicating -Worries and emotions -Strategies and activities in accepting negative feelings, re-framing and moving on In September 2022, a further seminar will be planned. This workshop will cover Starting School or Moving on – Supporting our children with Separation, Change and Transitions. Giving guidance on issues such as morning routines, reacting and supporting big emotions, separation and the drop off, this workshop will be of interest to any

parents of young children under eight experiencing a period of transition in their young lives. Designed to help parents and guardians cope with difficulties their children may encounter during times of big change, this seminar will provide support and helpful advice. For further information please contact Nollaig Murphy on 029-60633.

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2018 – 2022 provides funding to tackle poverty and social exclusion through local engagement and partnerships between disadvantaged individuals, community organisations and public sector agencies.

Administered by Pobal and funded by the Irish Government through the Department of Rural and Community Development, it also receives funding from the European Social Fund under the Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 20142020.

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Issue 69 July 29, 2022

By STEPHANIE MOYNIHAN

IRD Duhallow’s Youth and Education Working Group is to the fore in promoting the social, personal and educational wellbeing of young people in Duhallow.

In June 2021, IRD Duhallow’s Youth and Education Working Group hosted a very well attended workshop entitled Nurturing Resilience in Children which was facilitated by behaviour specialist Deirdre Holland Hannon. The purpose of this seminar was to enable parents in obtaining practical solutions and strategies in day to day issues which may arise in the parenting of their children.

Topics covered on this occasion included: -Helping young children with failures and mistakes -How we react to failures and mistakes -Coping with self-doubt -Recognising our own mindset and core beliefs

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Job Centre

Top Tips For Phone Interviews

By STEPHANIE MOYNIHAN

These are our top tips for attending a phone interview.

Remove all distractions Plan ahead for the interview and ensure that you cut out all possible distractions. Ensure that the room you will be in is nice a quiet. Give your family or housemates the heads up and ask them to keep noises to the minimum as you would not want to hear the vacuum cleaner going off next door in the middle of the interview. If using a mobile phone, ensure that it fully charged and that you have good coverage.

Preparation is key It can be very beneficial to have your CV, cover letter and perhaps job descriptions in front of you alongside pen and paper to take notes if required.

IN THE FRAME

personality by imaging the person in front of you when speaking to them. It is possible to ‘hear a smile’ over the phone by simply smiling when speaking. Try it out! Ensure that your voice is clear and take your time answering questions.

IRD Duhallow’s SICAP-funded Job Centre offers support and guidance to people in relation to CV preparation, the interview process and job seeking. Contact Stephanie on 02960633 for assistance.

Readers are invited to share their photographs with us - the best will feature here.

Be sure to caption your image and provide your full name and details of where the photo was taken. Email it to us at discoverduhallow@irdduhallow.com

Photo taken at the bog in Ballyvourney/ County bounds by Sonja Ducey.

The puppy's name is Barley, who needed a shower after his evening turning the turf.

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Prepare for your phone interview the same way as you would for an in person interview. This means researching the company, practice potential interview questions and preparing questions you may want to ask at the end of the interview.

Notes Perhaps you would like to write a few notes for yourself to look at during the interview to keep your thoughts on track and to prompt you when answering certain questions. However, be careful that you do not appear to be reading answers off.

Bring across your personality Of course, it can be more challenging to connect with the interviewer over the phone- this is often easier in person as we can see the other person’s body language. It is not all lost however as you can bring across your

Picture taken on a hot summers day down by the water by Kevin O'Leary, Lombardstown, Mallow.

Photo sent to us by Siobhan O'Connor.

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Health

Here Comes The Sun

By ALICE O’BRIEN

Churchview Psychotherapy, Millstreet The sun is out, you’ve dusted down the patio furniture, the kids are sitting in the paddling pool, and the factor 50 is on. Your garden looks like a holiday resort and you’re basking in it. You might still have to face the toil of the working day but it is definitely easier in the sunshine. Why is that? Surely, the sun peeping out occasionally can’t make a huge difference to your mood?

Well, it does. The term ‘sunny disposition’ actually has some foundation. Sunshine is proven to have a bigger effect on our mood than any other climate condition. This is because sunshine increases our production

of serotonin, our ‘happy hormone’.

Serotonin does more than just lift our mood. It helps us to get a more restful sleep. Serotonin and melatonin work together to increase sleep quality which is the biggest factor in maintaining positive moods. So, sunny days can lead to peaceful nights.

It is also fair to say that sunshine brings with it ‘salad season’.

So, we are more drawn to fresh, healthy, unprocessed foods during the hot days, which can help us to feel more energised and nourished. We also drink more water during the heat which

helps with hydration. But, there is nothing wrong with the odd icecream either to balance things out.

