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Thank you to our advertisers, contributors, stockists and readers, for your support this year, we really appreciate you all. We wish you a peaceful and happy Christmas as we say goodbye to a year that we will never forget.
Vol 19, Issue 3 | December 2020
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Happy Christmas!
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If it’s happening in this area, it’s in The Muskerry News It’s not often we have the opportunity to introduce you to a new local author, so we are delighted to tell you about Jen Malone’s new book ‘Sonny’s Circus Dream’ which is available to buy at Blairs new country store in Cloghroe. We hope this will be appearing in lots of local stockings!
Make sure your voice is heard! The public consultation process for the proposed new routes for M20 motorway from Cork to Limerick has commenced and closing date for public submissions is December 18th. This can be done by following the feedback form at www.corklimerick.ie or alternatively you can request that a printed copy is sent to you and submitted by post. It is imperative that all local residents in the Whitechurch / Blarney view the proposed route and submit their thoughts as this really does affect the wider community. If anyone requires assistance with filling in and completing the form you can contact Dee Hosford 086 3752276, Sinead O’Connell 087 2960128 or Brian O’Sullivan 087 7408634 from the Whitechurch residents committee who would be more than happy to help.
Isn’t she wonderful! Olivia Byrne, former Gaelscoil Mhuscrai pupil, selling lollipops in her new school Gaelcholàiste Mhuire A.G for the annual Focus Ireland big sleep out from home. Olivia was delighted with the help of the 4th year students and raised a whopping €280. This is the fourth year that Olivia has taken part along with her brother Daniel and Dad, raising thousand’s of euros for this great charity.
It’s over 8 months since the Tuesday Beavers got together and had some fun. They met recently (under current guidelines) at the Square in Blarney and hiked to the woods where the kids worked on a scavenger hunt, built an impressive shelter and enjoyed a long overdue sausage sizzle. The children and leaders really enjoyed meeting up, having some fun, getting a bit mucky, and look forward to doing it again soon.
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Blarney Village took top spot in the Urban Neighbourhoods with a Population under 3,000 category at a recent virtual ceremony hosted by Mary Morrissey at the all-Ireland Pride of Place community awards. Judges praised the volunteers in the village for developing “a very caring community, with fantastic volunteers, where a very impressive list of activities was presented. Notwithstanding a celebrated and established tourist attraction the judges were in no doubt that this is a community with great heart and spirit.”
A team comprising Kate Durrant, Cllr Damian Boylan and Sean Foley worked hard on the entry presenting the many vibrant groups and organisations in the community, and showcasing the exceptional reaction of the Blarney community to the pandemic lockdown. Ballincollig came runners up in the Urban Neighbourhoods with a population over 3,000 category in this competition which is the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland. Pride of Place founder and Chairman Tom Dowling said, “These Awards are about recognising and celebrating the extraordinary, inspirational tireless work being done by communities all over the Island of Ireland as they strive to make their place a better place in which to live.”
Congratulations to Ciara Crowley recent graduate BFA musical Theatre from American College Dublin.
Wishing wonderful local lady Peggy Curtin many happy returns as she celebrates her 101st birthday today!
Congratulations to Aaron O'Raw who graduated from UCC recently with a Masters Degree.
Muskerry News / 3
Berrings NS
Your Local Sinn Féin team Thomas Gould TD working with Cllrs Kenneth Collins & Mick Nugent
The children in Berrings National School were buzzing with excitement during Science Week 2020! There were explosions, chemical reactions and flowing lava all week long! The highlight of the week was when all classes took part in a Zoom call where they showed off their experiments to their friends around the school. The highly anticipated Fifth and Sixth Class Rocket Race was also caught on Zoom! A thoroughly enjoyable week was had by all!!! On Thursday 26th November the children of Berrings National School had a triple celebration! We raised three new flags in the glorious sunshine! We raised our fifth Green Flag, our second Amber Flag and our first flag for The BFG to EU Project. A visit from the ice cream van was the cherry on top! Our amazing Parents Association were so proud of the children’s achievements! They organised a surprise visit from the ice cream van for the whole school! A fantastic day was enjoyed by staff and children alike!
Cork North Central Constituency Office 31 Shandon Street, Cork 021-4212233 E-mail: thomas.gould@oir.ie Contact: Kenneth 087-9293904 kenneth_collins@corkcity.ie Contact: Mick 087-6755793 michael_nugent@corkcity.ie #Time4Unity
www.sinnfein.ie
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Muskerry News / 5
Could the Witch’s Yew Tree be European Tree of the Year?
If there were 1000 lights on the Christmas tree at Blairs Inn it wouldn't be enough to count the number of people that this big hearted family have helped since the country locked down in March. Despite having to close down, open up and reinvent themselves several times, to this day they continue to look after numerous people in the area who are cocooning or are otherwise struggling through whatever 2020 sent them.
Cllr. Sheila O’ Callaghan I am here to help! Clinics at
WHITECHURCH COMMUNITY CENTRE will resume in 2021 ( hopefully ) or (subject to Covid regulations)
Member of Cork County Council - (MCC) Cobh Municipal District.
086 1940762 / sheila.ocallaghan@cllr.corkcoco.ie Facebook Cllr. Sheila O’ Callaghan
Their gratitude for their customers who have supported them throughout made them all the more determined to light their 35th Christmas tree, with Lord Mayor Joe Kavanagh and his wife Stephanie performing the annual switching on of lights to an large online audience, Sir Charles and Lady Caroline Colthurst and three very happy children! pics John Sheehan
After
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General Truck Hire, Site Clearance General Groundworks, Lawns, Driveways & Roadways and Farm Passages 6 / Muskerry News
Good quality topsoil supplied & delivered. Fitzgerald and Cronin All types ofHurleys stone supplied, limestone and Photo caption inhere... stock. sandstone Agricultural lime supplied.
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Amy and Rachel McGregor, students at BCS, who gave up their Sunday to collect food to help those less fortunate the Christmas. The big hearted girls do this every year, trying to make sure that everyone else has a Christmas as good as they do.
A prizewinning artwork, entered by local student Alastair Earley, is one of 13 artworks selected from the archives to illustrate the 2021 Texaco Children’s Art Competition Calendar. Amongst artworks drawn from the past 16 years of the competition is ‘Big Frog’ a winner when Alastair was a pupil at Berrings National School. No stranger to the Competition, Alastair also won second prize the previous year for a work entitled ‘Parrot on the Horizon’, and his sister Rachel won second prize for her artwork entitled ‘Puff the Lovely Dragon’ in the 7-8 years age category in the 48th year of the Competition, held in 2002!
