Discover Duhallow Issue 86

contact us at: discoverduhallow@irdduhallow.com

ETCHINGS IN COURTHOUSE TO BE PRESERVED: P4

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Maurice O’Keeffe 2023 Kicks Off

The festival takes place from the 5th to the 10th of April and includes song, dance, and celebration.

Pat Fleming paid a visit to the James O’Keeffe Institute with his daughter Cara to play us a few tunes in anticipation of

the upcoming event. We had our toes tapping and when you attend the events listed, we know you will too.

Visit www.mauriceokeeffe.com for a full festival schedule.

■See page 12

L-R: Pat Fleming, his daughter Cara Fleming, Margaret O’Connor and Maura Walsh

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Editors Note

Issue 86 finds itself being released on Good Friday everyone and it has plenty to delve into.

You can see the recent Dawn Mass went well despite the threat of a rough morning weather wise. AIB also provide good advice on how to avoid getting scammed by phone or email. Nollaig Murphy launches off a series of upcoming articles from her training group which will talk about our relationship with Europe on our 50th year as a member. And there was glitz and glamour in Castlemagner recently as it was strictly come dancing.

And to our younger readers, there are chocolate eggs to be won so get colouring! Have a happy and safe Easter everyone!

Email: Discoverduhallow@irdduhallow.com

Phone: 029-60633

Cream of the Pudding

In 2011, McCarthy’s butchers of Kanturk created The Coronation Black Pudding for a visit by the late Queen of England. This recipe won them the European gold medal with The Confrèrie De Chevalier du Goûte-Boudin.

The Confrèrie, or the Fraternity of the Knights of Black Pudding was set up in 1963 by food lovers in France. They encourage people to enjoy black pudding a variety of ways. Pudding is a divisive food - made from pig’s blood, fat, and onion - but McCarthy’s have gone above and beyond with their additions to the breakfast staple.

The Coronation Black Pudding combines the traditional with Teeling whisky, Kanturk cream, and local apple. But this isn’t their only pudding creation.

Other popular creative products are wild garlic sausages and chocolate and pistachio pudding. They pride themselves in

supporting local and seasonal produce, and as the year continues, we look forward to seeing what they next create!

McCarthy’s celebrate Ireland’s only gold medal at the prestigious European pudding awards in Normandy, France.

INSET: Chocolate and Pistachio black pudding

Courthouse To Be Preserved

In 2021, Kanturk court house revealed etchings, a photo, coded escape plans, and signatures of volunteers.

TD Michael Moynihan expressed: “[This] is a vital part of Ireland’s history as a whole”.

When he posted a photo of a volunteer’s signature - Padraig Cronin of Millstreet - descendants reached out to him. And this has happened more than a few times since!

Now, plans have been revealed to turn the building into a museum, art and culture centre, and a

remote working hub.

Outside of Kilmainham Jail, this is the only graffiti from that era, making these two unique sister sites in the fight for independence. Unfortunately, some of the signatures and work have been lost to time and wear. But the renovated roof and new doors put in place kept many safe.

This €6 million project is sure to prove invaluable to the town and in keeping our history alive.

Just a small snippet of the work that lingers on the Kanturk Courthouse walls.

Congratulations to Daniel McSweeny who was awarded with a trophy for outstanding Achievement in the Irish Junior Maths competition and Éadaioin O Sullivan received a Certificate of Achievement, out of 255 schools and over 15,000 entries.

Pictured with Maths teacher Norma Twomey Fitzgerald and Principal of Boherbue Comprehensive Vera Leader.

All Ireland 4 wall U14 Singles Handball Champion 2023 Amy Brosnan and U17 Singles Handball Champion 2024 Norma Kerrisk pictured recently in Kingscourt Co Cavan.

Hang up, don’t answer Delete, don’t click

AIB recently sent an email with information on the latest scams. Investment returns that are too good to be true, false celebrity endorsements, shiny cryptobling; early, small gain to lure you into a sense of security.

Like they say, if the returns look too good to be true, they probably are.

Scammers calling and pretending to be your bank, the police, Amazon etc with an urgent message that you must act on. Hang up!

Criminals calling you from a number that looks the same as ours. Hang up!

“Criminals have your card details”, “we will send a secure courier to collect it”. The courier is innocent, the motive is not.

Delete the message!

When you click on a link in a text or email it takes you to the fraudsters website that mirrors ours. We don’t ask you to click on links.

Don’t click!

On Thursday 16th March 2023, the Parents, families and friends of the Millstreet U17 Hurling team were proud to acknowledge the achievements of the players and mentors during the 2022 season. The team won Division 2 in both North Cork and County. A wonderful night was had by all. Thank you to everyone for your support during the successful year.

Banteer Sportsfield Project Banteer Sportsfield project has been shortlisted for Cork Council Mayors awards. Winners will be announced at a function in county hall on April 18th.

Best of luck!

REMINDER: Andy Moynihan will be completing a 76km tour around Duhallow on Sunday April 9th in aid of Pieta House. Keep an eye out!

Scammers sometimes send emails that look like they’re coming from us. “Your account or card has been blocked”, “you owe us money”.

