Discover Duhallow Issue 99

IRD DUHALLOW TO HOST ENVIRONMENTAL CONFERENCE: P21

SISTERS CELEBRATED

Plaque Erected in Honour of Wallace Sisters

On a rainy Sunday in Donoughmore, niece of the Sheila and Nora Wallace, Bernadette Wallace unveiled the plaque and her Sister Mary who returned from the UK for the commemoration brought with her the flag which draped Nora’s coffin in 1970. Mary and grand-nephew Ted Murphy laid the wreath. Castlelyons Pipe Band played and the bugler was Ross O’Hea. Cllr Michael Looney

represented the County lord Mayor and TD Colm Burke, Cllr Eileen Lynch and Cllr Gobnait Moynihan also attended. Maureen Lynch lead the commemoration and Ellen Delaney hosted in the hall afterwards where for two hours we had Anne Twomey retelling the story of The Wallace Sisters followed by chatting and tea and scones.

Nora and Sheila pose with a dog ■See pages 14&15

Editors Note

We were very sad to hear the news of Br. Malachy’s passing. Br. Malachy was a friend of the magazine, and avid readers are likely familiar with his optimistic pieces, his endearing anecdotes, and his poetry. He will be sorely missed by us all here at Discover Duhallow. Rest in Peace, Br. Malachy.

Kerry Coach Honoured with National Accolade

Lisa Fitzpatrick, a prominent life, business, and career coach based in Kerry, has been recognized with the esteemed Business All-Star accreditation by the AllIreland Business Foundation. This prestigious accolade highlights Lisa’s exceptional contributions to the coaching industry and her unwavering commitment to excellence.

In 2022, Lisa embarked on her journey as a coach by establishing ‘Lisa Fitzpatrick Coaching.’ With a profound passion for helping individuals and business owners realise their full potential, she has been a guiding force in various aspects of life, including personal, professional, and business development. Lisa is renowned for her approachable and passionate coaching style, known to energise and motivate her clients towards achieving their goals.

Lisa specialises in Business & Executive Coaching, Career Coaching, and Personal Coaching, leveraging the renowned GROW Model. Her expertise spans a wide range of areas, including professional and personal development, performance and results management, navigating transitions and change, values and visioning, innovation, and mindset enhancement.

What sets Lisa Fitzpatrick apart is her unique blend of 15 years in the Global FinTech industry and International Marketing Management experience, seamlessly integrated into her coaching practice. This fusion of skills and knowledge empowers her to provide clients with unparalleled insights and guidance in their journey towards personal and professional growth.

The Business All-Star accreditation bestowed upon Lisa is a well-deserved recognition that underscores her remarkable achievements in the field of coaching. The acknowledgment

represents the culmination of a rigorous audit process, during which Lisa demonstrated unwavering dedication to principles such as trust, performance excellence, customercentricity, and a relentless pursuit of success.

Reacting to the news of her business’ achievement, Lisa Fitzpatrick, Founder of Lisa Fitzpatrick Coaching said:

“I am grateful to achieve this accolade of a Business All-Star Accreditation from the All-Ireland Business Foundation. It is an honour to be surrounded and to collaborate with like-minded business leaders across Ireland who are committed to trust, performance and customer centricity which are instrumental in my coaching business. The Foundation is responsible for identifying and accrediting best-inclass Irish businesses that meet the highest standards of Verified Performance, Trust and Customer Centricity.

As a coach it gives great confidence and reassurance to my clients to have this accreditation and is a stamp of approval for my commitment to ethical coaching, client & business growth and development.

Thanks to the AIBF and my clients for their continued support and I look forward to continuing these partnerships well into the future.”

Announcing the news of Lisa Fitzpatrick’s achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBF’s Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, said:

“This accolade has been awarded in recognition of Lisa Fitzpatrick Coaching’s outstanding performance during her audit for Business All-Star accreditation. Furthermore, we wish to recognise Lisa’s conduct in the areas of trust, commitment, performance & customer centricity. Lisa Fitzpatrick

Coaching is hereby included in the AIBF Register of Irish Business Excellence.”

Managing Director of the AllIreland Business Foundation, Kapil Khanna, said: “The accreditation, which is now held by over 650 firms, is needed by the thousands of small and medium businesses which operate to their own standards but have nothing to measure them by.”

He said: “We evaluate a company’s background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.”

The All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF) is an autonomous national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class in Irish business.

The Foundation actively engages and supports its network through peer dialogue, collaboration, mentoring and enterprise development activities. Companies are qualified for accreditation by completing an enterprise audit and are identified by their use of the AIBF’s Business All-Star Marque.

Lisa Fitzpatrick, Founder of Lisa Fitzpatrick Coaching receives her Business All-Star Accreditation from Elaine Carroll, CEO AIBF and Dr. Briga Hynes, Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick & Chair of the AIBF Adjudication Board.

A Note From Kevin

Thanks to everyone that has supported my fundraiser in memory of my brother Francis for Kanturk AFC ground development fund. Thanks also for the support from people I meet in town or who ring. Really appreciate it.

It was extremely hard for me to be public. Since then, I have had plenty of time to think of WHY it happened while training for the marathon. When I first heard Francis had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, I didn’t believe it. I could have visited him alot more but I kept denying it, insisting he would be fine. Only late on did it sink in that it was final. So maybe it was guilt that delayed my grieving.

While Francis was in Marymount and extremely ill, my wife Amanda was in hospital giving birth to our daughter.

Francis came home days after Emma did and held her once prior to passing. This might have been a brief meeting but a bond was forged that flourishes today.

Thanks to the dedication of Francis and others who helped build Kanturk AFC into what it is today. His niece Emma and other girls are now representing Kanturk AFC for the first time in Cork Women’s and Schoolgirl’s Soccer League. Although it was a grieving process that sparked this fundraiser, it has opened my eyes to what Francis achieved for his community during his life. He was extremely proud of this club and what it was giving to

the youth of the community. For me, this is turning into a celebration of my brothers life. He was always in good form and up for a laugh which are qualities he liked to bring into the club.

So if you would like to help continue his and the rest at Kanturk AFC efforts, build a club for everyone to have and be proud of into the future, PLEASE SUPPORT MY FUNDRAISER. You can donate through go fund me:

www.gofundme.com/f/francishiggins

Or I have sponsorship cards. Contact me on 0860691784. Thanks.

