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Vol 19, Issue 1 | October 2020

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If it’s happening in this area, it’s in The Muskerry News

Hard to believe it looking at this photo but the lovely Nora Barrett of Muskerry Terrace is celebrating her 90th birthday today. We wish her many, many happy returns and have no doubt she’s being spoilt by her loving family.

Hazel Connolly, Alana Lyons. Ava Dunne, Sophie O’Driscoll, Amy Kavanagh & Ria O’Connor, all classmates at Cloghroe National School who came together as a pod in the grounds of Blarney Castle to celebrate their First Holy Communion.

Colm Burke TD pictured during a visit to Dogs for the Disabled where he delivered some treats to puppy Nigel who he named. Colm had been a great supporter of this wonderful local charity which has 220 dogs working nationwide with children with physical disabilities.

Michael Corkery was one of the people involved with the creation of Blarney Children's Woodland Park. Can you help him track down the missing plaques? If so please email michaelcorkeryccc@gmail.com "Each class had a plaque to place on their tree.There was 18 number plaques of type shown in photo. There is only one left in park. I have attached this image from Children's Woodland Park.

Can anyone help in tracking down other plaques."

2 / Muskerry News

Muskerry News / 3

Berrings NS It has been an extremely different but busy month in Berrings National School. We have got off to a great start with children and staff adapting to the new ‘norm’. We are so lucky in Berrings to be surrounded by so much open space giving us ample opportunity to enhance our learning in the ‘Outdoor Classroom’.

We celebrated the 30th anniversary of Cork’s double by wearing red and the children generously used the occasion to donate to Marymount Hospice. The pupils also showed their support for the local Inniscarra Camogie club who were in the Junior and Senior County Finals and also not forgetting the Junior A hurlers who played in the Mid Cork Junior A hurling championship final.

Inniscarra Abú!

A big congratulations to all the pupils who received their First Holy Communion in St. Mary’s Church. It was a joyous and holy occasion.

We received our 5th Green Flag, thanks to the dedication and hard work of the whole school led by the Green School Committee.

OPENING HOURS INDIAN RESTAURANT EST 2000

Monday - Wednesday 5pm - 10pm Thursday 2.30pm - 10pm Friday 5pm - 10.30pm Saturday 2.30pm - 10.30pm Sunday 2.30pm - 10pm ------------Kerry Pike Village (Near Tower, Cork)

021 487 7112 / 4877757 Blarney Meals on Wheels is one of the services that was huge resource to some of our most important and vulnerable neighbours during the lockdown.

To help maintain this service we are looking for drivers who are free for approximately one hour per day from 11.45am Tuesday to Friday inclusive.

This involves collecting approximately 10 meals each day from The Castle Hotel and delivering them to local homes.

We ask that drivers can commit to a full four day week, once a month at least, it is lovely for the people we call to to build up relationship with the person delivering the meal.

If you are available and can commit as above please text your details to Kate at 087 2330398 and we will get back to you.

Thank you.

4 / Muskerry News

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Dripsey National School went red for Cork to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Cork's double.Thank you to everyone who donated money through the school, €335 was raised for Marymount Hospice. This is in addition to donations that parents made directly to Marymount Hospice.

Dripsey National School went red for Cork to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Cork's double.Thank you to everyone who donated money through the school, €335 was raised for Marymount Hospice. This is in addition to donations that parents made directly to Marymount Hospice.

Louise and Declan O Brien, Station Road, Blarney, presenting a cheque to John Dempsey, Pieta House, on behalf of Louise’s sister Jennifer Kerwick who last year ran a full marathon in Vancouver, Canada raising an incredible €1500 for the charity.

Clodagh White, Gaelscoil Mhuscrai, pictured with her dad John White on the occasion of her First Holy Communion.

supported by The Muskerry News

Muskerry News / 5

Could the Witch’s Yew Tree be European Tree of the Year?

The spirit of Meitheal, the rural tradition of community coming together for a common purpose and of neighbour helping neighbour, is alive and well in Clogheen / Kerry Pike as they laid the groundwork for the redevelopment of Ballycannon Park.

This community spirit has long existed in Clogheen / Kerry Pike. In the 1980s the community came together and with hard work and with enormous effort, reclaimed an area of land that was up to then known only as ’the bog’ and over the following years transformed it into what is now known as Ballycannon Park, a well-drained, full size championship community pitch that is home to the local GAA club, Gleann na Laoi.

Continuing this wonderful community spirit anyone who signs up to the Clogheen / Kerry Pike Community Association (CKPCA) mailing list by emailing clogheen.kerrypike@gmail.com can be assured that they will be called upon a couple of times a year to lend a hand with village tidy ups, re-stoning walkways around Ballycannon Park, removing weeds, raking out stones, assisting with the preparation of the annual community BBQ usually held in June. The work gets done accompanied by plenty of chat, jokes and banter.

The former Lord Mayor of Cork and current Cork City Councillor, John Sheehan who lives in the area, regularly turns up to lend a

hand with members of his family, as do Michael O’Leary, Jim O’Mahony (Chairman CKPCA) and Michael Doyle.

In recent weeks CKPCA laid the groundwork for the installation of a new Multi Use Sports Surface in Ballycannon Park which will be of great benefit to the national school, the wider community and local sports groups. CKPCA are receiving a grant from Cork City Council, for which they are very grateful, and are launching a fundraising drive to raise the remaining €30,000.

To help keep costs down at the start of September around 25 people came together from the community and the local, GAA club, Gleann na Laoi, and gave their time and their energy, to rid the old tennis courts of weeds and prepare the surface of the courts for the upgrade. This volunteer work saved around €1,700. Another weekend more volunteers from the community came together and cleared out and prepared the perimeter and outside area of the courts, saving a further €800.

The Community Association launched their fundraising drive at the start of the month and please consider supporting them if you can, all donations large or small would be greatly appreciated. You can follow their progress on their facebook page... ... www.facebook.com/clogheen.kerrypike

After

JOE COTTER

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086 8289803 Large bag of Ash blocks for 021 7334878 Stoves ... €190 Ash Kindling, Bags of Turf

General Truck Hire, Site Clearance General Groundworks, Lawns, Driveways & Roadways and Farm Passages 6 / Muskerry News

Good quality topsoil supplied & delivered.

Fitzgerald and Cronin All types ofHurleys stonecaption supplied, limestone and Photo inhere... stock. sandstone Agricultural lime supplied.

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PVC GATES, RAILINGS & FENCES Available in Golden Oak, White & Black

NEW RANGE OF BLACK GATES NOW AVAILABLE www.ardtech.ie Muskerry News / 7

It is wonderful to see so many children walking and cycling to school during our lovely autumn weather.

It has been a very colourful start to the new school year when Cloghroe National School celebrated Red Day for the Rebel Double, marking the 30th anniversary of the famous All-Ireland Senior Hurling and Football double, in aid of Marymount Hospice.