Don’t click, delete.

An email saying we have changed our bank account please make the next payment to our new one - in a different country!

Call the real supplier to check.

School Transport Deadline Approaches

New Application Deadline: 28th April.

New applications for school transport tickets for the 2023/2024 school year are now open.

New applications must be made by 28th of April, and full payment or registration of medical card details must be made by 9th June 2023. Late application doesn’t guarantee a seat.

Charges for the 2023/2024 school year: €50 per primary school student

€75 per post primary school student

€125 cap per family

Rockchapel Defibrillator group

Rockchapel Defibrillator group are working with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service are hoping to set up a clinic. Between 80 and 100 local donors are needed for this. If you’re interested in donating, register with the group by call or text;

Tríona Carroll 087 6796629

Tríona Curtin 086 6780136

Nora Collins 0863795562.

Have an upcoming event? Send details to discoverduhallow@ irdduhallow.com

Cultúrlann Newmarket

Friday April 14th 8pm

An evening with John Spillane in Concert

Tickets: local shops, ticketstop.ie, and on door

Thursday April 27th 7pm

Candlelit Tales

More info to come

Saturday May 6th 8pm

Ye Vegabonds in concert

ticketstop.ie

Wednesday June 21st 8pm

Sarah Curran Tribute

Friday July 28th 8pm

PJ Murrihy in concert

Glen Theatre

All shows start at 8pm

Sunday April 9th and

Monday April 10th

Stage Play: Separate Beds

Saturday April 22nd

Eleanor Shanley

Saturday May 13th

The Great Singalong Songbook

Star Traxx Music Venue

Sunday 23rd April, 3-5.30pm

Barry Doyle and Stevie Hamilton

PERSON OF THE MONTH - FEBRUARY

Kanturk and District Community Council proudly sponsored by Tina Dunstan of CherryBlossoms childcare ltd would like to announce our March Winner of Person of the month is Trish O’Neill. Trish is regularly out with Kanturk tidy towns helping with whatever needs to be done. She keeps the grotto and surrounding area in “immaculate” condition and can be seen on a daily basis out there working away. An extremely popular winner.

On behalf of Kanturk and District Community Council and Tina Dunstan of Cherry blossom childcare we like to congratulate Trish O’Neill on her award. A very worthy and deserving winner.

To nominate someone for next month, boxes and forms are available throughout Kanturk:

• Twohig’s Supervalu

• Burton’s Topline and Euronics Store

• Kanturk Credit Union

• O’Riordan’s Daybreak Kanturk

• Kanturk Post Office

• Photoshop Kanturk

• Burke’s Home Value

• Lidl Kanturk,

• Spar Kanturk

• Kanturk Library

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Rathmore News

East Kerry Scor na bPaistí

The Scor na bPaistí Final took place at Fossa Community Hall on Sunday 2nd April.

Congratulations to all competitors.

Solo Dance:

1st Grace O Sullivan (Rathmore LGFA)

2nd: Roisin McAuliffe (RathmoreGAA)

3. Laura Cronin (Rathmore Hurling)

Recitation:

1st: Aoibhinn Creedon (Rathmore LGFA)

2. Cathal Cronin (Rathmore GAA)

3. Lauren O Sullivan (Spa)

Solo Music

1. Owen Foley(Kilcummin)

2. Olivia Angland (Glenflesk Gaa)

3. Kealan Gleeson (Gneeveguilla

Gaa Club)

Solo Singing

1. Clodagh O Sullivan(Spa)

2. Olivia Angland (Glenflesk)

3. Allie Casey (Dr. Crokes)

Ballad Group

1. Dr. Crokes

Figure Dancing:

1. Dr. Crokes GAA

2. Rathmore G.A.A

Leiriù

1. Kilcummin GAA Club

2. Listry Gaa

Music

1. Glenflesk

2. Kilcummin

3. Listry

Set Dancing

1. Kilcummin

2. Killarney Legion GAA Club

3. Spa Gaa

The next round will be the county semi final, which takes place on 14th April in Killorglin.

The Scor na nÓg Munster final will take place on 15th April.

Kerry County Council Funding

• €40,800 to resurface part of Gleann Rua Estate

• €95,625 To complete the section up to the Football field from N72- L7056

• €89,250 for Barraduff upper to Meentoges L7044

• €137,087 for Barraduff Village to Glenflesk R570

• €16,100 L7046 Gortahaneboy N72 to Bounard Cross

• €35000 - L3014 Auniskirtane

• Drainage

• €15,000 - L7045 Banard

• €2520 - L11179 Ballycullane

• CIS

• €81,000 - L-11173 Stagmount

Sliabh Luachra Mens Shed

A Shed is place where men can meet to chat,coffee, get involved in a Project, play cards, and generally socialise The Sliabh Luachra men’s shed has formed a committee to further develop the men’s shed New member’s are welcome. For further information contact 087 6676817.

Business On The Move

Katelynn Hair Design and Cathy Duggan’s Hidden Beauty have moved from East End to West End beside Washbasket in Rathmore. We wish both Katelynn and Cathy the best of luck in their new premises.

