Discover Duhallow Issue 81

National Spring Clean

Registration Now Open for Spring Clean 2023

In partnership with the department of environment, heritage, and local government and local authorities, and sponsored by the Wrigley Company, the National Spring Clean has operated since 1999 and grown tremendously since. Since then, over 90,000 groups have volunteered and

removed 44,800 tonnes of litter, with 2,600 tonnes in 2022 alone.

To get involved, register on their website, nationalspringclean.org. Or you can participate in #2minutestreetclean to be in with a chance to win gifts through Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

Register now for your towns spring clean!

Editors Note

Just last edition we were saying Happy New Year, and now January is just about over! Spring is creeping in after our bout of snow and ice, and that means some daffodils rising early - they must know we need it! But while you’re waiting for the flowers to grow, we’re here to keep you entertained! A Day In the Region returns to celebrate Duhallow, and Banteer’s much anticipated sports facility opens its doors. Siobhán from SOS Fitness shares why the extreme diets that creep onto our feeds this time of year don’t work, and Alice talks about taking that first step for yourself. And finally, second year Jamie Cronin of Scoil Pobal Sliabh Luachra shared a poem to celebrate Rathmore’s journey and success. Don’t worry about this part - go get tucked into the real stuff!

- Caleb

Email: Discoverduhallow@irdduhallow.com Phone: 029-60633

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. www.facebook.com/ discoverDuhallowMagazine

RATHMORE

Panto Return

Dame Annie Goes West Show schedule:

Sat. Jan 28th - 7.30pm Sun. Jan 29th - 3.00 pm. Wed. Feb 1st - 7.30 pm Thurs. Feb 2nd - 7.30pm Sat. Feb 4th - 7.30 pm Sun. Feb 5th - 3.00pm.

Ticket office open from 2-6pm daily. Reserve seats and collect tickets adjacent to The Community Centre, next to Christy’s Take Away.

Over the phone seats may be reserved and tickets paid for using a bank card. The Booking Office phone number is 085 2031730. All proceeds to Kerry Parents Friends Association.

Rathmore GAA

Congratulations to Rathmore GAA on becoming All Ireland Intermediate club football Champions from all at Rathmore & District Credit Union.

Double All Ireland Wins

Two All-Ireland titles in three days is a remarkable haul for a parish the size of Rathmore but it became a reality on Wednesday when the young basketballers of Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra emulated the achievements of the Rathmore footballers three days earlier. Under 16A basketballers clinched a national title of their own in the All-Ireland Schools Cup decider. They made history with a comprehensive 61-38 victory over Coláiste Éanna of Dublin in an entertaining final during which Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra always held the upper hand.

Knocknagree Novena

The Knocknagree Lourdes Novena will take place from February 3rd to Feb 11th.

Catherine Is Scoil Mhuire’s Young Scientist

Catherine Angland TY represented SMK at the BT young scientist exhibition from January 11-14. From a total of 1700 entries Catherine’s project was one of 550 to make it through to the exhibition. Catherine’s entry was in the Biological and Ecological category and its title is ‘the effects of when Bisphenol A (BPA) is in contact with living organisms;. Catherine completed laboratory investigations to complete her results and shared these results and observations in the three rounds of judging. Well done Catherine, all at SMK are very proud of your success.

Duhallow Scór Dates

Scór season is drawing closer. Check out the Duhallow dates for Scór na nÓg and Scór na bPáistí below to get involved! Contact Margaret Kiely at kielymgt@gmail.com for further information.

SCÓR NA NÓG

Final: Friday 10th March, Venue TBC at 7pm.

SCÓR NA BPÁISTÍ

Semi Final 1: Friday 24th February, Cullen at 7pm. Semi Final 2: Saturday 25th February, Rockchapel at 2pm. Final: Saturday 4th March, Kanturk at 2pm.

Duhallow Bee-keepers Association

Duhallow Beekeepers Association will hold an introductory course for beginners in Beekeeping commencing in the James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket on Monday 20th February at 8.00pm.

To book your place on this course, please contact one of the below:

Eddie Walsh @ 087 1961869

Natasha Humphries @ 086-0759197

PJ Murphy @ 029-60633

Community News

1st Anniversary Acknowledgement

The family of the Late Anne O’Sullivan, (Nee Dunlea) would like to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all those who helped and supported us during her brief illness, funeral, and in the past 12 months.

Her final days were made so much more comfortable due to the professionalism and loving tender care that she received from the staff at Millstreet Hospital. They all took such phenomenal care of her for the 15 months that she was a resident there. It wasn’t a hospital as such, but a home from home.

Her co-residents became her second family, and we are grateful for all their little gestures that made he time there so much easier. Thanks to Davy, Cora, and staff at Tarrants Funeral home as they made her final journey so easy for her and us all.