KILN DRIED FIREWOOD
It was a very different lights ceremony this year in Blarney with no Santa, no schoolchildren singing, no hot chocolate and mulled wine in the Castle Hotel, but for all we were missing it was still lovely. Sir Charles and Lady Caroline, Blarney Castle Estate, turned the lights on and were joined by local councillors Damian Boylan and John Sheehan on behalf of Cork City Council, Father Fitzgerald and Reverend Robert who blessed the village and prayed for a peaceful and happy Christmas, and local sergeant John Sheehy and community Garda Sean Dwyer. The tree shines as a beacon of hope for the year ahead as we look forward to children singing again next year!
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Scoil Chroi Iosa Student Council These enthusiastic representatives from our 5th and 6th Classes give a greater voice to our pupils and empower them to influence change in the school. They are focusing on a charity project in the run up to Christmas: Christmas Jumper and Hat Day on 11th December in aid of Blarney Meals on Wheels and Cork City Hospitals Children's Club. Science Week Weird and wonderful things were happening all over the school during science week. Young astronauts were taking flight in rockets, scientists were investigating how parachutes work and lots of wacky different slimes, ooblec and mixtures were created! Letters to our older community members We are very pleased to take part in a lovely community initiative to write letters for our older community members around Blarney, Meals on Wheels customers and the local Nursing Home residents. The children have really enjoyed writing their letters and we hope that each letter will brighten someone’s day over the coming weeks. Writing these letters has focused the children on how precious older people are and has made the children feel that they can link in with older community members in a meaningful way. Thanks to Valerie Kirby for organising.
COLM BURKE TD
ADVICE CENTRE Wishing you all a happy and peaceful Christmas Due to Covid-19 social distancing requirements and in the interest of public health I am currently not hosting advice centres but should you need assistance with any matter please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or email.
46 Thomas Davis Street, Blackpool, Cork. 021 4564552 / 087 2592839 / 01 6183115 Email: colm.burke@oir.ie 10 / Muskerry News
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Muskerry News / 11
During Science Week, children in all classes took on the role of scientists participating in a variety of activities and experiments throughout the week, including our daily scientific jokes.
Junior Infants have been very busy in Aistear exploring the topic of Restaurants.
First class designed and created their own boats, testing their seaworthiness by adding passengers. Fourth Class discovered some strange science in the kitchen, and how weird water really can be.They also enjoyed online science shows, including a Zoom call with Dr. Ken Mystery learning about topics including gravity, balance and equilibrium, and an exciting online performance by Professor Baloney from UCC.
The children couldn’t wait to try their fresh fruit salad.
Here we have some very proud children with their colourful fruit collage.
AVAILABLE
12 / Muskerry News
Dogs for the Disabled gorgeous calendars and cards are available in Blarney at Abbeyville Veterinary Centre and Blarney Veterinary Centre, and Sunbeam Vets and SBG, Northpoint Business Park. Thanks to all for stocking and selling these calendars and cards which are priced at €10 and €5 respectively.
What a night! What a Toyshow! With little Jacky waving the flag for Dripsey and doing us all proud.
Popular local lady Geraldine O’Brien, pictured with her granddaughter Elsie, as she retires from Blarney Credit Union after more than 25 years as an employee and volunteer. Geraldine’s good humour and kindness will be missed by us all. (archive pic)
Twin sisters Jessica and Isabella, Dripsey, having a quiet word with Rudolph in Farran Wood.
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Blarney & District
Person of The Year Awards 2020 The November Blarney & District People of the Month are Margaret Carroll and Margaret Spillane Meals on Wheels has for many years been one of the quiet services that runs through our towns and villages, working with dignity to ensure that our most cherished residents receive a hot lunch and a chat, and never was this more important than this year when Covid19 struck and people became isolated from family and friends. In Blarney the service came under threat as the existing group were working from a small kitchen that did not allow for social distancing nor the volume of meals that were suddenly required overnight when people had to stay at home and cocoon, and families could not visit each other for the risk of spreading infection.
Margaret Carroll and Margaret Spillane, chefs who work at Blarney Castle Hotel, immediately stepped into the breach and since March this year have been preparing meals from the Castle Hotel kitchen, thanks to Ian and Una Forrest. Nothing is too much trouble for these kind ladies who make sure that all dietary requirements are met, that every meal is different and interesting and are, as we go to print, preparing a special Christmas lunch for those they have kindly catered for since early this year. At the height of the pandemic the amount of daily hot meals jumped from 25 to more than 90 per day, and this voluntary service is still delivering up to 50 hot meals every day to vulnerable people in our community. This would not have been possible without assistance from Cork City Council and the HSE who immediately stepped up to ensure that this essential services was adequately resourced and supported, the fabulous volunteers drivers but most of all the two Margarets!
Do you know someone who deserves a Blarney & District Person of The Month award? Send your nomination with the name of your nominee and the reason you wish to nominate them to Blarney & District Person of The Month Awards, The Muskerry News, Church View, Blarney, County Cork or by email to muskerrynews@gmail.com
? Dinkar Lagali Jessica Griffin Robert Gabriel Catherine January February O’Sullivan March April
Valerie Kirby Andy Mackin May June
Ballyshoneen, Berrings, Co. Cork
novan & Co. Ltd. Dan Do General Merchant & Farm Supplies
021 733 2153 dandonovanltd@gmail.com
Lucy Kay July
Deborah Maguire August
Paul OLeary September
Dr Oisín O'Connell October
Margaret Carroll Margaret Spillane November
Warm wishes to all our customers this Christmas time. Thank you for your fabulous support. 6 bags Black Star Polish Coal €114 3 bags Firequick Stove Fuel €50 Special Christmas Offer 3 bags coal, 3 Ecoblaze briquettes, 3 Firelogs €70 Turf, Ash Kindling & Blocks all available Wild Bird Seed with tasty Sunflower seeds & peanuts for all our garden friends 5 bags Cosyglo, Supatherm still good value €95 Three County & Lightning Sliotars plus Fitzgerald Hurleys all in stock
Soil Sampling kits available in store
14 / Muskerry News
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Muskerry News / 15
Vicarstown National School With all of the excitement leading up to the Late Late Toy show, we decided to do a pyjama day for the pupils on Friday so that they would be well prepared. Some of our 6th class pupils are pictured here, ready to enjoy the fun!
Our infant classes have been minding their elves while they self-quarantine after their long journey from the North Pole, while we enjoy out ‘sELFie’ station for a quick photo pose!
Cork County Council Library and Arts Services very kindly lent the school a set of ‘Animal Crackers’ and Sam Hannigan’s ‘Woof Week’ by author Alan Nolan recently. To top it off our 3rd to 6th class enjoyed a zoom call with the author where he entertained the groups. . Due to inclement weather, it took a few ‘trys’ to get Munster Rugby coaching back running again in the school and the pupils were delighted to see Emmet O’Callaghan back again for some Covid compliant sport!
The children are getting great use out of the new set of 16 IPads and charging trolley.
