Discover Duhallow Issue 96

Editors Note

Summer summer summertime!

Well, it looks like we are at the end of this one. While that sun remains elusive the majority of the time, I’m still hopeful that we’ll get some bit of a part two to that glorious weather we got in May.

Issue 96 sees Kanturk Credit Union celebrate 60 years in operation. Check out our centrespread where they give a great insight into its origins, and make sure to join their celebration on Saturday, Sep 2nd (see the cover).

Elsewhere, Millstreet sees the completion of a beautiful mural that we featured last week, and we saw that a lot of great women are doing amazing things in relation to sport and charity. Discover Duhallow salutes you all!

Millstreet Pipe Band played at the Rose of Tralee Parade on Saturday 20th August, thereby continuing the tradition of performing there since the very first Rose of Tralee festival in 1959. The band then performed at Béal na Bláth on Sunday where RTE’s former Northern Editor Tommie Gorman delivered the oration to mark the 101st Anniversary of Michael Collins’ death. The band play under the direction of Pipe Major Brendan O’Sullivan, Drum Major Theresa Cleary & Lead Drummer Edmund Coffey.

L&R: The Mulcahy family with roots in Rockchapel at a function to honour Denis for his achievements with “Project children” , in Rochestown Park hotel by the County Cork BP and P Association. Mick, Tom, Mary, Denis and Pat. Pat was an integral part of “Project Children where they carried approx 20000 catholic and protestant children from Northern Ireland to the US during the troubles in the North. Caoimhe flannery, Pat Mulcahy and Emma Coughlan two of this years interns that spent the summer the US, part of an extension of “Project Children”

Bruach Na Carrige were delighted to welcome Donie Lucey from Critical - Emergency Medical Response to the Seisiún in Bruach na Carraige to present with the proceeds from their fundraising Seisiún which was held earlier in the year.

Kanturk Mart Weanling Show & Sale 2023

Both men are pictured with Declan O’ Keeffe & Peter Murphy Boherbue Co-Op, Peter & Tori O’ Connell Judges, and John Cott, Kanturk Mart.

Winner of Best Pen of Bulls - Nora O’ Connor, Kiskeam presented by Eddie Piggott

The Supreme Champion, a Belgian Blue (BBX) bull that weighed 568KG and made €1990

The Reserve Champion, a limousine (LMX) bull that weighed 468KG and made €1390.

Best Pen - Limousine (LM) bulls - 395KG - €1220

Supreme Champion - Thomas Murphy, Rockchapel, Reserve Champion - Michael O’ Keeffe, Newmarket.

Rathmore/Gneeveguila News

Message from the Irish Amputee Football Association

What an amazing day and tribute to Dave Saunders at Rathmore G.A.A Astro Pitch. The Rathmore committee and supporters were awesome. The football games were competitive with Cork City FC claiming the 1st Dave Saunders Memorial Shield after a 4-0 win over Bohemian Football Club. Thanks so much to everyone who attended this weekend, there will be loads of photos to go up online over the next few days and of course video of the games.

Special thanks to Dave’s wife Annmarie, his children Jack & Aoibhin and Dave’s parents Ann & John and Dave extended family & friends for making us feel so welcome,

-The Amputee Crew

Share the Bucket

Gneeveguilla Community Facility Group reminds you that Share the Bucket takes place weekly. The draw is every Friday evening inTeach Fáilte @8.30 pm and can be viewed live on our Gneeveguilla Community Facility Group Facebook Page. This week’s jackpot was €500 and the winner was Conor O’Hare. Tickets cost €2 each or 3 for €5. They are available at Teach Fáilte and can be bought online at https://tinyurl.com/y2ade5om.or in local businesses where you see the Green Share the bucket. Your support is greatly supported and all funds will go towards our new proposed community facility.

We would like to thank our local businesses who continue to support our project.

TG4 All Ireland Final

Hard luck to the Kerry Ladies team and Rathmore’s Daniel O’Leary and Mary Collins’ management on their defeat in the All Ireland Final against Dublin. The Kerry u18s ladies are All Ireland B champions. Well done to Nora O’Connor, her team and management.

Sympathies

Sympathies To Joan Faughey, Anne-Marie & John on the death of Sean Faughey, Shinnagh & London & Dundalk. Husband, father & father-in-law. Sean’s funeral took place in Rathmore on Tuesday 4th August.