Thanks to Fr. Jack and Fr. Sean for such a beautiful Mass.

Thanks to Sharon in the Parish office who did up such a lovely booklet. Thanks to Sacristan Julie for all her help and to Joan for such beautiful music.

We are very grateful to all the staff of Millstreet Hospital who formed a guard of honour on her leaving the hospital and all The friends, neighbours and extended family that lined the road from Millstreet Hospital to the funeral home and then through the town and onto the graveyard.

Her final prayers were

Sympathies

To the family of Mike Cremin Corran, Headford.

To the family of Kathleen Hickey, Gneeveguilla.

May Mike and Kathleen rest in peace.

broadcast over her late husband John Anthony’s public address speakers, which were set up by Timmy and Martin Lucey. Thank you to all the friends and neighbours that took the time and trouble to drop off food to us. We would like to sincerely thank everyone who wrote messages of sympathy on RIP.ie, sent Mass Cards and took the time ring or text. Your thoughtfulness was appreciated.

Covid may have kept everyone physically apart, but we have never felt so surrounded by people with kind hearts and generous natures.

There were so many gestures of kindness and goodwill from so many people that we, as a family, appreciated and will never forget. We won’t name these individuals as there were so many, we’re afraid we’d forget someone. A Mass for all those mentioned (and those not), will be offered for your intentions, in St Patricks Church, Millstreet Go raibh maith agaibh go leir.

Always a welcome, Always a smile.

“Pull up a chair, sit down for a while”

Always so eager, to hear what we’d say.

“Well, tell me now, what did you do today?”

Always so grateful, for anything done..

“Lovely and fine, says Donny, my son”

Always remembered, we’ll never forget.

Such happy memories, no single regret.

It is with deep sadness that the members of Rathmore GAA Club learned of the sudden and untimely death of Fr Donal O’Connor.

Fr Donal had many many friends in our club and he will be sadly missed by all in his native Rathmore.

To his brothers Seán Denis, David and Aidan and their families we offer our sincere sympathy.

Leaba I measc na Naomh go raibh agat Fr. Donal.

Ar Dheis Dé Go Raibh D’anam John A, Mary & Joshua

Anne O’Sullivan

Ballydaly, Rathmore, Co. Kerry 20th March 1944 - 16th January 2022

Paddy’s Day

Michael Leonard and Marie Healy were joined by family and friends for the christening of their son, Patrick Daniel, in Lyre church recently. Carried out by Father William Winter, he announced that Patrick’s was the first christening of 2023 in Lyre. Patrick’s godparents are Jonathan Leonard and Roisin Healy

Photos by Tadhg Curtin

Young Fans of the Rathmore All Ireland Champions enjoying the Homecoming celebration. Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald

Rathmore’s Homecoming

Photos

By

ABOVE: The All Ireland Intermediate Champions arrived in Rathmore at 7.15 on Monday evening, January 16th for their Homecoming celebration

RIGHT: The All Ireland Intermediate Champions were greeted by a full house attendance for their Homecoming Celebration

BELOW: The Rathmore Team and Management on stage in the Community Centre at their Homecoming Celebration

Sheila Fitzgerald

Enrolment Open!

GNEEVEGUILLA N.S.

Enrolment application forms for school year 2023 / 2024 are available to download from our school website at www.gneeveguillans.com. Please download an enrolment application form, registration form, POD form and code of behaviour slip and return to the school by February 16th, 2023. Alternatively, if you would like to have the forms posted out to you, please contact Miriam by email at gneeveguillans@ gneeveguillans.com. We also have a Facebook page called Gneeveguilla N.S. Friends Association which gives regular updates on upcoming events in our school.

Shrone N.S.

Shrone N.S. are enrolling now for September 2023. Enrolment forms are currently available. Contact Michelle on 0857845849 or e-mail us shronens@gmail.com

Church Gate Collection

The Samaritans Christmas Church Gate Collection The Kerry branch of Samaritans wish to thank you the parishioners for your continued support of the Christmas Collection The amounts collected in Holy Rosary Gneeveguilla was €1,453.70 . St Joseph’s Church Rathmore €1770.64 , Christ the King , Knocnknagree €722.26 & Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Shrone €507.70

Kanturk Community Astroturf Ltd. AGM

Tuesday January 31st at 8pm In the Edel Quinn Hall Everybody welcome.

What’s On In

The Glen Theatre

All shows start at 8pm.

Mon. 6 Feb 2023 Special Concensus Bluegrass Band

Sat. 11 Feb 2023

Phelin Drew, Songs and Stories of the Dubliners

Sat. 11 Mar 2023 Jack Rourke

Sat. 25 Mar 2023

Ann Gildea: How To Get To Menopause And Enjoy It

Tureencahill

2nd Annual Tractor Run in Memory of Noreen O’Connor Cronin 19th of February

In aid of Kerry Cancer Support Group Registration at Tureencahill Community Centre at 11am Starts off at 1:30pm €20 per tractor Vintage and Modified cars are also welcome.

