Discover Duhallow Issue 97

BUSINESS AWARDS 2023

Nominations open to celebrate Duhallow’s businesses

IRD Duhallow and their range of sponsors were delighted to announce the return of the Business Awards.

In a night full of celebration, they’ll be joined by MC Alan Shortt to celebrate Duhallow grown businesses.

This year, an additional

category is welcomed, Best Food Business.

Nominations are open and tickets for the event are now available. Be sure to keep an eye on Discover Duhallow for upcoming info on nominees.

■See page 14-15

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

Editors Note

As we swap into earlier sunsets, our Health section focuses on our mental health, especially as regards self care. Maybe you want to skip the darker months and stay in the sun - Joanne Buckley of Travel Maker Jo shares her plans for exploring Egypt.

And of course, it’s that time of year againthe Business Awards are back! Start getting those nominations in, and show off your business.

Last but not least, our crossword has gotten a bit of a facelift; the perfect time to get those entries in! And a special birthday notice...

It’s Discover Duhallow’s 3rd birthday!!

Kanturk AFC would like to thank Alan Grace of Grace’s Funeral Directors, Kanturk for sponsoring a set of Jerseys for Kanturk AFC Munster Senior League Team, this is very much appreciated.

Clothes Collection

St Mary's Ladies Football Club are holding a Clothes Collection on Friday 22nd September. No Duvets please Clothes bags can be dropped at the following locations:

■Wednesday 20th

Sept at Liscarroll Community Centre from 6 to 8pm

■Thursday 21st Sept in Dromina GAA club from 6 to 8pm

Your support for this fundraiser would be very much appreciated. Thank you all for your continued support.

CLOSURE ON DUHALLOW WAY

Harvesting Works taking place in Awnaskirtawn, south of Rathmore, Co. Kerry.

Coillte harvesting works will commence on Wednesday 30th August 2023 in Awnaskirtawn property (see map below). This section of the Duhallow Way Long Distance Walking Trail will be closed during this time. Harvesting works will continue for approx. 8 weeks.

Please adhere to all safety signage on the trail! For more information contact Alannah on 029 60633.

Community News

Person of the Month

Kanturk and District Community Council and Tina Dunstan of Cherryblossoms Childcare are delighted to announce the AUGUST PERSON OF THE MONTH AWARD: Lisa Egan of Kanturk Arts.

Lisa has for years been behind all the art competitions that brighten up Kanturk town every year. She's organised Art displays ,craft workshops that involved Kanturk Scouts, Kanturk Foroige youth club among others. Lisa also organises reading and poetry recitals in Kanturk library. She quietly assists other voluntary groups but the people of Kanturk do notice all the incredible work she does for them. Congratulations Lisa Egan. A most deserving and worthy winner. Well done.

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

• Twohig’s Supervalu

• Burton’s Topline and Euronics

• Kanturk Credit Union

• O’Riordan’s Daybreak

• Kanturk Library

• Kanturk Post Office

• Photoshop Kanturk

• Burke’s Home Value

• Spar Kanturk

Foroige Returns To Kanturk For An Exciting 20th Year!

It’s that time of year again when Kanturk foroige youth club will be reopening its doors to girls and boys from the age of 12 to 17. As this will be our 20th year, we are super excited and are eagerly awaiting suggestions from the members of how to celebrate our birthday.

Registration will be held on Monday the 18th September from 7.30 to 8.30pm in the Foroige room at the front of the Edel Quinn hall. Cost will be €30 for 1 or €50 for 2 or more from the same family (No money required on the night. Just taking names). It is advisable to come early as places are limited.

Young people in the club discuss how they can contribute to our community. Down the years they have helped Penny dinners, Pieta house, Cork homeless people, Kanturk community hospital, Mercy house, Crumlin hospital, Cancer research Cork and many more. Estimated €27,000+ has been raised in 19

years.

Amongst many things the children do, there’s an exciting leadership programme which enables them develop the skills and qualities necessary be inviting leaders. At the end of this program, they are graduated in Galway university.

Our 7th member to get graduated will be Jamie O’Sullivan who’s done an amazing amount of work

to achieve this goal.

If there’s anyone that would like to become a volunteer with the club it would be worth organising to get Garda vetting paperwork submitted as the vetting is currently taking up to 6 weeks. So 18th Sept 7.30pm to 8.30pm Foroige room at the front of the Edel Quinn hall.

