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News Vol 19, Issue 6 | March 2021

Shop Local • Eat Local • Stay Local • Enjoy Local

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Follow our stories

Thanks to all the fabulous Blarney Tidy Towns volunteers who turned out last weekend and cleared rubbish from the woods on Station Road, the village, the duck walk and Blarney Business Park. With more than 40 bags collected, the volunteers efforts ﬁlled the container. New volunteers are always welcome and if you would like to join please text Kate at 087 2330398.

Rathpeacon Community Association are at the beginning of a new project to record the memories and history in the area. If you or a family member have memories to share please contact Bethan on 083 3130446. They look forward to gathering the memories and hearing the history.

Winning pic by Sean Cronin

The fabulous competition in last months edition of The Muskerry News, sponsored by Blarney Castle estate, attracted some incredible entries from our talented local photographers. The standard of photography was so high that it was impossible for our judges to pick a winner and the final four photographs had to go to public vote who, in a very tight finish, decided our winner was Sean Cronin for this incredible photograph. Thanks so much to everyone who entered and we’re delighted to share some of the wonderful photographs with you in our centre pages, we only wish that they all could have won!

101-year-old Peg Curtin became the ﬁrst person to complete the Covid-19 vaccination programme at Oaklodge Nursing Home in Cloyne, which has successfully remained Covid-free throughout the pandemic.

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It is with great sadness Dripsey Ambush Memorial Committee wish to inform you the Annual Parade could not take place this year due to the Covid 19 pandemic. We will keep you informed of any new developments and thank you for your support over the years.

2 / Muskerry News

TAKE AWAY SERVICE AVAILABLE

As if a pandemic wasn’t enough to deal with for our schools, Rathpeacon National School’s main building suffered extensive damage during the icy weather at the start of January. In the early hours of January 11th, pipes burst in the attics causing serious water damage to the school, as you can see from the photographs. Ceilings in four of the seven classrooms in the main school building collapsed and significant water damage was caused to much of the classroom contents and the floors. The corridors and SEN rooms were also badly affected. It was a blessing in disguise that the school was closed, that nobody was injured and that repairs could begin almost immediately. Project Managers (KSN) and building contractors (Vision Contracting) were appointed almost immediately by the Department of Education and Skills and renovations began on Wednesday 13th of January. The work done would take advantage of the COVID-19 closure and also incorporate previously planned fire remediation work at the school. Thanks to the incredible efforts of the school’s Principal Mrs. Susanna O'Neill and the school’s dedicated caretaker, Mr. Con O’Sullivan, the school will be in perfect order for all classes to return on March 15th with any remaining work taking place during the Easter break. Meanwhile, the children from Juniors to 2nd Class, their teachers and SNAs returned to school on March 1st and are housed temporarily in the school’s two senior buildings to allow renovations to continue.

Before

During

After

The construction crew from Vision Contracting removed the ceilings throughout much of the building and replaced them with new, fully insulated ceilings. Most of the wiring, lighting, pipe work and flooring have also been replaced. The Board of Management has purchased interactive touch screens for every room, replacing all the overhead projectors. The school has been beautifully redecorated. While all this was going on, the teaching staff and SNAs continued to support the school’s 350+ pupils remotely with daily online teaching and learning. Mrs. O’Neill told us: “All of the work being done is modernising the main school building and bringing it up to the highest standards in terms of insulation, fire ratings and technology. The team at Vision Contracting have done outstanding work and I can’t praise the entire crew enough for their professionalism, their attention to detail and the standard of finish to everything that has been done so far. Their work is absolutely commendable.” “When we move back in, we will have a fully refurbished, redecorated school building that will be just like new. I’m really looking forward to seeing the reaction of pupils, staff and parents when they see the transformation. It has been a long, but very exciting eight weeks and I’m incredibly proud to have been part of this work and to be able to reopen such a wonderful, modern facility which will serve the community of Rathpeacon for generations to come. All that’s missing now is the sound of the children’s voices to really bring the building back to life once again!” We wish Mrs. O’Neill, the staff and pupils a successful, safe and happy return to school over the coming weeks.

Muskerry News / 3

Berrings NS Another month of Remote Learning has flown by for the children and staff of Berrings National School. The children continued to engage with their online seesaw lessons and zoom calls. Mid-February marked Berrings National School’s ‘Well Being Week’. This saw the children partaking in activities that ranged from lip syncing, to constructing obstacle courses, learning how to juggle, displaying their cooking skills and even learning the infamous ‘Jerusalema Dance’. There were so many highlights to the week especially our zoom fitness class kindly provided by EMT Fitness , an online Pilates class professionally led by the incredible Hannah Buckley and not forgetting Danny Zumba himself making an appearance too , much to the joy and delight of all in Berrings NS. We were thrilled to welcome back the children of the Naíonra, Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 on the 22nd of February. Their smiling faces conveyed their happiness at their return to school. Laughter and joy filled the halls of Berrings NS once more. Class 3 celebrated their return by constructing their very own ‘camp fire’ – roasted marshmallows included ! We eagerly await the return of all the pupils of Berrings National School. ‘School without students are like memories without pictures’

WE ARE OPEN

Due to Covid our clinics have been restricted. We do have regular Doctor and Nurse Clinics in our Grenagh surgery

We have a Nurse Clinic with Nurse Sarah, and Doctor Clinic with Dr Nick Flynn, Dr George O'Mahony and Dr Ronan Coakley Please ring 021 4886672 to book, or via our website mycorkgp.ie

Clinics also in St Marys Health Campus 021 4211787 • Douglas 021 4893829 • North Main Street 021 4502838 4 / Muskerry News

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Huge thanks to Vaughan Skip Hire for donating a skip to Grenagh Tidy Towns. They are really looking forward to their annual parish clean up which takes place every Good Friday. If you wish to play your part in keeping your area clean please contact Breda on 087 6116511.

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Could the Witch’s Yew

Karen McCarthy from Clogheen is a third year Food Marketing and Entrepreneurship student in University College Cork, and the Marketing officer behind Roots for Life, a socialbe enterprise selling Tree food and seeds online with all the profits generated going Tree European offlower the Year? to Marymount Hospice. Roots for Life wants to improve local areas by encouraging people to plant flowers around Cork, and aims to educate people on sustainable practices by selling food seeds to encourage people to eat what they grow. “We believe that ecology and the environment around us is a pillar of our community. Ireland is known worldwide for its lush, emerald green forests and native Celtic flowers and we have a reputation to uphold. Keeping the local flora and fauna thriving is monumental for our habitat and losing something so pure would be fatal in our eyes.” Karen, who also teaches gymnastics in Blarney with Blarney Gymnastics Club, told us, “I got involved with this project as I like to give back to society. Unfortunately cancer has affected everyone, this project wants to raise money for cancer research in Marymount Hospice in Cork. I believe that it is important to give back to society in a sustainable way and this is what UCC Roots For Life is all about.” Check out their website onwww.ucc-roots-for-life.myshopify.com/ and support Marymount.

Blairs Inn, Cloghroe, found itself under water once more last month when the area was hit with floods, however thanks to Cork City Council and Cork City Fire Brigade pumps were soon in action clearing flood water. As Richard and Duncan posted after the event, “We’re all good. Dry anyway. I’m sure some of you saw those photos circulating of those fabulous fire crews and county council workers labouring through the night to keep our little pub safe n sound. As for what has caused this new problem (it’s the second time in two months that the fire brigade have had to come to our rescue), that’s an argument for another day. We just wanted to express our sincere thanks to all the crews that attended the scene.”

JOE COTTER

After

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Hats off to all the children, parents and teachers in Cloghroe National School for the trojan work being done during the current lockdown. The school has been a lonely place without the children, but even so the learning did not stop. Through digital learning platforms such as Seesaw and Microsoft Teams, pupils, parents and teachers worked together on a daily basis. Here is a sample of some of the amazing work completed by the students. As we gradually return to school, it is a joy to see the smiling faces and hear the wonderful sounds of happy children echo throughout the school once again.

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8 / Muskerry News

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Return to school for Junior and Senior Infants, ﬁrst and second Classes It was with great pleasure that we re-opened our school doors to our Infants, First and Second Class students. Children and staff were delighted to be back! We look forward to welcoming our older classes back very soon.

Discover Cork: Schools’ Heritage Project 2020/21 Winners! We are so proud of our fourth class students who won an award for the 'most creative project' in the Discover Cork: Schools’ Heritage Project. Over 25 schools and 800+ pupils ranging from 4th Class to Leaving Cert participated so there was some fierce competition. The aim of this competition is to encourage Cork students in celebrating, highlighting, debating and creating fresh approaches to our cultural heritage. Research and creativity are encouraged in an effort to create relevancy, awareness and appreciation of the past amongst young people. Fourth Class did this by researching places in Blarney such as Blarney Castle, The Village Square and the G.A.A. grounds. Well done to our students, a credit to our school!

COLM BURKE TD

ADVICE CENTRE 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

St Brigid’s Day Crosses In our whole school celebration of St. Brigid, our children were challenged to create their own crosses using whatever materials they had at home whether it was traditional rushes, fabric or paper. Even though we were at home we could still all come together to celebrate this special day in the school calendar.