Senior Infants were busy solving problems in Maths, copying and creating patterns with lollipop sticks.

Congratulations to all our Communicants who received their First Holy Communion recently.

Blue was the colour of the day on Friday September 25th to support Inniscarra Junior and Senior Camogie teams and the Junior Hurling team at the weekend. Inniscarra Abú!

CORK KILN DIRED FIREWOOD Now in stock 25cm logs

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087 250 4771 www.corkkiolndriedfirewood.ie john@corkkilndriedfirewood.ie 8 / Muskerry News

SLIMMING WORLD BLARNEY IS BACK!

Booking is essential

Isn’t this gorgeous!

Written by Mr Cotter's sixth class at Scoil Chroi Iosa in farewell and thanks to Mr Murray on his retirement.

Ode to Mr Murray Mr Murray we will miss you so A gentleman from head to toe, You took such good care of our school, And that is why you’re really cool.

But now’s the time to hang up your keys, You always were the bee’s knees.

If you need anything, just give us a bell, You’ll be sorely missed we can tell.

In all your years of hard work, We’ve never seen a speck of dirt, You love politics, music and the craic, Look forward now, don’t look back.

You worked so hard, never missed a day, We’re so sad you’re on your way.

Experienced, caring, kind & funny, Your good advice was on the money.

So good luck to you Mr. Murray, Put your feet up and don’t you hurry.

One chapter finished; another begins.

Go enjoy retirement with your family and friends.

Congratulations to the Donoughmore Macra team of Sarah O’Connell, Emma Flynn, Diarmuid O’Connell, Diarmuid Lee, Ian O’Connell and Rachel Buckley for winning the regional round of the Muskerry macra bowling competition. They now go on to compete in the National round.

Lily-Marie Horgan, Gaelscoil Mhuscrai, who received her First Holy Communion pictured with her nana Eileen Cotter.

Muskerry News / 9

Scoil Chroi Iosa It was with great pleasure that we opened our doors and welcomed back all our students to school. After all these months it was a joy to see all their smiling faces. We would like to give a very special welcome to our new Junior Infant classes who have already settled in well to school life.

This year, our former 6th class contributed a lasting legacy to their school and donated their coffee morning fundraiser proceeds to establish outdoor classrooms at both our school buildings. A huge thanks to all the members of our school community who helped set them up. They are a vibrant and colourful addition to our village. In the times ahead they will be well used by our children for outdoor lessons.

COLM BURKE TD

ADVICE CENTRE Advice Clinic every third

Saturday of the month: Muskerry Arms Blarney 10am – 11.45am Wayside Inn Cloghroe 12.15pm – 1.15pm

Advice Clinic:

46 Thomas Davis Street, Blackpool, Cork Mon & Fri10am – 1pm

46 Thomas Davis Street, Blackpool, Cork.

021 4564552 / 087 2592839 / 01 6183115 Email: colm.burke@oir.ie 10 / Muskerry News

On a sadder note, our much esteemed colleague and friend, Michael Murray is retiring from his position as care-taker in our school. Michael has been with us for over 12 years and in that time has made many contributions to school life. He has been a wonderful colleague and he will be firmly missed by staff, parents and children alike. We wish him all the very best in the future.

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Muskerry News / 11

Blarney Aah Boo! The Celtic Festival of Samhain has been celebrated for over 2000 years and this year will be no different.

Unfortunately due to Covid-19 little Ghosts, Ghouls and Goblins may not be able to go knocking on doors 'trick or treating' but we can still enjoy the festival as a community.

You are invited to put on a Halloween display at the front of your house which can be viewed from street level.

Organiser, local artist Grace Mitchell, is determined to spread the Halloween fear and is asking locals of all ages to submit your entries to blarneyarttrail@gmail.com from now until Friday 30th Oct and share on social media using the hashtag #BlarneyAahBoo!

The winner will receive a €50 voucher for the best over all piece of art ,with three category winners for best pumpkin, best use of recycled materials, and scariest display also receiving a €25 vouchers each sponsored

by The Muskerry News.

A selection of submitted art will be shared on The Muskerry News facebook page and in the November edition.

Blarney Credit Union Limited is looking for volunteers to serve on the Board of Directors and various committees.

Responsibilities of a volunteer include; • act, at all times, within the scope of the law, regulations, the Standard Rules and the Credit Union’s policies and procedures

Benefits of volunteering include;

• prepare for and attend all monthly Board Meetings

• Gain skills and experience with a professional financial service provider

• be reliable, honest and mindful of the credit union’s good name and reputation

• Education and training

• respect confidentiality at all times and comply with the Declaration of Fidelity and Secrecy

• Personal development • Meet new people from the community • Give something back to the community • Be part of shaping the future of your Credit Union • Enhance your Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• ensure they have sufficient free time to fulfil the role – e.g. approximately 8 hrs per month • undertake training to enable the fulfilment of duties.

Interested?

Please forward you name and contact details to s.hoan@blarneycu.ie or post to Seamus Hogan, CEO, Blarney Credit Union Limited, St Annes Road, Blarney, Cork.

12 / Muskerry News

AVAILABLE

Blarney Credit Union... at the heart of the community We go behind the scenes of Blarney Credit Union to meet the new CEO and to look at how they are responding to your needs during the current crisis.

Meet your new CEO Seamus Hogan With over 20 years’ experience in financial services, Seamus is a Certified Public Account (CPA) and a full member of Accountants Technicians Ireland (MIATI). Seamus also holds the following qualifications with UCD and the LIA, Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA), Credit Union Advisor (CUA), Credit Union Compliance (CUC), Credit Union Governance (CUG) in addition to a diploma in mortgages, and is currently studying Forensic Accounting.

Seamus took over at Blarney Credit Union just as Covid19 was hitting us, so he has been kept busy over the past few months!

I would like to thank all the members for their support and co operation over the past few months. With social distancing we had to make changes with the branch to ensure the safety of our staff and our members and are conscious that some members have to wait outside the door. We are currently in the process at looking at ways to ensure we make it as efficient and comfortably for our members during the winter months ahead.

Blarney Credit Union has launched full on-line banking so if members have not yet requested on-line access, I would encourage you do so by contacting us by phone or email. Blarney Credit Union is a huge part of the community and we are hear to support all our members.

You may have noticed a few changes and some new faces at the Credit Union and we have had two staff members that have recently retired, Sheila Fitzgerald and Kathleen O’Shea and another staff member, Geraldine O’Brien, who is due to retire next month.

I would like to take this opportunity as CEO to thank all our staff both past and present for all of the hard work they have done over the years and for their efforts during this pandemic. The board of Blarney Credit Union is made up of local volunteers and we owe a debt of gratitude to them also for giving up their time and energy to ensure that Blarney Credit Union continues to offer the services and support to our community. The Credit Union is always looking for volunteers to get involved, so if you are interested in becoming a committee member or director please contact us.