Actually a bowl of strawberries and ice-cream is a perfect combination.

The sun is the most helpful way to boost our vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency is very common with low moods. Exposure to sun is the only natural way to increase Vitamin D intake- about 15 minutes a day will be enough to have an effect. Vitamin D also helps with bone strength, lowers blood pressure and helps muscle restoration- so what’s not to love!

So, get out into the sun before it disappears for another year. Lash on the SPF and your hat. And remember what Walt Whitman says- “ keep your face to the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you”.

Sliabh Luachra Lawnmowing Services Offering lawnmowing, hedgecutting & trimming services

"If I can assist you in any way, contact me"

Contact Liam Brosnan on: 085 754 0508 or 087 967 3881

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Issue 69 July 29, 2022

IRD Duhallow

IRD Duhallow AGM 2022 The IRD Duhallow AGM was held on Monday the 25th of July in the James O’Keeffe Institute’s Offices, Newmarket. Breeda Moynihan Cronin is approaching the conclusion of her term as Chairperson of the Board of IRD Duhallow and she thanked “the staff and management of IRD Duhallow for their outstanding efforts during a period of significant change and uncertainty associated with COVID-19 and the current Ukrainian humanitarian crisis.

Thank you to my fellow Directors past and present for your commitment to IRD Duhallow and dedication to the wider Duhallow region.”

In particular, she thanked outgoing Directors Annette O’Mahony and Sean Wallace for their service to the Company and welcomed new Board Members: Amanda O’Sullivan (representing Macra na Feirme) and Paul Murphy (Community Representative for North Eastern Duhallow).

IRD Duhallow’s CEO, Maura Walsh presented this year’s Progress Report which provides a detailed account of the company’s activities and achievements throughout the past year. She noted that “the year under review was a significant year for IRD Duhallow during which we

successfully delivered our core programmes, expanded into several new areas of development, successfully competed for a national employment services tender in partnership with the other Local Development IRD Duhallow Staff members: Triona Dennehy, Colm Companies, and Crowley, Jackie Kelly, Nollaig Murphy and Margaret commenced a O’Connor at the launch of the annual progress report. process to refresh our Working Groups.” Maura went on to acknowledge the Trojan work undertaken in relation to the Ukrainian Refugee crisis and commended Board and Staff for their flexibility and quick response to this unprecedented event.

Copies of the Annual report will be distributed throughout the communities in the coming days or a soft copy can be downloaded on www.irdduhallow.com. Alternatively, you can contact the offices at Newly elected IRD Duhallow Board IRD Duhallow on 029-60633 / Member Paul Murphy with DCFS duhallow@irdduhallow.com to get a Manager Linda O’Connor copy sent directly to you.

IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh and Chairperson Breeda Moynihgan Cronin perusing the 21/22 Progress report Issue 69 July 29, 2022

Board members Amanda O’Sullivan and Billy Murphy

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Environment

Bats In Ireland

By MIKE O’CONNOR

Ecologist at IRD Duhallow Bat Biology and Annual Life Cycle Bats, like us, are mammals – they are warm-blooded and furry, and mothers feed their babies with milk. Long lived, Irish bats typically live for 7-8 years but can live for over 15 years. Their annual cycle follows the life cycle of insects which, in Ireland, are their only food source. They become active in late Spring and hunt by night for their prey using echolocation. In early Summer, colonies of females will roost together in a maternity roost. These are also known as nursery roosts as this is where females will care for their babies/ pups. It only takes six to seven weeks for a bat pup to become independent!

A baby bat is called a bat pup Females leave the maternity roost in August. During this time, bats are busy hunting for insects to build up reserves for the winter.

Mating takes place from August onwards, often at a swarming site such as an underground cave. Although, the female is inseminated then, she does not become pregnant until after the winter, when bats are in ‘torpor’.

Torpor is different to hibernation as animals in torpor do not go into a state of dormancy; they instead reduce their temperature, metabolism and water balance.

When they re-emerge the annual cycle recommences.

A Brown Long-eared Bat (Source: Bat Conservation Ireland) Irish Bat Species and Protection In Ireland we have nine resident bat species: • Common Pipistrelle • Soprano Pipistrelle • Nasthusius Pipstrelle • Daubenton’s Bat • Natterer’s Bat • Whiskered Bat • Brown Long-eared Bat • Leisler’s Bat • Lesser Horsehoe Bat

Although they are all insectivores, different species will exploit different niches to hunt. Many bat species will be found around water, however Daubenton’s Bat is particularly associated with water and is known as the Water Bat; they have large feet adapted to trawling the water surface for aquatic insects. The Brown LongEared Bat is a woodland specialist and had long ears that allow it to listen carefully for prey amongst the trees.