Freemount GAA

Freemount GAA recently held their victory social in the Longcourt Hotel, Newcastlewest. Freemount were celebrating their victory in the County Junior B Hurling Championship earlier in the year when they defeated Randal Og in a thrilling final by a point. Club chairman, Liam O’ Flynn described it as a historic success as it was Freemount’s first county victory at adult level having previously lost six county finals. On the night, the Duhallow championship victories of St. Marks under 21 hurlers and St. Peters under 21 footballers were also recognised..

There was also a sense of nostalgia on the night as the Freemount team of 1997 and 1998 were honoured. They had won the Duhallow Junior A Hurling League and Championship Double in both years and were narrowly defeated in the County Final in 1998. Michael John O’ Regan who was a selector of that team recalled that very successful period for the club and introduced the players who were involved.

ABOVE and BELOW: Freemount Junior B Hurling team who won the county Junior B Hurling Championship in 2022

Freemount Macra Tractor Run

LauraLynn,

of

management

The Freemount Macra Fundraising Tractor run took place again this year on the 15th January 2023 at Lismire GAA Hall with a present figure of over €5,500 raised for the Laura Lynn Foundation. The Gofundme page will remain open until the end of this week for anyone who would like to support. Freemount Macra’s club members would like to sincerely thank each person who supported our fundraiser in any way, it was overwhelming to see the support in such force in the form of partaking in the run, monetary donations, raffle donations and sponsorship of refreshments for the day and, of course, use of the fantastic facility at Lismire hall.

The tractor run exceeded expectations of club members. Tractors began to descend on Lismire from 11.30am, with close to 120 tractors taking part on the day. People from around the North Cork area and beyond

converged to the village of Lismire and travelled on tractors through the areas of Lismire, Newmarket, Kanturk, Kilbrin, and Johnsbridge. Many people came out to support along the roads and at the hall, with dry weather and the appearance of the sun the club couldn’t have wished for a more suitable day. Freemount Macras members were delighted to have Facecook food van, Intscoffee van, Clonroosk Events childrens entertainment and Yamis photography present on the day. It created an electric atmosphere for all ages! Afterwards there was refreshments and a raffle with some amazing prizes in the Lismire GAA Hall. It was fantastic to see smiles on so many faces after the day and the club hope to see the same faces and more next year!

The chosen charity as mentioned was LauraLynn, Ireland’s only Children’s Hospice providing

crisis care and end-of-life care. LauraLynn receives €1.5m core statutory funding per year which equates to approximately 33% of overall running costs for the hospice. LauraLynn relies primarily on fundraised income to fund its hospice services.

Freemount Macra Club is 60 years old this year. We are holding an anniversary party in March. The club has over 80 members, it’s a great opportunity to make friends, socialise and take part in events, sports, performing arts, public speaking, and agriculture. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook “Freemount Macra” for more information and contact Niamh on 0894305508 if you are interested in joining our great club.

Please support our fundraiser here is the go fund me link: https://gofund.me/be364fb8

palliative and hospice care and support for children with life-limiting conditions and their families from all across Ireland.

provides a range

services including, symptom

for children, music and play therapy, psychological support, family and sibling camps, short breaks,

Journey To Croker

Now it’s time to celebrate, ‘cause there’s no more drinking ban, but I think we should take a minute to see where this journey began.

Started off in Glenbeigh; Mary’s we did face, a great opener for us, leaving that one a closed case.

The noisy neighbours next, Glenflesk we did play, Shane Ryan’s stellar finish made sure we put that one away.

Next up a dead rubber; everyone getting a run, although we did lose, all that mattered was the next one.

Laune Rangers was up next, almost a terrible nightmare, but our big players showed up when we needed them there.

Beaufort was the next task, a game every man feared, but thankfully for us, it wasn’t a repeat of last year.

Then we were in the final! Gaeltacht was the game, and John Moynihan showed up once more to put his name in fame.

Out of Kerry now, Kanturk we did play, we struck home early to put that one away.

Na Piarsiagh up next, it was bound to be a thriller, but once again, we performed, Rahilly’s goal being the killer.

Next up was the Wexford side, a close one for sure, but Mark Ryan’s brilliant performance reassured our faith once more.

Then one obstacle in our way; the Tyrone men in store, but the boys believed they could drive it home just once more.

In the Clark we trust, Tim Cronin and Dan too, roaring on from the side-line, Rathmore through and through!

The 3 Ryan’s are on fire, Friel is keeping it tidy at the back, and Chrissy’s superb free taking is a weapon in the attack.