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Muskerry News / 11

International Women’s Day was celebrated all around the world on March 8th and this year’s theme is ‘Choose to Challenge.’ Each year this important day globally celebrates the achievements of women and also marks a call to action for greater gender parity. The importance of this day and what it represents, is a great opportunity to highlight some of the information, advice and support Citizens Information can provide to women and their families. Some of the most common queries the local Citizens Information team are receiving from women and their families right now are; Maternity Benefit and COVID-19: Maternity Benefit (MB) is based on your social welfare insurance contributions from employment (stamps). All time spent on the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (CPUP) and the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) will be treated as if you are continuing to make insurance contributions at your normal social insurance class. This means that anyone getting CPUP or TWSS within 16 weeks of the expected due date, will qualify for Maternity Benefit, if they have enough social insurance contributions. If you are due to go on maternity leave and you are getting CPUP, you should apply for Maternity Benefit and then close your CPUP claim. If you are currently on maternity leave and you are due to return to work, but your workplace is closed and you are not being paid by your employer, you can claim CPUP when your maternity leave ends. Many enquire about other leave options for parents which may be available from their employment such as Paternity Leave, Parental Leave, Parents leave and Adoptive Leave. Each of these types of leave may also carry a possible social welfare entitlement by way of a paid benefit if certain PRSI requirements are met.

We love this photograph taken by Sheila Walsh from Whitechurch Na Macra, one of the super entries in the Muskerry YFDG photo competition Cork County Macra 70th Anniversary Celebrations will take place via Zoom on April 23rd and they are hoping to gather memorabilia from all clubs past and present in all of the regions to showcase on the night, whether it is pictures, videos or newspaper articles down through the years. They are asking all clubs in Cork to answer the following questions: Club Name? What year was the club founded? How many members has the club currently? 100 words on what are some of the clubs greatest achievements since your club was founded and/or some interesting facts about your club/members down through the years. If clubs could gather this information and email us at... ...corkcountymacra@gmail.com it would be much appreciated. We are hoping all clubs in Cork will take part as it will be a great opportunity to showcase your club.

There are a number of other schemes and benefits worth considering such as the Homemaker’s Scheme, the Home Carer Tax Credit, the Single Person Child Carer Tax Credit, Supports for Carers, One Parent Family Payment, Working Family Payment, Back to Education Grant, Starting your own Business and much more. Please call your local Citizens Information Centre for more information and to check eligibility or log onto citizensinformation.ie Speaking about International Women’s Day, John Beausang and Yvonne Rayner, Cork City’s Citizens Information Managers, both agree, “International Women’s Day has been celebrated around the world for over 100 years. It’s an amazing way of identifying, celebrating and increasing visibility of women's achievements as well as raising awareness of the need for gender parity. Our goal for this day is to let every woman and family know that we are here to advise and support them. So regardless of your query, call your local centre and we will guide you in the right direction, for you.” For anyone needing information, advice or have an advocacy issue, they can call a member of the local Citizens Information team in Cork City on 0761 07 6950 (Cork City Centre), they will be happy to assist and make an appointment if necessary. The offices are open from Monday to Friday from 10am to 4:30pm. Alternatively you can email us on cork@citinfo.ie or log on to www.citizensinformation.ie for further information and contact details.

12 / Muskerry News

We are here to support you Phone us Mon - Fri, 10 - 4.30pm on 0761 07 6890 Providing you with free & confidential information, advice & advocacy on

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@ blackpool@citinfo.ie

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Funded and supported by the Citizens Information Board

We love this story that was featured in The Irish Times last month. “One evening in the summer of 1964, Eileen McAuliffe (16) was in Blarney village with a friend when she heard the low rumble of a motorcycle. When she looked up, she saw Andy Casey (19) parking his green BSA A50, and Eileen was besotted – with the bike, as much as with the man. From that moment, their shared life journey began; brought together, in part, by their love for the classic British motorcycle. Now, more than half a century later, Andy and Eileen Casey, who will be 55 years married this April, have once again been reunited with the bike to which they credit their first meeting. “I approached him when I saw the bike,” Eileen says of that first night. “I didn’t know one end of a bike from another. I cycled a bicycle – but a motorbike? I hadn’t a clue. But I thought it was lovely. And then we were all chatting away for ages and after a while, anyway, he asked me to meet him on another night.” The teenagers started dating, a pairing which, Eileen says, nearly caused her parents “to have a stroke” when they found out her new boyfriend owned a motorcycle. “They thought I was going to be killed off the back of it. I had to meet him in secret so they wouldn’t know. I’d be hiding and he’d have to stay away so they couldn’t hear the bike.” The Cork couple were married two years later and had children, meaning they had to replace their bike with a car. When the children grew older, they got other bikes which they would ride around the southwest of the country. But they never forgot the Royal Star – the BSA A50. “We often talked about it. I was always feeling kind of guilty that he had to sell his beloved bike. I traced it at one stage in Dublin. I got on to Store Street Garda station and they told me who had it, but he had sold it on again, and we couldn’t trace it after that, so we didn’t think about it for a long time again after that,” Eileen says. That all changed about 10 years ago when, while taking part in a vintage motorbike ride, they stumbled upon the bike by chance. “We saw this bike parked up on the road and it was the bike my husband had owned when I met him that day in Blarney. We were shocked. We thought it was amazing that we saw it. It was changed to a different colour. It was a lovely green colour when my husband had it, but it was changed to a red. So we were a bit disappointed to see that,” she says. “It was just a coincidence this man, we had seen him around, but it was a coincidence that he had that specific bike on that day. It has come full cycle after all the years. So you can imagine how we felt.”

The couple approached the owner and told him their story, but at the time he had no intention of selling it. They asked him to let them know if he ever changed his mind, and to give them first refusal. About two years ago, they finally got the phone call for which they had been hoping. Andy received the bike last year and spent several months restoring it, work which he describes as a “labour of love”. “The bike was in fairly good condition all right,” he says. “I’ve fixed up other bikes that have needed about five or seven years’ work, but the man who had this one, he sent it to England to get the engine done and all that, so the mechanical side of it was good. “I just had to strip it down, the whole lot, to get it repainted in the proper colour. She runs beautiful. I have her tuned up lovely now, she’s running lovely.”

The couple haven’t had a chance to bring the bike out on any long journeys since its restoration, due to bad weather conditions and Covid restrictions. However, they are members of a vintage bike club which has several annual rallies, and hope to take the bike out on a jaunt this year. “On the rallies you might start in Killarney, stay in a hotel, and do the ring of Kerry or the ring of Cork before we go back home. It’s just lovely you get to go up in all the mountains,” Andy says. “Our son Liam and his wife Suzanne are fans of the bikes as well so they join up with us as well sometimes so that’s lovely. It’s good fun really, like.” Andy has loved bikes “since he could walk”, but did he ever believe it could help him meet his future wife? “It had a bit to do with it, all right. I think she fell in love with the bike more than me, you know,” he says, laughing. “But anyway, 55 years down the road and we’re still together, so I must have done something right.”

Muskerry News / 13

Blarney & Diﬆrict

Person of The Year Awards 2020 The January Blarney & District Person of the Month is Denise Creedon I would like to nominate Denise Creedon for Blarney Person of the Month. “Denise retired from Centra Blarney last year after working in the same location for more than 40 years, starting there at the age of 16 when it was Bradley's VG. It later changed hands and became Scally's SuperValu, then Collin's SuperValu and most recently O'Leary's SuperValu & Centra. Denise loved every minute of working there in the centre of the village, in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of life in Blarney. She has seen many changes in the shop over the years, with change of ownership, change of layout, building extensions and hundreds of staff coming and going. Every local person coming into the shop knew Denise and she had a word for everyone. It is lovely to see a friendly face when you come

into a shop, and means a lot to people who may not generally see people during the day. This shop in Blarney has been a hive of activity in the community and in simpler times was many peoples only outside contact of the day. Denise has also seen the thriving tourism industry in Blarney and the thousands of visitors who come here every year, representing the warm Irish welcome that our tourists so fondly remember on their return home. One such visitor was an English gentleman who couldn't locate Barry's tea in his homeplace so Denise arranged with him to post tea to him once a year. She fondly recalls him as her 'Tea Man'. Denise is very special and her kindness is without effort. She will be missed by the people of Blarney and I'm sure if you asked anyone going in and out of the supermarket over the years, they would agree and would say they were sad to see her leave. She has given a lifetime of service to the people of Blarney and she will be missed greatly.” And so say all of us!

Do you know someone who deserves a Blarney & Diﬆrict Person of The Month award?

The awards aim is to recognise achievement, leadership and altruism so that others may be inspired to follow. You can nominate anyone whose contribution has singled them out as deserving of recognition,be it in community, sport, business, arts, family or indeed from any sector or activity in our community. 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@eircom.net

? Mags McCarthy Denise Creedon January February

March

April

May

June

July

Auguﬆ

September

October

November

Ballyshoneen, Berrings, Co. Cork

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14 / Muskerry News

D FR EL E IV E ER Y

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It was a real shame that, like so many other events, the annual Blarney & District Person of The Year event had to be cancelled, and we are looking forward to next year already! We really enjoyed giving out our 'Blarney B’s’ and it’s great to see some of our 2020 recipients proudly displaying their hard earned awards. Local entrepreneur Robert Gabriel, the brains behind a dedicated online browser for people with dyslexia, joined the list of people inducted into the Blarney Hall of Fame for his creation HelperBird which continues to change the lives of millions of students worldwide.

Lucy Kay, who has devoted years of service to Scouting Ireland inspiring many young people to achieve their life goals, with her 2020 Blarney Person of the Year award. Lucy, whose commitment to the scouting movement both at local and national level has seen her win one of Scouting Ireland's most prestigious accolades, has added yet another string to her already impressive bow.

The wonderful and inspirational Jessica Griffin proudly displaying her Blarney Person of the Month award. We have no doubt we’ll be hearing much more in the future about this young talented published author.