Their Facebook page boasts a massive number of events and exciting group activities

Kevin Honours Brother In An Inspiring Way

understand why these runners could put themselves through so much pain to do marathons.

By KEVIN HIGGINS

I am asking everyone to please support as best you can this fundraiser for Kanturk AFC. I am attempting to run the Dublin marathon on the 29th October in memory of my brother Francis,who died from cancer 15 years ago last April.

The idea of running the Dublin marathon for Kanturk AFC has been in my head since March 2017.

See I never exercised much, ate all the wrong stuff, and could never

But one evening at work, I thought of my brother, instantly broke down crying. Naturally I was always remembering my late brother, but this time I was inconsolable. I was unable to see in front of me with tears in my eyes. This went on for about an hour and I just couldn’t explain it.

Later it started all over again. Next day I was trying to figure out what triggered this but got no answer. As I was going through this Delayed Grieving Process thinking about him, the idea came into my head. He ran the inaugural Dublin marathon and was a volunteer for Kanturk AFC and he loved both. So I connected both in his memory.

I started walking, eating healthier, and, with great help from family and 2 great friends, I lost nearly 6 stone. I tried the running and with hard fact advice from my brother Vincent, I slowly but surely got going. I applied for entry but this failed and failed again for a number of years.

Then COVID happened.

I joined Mount Hilary AC and what a brilliant bunch they are. My wife Amanda secretly applied and 1 question was if I was a member of an affiliated club. She answered “Mount

Hilary AC” and I totally believe that that’s what swung it for me, and I had an entry.

So that’s my wee strange story of why I’m doing this; A delayed grieving process and the need for me to do something to make him proud.

Hope you can support me as best you can. Thank you, and thanks for reading this.

Kevin and his wife Amanda with Francis’s jersey.

Emma, Kevin, Nathan, and Gavin Higgins with Francis's referee's jersey. He was the first referee from Kanturk AFC.

Kevin will have sponsorship cards and an online donation link. To donate or assist, call 0860691784

Groundworks, subsurface, fencing, and state of the art floodlights are all up. Not far now until the completion of the artificial grass surface!

SCOUTS RETURN

Great news everyone! Kanturk scouts are back after the summer break. We will begin on Saturday the 9th September for children from 6 to 15. Scouts promote life skills through fun and adventures including camping, orienteering, fire building and pioneering. The Scouts are a friendly, non-competitive and caring. If you are interested and would like to find out more see our Facebook page, Kanturk Scouts.

congratulations to our two new national youth champions for 2023:

Rory Condon is Under 16 national road race champion, breaking away from the peleton early in the race and bravely riding solo to win by 27 seconds.

Tom Lane is Under 13 national time trial champion, winning by almost 3 seconds.

WEDDING BELLS: Michelle O’Regan from Kanturk and Mark Ryan from Limerick who were married recently in Sean’s field in Doneraile, and honeymooned in their own horsebox that they renovated.

Great progress so far at the Kanturk Community AstroTurf Pitch.

Well done to all O’Leary Stone Kanturk riders at the Youth National Championships 2023, hosted by Foyle CC and Strabane Lifford CC. Huge

Castlemagner

Silver Medallist

A huge Congratulations to Castlemagner’s Shane Sweetnam on the winning team that won silver at the FEI European Championship on Friday 1st of September in Milano, Italy.

Parish Pilgrimage To Knock Shrine

The annual parish pilgrimage to Knock shrine will be on this Sunday, September 10th, which coincides with The Annual Carmelite Pilgrimage to the shrine. The Pilgrimage will include Anointing of the Sick at 2.30pm and the Eucharist at 3.00pm. A Rosary Procession will follow the Eucharist. The bus is now fully booked out. To be added to a waiting list in the event of cancellations, please contact 0868521808.

Singing Classes Castlemagner Community

Singing will resume on Tuesday 3rd of October at 7:15pm with tutor Maria Twomey. This brings the community together to experience the therapeutic value of music in an informal social setting. Old and new songs are explored. These classes are held upstairs in the Community Centre in a comfortable surrounding. New members are very welcome to join.

Sinsir Club

Castlemagner Sinsir Club will resume after the summer break on Thursday 5th of October from 12 noon until 2pm in Castlemagner Community Centre.