Ken between the sticks, Dan and James solid as two rocks, and twin diving on every boot making sure he gets a block.

Andrew at full back, claiming every ball, Darmody is threatening in attack, and is over 6 foot tall.

John and Bonze are certainly two legends of the club, and Paul working hard to try secure us the Dub.

A lethal bench too, filled with fire power, every man available to come on at any time or any hour.

The boys stuck to their word and fought for every ball, crowning us the champions of Ireland, adding another picture to the wall.

And once that full time whistle went, many Rathmore fan’s tears streamed, thanks to the Clark’s men that, dreamed, baby, dreamed!!!!!

Poem by Jamie Cronin, Shrone. 2nd year student in Scoil pobail, Sliabh Luachra

Our Rural Future: Minister Heather Humphreys

Officially Opens Multi-Purpose Sports Facility In Banteer

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD visited Banteer, on January 14th to officially open a new stateof-the-art multi-purpose sports facility which will service the Duhallow area.

IRD Duhallow, who were the lead-party of this project, secured funding of €1.3 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund in 2019 for the construction of the multi-purpose, flood-lit, regulation-sized, allweather Astro Turf facility, which includes a spectator area, sports pavilion and a museum/exhibition area which can also be used for events and activities.

The exhibition area has been adapted to also incorporate a remote working hub, which will facilitate local workers and

businesses.

Speaking at the opening, Minister Humphreys said:

“I am delighted to be here in Banteer today to officially open this new state-of-the-art sports facility. This is a transformational project for the Duhallow area and I wish to congratulate IRD Duhallow and their project partners on completing the project.

“I have no doubt that this facility will be a valued resource within the community and will have a positive influence on the local economy, while promoting health and fitness in the region.”

Maura Walsh, Manager of IRD Duhallow said:

“We are delighted to welcome Minister Humphries to officially open this wonderful facility which was made possible

through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. We congratulate Banteer Community, with whom IRD Duhallow has worked over our previous LEADER Programmes developing their capacity and supporting a broad range of Community services and an impressive community infrastructure, thus ensuring their Rural Future.”

• Facility includes flood-lit astro-turf facility, spectator area, sports pavilion and event space

• Facility also includes remote working hub which will supported local workers and businesses

• Supported through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund

Millstreet Pipe Band playing at the opening of Banteer Community Sportsfield.

Minister Humphreys is pictured with Dermot McCarthy, Chairman and Denis Withers, Secretary.

The minister addressing the large gathering at the opening of Banteer Community Sportsfield.

Minister Humphreys, pictured with Committee members, local Councillors and IRD Duhallow board members

Denis Withers and Dermot McCarthy of Banteer Community Sportsfield Committee presented a Bouquet to Minister Humphreys after she officially opened the new facility.

Michael Twohig, Chairman of IRD Duhallow, presenting a Hamper to Minister Humphreys at the opening of Banteer Community Sportsfield.

Heather Humphreys, Minister for Social Protection and Rural and Community Development chatting to Maura Walsh, CEO of IRD Duhallow at the official opening of Banteer Community Sportsfield.

Minister Humphreys chatting to local ladies Eileen Murphy and Julia Barry after she officially opened Banteer Community Sportsfield.

The minister met local children Dara McHugh, Cathal Browne, Eibhlin Browne, Daisy Buckley and Zara Buckley.

Emily, Clodagh and Leah Tarrant, Eliza Smith and Ruby Cullinane were delighted to meet Minister Humphereys

All photos by Sheila Fitzgerald

The first step is always the hardest

By ALICE O’BRIEN Churchview Psychotherapy, Millstreet

A few months ago I began to feel stressed. I was feeling tired, unmotivated, and maybe a bit over-whelmed. I wondered what to do about it, I decided to do for myself what I tell others to do- find an activity for myself, move more, prioritise myself and my health over work and perceived commitments.

So, with a bad attitude and a huge sense of reluctance, I joined a gym class. I fully believed that I would not be able to keep up, that I would not fit in, and that everyone would be looking at me. And, surprise-surprise, they were not - no one cared - everyone was just there for themselves; they had no interest in who was

beside them except to give a nod of encouragement. As for the keeping up part - I’d be lying if I said it was a breeze (more like a gale force wind) but our bodies are surprisingly resilient and can do a lot more than we give them credit for.

Next for the mental health and the endorphins that everyone raved about. I hoped to leave the class with the level of Zen only seen in Buddhist monks. I may not have reached those heights but my stress was reduced, my sleep improved and I was calmer and less anxious afterwards. These are all the things that research tells us regular exercise and movement can do.