Kanturk and District Community Council and Tina Dunstan of Cherryblossoms Childcare are delighted to announce the SEPTEMBER PERSON OF THE MONTH AWARD: John O’Neill

John is involved with the Kanturk Tidy Towns and the town park. He can be seen emptying bins on Sundays and Bank Holidays. He helps out different organisations such as the Kanturk Arts Festival, and delivers timber to the vulnerable and visits sick neighbours and brings in coal etc for them. He also drives patients with cancer to Cork for their treatment with Cancer Connect and helps with the Christmas lights. He’s a pure go to man.

If something needs to be done ask John Boy. A very worthy and deserving winner. Congratulations John.

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

Francis finishing a marathon in Cork and Kevin finishing his first 5k in Cork

Kevin Higgins manager Kanturk AFC U17 GIRLS and Francis niece Emma (second from right front row) with the rest of U17 squad and some from the U15 .

Gaelic4Mothers&Others

Gaelic 4 Mothers and Others in Dromtarriffe are open for joining! The initiative started as a way to introduce mothers to Ladies Gaelic Football, and has been a resounding success throughout the country.

“It’s about fun fitness,” said Michelle, Chairperson of the Dromtarriffe group.

She had never played as a child but she has adapted well to the group. They train one day a week and boast approximately 40 members on their roaster. Training is usually in the GAA pitch in Dromtarrtiffe – though hopefully it will move to the hall for the colder months – and with pitch access comes kitchen access. Every session ends with a cup of tea and often some home baking.

The atmosphere is one of friendship and craic – regardless of

any competitive vibes, they always end the day as friends.

“It’s like a mommy and toddler group without the toddlers –you’re meeting other mothers and families,” said Michelle. The “others” in the title are just as important – Dromtarriffe has members from 26 to 61, and it includes a grandmother!

It’s not all fitness by them; they’ve had a share of bonding nights out too!

They play by less intense rules and prioritise non-contact. Many members have played but many

have no experience – there are no restrictions for joining.

If you’re interested in joining, contact can be made through their Facebook page or you can call Michelle on 087 9227415. The crew are looking forward to a very exciting winter season - don’t miss out!

Freemount In The Running For Club of the Year

Freemount Macra has gone from strength to strength in the last year!

They’ve done it all - group bowling nights, pub quizzes, sports evenings, gigs, a tractor run and more!

The club promote a sense of camaraderie and celebrate each other fiercely on their Social Media.

It’s not the first time the crew have gained an audience throughout the country - In May, John took part in the Mr. Personality Festival and got a wonderful response!

Member Aoife O’Connor said of the club;

“A personal ambition of mine is to ensure that anyone coming into our club is as welcome and as at ease as I was when I first joined Freemount Macra. I would love for another person to get as much out of Macra as I have, I’ve made friends for life and great memories.”

They meet every Wednesday in Freemount hall and new members

are always welcome! Their recent events have been incredible successes, and we look forward to their progress both in

Have you entered The Credit Union’s 2023 art competition?

Return date is no later than Friday 13th October at 3pm! Message

their events and hopefully, as Club of the Year!

For info on joining, DM them on Instagram: @FreemountMacra

The crew looked fantastic at the Avondhu Ball this May

Castlemagner Community News

Inspiring Culture Night Production

A large crowd attended a very successful and inspiring Culture Night event in Castlemagner Community Centre on Friday night, 22nd September.

The event featured a screening of documentaries filmed, narrated and produced by the talented trio of heroes known locally as The Three Paddies; three great friends, namely, Paddy Tobin and Paddy McAuliffe from Castlemagner and Paddy Buckley from Banteer. The documentaries provided a unique perspective of the bridges of the River Blackwater from its source to its mouth, the holy wells of the area and an overview of the beauty and diversity of Kanturk town. These educational and historical recordings provide a valuable addition to the cultural and heritage archive of the region. They are three of many documentaries from a much larger portfolio of historical data, spanning the complete library of multimedia productions compiled to date by the Three Paddies. Everybody in attendance learned something new about the region. The audience were remarkably impressed by the wealth of knowledge and information in the presentations, which promoted great interest and conversation among all present, contributing to a most enjoyable social evening. The documentaries are a culmination of footage and research spanning weeks, months, and years.

In particular, the beauty of Kanturk in the visual splendour of Christmas had the audience captivated and was the source of much discussion over the tea and refreshments served at the celebration. The productions provide a valuable addition to the educational resources for primary schools, secondary schools, and universities at both a national and international level.

Activator Pole Training

Cork Sports Partnership in association with fitWALK Ireland will be hosting 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. This programme is community based. Walking with ACTIVATOR Poles improves stability, reduces impact on hips/ knees, develops core strength, improves posture and promotes better gait pattern. For details contact (086)8521808

Sinsir Club Thursday Group

Castlemagner Sinsir Club resumed after the summer break on Thursday 5th of October 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 well-being. 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. Thursdays from 12 noon until 2pm.

Annual Station Mass

The Castlemagner Community Station Mass will be held in Castlemagner Community Centre on Tuesday 17th of October at 7.30pm. The people who attend the Tuesday night singing are asked to help out with the choir on this night. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Sinsir Club Holiday

From Monday 25th to Tuesday 28th of September, the Castlemagner Sinsir Club celebrated the gift of friendship and connectedness while holidaying in the beautiful Wild West of Ireland. While staying at the luxurious Galway Bay Hotel, the group embarked on a four day itinerary of adventure and friendship. On Monday, the group visited Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, followed by a trip to Galway Crystal & Heritage Centre. Entertainment was provided in the Galway Bay Hotel each night. The Tuesday trip saw the group touring Connemara, north west of Galway to the Medieval village of Cong, location of the filming and museum of The Quiet Man. The group took in Leenane, the filming location of The Field, traveling along the banks of Killary Harbour Fjord to Kylemore Abbey and Gardens. Wednesday was a designated shopping day, scheduled to include the sights and culture of Galway city and the beauty of the Salthill Promenade near the hotel. The Thursday route home takes in the Aillwee Burren experience of falconry, cheese-making and Aillwee Cave, followed by a stopoff at Lisdoonvarna, an evening meal at Durty Nellie’s, followed by a nightcap before returning home on Thursday evening. A most memorable week was enjoyed by all!

Singing Classes

Castlemagner Community Singing is back on Tuesdays 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.