To Michael Counihan, Marlyn & family & Eileen Kelliher & family on the death of their sister Ann Prendiville, Castleisland. Ann’s funeral took place on Saturday 5th August in Castleisland.

To Donal, Jim, Mick & Billy Daly Tureencahill on the death of their brother Christy Daly, Waterville. Christy’s funeral took place in Waterville on Wednesday 9th August.

To Noreen Riordan, Billy & family on the death of Noreen’s brother Jim O’Mahony, Keakill whose funeral took place on Saturday 3rd August in Keakill.

May Sean, Ann, Christy & Jim rest in peace

SPECIAL WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS

In October we will have a special Mass and Social Evening for those in our parish who are celebrating a significant anniversary this year, e.g., 25th,30th, 40th, 50th, or 60th.

At this Mass you will be invited to renew your marriage vows and to have this special occasion honoured by all in the Parish Community.

Please spread the word also to those who were married in our parish and are now living elsewhere.

You might kindly contact the Parish Office with the details of our Anniversary before the 4th of September.

Kelloggs Cul Camp

East Kerry/Kenmare camps have been completed for 2023. Numbers continue to rise with great attendance figures in all clubs. Thanks to all parents that signed up kids to attend the camps. The feedback was excellent with all parents delighted with the product. Lorcan Martin (Kerry GAA) and Emmet Finnan (Glenflesk) supported Vince Cooper in Kenmare District Board camps. David Dineen (Rathmore) assisted in the smooth running of the East Kerry venues. Thanks to all coaching officers and coaches for the on site support at each of the thirteen venues. The running of the camps was made easier with this vital support. Roll on 2024.

Rathmore Ravens Basketball Club

Rathmore Ravens Basketball Club AGM Teach Iosagain P51DD35 29th August at 8pm. New members and volunteers very welcome.

Registration for 2023/24 season now open. Any queries contact: Arthur Moynihan 0879218483, Karina Kelliher 086 8513765, Yvonne Kennedy 087 6974258.

Newmarket Knitting And Crochet Group Returns

Newmarket Knitting and Crochet Group meet every Friday in the CYMS hall Newmarket from 10.30 to 12 o’clock. This group was set up by a couple of ladies 10 years ago to share their passion for crafts. We now have about 12 members . This is a very inclusive group and some members from COPE foundation join us on a regular basis, where they are made most welcome. The meetings have turned into a social gathering where we knit, crochet and enjoy a cuppa and chat. Our main charity is The Blankets of Hope Cork. We regularly deliver blankets to CORK CANCER CENTRE where they will be distributed to the various hospitals in cork. Please contact Rita on 0862059745 if you’d like to join us. No joining fee just turn up

impairment, their

professionals.

Duhallow News

DÚCHAS VOLUME 2 – THE DUHALLOW HISTORICAL JOURNAL

WILL BE LAUNCHED BY BERNARD O’DONOGHUE

Saturday 26th August 2023

Newmarket, Co. Cork

Friends Of Millstreet Community Hospital

Friends Of Millstreet Community Hospital Church Gate Collection in Ballydaly this weekend Sunday, August 27th. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Alone Ireland

Alone Ireland are looking for volunteers to visit or call an older person and help combat loneliness in your area. Demand for their services is higher than ever before. If you can help and would like to volunteer please visit www.alone.ie for more information.

Bernard O’Donoghue, of Oxford University and Cullen, will launch Dúchas Volume 2 - The Duhallow Historical Journal at 8pm on Saturday, August 26. The event will take place at Cultúrlann Mhic Amhlaoibh, Newmarket’s beautiful and recently furbished venue in the old Protestant church in the town.

The journal contains pieces by twelve authors, ten of whom have written essays in English and two in Irish. Among the contributors are a mixture of local authors and university academics. The history and folklore of Duhallow and its hinterland are the focus. Places touched upon include, but are not confined to, Ballydesmond,

Bowen’s Court, Buttevant, Carriganimmy, Castleisland, Castlemagner, Cullen, Glenlara, Glenlohane, Kanturk, Kilmallock, Kiskeam, Knocknanuss, Macroom, Mallow, Millstreet, Newmarket and Pobal Uí Chaoimh.

Contributions are currently being sought for Volume 3, which it is hoped will appear in 2024. Please contact the editor if interested in submitting an article.