More Miles Retail Centre, Unit 5, Red Forge Road, Blackpool, Cork.
Our gardening team are making sure the carrots are nice and juicy for Rudolph and the other reindeer!
MARY O’CONNOR BSc. FAOI. ELAINE POOLE BSc. FAOI. Tel: 021 439 7399 email: info@oconnorpooleopticians.ie
Christmas Gifts & Vouchers, Sunglasses & Accessories
SUNGLASSES SALE NOW ON! Prada, Nike, Rayban, Kate Spade and a range of other brands available. 16 / Muskerry News
Muskerry News / 17
18 / Muskerry News
We are in the very fortunate position to have had a defibrillator recently installed in the school. This life-saving piece of equipment was acquired thanks to generous funding from the parental body organised by parent Aileen Wood. Go raibh maith agaibh!
Bí Sábháilte, Bí Sofheicthe. Naíonáin ag foghlaim faoi shábháilteacht ar na bóithre. Infants learning about road safety recently. They received certs & hi-vis armbands!
WE ARE OPEN
Due to Covid our clinics have been restricted. We do have regular Doctor and Nurse Clinics in our Grenagh surgery
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Muskerry News / 19
Covid19 turned life on its head, separating family and friends and reminding us how precious those we love are. Last month we invited you to share a black and white photographic portrait of someone or something significant to you taken during our first or second lockdown period and you responded in droves. Thank you all! We hope you enjoy this special record of local people’s highs and lows during this once in a lifetime event. Much as we would have loved to we could not include all your photographs and special moments and you can view more on our facebook page www.facebook.com/blackandwhitelockdownmemories
Yvonne and her husband Damian saying their vows on March 27th, the day lockdown was announced. “No beautiful white dress or suits, flowers, photographer and most of our family were missing. Just 10 people in Whitechurch church watching two people in love get hitched! No fancy afters, just champagne in take away cups in the car park toasting the new bride and groom!”
I took this photo the day before my beloved Dad passed away. Me.. just holding his hand... the same hand that had guided me and kept me safe as a child. Now it was our turn to mind him.... He was unconscious by then. We had been nursing him at home since February, as the cancer gnawed away at a darling Dad, husband, grandad. We were supported by Marymount and our GP as it was his wish to die at home. It was honestly one of the hardest times of my life, but knowing we granted his last wish brought us great comfort. My Mum and siblings sat at his bedside for the last few weeks and days, taking it in turn to talk with him, reminisce, pray or just BE there. Silent and accepting of what was to come. Covid made the practical things so much harder, but in a way, brought us together as a family. United in our sad and heart breaking situation. It gave us time to sit, to listen, to talk... without anything else to be doing except minding our lovely Dad in his last weeks. As 10 of us stood at his graveside on April 6th, we said our final goodbyes. Rest in peace Dad. We love you.
When we close our eyes everything is possible. Ciara Jane and Aoife ‘hugging’ nana nonie through a car window.
Eva Lynch enjoying her lockdown hideout as she reads her book in Ballyanly, Inniscarra.
A different Friday evening, no tiredness from a weeks work, chopping an onion when the pope came on the TV. I slumped down and listened to him pray all alone in the Vatican, you could hear a pin drop, this was the moment when I realised this was going to be a period in my life like no other and I silently prayed that all my family and friends would survive.
#blackandwhitelockdownmemories 20 / Muskerry News
Six faces, five masks and a mother's heart full of hope. It is very difficult to put into words what this picture means to us…..Our 3rd daughter was born on 7th of April in an emergency while my wonderful husband waited in the car for his call to come into CUMH due to Covid restrictions. She was transferred from Cork to Temple Street the same day via ambulance and I followed 4 days later. We got news that she needed lifesaving surgery on her oesophagus but that it couldn't be done in Ireland as it is an incredibly rare, complex surgery. She had to be bigger for surgery and remain an inpatient in the neonatal HDU in Temple Street where only one parent is allowed to visit at a time. The staff in HDU became our family. At 6 months she was transferred to a world expert surgeon in Poland where she and I spent a month. She bravely underwent 3 major thoroscopic surgeries in the space of 6 days. She remained ventilated and in a medical coma for 18 days. The 2 weeks after that were the scariest of my life, watching her battle sepsis and regain her strength and her smiles. Due to Covid, I was not permitted to leave the Polish hospital for the entire stay. She returned to Temple Street to recover. We are thrilled to share that the surgery was a success and we will be bringing our littlest love home to Blarney TODAY after 227 days in hospital! She is truly amazing and is our courageous lockdown legend. Huge thanks to my in-laws who moved in with us to help and to my parents for their love, support and dinners! We don't know how we would have coped without ye. Thank you to neighbours and friends for hot meals. Also thanks to ‘Hugh's House’ in Dublin for giving us a home for 7 months, a time when hotels were shut. Thanks to the air corps and the IPATS for smooth transfers overseas and home. Thanks to anyone who listened and gave advice. Thank you to the staff of CUMH who saved our lives. Thank you to the ward staff for their care and compassion when my baby was taken from me. Thank you to all the staff in Temple Street Children's Hospital. The entire staff are first class. We love you. Finally thanks to my amazing husband who is the most positive person I know, thank you for lifting my spirits when I couldn't and for your unwavering love and patience. Her sisters have been very brave and resilient and they've waited a long time for today. Two very eager ‘helpers’ await us. All they wanted from Santa was to have their baby sister home. It will be a very special Christmas this year. Photo was taken on 30th September 2020 upon landing in Poland.
They said it would be over in three weeks!
Easter different from others but still together.
Sean McSweeney taking advantage of his local 5km to take his cows for a walk.
With the many lows of these extraordinary times and other cliches, the abiding highs are usually caused by these 4. The humans are mortal enemies one minute and best of friends the next but the glue is their love of our dog, his constant loyalty and happy demeanour is unrivalled. While we worry about their mental health and hope that none of us will ever have to endure separation from family and friends again, they just get on with it in the main, with minor glitches of course. Resilience flows through their veins.
#blackandwhitelockdownmemories Muskerry News / 21
The pleasure and pride of a cocooning 91 year old great grandad, Billy Lehane, when his great grand daughter Leah Henry arrived on her special day. Social distance maintained while hearts joined. Priceless. Lockdown is upon us with uncertainty ahead, As I looked at them "we will get through this" my mind said, Fear, along with scary times we had to survive, I would protect and shield these two as long as I'm alive. Coronavirus they named this pandemic cause, After the doom and gloom news, deep breath and pause. Back to reality and protector of two small innocent souls, Looking at them, hands around each other in one picture my life goals.
Tobi Robertson, blissfully unaware that this was not how people normally celebrated their first birthdays.