Chef Margaret Spillane, who was awarded along with Margaret Carroll, for her work in keeping Meals on Wheels going throughout the pandemic and ensuring some of our most vulnerable citizens were looked after.

Another Busy B proudly displaying her award. “Many thanks to The Muskerry News and all involved in organising the Blarney Person of the Year Awards 2020 - Deborah was delighted to receive a Person of the Month award for her work with Brand Blarney and the Fen.”

Valerie Kirby who was honoured for her incredible voluntary work during the pandemic. Valerie hasn’t stopped either, so take a look at pages 32 and 33 to see what she is up to now!

Dinka Lagali pictured with his colleague Barry Hoare, Blarney Auto Centre, with the award that he received for his part in the rescue of three children from a house fire on Blarney Street.

Catherine O’Sullivan who is, in the words of another great lady the American Poet Maya Angelo, one ‘Phenomenal Woman’ and has been instrumental in making Whitechurch Foroige the successful Club it is today.

Andy Mackin, Paul O’Leary and Dr Oisin O’Connell who were the other three worthy monthly award winners. Muskerry News / 15

Vicarstown National School Engineers Week. Junior and Senior Infants have been busy building towers, bridges and marble mazes among their pods with amazing results. 1st and 2nd have designed and made ramps and they are making pin wheels too! 3rd & 4th have been building towers and doing the egg drop activity and they have also learned about famous female engineers. The pupils in Rang Oráiste designed and made a wheelchair for a toy. They learned about wind energy and wind turbines and then made our own windmills. 5th and 6th Class have been given a choice of four engineering projects to complete (build a boat that ﬂoats in water, build an object that can ﬂy, build a bridge or build a rocket). We look forward to seeing these completed projects!

Seachtain na Gaeilge Bhí na páistí go léir ag obair go dian I rith na seachtaine agus bhain said an taitneamh as na gníomhaíóchtaí éagsúla timpeall na scoile. The children have been working hard throughout Seachtain na Gaeilge and they really enjoyed the various activities around the school. Rang a Cúig agus a Sé are learning various seanfhocail, examining the meaning behind them and designing a poster based on it. Pupils are being encouraged to speak as much Irish as possible at home with their families and we hope to continue this when we return to the classroom on the 15th of March. Our focus for this year's SnaG is to develop conﬁdence and competence in speaking Irish while remembering our motto for the week bain triail asti! We are learning the National Anthem in sign language as Gaeilge throughout the school.1st and 2nd class are working hard, a bheith ag caint as Gaeilge. We've had a new Gaeilgeoir an lae every day, maith sibh!

World Book Day The boys and girls dressed up for World Book Day and we saw some excellent costumes of their favourite characters! What a busy week, well done everyone!

New Enrolments – August 2021For those seeking to enrolling their child in Vicarstown NS for August 2021, please contact the school ofﬁce on (021) 7332179, because there are a limited number of spaces left.

Do you have Time in your Life, Room in your Home, A Place in your Heart?

16 / Muskerry News

We love this story by Eoin English of the Irish Examiner of the saving of a buzzard, and the part played by big hearted locals. "Battered and bruised but well on the mend - a magniﬁcent buzzard is set to soar again after a daring roadside rescue operation. The stunning bird of prey was rescued from the middle of the N20 near Blarney in Cork by two workmates. They took it to ecologist Tom O’Byrne at Monard Glen Wildlife Sanctuary who confirmed that the bird escaped without serious injury. “It’s a bit battered and dazed but otherwise it’s in perfect health. I’ll feed it for a day or two, keep it calm, and then I’ll release it to the wild,” he said. The common buzzard, known as the farmer’s friend because of their fondness for rabbits and rats, was spotted struggling in the middle of the N20 near Blarney by Thomas Lynch and his work colleague Derek, of T.i.S Fireproofing in Blarney, on their way back from a site visit in Mallow. They knew the minute they saw it that it was in trouble. It was being buffeted by the wind from passing vehicles, and was at risk of being blown into the path of an oncoming truck. “We thought it was an eagle. It looked fairly rare,” Mr Lynch said. “The poor thing was in the middle of the road, with lorries and vans whizzing by. Sure, we had to stop. It was an animal in distress and we thought we could help." They drove on about 500 metres, found a safe spot to pull in and then made their way back along the road carefully to rescue the bird. They approached it from behind, placed a large hi-viz jacket over its head, scooped it up and placed it in the back of their van before contacting Kate Durrant of the Muskerry News for advice. She suggested they bring it to Mr O’Byrne. The female buzzard is believed to be one of a pair of buzzards nesting in the Blarney area at the moment.

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“Before we got there, he began thawing out mice for the bird,” Mr Lynch said. Mr O’Byrne said it’s the third such buzzard he has nursed back to full health in recent weeks following near misses on the N20. “We lost all our birds of prey a few years ago but they are all coming back and I am delighted to see them,” he said. "Buzzards are a very easy-going bird. They don’t dislike us humans. They are not horrified by our presence. If we are gentle with them, they realise we are trying to help them. This particular bird probably got a tumble while feeding on roadkill and got disorientated. But it will be fine in a few days and ready to be released back into the wild. I’ll just open the door of the aviary and it will fly off and find its own way.”

Contact Ger on 087 2860837 or landline 029 22765 www.backtoblackmossremoval.com Muskerry News / 17

A rambling thought

with Rev Robert Ferris

Attitude of Gratitude In the midst of the times we’re living through – I wonder sometimes about the possibilities of looking at the people we encounter with a thankful attitude. Thanking those who are maintaining the phone lines when we need help Those in our supermarkets and filing station, those keeping our post & deliveries flowing Those who maintain the life of the community Those who do the little things we’ve grown to expect them to. If we’re responsible for employees thanking them for their days work These small things might make all the difference to someone’s day. When we have been thanked maybe pass that thankfulness on when we get a chance.

On February 9th Blarney Toastmasters held an open night via zoom. Guests from as far away as Canada came along to experience a Blarney Toastmasters meeting. Meetings consist of three parts: prepared speeches, impromptu speaking and evaluations. For the open night they had two prepared speeches. The first was by stalwart member Ted Mellamphy entitled ‘Opportunities’ and was, as ever, entertaining and uplifting. This time next year Ted would like to be walking down a promenade in shorts and t-shirt with 20 degrees on his back. Next, titled ‘I’d like to be dead for one day’ was an honest and moving speech by Robert Stephens. Robert, a member of Blarney Toastmasters for just over a year, says he joined Blarney Toastmaster because he always believed in the art of conversation. He loves to talk but also saw opportunities to gain leadership skills for his business Stephens Display Solutions. When asked what he has gained in being a member of Blarney Toastmasters Robert acknowledged listening skills, preparation for speeches and even more confidence. By this time next year Robert hopes to have visited his son in Australia. The impromptu speaking section ‘Table Topics’ gives members the opportunity to talk for up to two minutes on a topic with no preparation in advance. On the open night, Eddie O’ Mahony led the session with a selection of topics related to Covid 19. Surprisingly this gave rise to many upbeat, humorous and memorable impromptu speeches. This time next year Eddie hopes to be able to meet his fellow toastmasters in person! The evaluation section of the meeting was led by the very diplomatic Mary Walsh. The purpose of this final part of the meeting is to help all speakers to improve but is done in a positive and encouraging manner. This time next year Mary hopes her sister in Spain has been able to visit Blarney. Blarney Toastmasters meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 8pm via zoom. Why not join us and see what it's all about? For more details see... ...www.facebook.com/blarneytoastmasters

Maybe it’s a letter to say thank you, a card or a gift. I’ve been struck by this recently because of people who have gone out of their way to pass thankfulness my way – I want to pass it on!

Who could you thank today?

18 / Muskerry News

Congratulations to Evelyn Noonan, the Ballincollig Credit Union Valentine Competition winner. Keep en eye on their facebook page for more competitions coming up soon.

Fancy a Mother’s Day present with a difference? Then, how about giving her the chance to win a 3 bedroom semi-detached fully furnished show house in Carrigaline as Enable Ireland is offering one lucky person the chance to win a home worth €330,000 and at the same time help to raise much-needed funds for their services for children with disabilities. Mother’s Day will be different this year, with shopping options limited and no opportunity to treat her to lunch at her favourite restaurant. So if you're looking for the perfect gift for the special Mama Bear in your life, a chance to enter this unique raffle could be just the ticket! Tickets are available for €100 from www.winahousecork.ie, with the raffle being held soon after Easter on Friday, 16th April 2021. This unique raffle will offer people who are looking to buy their own home a once in a lifetime opportunity to win it! Second prize is a car worth €25,000 sponsored by Astra Construction & third prize is €5,000 cash sponsored by Right Price Tiles & Wood Flooring. One mum who knows all about the work that Enable Ireland do is Miriam Lotty, whose son TJ has been using Enable Ireland Children’s Services since he was 14 months old. “When TJ was 14 months old he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy,” Miriam explains. “In those early days Enable Ireland was there for us at every step. Particularly to support with physiotherapy for TJ which was critical to build his muscle strength. Then when he was four, he went to the pre-school in the Enable Ireland centre which ensured he was ready and able to join his local primary school.” The proceeds from the raffle will go towards a very special Cork project which will benefit children with disabilities for generations to come. Over 860 children and their families attend the new ‘Lavanagh Centre’, where children’s services as provided including physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, speech and language, social work, psychology, early years education and occupational therapy. While the state of the art centre has been built, Enable Ireland still need to raise €1million to fund this vital new facility. Many, many happy returns to the wonderful Denis Dilworth pictured celebrating his 101st in farming style at Cramers Court!