Congratulations to Niamh Buckley from Ballydesmond on winning the Silver Medal at the World Para Powerlifting Championships in Dubai. What a brilliant achievement!

Kanturk Community Hospital resident Paddy O’Callaghan (Kanturk) with Staff, receives the cheque for €5630. Tim O’Reilly, Tadhg Carroll (missing from photo) and Denis Allen would like to thank all who contributed to the fundraiser for running Up and Down Carrauntoohill from Cronin’s Yard on the 16 July 2023.

Kanturk Community Hospital will be allocating the money towards specific projects in the new extension. Again we appreciate the great work the staff of Kanturk Community Hospital in Kanturk do to support our loved ones in their time of need for the North Cork and Duhallow area. Keep up the Good Work.

Photo Back Row: Ber O’Leary Director of Nursing; Mary McAuliffe, Joe Sobilo, Sheila Clernon, Barbara Buckley, Mary O’Connor CNM2, Front Row: Tim O’Reilly, Paddy O’Callaghan (Resident) and Denis Allen.

Photographer: Bridget Walsh

Congratulations to the u13 Newmarket Ladies Football team who won their North Cork final against Kilshannig. Maya Hourigan was captain. The girls played great football and worked together as a team against a strong Kilshannig side. Well done ladies!

Annual AVintagefternoon

Cullen GAA Grounds

SUNDAY AUGUST 27TH.

Cullen and District Special Needs

Presenting the completion of artist supreme Neil O’Dwyer’s magnificent mural at Minor Row, Millstreet, along with some beautiful poetry.

Live MusicPeter Lane and Cullen Pipe Band Vintage Display, all welcome. Balloon Artist - Kenny the Clown. Travelling Forge and Blacksmith Display.

Children's Games and Sports. Raffles, Lucky dip.

Fun for all the Family.

Gig Guide

What’s On In Duhallow

An Chultúrlann Seisúins

All shows begin at 8pm.

August

Saturday 26th

Bernard O’Donoghue, of Oxford University and Cullen, will launch Volume 2 of Dúchas: The Duhallow Historical Journal at 8pm on Saturday, August 26

September

Saturday 2nd

Fundraising Variety Concert.

Tickets €15 in local shops, at door and at ticketstop.ie

Saturday 16th

Brendan Quinn Trio

Tickets €20 in local shops, at door and at ticketstop.ie

Glen Theatre

Autumn Winter Programme

September

Saturday 9th Red Hurley

October

Sunday 8th Gerry Guthrie and full band in concert

Friday 13th Johnny McEvoy

Friday 27th A night at the Theatre with Groucho

The Glen Theatre Drama Group

One Act Festival will run on Tuesday 24th, Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th and Saturday 28th October.

December

Saturday 2nd Ultan Conlon and Mary Coughlan

Friday 8th Robert Mizzell

Christmas Concert

Dancing

Sunday Cross Roads Dancing

Sundays from July – Sept

Venue: Laharn Open Air Dancing

*If weather is unfavourable dancing will be in the Heritage Centre.

Time: 8pm

Admission: FREE

Enquiries to : 087-6904086

August

27th Ted McCarthy

September

3rd Ger O’Donoghue

Monday Seisúin Newmarket

Weekly throughout the year

Venue: An Culturlann, Newmarket

Time: 9pm

Admission: €5

Tuesday Seisúin Rockchapel

Tuesdays until 29th August

Venue: Bruach na Carraige, Rockchapel

Time: 9pm

Admission: €5

CYMS Hall Dancing

Venue: CYMS Hall Newmarket, P52 V596

Time: 9pm-11.30pm

Admission: €10

Organised by John Joe Dances 087-9735113

August

Friday 25th

Michael Collins Band

September

Friday 1st

Declan Aungier Band

Friday 8th

Glen Flynn Band

Friday 15th

Dermot Lyons Band

Friday 22nd

Andy Feery Band

Freemount Social Dancing

Weekly – Sunday

Venue: Freemount Community Centre, P56 P893

Time: 3pm – 5.30pm

Admission: €10

Enquiries to: 083-4589222

The dances are run on a voluntary basis by a group of local volunteers. The funds are completely in aid of Freemount Community Centre, via Freemount Community Development Committee.

August 27th: Finbarr Dennehy

Millstreet Library

Friday 25th August

Age Friendly Meeting at 11am

Saturday 26th August

Children’s Storytime at 11am11:30am

Board Games Fun for the Family at 2:30pm

Contact details:

Phone: 029 21920.