Blarney Credit Union is here and open for business and actively lending with loans up to €60,000 and has recently hired a new loan officer Edel Desmond who has spent many years working in the Bank and has

huge experience in loan underwriting. Edel will be the main point of contact for anyone looking for a loan and we are hoping to make the process more efficient so members only have to deal with one person throughout the loan process. We will also be taking the loan applications away from the front counter to ensure greater privacy for our members. We have, and will continue to, develop new loan products and have some very competitive rates available at the moment, so please contact Edel with all your loan applications and enquiries.

For our members who unfortunately have lost their jobs or are in financial difficulty with us our Credit Controller Helen O’Grady is on hand and available to take any queries and discuss your financial situation with you in confidence.

Last, but certainly not least, I would like to introduce you to out new teller Susan Sexton who has recently joined us. Susan has previously worked in the bank and is currently studying for her professional credit union exams.

The Credit Union would like to once again thank all our members for their continued support and as we head into the coming months with all they may bring, I would like to let all our members know that Blarney Credit Union is by your side.

Seamus Hogan

Blarney Credit Union, St Annes Road Blarney P: 021 4381149 F: 021 4382019 www.blarneycu.ie

Muskerry News / 13

Blarney & District

Person of The Year Awards 2020 The September Blarney & District Person of the Month is Paul OLeary On behalf of Blarney GAA Club, we would like to nominate Paul OLeary for Blarney & District Person of the Month.

Paul is player-manager of the Blarney Intermediate Hurling Team who recently won the Cork County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship.

Paul has been instrumental in various activities in the club over a long number of years, as well as being a prominent hurler and footballer, Paul has also served as coaching officer and has managed a number of underage teams.

Paul was appointed manager of the intermediate hurling team in at the end of the 2018 season and quickly set about appointing a strong backroom team. No stone was left unturned in securing the best possible set up for a promising panel, mixed with experience and the emergence of some exciting young talent.

Paul both successfully managed the team and played a starring role as a no-nonsense full back, often tasked with marking the oppositions’ chief marksman. 2019 was a particularly successful year as the team reached the County Semi-final, narrowly losing to eventual winners Fr. O’Neills. While disappointed with defeat the team regrouped and began preparing for the 2020 season.

Paul led preparations through the early part of the year and kept the spirits of the panel high during the lockdown period from March to June. Preparations ramped up as the championship drew closer and a first-round victory over Inniscarra was tinged with a potential season ending injury to Paul, however he fought back to full fitness to take his place in time for the county semi-final against Carrigaline and played a starring role in the historic final victory over Castlelyons.

We thoroughly believe that Paul is a worthy recipient for Blarney Person of the month and hope that we see him play a starring role for Blarney, on and off the field, for many years to come.

Do you know someone who deserves a Blarney & District Person of The Month award? Send your nomination with the name of your nominee and the reason you wish to nominate them to Blarney & District Person of The Month Awards, The Muskerry News, Church View, Blarney, County Cork or by email to muskerrynews@gmail.com

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October

November

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Dinkar Lagali Jessica Griffin Robert Gabriel Catherine January February O’Sullivan March April

Valerie Kirby Andy Mackin May June

Ballyshoneen, Berrings, Co. Cork

novan & Co. Ltd. Dan Do General Merchant & Farm Supplies

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Lucy Kay Deborah Maguire August July

Paul OLeary September

October Special Offers 6 bags Black Star Polish Coal €114 3 bags Firequick Stove Fuel €50 Hardwood Briquettes 5 for €23 Fantastic Heat!

Creosote Fence Posts now in stock from 5ft to 7ft lengths.

Supatherm, Ecobrite, Cosyglow and Superflame Smokeless Fuel now in stock Ash Kindling, Air Dried Birch plus Ash blocks in small and big bags

Full range of Wild Bird Seed, Peanuts and Sunflower Hearts

14 / Muskerry News

D FR EL E IV E ER Y

Last round of Lawn Fertiliser

Aoife O’Sullivan, Killeens, pictured with her mum and dad, and brother and sister Ruairi and Orlaith, as she prepares to make her first holy communion.

Corrinne Austin, Corrinne's Kitchen, has joined the wonderful Cork City Neighbourfood which is an online market platform to help support local, small producers, and If you want to buy local and be assured about the quality of your food, and support small local business this is a wonderful way to do it!All of the products listed in a NeighbourFood market are grown or produced by local farmers or artisan producers. The sale of any large-scale commercially grown vegetables, non-organic imported fruit or vegetables, genetically modified products, intensively reared meat, imported fish or battery eggs are not permitted to be sold at a NeighbourFood market.

As Corrinne told us, "The customer needs to register for free on the site and then they can start shopping at their nearest market.

The producers are local, from farmers to small producers such as myself. There are also home delivery options available."

In May of this year, Flex Corporate selected Flex Cork as one of 12 sites worldwide to manufacture face marks.

The aim of this important project is to look after the safety of employees at home and work, their families, community organisations, suppliers and customers. In support of this, Flex recently donated 3,000 face masks to the Cork branch of St. Vincent de Paul. Pictured are Kate Durrant St. Vincent de Paul; Michael Moynihan, Senior Supervisor; Eimear Lynch, HR Manager; Mick Creagh, Program Manager; and Joe Enright, Head of Supply Chain.

In case of emergency call 112 or 999 - Know Your Eircode Muskerry News / 15

Ballincollig Tidy Towns

Vicarstown National School It’s all about Autumn and nature in Vicarstown National School this month!

We were delighted to be presented with a beautiful book, compiled by a parent in our school Kieran O’Regan. The book is a photographic and explanatory compilation of all of the birds and wildlife in the Vicarstown area at present.

Third and Fourth class have been very busy doing projects on the mammals of Ireland and studied animals such as stoats, hedgehogs, deer and bats.

Senior Infants are doing 'All about me' in Aistear. They thought about the materials that are used for building their homes which ties in with their story of the week 'The Three Little Pigs.'

First and second class took nature to art where they made some super rubbings of the lovely autumn leaves that they found.

Junior Infants have had a great ďŹ rst month in Vicarstown NS. They enjoyed getting to know each other and their new teacher Ms. Aoife Kavanagh. We also welcomed Aoife to the school this year. One of our first priorities was to acquire picnic benches so we could offer outdoor classes during the pandemic and we have been very fortunate to avail of some fantastic weather since we came back to school.

Fifth and sixth class have hit the ground running this term with ukulele lessons every Wednesday and have learned how to correctly hold and position the instrument and how to tune it correctly, plus some basic strumming patterns and have mastered the first four chords. We look forward to a socially distanced grand performance for the rest of the school later in the term!