A full line up is planned for the coming season with talks on many subjects relevant to the group including health and wellbeing. A key social aspect of these sessions is the tea break where our members chat and catch up.

Everyone is welcome to attend, especially new members.

Activator Pole Training

Cork Sports Partnership in association with fitWALK

Ireland will be hosting daytime Activator Poles training classes in Castlemagner Community Centre over the coming weeks. Activator walking explores how Activator poles can promote aerobics fitness, mobility, strength, and balance for people with different abilities and fitness levels. The poles are suited for all levels and abilities. Dates for these daytime classes are yet to be confirmed. For details contact (086)8521808

Galway Holiday

Two spaces have become available for the Sinsir Club holiday to Galway. The Galway Bay Hotel from 25th to 28th of September. For details, please contact (086)8521808

Back To School At Bruach na Carraige

Traditional music and singing classes will begin in Bruach na Carraige Rockchapel in October. Music classes led by the very talented Flannery sisters Caoimhe and Eimhear, with traditional singing being taught by Eibhlín Broderick. Registration for these classes will be on Saturday September 9th at 10:3011:30am in Bruach na Carraige. To register or for any queries please contact 0872530867.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page “ Bruach na Carraige Heritage Centre Rockchapel “ or our website “ www.sliabhluachra.com” for upcoming events.

What’s On In Duhallow An

Chultúrlann

Saturday 16th Sept - 8pm

Brendan Quinn Trio

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

Monday Seisúin Newmarket

Weekly throughout the year

Venue: An Culturlann, Newmarket

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

September

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.

September

Sunday 10th Checkers

Sunday 17th Neily O’Connor

Sunday 24th Declan Aungier

Set Dancing in Foilogohig

Beginning Thursday 7th September at 8pm.

Everyone welcome, especially beginners!

CYMS

Taekwondo Classes

Taekwondo classes will be returning on Monday the 4th of September. Running every Monday from then on from 5pm, for kids 4+ up to teenagers. Taekwondo offers a chance to learn new skills in a positive engaging environment. For more info on these classes please contact 0831106501.

Step Up Fitness

Step Up Fitness will also be returning with Circuits on Monday nights from 7-8pm and Cardio and Resistance bands on Wednesday from 7-8pm. They also do a weight management programme. Both classes will be held in the upstairs room of the CYMS. For enquiries and booking please contact Noreen on 0868521436.

Old School House Ceili

Venue: The Old School House Foilogohig

Friday 15th September

DJ Curtin and Friends

Friday 20th October

Jerry McCarthy

Friday 17th November

Tim Joe and Anne

Friday 15th December

Ger Murphy and Ken Cotter

Glen Theatre Autumn

Winter Programme

Saturday 9th September 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.

Knitting and Crochet Group

The knitting and crochet group will be returning this Friday the 1st of September at 10:30 to 12pm. The blankets that are made are for “The Blankets of Hope” charity in Cork. Each year they try to make as many blankets as they can, a lot of the baby stuff goes to the Neo Natal unit in CUH. Everyone is welcome to join. Please contact Rita on 0862059745 for more information.

Set Dancing in CYMS

Set Dancing classes with Gillian will be starting on Friday the 15th of September at 4pm. These classes are for National School Pupils. For anymore information please contact Gillian on 0876070414.

Got an event, class, or info session coming up? Let us know!

Facebook: Discover Duhallow Magazine

Email:

discoverduhallow@irdduhallow.com

Best Practice Hedgerow Management

By ROWAN LANNING Ecology

Hedgerows are one of our most abundant and important ecological resources, but many of the most critical benefits provided by hedgerows are only possible when the hedge has been appropriately managed. This means following best practice hedgecutting, knowing the two different types of hedges, and using the correct hedgecutting practices for the correct type of hedge. There are two main types of hedges: escaped (treeline) hedges and topped hedges. Both are important but each requires a different approach to management.

value lies mostly in their dense base which provides shelter for small animals. Best practice for managing topped hedges is to side trim from a wide base into a triangular profile (A-shape). This allows the light to reach the base instead of being overshadowed by a canopy. Try to leave the peak as high as possible - at least six foot above the ground level including any banks - your height should be limited only as high as the hedgecutter can possibly trim!

An important rule of thumb is ‘don’t let a topped hedge escape, don’t top an escaped hedge!’