Email: millstreet.library@corkcoco.ie

What Are References?

By STEPHANIE MOYNIHAN

As you progress in your recruitment journey from job search to application and interview stage, references are often requested by employers prior to the job offer. But what exactly is meant by reference and who should you ask to provide a reference for you? Generally speaking, references are given by people you have worked with in the past- ideally a former manager, team leader, or supervisor in one of your most recent positions. A person giving you a reference is called referee and is essentially someone who can speak to your previous qualities in the working environment including your skills, achievements and attitude.

References by employers can be requested via email or brief phone conversation.

References available on request

It is advisable not to include the contact details of referees on your resume of cover letter. Rather include the line ‘references available on request’ and provide details once specially asked for them. Give your referees the heads up Once you know that references will be required, it is a good idea to ask your referees for permission to share their details with an employer and give them the heads up that they might be contacted. This is your chance to also tell them about the type of job you have applied for allowing them to think about their responses.

No referees? No problem! Perhaps you are beginning your career journey and you do not have professional work referees as you are applying for your first job. In this case, you could consider asking

your teacher or school principal or coach on sporting teams or social club you are or were involved in.

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

SICAP 2018-2022 is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development with co-funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014-2020.

Minimum 2 year sous chef experience.

Duties: 39hrs per week.

preparing and cooking traditional Chinese food.

Annual salary €30k.

Please contact by email: yueming2023@gmail.com

Caherbarnagh Leg of the Duhallow Way

By ALANNAH O’CALLAGHAN

On Wednesday 16th of August, the IRD Walking group eventually got to complete the Caherbarnagh section of the Duhallow Way, after it being postponed due to a very wet July. It was just as well because we got to experience this section of the walk in the most glorious weather. The sun was shining and lighting up purples of the heather and the yellows and greens of the grasses on the walk. There was just enough of a breeze to keep the midges at bay and the clear sky ensured we have a bright evening to complete the 6.5km stretch along the base of Caherbarnagh.

This section of the walk is the most strenuous section of the Duhallow Way, the undulating terrain, heather, and high grass at the start of the section, followed by the steep ascent to skirt the base of Caherbarnagh ensured a slower pace than usual, however, the vista made up for the effort this week. In its entirety this section is just under 6.5km and walking towards Millstreet there is approx. 280 m of elevation. The higher you get on this section of the walk the more prominent the Paps become, and at the highest point on trail

looking back we could see the Reeks their tips just covered in cloud. The last section of this leg brings you through a short stretch of farmland before the start of the first road section on the Duhallow Way, we got down here just as dusk was falling. Tea, coffee, and a few chocolate biscuits later the group were already asking about the next leg of the Duhallow Way that the group will be taking on!

If anyone else does decide to walk this section of the trail, be aware that there are gates and fences that need to be crossed in the last 500m of this section as it goes through working farmland, all the fences can be crossed by the stiles which are in situ, but if you go through the gates, please remember to close them after you. Also, keep to the edges of fields, especially when grass is

growing for silage. The Duhallow Way is open to the public due to the goodwill of landowners, who allow us walkers to cross their land provided we keep on the trail. This agreement ensures that walkers enjoy access to the countryside, for the continuation of this relationship remember to leave no trace, close gates, and respect any people, livestock and nature that you see along the way.

If anyone wants to join the group on any of our walks, you can check out the events page on the website for dates and all details. All our walks are free, but registration is essential, to register for walks please call Alannah on 029-60633.

Kanturk Credit Union

60 years serving the community of Kanturk

1963 – 2023

OPENING HOURS

Monday - 9.30am - 5.00pm

Tuesday - 9.30am - 5.00pm

Wednesday - 10.00am - 5.00pm

ursday - 9.30am - 5.00pm

Friday - 9.30am - 5.00pm

Saturday - 9.30am - 12.30pm

Photo courtesy of Tom Corbett

It’s A Credit To You - Kanturk Credit

Kanturk Credit Union

Daly Chair

1963 – 2023 60 years serving the community of Kanturk

selling livestock. The area of North Cork was always very committed to the CoOperative movement. Horace Plunkett inspired the first Co-Operative Dairy in Dromcollogher in 1889, and Nora Herlihy, a native of Ballydesmond, was one of the leading lights in the development of Credit Unions in Ireland.