Maths at Boherbue Comprehensive School

Boherbue Comprehensive Secondary School has a very busy Maths Department. Currently 2nd and 3rd year students are sitting the Maths Olympiad of which Alex will be apart of again this year which has been organised by Miss Norma Twomey Fitzgerald. This is a National Mathematics contest for secondary school students. Those that did well in this competition last year had the opportunity to attend Maths enrichment classes in UCC. These gave students exposure to deeper, challenging and interesting maths problems outside of the Maths syllabus. Maths Week which is all-island event will take place in October and has been very popular within the school. Every year Transition Year students hold a Maths quiz for the First Year Cohort. Furthermore 1st Years have the opportunity to participate in the Irish Junior Maths Competition which will be held in January. The competition which is organised by the Irish Maths Teachers Association has been a huge success in the past within the school.

Congratulation to Croke Rovers U15 who has huge success in GAA North Cork Division 1 football cup final winners over Kilshannig on Sunday 1st October. They now progress to the county championship

Croke Rovers U15 Division 1 Hurling Plate Final winners Vs Ballygiblin on Monday 25th September in Mallow

Huge congratulations to Millstreet Camogie’s U13 player Jenna Healy who won the Munster U14 Road Bowling Competition! A great achievement!

“As long as you focus on what you are good at, you can succeed!” - Alex

Millstreet Active Retired Out And About

Millstreet Active Retired’s day outing took place in July visiting The Pavilion near Cork airport for breakfast, and after browsed in the gardens.

They headed on then to the quay for a two hour cruise of Cork harbour.

On the return journey, they had dinner at the Castle hotel in Macroom.

The trip was all in the comfort of Kealy’s coaches. A 5 day break away also took place in June.

For more info on events and programmes, contact Mary on 0870537172

Mary Hickey, Nora O’Connell, Jill Collins, and Kathleen O’Flynn

Mary Cotter, Nora Glavin, Mary McSweeney, Helen Sheahan, and Sheila Twohig.

Julia Lynch, Margaret Murphy, Tim Murphy, and Catherine Cronin

What’s On?

What’s On In Duhallow

An Cultúrlann

Venue: An Cultúrlann, Newmarket, P52 V596

October

Saturday 7th Doors at 7.30pm

Trevor Sexton and Ger O’Donnell

Tickets: €20

Tickets available on Event Brite

Wednesday 18th 8pm

The Brandon McPhee Show with Manson Grant

Tickets: €21.30 with Booking Fee

Tickets available on TicketStop

Monday Seisúin Newmarket

Weekly throughout the year

Venue: An Culturlann, Newmarket

Time: 9pm

Admission: €5

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.

October

8th Teddy and Cathal Barry

15th Peter Burke

22nd Colm Burke

29th Michael Collins

Old School House Ceili

Venue: The Old School House Foilogohig

Friday 20th October

Jerry McCarthy

Friday 17th November

Tim Joe and Anne

Friday 15th December

Ger Murphy and Ken Cotter

CYMS Newmarket

Taekwondo Classes

Mondays at 5pm. Aged 4 up to teens. For more info on these classes please contact 0831106501.

Step Up Fitness

Monday nights from 7-8pm

Cardio and Resistance bands on Wednesday from 7-8pm.

For enquiries and booking please contact Noreen on 0868521436.

Knitting & Crochet Group

Fridays the 1st of September at 10:30 to 12pm. Everyone is welcome to join. Please contact Rita on 0862059745 for more information.

Glen Theatre Autumn Winter Programme

October

Sunday 8th Gerry Guthrie and full band in concert

Friday 13th Johnny McEvoy

Saturday 14th 3 One Act Plays

Friday 27th A night at the Theatre with Groucho

The Glen Theatre Drama Group One Act Festival will run on 24th, 25th, 26th, and 28th October.For more info, contact 02956239

Gneeveguilla Church

5 First Saturdays

The 5 First Saturdays, as requested by Our Lady of Fatima, will commence in the Church of the Holy Rosary Gneeveguilla on Saturday October 7th @ 9.15am

Holy Rosary

October being the month of the Holy Rosary, it will be prayed at the grotto Gneeveguilla Village @ 8pm each evening weather permitting, otherwise in the Church. The Wednesday Rosary will continue in the Church and will be live streamed on MCN Gneeveguilla @ 8pm

Set Dancing for NS Students

Fridays at 4pm.

For anymore information please contact Gillian on 0876070414.

Fashion Shows

Rockchapel Fashion Show

Friday 6th October 8pm

Rockchapel Community Centre

Admission €10

Tickets from parents association, Murphy’s shop and bar, and Abbeystone and Tile Abbeyfeale

A Night of Glitz and Glamour Fashion Show

Friday 20th October 8pm

Kilbrin Social Club, Kilbrin. Admission €10

Fashion Show Extravaganza

Thursday 26th October

Cheese & wine reception 7.30pm

Rathmore Community centre For tickets, contact: Noreen: 0876270806

Mairead: 0876427520

Or see social media

A Night of Fashion

Meelin Community Hall

3rd November 8pm

Cheese & wine reception: 7.30pm

Admission: €20

Tickets available from local shops in Newmarket, Quinlan’s Bar, Meelin, and Committee members

Paudie McAuliffe

Launch of New CD

On Sunday 8th October 2023

In Star Trax Knocknagree Fron

3pm – 5.30pm

Coffee Afternoon

Saturday 21st October

12-3pm

Boherbue Community Rooms

In support of Cork Simon

Community

Banteer Camogie Club

Table Quiz

Fri. 6th October 7-9pm

€5 per child.

Banteer Community Centre

Max 4 per team.

Scrap Metal Collection

Knocknagree GAA are having a Scrap Metal Collection in the Knocknagree GAA grounds on Saturday 14th October from 9am to 2pm any inquires 086 4059322

Carriganima Pumpkin carving contest

Prize for the best carved pumpkin

All entries to be displayed throughout the village over Halloween

For more info:

Email: martinonemc@gmail.com

Sheila: 0877838753

Martin: 0879843830

Italian for beginners

Starting October 11th in Kanturk.

8 weeks - Wednesdays from 6.307.30

Contact 0871216041 for more info

Adult Badminton

Starting Monday October 16th No experience required, rackets available. Over 16’s.

8.00-9.30pm

€3 per night.

Banteer Community Centre, Banteer, P51 TX46

4 Week Jive Course

Starting Friday October 6th No experience required.