It is funny how our thoughts can dictate so much of what we do - or don’t do in some cases. We know what we need to do but we think

ourselves out of it. We allow selfdoubt and self-limiting believes get in our way. We allow the little voice in our head to dictate our actions, the little voice that is unkind and says nasty things about our abilities and our beliefs.

So, ignore that little voice and do the thing - the thing that you are telling yourself you can’t do. Go for the walk, join the gym class, go to yoga- just take the first step. No-one is looking; they are all just trying to ignore their own little voices. And, in a surprising turn of events, I continue to go to the gym class. So, if I can do it, so can you.

Why Extreme Diets Don’t Work

By SIOBHAN O’SULLIVAN SOS Fitness

It’s after Christmas, it’s been a miserable January and you might be carrying a few extra pounds after the festivities!

I know how tempting it can be to try out the next crash diet –trust me I have been there – but I strongly encourage you not to. Here’s why.

An extreme diet is undertaking a way of eating that restricts you in some way. It might be swapping food for shakes; it could be only eating certain foods or it may be as extreme as eating aloe vera to lose weight.

These work in the short term. 100% you will lose weight if you strictly follow one of these diets. But think about what has

happened every time you have tried one of these diets before?

My guess is you followed the diet, lost weight, finished the diet, went back to normal eating and put back on the weight and then some?

The reason they don’t work long term isn’t down to you. It’s because they don’t work on changing your mindset towards food and exercise. In order to live a healthy lifestyle long term, you have to do the work on changing your attitude towards food. This means asking yourself why you may be over eating at certain times of the day. It means being mindful of what you are eating and asking yourself if you really want it.

This is something I work on with a lot of clients. If you can change your mindset towards food and exercise to be more positive, you will unlock a new way of living that leaves the extreme dieting world behind. For more information on nutrition coaching, check out my website https://sosfitness.ie/ nutrition/

Getting Back To Goals

By MAIREAD O’KEEFFE New Leaf Health Store

As the evenings stretch again and spring is on the horizon, it’s a great time to get back outside training, running, cycling or walking again. As well as increasing your physical fitness, exercising helps reduce stress and boosts your energy levels. It can also be a good way to meet people and get more involved in your community.

At New Leaf we have a wide range of sports products to support your journey, whatever the level of exercise you do. We support sports people who compete at a national level as well as people starting out on a journey towards better health.

You should eat protein (e.g.

chicken, eggs, soybeans) as soon as possible after exercise.

Protein is helpful for recovery and for building muscle. Many people find protein powders a convenient way to hit protein requirements. We stock Optimum Nutrition whey based protein powders as well as vegan protein powders by Third Wave Nutrition and a specialist recovery protein by Tailwind.

Some people suffer from cramping and stitches when they push themselves, sometimes these are triggered by dehydration and a loss in electrolytes. SaltStick are great to rebalance your electrolytes on the move. We

also have a new PR Lotion that effectively delivers game-changing bicarb to the muscles, unlocking power and endurance gains and preventing cramping.

Tailwind Endurance Fuel is great if you’re out for a weekend adventure, training for your first race, or an experienced athlete. Tailwind is a powder that is mixed with water which boosts energy by providing calories, boosting electrolytes and keeping you hydrated. It is designed to be gentle on the stomach.

We also stock the popular and convenient High 5 energy gels, which are particularly popular with cyclists.

Whatever your exercise goal, we have got products that can help you achieve it.

The Vision of Saint John Bosco

By TOM DENNEHY

We celebrate the feast day of Saint John Bosco on January 31st. He is the patron saint of young people. He spent most of his life as a priest rehabilitating boys from lives of poverty and crime, helping them to grow into productive and virtuous men.

He was born in Piedmont, Italy on August 16, 1815.

When John was two years old, his peasant father died. His mother, Margaret, a woman of great devotion and common sense, reared him in poverty but provided him with a good education. She later worked with him when he was a priest.

As a boy John worked to keep himself, his brother and his mother. He would often go to a circus or a carnival where he would learn the tricks he saw magicians perform and in that way be able to present the show himself. While attending college and seminary he also worked as a tailor, barber, shoemaker and carpenter. He was quite a performer.

Ordained as a priest in 1841, he soon had hundreds of boys and youth attending his chapel and evening classes. He set up boarding houses for apprentices and had workshops for teaching, tailoring, and shoe making. Subsequently he set up a printing works, a joinery and an iron foundry to provide education and employment opportunities. He would organize all day Sunday outings for his boys with a full agenda of mass, work and games. During a cholera epidemic in Turin in 1884 in which thousands died, he formed the boys into teams to carry the sick to hospital and the dead to mortuaries. He urged the boys to trust in God for their protection. None of them died and he got the reputation of being a miracle worker.