This year, 2023, the community of Kanturk and the town are celebrating 60 years in existence together. From a casual meeting, in the Town Park, on the 16th August, 1963, grew the genesis of what we have in the present day. At the time, as a nation, Ireland was changing, we were exiting tough times and all the emigration of the 1950’s. There was certainly a mood of optimism around the country.

In the summer of 1963, American President John F Kennedy visited Ireland, Seán Lemass was Taoiseach and T K Whittaker’s economic expansion plan was being fleshed out. At national level, there were many discussions around the possibility of joining the EEC. At local level, people formed self-help groups. The development association to get advanced factories for Kanturk was very active, working to create employment and economic development. Kanturk Co-Operative Mart Ltd. had been set up to replace fairs and provide a more transparent and professional way of

Kanturk Credit Union Board of Directors

On the 16th August 1963, in what was a friendly conversation in the Town Park, Seamus O Mahony, Dónal Hanrahan, Michael Lucey and Tommy Cross discussed a recent TV program about Credit Union’s and decided to investigate it further. The first AGM of Kanturk Credit Union was held on the 16th October 1963. Those present at this inaugural meeting were Rev. Fr. Peader O’Keane (Chair), Denis Fitzpatrick (Vice Chair), William O’Brien (Treasurer), Donal Hanrahan (Secretary) E.P. Hogan, Frank Healy, Sarah Sheehan, Noel O’Brien, Peter Walsh, Con Holland, P.J. Moore, Michael Mannix, Patrick Allen and John Barry.

There was a strong view that communities should help themselves and that people who felt they were excluded from borrowing in banks should have alternatives. Credit Unions provided an alternative source of credit and allowed people to take an active role in their own development and satisfy their own needs. Kanturk, at the time, was a thriving market town, principally serving the agricultural community but also had some big employers. The principle of Credit Unions had been well established with member’s shares funding other member’s borrowings.

From these original meetings to regular loan clinics in The Edel Quinn Hall, things evolved. Our first premises were purchased in Percival Street in 1972, for £4,500. Prior to this, all the work was done on a voluntary basis. Peter Walsh was the manager at this time. From here a

move to Strand Street and the purchase of the Market House (or Cronin’s Stores as it was called) was completed in 1993. A major restoration job was done by the Board of Directors at this time. The works were expertly done by Buckley Brothers Builders, Ballydesmond. They completely restored a façade that was described in the learned words of local historian, Pat O Sullivan, “… this five-bay façade of two stories, venetian style windows, and hexagonal clock-tower complete with weathervane...” to its original appearance. The building has a long history from the time it was built, in 1838. Over the years, it served as an industrial school for girls in 1852, and as the centre for an industrial exhibition in 1886, before becoming a hardware store. The works were complete, and a fully functioning Credit Union office was complete in 1996, with the layout very similar to what we have to this present day.

We now look forward to the next 60 years, and beyond, embracing change and innovation. We will continue to plan and give our members all the financial services they require here in Kanturk. The financial exclusion of any section of the community is a long and distant memory. Equality, fairness, transparency, and a member-oriented service, inspired by the original ethos of the Credit Union movement, carrying it into the future.

Desmond

Front (L-R): Caroline O’Connell, Pat Flynn (Secretary), Desmond Daly (Chair), James Murphy (Vice-Chair) and Linda Dennehy Back (L-R): William J. Nunan, Michael Walsh, Tony McAuliffe, and Jeremiah Donovan

The beautiful evening skyline featuring the clock tower of Kanturk Credit Union

Credit Union Celebrates 60 Years

Kanturk Credit Union

60 years serving the community of Kanturk

1963 – 2023

Kanturk Credit Union Staff

“I am a firm believer in the operating principles of Credit Unions, especially, the core ethos of helping people”. These are the sentiments of Kanturk Credit Union Manager, Martin Lyons, who has been involved in credit union circles for over 25 years, initially, as a volunteer, with his local credit union in Abbeyfeale, to the present day, where he has been Manager of Kanturk Credit Union for over a decade.

Martin advised that the best part of his job is the face to face interaction with members and helping them in any way he can. “ I like meeting with members on a regular basis and dealing with any queries they have, from loans to savings and all the other products and services we offer here in Kanturk Credit Union”.