Drain plans

Kerry County Council have confirmed the works to remedy the Drains (where down pipes meet the footpath) has gone to Tender. It is hoped the Works will be done over the Summer months. All above welcome by Cllr Maura Healy Rae, Danny Healy Rae TD, and Cllr Niall Kelleher Mayor of Killarney LEA.

County Clean Up

The 11th County Clean-up Event will occur on Saturday, April 15th, 2023.

Volunteers can register for the County Clean-Up at http:// countycleanup.com or email KWD at countycleanup@kwd.ie who are happy to help you.

To register for litter pickers, please email environ@kerrycoco.ie

Bus Route 257 Macroom - Killarney

The improved Macroom - Millstreet - Rathmore - Killarney bus route 257 will now operate seven days a week with increased daily services. This will improve accessibility between the newly bypassed Macroom, Clondrohid village, Millstreet train station, and on to Killarney.

3 return services will operate daily between Millstreet and Macroom (Monday to Saturday) with two services operating on Sundays. There will also be additional stops in Millstreet, linking up with the train station. More details on the Bus Eireann website.

Cork GAA Handball Juvenile County Championship 2023

Sunday 26th March 2023 at Mallow Handball Club, Sponsored by Mallow Credit Union

Ballydesmond’s Handballers had some great success at the county juvenile finals. The club expressed great pride in them, and they are no doubt looking forward to the next outing. Winners

U8 Gavin Howard / Kevin Curtin.

U9 Jake Kelly / Darragh Dennehy.

U 10 singles Ardan Gaine.

U10 Doubles Darragh Curtin / Cillian Healy.

U11 Doubles, Daniel Quinn/ Conan O Connor.

Runners up U13 Sean Kerrisk, U12, Singles, Cian Buckley, U12 Doubles, Jason Ward/ Ciara Lenihan. U 11 Singles, Evan Fleming.

Well done, Ballydesmond!

Rockchapel Youngsters Celebrated

St. Peters and St. Marks of Rockchapel were celebrated for their successes over the last two years, The teams were presented with medals from Cork player Sean Meehan.

PICTURED RIGHT: Kiskeam man Sean Meehan has been an inspiration to players throughout Duhallow

St. Marks Under 12 Hurling Shield Winners 2022

Rebel Óg North Div 1 U13 Hurling Championship 2022

St Peters u15 Rebel Óg North Div 2 Football League Winners 2022

St. Marks Rebel Óg u15 Hurling Shield Winners 2022

Photos by NEILY CURTIN

Rathmore Senior Team Celebrate The Club Social In Killarney Heights

Pictures TOP ROW L-R

- Aidan O’Mahoney receives his award from Chairman Kieran O Keeffe after his final day with the team in Croke Park.

- Fionn Murphy receiving his All Star award from Chairman Kieran O Keeffe

-Shane Ryan and Paul Murphy with Rathmore Chairman Kieran O Keeffe, to recognise their All Ireland final win with Kerry.

- MIDDLE ROW L-R Rathmore players with silverware won in 2022. Left to right Mark Ryan, Paul Murphy, Shane Ryan, Aidan O’Mahoney, Kenneth O’Keeffe and Killian O Connor.

- BOTTOM ROW L-R Rathmore management team Dan O’Sullivan, Denis Moynihan, Kieran O Keeffe chairman and Tim Cronin.

- Rathmore secretary, Michael Cronin receives Club Merit award for 2022 from Denis McCrohan who received the award in 2021.

- Rathmore player of the year 2022 Brian Friel receives his Footballer of the year award from Kenneth O Keeffe who was the winner in 2021.

Maurice O’Keeffe Festival Launches

It was a night of song and dance as Alan Finn played behind dancers Ellen and Daniel, and Shannon Fitzgerald performed a solo piece

The Maurice O’ Keeffe festival launched with a bang! The launch brought in a whole host of familiar faces from Timmy O’Connor and Pat Fleming to Michael and Bernard Moynihan as well as IRD Duhallow’s Maura Walsh.

The festival takes place from the 5th to the 10th of April and includes song, dance, and celebration. Maurice O’Keeffe is famous throughout Duhallow as a master fiddle player. The festival has been held since 2002 and began as a tribute to Maurice and his contributions to Sliabh Luachra’s unique music.

Bars and halls though Kiskeam and Ballydesmoind will be alive with song and dance, and through the festival, a set dance workshop with John “The Lepper” Lynch and competition will be running.

More than 20 sessions will run including ceilí with Tim Joe and

Anne O’Riordan as well as The Shandrum Ceilí Band.

Don’t miss out!

Visit www.mauriceokeeffe.com for a full festival schedule.

Maurice O’Keeffe Festival

Pat Fleming, Timmy O’Connor, and Alan Finn lead a tune to open the festival

Bernard and Michael Moynihan pose with comedian Bernard Casey

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Bring The Chalice Home

TD Seán Sherlock has called for important Irish Artefacts to be returned. And they can be...on loan.

The Mount Keeffe Chalice dates back to 1590. The chalice itself is a beautiful and unique, and includes a Latin inscription; COK.ME.FIERI.FECIT.ANNO.