To help Enable Ireland to continue this vital work, buy a raffle ticket today. Tickets cost €100, to purchase and enter responsibly see www.winahousecork.ie, or call the fundraising team on 087 7905029 or email hello@winahousecork.ie

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Muskerry News / 19

The fabulous competition in last months edition of The Muskerry News, sponsored by Blarney Castle estate, attracted some incredible entries from our talented local photographers. The standard of photography was so high that it was impossible for our judges to pick a winner and the final four photographs had to go to public vote who, in a very tight finish, decided our winner was Sean Cronin for photograph D. Thanks so much to everyone who entered, we’re delighted to share some of the wonderful photographs here with you, we only wish that they all could have won!

pic by Suzanne O’Mahony

Winning pic by Sean Cronin

pic by Catherine Duggan

pic by Suzanne O’Mahony

pic pic by by Catherine Catherine Duggan Duggan

pic by Catherine Duggan

pic by Iga Sasiela

pic by Sarah Cronin

20 / Muskerry News

pic by byLaura Denise Healy pic McSweeney

pic by William Walsh

pic by Joe Murphy

pic by William Walsh

pic by Laura McSweeney

pic by William Walsh

pic by Laura McSweeney

pic by Philip O’Byrne

pic by Sean Cronin

picby byLaura LauraMcSweeney McSweeney pic

pic by Sean Cronin

pic by Philip O’Byrne

Muskerry News / 21

D’oibrigh na páistí mar innealtóirí an tseachtain seo i nGaelscoil Mhuscraí. Students were busy practising their engineering skills during Engineers Week in Gaelscoil Mhuscraí. They explored gravity and made parachutes!

Inniu Lá Domhanda na Leabhar! Ghléas na páistí i nGaelscoil Mhuscraí suas mar charachtar I Leabhar. Pupils in Gaelscoil Mhuscraí came to school creatively dressed today as their favourite book character in celebration of World Book Day!

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22 / Muskerry News

Vicarstown National School Junior Infants student Maggie O'Shea is going places! The young sports fanatic wrote to Sports Direct over Christmas sending them drawings of some sports gear she would like them to make and the company were so impressed with her ideas and her entrepreneurship that they sent her a gift of Cork GAA gear and a €100 voucher for new football boots!

'Art in Action' saw the artworks of young asylum seekers, refugees and migrants from the Drishane Castle Direct Provision Centre in Millstreet exhibited on the exterior of UCC's historic Boole Library, in a powerful collaboration with the Glucksman art gallery. This exhibition,orgainsed by UCC Fáilte Refugees Society, was part of UCC Refugee Week. This 12-month creative project built on a collaboration between UCC Fáilte Refugees Society, the Glucksman and children residing in Drishane Castle. The project sought to enable the children to have positive creative experiences, to learn art-making skills and creative approaches that would allow them to better understand and to share their experiences of the past 12 months. The selection of drawings on display was part of the outdoor exhibition for UCC Refugee Week, offered an insight into the children's lives, sharing imaginative stories or cherished memories with families and friends, they also present the challenges of 2020 and offer glimpses of the children's hopes for the future.

This Spring Cork County Council is offering a free ﬁve week online gardening course open to all residents, representatives of Tidy Towns groups, Residents Associations, Green Schools Coordinators and Community Groups in County Cork. The practical 'hands-on' gardening course led by Horticulturist Aoife Munn will cover topics such as reducing your waste, growing your own vegetables, planting for pollinators, alternatives to chemicals and much more. Each week participants will sow seeds, prick them out and look at planting techniques, as well as learning about organic growing. It will be a great opportunity to learn new things, get healthy, enjoy our natural heritage and encourage biodiversity. The five-week course will be held on Thursday afternoons at 2.30pm, beginning on March 18th and applicants must be able to attend all dates to secure a place on the course. Please note spaces are limited. To secure a FREE place, email cork.heritage@corkcoco.ie and Include your name, general location (nearest town) and your associated group (if any).

Muskerry News / 23

The new temporary accommodation at Coachford College is looking very impressive with seven classrooms and associated facilities, works on this are expected to be completed during term three.

Second year geography students had an exciting session with Joanna Donnelly from Met Eireann who highlighted the various processes that take place in weather forecasting.

Congratulations to talented Blarney photographer Seamus Mulcahy who achieved incredible results in the recently judged 9th Greek Photographic Circuit 2021. He received FIAP Blue Pin for best photographer in the Salon Mykonos with 16 out of 16 acceptances.

24 / Muskerry News

According to CorkBeo at least 600 homes, a school, a shop, and other services are on the way as the city has taken an ‘all-important’ step towards a new community. The council has announced that lands on the Old Whitechurch and Old Mallow Road are set for a big residential development that would effectively create a new suburb of the city. The homes on the 54 acre site will be a mix of social and affordable and they're calling on candidates to register an interest in taking on the development. Cork City Council say they're interested in "identifying and exploring innovative housing solutions and opportunities currently not known". Cork City Council Assistant Chief Executive, Brian Geaney said, “We are delighted to be launching the call for participants in a project where we expect to deliver at least 600 new homes and facilities such as a school, neighbourhood shop and services. "This is exciting because, as a City Council, we are now able to facilitate the delivery of large numbers of affordable homes as well as traditional social housing and we will be able to look at a mix of home types from apartments to houses and tenure type.” The Council's Invitation for Expressions of Interest was published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) and advertised on E-tenders last week. They're also looking to hear from landowners, developers, and builders who could be part of a public procurement competition to deliver "all types of social and affordable homes across Cork city," They said, "The Council is interested in identifying and exploring innovative housing solutions and opportunities currently not known to the Council and entering a Competitive Dialogue process with selected candidates to deliver solutions that satisfy the Council’s requirements. "Cork City Council has delivered multiple award-winning housing solutions and provided much needed homes in the past four years using this process and it is expanding this ‘trawl’ to include affordable homes." The Council Invitation for Expressions of Interest to Participate in the Cork City Council Housing Programme 2021-2023 can be found on E-tenders and the closing date for submission is the 7th April 2021.

O’Donovan’s Leemount are now selling The Dripsey Ambush 1921. Local Historian Mary O’ Mahony has written a gripping and informative account of the events leading up to ambush, involving informants, locals, the executions and reprisals that followed. All proceeds from the book, which retails at €15, go to The Dripsey Ambush Site Fund and Independence Museum Killmurry.

Receiving one of the ﬁrst vaccinations in the MTU COVID-19 Vaccination Centre was 99 year old Nora McAuliffe, Blarney, with her daughter Ann Foley and local GP Una O'Halloran. Nora was also presented with ﬂowers from Taoiseach Michel Martin. pics Gerard MacCarthy

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. A beautiful smile is now much more readily achieved than ever before. 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 cavitieas 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. There are many causes of tooth discolouration. The most common 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 such as tooth whitening. Tooth Whitening is suitable for most people 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 on discolouration due to the amount of bleaching agent contained. EU directives have limited 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 by your dentist from which special custom fitting trays (like thin mouthguards) are made. Whitening gel is then placed in your custom trays which fit snugly over your teeth. The whitening gel breaks down and oxygen ‘dissolves’ the stains inside your teeth. You can wear the trays when you want to, over night or any time during the day. The whitening gel is available in different strengths and your dentist can recommend the best product to suit your teeth and lifestyle. Everybody’s teeth will whiten at different rates but on average excellent results are obtained after about 5-14 days. The results will last indefinitely although can be refreshed when required if restaining occurs (coffee/tea/smoking!) Clinical studies have shown that bleaching using this method is safe for teeth and gums. A minority of people may experience temporary sensitivity to hot and cold.

Muskerry News / 25

Community Matters with Cllr Damian Boylan As always if I can help in any way please contact me on 087 2244364 or by email on damianboylan@live.com. There is a deﬁnite feeling of Spring in the air and with the days getting longer and the weather improving it will be back to comfortable walking weather. Hopefully with an ease of restrictions we can see some of the day-to-day work of the council resume. With the enactment of the level 5 restrictions the local area council workers were limited to emergency works. I know that some of you were in touch over issues that may not be sorted as yet but these will be dealt with as soon as restrictions are lifted. There is a lot of good news to tell.

Buying or selling a house in 2021?

Much needed local authority housing will become available in the coming months with the development in Woodfield on Station Road almost ready for handover and the development in Kerrypike moving along at pace. As usual if you are on the housing list and active on the Choice Based Letting system you will be made aware when these come up for bidding and I wish those eligible the best of luck. These are brand new houses, built to the latest standards and will be excellent homes for those families lucky enough to get them. Housing adaption grants are now available for older people and those with a disability. Private homeowners. Three distinct grants are available. The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability assists people with a disability to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs.

2021

The Mobility Aids Grant is available to fast-track grants to cover a basic suite of works to address the mobility problems of a member of a household. Qualifying works include the provision of stair lifts, level access showers, access ramps, grab rails and some minor adaptation works. The Housing Aid for Older People Grant assists older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. Grant eligible works include structural repairs or improvements, re-wiring, repairs to or replacement of windows and doors, provision of water supply and sanitary facilities, and provision of heating. Forms are available from the gov.ie website and a www.corkcity.ie

2019

The area has done well in the last few months from grant aids through the Town and Village renewal fund and others. Muskerry Golf Club has received € 25,000 to help maintain facilities in advance of the coming Summer and the hopeful resolution of golf. Both the Waterloo walk and the Clogheenmilcon Fen will see more work done over the coming months with grants awarded and planning agreed for the works. There is also money set aside for improvements in Tower village, Kerrypike and Blarney village. I hope to have news of the Inch Park by the time we see the next copy of the Muskerry News. Finally, a huge thanks to the Council for the work done over the course of the heavy rains in the last few weeks. A huge effort was put in and the area was well looked after with households and businesses receiving sandbags and gel bags delivered by the local team.