Kanturk Credit Union plays a vital role in the community of Kanturk with the common bond extended

to neighbouring areas including Lismire, Banteer, Castlemagner, Kilbrin, Dromtarriffe, Freemount and Tullylease. Other people who work in the area are also entitled to open an account with Kanturk Credit Union. “ The staff here know the majority of our members on a first name basis, and are treated as a person and not a number, which I feel is very important, especially in the present day. Our doors are open 6 days a week and our phone is always answered. We have overcome a lot of obstacles since our last anniversary celebration in 2013 including, coming out of the recession, Covid-19, and the other issues and challenges that all businesses face on a daily basis. We are proud to have our doors open to mark this momentous occasion of 60 years serving the community of Kanturk, and we hope to keep building on our reputation and expanding our range of products and services for the people of Kanturk”, Martin concluded.

Martin Lyons Manager

Front (L-R): Gillian Taylor, Martin Lyons (Manager) and Claire O’Sullivan

Back (L-R): Siobhán O’Brien, Mary O’Sullivan, Kevin Roche, Angela Cross-Daly and Bridie Mullane

Kanturk Credit Union Board Oversight Committee

L-R: Thomas Gillies, John Robinson and Andrew Burke

Founding Directors cutting the 30th Anniversary cake back in 1993. (L-R): Michael Lucey (RIP), Peter Walsh (RIP), and Noel O’Brien, who will be on hand again to cut our 60th cake on Saturday 2nd September as the last surviving founding member of Kanturk Credit Union.

Overheard in Newmarket

By ALICE O’BRIEN Churchview Therapies, Millstreet

The following conversation was over-heard in Newmarket lately:

“Hello Mary, you must be so proud of your son John, I heard he got top marks in his recent exams, and is going to become one of the top surgeons in the country, you must be so proud”.

“Ah now Joan, you should try living with him, he’s no prize, he wouldn’t pick up a cup for you!”. So, why do we have such a problem with praise? We hide away from any form of flattery or compliments. And we definitely do not engage in self-praise- sure self-praise is no praise! That

concept can also extend to our family- we often subscribe to the never praise your own mentality. It can be hard to praise our own or even accept the praise and compliments of others if it goes against our views- if we are taught to never be ‘boastful’ to never appear ‘smug’- then, even when we do feel proud, even when we want to shout it out, we don’twe even do the opposite. We find ways of deflecting, of being modest, of changing the subject. So, how can we learn to accept praise, either for ourselves or for our loved ones?

Well, we can start by looking at our responses, we don’t have to automatically reply with a putdown to redress the balance. We can accept the compliment with a

simple ‘thank you’. We can learn to connect with the feeling associated with our achievements, if we worked hard at something, it’s natural to feel proud. Pride is an emotion, it is ok to feel it.

Also, people giving us praise is just a way of communicating. People will start conversations by pointing out our achievements. Sometimes it is out of respect, sometimes it is out of curiosity but mostly it is well-intended, so we can engage in the conversation.

So, the next time that Mary compliments your son- say ‘thank you- he worked really hard’ and maybe refrain from discussing his house keeping skills.

Two Habits To Set You Up For Success

By SIOBHAN O’SULLIVAN SOS Fitness

It is almost back to school time and that can signal back to routine for a lot of people. You might be feeling a bit lethargic after the summer months. These two tips are things I chat about with my clients every week to help them live their healthiest, happiest, and most confident lives.

Tip 1 is to plan out your week. The age-old saying fail to prepare, prepare to fail could not be more true. Planning comes down to a few facets. Number one is planning your time. This can mean pulling out a physical diary or I use google calendar to plan my week. The weeks where I plan my time, so much more gets done. For you, this may look like planning your mornings and evenings so you are ensuring you are prioritising three exercise sessions per week at times where

you can commit to –planning around kid’s activities, your partner, your parents etc.

Tip 2 is to set your environment up for success. The more aware you become of your environment, the better set up you will be to live a healthy life. Doing a regular food shop, I believe is of huge importance for many reasons. By having a food shop done, you have nutritious food in the house to eat. Take your lunch to work. Have your water bottle with you. Make the healthy choice the easiest choice.

By following these two tips, you will be setting yourself up for a healthy September and beyond!