DOMINI 1590

which translates to; “Charles O’Keeffe made me in the year of 1590 AD”.

According to accounts, it was used by two priests to celebrate mass during a time when Catholic mass was outlawed. Some claims go as far as to say it was found in a tree along with priest garb. The two priests were murdered by British soldiers near a farm in Newmarket in 1690. Where the two passed is on or near what’s

now known as the Chalice tree, a 30ft sycamore named for its chalice shape.

Following the death of the priests, it disappeared, and between 1600 and the early 1800’s, its whereabouts are unknown. While the years are not precise, it was eventually (presumably) purchased by Antiquarian Robert Day and was in his possession until his death. Following this, an auction led the piece to a family who sold it to the London Victoria and Albert Museum for £400 (approx €25,000 today).

It’s lived there since the purchase, and was spotted in the 1960’s by a relative of the selling family.

Mr. Sherlock said; “I welcome any initiative that would seek to bring the chalice home, even if only on loan to begin with. It would

be great if this could lead to a permanent repatriation down the line. This chalice is representative of a need for deeper engagement between our own Catholic Institutions and those in the UK for a reciprocal agreement on a needs basis.

The chalice is one of Ireland’s oldest religious artefacts, but it is just one of thousands of treasures taken from Ireland to the UK.

The chalice is joined by the Annals of Inisfallen - a priceless and unique chronicle of the medieval history of Ireland written between 433 and 1450 - as well as more than 30 other historical Irish manuscripts held in the University of Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries, Right now, we can hope this loan leads to lost artefacts coming home for good.

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Community News

Castlemagner GAA Strictly Comes Dancing

Castlemagner GAA held its most ambitious fund raising event ever on the 25th March 2023. The Strictly Castlemagner fundraising event has been months in the planning by it’s hard working committee. The objectives of the fundraising event are to develop an astroturf training facility and further developments on the grounds of the GAA club.

On Saturday 25th March the mass exodus from Castlemagner to Charleville started early in the morning with participants down at the Charleville Park Hotel for hair, make up and rehersals. By early evening the atmosphere in the hotel was ramping up as family and friends started to arrive. Before 7pm queues started forming for patrons to get their seats in the function room and by the time proceedings kicked off shortly after 8pm the place was electric.

Keith Hanley former winner of the Voice of Ireland was MC on the night and he managed the event like an old pro. Every couple were interviewed on stage after they performed and Keith’s relaxed style helped put some nerves at ease.

Chairman of Castlemagner GAA club Thomas Lenihan opened the event by welcoming everybody while expressing the gratitude of the club to the dancers, choreographer, the many sponsors and the members

of the organising committee. Thomas acknowledged the work by other groups in the community, encouraging everyone to become involved in the ongoing works in “making Castlemagner a better place to live”. What followed for the next three hours was the best entertainment you could possibly ask for. A total of twelve couples took to the dancefloor on the night and it has to be said that each and every one of them put on what turned out to be an absolutely sensational show for the near 900 patrons packed into the hotel function room. The five judges Mags O’Riordan, Mags Nugent, Aideen McAuliffe, Noeleen Moylan and Thomas Tobin were astounded by the high level of talent on display. Choreographer Miriam Ball put the contestants through their paces over the past few months and it really paid off as they performed a range of dance routines on the night.

Claudia and Denis O Donoghue giving it 100% on stage in Charleville The

dedication to the cause shown by all participants over the last 10 or 12 weeks was unbelievable. The sheer joy on the faces of all who took to the stage was unreal. Castlemagner GAA are most grateful to all of them for making such a commitment in their lives to help the club with this fundraising event and to the public and sponsors who gave so generously towards this fundraiser. The ‘Public Vote’ winners receiving the most public votes on the night were Tracy Fitzgerald and Conor Murphy.

Jessica Lynes and Kevin O Leary fully focused on their steps

Michelle Gayer and Aaron O Keeffe on stage at Strictly Castlemagner in The Charleville Park Hotel

Claudia and Denis O Donoghue giving it 100% on stage in Charleville

Tracy is a Child Care Professional working at the local Cairdeas Childcare in Castlemagner & Conor works as Home Energy Advisor at Ashgrove Renewables. The couple lifted the roof off the hotel with their stylish Charleston routine and received a huge ovation from the crowd to seal the deal.

Kanturk native and now Banteer resident Tracy Fitzgerald paid tribute to the hard work put in by all the dancers, by Choreographer Miriam Ball and by her partner Conor. “Speechless, shocked but delighted” said Tracy, “Not only did we meet fantastic dancers along the way, but we have made great friendships

also”.

“Both Conor and I had great support from our families & friends but representing Cairdeas Childcare where I work has been a huge bonus, particularly for all the children and parents who supported us with all their kind wishes”.

When asked would she do it again “Yes, without doubt, the rehearsals were tough and we were nervous on the night, but it was worth all the hard work”. “An amazing experience that we will treasure for a long time to come”.

When asked if she would recommend taking part in ‘Strictly’; “Yes, without doubt, jump at it if

you get the chance, one of the best experiences of my life”.