This led to the foundation of a community of religious, which he called the Salesians in admiration of the Spirit of St. Francis De Sales. It is one of the largest and most influential orders of the Catholic Church. He also founded a congregation for girls with a peasant woman from Genoa who

became St. Mary Mazzarello. The Salesians spread all over Europe and America and the congregation now numbers over 16,000 in 139 different countries.

Besides providing for his work God gave him the gift of miracles. With his blessing, Don Bosco cured people who were sick. The deaf heard, the lame walked, and once a dead boy was raised to life. He had the gift of prophesy. He could read consciences, and used this gift to assist penitents in confession. He could foretell one’s vocation, as well as one’s future.

When he died in 1888, the entire population of Turin lined the streets for his funeral. He was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1934. He has come to be recognized, like Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, as one of the great “social saints.”

Famous quotes from St John Bosco.

1.Entrust everything to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and to Mary Help of Christians and you will see what miracles are.

2.Do not try to excuse your faults; try to correct them.

3.Avoid idleness and idle people, carry out your duties. Whenever you are idle you are in serious danger of falling in to temptation.

4. The power of evil men lives on the cowardice of the good.

5. Whatever you do; think of the glory of God as your goal.

6. Do not waste any time. Do good, do all the good you can and you will never regret it.

7. In every young person, a point of goodness is accessible and it is the primary duty of the educator to discover that sensitive cord of the heart so as to draw out the best in the young person.

The prophetic Vision of St. John Bosco.

The Church is a ship about to sink. Enemies on all sides are trying to destroy it.

The Pope guides the Church to safety between two pillars rising from the sea.

One pillar is The Blessed Mother. The other is The Blessed Sacrament in The Monstrance. Peace is restored and the ship comes in to a harbour too magnificent for words to describe.

John Bosco thinks it is Heaven. The Blessed Mother tells him it is Earth renewed and transformed through the Rosary and The Eucharistic reign of her son Jesus.

Prayer to St John Bosco.

O Saint John Bosco, father, teacher and friend of the young, you worked so hard to prepare them to face up to life with honesty, integrity and active faith as you led them to Christ. Three great loves gave purpose and meaning to your earthly life ; help me to deepen my own devotion to Jesus in The Blessed Sacrament, to Mary help of Christians and to our Holy Father the Pope. Together with the grace for which I now pray …… obtain for me final perseverance and the grace of a happy death. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen. Say one Our Father , Hail Mary, Glory Be ….

Calling all Community and Voluntary Groups, Chamber of Commerces, Sporting Organisation etc. IRD Duhallow is currently in the process of coordinating The Discover Duhallow A Day of the Region Initiative for 2023. This initiative was previously delivered across communities in Duhallow from since 2012 and supported a wide variety of events, festivals and activities across the region.

The concept of The Day of the Region is celebrating regional identity and rural life. Communities will be supported to showcase what their region has to offer socially, culturally, and economically to both locals and visitors to the area. This initiative aims to strengthen and celebrate community spirit through the bottom-up approach in local communities through community led activities.

If your community or group is planning to organise a family fun day, festival, guided walk, traditional and cultural events etc this year please contact Helen O’Sullivan on 029-60633 or helen.osullivan@irdduhallow.com to find out more and to obtain an application form.

One Town One Voice - International Singing Group Community Singing Across Duhallow

Would you like to join a local singing group for some fun and to meet new people?

IRD Duhallow together with One Town One Voice are looking at establishing singing groups in Kanturk and Millstreet towns and it is open to people living across Duhallow and Mid Cork.

The One Town One Voice Community Singing initiative is a nationwide solidarity-through-

song movement which focuses on bringing people together in communities across Ireland, including those who have moved from other countries. It focuses primarily on community integration and using communal singing in a positive, secular, non-political and inclusive way to help people get to know each other, work together, relax together and break down barriers.

Communities in Duhallow are now more diverse than ever with numerous different nationalities living here. It’s so important that those already living in our communities have the opportunity to get to know those newer arrivals and vice versa. Everyone benefits, people who currently feel isolated

have a way to get to know others in their community and friendships develop.

Once established groups will meet weekly for a 1 hour rehearsal with refreshments afterwards. If you are interested in participating or finding out more please contact Helen @ 029-60633 or helen.osullivan@irdduhallow.com

Job Opportunity

Job Opportunity

North Cork Rural Community Health Worker

Job Description:

This is a new and exciting non clinical post for someone who enjoys working with people and groups, has knowledge of the broad range of supports and services provided by community and voluntary organisations and an interest in Community Health and Wellbeing as well as working knowledge and awareness of the social determinants of health. The post will be managed by IRD Duhallow

The post holder will also have a reporting relationship to the employing organisation in the local area as well as a local steering group comprised of local representation/stakeholders with representatives from CKHC HSE. The posts are funded by CKCH HSE Mental Health Services and are administer and supported through Cork North Community Work Department CKCH HSE.