Corks newest wedding store for men Bespoke menswear for companies and individuals

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16 / Muskerry News

All smiles from the lovely young communicants from Scoil Chroi Iosa, pictured as they celebrated their first holy communion on October 1st.

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Muskerry News / 17

Naíonáin Bheaga ar an siúlóid dúlra.

Junior Infants, Gaelscoil Mhuscraí, on their recent nature walk.

Gabhaimid buíochas le Cumnor Construction a rinne urraíocht ar gheansaithe nua CLG don scoil le déanaí. Táimíd ag tnúth go mór leo a chaitheamh!

We sincerely thank Cumnor Construction for generously sponsoring new GAA jerseys for the school. We look forward to proudly wearing them once matches recommence!

Lá Dearg & Bán ag Gaelscoil Mhuscraí.

Red & White day at Gaelscoil Mhuscraí. An Bhlárna Abú!

Edward Healy & Sons Garage

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Garda Seán ag labhairt le naíonáin na Gaelscoile faoi shábháilteacht ar na bóithre.

Garda Seán speaking to infants at Gaelscoil Mhuscraí about road safety.

18 / Muskerry News

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Castlewest Shopping Centre celebrates its 15th year of operation this October since it opened its doors to great fanfare back in 2005.

Built on the site of the 90 acre former Military Barracks, the Shopping Centre and accompanying residential development and offices has transformed the town of Ballincollig, which was a village of 400 people 40 years ago, to approx. 20,000 population today.

The shopping Centre has three main anchor tenants including Dunnes Stores and 29 other businesses across retail, beauty, hospitality, and health, and one of its’ main advantages over other Centres is the ample covered parking for customers to mitigate the effects of the Irish weather!

Celebrates 15 Years The Centre has had many challenges in the last 15 years, from the impact of the recession soon after it’s opening, to the current unprecedented times we now find ourselves living in, with Covid.

But one feature of the Centre has been its‘ resilience in the face of adversity and this is testament to all of the traders who have continued to offer the best service and value through the good times and the bad. Of course, the lifeblood of the Centre is the loyal customer base it has, both from within the town and the wider catchment area and for whom without their support, the Centre wouldn’t be the success it is today.

The management of the Centre has also undergone significant changes in recent times with the departure of my friend and colleague, the affable Jim O Leary, after 15 years of dedicated service.

However, change is inevitable and things move on and the same standards will be continued and improved upon to ensure that our customers receive the very best retail experience when they visit our Centre.

In this particularly challenging time we are implementing all of the procedures we possibly can to ensure that we provide a safe environment for our customers in compliance with best practice and to this end we have received many kind comments from customers who tell us that they “feel safe” shopping in Castlewest.

Finally, to reward our customers for their custom and loyalty over the years, we are giving all of our customers the opportunity to win a fantastic weekend away for the family to a west Cork hotel and in addition to this there will be two fantastic runners up prizes to be won.

Please see accompanying page for details on how to enter the competition.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers for their continued support in these uncertain times as the retail environment is effectively at the coal face and the many staff that work here and are at that frontline, depend on the success of the Centre for their livelihoods.

I wish you and all your families a safe pathway through this journey that we’re all on together and rest assured, we at Castlewest will strive to enhance your visit here with the best levels of safety and convenience that we can offer through research and innovation.

Thank you, Mise le meas John Doherty, Centre Manager.

20 / Muskerry News

Muskerry News / 21

What a difference an ‘0' makes! 7 year old Aflie wishes his grandfather, popular Blarney man Frank O’Driscoll, a very happy 70th birthday, as do we all!

Here’s to many, many happy returns Frank

Blarney Men’s Shed enjoying a socially distanced coffee as they plan their next project. We’re intrigued by the tins of paint and pots of honey, busy bees no doubt!

Thanks to Cork City Council for the fabulous new pathways on the wonderful Waterloo Walk that Waterloo Renewal Group has done so much work on. This well used and much appreciated local amenity is now far more comfortable for those who need to access it with buggies or wheelchairs.

Congratulations to Jessie Cawley who lives in Blarney, and runs Club Ceoil Blarney, as she launches her new book 'Becoming an Irish Traditional Musician' which was launched during the Cork Folk Festival. Jessica's book, which she researched and wrote for her doctorate thesis at UCC, covers the tradition of calling around to people's houses to play music.Because it's an academic tome, Jessica's book will be available to all through your local library. https://ucc-ie.academia.edu/JessicaCawley

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22 / Muskerry News

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Blarney has pride of place!

Cork City Council is once again delighted to link with Co-operation Ireland in nominating six communities, groups and organisations for the 2020 IPB Pride of Place awards. Pride of Place is an all-island competition that recognises improvements made by local communities to create civic pride in their area. The competition focus is about people coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their area.

This year, the award winners will be announced on 21st November.

Cork City Council they had the difficult task of nominating just one nominee in each of six categories and we are so proud that Blarney was proposed in the Urban Neighbourhood/Village under 3,000 population. With so many vibrant groups and organisations in our community Cork City Council felt we were a natural choice, and the reaction of the community to the pandemic lock down was also instrumental in their decision.

A team comprising Kate Durrant, Cllr Damian Boylan and Sean Foley worked hard on the entry and, earlier this year, presented to the judges the many projects and organisations that represent our strong sense of community and show what a wonderful place to live, work and play Blarney is.

The spirit of meitheal is strong in Blarney.

Muskerry News / 23

Tá Naíonáin Mhóra Ghaelscoil an Chaisleáin faoi lán tseoil ar an veidhlín. Féach ar ár gceoltóirí óga.

Gaelscoil an Chaisleáin was opened by the Department of Education & Skills in 2017 and has since outgrown its current site on the grounds of Ballincollig Rugby club in Tanner Park. The town’s population continues to grow at a great rate, with a notable and ongoing increase in the number of new and future housing estates. The Board of Management is very grateful to Ballincollig Rugby club for its support in accommodating the growth of the school to this point. For future expansion the parents and Board of Management are urging the Department to secure a permanent site without any further delay. For further information, please visit www.gsanchaisleain.ie

24 / Muskerry News

Pupils and staff from St. Lachteen’s National School Donoughmore who recently made their First Holy communion.

Included in picture is class teacher Mrs. O’Sullivan, Fr. Foley, Fr. O’Riordan and Mr. O’Sullivan, Acting Principal.

New school building for Coachford College!

Two schools under the auspices of Cork Education and Training Board are to receive an investment of approximately €33 million to build, extend and refurbish these schools.

The 10,600m2 project at Coachford College will provide a new school building for the college which will cater for a long-term enrolment of 1,000 pupils. The state-of-the-art new build will offer the existing and future incoming students 37 general classrooms, specialist rooms, science laboratories, engineering and constructions rooms, multi-media laboratories as well as a Special Education Needs Suite, and a PE hall.