This is my mum and dad, Andy and Breeda Ryan from Kerry Pike. They were 50 years married on 21st March. My son and nephew were due to make their confirmation on 23rd March so a triple celebration was to take place. Unfortunately the celebration group was just my parents and myself and my sister. I see how lockdown has affected my parents and I feel that people forget how it affects this generation as people assume they'd be tucked up at home anyway. My dad was still taking set dancing classes up to when lockdown was announced and my parents would often be out dancing two or three times in a weekend. Many a Sunday night was spent in Blarney Woollen Mills with Donal Ring. Then there were also dancing weekends away with all their pals with my dad being the life and soul and joker of the party and always on the dancefloor. Now all their social activities have ended and a year or so in the life of someone in their 70s is a huge chunk of time. But they don't complain even though they miss their pals and the craic and the activity. Hoping they can get back dancing before too long.
#blackandwhitelockdownmemories 22 / Muskerry News
Posties walk in many shoes, as they deliver positive and negative news through post boxes each day. This week I answered the doorbell to my postman Denis who presented me with my Parchment from UCC. “Well done, congratulations,” says Denis as he hands me the parchment. An emotional moment, I feel so lucky to have been presented with my parchment from Denis, and not just pick it up in the postbox. This November, Denis O’Neill of An Post stepped into the shoes of the President of UCC and presented the parchments. What an amazing job our posties do. Thank you, Denis.
My 85 year old nannie, Marie Kelly in lockdown, sitting at the back door battling the cold for a chat. No hugs, no kisses, no holding hands. But still smiling enjoying a cuddle from a furry friend.
When we have each other, we have everything. My dad Eddie O’Sullivan, from Donoughmore, having to lock down in March. Lots of jobs done around the house and when he cleared out his shed he found his mum’s bicycle and put it to good use, getting his exercise in and taking ‘Charley dog’ for a spin.
Noa exploring the giant Rhododendron in Blarney Castle Gardens. Getting outdoors has been a saving grace for us during the lockdown and the kids have shown us how to reconnect with nature and value the little things. We are so lucky to have the Castle and Gardens.
Giving birth during a global pandemic wasn't part of our birth plan. Saying goodbye to Daddy so soon after meeting him first was hard. But having Mommy all to myself those first few days was magical. Safe and loved tucked up in CUMH we got to know each other better. I am a Covid Baby.
#blackandwhitelockdownmemories Muskerry News / 23
Keep smiling! 9 year old Amy Kavanagh and her 95 year old great grandfather Stephen sharing a giggle on their first special visit after many months of Lockdown.
Our daughter Chloe during the first lockdown at Blarney Castle. Times are hard for everyone during this strange year but trying to explain to your three year that she can't go to preschool, play with her cousins or even hug her grandparents is tough. But the time we spent exploring in the castle grounds was great and she still loves it.
Kians 11th birthday in May. There was no hugging or hi-fiving but this new way of greeting when his friend popped by for 5 minutes.
#blackandwhitelockdownmemories 24 / Muskerry News
Friends Hannah Burke and Keela Cunningham meeting up in May for the first time after the lockdown for a socially distant outdoors cup of tea. Blankets and jackets and a Kit Kat included!
Trying my hand at being a barber, cutting my uncle Richard O'Driscolls hair for him during lockdown May 2020. He has kept smiling and laughing all these months despite his daycentre still being closed since March and missing the great friends and staff there.
Nan enjoying a well deserved trip out after the first tough cocooning /lockdown as she is missing the active retirement on Mondays, St Francis Day care Blackpool on Tuesdays and her weekly bus trips on Fridays and all her friends calling for tea, cake and most important the chats and trips out with family and friends. Nan turns 90 in December 2021 so the guest list is made (just 120!) and The Castle Hotel, Macroom is booked for hopefully family and friends to gather to celebrate a great woman who is always ready for road.
April celebrating her 4th birthday by having a picnic in the woods with her sister, their dolls, teddies and Nana. Best birthday ever apparently!
8 year old Oliver did a 5,000 metre walk during lockdown raising over €37,000 in funds for three charities, helping those that help him. This courageous boy continues to walk every day building his strength for the future ahead!
My nana, 90 years young, with my eight year old daughter Leona on her communion day. My grandad passed away in May, my daughter Leona says we have to wrap her great nana in cotton wool to protect her.
The tri colour is raised outside Rathpeacon National School to mark an eerily quiet St. Patrick's Day, five days into lockdown. No children singing or playing Irish songs, no Irish dancing, no parades...just the lone Irish flag keeping the community spirit flying high. My mum moved out to my house in Carrignavar for lockdown in April. Mum was 89 in May and walked the beautiful park in Carrignavar everyday during lockdown. Unfortunately mum, Mary O’Connor, passed away in October (not Covid related) but I’m so happy for my lockdown memories of my beloved mum.
Erin visiting her lovely nanny during the first lockdown.
Hugs from my gorgeous grandchildren in between the first and second lockdown, I find the separation very difficult knowing they are near but yet so far. Hopefully our sacrifices will save their future and ours.
#blackandwhitelockdownmemories Muskerry News / 25
This year has brought shattered dreams, shattered hopes, and shattered hearts. It has entered us into a world of pre and post COVID of which we can not yet fully imagine. There have been hardships; missed holidays, missed births, lost jobs, lost homes and lost lives. For many of us we have had to endure an extraordinarily long time alone, separated from those we might turn to in our hour of need. But perhaps we have been given a unique opportunity to appreciate the moments which help us to carry on. That phone call from a neighbour or loved one far away. The taste of a home cooked meal. A stroll in nature. The time to slow down and reset. Personally this year, my small family has experienced serious illness and loss. It brought heightened stresses in work to the brink of almost losing everything we’ve worked for. And while we also had the happy news of expecting our second child, it has been accompanied by complications which have left us hoping that we can just hold out a little longer...just a little longer, and doing so while separated by hospital regulations and tears. Over the past few months, a tiredness seems to have taken hold which makes it hard to continue. But, even with all this, I’d still consider myself lucky. The two in the picture have been my heartbeat. Every moment they and we have had to laugh and make fun, to giggle and be silly has been taken complete advantage of. We’ve had so much more time together; talking, playing, dancing, reading, walking (not sleeping as Will is only one and hasn’t learned the joy of it yet!) and just being together in our little bubble so that all the badness seems to melt away. They have kept me going. They have gotten me through. And they have kept me grateful and looking forward. I hope everyone is as fortunate to have someone or something like this during these times. It’s something for which I’ll be forever grateful."
“No school, no playgrounds, and no visits to my Aunty’s house. They keep talking about a ‘virus’ but I don’t really understand. Everything has changed and I’m scared. I miss my friends and I’m worried that school is gone forever. I don’t have the words to tell anyone how I feel. But walks with my dog make me feel safe, and happy. I get to see the beautiful countryside and listen to Mum and she tells me about all the things we see.” Our Lockdown Hero was our Assistance Dog Quelda, who helped Conor to get out and about every day.