Lyre Hall

8.15-9.30pm €40 payable at first class.

Social Dance Classes

Aubane, Millstreet

Thursdays 7-9

Contact Dan 0879891771

Social Dance Classes

Edel Quinn Hall, Kanturk

Tuesdays 8-10pm

Tidy Towns Coffee Morning

Fundraising coffee morning

Temperance Hall

Saturday October 7th 10am - 1pm

In support of the volunteers who keep Kanturk looking great

What’s On?

Bridge Tournaments

Tureencahill Community Centre

Bridge tournaments resumes in Tureencahill Community Centre every Wednesday @ 1pm, starting 4th October

45 Card Drive

45 Card Drive

Ballydaly Hall every Sunday night

8.30pm

All welcome

Story Time for Kids

Kanturk Library

Saturdays 11.30am

Contact 02951384

Christmas Fairs

Kanturk Men’s Shed

Sunday 26th Nov

10am to 4.30pm

With 43 stalls and a visit from santa!

An Cultúrlann Christmas Market

December 3rd

Don’t miss out!

Kilbrin Christmas Fair

Sunday 10th of December. Hurry hurry...only 5 tables left!! So far we have a great selection;

• Crafts

• Timber products

• Crochet

• Knitting

• Baby clothes

• Xmas decorations

• Home baking

• and more!!

Surprise for the children in store too!!

Please Contact Pat or Paulina for more information: @0878157741 or 0864097267

Newmarket 5k 2023

PB Fast Race

Dec 3rd

1pm

Newmarket

€20 online registration

Visit Eventbrite.ie to register for your tickets

Women’s Place Is

By GERRY FORDE

Donoughmore Historical Society

Wallace’s shop was the centre for communications of Cork No.1 Brigade IRA and Sheila as Brigade Communications officer and Nora as Intelligence officer were indispensable in the Brigade.

Only a handful of women achieved such high rank during the War of Independence. Sean O’Hegarty said quite plainly that their home and shop was HQ for the Brigade after the Volunteer Hall in Sheare’s Street was closed down by the British Army. All communications came through these two women, and it was by their discretion that the whole operation was never fully exposed. There was a secret compartment within the house which was never discovered, despite all the raids and searches of the shop by the Black and Tans and the RIC. It was Anne Twomey of Shandon Area Historical Society who uncovered the Wallace sisters history and came to Donoughmore to give a talk on them a number of years ago. Bill Murphy, their grandnephew made the

wonderful RTE Documentary on ONE called The Little Shop Of Secrets.

Before and after the Easter Rising 1916, the Wallace sisters ran a small newsagents in St Augustine Street in Cork. The shop and the sisters became the centre of communications for the IRA in Cork. Sheila and Nora Wallace came from the parish of Donoughmore. Their family had been evicted from their home and farm in the townland of Kilcullen South in the late 1890’s. With the help of their neighbours, they managed to erect a temporary structure on the side of the road to keep the weather out while they fought to regain possession of their home. It became clear that they would have a long fight for justice on their hands, and they eventually moved across the Dripsey River valley to Barrachauring. But they never gave up the fight and the Evicted Tenants Act of 1907, which offered recompense to families like the Wallace’s, gave them some hope of returning to their home again.

In the 1910 General Election, the Irish Parliamentary Party won a majority of the votes.

But in contrast to the rest of the country, the city and county of Cork returned a majority for the Nationalist All For Ireland League and one of their MP’s included Winston Churchill’s uncle, Moreton Frewen, who had an estate at Innishannon. Churchill and Frewen were Liberals at that time and supported Home Rule. As All For Ireland League party members of parliament, both D D Sheehan and William O’Brien worked hard for the people of Cork, helping advance the transfer of land from landlords to tenants in the various Irish Land Acts of the time. D D Sheehan’s political support came from small tenant farmers and rural labourers, and together with William O’Brien, was central to achieving full government backing and financial support to build cottages for rural workers and farm labourers at a time when many families lived under roofs hardly fit to keep animals in.

Such was the state of poverty in the country at the time. Over 40,000 labourers cottages were built under this free scheme where the delighted householders paid only a small rent to the council in return. But even after all that D D Sheehan achieved for the people of Cork, he could not help the Wallace family.

Liam Lynch and Brian Looney carry the flags. Maureen Lynch in between the two men is fixing her cap for the storm which was raging at the time.

Grand-nephew Ted Murphy, Mary Philips, Bernadette Wallace and Maureen Lynch

In The Revolution

In 1910, their case came up in Westminster question time when Sheehan raised the Wallace family’s plight with Chief Secretary for Ireland, Augustine Birrell. But nothing came of it.

Their family situation came up in parliament again a year later, but no progress was made in their case. For Sheila and Nora Wallace, this was the end of engagement with Westminster. They made up their minds that they were going to take matters into their own hands because they had no choice but to help themselves.

James Connolly came to Cork 3 times before the Easter Rising and he visited Sheila and Nora in their little shop in St Augustine Street. Nora had a lifelong relationship with the Connolly family, especially Ina Connolly, and there are letters in the Cork Public Museum which clearly show the affection between the two families.

The portrayal in the media of militant women fighting for equal rights in these times was not very complimentary. The English suffragette Emily Davison was a member of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) and she was arrested on nine occasions, went on hunger strike seven times, and was force-fed

on forty-nine occasions. To highlight the cause, she tried to hang a suffragette scarf onto the King’s horse on the run in to the winning post of the 1913 English Derby at Epsom. She was so badly hurt that she died a few days later on the 8th of June 1913. The papers said she had committed suicide, but that was not the case.

Women were only allowed to vote for the first time in 1918. Many prominent Irish women were involved in the movement for equal rights for women, and after the final attempt by D D Sheehan in Westminster in 1911 to get some compensation for the Wallace family for the injustice of their eviction, Sheila and Nora Wallace turned to James Connolly and the Citizen Army as the avenue to express their support for the changes they wanted to see in society. The Irish Citizen Army treated women and men as equals. But in their efforts for freedom and justice, the sisters would have to endure tragedy after tragedy.

The first tragedy in Sheila and Nora’s new political activity happened when James Connolly was executed. Sheila was 25 years old and Nora was only 21 at the time. It was to Nora Wallace that the Cork Volunteers turned to when they wanted first hand news of the happenings in Dublin after the 1916 Easter Rising. She brought back the account of what had happened and the sad news of the executions. But Nora was not to be put off, and after she was put in touch with Tadhg O’Sullivan, she

started up the Citizen Army in Cork again.