30 kilometres further west, Coláiste Ghobnatan, a Gaelcholáiste in Baile Mhúirne, will see the provision of an extension to the existing school, which will cater for a long-term enrolment of 300 pupils. Áine-Máire Ní Fhaoláin, Principal of Coachford College said the countdown has begun to the completion of the new school building, saying, “We are thrilled that Coachford College has received the green light for this new state-of the-art facility. This is an extremely positive expansion in servicing the educational needs of the broader Coachford community. Parents and guardians can be reassured of the future and have confidence that their children will enjoy facilities matching the quality and commitment of teachers and support staff in Coachford College”. pic Jim Coughlan

The owner of Blarney Castle and Gardens has called for increased supports for the industry amid a collapse in visitor numbers. Sir Charles Colthurst says ticket receipts have dropped by 85% as a result of restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Blarney Castle supports 90 full-time and part-time staff during the height of a normal summer season, when as many as 65,000 tourists visit monthly. This year, the number of visitors during August fell to 10,000. Efforts are being made to protect the jobs of 30 full-time staff at Blarney Castle and Gardens during the off-season, but the impact on gate receipts and shortfall in Government support has had a significant impact.

Sir Charles Colthurst says, “We are extremely grateful to the people of Blarney and Cork who have continued to support us in great numbers during the pandemic, and who have purchased season passes to access the Castle and grounds. Tourism had been Ireland’s fastest growing sector pre-COVID, and I firmly believe that it will be again. The priority for private operators such as ourselves is to keep the lights on, protect the income of our employees and ensure that we are well positioned to take advantage of an upturn in business.

Unlike public tourist attractions where state funds flow freely into upkeep and maintenance, those in the private sector have to carry that weight alone. I would ask the Government to consider a special package of measures to support businesses such as ours. We will again return to being significant contributors in terms of taxes, but not if our businesses are not supported in the meantime.”

TOP TIP GUIDE FOR ORAL HEALTH

1. For consistent cleaning, brush your teeth and gums at the same time every day, e.g. after breakfast and before going to bed. Supervise children under seven.

2. Only use the recommended amount of toothpaste and ensure all teeth and gums are cleaned thoroughly. You can use different sized inter-dental brushes to clean plaque from inaccessible areas.

3. Make a special effort to quit smoking. Smoking is a major cause of preventable death and oral problems include bad breath, stained teeth, tooth loss and oral cancer. Your dentist can advise.

4. Change your toothbrush every three months and make sure to floss at least once a day.

5. Take time to read the sugar content of your food and drink and reduce intake of high sugar content foods. Keep snacks between meals to low-sugar or sugar-free foods.

6. Remember there is a relationship between oral health and general health and ask your dentist if a visit to your medical practitioner is appropriate.

7. Make a resolution to visit your dentist regularly so that small problems can be resolved before they become bigger, more complicated and expensive.

8. If you decide to whiten your teeth, make sure to discuss with your dentist who can ensure safe and professional teeth whitening under the care of a qualified dental practitioner.

9. Arrange preventative fissure sealants for children reaching the age of six or seven as directed by your dentist. Follow up at six or twelve months intervals.

10. If you notice ulcers or lumps in your mouth or neck persisting for more than a week, arrange to have an oral cancer screening appointment with your dentist.

Muskerry News / 25

Thanks to all who turned out to Blarney Tidy Towns village clean up last weekend, and those who cleaned up throughout the week, with a particular welcome to our youngest Blarney Tidy Towns recruits.

Buying or selling a house in 2020?

2020

2019 26 / Muskerry News

Congratulations to Sophie McSweeney B.Sc, Blarney, pictured graduating ‘Covid style’ with her proud parents Kevin and Grainne, and brothers and sister Sean, Denis and Andrea.

Behind the Castle Walls September brought our usual two weeks of sunshine followed by a distinct drop in overnight temperatures that hints at the coming Autumn. The beech and birch have been the first to change, with shades of yellow and orange beginning to creep into the woodland canopies. I love to watch the changing tapestry of colours as our arboretums and woodlands adjust to the changing season.

We just received our main bulb delivery and have begun planting.

We have our usual range of tulips, hyacinths and a few more unusual species for the herbaceous border and poison garden. Although we use a certain amount of what I would term ‘bedding bulbs’ I much prefer to use bulbs that can survive in our climate and will settle in and spread, as they represent much better value for money. We have had great success with woodland anemones and bluebells on some of our walks and we will keep adding to this every year.

Our apples and other fruit have been picked and harvested and we have made our usual organic apple juice, ice creams and jams which we will be selling in the cafe and shop. It has all proved to be very popular with the tourists and locals. This year we were hit by late frosts which halved our apple harvest, so we will only be producing around 100 litres of cider this year which will make it even more in demand. We will also be experimenting with apple cider vinegar so keep your eyes open for it appearing in the shop.

Pick apples and pears as they ripen, and store them in trays with shredded newspaper, straw or cardboard liners. For storage the temperature needs to be cool but not frosty. Most homes will be too warm so it’s better to store them in a shed or garage, as long as they are rodent-proof. Windfall or bruised fruit is better used in desserts, jams or wine making.

This is traditionally the time for cutting back, tidying and preparing for the winter. I have started to watch the overnight temperatures, and we have already started to move some of our tender specimen plants from the Jungle Border and Fern Garden into their winter homes in our glasshouse and poly tunnel.

Winter bedding will be planted out over the next few weeks. We use a lot of pansy and viola as I find them to be the most reliable in our unpredictable climate. Skimmias provide a good Christmassy look with their red berries and we are trying some red and white cyclamen around the main entrance beds. We generally mix in a few other things such as ornamental heathers, variegated ivy and small cordylines just to add to the interest and brighten up the beds over the duller months.

Jobs for October include, tie in and cutting back of raspberry and loganberry canes if you haven’t already, bulb planting around the garden, apply autumn fertiliser to lawns, lift and divide herbaceous plants if you need to, and cut them back as they die down, stop feeding indoor plants now, tidy up beds, borders and glasshouses and make plans for next year.

There is still some good late summer colour in the borders, and this will soon be followed by the autumn show.

Specialising in dermatology

I look forward to seeing you in the gardens.

Adam

HOW CAN BLARNEY TOASTMASTERS HELP YOU? Are you struggling to get your point across at Zoom meetings? Do you have an online interview coming up, or are you simply looking to deliver better presentations at work? Whatever your level or goals for personal and professional growth, Blarney Toastmasters can help you fulfil them in a fun and friendly environment.

In March 2020 Blarney Toastmasters quickly moved to an online format and will continue to do so until it’s safe to return to our regular venue, the Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 8pm. If you have always been curious about Toastmasters now is a perfect opportunity to join from the comfort of your own home.