The overall aim of the post:

The Rural Community Health Work post will form part of a team of rural community health workers across rural areas of North Cork enhancing existing services to support the development and delivery of a Community Health Programme locally inclusive of the organisation and delivery of specific suicide awareness trainings and wellbeing workshops. The areas of suicide prevention, intervention and postvention in the rural communities will also be supported by this post.

Suicide Prevention:

Explores ways of mitigating the risk of suicide in the community i.e. by empowering people to be aware of and encouraged to engage in activities that contribute to their overall mental, physical health and wellbeing.

Suicide Intervention:

Seeks to inform members of the community with up to date and relevant information in how to access support services for themselves or others who are emotionally vulnerable and maybe having thoughts of suicide – it also includes informing the community of the range of mental health/ wellbeing/suicide prevention training modules that are available both face to face and online.

Suicide postvention:

Offers anyone bereaved or affected by suicide information on the supports available i.e. via the (SBLO service) – Suicide Bereavement Liaison service – Samaritans etc. ‘Lighting the Way’ bereavement resource –postvention also seeks to prepare professionals in the local area by the establishment of designated postvention network that would work together to create a localised postvention policy that is enacted after a critical incident has taken place – the formation of this postvention network is supported by targeted online postvention training for designated and established groups – to support the community in the aftermath of suspected suicide.

Principle areas of responsibility:

• Development of a series of health focused initiatives in partnership with local community, organisations, steering group etc as per the needs of the local community and population groups.

• Organise/delivery of a range of specific training programmes related to Suicide Awareness/ Intervention/post-vention work/ health and wellbeing support workshops (training will be provided and a training plan

agreed at steering group meetings)

• Liaise with other CHWs and projects in terms of shared learning and development of best practice models.

• Disseminate accurate information on accessing support services and locally when needed.

• To establish and maintain effective liaison with stakeholders including health services (e.g Health & Social care professionals, GPs , PHN, Community Mental Health Teams etc ), voluntary, social and education resources, attending relevant meetings as necessary and engaging with Community Health Network Structures as appropriate.

• Work closely with the service steering group which will include Provision of comprehensive reports, completion of data tracking at quarterly steering group meetings.

• Adhere to confidentiality and information sharing protocols at all times

• Introduce and work with local key community partners on the establishment of the post-vention network (further information will be provided)

The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post-holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time-to-time.

Job Opportunity

We are seeking applications for 1 X full time (39 hour weekly) position for a duration of 2 years with a 6 month review

Location: Duhallow area of North Cork IRD Duhallow, James O Keeffe Institute Newmarket. Send applications to the above address or to duhallow@irdduhallow.com Closing Date for receipt of applications: Friday 10th February 2023 @ 5pm

Person Specification

Age: The lower age limit applying to this post is 18 years. The upper age limit for this competition is 65 years. (In accordance with current legislation).

Any candidate, who reaches the age of 65 years prior to appointment, will cease to be eligible and therefore, will not be appointed to the post.

Professional Qualifications

Experience and Eligibility:

• A relevant qualification in the area of Community Work/ Community Development/ Community Education/ Community Mental Health & Wellbeing e.g. a certificate, diploma or degree in Youth and Community Work / Community Education.

OR

• At least two years’ experience relevant to the post with a good standard of education (both formal and informal education/ training considered)

Essential Requirements Skills

• Facilitation skills with individuals and groups

• Report Writing.

• Good Research Skills.

• Good I.T. Skills.

• Excellent Communication skills

• Planning & Evaluation of work

• Team working and working on own initiative.

• Access to own transport & full clean drivers licence (employer

indemnity will be required).

• Experience/Knowledge

• Experience and knowledge of community based programmes and experience of facilitation & group work.

• Knowledge of social determinants of health

• Knowledge of and experience of networking with voluntary, community & statutory agencies

• Experience of working across a range of groups and age ranges.

• Knowledge of issues/factors affecting poor and positive mental health.

• Knowledge of the benefits of life-long learning/adult education.

• Ability to work on own initiative and on developing projects.

Values: The suitable candidate will demonstrate a commitment to community development approaches to practise/social inclusion/social justice/anti discriminatory practise and essentially be a kind approachable person who can work with all types of person and groups.

Terms and Conditions of

Employment

Tenure: The current vacancy is to fill a Community Health Work post in IRD Duhallow area. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full/part-time duration may be filled.

Working Hours: 1 x 39 hour post/ Evening and weekend working may be required from time to time. Remuneration: Annual Salary Scale €32,000 - €38,000 in line with relevant experience and qualifications applied to the 39 hour weekly position

Annual Leave: The annual leave associated with the post will be informed by the employing organisation

Probation: All appointments shall be subject to a probationary period of 6 months

Application Process

•CV and cover letter will be required

•Shortlisting process will apply

•3 Referees will be required with details to be supplied with application.