On the 6th May 1919, the Grattan Street bomb factory – which was no more than a back kitchen behind a shoemakers shop in the tenements – blew up. Volunteer Michael Tobin, who was badly injured, died later in hospital. A number of organisations formed a guard of honour at his funeral. One of these was the Citizen Army and at the head of it would have been Nora Wallace. The Tadhg O’Sullivan previously mentioned would be killed on the 19th April, 1921 when his body was riddled with bullets. In Nora Wallace’s documents, she identified a man known by the nick name - Translator - as the man who shot Tadhg O’Sullivan. These are astonishing details. The Lord Mayor Tomas MacCurtain depended on Nora to operate as a secretary for the Volunteers and the last place he was at before he went home on the night he was killed, was Wallace’s shop. She fondly referred to him as the Brigadier and wrote about how he encouraged her in her efforts with the national movement noting that the Brigadier held the Citizen Army girls in high regard.

Capuchin Fr Sylvester blesses the plaque

Bernadette Wallace, niece of Sheila and Nora unveils the plaque

Terence MacSwiney was the next major casualty in their lives. Nora had written that she was taken by how the little unruly curl on his forehead kept falling down on his face. Such terms of affection for her fellow revolutionaries are all over the Wallace Collection papers at Cork Public Museum. Sheila and Nora were devastated when he died on hunger strike in 1920 Another great friend and activist whom Nora had great admiration for was Tadhg Barry, and when he was killed on the 15th November

1921, in a prisoner camp in Co. Down while the treaty negotiations were going on, she wrote that “Tadhg Barry is a juniper in heaven”. The mental and physical strain and the sadness suffered by the sisters was enormous. Even though they persevered, their health broke down and Nora contracted TB. The local IRA paid to send her to Switzerland to recover. The terror of the nighttime in Cork during the War of Independence is exemplified in Maud Mitchell’s recorded memoirs, The Man With The Long Hair. She wrote how “Very real to me was the terror of the night and the devil who walks in darkness, a devil whose name was Charlie Chance. A Black and Tan sergeant who ruled part of Cork from the North Mall to Gilabbey Street.”

Sheila and Nora had a deep spiritual faith and straight across the narrow street from their shop was a door into St Augustine’s where the Rev. Dr. Pat Coakley was resident. His father and

Donoughmore. Stuake Church is where Sheila and Nora went to mass every Sunday of their youth. One particular letter in the Wallace Collection in Cork Public Museum is from Fr. Pat Coakley’s sister Mrs Mary Walsh. In this letter she offered Nora condolences on the sad passing of Sheila Wallace who died on the 14th April 1944 and at the same time remembered the last time they spent together.

brother Capt. Joseph Lynch Coakley are buried in the cemetery behind the church in Stuake in

L - R. Colm Burke TD, Cllr Michael Looney, Cllr Eileen Lynch, Timmy Manning, Bernadette Wallace, Ted Murphy, Mary Philips, Liam Lynch, Gerard O Rourke, Ellen Delaney, Matt Healy, Anne Twomey, Maureen Lynch, Mary O Mahony, Gerry Forde, Cllr Gobnait Moynihan and Conor Nelligan Heritage Officer Cork County Council. The flag is the one that was draped over Nora Wallaces coffin in 1970.

Anne Twomey showing some of the sisters comrades.

Front row: Bernadette and Mary with Con O Sullivan and family who now live in the old homestead in Kilcullen. Back row are some of the committee.

You’ve Got To Be Kidding

Siobhán and Alan from Dottie and Dora spoke to Discover Duhallow about their venture, their products, and of course, their goats!

Who are Dottie and Dora?

Dottie and Dora, is a small artisan food production business based in Donoughmore, operated by Siobhán Ring and Alan Twomey. We are essentially a micro dairy goat farm which manufactures and sells the dairy produce from our goats; to date, these include pasteurised milk, soft cheeses (in three flavours), as well as our goat milk soap (in two varieties, one of which also uses our honey). We launched our products locally in July of this year. To our knowledge, there is no one in the Duhallow area offering fresh pasteurised dairy products from the farm, for either goats or cows.

Why goats?

Why not! We always loved goats, they’re so intelligent, inquisitive, and downright cheeky. They’re also a really nice animal to work with. From a business perspective they require lower investment per unit relative to their bovine counterparts, they need a small land base, and they’re quite efficient (i.e., they produce their own weight in milk solids). They’re also not that common (only ~9,000

in Ireland) and we do love a challenge. And challenges there are plenty; unlike with other farming enterprises such as milking cows, you can’t just sell to the local co-op. If you’re milking goats in Cork, you pretty much have to do everything yourself from milking the goats, to meeting Department regulation, to marketing, to delivering orders etc.

What was the inspiration?

We both grew up in farming families, and always loved animals. We both studied agriculture in college and pursued a career in the agriculture sector. But we’ve always wanted to work directly with animals and to make a living from farming ourselves. About 10 years ago, we purchased two pet goats, and we never looked back. Last year, we purchased 12 kids of a milking breed, which Siobhán and her mother Joan hand reared from just a few days old. Those kids are now fully grown and producing milk on our farm.

Goats are not for the faint hearted though, they’ll absolutely test you. If you want your fencing boundaries checked, they’ll certainly test it for you!

What does a day in your life look like?

We typically get

up around 5.30am. Alan usually goes straight to the milking parlour, while Siobhán tends to get going in the manufacturing room. The goats are milked, and put out to graze fresh grass. The milk is transported to our manufacturing room, where it is firstly filtered to remove impurities. We then pasteurise the milk and depending on orders for the day, we’ll either bottle the milk or begin the cheese making process. All of this is done before 8 am, when we head off to our day jobs. At least two mornings a week, we take the orders with us to some of the shops we supply. In the evening time, we head back into the manufacturing room, we’ve more work to do along the cheese making process (cut the curds, or packaging).

We also organise our deliveries for the week, do our local delivery route on a Thursday evening and catch up on the various jobs needed to be done around the farm. In between all that, we make sure we have chat with our amazing goats as they are the most important part. It’s a long day, every day, but we love it!

Do you name the goats?