The ‘Judges Vote’ on the night was awarded to Caroline Cott & Ger Harrington. They took on the Quick Step which saw the ever popular couple give full entertainment to the crowd.

Bringing the formalities to a close the Chairperson of the organising committee Siobhan O’Connell expressed her gratitude to everyone for making the night a resounding success, while the night was rounded off with a disco before patrons were asked to ‘Please Leave the Dancefloor”.

All the dancers on stage before the winners were announced.

High Fives from Donal O Sullivan and Audrey O Donoghue

The Finale by Conor Murphy & Tracy Fitzgerald after they were announced as winners of the public vote.

Lismire National School Update

With another very busy term in Lismire National school, the children enjoyed many activities. The children in 5th and 6th had a busy few weeks preparing for their Science Award and developing their Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) learning and engagement. The junior room were delighted when the children shared all their science experiments with them for an afternoon! They will hopefully receive recognition for their amazing work when they submit their portfolio later in the school year. The children in First and Second Cass received the sacrament of Reconciliation and they look forward to their Communion in May. The children in the Junior room had great fun making pancakes and were delighted to give a little sample of their culinary delights to their friends in the older classes. We were very proud of the children who represented the school so well at the primary school basketball tournament in Scoil Mhuire. A great evening was had by all. St. Patrick’s Day is always a big occasion in Lismire NS, and the children enjoyed their very own ‘Paráid’, as well as a Céilí in the hall and many other events trí gaeilge. Bhí lá iontach againn!! We were very fortunate to have a special visit from Garda dogs, Rex and Laser, who took time out of their very busy schedule to pay us a visit. They were a big hit with the children and we are very grateful to Marie Lynch for organising the event. Finally, the Easter raffle winners were the envy of all on the day of the Easter holidays - well done to the lucky winners!

TOP LEFT: The Junior room all set for their Parade! TOP RIGHT: The Junior Room busy making pancakes. MIDDLE LEFT: Garda dogs, Rex and Laser enjoying the attention from the children. MIDDLE RIGHT: Adrain, Shauna and Kayleigh feeling proud of their engineering accomplishments BOTTOM RIGHT: 6th Class at the Bridge in Kanturk.

BOTTOM LEFT: Ben, Tomás and Seánwinners of the fabulous Easter Hampers.

Community News

Funding Opportunities for Communities

Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative 2023

Minister for Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman recently launched The Parent and Toddler Groups Grants Initiative 2023. This year the emphasis will be on supporting Parent and Toddler Groups that offer a welcome to families who are newly arrived in Ireland. Following from the success of the additional funding streams in last year’s Initiative, the Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative 2023 will again offer three streams of funding:

1. Funding of €800 for existing groups and €1,100 for the establishment of new groups.

2. Funding of up to €300 is available to establish and operate Buggy Walking Groups. These Buggy Walking Groups are organised social walks for parents/ guardians and young children. The grant is open to any existing or new organisations or groups who wish to offer a minimum of six organised walks within their community.

3. Additional funding of up to €300 is available for new or existing Parent and Toddler Groups to provide a second session to meet demand.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 21st April. For further details or for an application form please contact codriscoll@ corkchildcare.ie or call 022-23880.

Vacancy And Dereliction Tackled With New Fund

Minister Heather Humphries announced a new €13 million fund to tackle vacancy and dereliction in rural Ireland. With this, local authorities will be provided with €500,000 in funding to purchase and redevelop up to 3 properties. In the past, the project has been used to upgrade old banks, court houses, garda stations, and FCA halls.

“There has never been as many opportunities for local community groups to access funding for rural and community development projects,” said Minister Humphries, “I am anxious to make this funding as accessible as possible

Clár

Minister Heather Humphries announced funding of almost €8 million for community and sports facilities.

“Since the Clár programme was relaunched in 2016, it has made a very positive contribution to some of our most remote and rural communities. The Initiative has supported over 2,100 projects with funding of over €57 million made under a range of different measures,” said Minister Humphries.

The 2023 fund aims to focus on new builds and will expand on the response to last years Community Care Investment Fund which approved over €454 million to 858 projects. These grants have been used for all manner of local amenities and general plans have been made including: Youth clubs, playgrounds, sensory gardens, walking tracks, and more Upgrades to spectator stands at local GAA and sports clubs funded for the first time Cancer care transport, Community First Responders, and offshore islands supported.

Supervalu Tidy Towns Competition

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, in association with the Managing Director of SuperValu, Ian Allen, has launched the 2023 SuperValu TidyTowns competition.

Since 1958, the competition, which is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and sponsored by SuperValu, has been a pivotal initiative in bringing communities together and addressing some of the environmental challenges we face in modern society.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the competition and is expected to attract one of its highest level of entries to date. The number of entries is steadily increasing and many new groups are entering the competition for the first time or returning with new enthusiasm and drive to improve their local areas. The closing date for receipt of entries for this year’s competition is Wednesday, 10 May 2023. Entry forms for the SuperValu TidyTowns competition are available on the Tidy Towns website and will be emailed to all registered groups. Entry to the competition will only be accepted by email to tidytowns@drcd.gov.ie

€20

Million Fund For The

Construction Of New Community Centres. A first-ever dedicated fund for shovel-ready community projects in our towns and villages. This hopes to focus on areas lacking community facilities. The lead party to an application must be a State-funded body (e.g. a local authority). An application form can be requested from ccif@drcd.gov. ie. The deadline for the receipt of applications is noon on 3rd July 2023.