The Tell-tale Horse

By CALEB O’CONNOR

Picture it - you’ve been living in an old house, rich with history, for years,and here you are - finally ripping up old floorboards. The room is hazy with the dusty ghosts of well danced floors. From the wreckage you pull a skull. Not a human skull - a horse skull.

While it sounds like the work of a tricksy Púca, or perhaps a baby Leatherface, horse skulls are more common than you’d think!

When buried under the floor, they reverberate sound, acting as a sound-box for dancing and music alike. With a culture as musical as ours, they’re the perfect speaker for a night of dance and trad. It’s worth mentioning that this was not some kind of ritual - the horses

would be long dead by the time they were even on the way to the house.

In the 1945 volume of The Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, a member shared the responses he received from a 1938 query regarding local traditions with the burying of animal heads or other objects within homes or other spaces. Each one tells a fascinating story from all corners of Ireland. Liam Ó

hIceadha from Mitchelstown said: “Long ago people had a custom

when flooring with wood a barn or a room in a house, of putting one or two horses’ skulls under the floor to give it an echo. Horse skulls were buried under dwelling house floors to increase the volume of any music played in the house...One man told me that the skull was put under the flagstone of the fire, for that was where reels, jigs and hornpipes were danced”.

Horse skulls have been found in floorboards throughout Scandinavia, and while it may not be a horse skull in every home, China, South America, and throughout the continent of Africa, these foundation sacrifices exist. It seems a bit macabre. But perhaps there’s solace in knowing it wasn’t just us.

FILM

Where to?

REVIEW

By TADHG CURTIN

A cab driver picks up an interesting passenger and has a night to remember in Michael Mann’s cracking, LA set thriller, Collateral (2004)

How the story of Collateral came to be is an interesting one. Australian screenwriter Stuart Beattie was only seventeen when he took a cab home from Sydney airport. It was on that ride that he had the idea of a homicidal maniac sitting in the back of a cab, with the driver nonchalantly entering into conversation with him, trusting his passenger implicitly. He put his idea down on paper, revised it over the years, and it finally made it to the big screen in 2004 courtesy of director Michael Mann.

Jamie Foxx plays a cab driver who, while on duty, finds himself the hostage of an engaging contract killer - Tom Cruise, as he makes his rounds from hit to hit during one night in Los Angeles.

Other than New York, LA is quite possibly the most photographed American city in the medium of cinema. And no one has photographed LA like director Michael Mann has. I have talked about his masterpiece Heat in a previous issue, the literal cool look of that movie; Los Angeles was captured on film in both day and night time. But here, he implemented the use of digital

photography for a specific reason; to capture LA’s skyline at night. It’s a hot topic, the idea of digital vs film and which is better but film cannot capture the night sky the way digital does here. I am 50/50 when it comes to digital. It really is a different feeling watching something shot on digital; often it feels like looking at something out of a window. Digital can be quite stark compared to film’s lush look. Incidentally, 20% of this movie was shot on film; the nightclub sequence. Outside of the technical aspects, there’s some great acting talent on show here. Foxx and Cruise can play confidence with such ease but here Foxx is playing something of a loser. It was really interesting seeing Cruise with that platinum white hair. It was such a different look. Cruise is a man that seemingly doesn’t age but here we saw an older Cruise character that was jaded and cynical. Cruise is such a magnificent star. He commits to the role 100% as he always does. Just look at the scene where Crusie performs a quick draw with his gun when retireving his suitcase back from some thugs. Apparently his tactical draw is so good that it’s used by experts in lessons for handgun

training. That’s the commitment of Cruise but its also the Mann’s commitment to authenticity. The rest of the cast are great too. Views on Jada Pinkett Smith these days are varied in the wake of her husband Will at the 2022 Oscars but she’s terrific as a lawyer Foxx encounters. Mann has talked about how she can win over a person with her eyes. I don’t disagree. It’s also funny to see a pre Hulk Mark Ruffalo in cornrows.

Collateral was a terrific return to form for the Michael Mann fans love. The action is superb and it moves at a great pace. The movie becomes more than just a cat and mouse thriller. It has a existential quality, reflecting on regrets and roads not taken, the seemingly nihilistic quality of the value of life; how we can value some more than others. It will thrill you and make you think at the same time. Buckle up for a terrific ride.

Available on DVD, Blu Ray and Netflix.

Duhallow News

IN THE FRAME

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

ABOVE: Freya has her first Christmas with the O'Connors.

LEFT: Morning Snow in Ballydesmond

RIGHT: Molochai the Mischief Maker plots against the Christmas tree.

Photos taken and sent to us by Caleb O'Connor, Ballydesmond.