Evan & Sophie enjoying their Covid Communion Day in Blarney.
#blackandwhitelockdownmemories 26 / Muskerry News
My Oma, aged 96, at the start of the first lockdown with her two prized possessions! She survived the Second World War and was not going to let Covid 19 get in her way.
Home schooling during lockdown for 8 year old Mary Coleman was made all the easier by the constant support and assistance from her best buddy Trix (23!). Never underestimate the love and friendship our four legged friends give to us in our lives.
Wall of Love by Annette Dilworth Enright
Veil of love. During Covid19 Lockdown, love positivity and a little creativity brought this veil of love to life. Emer wore a Carrickmacross lace veil on her wedding day, handmade by her Nana Maimie O'Shea before she passed away in 2015. The veil symbolises what matters most in these unprecedented times and made a 2020 Lockdown Wedding possible - Love, Family and Friends.
Lockdown Project no 9, Always dreamed, but never had time; How to start, from many to choose, When you love them all, none willing to lose; Feeling motivated, finally have time, To do this passion project of mine. Looking through photos, so many have passed; Reminded of memories, how time moves so fast; Precious reminders of moments and loved ones; That will live on our wall forever like young ones. Our wall of love, of memories, of faces; Makes me smile and has become my favourite of places.
My son Tony's ďŹ rst birthday back in April. Still happy.
Delivering the food shopping to my parents and visiting my niece when they were in isolation during the first lockdown.
A walk in the woods in Killowen during our first lockdown.
Charlie, grandbaba no. 9, the most facetimed baby ever, until we meet in person.
#blackandwhitelockdownmemories Muskerry News / 27
"Two weeks before Covid hit I got multiple blood clots in my lungs, being self employed I returned to work after a week then Covid hit. I expected my business to come to a halt but it hasn’t instead it has gone from strength to strength. Every day brings more calls, more texts, more emails and more messages to my facebook page. Business is growing by the day, I am so grateful as I really feel for all the businesses who had to close. I now employ a second year apprentice and a fully qualified electrician. I would have never imagined that during a world wide pandemic my dreams would come true. I’ve never really liked building sites, my first love is domestic work so just as Covid hit I made the scary decision to only do domestic work with a little commercial work mixed in. I get to meet the most wonderful people everyday, the hours are long and then in the evenings it’s returning calls, booking work in and doing up quotes and I am so enjoying it. Imagine being able to say you enjoy nearly every day a work. My late father used to always say, ‘No matter what the job, have pride in your work,’ advice that has stood to me well. I look forward to the future of Martin Crowley Electrical. Thank you to my sister Claire who gives me every bit of support, runs my facebook page, my diary and everything else. I couldn’t have done this without her. Second, most important thank you to every customer, repeat customer, every like comment and share on facebook, you are the reason three men have a job."
Tom Kelleher. A kind man. A thoughtful man. A humorous man. A gentle(man). I miss our trips out with the cameras to the ring of Kerry. The stop at Muckross to shoot the reflections in the lake. The coffee and cake. Then the drive up to Moll's gap, all the while ‘having the craic.’ Swapping stories, and jokes. A quick snap at Molls gap and on to Avoca for more coffee and cake. Blarney Castle and its majestic grounds have, however, been an oasis for my Dad (and I). The ability to meet up in a beautiful outdoor setting is priceless. We routinely marvel at the beauty that God created, which Adam and the team then lend their skillful hands to maintain and dare I say improve year on year. Memories are made of this. Thanks for all you did and continue to do for me Dad. Pat
Rachel was due to sit her leaving certificate June 2020. Here she is in the garden in May playing for her virtual graduation.
#blackandwhitelockdownmemories 28 / Muskerry News
Turning 21 during a global pandemic meant a lot of disappointments, no party, no family able to travel to celebrate with us. Still on the day Kayla got dressed up and had prosecco in the garden, grateful for the sunshine and that we were healthy.
My granny Josephine Foley finally meeting her great grandaughter Gracie, 83 years between them, in the bubble with formed with her, as she lives on her own.
My dad Frank O Driscoll turned 70 during lockdown!
Although our kitchen table is normally used for meals and family gatherings, and our girls generally use their desks, it came to good use in the lockdown. SMGS principal, teachers and all staff made our life as parents alot easier as they where on hand day and night keeping our daughters focused on a routine of work, projects, cooking competitions etc. What a fabulous school to attend, and we as parents were able to focus on staying healthy, doing exercise and keeping them positive. Thank you Padraig, Sherman and staff.
Granddad Willie having a socially distant lunch in his van while his grandchildren looked out the window at him and waved.
This year has seen us practically locked in our home due to being on immuno suppressant drugs all three of us are on due to autoimmune diseases which we share. Ryan is 20 and was due to start college, Eoghan is 14 and was due to go into second year. Instead we have cocooned and as much as we have always spent lots of time together they always had their friends which they can’t have at all at the moment, our home has always been full of their friends but it’s quiet now. I’m a child of the 70’s and wouldn’t be techie but through the lads I’ve learnt now to Skype, thank God for technology during this covid 19 I think it has been a saving grace. Both the lads have Asperger’s also but Covid has in a strange sense been a positive in our home as the lads are happy overall to stay in, we have shared so many documentaries about each of our various interests and had such great discussions. It has taught me to slow down, I’ve learnt how to bring our interests into our home, we normally attend lots of movies, plays, talks and travel. I’m grateful for the boys aspergers as they have opened my little world in ways I could never have imagined. I’m grateful for the first time for our illnesses as we don’t have the stress many others face, having to go to school or work, we’ve been safe in our own little bubble and as grateful as I’ve always been that we enjoy each others company this time at home has given us the time to concentrate on life skills we all need, things like teaching the boys to cook, to use the washing machine and how to have our food shopping delivered, skills they will both need in life. I’m a typical Irish mammy and they didn’t have to do any of these but Covid has taught me they enjoy the accomplishments of everyday life. Don’t get me wrong it does have its difficulties but the positives out weight the negatives. All three of us are Star Wars and Marvel fans we have watched every movie again, have tried so many new foods, learnt to exercise at home and travel through travel shows. Covid has shown me the boys can adapt to radical change and I’m not as worried as I used to be about their future. I worried if they weren’t exposed to the outside world somehow life wouldn’t be fulfilling and rich but it is and can be just in a different way. Even our two dogs Podge & Rodge have benefited as we are home all the time and they both get even more attention love and rubs. May the world return to a brighter and better place after all this.