Full details https://bit.ly/40wtQ2j

Minister Roderic O’Gorman

Communicating Europe

Communicating 50 Years of Irish EU Membership

IRD Duhallow is delighted to announce that it will be publishing a series of articles in the Discover Duhallow Magazine, under the Communicating Europe Initiative. The overarching purpose of this EU 50 project is 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.

In 1972, Irish people voted to join the EEC, when 83% voted yes in support of the move following a referendum. At that point in time, our nation was seen to be struggling in terms of its economic capacity and its potential to prosper. The impact of this yes vote cannot be overstated in terms of what developments the country has seen throughout the last fifty years and indeed our EU membership is considered a pivotal moment in Irish history. There have been tangible improvements, not only on a national level, but also on a local level, and it is hoped that these advancements will be bought to the fore in upcoming issues.

In recent weeks, a group of eager project participants have

attended workshops in the James O’Keeffe Institute in Newmarket, where they have participated in training in relation to the publication of articles for print media. This has culminated in them selecting various themes which they will review within the context of EU 50. Some of the contributions forthcoming will be accounts of what the EU connection has meant within a personal context, others will address what EU membership has meant for the country nationally.

We very much look forward to articles relating to the impact of EU support within the Duhallow area in relation to community development. We expect to hear about the LEADER programme, which is supported through European funding and has helped to develop everything from community centres and recreation facilities to local walks and playgrounds, tourism accommodation to activity centres and cultural facilities to training initiatives.

LEADER has helped projects relating to small and medium business to set up

and expand creating employment therefore encouraging people to remain, return, live and thrive in rural areas. Furthermore, group members will look at environmental initiatives including the EIP (European Innovation Partnership) project. This project is now playing a leading role in directing environmental action on waterways in Duhallow.

It has been truly wonderful to meet our local participants and to hear their views and ideas on EU 50. Their written contributions will highlight the transformative impact of 50 years of membership in the EU and Ireland’s emergence as a modern, open economy and society.

Nollaig Murphy Development Officer IRD Duhallow speaks to MEP Billy Kelleher in relation to the IRD Duhallow Communicating 50 Years of Irish EU Membership project.

Maura Walsh CEO IRD Duhallow who briefed the training group on EU 50 within a regional and national context, Group Tutor Meave Ferris and members of the Communication Europe training group.

It Really Does Not Matter

By ALICE O’BRIEN Churchview Therapies, Millstreet

Let’s talk about the things that don’t matter. Things that we think are important but we find out are really not that important at all. When we reach a crisis in our life, when we get sick, when we lose a loved one, when we have a lifechanging event- then we really find out what matters and what doesn’t. Things that really don’t matter include:

• Most importantly, the letters after your name, the points you get in the Leaving Cart, the degrees on the wall- they matter least of all. Degrees on the wall show your intelligence the same as shoes on your feet show you are walking. You can walk without shoes, and

you are definitely intelligent without a degree. Most people learn the most valuable things in life outside of the classroom.

• The size of your house. You can have ten bedrooms that wouldn’t make you as happy as a tiny shack filled with the people you love. So, how big your house looks to others is useless if it is not over-flowing with the sounds of laughter.

• Time and age. It is not too late and you are not too old to fulfil whatever dream you may have

had. What matters is that you belief in yourself and have confidence in your goal.

• Money. There is nothing wrong with being financially responsible, paying the bills and spending on things you enjoy. But, when the pursuit of money becomes your main focus, when showing others how much money you have becomes a priority then it is time to refocus. Money won’t matter if you have a health crisis, money won’t buy you happy memories or make your loved one think more highly of you.

So, for balance here is a few things that do matter; love, family, memories, experiences, fun. Most importantly of all, how you treat others and how you treat yourself is what really matters.

Spring Skin Care

By MAIREAD O’KEEFFE New Leaf Health Store

Winter can leave your skin feeling dull and lifeless and now is the time to get it ready for the summer. Be sure to drink enough water and swap caffeinated drinks for herbal infusions. Try to eat a rainbow of fruit and veg to be sure you are getting a good varied range of nutrients.

Spring clean your cosmetics and clear out some of those old products that have passed their best. Invest in some new fantastic Irish skincare products.

Switching to a lighter cleanser like micellar water can freshen the skin.

Dublin Herbalists Micellar

Water contains pre and probiotics. It leaves your skin feeling radiantly clean, toned and moisturised. Follow your cleanse with a luxurious serum to lock in moisture at bedtime. Kinvara’s precious facial oil is a balanced blend of ultra moisturising plant oils and Vitamin E, enriched with Bakuchiol, an innovative plant-based retinol. It’s recommended for all skin types and it’s especially useful for people who can’t use retinol.