Upside down toilet brush hedges are ideal for coppicing in order to renew the base and rejuvenate the hedgerow.

Escaped hedges look like a linear woodland. Although they come in different shapes and sizes, what they all have in common is that they’ve never been topped. Their biodiversity value lies mostly in their tall canopies that are free to flower and fruit, providing food and shelter for pollinators and birds. Best practice for managing treeline hedges is to side trim only (if necessary), making sure to never top the hedge and avoid coppicing.

Topped hedges are appropriately named because they are topped, have a dense base, and aren’t allowed to create a full treeline canopy. Their biodiversity

When escaped hedges are topped (whether in the past or present) they become what are called “upside down toilet brush” hedges. These have low value for both carbon and biodiversity and are impossible to trim into a rectangular profile. These hedges are named for the way they look, with a fringe of new growth above stumps.

Hedgecutting is prohibited from the 1st of March to the 31st of August. Even though September 1st is the earliest that hedges can be legally cut, it’s best to wait as long as possible into the winter before cutting. This gives birds and other animals a change to eat any fruit still left on the trees. Have a conversation with your contractor about best practices for hedgerow management before cutting hedges. Allow for sympathetic cutting, this means not cutting every hedge every year. Cutting hedges every three years will benefit biodiversity tremendously. If topping, consider cutting some this year and leaving others alone until next year or the year after.

Intern, IRD Duhallow

An escaped hedge (Source: Teagasc)

An A-shaped topped hedge (Source: Teagasc)

An upside-down toilet brush hedge (Source: Teagasc)

The Importance of Mindset

By STEPHANIE MOYNIHAN Development Officer at IRD Duhallow

The search for a job can be a stressful and anxious time. You may feel overwhelmed, especially if you have been unemployed or job searching for a while. Staying optimistic and hopeful is sometime easier said than done, yet it is so very important. Have a read through the following suggestions to support you through this time of change.

Treat your search like a job

Stick to a daily structure and routine to maintain focused. Treat your search for a job like a job that you start at the same time every morning, take a meaningful break from and that finishes at the same time every day.

Be prepared and organised

Make sure that your CV is up

to date and that you have draft cover letter that you can be easily tweaked to suit the roles you are applying for. Is your LinkedIn profile current? Do you have an outfit for an interview ready should you be invited at short notice? And have you thought about who you could ask to give you a reference? It is key to focus on these basics.

Give yourself a break

Be kind to yourself and take regular breaks from your job search to give your mind a break. Perhaps you would like to spend some time outdoors. As darker autumn nights are looming, it its particularly important to spend some time outdoors during the day if you can. Exercising and spending quality times with friends and family will also help you recharge.

Focus on the positives

Celebrate the small wins! Did you send an application off? Great! Did you narrow down your search helping yourself to be efficient? Well done, that’s another step! Give yourself credit for small successes along the way. Last but not least: Keep your chin up!

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

Shining the Spotlight on

Entries are

open for the 2023 Business Awards Nominations

IRD Duhallow officially announced the opening of the 2023 Business Awards nominations at a launch hosted in the James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket. The aim of the awards is to celebrate the achievements of businesses in the Duhallow area and to recognise their vital contribution to local industry.

Now in their ninth year, these prestigious awards give businesses the opportunity to receive recognition for their continuous dedication and commitment, especially during challenging times.

IRD Duhallow CEO, Maura Walsh explained that there is great enthusiasm for the awards; “The IRD Duhallow Business Awards is the biggest event of the

year for the Duhallow business community. The awards are designed to celebrate all types and sizes of business and community organisations. Last year the awards event was the biggest ever and the competition was strong and there was so much energy and enthusiasm around the awards and the gala event. The IRD Duhallow Business Awards nominations are now open.”. The award categories and sponsors include:

• Best Start Up - AIB

• Best Established Business –Kanturk Mart

• Best Food Business – Kanturk Printers

• Best Community Enterprise –McCarthy Insurance Group

• Best Women Led Business –

Bank of Ireland

• Best in the Creative Industry –SE Systems

Sponsorship is very important to the IRD Duhallow Business Awards as Padraic O’ Connell, Chairman of the IRD Duhallow Enterprise Working Group, explained, “Our Category Sponsors have returned again this year and we have added a new category – Best Food Business. This ongoing endorsement shows the importance of the competition and the event to the region. Their support enables IRD Duhallow to bring the awards to a new level and we are proud to deliver on such a prestigious event. We would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support. ”

on Duhallow Businesses

The awards were launched officially by IRD Duhallow chairperson Michael Twohig at the event that was held in the James O’Keeffe Institute. Attended by sponsors and other key stakeholders the launch itself celebrated the success of the awards to date.