All bat species in Ireland are protected by the Bern Convention, EUROBATS, and by the Habitats Hibernation: Directive (under The organism spends the winter in a state of dormancy which all bat species have Torpor: Annex IV status The organism undergoes physiological changes such as and the Lesser reduced metabolism and temperature Horseshoe Bat

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– generally not found in Duhallow – has Annex II status, affording it extra protection). Bats are very sensitive to development and disturbance can have a significant impact on local populations. For example, if a maternity roost is disturbed or damaged this will likely result in a large number of females failing to rear a pup that year and as bats only rear a single pup per year, it will take a long time for the local population to recover.

Helping Bats Old buildings are often ideal roosts for bats. You may also have bats in your attic! If you plan on renovating old buildings or filling in gaps in your attic, do so in the winter when bats are in their cool winter roosts (e.g. caves, trees). You can then provide alternatives by installing bat boxes nearby.

One of the best ways you can help bats (or any animal!) is to ensure they have enough food. Planting trees, letting hedgerows grow and allowing your lawn to blossom will attract insects which will in turn feed bats. Eliminating the use of pesticides such as Roundup will also mean that there will be more insects for bats and will reduce the impact of pesticide build-up through the food chain.

Issue 69 July 29, 2022

Interest

Croagh Patrick Pilgrimage

By TOM DENNEHY

Croagh Patrick is dedicated to our great patron saint, Saint Patrick, who brought the faith to Ireland.

He is a wonderful saint and we need to pray to him today more than ever.

Saint Patrick fasted for 40 days on this mountain in 441 AD and built a church.

During an archaeological excavation on the summit in 1995, the foundation of a stone oratory dating back to between 430 and 890 AD was unearthed. The present church was built in the early 1900s.

The custom of climbing this mountain, especially on the last Sunday in July - now known as Rioch Sunday - has been handed down from generation to generation.

Croagh Patrick, nicknamed The Reek, is a mountain with a height of 764 metres and is an important place of pilgrimage especially in County Mayo. It has a pyramid -shaped peak and overlooks Clew Bay, rising above the village of Murrisk, twelve miles from Westport. The climb itself is a difficult one and presents a challenge to all who venture; it takes about four hours from the base to the summit and back to base.

Mountains are special places and have been mentioned more than 500 times in The Bible as places of significance. We read in sacred scripture how Jesus went up the mountain to pray on many occasions. Before he chose his twelve apostles, “He departed to the mountain to pray and he spent the night in prayer to God, when day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose twelve, whom he named apostles. (Luke 6; 12- 14)

Issue 69 July 29, 2022

On Mount Tabor, there was an important moment in preparing the apostles for the prophesies Jesus had to fulfil.

Jesus met with Moses and Elijah and his Divinity was revealed to the apostles, Peter, James and John and the voice of God was heard from Heaven saying, “This is my Son, listen to Him.”

On Mount Sinai, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and on The Mount of Olives, Jesus ascended into Heaven and gave his final instructions to his apostles, “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations and teach them to observe all that I have commanded you. I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” Matt; 28;19.20.

Each year, more than 50,000 people climb Croagh Patrick on Reek Sunday. We have learned from experience that climbing presents a challenge to us and when reaching the top we get a different perspective on life – we feel closer to God and our worries are taken away when we surrender everything to Him. We get a great sense of achievement.

People climb for their own personal reasons, praying for an intention, for someone who is ill or as a personal challenge.

This year the pilgrimage will be held on July 31st. It is a wonderful sight to see so many people follow the path and a great testimony to

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the faith which has been passed on through the generations.

The programme for this year begins with celebration of Holy Mass on the summit at 8am and will be followed by Holy Mass at 9am, 10am,11am, 12 pm, 1pm, and 2pm.

Confessions on the summit are from 7.30am to 2pm.

So why not accept a challenge?

Join with many thousands of people who will make this year’s pilgrimage. Thread the path followed and made holy by those who have climbed this holy mountain down through the generations.

Breast Plate of Saint Patrick.

Christ with me. Christ before me.

Christ behind me. Christ within me.

Christ below me. Christ above me.

Christ on my right hand. Christ on my left hand.

Christ in my sleeping. Christ in my waking.

Christ in the heart of all who think of me.

Christ in the mouth of all who speak of me.

Christ in every eye that looks at me.

Christ in every ear that listens to me.

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Interest

Ghost in the Machine

while Enid remains aimless, having an affair with a reclusive older man named Seymour she connects with (Steve Buscemi).