26 / Muskerry News

Behind the Castle Walls Flowers in February Spring is definitely in the air! The bulbs around the estate are creating some great displays at the moment and there are little splashes of colour around every corner. We have been adding more bulbs every year with the emphasis on increasing the impact and lengthening flowering times. I like to use varieties that will naturalise in the gardens as this is a much better investment in the long run. Some of our early Rhododendrons are already out too and I am looking forward to the flowering Cherries next, as they are usually out by the end of March. We are in the process of setting up a new plant sales area at the turnstiles and hope to offer a range of plants that come from the gardens. We are often asked by visitors where they can source something that they have seen here in the gardens, so it made sense to start to produce our own stock. We will start off small but will increase the range as the season progresses. Please do keep an eye open for it.

We are continuing with our tidying and mulching jobs around the borders, cutting back and getting everything ship shape. All the shrub beds, especially the azaleas and rhododendrons, are a priority now as they will be the focus for visitors in the coming weeks. We are using composted bark as a mulch on the beds and around young trees. Fresh bark chippings are being put down on the paths in the fern garden and woodland areas. This is all produced in house, from fallen or pruned trees. We try to get ahead with the housekeeping jobs this month as the pressure will be on once the growth starts. There are many seedlings in the glass house now and at this time of year it is one of my favourite areas. I always get huge satisfaction from watching the seedlings emerging, especially if it’s something rare or unusual. I’m quickly becoming a bit of an obsessive collector of rare trees, and there’s nothing more satisfying than having grown it yourself from seed. The problem is finding space in the gardens for them all! Jobs for the next few weeks include, pruning your bush roses, dead heading and tidying hydrangeas, cutting back grasses, general tidying up and re-edging of beds and moving and dividing herbaceous plants. Plant potatoes as the soil dries out, sow seeds of bedding plants, tomatoes and peppers and plant out onions, garlic and shallots if not already done. Pollinate peach, nectarine and apricot trees with a small paint brush. Ours are just coming into flower now. Pruning of apples and pears should be finished now. We are starting off our begonia tubers in the poly tunnel. They provide a mass of summer colour to our tubs and baskets around the entrance, and are remarked on every year. We have seen a surge in numbers of season pass holders over the last few weeks. I think that the improving weather and rising temperatures are not just helping the plants to emerge! It’s great to see the gardens being appreciated by so many. The work which has gone into the gardens over the last few years is really paying off now as the areas begin to mature. We have built a fantastic team here and it is being Specialising in dermatology reflected in the quality of the grounds and gardens. I look forward to seeing you in the gardens.

Adam

South Inﬁrmary Victoria University Hospital are looking for boys and girls of all ages to paint any kind of A4 size picture for them to brighten up a temporary corridor to their vaccination centre. Please post your artwork to Colm Murray, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork. Coachford Tidy Towns collected eight bags of roadside rubbish between Coachford Graveyard and Glashagarriff during a recent clean up. Huge thanks to An Garda Síochána Paul Cullen for helping to make the road safer for the 5 collectors, and thanks also to Cork County Council for taking the bags from the team for disposal.

St Patrick's Day is not cancelled in Dripsey this year and they will have a small music parade and a visit from St Patrick in the village, organised by Ray Moynihan, Kieran Cotter and Jim O'Connell. They are bringing the parade to you so you can have some fun while remaining safely at home, so dress up the children and dogs and come out and support the lads! Dripsey Community Association will be holding a virtual fancy dress competition on the day and look forward to seeing all your photos and videos.

Muskerry News / 27

News from Times Past with Brian Gabriel, Blarney & District Historical Society Flashpoint and Bloodbath at Loughane Bridge

“The year 1836 dawned in an air permeated with an element of tension arising from the seething unrest that existed between the Catholic laity and the Protestant clergymen of the day. The Clergymen of the established Church were placed in the unenviable position of augmenting their income by the collection of a Tithe Rent on all the land occupiers. The Tithe proctor went around immediately before the harvest, estimating the number of barrels of corn, tons of hay, hundredweights of potatoes or flax on each farm, and calculating by the market price, ascertained the amount of tithes to be paid by the owners. The parson was left with the headache of devising his own means of collection. No doubt, he had the full benefit of legal assistance with writs, subpoenas, etc., and the aid of magistrates, sheriff and armed police should the occasion demand it. The Tithe Rent was an impost that the Catholic laity could not see their way to pay. It was a state of affairs which could not continue. Eventually, it developed into a state of riot that became known in Irish history as the Tithe War. The incursions on private property to make seizures were resisted by the people with little display of resentment. Armed with stones and farm implements, they frequently defied and attacked the armed forces of police and bailiffs. Poor Response Around this period there lived in the parish of Inniscarra one Parson Beresford. Like many other Protestant clergymen of his day, he was receiving a poor response to his demand for payment of tithe rent. He saw very poor prospects for collecting it under the demand notes. Early in September, he applied to the magistrates at the Petty Sessions to know, in the event of bailiffs seeking protection, that the magistrates would attend the seizures with the police. The magistrates told him quite bluntly that they would not attend. Thereupon Parson Beresford submitted their refusal to the Government. One month later, he received a reply from Dublin Castle stating that “the assistance you require in the serving Exchequer Processes will be afforded, and this force must be under the guidance of a magistrate”. Armed with this letter, he instructed his law agent to have the subpoenas issued. Again, he applied to the magistrates, but again they would not budge: neither would the sheriff. Parson Beresford was left with a number of subpoenas on his hands and was faced with a dilemma as to how he could effect service. He thought of getting an order to substitute service, but at this point, he was told by two eminent lawyers that the court would be slow to make such an order. Therefore, his best plan would be to effect the best service he could. Twice he sent out his bailiffs: twice they were beaten off. Parson Beresford was undaunted. The position for him was nigh desperate. There was little help from the Government and little money coming in. He was determined that, at least, the subpoenas would be served. He called his bailiffs together again on the night of the 7th January. Most of them were city men, some residents of Blarney Lane. They set out from Cork by “jingle”. Having purchased some bread at a bakers and “spirits” at Langley pub, they arrived at Parson Beresford’s at one hour before midnight. The Parson supplied them with orders, charged each man’s pistol with powder and swan-drops, and instructed them to have the orders served by dawn. The area of operation was Courtbrack, a district about seven miles north-west of Blarney. The tithe-defaulters were Brennan, Barrett, O’Mahoney, and two families of Regans, all resident in the vicinity of Courtbrack. The bailiff’s, a party of eight, arrived at Courtbrack at about 3 am, - four hours before they were scheduled to start. They delayed a short while at the cross-roads and whiled away the hours walking up and down. As dawn broke one of the bailiffs, Abraham McCann of Blarney Lane, a cotton weaver by trade, called at Mahoney’s house. He knocked at the door. When the door was opened, he rushed in, placed the order on the table, and walked briskly out again. On looking back, he noticed a man in a menacing attitude, attired only in his shirt, standing in the doorway. Despite the early hour, news spread quickly that the bailiffs were on the prowl. As the bailiffs were chatting in the laneway that led to Mahoney’s house, they saw a number of people gathering.