Blarney Toastmasters open night is on Tuesday the 10th of November at 8pm via Zoom. Why not join us and see what it's all about?

See www.blarneytoastmasters.com for more details.

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Unit 6B, Woodfield, Station Rd, Blarney Muskerry News / 27

News from Times Past with Brian Gabriel, Blarney & District Historical Society POLLUTION & FLOODING OF THE RIVER MARTIN byBRIAN GABRIEL

Pollution With industry comes pollution and more has probably been written on this aspect of the river than any other. Not so much the unsightly disposal of a refuse bag or the discarding of an old mattress but pollution more insidious. An early example is from 1886 when an anti-pollution sub-committee reported back to the Cork Board of Guardians. They found that sulphuric acid was finding its way into the Martin after a process of waste filtration through cinder bags. It was Mr. Arthur Mahony who showed the sub-committee around the dye works on their visit while Mr. Nicholas Mahony chaired the meeting that heard their report. On a positive note the sub-committee reported that no water closets were discharging into the river with the “dry earth” system being the one in use at the mills.

In the 1920s there were some concerns in the village over sewage, but it’s not till 1961 that pollution really takes off or, at least, the publicity around it, reaching a scale that’s hard to credit. In that year an estimated 700 fish were destroyed as a result of ‘factory effluent’ with one Blarney resident saying it was ten years since so many fish had died. There was another incident in 1965 with the polluter promising to provide fingerlings to replace destroyed stock but, according to the Cork Board of Fishery Conservators, not proving very prompt to do so. The Cork Otter Hounds said they had met with six otters on the river that same year but with none in 1969. Paddy Sleeman, an authority on otters, is in no doubt that they’re present on the Martin again today.

The July of both 1970 and 1971 were disastrous with thousands of dead fish floating along what the Examiner called “one of the best stocked trout rivers in Cork”. “Even eels”, said John O’Connell of the Cork Trout Anglers, “which normally escape the effects of pollution, died in their hundreds”. It was a disgraceful sight for tourists to see. It was said that the dead fish were “as fat as sausages” because they had developed a taste for cheese. Paddy Hoare of the Blarney Trout Anglers reckoned that in 1971 virtually nothing could have escaped. Locals were also “extremely worried” about their children and the fact that the river was a source of public water supply. People were annoyed but there seemed be a lack of political will and no effective mechanisms to deal with the problem. Philip Mullally of An Taisce expressed disgust at the whole situation. The Board of Fishery Conservators said they were expected to prosecute poachers but felt powerless regarding pollution. They even felt under pressure, said Dan Good, “to refrain from taking action against certain concerns”.

Some remedial measures were taken. In 1973 the Munster Trout Anglers was invited to visit the Rathduff cheese factory to see new effluent tanks that had been installed. But come the summer of 1980 a 2½ mile stretch of death was again observed near Rathduff. The water was dirty brown with the familiar very unpleasant odour. The Blarney Trout Anglers saved over 600 trout that had gathered in two tributaries for oxygen away from the polluted area. Incidentally, in the same year, and in the two following, the cheese factory applied for permission to discharge effluent into the Martin. Also, in 1980 Cadbury’s underwrote a £3,000 restocking programme for pollution they caused in the Blackwater and Rathduff followed suit promising to provide personnel too if necessary. But July was pollution season and come July 1982 salmon fry, trout and eels were again decimated, this time from Wise’s Bridge to Blarney. On this occasion a chemical discharge was suspected with the water staying clear.

All the while regular dumping was proceeding apace. In 1984 Jerry Keating (Munster Anti-Pollution Committee) remarked that the stretch between Blarney and Waterloo was in regular receipt of domestic refuse from cars by night. He lamented the time Mahony’s dredged and cleaned it a few times each year. July 1989 saw two incidents. One was the consequence of cement washings from local authority works, possibly the Mallow Road. Restocking was undertaken the following year with the release of four thousand 4 to 5-inch fingerlings. The next big kill was in 1996 when 70,000 gallons of slurry somehow got in to the river. This drew comment from junior minister, Eamonn Gilmore. Would 1997 allow recovery?

28 / Muskerry News

No, July 18th of that year saw perhaps the most devastating incident of all with an estimated 78,000 fish killed following what was described as a slurry ‘spillage from a pig farm’. All the salmon, trout and eels from Grenagh to Blarney were wiped out as the toxic mess made its way towards the Anglers Rest over the course of a weekend. The ESB did their flushing job, not for the first time, and the city’s water supply was saved. In all of these incidents there is no mention of prosecution. That’s because there doesn’t appear to have been any until this one. Eventually the Environmental Protection Agency and the South West Regional Fisheries Board were successful, and Macroom Mills were fined £10,000 plus £2,000 costs. A contractor had been collecting slurry from their unit of 380 sows to spread on neighbouring farm land. Well, apparently, he overlooked to close a valve “and a small amount” according to the defence “had entered a nearby stream”.

We are not there yet. The walls of what was described as an old earthen lagoon, or a disused cheese tank, gave way over a January weekend in 1999 and spilled 5,000 tonnes of sludge into the river. It had been stored in it for six years and now the river was blackened for 12 miles, practically its whole length. The fish had spawned just a month previously, but fortunately heavy rain kept the sludge from settling on the gravelly shallows where it would have destroyed the eggs and last year’s fry.

Things have certainly improved since and in the light of all that a dead sheep rotting in the river for two weeks at Waterloo in 2007 doesn’t seem so bad.

Flood The river in flood is a good flushing mechanism but more typically flood, of course, is a disaster in its own right. Heavy rain over three days in 1931 saw the dam burst causing considerable flooding but no stoppage of work at the mill.

That served as a prelude to December 1948 when Blarney experienced its most serious recorded floods. The dam burst also on that occasion, this time at about seven in the evening, causing a wall of water to sweep over the inch, clear the ten-foot bank and gush through the ground floor of the houses on Shamrock Terrace. Betty Roche was coming around the Waterloo Road with Eily and Joe Cremin on a pony and trap at the time when she saw all the lights on and the doors open on the terrace. They had been hoping to make it to a dance in Ballincollig but realised just how bad things were when they saw that.

Many people remember their Christmas baking being destroyed, having stored it in low cupboards and presses. The people at the Waterloo Inn were able to touch the flood water from the upper windows, a novelty certainly, but it led them to say a few rosaries too. Bina Murphy had been rearing turkeys there and they were all swept away along with furniture and beer barrels. The Gardaí had to abandon their Christmas Dance and their dayroom was under nearly 5 feet of water. Some people around the Square were trapped in their houses and had to be rescued through the skylights. The Cork branch of the Red Cross provided blankets and mattresses while tractors and lorries removed furniture and household goods. A hundred men returned to the mills when they could to clean out the slush and mud. Bales of tweed were recovered from the Martin and there was a big loss in socks.