Of course, our goats are part of the family so they’re all named. The name of our business originates from our first two female goats,

Dottie and Dora. Some of their names include:

• Blue: when she was purchased she was a sick little kid and had a blue mark. She really came a pure pet as she was individually bottle fed for about 3 weeks a few times a day before she got going, and now she one of the strongest girls in the herd.

• Líne: as gaeilge for line – as a kid she was snow white with a single black striped line down her vertebrae, so we looked for a name to represent this. She’s completely unrecognisable today though; she’s now multicoloured!

• Gretal: more commonly known as our ‘Unicorn’ because she has one single horn on her head.

• Rebel: as you guessed was a very rebellious kid, hence the name.

• Belle: She has such a pretty face, so we took inspiration from the French word ‘Belle’ meaning beautiful.

What recipes do you recommend with any of the products?

It’s probably best to tell you how our customers enjoy our products; they tell us they enjoy our milk with cereal, a cup of tea or a coffee. While for our cheese products, we’ve heard people like to mix of cheese with some pasta, top it on a sandwich, pop it on a pizza, mash it in with some spuds or give it a drizzle of honey and eat wit some crackers. We have the mention the amazing things Yumm Café in Kanturk have done with our products though; not only do they offer our goat milk for their coffees but they’ve also created a French toast with our

Goats cheese, it looks divine. We haven’t tried it yet, but we’ve heard plenty of positive feedback.

How is the soap made?

We use the traditional cold process method of soap making. After weighing all our ingredients, we melt our oils (coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa butter), and allow them to cool. The cooled melted oils are combined with our liquid oils (olive, sweet almond and castor oil). In a separate jug, we prepare the lye solution with our frozen goat milk; this is the part that triggers the chemical reaction which turns the oils into soap via a process called saponification. The lye mixture is added to the oils and gently stick blended until the mixture forms a consistency like cake batter. Our mixture is then poured into soap moulds and allowed to rest in a cool place overnight. The soaps are removed from the moulds, stamped and allowed ‘cure’ for six weeks before we pack the soap and sell. We sell that in the local shops as well on our website www. dottieanddora.ie. While it might seem relatively simple, accuracy in measurement, temperature, and technique are critical to ensure we end up with a quality soap bar. We intentionally don’t use any artificial fragrances, synthetic dyes, sulphates, or parabens because as an eczema sufferer, Siobhán understands how all these unnecessary additions cause skin irritation.

What were the learning curves for you?

Where do we start on our learning curves, the phrase every day is a school day has certainly been

true for the year. There are periods where you think you are just getting on top of all the challenges, there is a whole new set around the corner. Every step has been new to from cheese making to marketing and the skills we had in cattle are not as transferable to goats as we thought. There is very little known about national goats! So lot of research, talk to as many experts as we can and trial and error has solve lot of our issues to date. Obviously, we have to thank our families and friends, who –although they think we are mad –have been very helpful.

What are your goals for the coming year?

Our main goal is to continue to produce quality products from our goat milk and expand our offering locally.

At present, our products are available to buy in both shops in Donoughmore (Jamesies and Peg’s), at the Quay Co-op (Sullivan’s Quay, Cork), at the Cheese Shop (Tralee); you can also taste our produce as part of Yumm Café range (in Kanturk).

Find Dottie and Dora online on

Facebook: @dottie.and.dora

Instagram: @dottie.and.dora

Website: www.dottieanddora.ie

IRD Duhallow Walking & Social Club Visits: Annes Grove Gardens

By DENIS JUSTICE Rural Community Health Worker

On September 21st, 2023, enjoying unseasonably lovely weather, members of the IRD Duhallow Walking and Social Club set out for a day of exploration and discovery at Annesgrove Gardens. Led by Denis Justice, the IRD Duhallow Rural Community Health Worker (RCHW), this outing not only provided a rejuvenating escape into nature but also unveiled a rich tapestry of history dating back centuries.

Annes Grove, an historic estate located near Castletownroche has a history that spans centuries. The estate was previously known as Ballyhimmock and was acquired by William Grove around 1626, marking the beginning of its remarkable journey.

In 1792, the estate found itself under the stewardship of Arthur Grove Annesley (1774-1849), who inherited it from an aunt by marriage. She was an heiress to the Grove family, and it was through this inheritance that the estate’s name was changed to Annes grove, merging the two

family names.

The estate’s connection to the Grove and Annesley families is a fascinating chapter in its history. Arthur Grove Annesley’s uncle, Francis Charles Annesley, 1st Earl Annesley of Castlewellan in County Down, married Mary Grove. She inherited the estate from her father, further entwining the Annesley and Grove legacies with the land that is now known as Annes grove Gardens.

In 2015 Annes Grove House and Garden was donated to the state by the Annesley family since then the Office of Public Works has been diligently carrying out extensive work on the house, outbuildings, and gardens at Annes grove. This ongoing effort ensures that this historic estate remains a place of beauty and historical significance for generations to come.

As the group embarked on their guided tour of Annes grove Gardens, they ventured into a world steeped in history.

The main house, designed in the Queen Anne style, is a testament to the architectural elegance of the 18th century. Surrounding the main

house, the group enjoyed an array of enchanting features, including pergolas, a lily pond, a Victorian stone fernery river garden, a rockery, and a wild water garden. Each element contributes to the garden’s rich tapestry, creating an atmospheric and captivating setting.

The oldest part of the gardens, the Walled Garden, was originally laid out in the 18th century, bearing witness to centuries of horticultural care and craftsmanship.

Further exploration led them to the Woodlands Garden, where some of the earliest rhododendrons introduced to Ireland can be found. These gardens, with their vibrant blooms and lush greenery, are a testament to the enduring love and dedication of those who have tended to this natural treasure over the years.

After a day of exploration and learning, the group wrapped up their visit to Annes grove Gardens and made their way to the nearby town of Mallow. Where, they enjoyed a well-deserved lunch at Juniper Restaurant, capping off a day filled with camaraderie and cherished memories.

Margaret O’Keeffe, Sheila O Callaghan, Margorie Clarke, Mary Murphy, Helen Shine, Denis Justice, Ann O’ Leary and Kathleen O’Sullivan.