#blackandwhitelockdownmemories Muskerry News / 29
The Castlewest Express Nothing captures the imagination of a child more than the sight of a model train making its’ way around a track. It also appeals to adults alike who reminisce about their own childhood and the joy they experienced playing with their own train sets at Christmas. Here at Castlewest we wanted to return some of that nostalgic feeling to our customers in what has been a very challenging year for everyone, and so, we have created a Polar Express themed window complete with a live model steam engine and carriages. The train will run every day for Christmas and kids (maybe some adults too!) will even have an opportunity to win a super Coca Cola branded train set through our Facebook page. Give yourself and your kids some festive joy and come out to us here in Ballincollig to see the Castlewest Express travel around the North Pole!
Blarney Daisy Brownies had a fantastic morning last Sunday festive wreath making thanks to the Old Post Office cafe, Blarney, who offered their garden space to allow them to work safely outdoors. Great hospitality and amazing hot chocolate too!
30 / Muskerry News
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Thank you!
Your support during this year has been appreciated more than you know! We wish you all a happy and healthy Christmas and look forward to looking after you again in 2021. Muskerry News / 31
The national ďŹ nal of Macra na Feirme impromptu public speaking took place last month on Zoom with Sheila Lynch representing Muskerry Macra fantastically in the national final. Congratulations to the team at Donoughmore Macra, Diarmuid O'Connell, Sinead Nee, Brian O'Reilly and Alan Twomey, who won the national final of the Macra na Feirme 'Know your Ag' competition sponsored by the Irish Farmers Journal. The competition was held online for the first time in its existence and it was also the first time a club from the Muskerry region won the competition. Muskerry Macra are staying busy despite the current guidelines and host a games night on Zoom every Thursday night playing 'Among Us' which is open to all. They also held a photography competition with some fantastic entries. Matty Casey won the competition with Ava Kelleher second and Elaine O'Connell third.
Season's Greetings
32 / Muskerry News
Crookstown Macra won the regional round of 7 a side football just before the latest level 5 restrictions under lights in Stuake and now proceed to the national final in the new year.
Whitechurch 2020 Carol Service In aid of The Samaritans
Christmas would not be Christmas without the Whitechurch Carol Service and, for almost 25 years, for people in Whitechurch and the surrounding areas, Christmas starts with this beautiful annual service. Despite the restrictions that Covid-19 have placed upon us all, they have endeavoured to present their virtual Whitechurch Carol Service for 2020. You are invited to join them for a live streaming of their very first online Carol service on the Cór Geal website https://corgealchoir.ie/carolservice/ on Sunday December 20th at 5pm or 7.30pm. The service will be broadcast to the parish and to the world! The Service is directed and arranged by Betty Fitzgerald, who also arranges the music, prepares the orchestra, and features favourite Christmas Carols and music. All you have to so is turn up the volume, sit back, relax and let this beautiful carol service draw you into Christmas. Donations are accepted in aid of The Samaritans, and you can donate at corgealchoir.ie Thank you
The history of the Whitechurch carol service
For almost 25 years, for people in Whitechurch, and the surrounding areas, Christmas starts with the Carol Service. It features a massed choir of some 80 singers, including Cór Geal, St. Patricks Church choir and other friends who join for this event, along with classes from Whitechurch National School, and an orchestra of some 20 to 30 musicians. We have prayers and readings and a blessing from our local priest. The Carol Service is a Christian religious service. It consists of hymns about Christmas and readings from the Gospels telling the Christmas story from the foretelling of a Saviour, Jesus Christ, to His birth in Bethlehem. Prayers are said for the community and the whole world. There is a collection for charity to remind us of the Christian exhortation that we love our neighbour, feed the hungry, cloth the naked and visit the sick. The Church is decorated with candles, flowers, Christmas lights and of course the Crib. The music performed ranges from traditional Carol Service fair to modern arrangements, new Carols and medleys. We sing in English, Latin and Irish. Most pieces are sung in four parts, some in three and some featuring soloists and choir. Favourites include “Do you hear what I hear?” “Ring Christmas Bells” “Oh Holy Night” “O come all ye Faithful/ Adeste Fideles”, “The Coming of the Lord”, and “Mary had a Baby”.
Brighter, Whiter Smiles!
Our smile is often the first thing others notice. Whiter, brighter teeth can give us more confidence and make that smile all the more ready to appear. The first stage to obtaining a beautiful smile is to ensure that the teeth and gums are healthy. Visit your dentist regularly for a check up so that any cavities or gum problems can be treated early before they turn into bigger problems. The sooner problems are detected the simpler they are to treat and the less noticeable they will appear. Everybody with PRSI cover and a Medical Card (over 16 years old) is entitled to a free dental check up once a year. The most common causes of tooth discolouration are smoking, coffee, tea and red wine. An extensive scale and polish can sometimes remove the majority of these stains without any further treatment required, deeper more extensive discolouration however may require further treatment. Tooth Whitening is suitable as long as the teeth and gums are healthy. So called whitening products are available in the supermarkets and pharmacies, these have been found to have limited affects due to the amount of bleaching agent contained. EU directives limit the strength of whitening agents sold over the counter to less than a tenth of that which can be prescribed by your dentist. The steps involved in tooth whitening are simple. Impressions of your teeth are taken, which special custom fitting trays (like thin mouthguards) are made. Whitening gel is placed in your custom trays which fit snugly over your teeth, this gel breaks down and oxygen ‘dissolves’ the stains. You can wear the traysover night or any time during the day. Everybody’s teeth will whiten at different rates but on average excellent results are obtained after 5-14 days. The results will last indefinitely although can be refreshed when required if restaining occurs (coffee/tea/smoking!) Dr Carolyn Barry Murphy.
Muskerry News / 33
Wishing you all a happy and peaceful Christmas
Buying or selling a house in 2020?
2020 Whitechurch Foroige Members have been very busy putting up lights on trees across from Whitechurch Church for Christmas. Club leader Ambrose McNamara also made an array of Christmas figures, and members in different sheds in their homes painted them over the weekend so keep an eye out for them in Whitechurch and Waterloo!
2019
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34 / Muskerry News
Behind the Castle Walls I honestly cannot figure out what happened to November. I suppose we have been so busy wishing away the time that it has finally happened! December will also fly by and we will shortly be in a new, and hopefully more ‘normal’ year. Fortunately, the gardens do not know anything of the virus or lockdowns. Plants continue to grow and develop with the seasons, and animals follow their usual routines.