The winners will be announced at a Gala Banquet taking place on Thursday, 23rd November in the James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket, kicking off at 7.30pm with a drink’s reception and followed by a gala dinner and awards ceremony. The master of ceremonies for the awards will be Alan Shortt.

Nominations are now open and

can be made on the IRD Duhallow website at www. irdduhallow. com/enterprisedevelopment/ awards/. Tickets are priced at €60pp including a drink’s reception, gala dinner, and awards ceremony. Tickets can be purchased through the IRD Duhallow website, contacting the IRD Duhallow office on 029-60633 or e-mailing duhallowskillnet@ irdduhallow.com.

Ukrainian Independence Day Community News

Thursday 24th August was a significant day for our Ukrainian Community as they celebrated 32 years of Ukrainian Independence from the Soviet Union since 1991. Traditionally Ukrainians celebrate this day by coming together with their families to have a picnic. IRD Duhallow was delighted to organise a Ukrainian Family Fun Day in Millstreet Town Park. The event started with the Ukrainian National Anthem being sung by all present followed by a minute’s silence. For many Ukrainians, coming to Ireland was their second experience of fleeing war and emotions were high as they all remembered their loved ones still fighting for independence at home. Despite this, it was a lovely day of celebration where the children enjoyed facepainting, a magician, and balloon making. A delicious BBQ was provided by Duhallow Community Food Services. Thanks to Millstreet Town Park for accommodating this event.

Ivan Filipov who has recently moved to Cullen with his family enjoys the balloon making on the day

Maryna Hazhur and her daughter Hazhur Olesia from Kanturk who wore traditional Ukrainian embroidered garments to celebrate the day

Hanna Ponomarenko who lives in Knocknagree proudly holding the Ukrainian Flag

Some lovely food was available on the day from Duhallow Community Food Services as well as a Mr. Cool Ice Cream Van

Kenny

put on a fantastic show and put together some lovely balloon creations! He was joined by Anzhela

enjoying the celebrations!

day

Aileen Power got the seal of approval from Kira Cymbal for her amazing Ukrainian Flag inspired design on the day

the clown

Hubach

Local face painter

Mossie Angland, Newmarket, enjoying the celebrations with some Ukrainian families living in Newmarket

Temporary tattoos were added to the style on the

Mental Health Immunity is Important Too!

By ALICE O’BRIEN Churchview Therapies, Millstreet

September is upon us. The long days of summer are being replaced with a shorter evening, cosy fires, autumn leaves and back to school. With that our thoughts turn to immunity, keeping ourselves as healthy as we can so we don’t miss school days or work commitments. We stock up on all the relevant vitamins, we read articles- probably beside this one from Mairead in New Leaf who will impart her wisdom on what supplements we need and what to do.

But what about our mental health immunity? We need to protect our mental health also, we need to make sure don’t become rundown emotionally and burn out

in the weeks and months ahead. Looking at our mental health like a bank account, can be very helpful. In our bank account there will be lodgement and withdrawals. We would love if we had all the money going in and none coming out but banks don’t work like that. We can’t avoid the withdrawals, but if we make enough lodgements we can cover it. Our mental health is similar; we can’t avoid the stress - the withdrawals - but if we make enough lodgements, we can cover the balance.

So, how can you make a lodgement into your mental health bank? Doing things that bring us a sense of pleasure and taking time to notice that pleasure is one example – going for the walk in nature, purposely listening to the sounds around you as you walk, smelling the autumn air, even

picking a few blackberries.

Other lodgements could include being in the company of people you enjoy, taking in the laughter, the chat, the fun around you. Taking time out for yourself is also a huge help, watching your favourite movie in your most comfortable chair.

So, build up your mental health immunity as best you can, plant the seeds and you will reap the harvest

You Deserve To Make Time For You

By SIOBHAN O’SULLIVAN SOS Fitness

With my coaching, I work with all females and one of the biggest trends I see with women is that they don’t have time to do anything for their own health. They are dropping kids here and there, looking after elderly parents, working full time, the list goes on. Women put themselves at the very bottom of their own to-do list and never get the chance to do something for their own health.