IRD Duhallow Hosts National Environmental Conference

By COLM O’CONNOR

IRD Duhallow are delighted to be chosen as the venue for the Community Resource Networks Ireland, national conference which takes place in the James O Keeffe Institute on Thursday 19th of October. CRNI is the only community reuse and recycling network in Ireland, it has, along with its members, the potential to play a unique and valuable role in the development of resource efficiency and circular economy initiatives at both local and national levels. The network is on the board of the RREUSE network of Europe, and at a local level is involved in the National Waste Prevention Network.

IRD Duhallow has been an active member of the network for many years As a member of CRNI, you benefit from being part of Ireland’s only reuse and recycling network. We are provided with opportunities to:

• have your voice heard at a national and international level through policy and campaigns

• engage in networking, training and new business opportunities

• gain access to information on funding, events and conferences

• participate in or support research that will help overcome barriers.

They help the members grow and thrive through developing

a dynamic network fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration, strengthening members’ capacity through business opportunities and training, representing members at local, national and international level, and promoting our membership base. When asked for a comment, Emma Kavanagh National Executive of CRNI said “We are delighted to come to IRD Duhallow on October 19, CRNI is inviting members of their network alongside interested collaborators, to IRD Duhallow for their bi-annual member conference: Connected Circular Communities. The event will bring people together in person to have conversations and critically explore how we can work towards achieving an inclusive circular economy, led by our communities doing reuse, repair and recycling. We are gathering in IRD Duhallow, a CRNI member space. with the hope that this backdrop of rural social enterprise activity will inspire conversations, ideas and seeing the work in action”

To learn more about the event: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/crnimember-conference-connectedcircular-communities-tickets72198 9198127?aff=oddtdtcreator

On Thursday, 15th June 2023 - CRNI (Community Resources Network Ireland), the representative body for community based reuse, repair and recycling organisations in Ireland, has awarded the ReMark Quality Mark

to seven organisations across the country for their outstanding commitment to sustainability and circular practices, including two local organisations in Cork, IRD Duhallow Furniture Revamp and Deaf Enterprises. The awards ceremony was hosted by sustainability advocate Fionnuala Jay at CRNI’s HQ in the Guinness Enterprise Centre, Dublin 8, and recognised the Cork organisations for their successful participation in the ReMark pilot scheme over the past 12 months:

IRD Duhallow Furniture Revamp – our own furniture recycling and re-use initiative which was established to provide sheltered training and employment opportunities, help the environment by reducing landfill, and provide quality up-cycled furniture at low cost to low-income or marginalised families and individuals.

Colm O Connor and Jessica Baron from IRD Duhallow being presented with the Q-mark accreditation for CRNI National Executive Emma Kavanagh

Sometimes It’s Better Not To Ask

By ALICE O’BRIEN Churchview Therapies, Millstreet

How many times have you been asked questions that leave you bemused? Not because you don’t have the answers but because you are amazed at the lack of sensitivity. Sometimes it feels like nothing is off limitsquestions we wouldn’t dream of asking others are often flippantly hurled at us.

Examples include- ‘Will you go again for the boy?’ asked while proudly showing off your 2 week old little girl. ‘Anything stirring?’ a favourite for the young couple. ‘When are you going to get married? Reserved for the single people among us. ‘Why did you break up?’ to the newly separated.

It is hard to believe but people do ask these questions.

So, what is the best way to handle this? And, do insensitive questions always come from insensitive people?

Our instinct might be to get defensive, to retort with something equally as insensitive. This will likely make you feel even worse about the situation. Try shifting the perspective. People can occasionally say rude things because they are at a loss as to what the appropriate thing to say is. You are still allowed to be upset or hurt but it might be helpful to see the intent behind the comment was not always malicious.

If possible try to

face these situations with humourlaughter is the best medicine after all. Humour can often defuse the situation- allowing the person to see the nature of their question or comment which might give them a chance to review it and rephrase. There are also times when no response is the best response. Saving your energy for more important matters might be more useful. Remember, we breathe about 20,000 times a day and we speak about 15,000 words a dayand we might need to become skilled at taking a breath and ignoring those insensitive words. The less aid the better is often good advice.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

By MAIREAD O’KEEFFE New Leaf Health Store

A diet to help general hair health and also prevent hair loss and thinning must include vitamins A, C, D, and E, zinc, B vitamins, iron, biotin, protein, and essential fatty acids. A deficiency in any of these may slow down hair growth or even cause hair loss. Particularly good foods for hair include nuts, seeds, eggs, berries, leafy greens, flaxseed oil, sweet potatoes and avocados. We sell several supplements which can help ensure you are getting enough of these nutrients including Natures Plus BioAdvanced Hair Skin and Nails and New Nordic Hair Volume.

Dandruff is usually a sign of yeast-overgrowth in the gut so

taking beneficial bacteria, such as Udo Choice, Biokult or Optibac, can help rebalance the gut.

Hair breakage, frizz and dryness is often caused by chemicals or heat. Consider switching to natural shampoos, hair dyes and styling products to reduce chemical use.

Sudden hair loss can be due to a medical condition, chemotherapy and other medications, damage from chemicals in hair products, or even tying the hair back tightly all the time. Women often experience hair loss following childbirth. Sometimes when we suffer a lot of stress it can trigger changes in your hair follicles, causing the hair to fall out and stopping new hair growth.

Thinning hair can occur in both men and women, but men tend to thin in the front and crown of the head, while women thin on

the top. Often hair loss is due to genetics. Diet and nutrition can also help play a role in preventing and slowing thinning as it can be caused by a deficiency in Biotin or Zinc. Studies have shown that a regular scalp massage with oil can promote hair growth and thickness by mechanically stimulating and penetrating hair follicles as well as the benefits of the oil itself. We stock several great hair oils.

Stress can be the cause of hair loss and thinning. We have practitioners at New Leaf who can help you manage your stress as well as supplements which may help to reduce stress.

If you have hair problems it is a good idea to get your bloods done by the doctor as they can indicate a problem with the Thyroid or Anaemia.

Why Train Your Dog?

By MAIREAD TWOMEY Pawsitive Steps

We are so time poor these days! Isn’t this just one more thing to add to a very long to do list? But dog training truly is a necessary part of dog ownership. When a new puppy or rescue dog comes home they have no idea how our human world works!

They don’t just depend on us for food, shelter and water but to help them succeed by teaching them life skills, obedience, calm and meet their cognitive needs.

What Are The Benefits Of Dog Training?