28 / Muskerry News

As clouds herald a storm, the gathering crowd portended anything but a good omen for the bailiffs. They moved quickly on towards the roadway, without bidding “good-day” or “good-morrow” to the growing crowd. It was not long until the storm broke. As they passed Burn’s house, stones started to pour in on the bailiffs. So dense was the barrage, that none escaped injury. “We all ran as fast as we could” stated McCann, “some of us faster than we were able”. A bailiff named Hudson was about twenty yards behind McCann. Hudson was severely battered with stones and could not continue running. He shouted “murder” several times in the hope that his companions would come to his aid. The bailiffs were now very much scattered. Hudson’s cries of “murder” were answered by the crowd with shouts of “Boulhe! Boulhe!”! (Strike him, Strike him.) By this time, the crowd of men, women and children had numbered about one hundred. Hudson drew his pistol and shouted: “if ye don’t stop back, I’ll shoot ye.” He uttered no other word, for he was charged by Mahoney. Hudson fired, and Mahoney fell mortally wounded. The infuriated crowd rushed in on Hudson. The injuries he received, as described by Dr Barter, were horrifying. Hudson’s head was so badly battered that identification was possible only from the clothes that he wore. Many of the attackers were “stripped” so as to avoid being recognised. On the following day, an inquest was held in a farmhouse at Courtbrack. In attendance were Parson Beresford and the parish priest, Fr. Cahill. Parson Beresford asked on which body the first inquest was being held. The Coroner, replying, stated on which ever died first. Parson Beresford: “it is now a matter of notoriety, that Hudson died antecedent to Mahoney” Juror: We have no evidence of it: we cannot take your word, sir.” Parson Beresford: “I don’t require you to take my assertion, - yet I doubt whether any person will contradict me.” Father Cahill” You’re not a witness, Mr Beresford.” As a result of prior agreement between the Coroner, Parson Beresford and Father Cahill, it was agreed to withdraw councils, and carry on with the inquest in the hope of speeding up the proceedings. At the opening of the inquest, Fr. Cahill addressed the Coroner. He appeared, he said, on behalf of the people. He had no other object than to get the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. The occurrence he stated, arose out of a “legal impost “which the people were unable and unwilling to pay. “There is no quieter parish “he stated. I have been parish priest for the past fourteen years, and never heard of a riot in the parish.” The first witness called was the Bailiff, Abraham McCann. He gave a minute account of their movements from the time they left Parson Beresford’s until the double tragedy occurred. McCann, being half illiterate, was scarcely able to read. He stood as a very poor witness under the satirical cross-examination of the parish priest. “Come on, now my good fellow.” Said Father Cahill, “I know you will answer me” McCann: “To be sure I will” Father Cahill. “What is your name?” McCann: “Abraham McCann, sure I told you before.” Father Cahill: “Yes, but I am inquisitive. Well, Mr McCann, you took an oath.?”McCann: “You needn’t Mister me, sir. Call me by my name” Father Cahill “Oh, I’d rather Mister you. Do you know what an Oath is?” McCann: “If I swore false, I’d be dammed.” Father Cahill: “That’s not an oath; that’s the consequence of a false oath.” The Coroner and the magistrates were growing impatient at this form of cross-examination. “Oh, I must stop this cavilling,” interjected the Coroner, “the man has given a sufficient answer” The remark led to further exchanges between the priest and the Coroner. The priest renewed his cross-examination and confounded McCann into a state of self-contradiction that was most embarrassing to the Crown representatives. On the following day the second inquest was held on the body of O’Mahoney in a public house at Matehy. The jury visited the cabin of Daniel O’Mahoney on the farm of Loughane, about a quarter-mile from Courtbrack, to view the body. A number of men and women who had been in the cabin, bolted and ran up the hill at the sight of the approaching party. Mahoney’s body showed several slug wounds in the chin and mouth, lacerating the tongue and roof of the mouth. He was married and father of three children. His wife had been missing from the district since the day of the tragedy. The above excerpt was taken from a much larger article titled ‘Loughane Blarney Tithes Tragedy 8th Jan 1836’ by Michael Dorney and published in Issue No 12 ‘Old Blarney’ Journal. A limited number of ‘Old Blarney’ back issues are still available by contacting 087 2153216, or www.blarneyhistory.ie Please keep checking the Web-site for up-to-date information and local articles.

Sisters Pam Byrne, Parklands, and Carmel Sullivan, Rathpeacon, pictured with ballerina Lydia Punch, as the launch of Cork Cultural Companions, a new service for anyone over 55 interested in connecting with new friends through arts and culture is announced. pic Miki Barlok

Reignite your love of arts and culture, enjoy new experiences, and meet new friends - virtually for now – with Cork Cultural Companions! Opportunities for older people in Cork to engage with the vibrant local arts and cultural scene, at events when they return and virtually for now, are being increased with the ofﬁcial launch of Cork Cultural Companions and anyone over 55 can sign up to be part of a local network of people with shared interests in arts, heritage and culture who want to attend events with like-minded new friends. An initiative of Age and Opportunity, Cork Cultural Companions particularly aims to address the issue of social isolation amongst older people by also providing volunteer companions for encouragement and support at live events. Original plans to launch in April 2020 had to be postponed and revised in light of Covid-19 restrictions. Cork Cultural Companions has now launched virtually with the rollout of a varied series of its own online events and activities run in conjunction with cultural venues and organisations, until live events return. Speaking ahead of the launch, Cork Cultural Companions co-ordinator Barbara Quinn, said, “'Many of us would probably go to a lot more plays, films, shows, concerts, exhibitions, or other events if we had someone to go with. There is a thriving social and arts scene out there to be enjoyed if only we had someone with the know-how or simply the shared interest to get us going. That is where Cultural Companions comes in. The project will set up local networks of people interested in arts and culture that will accompany each other to events when they are permitted and encourage each other to connect with and engage in online cultural events and activities for now. “Unfortunately, we can’t currently meet in person, so we have adapted our approach this year to ensure we still provide opportunities for older people to connect with arts, culture and friends virtually. It has never been more important to have these connections with the outside world and to have something to look forward to. “I would encourage anyone interested in reigniting their love of arts and culture, or those who just want to enjoy new experiences and make new friends, to register to hear more about becoming a member.” Cork Cultural Companions not only connects you with others interested in arts and culture, but it also keeps you up to date on what’s happening in your area. Once you become a member, which is free and no obligation, you will receive regular

updates regarding various websites, podcasts and social media links to theatre performances, music, literature, poetry, dance, and local interest items. And when live events begin to happen again, you will have the opportunity to attend them with new friends in the network. The not-for-profit organisation is also looking for members who would like to act as ‘Meet and Greeters’ for when Cork’s real cultural scene gets going again. First up in the online events series, which Cork Cultural Companions is currently seeking participants for, is ‘Tea and Ballet’ run in association with the Firkin Crane and delivered by Patricia Crosbie. Over a 6 week series of one hour meetings, participants will get together to explore some world famous classical ballets, the first series will focus on the ballet Giselle. The aim of the series is to help retain and increase mobility in older participants and to break down any perceived barrier to understanding or appreciating ballet and therefore increase numbers attending ballet and dance performances in-house in venues in future. Another event being planned as part of the series is ‘Theatre in the Community’ which will see a one-person theatre show being brought to five Cultural Companion hubs in the county. The performance will be staged outdoors and will see social distancing guidelines adhered to. Other activities being launched next week include Mobile Movie Screenings, a Clay Modelling Workshop and Exhibition, and ‘Culture on Call’. For further information on membership, contact Barbara Quinn on 085-1300335 or Culture@muintircork.com, or see the Cork Cultural Connections page on muintircork.com

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

Muskerry News / 29

We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Sheila MacGrath (nee O’Brien) on February 19th 2021. Sheila was the beloved wife of 54 years of Tom and dear mother of Brendan (Boston), Deirdre (O’ Rourke), Angela, Nuala, Helen (Hedlund, Sweden), Christine (Rea) and loving sister of Michael, Margaret and the late Mary. She will be sadly missed by her loving husband and family, brother, sister, daughter-in-law Evelyn, sons-in-law Rory, Carl and Andrew, grandchildren, iaia to Anna (Barcelona), Conor, Eimear, Niall (Glanmire), Juliette and Cian (Boston), mormor to Mia (Sweden) and Diarmuid (Blarney), nieces Bernie, Maria, Sara, nephews Peter and Nick, relatives, neighbours and friends especially Nuria.

Happy World Book Day! Peggy and Donnacha, Blarney, looking wonderful as The Witch from Room on The Broom and the titular character from The Highway Rat.

Sheila O’Brien was born and raised on a small 40 acre farm in Pluxtown, near Athboy, County Meath. She was one of 4 siblings, 2 sisters and a brother, Mary, Michael & Margaret. She was educated in Athboy and very proud of the fact that she won a scholarship to secondary school and also to Brú na Mí gaelteacht I mbaile an Ghib. Sheila was an avid reader and told us about how many times her mother had said to her that she always had her head stuck in a book. She had many favourite authors, among them, John McGahern, (he taught in Athboy for a while), Colm Tóibín and Patrick Kavanagh. She was very proud that she had met both John & Colm. After secondary school Sheila joined the civil service and at the tender age of 17 moved to the ‘big smoke’ of Dublin where in later life, she established that had stayed in the same house in Mountjoy Square, that Michael Collins had used on a number of occasions. Even suggesting that she might well have slept in the same bed! This was never proven by the way. The Collins connection was a strange one in that Sheila’s grand uncle, a man by the name of Owen Brien, born in the same house as Sheila, went on to become the head of the Dublin Metropolitan Police detective division in Dublin Castle. Michael Collins and his men had made several attempts to assassinate him. T. Ryle Dwyer’s book Michael Collins, the man who won the war, talks a lot about Owen Brien. Sheila saw absolutely no contradiction in her interest in both men and was very proud of the fact that a family relation many years ago, gave the Béal na Bláth oration. In those ‘enlightened’ times, Sheila like all women had to resign from her job on her marriage to Tom. Soon followed 3 children before the family moved on a ‘2 year assignment’ to Cork, buying a house in Blarney. The family increased by 100%, prompting Sheila to say that there would be no further moves! Quickly settling into Blarney, she made many good friends, many of whom helped to make her later years more bearable. She loved to be involved, serving on the board of management of the primary and secondary schools. Sheila was a Meals on Wheels volunteer for many years until driving became a problem for her. She would be both very proud and embarrassed at the generosity of the many people who gave so much money to help Blarney Meals on Wheels. Currently the amount is in excess of €3000. Thank you all. She was one of the founder members of Blarney Active Retirement group, serving on the committee for a number of years. Active retirement activities were a big part of her life, making many new friends there. She was not content just to be involved herself but also encouraged others to do likewise. She was the one who made sure Tom was involved in Blarney Tidy Towns. On Tom’s retirement, Sheila decided that it was her time to travel, especially to meet with her many cousins and friends throughout the world, going to Britain, France, U.S.A. and Australia among others. Not having a word of French, she called to a convent to get information about a cousin, who had been a nun there in the early 1900s! In Australia, she travelled in her cousin’s airplane over Euroa (Ned Kelly country) Like many who have died in the last year, some members of the family were unable to travel and say their final goodbyes to Sheila. The family would like to thank all who helped Sheila throughout her illness and sympathised with the family at this sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis

30 / Muskerry News

The Ballincollig Tidy Towns van was in John O’Leary Autos for its annual service, a part for the power steering was needed and fitted and John O’Learys would not accept any payment not even for the part. Thank you to all at John O’Learys for their continued help and support. It is very much appreciated.