One thing I stress to all the women I work with is that it is so important that you take time for yourself as well. Some women see this as being selfish but I think it is the exact opposite. Taking time for you is not selfish. You will be able to give more to others when your own cup is full.

Taking exercise, by you taking time 2/3 times a week to go to an exercise class or complete an at home workout, you are doing something positive for your physical health. You are also looking after your mental health as exercise produces endorphins which is our feel-good hormone. This is going to lead to you being in better form and a nicer person to be around.

Women prepare lunches for kids (and sometimes husbands!) and then grab their own food on the go and put little thought into it. See yourself as a priority and put time into planning your meals as well as

everyone else’s. Planning your own meals also takes a big mental load off for the week as it is one less decision to make.

You are the only one who can put you first. And putting you first means you can give more of yourself to others while still looking after you. You deserve that just as much as everyone else.

Is Stress Keeping You Up At Night?

By MAIREAD O’KEEFFE New Leaf Health Store

Sleep is very important for our mental and physical health, but many people suffer from sleep problems. For many people stress and worry prevents them from sleeping. Not sleeping in itself can cause a cycle of stress - we worry about getting to sleep and that prevents us from sleeping.

Research has found that magnesium may help with brain functions that reduce stress and anxiety and help with sleep. If you don’t have enough magnesium in your body, you may experience symptoms of stress. And when we are stressed, we can actually lower the magnesium levels in the body. You can help your body to break

the cycle.

NaturesPlus have some effective magnesium supplements - there are great tasting Magnesium citrate powders and Vegan capsules. For sleep, there is a special NightTime Magnesium which contains Magnesium Bisglycinate and Magnesium Taurate along with herbal ingredients traditionally associated with enhanced sleep. We have had a lot of positive feedback from customers on it.

If stress is at the heart of your sleep problems, you might consider NaturesPlus BioAdvanced Stress support which combines a range of herbal ingredients with magnesium and B vitamins. If stress is making you run down, e.g. causing cold sores, you might consider MegaStress Complex.

It can be a good idea to get help from a specialist. There is a Stress Management Workshop running over two Friday sessions on 22nd and 29th September at New Leaf led by accredited psychotherapist Katie Madarasz. Katie will help show you how to manage your anxiety using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Ring 029 51922 to book (cost €20).

Alternatively Irene Ryan is a Clinical Hypnotherapist/ Psychotherapist who operates from New Leaf. Clinical Hypnotherapy can help with overthinking the past or worrying about the future. Irene also teaches Yoga nidra which can be especially effective when it comes to calming your nervous system and promoting better sleep. Contact Irene on 086 8272042.

Back To School For Us All

By BELINDA MURPHY Reiki Master Teacher

Did you ever hear the phrase; ‘every day is a school day’? We have so much to learn every single day yet when we think about Back to School, we only think of the children. I am most definitely in Back to School mode in my household and not just because of the children in primary and secondary school but because of my own classes are open for registration.

Just because we are a certain age doesn’t mean we stop learning. Just because we have a certain base level of education doesn’t mean we don’t progress into something we love. Just because we have a career or hobbies

doesn’t mean we don’t make space to upskill and learn something new. I found my passion for learning all about Holistic Healthcare in my thirties and almost by accident. I continued to upskill by following my heart even though the head was telling me ‘but you have a Masters in Business Studies’. We shouldn’t let our previous education, background or stories we tell ourselves about ourselves define us. We can start again at any stage.

I was so intrigued by what I was studying that I just wanted to share with others and that looked like teaching. I am currently preparing for my September classes which include Reiki training, secondary school Personal Development classes and Holistic Coaching sessions.

Reiki may sound foreign and weird, but I assure you that if you are interested in maintaining your own wellbeing on a daily basis with some tools to help balance your energy, then this is for you. Reiki is all about learning the connection between the body, the mind and the spirit and how we can become more calm and peaceful. If you are interested in the next training day, it is on Friday 15th September from 10.30am to 4pm in The Culturlann, Newmarket, Co. Cork. You can contact me for more details on belinda@belindamurphy.com or 087 9584430.