• Keeps your dog safe

• A trained dog means off leash freedom (when appropriate)

• Training is a massive relationship builder

• Dogs that are socialised and trained can come with you anywhere

• A trained dog is calm and a pleasure to share your home with

• Training offers mental stimulation

• Problem behaviours can be prevented

So How Do Dogs Actually Learn?

There are two ways that dogs learn. Either by association. Anyone remember learning about Pavlov’s bell at school! or by consequences. We can increase favourable behaviours by pairing them with something pleasant such as a treat or toy and this will increase the desired behaviour.

If we use punitive, harsh or aversive methods to train our dog they may still do what we desire but they will just do it simply out of fear. This will most certainly

sour your relationship with your dog, the unwanted behaviour will come back or come out a different way and you may very well end up with a pooch that is nervous or suspicious of people and certainly wont enjoy training with us.

Getting Set For Success

• Be realistic about your training goals

• Keep your training sessions very short

• Make sure they have plenty rest in between (rest and digest also applies to learning!)

• CONSISTENCY IS KEY

• Make it fun!

• The slower you go the faster and better the results

• Never blame your dog. Either we are going too fast/doing something wrong or your dog is experiencing pain or the environment is too distracting. Go back a step and try again

• Train after exercise especially with a high energy dog

• Be flexible (dogs are individuals and they have good and bad days just like us)

• Be kind to yourself if you are not in the right frame of mind to train there is always another day

So Where Do I Start?

Teaching a sit is a great place to start.

STEP 1: Pinch a yummy treat between your fingers. Slowly

move the treat back towards the dogs forehead. As soon as their bum hits the floor treat.

Repeat x 20

STEP 2: Say “sit” before luring dog into position and treat.

Repeat x 20

STEP 3: Quickly fade out the lure by pretending the yummy treat is still pinched between your fingers but this time when your dog sits you will treat from the opposite hand

If your dog can sit for a count of 10 before you give the treat the start creating a little distance between you and your dog. Finally add in some distractions by getting animated. This can simply be moving your let or arm as a distraction.

Practice in the house first before moving to the garden. Then try it on a quite walk and finally see if your dog can sit for you in a busy park

Blessed Alexandrina Da Costa

By TOM DENNEHY

We are all familiar with the date, October 13th.

It is the Anniversary of Our Lady’s Apparition and the great Miracle of the Sun in Fatima. But it is also the anniversary of the death of Portuguese mystic and victim soul, Blessed Alexandrina Marie Da Costa, who was known as the fourth seer of Fatima. Pope John Paul beatified Alexandrina in 2004 and decreed that her feast day be celebrated on this date.

Alexandrina was born on 30th March 1904 in Balasar, a small rural village about 40 miles from Porto. In 1918 while Alexandrina, her sister Deolinda, and a friend were in the house, three drunken men broke in, in order to rape them. Rather than submit to the attack, Alexandrina jumped from a window, falling 12 feet on to hard ground. As a result, her spine was irreversibly damaged. Her condition deteriorated, and she became bedridden on the 14th April 1924, aged twenty. Alexandrina came to realise that suffering was to be her vocation.

In 1931, she entered into a state of ecstasy and heard Jesus confirming her vocation as a victim soul, when he requested her to “Love, suffer and make reparation.” She gave her consent and asked for the necessary grace to fulfil her mission of suffering for humanity. This was the first of many ecstasies. In 1935, Alexandrina received messages from Jesus, warning that a second world war would take place for punishment for the sins of humanity, which could only be averted by the consecration of the world to the Immaculate Heart Of Mary. Jesus urged Alexandrina, through her spiritual director, to petition the

Holy Father to perform this consecration, and to pray and offer her suffering that it might be achieved. From then on she offered everything for this intention.

Alexandrina consented to mystically undergo Christ’s passion each Friday to help bring about the consecration of the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. On the 3rd of October 1938, the passion ecstasies started, and all those present in the room were astounded at what happened. A woman, who lay in her bed, completely paralysed for over 14 years, suddenly got up and was able to move around the room. Each Friday for four years during these ecstasies, Alexandrina suffered everything from the Agony to the Crucifixion.

In 1942, Jesus told her that the Holy Father had decided to consecrate the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pope Pius X11 performed the consecration on 31st October 1942, an act which shortened the duration of the war. Alexandrina was overwhelmed with joy that the consecration had been done, her mission of suffering was not yet over. In fact, it was to enter a new and more astounding phase - a thirteen year fast in which she would miraculously live on the Holy Eucharist alone.

Alexandria’s complete fasting was medically confirmed in hospital. A doctor stated in an official report, “It is absolutely certain that during forty days of being bedridden in hospital, the sick woman did not eat or drink...and we believe such a phenomenon could have happened during the past months,

perhaps the past thirteen months.. leaving us perplexed.” While this phenomenon was inexplicable to everyone else, Alexandrina knew its cause, as Jesus had already told her, “You are living on the Eucharist alone because I want to prove to the world the power of the Eucharist and the power of My life in souls”.

On 13th October 1955, after years of great suffering, she had a vision of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who told her that she was about to take her to Heaven. Alexandrina received Holy Communion for the last time, and delivered her final message to all humanity, crying out, ”Do not sin. The pleasures of this life are worth nothing. Receive Holy Communion often. Pray the Rosary every day. This sums up everything.”

At midday she cried again, “Oh I am so happy, so happy because I am going to Heaven at last.

Today, many pilgrims visit her place of rest beside the high altar in the Balasar Parish Church. When she lived many, many people flocked to her home daily and all were received with courtesy and a smile despite her sufferings.

Jesus promised to Blessed Alexandrina on 22 November 1937 that after her death, her life story would become known. He would see to it. It would reach the ends of the earth.

The life of Blessed Alexandrina shows us the amazing power of the Eucharist and it is being revealed to us especially at this time to bring about the Eucharistic reign of Jesus on Earth.

Blessed Alexandrina, pray and intercede for us.

Crossword sponsored by Duhallow Community Food Services

Across

Down

1. Oasis (5)

2. More than two or three but not many (7)

3. Of long duration (3)

4. Gaped (6)

5. Fruit (7)

6. Stage whisper (5)

7. Machines (7)

12. Piece of furniture (7)

13. Complaint (7)

15. Tooth (7)

16. Ravine formed by a river (6)

18. Racket (5)

Solution: Issue 98, September 22nd, 2023

To

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, October 13th 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 Tess Kelleher, Boherbue who wins a €20 voucher for Duhallow Community Food Services!