Local singer songwriter Clare Sands has a wonderful new track out 'Carry My Song' with Susan O'Neill. 'Carry My Song' is the first release in a four part series titled ‘Tírdreacha agus Fuaimdreacha’ (Landscapes and Soundscapes) that spans over four seasons, in the four provinces of Ireland, and features yours truly alongside four different collaborators: Susan O’Neill, Steve Cooney & Tommy Sands, Brídín, and Liam O Maonlaí. Clare told us, "I will be embarking on an exploration of the nooks and crannies of Ireland’s sights and sounds, whilst breaking the boundaries of Irish music in an inviting, invigorating way...I would love if you would join me on this jounrney.....Feel free to share my feet stompn', head bangin', cliff dancin' video around, and join us, in having a dance in your kitchens……Yeow!" You can find Clare’s music on her website www.claresands.com and wherever you source your music.

School education is immensely important to the development of children, not only for education but for their social skills, independence, physical and mental health. However, the return to school can be a challenging time for many parents and kids after 3 months mostly conﬁned to home and to our small family circle. Here are a few quick tips to alleviate stress and anxiety and make this a positive transition for all - parents and kids.

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1. Get into a school routine as soon as possible. Bed time needs to go back to normal. Children need enough sleep so they can deal with their emotions in a more positive way. Remove any ipads, iphones, gaming devices etc from the bedroom. Remover the choice of entertainment making sleep and rest the only option. 2. Be prepared the night before; encourage children to take ownership and engage in the new routine. Ask them to get their uniform, school bag and lunch prepared (with a little help from you, depending on the age of your child). The early morning chaos is something every house could do without, especially at the moment. 3. Be prepared. Contact your child’s school or website and find out what changes they may expect in relation to drop off/pick up, social distancing in the classroom and in the yard. The more you can prepare your child for these changes, the more confident and reassured your child will be. This will help to alleviate their anxiety and help them to have a more positive start to their return to school.

Starcamp, known for providing the children of Ireland with performance and fun based summer camps, in January brought a whirlwind of positivity, laughter and much needed relief and escapism to over 250,000 children when they offered an online camp to the nation for free.

4. Share your feelings (age appropriately) but do try to focus on the positives here. Kids will pick up on your fears and anxieties, this will not help. Talk about the good things, meeting their friends, their teachers, the subjects they enjoy etc. 5. Keep an eye on your kids behaviour over the first few days/weeks, are they happy? Are they sad? Do they seem quiet in themselves? Are they angry? Kids behaviour can flag that all may not be ok. Take time to sit and talk with them. Let them know it is ok not to be ok, and they can talk it though with you. They need to understand if things are not going well, you are always there to listen to them. Try to practice active listening here, by this I mean, let you child talk, do not interrupt them until they have finished speaking. I think our natural response as parents is to jump in with our advice as soon as they start talking. In my experience however, if we actually let them finish speaking, they can very often come up with the answers themselves. When we are talking, we are not listening! 6. Friendship issues may pose a problem here for some as many kids have not socialised or connected in any meaningful way for months. Friendships may not be what they were before Christmas, particularly for older children who connect and build friendships through gaming or social platforms. Friendships can be more transient at this age. What you may think is a ‘little problem’ could well be a really big problem for your child. Talk to your kids about this and help them to navigate any struggles they may be experiencing. Talk to them about issues around friendships that you may have had when you were their age, as this can help to normalise things for them. 7. After school, allow them to chill out. A day at school can be exhausting for many of them and they may need to take some time to relax. This is to be expected as there are many little challenges they will be facing for the first time in months. Emotions can be exhausting, give them a hug, maybe a treat and let them know you are there for them. Try not to rush in with homework straight away, give them a little down time and TLC.

They are back to do it all again as they will provide children with what they promise is something guaranteed to raise the spirits and lift the nation for a not to be missed St Patrick’s Day show that they are once again offering to the country at no cost. The first of its kind two hour show has been created for children of all ages. The same team are all back following the January camp with their wonderful array of talents and there are also a few new additions to the team. Irish dancing sensations, The Gardiner Brothers will be teaching some incredible Irish dance moves, Don Conroy will be back to teach children how to draw something very Irish for the kids and as always and of course there will be some wonderful surprises thrown in along the way. From beginning to end, all things Irish will be celebrated in a way that children will adore. Gala retail and Starcamp have teamed up for the year ahead and both are very excited about the collaboration. Gala retail will sponsor a whole host of incredible giveaways and prizes throughout 2021, beginning with the St Patrick’s Day Show! The St Patrick’s Day competition is now open to all children, as Starcamp and Gala are going to give away prizes for best song, best art, best parade and best baking. All entries must have a St Patrick’s Day (or Irish) theme. To enter, simply upload your photo or video onto the the Starcamp club Facebook page or Starcamp Instagram page by March 18th and the winner will be announced on March 23rd. There will be a prize for each category and the overall winner will also win a Yamaha Electric Piano for their school. For more information, please check out www.starcamp.ie

8. Keep negative talk about Covid to a minimum, little ears do tend to hear a lot! They cannot be expected to understand adult issues so do try to keep these conversations out of their ear shot. Be aware of what they might be listening to on the radio/tv, they do not need to hear the constant fear and negativity on media. Eileen Keane is a Life and Parent Coach with a background in child psychology. She is Director of Jump Start Your Confidence which provides confidence coaching for kids, teenage mentoring, parent mentoring, school workshops and corporate speaking. She is also a regular media contributor. www.Jumpstartyourconfidence.com

Muskerry News / 31

Blarney GAA news

www. blarneygaa

Blarney GAA Healthy Club really is unique and was recently featured nationally by the GAA for the incredible work they have done, and continue to do, since last February. “I think we actually got as much out of it as the people we were bringing food to. It was great to have the chats and connect with people in the community. And for some of them at that time they wouldn't have had much opportunity to meet people. “My husband was dropping meals to a couple of older men and would have great banter with them. It was lovely for him to meet people who would have known his dad who has passed. And it was great for those men to have the chats about when they used to play for the club and the people that they knew. “For a lot of those people they might not meet anyone else all day and it was something that they looked forward to every week, meeting up and catching up. It was great for them to find out who was playing for club now and what was going on in the club. It was just brilliant.” The fabulous four! Lisa Hedderman, Martina McCarthy, Valerie Kirby and Jim McEvoy If there has been a silver lining to the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s that so many GAA clubs have strengthened their connection with their local community. That’s certainly been the case for Blarney who became a real lightning rod for positivity in their area after joining the GAA’s Healthy Club Project in 2020. The list of initiatives they carried out is an impressive one and includes community walks, a charity run, training sessions for over 35s, helping the most vulnerable through Covid, and forming a potent alliance with Blarney Meals on Wheels to name just a few. The net result was that community spirit soared and the club itself is now a more inclusive one than ever before. “Everyone has really gotten on board with the Healthy Clubs Project and there's just a great buzz around the village,” says Martina McCarthy, Blarney’s Healthy Club Officer. “With the very bad year that we've had, it was something that people could get involved with and feel like there was something going on in the club and community they could be a part of. “We thought it might be a daunting task at the start, especially when Covid came, but the response has been brilliant. Our club secretary Jim McEvoy has been amazing, and the four of us on the Healthy Club committee – Jim, Lisa Hedderman, Valerie Kirby and myself have gelled together really well. “People have really, really gotten on board with it and seem to be really enthusiastic about getting involved with anything we've put out there. Everyone has just been great. “It's a credit to Blarney how much everyone has gotten behind us.” It’s easy to get behind something that is designed to have a positive impact on the local community and help the most vulnerable in particular. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Blarney GAA club quickly made helping those who needed it most their priority. “We got involved with a fantastic lady, Kate Durrant, who is involved with Blarney Meals on Wheels and Covid response in the community,” says McCarthy. “A lot of club members got involved and helped out in different ways. One lady in her seventies, her door-bell was broken, and some club members went down and fixed that. “There were lots of different things around houses like that we helped out with. “And then every week we would deliver meals. We'd each have an allocation slot where we'd go to the local hotel, pick up the dinners, and then we'd all have a certain number of stops each that we'd drop the meals to.

32 / Muskerry News

One of the most memorable initiatives by Blarney GAA Healthy Club in 2020 was the Blarney 500 miles initiative in aid of Marymount Hospice, Pieta House, Blarney First Responders and Blarney Meals on Wheels.

The goal was to raise money for those charities by having club members reach 500 miles in one day by either cycling, running, or walking. By the end of the day, the participants had clocked in excess of 5,000 miles and raised an incredible €17,000. “We had people in America, Australia, England, Malaysia, all over, taking part,” says McCarthy. “I think for them it was just a way to touch base with home. “So many pictures and videos from all around the world came in to us of people and families doing it. And it was great for people here to see their own family doing it. “Obviously it was all socially distanced. The day itself, it was just blue sky, the nicest day you could have. We were outside the clubhouse and you could see for the few hours so many groups walking around and running around. “We went with the aim of raising around €3,000 for charity, and it ended up being €17,000. “One of the charities was Blarney Meals on Wheels, and with the donation we gave them they were able to install a new kitchen which was fantastic.”