Cleansing and moisturising is important for your body too. We love Dr Mahers Eutopia Body wash at New Leaf. It’s made in Listowel using a unique production technique which preserves the antioxidants and the beneficial seaweed and plant extracts. It’s

a rich pure moisturising body wash. It is hypoallergenic and dermatologically approved for even the most sensitive skin.

Seavite firming and toning

Body Lotion is another super Irish product. It contains stimulating seaweed extracts and advanced active botanicals, this energising formula helps to tone and firm, while nourishing even very dry skin.

Parasol is an Irish made and very innovative sunscreen. Parasol uses Silicon as the key ingredient and the products are non-greasy and easy to apply. Parasol’s resistance to rub off is excellent and it generally only requires one application per day. It’s another great Irish product.

Interest

Always Be Closing

By TADHG CURTIN FILM REVIEW

It’s make or break for a group of salesmen in James Foley electrifying film adaption of David Mamet’s immortal play, Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)

To say Glengarry Glen Ross is notorious for its profanity is an understatement but man, does the script sing. Adapted from his own work for the big screen by David Mamet, the film depicts two days in the lives of four real estate salesmen who are supplied with leads — the names and phone numbers of prospects — and use deceitful and dubious sales tactics. After they are threatened with job termination for the individuals with the lowest sales, their tactics become more extreme in the desperation to keep their jobs.

endlessly quotable (“A. B. C. - Always Be Closing“. “Coffee’s for closers”). In fact, a lot of its stage incarnations now include the scene. James Foley and his cinematographer Juan Ruiz Anchía, manage to liven up what is a movie set in interiors with an array of colours and movement. And that incessant night-time rain is pathetic fallacy (the poetic practice of attributing human emotion or responses to nature, inanimate objects, or animals) at its best.

his head. David Moss (Harris) is just impotent rage - furious at a system he wants to destroy but too cowardly to do so on his own. And then there’s Shelley ‘The Machine’ Levene (Lemmon), a once shining star whose light and heat has long faded. He’s now a man clinging on by his fingernails.

This movie has one of the great ensemble casts put together for a movie. Jack Lemmon, Al Pacino, Ed Harris, Alan Arkin, Jonathan Price, Kevin Spacey, and in its most iconic scene, Alec Baldwin. Interesting about that scene is that Baldwin’s character issuing the group of salesmen the big ultimatum is not in the play. The character was added to the movie to ratchet up the stakes and show the pressure the men are under. Some have said that you don’t need it but I don’t think anyone who has seen both the play and the movie would argue for its exclusion. It’s electric and

David Mamet is one of the greatest playwrights and screenwriters of the last fifty years. I talked about another of his works, The Verdict, in a previous issue. His style of dialogue is iconic, so much so it’s referred to as ‘Mamet speak’. It’s marked by a cynical, street-smart edge, precisely crafted for effect.

There are essentially no women in the movie. Glengarry is actually a great treatise on the male ego. Through the four salesmen, you can see the whole spectrum of it at work both good and bad. Roma (Pacino) is the office’s hotshot who is on a roll career wise, effortlessly seducing clients and securing a sale. George Aaranow (Arkin) is completely impotent, a nice guy in a dirty business in over

The title comes from the names of two legendary real estate developments being peddled by the salesmen. Today, men aren’t really calling to our door anymore to con us. They are doing it over the phone or the internet. Crypto currency and Bitcoin seems to be the new pitch. The meta verse seems to be the new real estate. Is it all a con? Hard to say. “The leads are weak”, is uttered throughout Glengarry however the movie is anything but. You hear me, you £$^^@”! %$”&**)%!!!

Available on DVD, Blu Ray and to stream on Amazon Prime.

The Amazing Gift of Divine Mercy

By TOM DENNEHY

On Good Friday we begin the Novena of the Divine Mercy. On that day the love and mercy of God was poured forth for souls by the death of Jesus on the cross. “When they came to Jesus, they found He was already dead, and so instead of breaking His legs, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a lance; and immediately there came out blood and water.” John .19. 33- 34.

On 22 February 1931, Jesus appeared to St. Faustina dressed in a white robe and asked her to paint the image she had been shown with the signature, “Jesus I trust in you.” Jesus had His right hand raised in blessing, with the other touching His breast. From the opening in the garment at the breast came forth red and pale rays. Later Jesus explained to her, “The pale rays stand for the Water which make souls righteous, and the red rays stand for the Blood which is the life of souls. These rays issued forth from the depths of my most tender mercy at that time when my agonizing Heart was opened by a lance on the cross…” The image is the victory of His Resurrection. The Water symbolises confession, and cleansing of the soul, and the Blood is the Eucharist and symbolises renewal of the soul.

St. Faustina’s Diary.

St. Faustina, known as the Apostle of Divine Mercy, has given us a great insight into the ocean of God’s unfathomable mercy for mankind in her diary, ” Divine Mercy in My Soul”.

Jesus asked her to do whatever

was in her power to spread devotion to His mercy and to tell “aching “mankind to come close to His merciful Heart and He would fill them with His peace.