Cork Women Continue To Dominate The Traditional Handball Court

In GAA circles recently, there has been abundant talk of incredible intercounty teams and the drivefor-five but the Ballydesmond pairing of Catriona Casey and Aishling O’Keeffe have surpassed all those achievements and will next year be looking to claim their 10th consecutive Senior 60x30 Doubles title. This comes in the wake of the Cork pairing dominating Killkenny with a 21-11, 21-11 victory in the 2023 senior Doubles final in the traditional Irish 60ft by 30ft handball court played with the softball handball. Their record could be even more eye-watering considering the two-year enforced absence of the competition during the recent pandemic, but nine Senior 60x30 Doubles titles and seven Senior 40x20 Doubles wins a record that is likely to never be touched and the duo aren’t planning on finishing there.

“The hunger doesn’t fade. I would say we stay motivated because ever senior title is so important and special. We forget about what we’ve won in the past and just focus on what’s ahead of us. Everyone is different, they’re

all special and important and that’s what keeps us motivated.”

Opponents will not be encouraged by Aishling’s comments as they look for a chink in her armour of the perennial champions, but Cork supporters can look forward to the pairing seeking to set numerous records that will prove immensely difficult to be matched in any GAA code in future.

Catriona and Aishling began their handball careers together in Ballydesmond as eight-year-olds and have dominated the Senior landscape since their debut as teenagers. Together they have experienced nearly everything that could be expected in the handball court, but a

final is always a special occasion for Aishling. “I would get nervous before games, especially when it’s a final, you’d always be nervous. I think that’s part and parcel of playing and I always think nerves are a good thing. It means you’re getting ready and set to play.” The recent official opening of the new handball facility at Croke Park afforded the Cork team with an opportunity to create more history in this year’s final. “It would be extra special to win the first Senior Doubles final in the new 60x30 in Croke Park. It was very special when we won the first 40x20 in March so it would be amazing to do the double. The new facilities in Croke Park are amazing, the 60x30 court is a really lovely alley to play in and it would be absolutely fantastic to win there.” Cork supporters can look forward to future titles being brought back Leeside by the dominant duo in the coming years and may see a decade of dominance come to fruition!

Catriona Casey and Aishling O’Keeffe

Catriona and Aishling in action.

Saint Monica - Patron Saint of Mothers

By TOM DENNEHY

We celebrate the feast day of St. Monica on August 27th. She was born in 331A.D. in Tagaste, which is present day Algeria. When very young she was married to a Roman pagan named Patricius, who shared his mother’s violent temper. His mother lived with the couple and the temper flares proved to be a constant challenge for young Monica. While Monica’s prayers and Christian deeds bothered Patricius, he is said to have respected her beliefs.

Monica and Patricius had three children named Augustine, Navigius and Perpetua. Unfortunately Monica was not allowed to baptize her children and when Augustine fell ill, Monica pleaded with Patricius to allow their son to be baptized. He agreed but when Augustine was healthy again he withdrew his permission.

For years Monica prayed for her husband and mother in law, until finally, one year before the death of Patricius, she successfully converted them.

As time passed, Perpetua and Navigius entered the religious life, but unfortunately Augustine became lazy and uncouth. This greatly worried Monica, so when Patricius died , she sent the 17 year old Augustine to Carthage to be educated. While in Carthage Augustine became involved in other forms of religion which were not of the Christian faith.

Having completed his education, St. Augustine returned home. He shared his views with Monica, who drove him from her home. Though it is not recorded how much time passed, Monica had a vision that convinced her to reconcile with her wayward son. Monica went to a

bishop who told her, “ The child of those tears shall never perish.” Inspired, Monica followed Augustine to Rome, where she learned he had left for Milan. Augustine had heard the teachings of St. Ambrose on Scripture and was impressed. In the late summer of 386 at the age of 31 years, while sitting in a garden in Milan, his conversion was prompted by hearing a child’s voice say, “take up and read it”. St Paul’s letter to the Romans, was near him and he began reading Romans 13; 13-14, “As we live in the full light of day, let us behave with decency; no banquets with drunkenness, no promiscuity or licentiousness, no fighting or jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” Six months later, after a seventeen year resistance, Augustine was baptized by St. Ambrose in the Church of St. John the Baptist in Milan.

Monica and Augustine decided to return to Africa to spread the Word of God there but in the Roman city of Civitavecchia Monica fell ill with a fever. Augustine recorded the words she spoke to him when she realized death was near. “ Nothing in this world now affords me delight” as “ all my hopes in this world are now fulfilled. . God has granted my wish fully, since I now see you as his Servant. Why then, do I remain on earth?”