Why not go Back to the School of Life for a curiosity to open the mind and heart this September.

Check out www.belindamurphy. com or Facebook and Instagram @ belindamurphywellness.

Another Evening on the Duhallow Way

By ALANNAH O’CALLAGHAN

On Wednesday 23rd of August, the IRD walking group set off along the next section of the Duhallow Way. We started off at Croohig’s crossroads at 7pm sharp and headed off along the waymarked trail towards Millstreet. This section of the trail has a bit of everything; the walk starts on quiet country roads until you hop a stile and walk through a field which then takes you along the North side of Claragh Mountain. For those of you who haven’t walked the North side of Claragh, the trail is varied and goes from a wide grassy path to a narrow dirt path which is lined with beautiful purple heather and yellow gorse at this time if year. Just before entering the dark forestry, you walk though the most glorious patch of wildflowers as you can see in the picture. There is a steep incline coming up through the forest but this is followed by a pleasant descent down the last section of the path and another quiet road towards Mount Leader. Walking in up to Mount Leader one can’t help but stop and take in the size of the old ruin and wonder what it looked like in times past.

Continuing along, you walk what used to be the drive up to the house and down to what used to be the Mount Leader gate lodge. This is where we finished the walk and tucked into the cuppa tea and biscuits.

The walk is 8km in total with a few steep sections along the way, for those who are curious, the overall ascent on this section is approx. 240m. If you decide to complete this leg of the trail, I would recommend hiking boots

and some sections can be wet underfoot after rain.

If you decide to do it when the blackberries are out, bring a container or two as there are bushes laden with berries along the way! We dropped some cars at the end of the walk and drove to the start so that we didn’t have to double back on ourselves, and I would definitely recommend this option if at all possible.

If you decide to do this, please remember to be conscious about how you park; don’t block any roads, gates or access in general, pull in tight and where possible share lifts to the start so that there aren’t an obscene number of cars parked in any one location.

If you want to join on any of our walks you can find all upcoming walks listed on the events page or in our monthly newsletter.

If you need any more information, please call Alannah on 029-60633. All of our walks are free but we do ask that you register in advance so that we know how many to expect on the day!

Explore Egypt

By JOANNE BUCKLEY

Like many Irish people, I grew up on a farm. After travelling around the world for a year, I took over the family dairy farm in Banteer and ran it successfully for ten years. Travel has always been close to my heart and after some consideration, I swapped the milking parlour for a backpack and haven’t looked back since.

Having spent the past 6 years solo travelling all over the world, with over 70 countries visited and all seven continents, I decided it was time to share my experience with others. I settled in Egypt during the pandemic and had lots of time to think about the future. That’s when I decided to set up my own travel business. My first destination is Egypt, bringing other travellers to see the beauty of this amazing country for themselves.

I am thrilled to share my passion for exploration with fellow

travellers. I aim to make each trip with Travelmaker Jo a truly unforgettable experience. My small group tours are crafted with local expert knowledge and designed to escape the ordinary destination. Come join me to see for yourself. I also look forward to introducing more exciting travel destinations in the near future.

My Egypt trip is packed with lots of interesting sites to see and things to do, while also having time to relax and soak up some much needed sun and the amazing country that is Egypt. Some of the highlights include visiting the pyramids of Giza, the last remaining wonder of the ancient world, cruising down the Nile, flying in a hot air balloon over Luxor, diving in the world famous Red Sea, and of course feasting on delicious Middle Eastern cuisine.

I have had guests of all ages, solo travellers, both male and female, couples, groups of friends and family. I have released four dates for Autumn 2023.

The trip on October 28th has been scheduled to suit people who are restricted to Irish school holidays.

There are direct flights to Cairo from Dublin return. I will meet you on arrival in Cairo and organise the entire trip from start to finish. To read more about me and my trips, all of the details can be found on www.travelmakerjo.ie You can also follow me on Instagram @travelmaker_jo and on Facebook @ Travelmaker Jo. Email: joanne@travelmakerjo.ie Phone/WhatsApp: 089-4083330

Autumn 2023 Trip Dates

October 14th - October 24th

October 28th - November 7th

November 11th - November 21st

November 25th - December 5th

Visit www.travelmakerjo.ie for more details

Our Need for Gratitude

By TOM DENNEHY

Looking at our world today we see an increasing amount of turmoil and unrest. Many countries are being torn apart by war where people are living in fear and uncertainty. We should be very grateful to live in a peaceful country but we often complain, criticise and find fault. We no longer make a genuine effort to count our blessings.