Simply put, life carries on with or without us. That is why it is good to get outside and connect with nature. It gives good perspective. This time of year is always hectic here in the gardens. A lot of people think that we slow down in the winter months but, in reality it never does! As the general maintenance jobs like grass cutting ease off, we start our seasonal jobs and new projects. We are well underway with tidying and we are currently cutting back and mulching the herbaceous borders. We had to wait until the overnight frosts came, and plants started to die back. It is a little sad every autumn to see it fade away and it’s hard to imagine that all that lush growth will be back in abundance next year. Planting season is upon us and we are currently putting in many new Cherry trees. These are particularly special cultivars that have been supplied to us from a specialist nursery in the UK. They are all varieties of Matsumae Cherry’s from Japan and are some of the best flowering specimens to be found. They will form a new Cherry Walk in years to come. I am looking forward to seeing them develop. A big job for us this time of the year is leaf collection. We compost a lot of our leaf litter, as it’s a free source of extremely good mulch for plants. Let’s face it the natural ways are usually the best! We do not, however, collect up the leaves from our main Lime tree avenue or in the arboretums. These are pushed back under the trees to provide protective mulch and feed for the snowdrop and bluebell bulbs that live there. December is always a month where we aim to finish up projects etc, but I have learnt to be fairly realistic. Life goes on in January! Other work for the month includes wind lopping roses to prevent wind rock, roughly digging over vegetable beds, tidying up and disinfecting glasshouses, planting or moving bare root trees and shrubs, sorting out compost bins and spreading on the surface of vegetable beds, tree surgery and general housekeeping. I’m extremely lucky to be working in such beautiful surroundings, and I frequently get stopped by locals who are visiting the gardens to tell me how thankful they are to be able to access the grounds and gardens in these trying times. There are over 5km of tracks and trails to walk, and plenty of points of interest for all the family. If you have not been to visit, then please do come and see us. All of us here in the castle and gardens would like to wish everybody a very happy Christmas and a prosperous new year. We hope to see more of you in the gardens next year. Do make use of the season passes, as they represent excellent value for money.
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Agnes Hickey, Secretary Blarney and District Historical Society, presents the Societies annual donations to Sister Peggy, Blarney Care of the Aged, and Catherine Phelan, Blarney Branch of St. Vincent de Paul.
Congratulations Nadia and Aishling, SMGS Blarney, on winning the SciFest SFI STEM Outreach Award 2020.
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Unit 6B, Woodfield, Station Rd, Blarney Muskerry News / 35
News from Times Past with Brian Gabriel, Blarney & District Historical Society Michael Cunningham's life in the I.R.A. and An Garda Síochána byBRIAN GABRIEL My father served as Superintendent of the Gardaí in the Blarney District from 1944 until he retired in 1962. He was so happy living and working in Blarney that he declined an offer of promotion as Chief Superintendent so that he could end his days there. He died Aug 9th 1974 and is buried in the new cemetery in Garrycloyne. My father was born in 1899 on a small farm in Shyan near Kilmihil, Co Clare. He was but a young fella of 16 when he joined the West Clare Brigade of the Old I.R.A. under Commandant P. J. Haugh, I think, and subsequently, Sean Liddy. At the time, they had neither guns nor ammunition or even uniforms, but that did not stop them drilling up and down the fields with sticks on their shoulders in the evenings preparing for the revolution. They had heard about the plans for an uprising sometime in the late Spring or Summer of 1916 but had no details of the actual event. In fact, the first they knew about the Easter Week Rising in the GPO, was when they read about it in the Clare Champion the following weekend. My father used often say, that were it not for poor communications, he could have been up in Dublin getting shot at instead of blissfully marching around the fields of West Clare. After the truce was declared in 1922, the members of the Old I.R.A. had a few decisions to make about what to do with themselves. They had to choose between joining the Free State Army, joining the Guards, staying on the run or returning to the farm. My father was not too keen on the latter two choices and the decision on the first two was basically made for them by whichever way their Commandant decided to go. Commandant Brennan of the East Clare brigade led a group of I.R.A. men from Clare, including my father, into the newly formed Guardians of the Peace and my father was assigned number 842. He was in the second batch of 500 guards who signed up in March/April 1922. There used to be a photo of him and other recruits with first commissioner Michael Staines, on the spiral staircase of the Garda Museum in Dublin Castle. They were originally based in the old military barracks in Kildare town as the Depot in the Phoenix Park had not been handed over by the British yet. As it happened, a senior post came up in the Gardaí and Brennan and his men felt that he should get it. However, an experienced former R.I.C. man called Doherty from Donegal got the job instead and this created resentment among the former I.R.A. men. They decided to mutiny and broke into the armoury, which at that time was packed with guns confiscated from the old RIC and the Dublin Metropolitan Police. Just as Brennan and his men had taken over the barracks, an armoured car and some soldiers from the Curragh Camp appeared at the front gate. The mutineers assumed that they had been sent to quell the mutiny, but it subsequently turned out to have been sheer coincidence. My father told me that a standoff ensued and just as it was about to turn nasty, one of the soldiers from the Curragh Camp, who was from Clare, recognised one of the lads inside the gate, who was also from Clare, and when they explained the situation to each other the tension was eased. When word got to Michael Collins about this incident, he was furious at Staines for letting it happen and it cost Staines his job as Commissioner. Collins subsequently blamed a “Cabal from Clare” for the mutiny. My father was then posted to Sligo and his first assignment was to reopen old R.I.C. stations in Donegal in the name of the new Garda Síochána. Now Donegal at the time was still fighting the War of Independence and the sight of a man in uniform cycling around the place offered the local lads an opportunity for target practice. Sure enough, one day, some of the I.R.A. lads took a few pot shots at the father and it took a lot of shouting and explaining before he got it across to them that the British and the RIC were no longer in charge in Dublin and that he represented the new State that they had been fighting for. To the day he died, he still did not know whether or not they knew that BEFORE they started shooting at him. Later on, in the 1920s, when my Father was stationed in Sligo, a message came through from Dublin one day about the illegal pontin stills out on Tory island off the Donegal coast. Apparently, the Tory islanders had quite a thriving industry going on up
36 / Muskerry News
there and used to supply the ships sailing between Scotland, Northern Ireland and America with poitín for the speakeasys of the Prohibition days in the States. The U.S. Embassy had complained to the Government who had in turn instructed the Guards to smash the illegal operation. A detachment of Guards from Sligo and surrounding areas was sent to carry out the operation. They travelled up the coast until they reached the point on the mainland from which the boats would row out to the island. Having hired the required boats, they set off and landed at the pier on Tory. When they announced their intentions however, the islanders were thrown into a state of agitation and it was not long before they were confronted by an angry crowd. Now the islanders had their own 'King' and this gentleman told the Guards that if they smashed up all the stills, they need not worry about getting home to the mainland as they would all be drowned. The guards passed no heed but proceeded to break up all the poitín stills they could find. The King told them again that the elder women had turned the stones in the graveyard and thereby called down a curse on the intruders; a storm would arise and drown them all as they rowed back to the mainland. He told them that a few years before, a British warship had sent men ashore to do the same thing and a similar curse was called upon their heads. According to his highness, the ship was sunk and all hands drowned. The guards did some quick thinking and decided to arrest the King and bring him back in the boat with them so that he might act as insurance against anything happening. When the job was done, they returned with their captive to the pier only to find that the boatmen had spent the day guzzling the last few drops of available poitín and were pxxxxd out of their minds. Undaunted, the Guards rolled up their sleeves and started to row the boats as best they could. It was not long before a storm did indeed blow up and my father remembers being really frightened trying to keep his boat on an even keel. They eventually did reach shore and although my father's hands were streaming blood from the burst blisters, he never felt happier. The lads brought their captive back to Sligo and he was duly prosecuted and sentenced. One of the Guards had also slipped a little keg of 'whiskey' into one of the boats and they decided not to open it there and then, but to keep it until Christmas and have a wee party. When they opened it at Xmas however, it was pure poison and undrinkable and had to be dumped. Whether this sample was cursed or representative of what the Americans at the time had to drink in their ‘speak-easies’, we will never know. I remember my father telling me another night about a time when he was still in the I.R.A. during the War of Independence and his battalion was instructed to take over a landlord's house outside Kilrush, which had been abandoned by the owners. They had placed sentries at the front and back doors and the others were playing cards in a room off the hall to pass the time. Around 10 o'clock or so, the large front door was heard to bang open and heavy footsteps were heard crossing the hall and stomping up the stairs. The lads grabbed the rifles and rushed out only to find nobody there but a frightened sentry. They could still hear the footsteps on the stairs however and followed the noise up to the top floor and into a room which had obviously been barricaded up for years. They proceeded to smash down the door with the butts of the rifles and when they shone the candles around the room, they could see nothing only old dusty religious statues and pictures. There were no doubts about the supernatural amongst those lads from that day on, even though they were down to earth soldiers and not given to superstition. On another such night when he would tell me of his past, he confided in me that he once saw a file in Union Quay barracks in Cork which contained the name of the man who shot Michael Collins. He told me that since he was sworn to secrecy, he would never tell even his family and, anyhow, his superiors at the time felt that the name should be kept secret as it's revelation would only revive old civil war enmities. I tried to press him for more information but he abruptly replied “That’s enough about that now” and that was the end of that discussion.