Her last words to Augustine were , “Lay this body anywhere, let not caring for it trouble you, this only I ask of you, that you remember me every day at the altar of the Lord, wherever you be.”

She was buried in Ostia, her tomb was undiscovered for 1000 years. Pope Martin V ordered her relics to be brought to Rome in 1430 and

many miracles happened along the way. She now rests in a tomb at the Church of St. Augustine in Rome.

St Monica is patron saint of wives, mothers, parents, grandparents conversions, alcoholics and abuse victims.

She is known for her persistence in prayer. Her son, Saint Augustine, lived a life of immorality before converting to Catholicism. Throughout these 17 years she endured a tremendous amount of suffering. But her sufferings were rewarded and God did not abandon her. She is an example to us all of the necessity for perseverance in prayer as God’s time is the right time.

St. Augustine later became a Bishop and Doctor of the Church. His writings influenced the development of Western Philosophy and Western Christianity. His many important works include The City Of God, On Christian Doctrine and Confessions.

Prayer of Saint Monica. St. Monica, I need your prayers. You know exactly how I am feeling because you once felt it yourself. I am hurting, hopeless, and in despair. I desperately want my child to return to Christ in His Church but I can’t do it alone. I need God’s help. Please join me begging the Lord’s powerful grace to flow into my child’s life. Ask the Lord Jesus to soften his heart, prepare a path for his conversion, and activate the Holy Spirit in his life. Amen.

Long Days Journey Into Night

FILM REVIEW

By TADHG CURTIN

A dangerous mission ends up being a look into the abyss for four unlucky souls in William Friedkin’s superb, nail biting and criminally underrated Sorceror (1977).

The great American filmmaker William Friedkin recently passed away at the age of 87. A notable figure of the 1970s New Hollywood cinema, his double whammy of directing The French Connection followed by The Exorcist saw him as a hot commodity in Hollywood. The next project was his to choose. It would prove to be the most ambitious work of his career, but also the most misunderstood.

Sorcerer is based on the Georges Arnaud 1950 French novel Le Salaire de la peur. The plot depicts four outcasts from varied backgrounds meeting in a South American village, where they are assigned to transport cargoes of aged, poorly kept dynamite that is so unstable that it is ‘sweating’ its dangerous basic ingredient; nitroglycerin.

We are asked to sympathise with four men of dubious character. And we do. Friedkin has stated that a star may have improved the movies box office. In fact, he wanted Steve McQueen for the Scheider role. However, the fact that the cast are not familiar to us adds a tension in who is going to make it and who is not.

Sorcerer was the second adaptation of Arnaud’s novel, the first being Henri-Georges Clouzot’s The Wages of Fear in 1953.

Friedkin wanted to go back to the source material and make it more gritty. It’s four leads, Roy Scheider, Bruce Cremer, Francisco Rabal and Amidou are terrific.

Boy, that tension. You won’t have a nail left to bite after the movie. As that deadly dynamite is sweating, the audience is as well. It is so expertly executed. The bridge sequences are some of the greatest action set pieces ever committed to the big screen. No CGI, all done in camera. You feel the sweat, the heat, the terrifying howl of that wind and rain. It’s a horror movie really. Never before have I felt the sheer existential heft of a dangerous task depicted on-screen. The score by legendary electronic German group, Tangerine Dream is so good as well. It’s both tense and ethereal. Friedkin brought them onto the project as they seemed to him “on the cutting edge of the electronic synthesizer sound” that soon would become a staple in mainstream culture.

In the director’s opinion, the premise of The Wages of Fear (both the novel and the first film adaptation) seemed to him a metaphor for “the world [being] full of strangers who hated one another, but if they didn’t cooperate, if they didn’t work together in some way, they would blow up.” Walon Green, the screenwriter, said that he and Friedkin “wanted a cynical movie where fate turns the corner for the people before they turn it themselves”.

A critical and commercial failure at the time, its reputation as a masterpiece has only emerged over the years. It’s an ambitious work from an ambitious director. It suggests we all cross bridges throughout our lives, some more dangerous then others and all heading for that final one. Deciding to make that journey can be the hardest thing. Climb onto that truck and turn the key.

Available on DVD, Blu Ray and to rent on YouTube.

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