I have a real fondness for this movie having watched it for the first time at an age similar to our two heroines. I connected with their cynicism and uncertainties but it often hit too close to home for comfort. Ghost World is just

over 20 years old but to a younger generation, it might as well be over 100. Released two months before 9/11, it seems like a Generation X leftover from the 90s. Its world is a different planet with a more downbeat vibe, the quiet days before technology as we know it came roaring into our lives. We watch our too-cool-for-school characters laugh at the absurdities and mundanities that make up life, some deserved, some not. Birch and Johannson are terrific with great chemistry, and Buscemi is fantastic as always as a man adrift in his life relying on items from the past for comfort.

You can only raise your eyebrow and remain ironically detached for so long. Then life begins. Get on the bus I guess. Who knows where it will take you. Available on DVD, Blu Ray & to stream on YouTube.

I have been a gamer for as long as I can remember and a question I get asked a lot is “What is your favourite game”?

Upon hearing this question, a few dozen titles spin in my head.

However there is one game that sticks out; Ratchet and Clank (2002), an Action Platformer set in a Sci-Fi world that satirizes popular culture. These satirical themes reference humans’ greed for money for money and consumerism as well as our obsession with celebrities.

The gameplay consists of using various weapons and gadgets to defeat enemies and explore an assortment of planets in the Solana Galaxy. The planets are the game’s levels. They are expertly designed, and offer missions and

minigames different from each other, and consistently feels fresh and exciting. These range from Hoverboard races, Space-ship combat, puzzles, and platforming.

Ratchet’s arsenal can consist of conventional artillery like a flamethrower, pistol, and bazooka.

Then there are the weapons that are much more creative and bizarre; the Suck Cannon which can suck smaller enemies that can be fired as projectiles against the bigger enemies, the Decoy Glove which creates a balloon of Ratchet tricking enemies into attacking it instead of Ratchet, and the MorphO-Ray which can turn enemies into chickens.

The plot starts on planet Veldin.

Ratchet is a mechanic and Lombax(an alien race) working on his spaceship. His life changes forever when on Planet Quartu, a robot factory, a defective diminutive

robot escapes the planet and crashes on Veldin. He tells Ratchet of a sinister plot by an evil business tycoon, Chairman Drek, that involves stealing pieces of planets to add to his own new one. The pair escape the clutches of the war bots from Planet Quartu. They embark on an epic planet hopping adventure in search of Captain Qwark, the Legendary Superhero.

Unfortunately, oblivious to our heroes, Qwark could be hiding a dark secret of his own…

Available on PS2 and PS3.

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FILM REVIEW

By TADHG CURTIN

Terry Zwigoff’s Ghost World (2001) shows that while you can be cynical and mock the world when you’re young, you have to grow up and live in it.

Terry Zwigoff’s adaptation of Daniel Clowes’ cult comic Ghost World is one of the most melancholic of teen comedy movies. That’s not to say it isn’t funny - it is, but it has a much different vibe compared to the raunchier and crass comedies released at that time. We follow two cynical friends, Rebecca and Enid, (Scarlet Johannson and Thora Birch) graduate high school who gradually drift apart over the course of a summer with Rebecca getting a summer job with the intention of domesticating herself

Celebrating 20 Years of Greatness GAME REVIEW

By DANIEL O’LOUGHLIN

Issue 69 July 29, 2022

Crossword sponsored by Duhallow Community Food Services

Across 1. Knowledgeable person in a particular field (6) 3. Receive something offered (6) 8. Circuitous (7) 10. Luxury craft (5) 11. Prominent (5) 12. Out of the ordinary (7) 13. In front (5) 15. Felt pain (5) 20. Frequent patron (7) 22. Mindful (5) 24. Once more (5) 25. Imbue (7) 26. Firstborn (6) 27. Request for a sum of money (6) Solution: Issue 67, July 1st 2022

Down 1. Oar (6) 2. Not at any time (5) 4. Aquatic South American rodent (5) 5. Leave out (7) 6. Aggregates (6) 7. Progeny (5) 9. Last letter of the Greek alphabet (5) 14. Emaciated (7) 16. Item of furniture (5) 17. Colonnade (6) 18. Juicy fruit (5) 19. Breakfast food (6) 21. Parts of a chain (5) 23. Die away (5)

WINNER Congratulations to Nancy Collins, Rathduane who wins a €20 voucher for Duhallow Community Food Services!

Issue 69 July 29, 2022

WIN! To be in with a chance to win a €20 voucher for Duhallow Community Food Services 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, August 5th 2022.

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. No correspondence will be entered into. Voucher to be collected from Duhallow Community Food Services, Newmarket.

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23

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Issue 69 July 29, 2022