Expressing gratitude to God has unfortunately become a thing of the past. Attendance at Mass has declined and this is a clear indication of ingratitude to God and to one another.

It is against this background that the Gospel of Luke 17;11-19 draws our attention to God for favours received. After healing ten lepers, only one returned to give thanks. Jesus Christ was challenged to ask, “Were not all ten made clean? The other nine, where are they?”

As followers of Jesus Christ a favour received should elicit praise and thanksgiving in us. We are urged to move beyond the signs of our material benefits and embrace the spiritual benefits of the favour we received. This is exactly the message of the Gospel according to Luke. We should make saying thank you a habit for God blesses us every day. He cares for us, guides us and protects us. Above all He loves us with an unconditional and everlasting love. A love away and beyond our understanding. Our Church belongs to Jesus Christ and He has never offended anybody or judged or condemned anybody. He is the epitome of Love and Mercy. Why can’t we say thanks to Him? Our Holy Mass- A Thanksgiving. Our Holy Mass is called a

Eucharistic Celebration, a thanksgiving. When we go to Mass we are showing our gratitude to God. We thank Him for favours received and for the blessings He has bestowed on us. It is very important for us to be grateful to God and to one another. It is important to attend Mass as frequently as possible. We are so privileged to have this opportunity to be present at Calvary when Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice to His Father in atonement for our sins. We join with Him, with our offering of the bread and wine which is transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ.

This is the living bread which Jesus speaks about that gives us divine life in our souls. This divine life in our souls help us in our daily life and will be our greatest joy when we die and come before the throne of God.

How do we respond to what Jesus has done for us by His death on the cross? How do we open our hearts to receive Him and the graces he is pouring out to us? -- By growing in our gratitude to Him.

1. Gratitude glorifies God and helps us realise all we have comes from Him.

2. Gratitude helps us see God as it opens our spiritual eyes. The more we thank Him, the more we see Him working in us and around us.

3. Gratitude helps us to do God’s will and part of His will for us is to be thankful, not just on the sunny days but on the difficult ones as well. “Give thanks in all circumstance; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5;18.

4. Gratitude brings Peace. Count your blessings. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4;6-7.

5. Gratitude brings Contentment. If we are not grateful for what God has given us, getting more won’t satisfy us either. Being thankful is the key to contentment.

6. Gratitude deepens Faith. Keeping a record of God’s past faithfulness is a faith boost. Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures for ever. Psalm 136;1.

7. Gratitude is a Testimony. When we thank God openly and acknowledge what He has done for us, we proclaim a personal caring God to the world around us.

8. Gratitude leads to Joy. The overflow of gratitude is joy. Realizing God’s abundant goodness, even in the hard times, is a gateway for joy.

9. Gratitude guards against Envy. Envy makes us want what someone else has. Gratitude makes us realise God has given us far more than we deserve.

So let us give thanks and glory to God for the wonderful world He has created, the beauty of nature, our health, the gift of life, our talents and abilities. Let us change our lives by counting our blessings each day and we will be amazed at the changes it will bring about.

Crossword sponsored by Duhallow Community Food Services

Across

1. Direction (5)

4. Equilibrium (7)

8. Brass instrument (7)

9. Fruit (5)

10. Beamed (8)

11. Singing couple (4)

13. Kind of lake (6)

15. Movie house (6)

18. Large and scholarly book (4)

19. Precise (8)

22. Tooth (5)

23. Inactivity (7)

24. Family name (7)

25. Laconic (5)

Down

1. Notation cancelling a previous flat or sharp (7)

2. A regular route (5)

3. Seven-sided polygon (8)

4. Dairy product (6)

5. Jump (4)

6. Planet (7)

7. Choose by vote (5)

12. Venomous (8)

14. Risk taker (7)

16. Norm (7)

17. In operation (6)

18. Domesticates (5)

20. Theatrical performer (5)

21. Song for solo voice (4)

Solution: Issue 96, August 25th, 2023

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, September 15th 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.

WINNER

Congratulations to Nora Hickey, Headford, Killarney, who wins a €20 voucher for Duhallow Community Food Services!