Rectification work was well under way by the summer of 1950. The main features were that the river was diverted to eliminate two sharp bends and deepened by 4½ feet for two hundred yards. While the new bridge had double the water carrying capacity of the old and cost £2,000. In the initial days, February 1949, Thomas Looney T.D. made a recommendation to the county council that the workmen be paid extra as they were obliged to work in water.

Despite the good work there was significant flooding in 1968 when it rained for 20 hours continuously. The Martin again burst its banks causing flooding around the Square. The Donoughmore road was also badly affected with the morning bus carrying workers for Blarney and the city not able to get through.

More flooding in January 1974 saw trees uprooted and reminded some people of 1948. The Blarney to Tower road flooded in 1988 and again in 1990 when 3 feet of water covered Riverview Estate. This led to legal action in which it was claimed that the county council was negligent in siting the estate on land adjacent to two rivers. One resident in a wheelchair was brought to ‘terra firma’ in the bucket of a J.C.B. The net result here was that the council paid out £½ million to 40 families and spent a further million on remedial works. The Shournagh was realigned and embanked, two unused eyes were reopened on Tower Bridge and Willison’s Bridge was replaced.

Finally, from the child’s eye, when the late Frank Cronin’s grandson saw the colour of the Martin in spate in 2015, he asked ‘Granddad, why did they throw chocolate in the water?’

The above excerpt was taken from a much larger article titled ‘Modest Martin: A History of a Local River’ by Richard Forrest and published in Issue No 11 ‘Old Blarney’ Journal. A limited number of ‘Old Blarney’ back issues are still available by contacting 087 2153216, or www.blarneyhistory.ie Please keep checking the Web-site for up-to-date information.

Muskerry News / 29

Blarney United FC Seniors Jason Hogan has fired the Senior team to the top of the table with Hogan scoring in all seven league matches so far. The team has continued its good form into this season winning five of the opening league games, one draw against Mayfield and the only defeat coming against Bandon away. Hogan has been in prolific form again and is getting great supply from the midfield with Ray O’Leary playing as well as ever. Martin O’Sullivan got an impressive hat trick away to Kinsale, Greg Barrett has been chipping in with goals also. New signing Jack Forde is settling in well in the middle of the park. Alan Weldon picked up an injury and has missed a few games, but hopefully will be back sooner rather than later in the heart of the defence. Manager Brian Murray will be delighted with the start to the new season with the team playing well and creating plenty of chances for Hogan and co up front.

Juniors BUFC Juniors are sitting top of the table after seven matches, five wins, a draw and just the one defeat to a very good Mallow side away. Jordan O’Connor has been a regular on the score sheet every week and delivered an impressive hat trick against Ballinhassig. Danny O’Brien is in great form the middle of the park along with Josh Tannin and Lorcan Geaney has been keeping them out at the other end of the pitch. The team is playing very well and the management team of Derek Daly and Sean O’Sullivan will be happy with the start to the season and look to build on the good start going forward.

Captain O’Sullivan leads U17 to cup final Congratulations to our U17 Premier Team who had a great result in the Gussie Walsh League Cup Semi Final beating Leeds 5-2. Goal scorers were O. G. Cameron Lynch 1, Gavin O'Sullivan 1 Captain, Joe Bailey 1 and Dylan Doherty 1. We wish the team the very best of luck in the final.

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

30 / Muskerry News

Schoolboys and Schoolgirls Leagues

Blarney United FC

We are four weeks into the schoolboys and schoolgirls 20/21 season and while we are pausing for what we hope is a short time due to Covid restrictions, our teams have enjoyed the start of the season.

Our three U12 teams are playing their first games in the CSL having moved up from the academy this year. They are really enjoying the structured football with referees, official results and league tables. All three teams have had a solid start and are competing well in their divisions.

Blarney’s three U13 teams are all in a comfortable position mid-table in their divisions. Our lead team are competing at Premier level having been promoted from Division 1 last season. They have a 2 win & 2 loss record and most recently produced a great result with a notable 2-0 win away to Corinthian Boys.

The two U14 squads are experiencing mixed fortunes, however it is early days with only two games played. Our A team is sitting mid-table and ready for action once the league resumes. There is a long season ahead for both squads to pick up points and challenge for honours.

Blarney has two squads competing at the U15 grades with our lead team under the management of Stephen Lyons competing at the top grade in the Premier division.

Again, a solid start sees them firmly in mid-table with 2 wins and 2 defeats. This is a team to watch for the future. Our A team managed by Joe Enright are competing well and looking forward to getting back in action.

The U16 Premier team, under manager Paul Connolly, are flying high at the top of the premier league table. This is the top grade of schoolboys football in Cork and Blarney have 4 wins out of 5 games, with their only loss going down 1 - 0 away to the fancied Corinthian Boys. Definitely a team to get out and support this season with a fantastic level of football on display.

Our 16A squad have just one game played to date and are itching to get the season underway proper.

In the Schoolgirls league, our U13 girls have played 2 games and are sitting mid-table of Division 1. The U15 girls are also in a strong position mid-table and are looking forward to the remainder of the season ahead.

Don’t forget to follow us for all the news on fixtures, results and everything BUFC on Facebook and Instagram.

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Blarney GAA news Congratulation to Blarney who were outstanding in Cork Premier Intermediate County Final with a historic victory over Castlelyons on a scoreline of 1 - 20 to 0 - 15. Their performance of style, steel and resilience saw Mark Coleman crowned man of the match and lead to not one, but two, victory parades around the village!

As Therese O’Callaghan reported in The Irish Examiner.

“Blarney will take their place in senior hurling ranks following their deserved Co-Op Superstores Cork Premier IHC triumph in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday night. This was an in impressive performance from the mid Cork side, the highlight of which was a virtuoso display from county star Mark Coleman. The midfielder rightfully scooped the man-of -the-match award, excelling from both open play and freetaking to finish the night with 14 points. They turned the tables on Castlelyons, having lost to them in the group stage.

“Castlelyons taught us a lesson the first day,” said Coleman. “We had to ask ourselves a lot of tough questions the way they beat us. We just said before this game, leave everything out there. I think 1-to-15, everyone left everything on the pitch. We turned it around. It is always easier learn more in defeat and that is what we did. We looked at that game and it was always in the back of your mind to get one over them.” He also had a word for his inter-county teammate Colm Spillane who agonizingly was forced off with a hand injury in the first minute.

“It is very disappointing for Colm. I haven’t seen him. I hope he will be alright. I will maybe talk to him over the next couple of days and see how he is getting on. That was a massive blow.” Without question, Spillane's departure had a devastating effect on Castlelyons and they never recovered from it. With the exception of the opening point from Castlelyons chief scorer Michael Spillane, Blarney quickly got on top.

Two Coleman points and one from Shane Barrett edged them in front.