The above excerpt was taken from a much larger article of the same title written by John Cunningham and published in Issue No 11 ‘Old Blarney’ Journal. A limited number of ‘Old Blarney’ back issues are still available by contacting 087 2153216, or www.blarneyhistory.ie They are an ideal Christmas gift. Please keep checking the Web-site for up-to-date information. Blarney and District Historical Society Wishes all their Members, Friends, Speakers and Supporters a Very Happy Christmas and a Safe New Year.
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Although rugby may be on hold for the moment that does not mean the players from Muskerry RFC have not been busy. On recent Friday evenings, players from the club’s Junior 1 and Junior 2 squads have given up their time to help out the St Vincent de Paul charity. The masked and socially distanced squads, led by club captain Joe Tracey, have donated the time they would have spent training this month to pack Christmas food hampers for families in need. They even chose to skip watching the recent Ireland v Wales game to keep up the momentum. Kate Durrant, St. Vincent de Paul said, “We could not do it without help from voluntary groups like Muskerry RFC.”
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It's been a strange year for the funny old game and we are looking forward to pulling on our BUFC jerseys again. We would like to thank all our players, supporters, sponsors and the coaches and volunteers who do so much for our club. Wishing everyone a very happy and safe Christmas. Here's hoping for lots of games to look forward to in 2021. Many thanks and wishing you a Merry Christmas.
Cllr Damian
BOYLAN Thank you for your support during 2020 and I look forward to working for you again in 2021. The big hearted players at Blarney United who helped made Christmas possible for other families this year by packing hampers for SVP this Christmas.
Muskerry News / 39
Blarney GAA news
www.blarneygaa.ie
Blarney GAA Healthy Club have spearheaded a lovely community initiative working with our local national schools. Pupils have been writing letters to our older community members around Blarney, letters that will be distributed through our Meals on Wheels network and to local nursing home residents.The children have really enjoyed writing their letters and they hope that each letter will brighten someones day over the coming weeks. Writing these letters has focused the children on how precious older people are and has made the children feel that they can link in with older community members in a meaningful way.
Make sure you pick up a copy of Blarney GAA Healthy Club 2021 calendar. Full of photographs of local people in the community and positive quotes, no self respecting Blarney kitchen wall should be without one! Priced at only â‚Ź5 you can buy your calendar from BFS, Blarney GAA Clubhouse or Blarney GAA Healthy Cub members.
What a lovely surprise for the children when Santa Claus appeared at training! The picture sums up what a very different year it has been, but not even Covid-19 could stop Santa from saying hello.. at a distance of course.
Blarney GAA senior players working hard packing Christmas food hampers for SVP last month, one of several teams that gave up their time in the hope that we can all enjoy Christmas this year.
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Congratulations to Paul Walsh, Blarney, and friends who spent a few weeks in September and October training for the rebel run, a mile challenge which took place at a safe social distance in the park in Togher earlier this month. Well done Paul! Paul Sheridan, founder of Tour de Munster has been named as Novembers Cork Person of the Month. An avid cyclist himself, Paul's work to raise funds for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland, as well as others, has helped the lives of countless Cork families. This year marked the 20th anniversary since Paul Sheridan started the Tour de Munster. The Tour de Munster is an annual event which sees cyclists travel a total distance of 600km across Munster’s six counties over four days. Each year, the Tour raises much needed funds for the Munster branches of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI), as well as other smaller beneficiaries. The funds raised each year enable the Munster branches of DSI to keep their services operating. Since 2010 the Tour de Munster has raised €2.8 million for the Munster DSI branches. Every year, Paul works tirelessly to organise the Tour de Munster, putting in hours of training to make sure that himself and all of the other cyclists are able for the cycle ahead. The group of cyclists is made up of both keen fans of the sport, as well as amateur enthusiasts who are committed to fundraising for the cause. Paul leads the group each year, encouraging them and ensuring that everyone is ready for the gruelling four days of The Tour.
our friends Wishing all mers and custo a happy hy and healt a Christm s
Dan Sheehan
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Huge thanks to the many local community groups including Cór Geal, Muskerry RFC, Inniscarra Community, Blarney United, Blarney GAA, Whitechurch Foroige, Farm Power, local book clubs and groups of friends that made Christmas possible for other families this year by packing hampers, organising food drives and fundraising for SVP this Christmas.
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Looking at getting healthy for 2021? Then this is the perfect prize for you. Win this amazing bundle of positivity from Derval O' Rourkes new online gift store www.shop.derval.ie This Ultimate Bundle includes annual membership for Derval.ie, positivity tree framed print, two award winning and signed cookbooks, healthy lifestyle journal and 250g Mahers Italian blend coffee To enter simply tell us what is included in the Ultimate Bundle and send your answer along with your name and contact details to muskerrynews@gmail.com
Good luck! Muskerry News / 43
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