Blarney GAA news

www. blarneygaa

Another hugely successful initiative was the weekly training session organised for current and past players in the community aged over 35. It ended up being far more than just an opportunity for those who participated to work on their fitness. At a challenging time for many people, the training sessions provided an invaluable outlet to enhance mental health too. “A good few of the lads in the club would be self-employed, plumbers and electricians and that sort of thing, and they'd be working on their own,” says McCarthy. “During Covid it has been very lonely for them and they could spend a lot of the day on their own. It was something for them to look forward to every week, they got a release and got to have a laugh and a chat. “A lot of them would have played with the club over the years and it was great for them to get back into that environment of being on a team and having the craic and staying in touch with their friends. “And then there were a lot of guys who for family or work reasons would have moved to Blarney. I think when you're originally not from the area and you're maybe just dropping kids off for training, it's hard to feel a proper part of the club because you don't know that many people. “Whereas this was a way for the lads to meet a lot of other club members and really feel a part of the club. It has transpired that a lot of them have signed up to do the coaching courses so that's another positive ripple effect that has come from that which is great.” Like many clubs before them, Blarney have discovered that the Healthy Club Project has a way of not just generating new ideas within the club, but also attracting new people who make the collective much stronger. “Absolutely, a lot of people who wouldn't have previously had many connections with the club now feel more involved because it includes the whole community,” says McCarthy. “Even the Wednesday night walks that we did, we would meet at the club-house, and some people wouldn't have previously even come inside the gates of the club or else just been there infrequently. “We all take off together and you do your laps of the village and you might walk one lap with someone you mightn't have known that well. It was just a great way of getting people to meet each other and get to know who everyone else is. “Some people might have been out walking on their own previously because they wouldn't have known that many other people. But now as a result of these walks people are having great chats while doing their walks. “It has definitely brought more people into the club and made them feel more of a part of it.”

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In December the club carried out a survey of their members and the wider Blarney Community to gain feedback on Healthy Club initiatives that might prove popular in 2021. There has been no shortage of suggestions, and next on the agenda is a series of talks covering both physical and mental health which started earlier this month. “Then, when we can get back to meeting up physically again, we'll be organising some park-runs. Then we're hoping to do a community festival of some sort where every couple of months we get together for a sports day or there will be a gathering of everyone around some event. “We'll go with the Blarney 500 again this year because it was such a huge success that people have been in contact hoping we'll be doing it again because they want to get more involved which is great. “It’s really exciting because there’s so much we plan to do.” By John Harrington

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Following the recently held AGM of Ballincollig GAA the following members were elected; President Frank McCarthy Chairman Brendan Murphy Vice chairman Seamus O’Brien Treasurer Martin O’Sullivan Secretary Senan Power Registrar Tom McDonagh PRO Cathal Cleary. The incoming committee thanked the previous committee members for all their hard work and diligence. New chairman Brendan Murphy, who takes over the reigns from Dave Walsh, gave a great interview to the Evening Echo about his thoughts and plans for the future. Exciting times ahead!

Ballincollig Credit Union were delighted to see soccer star Shaunagh McCarthy when she called in to present them with her jersey from last season. They look forward to sponsoring Shaunagh again in the upcoming season and wish Shaunagh and Cork City Women's team the very best of luck.

34 / Muskerry News

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Classiﬁeds & Personal

Personal Classifieds - FREE, Thanksgiving - €10 Business Classifieds, prepay €10 for 20 words. Name:................................................................................... Address:................................................................................ .............................................................................................. Contact Number: ................................................................. My Classified Advertisement is:............................................ .............................................................................................. .............................................................................................. ..............................................................................................

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Send your classiﬁed ads to: Muskerry News, Church View, Blanrney, Co. Cork or email: muskerrynews@gmail.com

Service’s Available Sewing Machines Sewing machines repaired and serviced. Phone Pat on 087 4170868 All Doggie Hair Doo’s 086 8478762 Don’t forget your Best Friend! Full grooming service and wash only available. Late evening appts on request Why not drop your doggie for grooming whilst you shop at Blackpool Centre? ServicesShopping A Two Hearts Meet are matching single & unattached people since 2011. Why not get in touch and we will help you find your special someone! Call 085 7742444.

Low Cost Counselling Life can be difficult and we all struggle with grief, loss & loneliness at times. Don’t be alone. Reach out! Low cost counselling available from Mary Malone Counsellor and Psychotherapist Call 087 9941594 Seed Potatoes all varieties Onion sets, rhubarb stools, cabbage plants, strawberry plants, blackcurrant, gooseberry, raspberry, all vegetable plants. Delivery arranged 087 2620265

Neighbourfood, a grassroots movement connecting people with the local farmers and producers to directly purchase from them, is looking to come to Blarney.

Neighbourfood has proven extremely successful in Cork City, Carrigaline and other areas and is looking to set up in Blarney. They are looking for a host space one day a week where local producers drop off the orders (submitted online) to the location and where a few hours later people can come to collect their purchases. The space can be anything from a community hall to a commercial kitchen to an unused shed / garage area. Insurance coverage will be provided. There is no crossover of people and all purchases are put into the cars for each customer with all current Covid regulations adhered to. You can ﬁnd out more on www.neighbourfood.ie or make direct contact by email derekmurphy82@hotmail.com

It’s time to clean your carpets! Blarney & District Carpet andUpholstery Cleaning Service.No job too small. 087 6384396. Downey Floor Sanding Floor Sanding & Dealing.

ESSENTIAL SERVICES Emergency Services

Ambulance, Fire, Gardai 999 Blarney Gardai 4516290 Ballincollig Gardai 4214680 Gurranabraher Gardai 4946200 Blarney 021 4385440 Ballincollig 021 4871111 Grenagh 021 4886105

Doctors

Dr Una O’Halloran 4385602 Ballincollig Family Practice 4870808 Blarney Medical Centre 4382077 Tower Medical Centre 4385348 T

Dentiﬆs

Onslow Gardens Dental Practice 4398572 Blarney Dental Practice 4385664 Niall Coonan Blarney 4385973

Opticians

O’Connor Poole Blackpool 4397399 Anne O’Donovan Blarney 4383128

Pharmacies

PFP Tower 4385225 PFP Grenagh 462998 PFP Onslow Garden 4398135 McElligotts Blarney 4385307 Walshs Blarney 4381223 Cloghroe Pharmacy 4382244

Contact Jeremy at 4516901 / 087 2372213

Veterinary Clinics

Almighty God and Father, we glory in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, your beloved Son, as we call to mind the great things his love has done for us. Fill us with the grace that flows in abundance from the Heart of Jesus, the source of heaven’s gifts. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen. RWM

Cabs

O’Connell Chimney Cleaning Blarney. Stoves and Open Fires Contact Darren at 087 653 3480

Churches

O’Connell Window Cleaning Blarney. Contact Donal 087 6592697 or 4383407 (after 6pm). Driving Lessons Beginner / Pre test ADI approved instructor. Very patient.Test routes covered.Car available for test. Gift vouchers available. Blarney School of Motoring. blarneyschoolofmotoring.com 087 2796008

Blarney Vets 4381823 Abbeyville Blarney 4382583 A to B Cabs Blarney 4516666

Credit Unions

Blarney 4381149 Ballincollig 4872305 Church of the Immaculate Conception Blarney 4385105 Church of the Resurrection (C of I) Blarney 4877260 Church of St Mary and St John Ballincollig 4871206 Church of Chri our Light Ballincollig 4876171 St Peters (C of I) Carrigrohane 4877260

Muskerry News / 35

Muskerry MOTORING Family Run Business

BALLINCOLLIG

TYRE CENTRE Westpoint Trade Centre, Link Road, Ballincollig Located behind MD O’Shea & Sons

nd To p Q u a l i t y • To p B r a

Prop. Matt Kavanagh

Tel: 021 4860 777

www.ballincolligtyres.ie.

OPEN | Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm | Sat 9am - 4pm

Pic 3 Marion, Abbey, Leo and Leah O'Sullivan, Dripsey.

36 / Muskerry News

KIA, Citroën and Peugeot cars and light commercial vehicles Located at Blarney Business Park, New Mallow Road, Cork & Old Mallow Road, Cork.

Muskerry News / 37

BICYCLE

CB CYCLES SALES & REPAIR

Ladies, Gents and Children’s BICYCLES

CA L L 0 8 5 1 8 0 4 2 0 8 C.B. Cycles, The Mills, Blarney (Behind EMF Fitness)

Blarney Aggregates The Mill, Blarney (Turn into the Mills at Tim’s Corner Shop)

Sand, Gravel, Cement, 804 Binding Sewer Pipe & Fittings, Water Pipe & Fittings Concrete Products and Blocks Drainage Stone, Decorative Stone Open Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm & Sat 8am - 3pm

Large and small loads delivered

Call 021 4220008 / 087 4304158

38 / Muskerry News

Canty’s 24 Hour Recovery Service - 086 1841329 n Carboide x Mono s Alarmd Fitte

Boiler Service

Domestic & Commercial Solid Fuel Oil Gas Heat Pumps Pressurised Systems Underﬂoor Heating Gas Boilers supply, sales & service Repairs & Maintenance 087 2642098 / 021 7437729

3 Ton Digger

Donoughmore, Co. Cork tonysullhp@gmail.com

for Hire

All Jobs - Big or Small

General Groundworks, Landscaping, Drainage, General Foundations, Driveways, Tidying Up, Percolation Tests and more.

Call Danny for info & quote

087 7770791

Canty’s Lawnmowers

Repairs & Service New & Used Spare Parts Collection & Delivery

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CALL

DRINKING WATER & WASTE WATER TESTING

38 14

4200

Riordan Garden Care Grass Cutting Trees Felling Hedge cutting Wood Chipper available

ALL GARDEN CARE & MAINTENANCE

Phone Mick on 087 4104369

Muskerry News / 39