At the first water-break, they were 0-6 to 0-3 up. Declan Hanlon wore the number 12 jersey, but the wing-forward spent most of the hour giving a helping hand to his hard-working half-back line of Alan McEvoy, Peter Philpott and Joe Jordan.

He certainly made his presence felt. It was turning into a lively contestwhen the other two Spillane brothers, Michael and Anthony, pointed to leave just one between them. And their goalkeeper Jack Barry made a great save, diverting a goal shot away to safety.

www.blarneygaa.ie

Blarney selectors and backroom team who masterminded the historic victory.

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Blarney GAA news

Young and old turned out in red to welcome the victorious team home!

Crucially, Blarney took up the running again. Philpott fed Patrick Crowley for a point, there was one from Padraig Power and three from Coleman to stretch the lead to six.

Alan Fenton and Coleman exchanged white flags to leave Blarney leading by double scores at the change of ends, 0-12 to 0-6.

Castlelyons did have a decent opportunity for a goal in the 24th minute and despite the best effort of Michael Spillane, they could not convert Castlelyons restarted with a Michael Spillane point. But they were hit with a goal a minute later, Patrick Crowley setting up their dangerman, Power. And the Castlelyons challenge grew ever greater.

www.blarneygaa.ie

With the breeze to their backs, Blarney kept the scoreboard moving, three on the trot from Coleman (2) and Power. Ten minutes into the second-half, the advantage extended 1-16 to 0-8.

It was a daunting task for Castlelyons, and while other teams might have folded, they never gave up. They struck seven points to Blarney’s one during a highly productive 15 minute spell.

Centre-back Niall O’Leary, who was now operating further up the field, got one as did Anthony Spillane. And when Michael Spillane landed his tenth point, the gap was cut to five. A Mark O’Leary point was the sole response for Blarney, 1-17 to 0-15.

Five minutes of normal time remained, and there were four minutes of additional time announced. Crucially though Castlelyons didn’t score again. Blarney took over once more with Barrett extending the lead before Coleman landed one from a ’65 and one from play to wrap up the win.

For 23-year-old joint-captain Sean Crowley, this was a day to remember. “Myself and (Peter) Philpott are joint-captains. We are best friends. We have been friends since we were about two years old. This is a young team. It means the world to us. Watching the lads in ’08 and ’09, we always wanted to get back to those heights. Last year we lost to (Fr) O’Neills by two points in the semi-final and that was tough because they went on and they won the final.”

Scorers for Blarney; M Coleman (0-14, 0-8 frees, 0-1 65), P Power (1-2), S Barrett (0-2), P Crowley and M O’Leary (0-1 each).

Blarney; P Hallissey; S Crowley (J-Capt), P O’Leary, D Walsh; A McEvoy, P Philpott (J-Capt), J Jordan; M Coleman, R Murphy; P Crowley, M O’Leary, D Hanlon; S Barrett, P Power, K Costello.

Subs; S Mulcahy for K Costello (53), C O’Mahony for S Crowley (57), C Murphy for M O’Leary (59), B Ahern for D Walsh, B O’Connell for R Murphy (both 61).

Dan Sheehan

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Muskerry News / 33

Saoirse Hayes wishing both the Junior and Senior Inniscarra Camogie teams the best of luck in their recently played County Finals.

Congratulations to Rockbàn U13's camogie team on winning the Muskerry U13 A final against Aghabullogue recently.

Officers of Blarney Golf Club presenting Jackie Lewis, SVP Blarney, with a cheque for €1300 which was raised during their recent fund raising weekend.

Team Captain Donal O'Callaghan is pictured with his mother Mary and brother Sean at the pitch in Ballyanly, which is named after his grandfather Donal O' Callaghan, on the occasions of the Inniscarra Junior A hurlers winning the Mid Cork Junior A Hurling Championship Final with a scoreline of Inniscarra 1-18 Ballinora 1-15. This was the first time since 1975 that Inniscarra won this championship.

The team was Padraig Holland; Brian Gould, Kevin Burke, Bryan O’Mahony, Tommy Buckley, David O’Carroll, Donal O’Callaghan; Aidan O’Mahony, Michael O’Connell; James Murphy, Mark Nagle, Jerry Roche; Mark Buckley, Dan O’Connell, Kieran Rice. Sub: John Casey for Mark Buckley (ht). Scorers: A O’Mahony 0-11 (9f), D O’Connell 1-1, K Rice 0-3, M Nagle, P Holland, J Murphy 0-1 each.

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Muskerry MOTORING

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

Muskerry News / 35

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A local family business has sought to help busy families and students by offering nutritious and delicious recipe inspiration on a budget, all using the humble egg as the staple ingredient.

Riverview Eggs are a family run and owned company and have been supplying their Bord Bia quality assured eggs to Irish Consumers for over 50 years. This year, they decided to extend their efforts to help families and created a series of instructional online recipe dishes featuring their award winning eggs, made possible with the support of a Bord Bia marketing support initiative.

The series ‘Get Cracking with Eggs’ featuring 16 easy to make recipes is live now on the Riverview Eggs website and on the Riverview Eggs social channels on Facebook and Instagram.

Speaking about the decision to create the series DJ Kelleher said, “We wanted to create something that would be useful for families and students. We understand it is a stressful time at the moment and we wanted to do our bit to try to and offer something that we felt would be of use.

“Get Cracking With Eggs is really back to basics when it comes to cooking, it shows people how to cook food that’s nutritious yet easy to make in a short space of time, perfect for anyone on the go.

“Both myself and Deirdre O’Mahony, the face of the recipe series, put a lot of thought into the recipes and we were determined to show the variety of healthy nutritious meals that could be made using our Riverview eggs and whatever you might have at home in the press or fridge. “We’re delighted with how the series turned out and we hope it will be useful to families and students all across Ireland,” he concluded.

Jacks first day at circle time pre school Whitechurch

The big hearted students of Firmount National School and the wider parish in Donoughmore were quick to answer the call that came from UCC graduate, Dr Wissam Abdel Samad, who is from Lebanon and has returned there to work as a principal in a school telling them, "Due to the ongoing economic crisis followed by the disastrous Beirut Port Explosion and drastic hyperinflation, prices of common items have become unaffordable. A 50 page notebook costs 32USD, a pen 19 USD, A pack of coloring pens = 67 USD, An iPad pro 11 = 5000 USD Students do not have access to the basic education needs, let alone access to the tools needed for online education like iPads and laptops."

Young Sarah and Grace with the help of their mum Sharon and Orla Lynch, colleagues of Dr Wissam Abdel Samad, were quick to answer the call and left a box outside Peg’s shop and collected in school, resulting in a pallet of supplies packed and ready to send to Lebanon.

December 31st 2020

Muskerry News / 37

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DRINKING WATER & WASTE WATER TESTING Muskerry News / 39

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