Divine Mercy Feast Day: Jesus asked St. Faustina specifically for a Feast Day celebrating His Divine Mercy. He desired that the Feast of Mercy be celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter.

The greatness of this feast day is measured by the extraordinary promises attached to it, “whoever approaches the Fount of Life on this day will be granted complete remission of sins and punishment”. That means going to Confession and receiving Holy Communion on this day and performing an act of mercy. As well as worshipping God in His mystery of mercy it is also a time of grace for all people. “I desire that the feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners” (Diary 699). He tells us He is giving souls the last hope of salvation, that is,” recourse to My Mercy. If they will not adore My mercy, they will perish for all eternity”.

Chaplet of Divine Mercy

When we recite the chaplet, we offer to God the Father “the Body

and Blood, Soul and Divinity” of Jesus Christ in atonement for our sins, the sins of our loved ones and the whole world. By uniting ourselves with the sacrifice of Jesus, we appeal to the great love that our Heavenly Father has for His Son, and, in Him, for all humanity.

Importance of the Chaplet of Mercy for the Dying.

Jesus promised, “When you say this chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between my Father and the dying person, not as a just judge but as a merciful Saviour.”

There will be great mercy received at the hour of death. Priests will recommend it to sinners as their last hope of salvation. Even the most hardened sinner will receive grace from The Lord’s infinite mercy. (Diary 687).

St. Faustina spent most of her time praying and offering her sufferings for sinners as her experience of visiting Purgatory and Hell made her very conscious of the need to pray for souls and the conversion of sinners.

Jesus told her the prayer most pleasing to Him is the prayer for the conversion of sinners. The conversion prayer: “O blood and water, which gushed forth from the heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in you.” What Jesus wants most from us is our trust in His Divine Mercy. The more we trust the more powerful our prayer. We should often repeat each day, “Jesus I trust in you”.

Pick up a leaflet on Divine Mercy in your church if you are not familiar with this most powerful prayer.

“

Time to pray The Divine Mercy Chaplet?”: Any time but especially at 3 0’Clock, the hour of great mercy.

St. Faustina

Rewilding - A Contentious Issue

By RACHEL BUDD

April is going to be a good month in the garden. Spring has been difficult this year, in the way that seems to be becoming commonplace, with a good dry February which is really too early to get started in the garden, followed by a very wet March which delays us yet again. So April it is. The season starts here.

Now is the time to get your potatoes planted, Earlies first, followed by maincrop in a few weeks’ time. You can plant potatoes as late as the end of May and still get a good crop so don’t panic over them. You do need to get onion sets in the ground though as quickly as possible though as they won’t bulb up nicely if planted too late in April.

Seedlings in module trays should be coming along nicely now and can be sown throughout April. Later sowings often catching up and overtaking earlier ones. Tomatoes and peppers must be

growing strongly now to have a long enough season for a good harvest.

April is also the month for sowing wild flower seed and in recent years there has been increasing interest in creating patches of vividly coloured annual flowers that admittedly look beautiful. There is a problem however. These flowers are not wild, they are often not even native to Ireland, with common mixes containing Cosmos from South Africa and Calendula from the Mediterranean amongst others. So be careful what mix you pick up.

While there is a small benefit to some pollinator species in sowing these flowers there is an irony in the destruction of a natural ecosystem containing networks of plants and insects in symbiotic relationships with each other to produce a fake environment for one or two bee species. Biodiversity is about far more than just pollinators. Just as not all pollinators are insects, not all insects are pollinators, and by removing the existing vegetation, we are breaking a food web and natural cycle, from soil based bacteria, fungal networks, macro and microorganisms, to insects living their larval stage deep in long grass and the stems of wild plants such as nettles, plantains, dandelions etc. Including 3 of our most loved butterflies. If we remove these natural environments in order create fake ones that are just more colourful, we have supplied

some pollen for adult butterflies but have removed the plants needed for them to lay their eggs and for the caterpillars to survive. The result of this is less and less butterflies each year. The removal of habitats for a wide variety of insect life also impacts on bird species. Many of our small birds rely on the larval stage of insects as their main food source. How many birds eat bees? So our over emphasis on pollinator plants is costing us our bird population. For those of you old enough, remember back to when you were a child running through long grass, do you remember the clouds of insects flying up as you disturbed the grass? If you are a young person, have you ever experienced that?

We don’t know what we have lost until it is gone, and the sad thing is that our children never knew it existed in the first place. How can they be expected to protect what is no longer there?

Dawn Mass 2023

The Source of the Blackwater Fr Tarrant of the Ballydesmond parish formerly of the Millstreet parish

Maura Walsh CEO IRD Duhallow addressing the congregation

Anne-Marie Lehane with her sons Donnacha and Luke who provided music and song on the morning

Everyone enjoying a hot cuppa and a bite to eat

RIGHT: Tús supervisor Nuala Riordan with Fr Tarrant and Maura Walsh CEO of IRD Duhallow

Down

1. Gruesome (7)

2. Variety show (5)

3. Elevated (6)

4. Parts of a ladder (5)

5. Fruit (7)

6. Precipitance (5)

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, April 14th, 2023. 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.