Muskerry News

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Thursday 2.30pm - 10pm

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Saturday 2.30pm - 10.30pm

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As registration for Darkness into Light 2023 is now open on www.darknessintolight.ie, Blarney Darkness into Light are calling on the walkers, the runners and those who wish to cheer them on from the sidelines to come along and join them on May 6th!

Blarney Post Office would like to thank everyone who donated to their Six Nations drive which raised €340 for the Asthma Society of Ireland. Karen O’Shea was the winner of the €100 one4all voucher in the draw, guessing that Ireland would beat England in their six nations match.

Age Action are currently looking to expand the 'Care and Repair' volunteer team who carry out small DIY jobs Blarney and the surrounding areas. The team does small DIY jobs for older people to help them maintain their homes and their independence with the most common services required by older people including:

• changing light bulbs;

• installing security locks and chains;

• moving furniture,

• minor home decorating (e.g. hanging pictures),

• minor gardening (e.g. trimming small hedges);

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• tuning in TVs, and installing domestic smoke alarms.

To find out more please email volunteering@ageaction.ie or call 021 206 7399

Where would we be without local companies like TiS Firestopping who are kindly sponsoring sportswear for SMGS

Girl guides from Blarney visited the Janssen facility in Ringaskiddy to showcase their LEGO creations which were inspired by this year’s Superpowered theme of reimagining the future of sustainable energy. First Lego League is an international competition that challenges young students to design, build, and program robots using LEGO.

Ireland joined the European Union fifty years ago, or the EEC as it then was, and the Inniscarra Twinning Association is running its ‘EU50' Song and Art Competition to mark the anniversary, as the group eagerly awaits a visit from Plougonven this month with families all over Inniscarra waiting to welcome visitors to their homes to enjoy a packed programme of events. “Ireland has changed hugely in those 50 years. We are looking for pictures or songs from our young people, with the EU and Ireland as a theme,” says Eileen Riordan, Twinning Secretary. The contest is free to enter and open to individuals and small groups under 18 years. The closing date is Friday 5th May.

Blarney students.

Pupils in Gaelscoil Mhuscraí are having a particularly busy sporting month with the start of the Sciath na Scol hurling/camogie competition and having participated in the FAI soccer tournament. Junior classes enjoyed a production of ‘Cochaillín Dearg’ in the school hall. For engineering week we welcomed local engineer, Cian O Mahoney, into the school to speak about his role as an engineer while various classes took on engineering challenges of their own. Our Amber Flag committee organised ‘Hata na Cásca’ for the Easter holidays where pupils created some very imaginative ‘hataí’! A huge ‘comhghairdeas’ to our Rang 6 who completed the sacrament of Confirmation recently.

Cáisc Shona daoibh ó Ghaelscoil Mhuscraí!

‘Nuacht na míosa ó Ghaulscoil Mhuscraí’

We had a great time dressing up for World Book Day. Pupils dressed up as a character from their favourite books while staff came up with some impressive costumes too!

Junior and senior infants have been helping us impress the inspector for our application for the Greenschool Flag for Biodiversity. Junior infants learnt all about the lifecycle of the ladybird, while seniors learnt about butterflies.

We were delighted to welcome guest performer, Pat Finnerty, uilleann piper, to the school for the grand finale of our Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations. All classes presented the songs and poems that they had learnt and Mr. O’Brien’s guitar group helped Pat to play to the very appreciative audience. This year we also had comórtas ealaíne na seanfhocail, cluiche biongó agus maidin gaelach. What a great way to finish out the day which lead us into the St. Patrick’s festivities. Thugamar amach na duaiseanna SNAG go léir freisin agus tá bonn ag gach dalta ag dul abhaile inniu. Beannachtaí Lá Fhéile Pádraig!

Cloghroe N.S. and Mr Fennessy were delighted to welcome back our dear friend and former principal Pádraig Ó Conaill. Pádraig is currently president of the Retired Teachers Association of Ireland. The students were delighted to meet Mr. O’Connell and to see his presidential chain.

6th class presented their projects on influential women, past and present, in celebration of International Women’s Day. We know that each and every pupil, girls and boys, in the school have huge potential and remind them that the sky is the limit.

Congratulations to our First Class pupils who performed in a wonderfully entertaining and energetic manner at the Cór Fhéile in Cork City Hall. Maith sibh Rang a hAon.

Pupils and staff celebrated World Down Syndrome Day on the 6th of March by wearing funky socks to school, participating in a single global voice initiative advocating for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down Syndrome.

There were activities throughout the school celebrating World Book Day. These included dressing up as your favourite character in a book, buddy reading, and a visiting author. Children in 4th class engaged in “Campfire Reading” , building forts in which they enjoyed reading their books by torch light, in front of a blazing fire on the interactive whiteboard. Who knew reading could be so much fun!!

Comhghairdeas le na páistí go léir mar gheall ar na imeachtaí a bhí ar siúl timpeall na scoile I rith Seachtain na Gaeilge. Well done to all for the fantastic events throughout the school during Seachtain na Gaeilge.

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New amazing environmentally friendly straw brush. Bristles are kinder to the hair and scalp and can be used wet or dry!

Volcanoes in Rang 5!

Lots of fun throughout the school for World Book Day this year!

JEROME McCARTHY All aspects

Cllr. Sheila O’ Callaghan

Member of Cork County Council - (MCC) Cobh Municipal District. 086 1940762 / sheila.ocallaghan@cllr.corkcoco.ie

Facebook Cllr. Sheila O’ Callaghan

Some winners of our Christmas Raffle!

Lá glas i rith Seachtain na Gaeilge

1st class successfully incubated chick eggs and hatched 4 baby chicks!

A fashion show with a difference thrilled the crowds last week, with all pre-loved clothes sourced and styled by Jackie at Vincent’s shop, Blarney, and wonderfully modelled by local people, raising funds for two wonderful organisations ICA and SVP.

Rathpeacon National School

Our school celebrated a wonderful occasion on the 21 st of March when pupils from Rang a Sé made their Confirmation in Blarney. The Confirmation is always a wonderful day in the life of the school and this year was no different. Bishop Crean, Fr. Fitzgerald and Fr. Gabriel led a beautiful and prayerful ceremony and our school choir led the congregation in singing. We hope that the pupils in Sixth Class and their families enjoyed their special day.

Everyone was wondering what was happening in school when Second Class came to school wearing lots of odd socks! They designed more socks in Art and decorated their windows with lots and lots of socks! What were all these socks about? Our Second Class pupils were well able to explain that they were celebrating World Down Syndrome Day – 21 st March. Ms O’Callaghan and Ms O’Neill, along with their classes, took part in this campaign to raise awareness about Down Syndrome.

After a really busy and rewarding term it was time for us to take our Easter break. Just before the holidays, we decorated the school with our Easter art, managed to squeeze in an egg hunt or two and planted some spring seedlings! Happy Easter!

It’s been a busy few weeks for Sixth Class! Another one of the highlights of the last month was their Daffodil Day Cake Sale and Coffee Morning. The kitchens around Rathpeacon were put to good use on Thursday evening when the boys and girls got busy making an impressive array of cakes, tarts, buns and cookies. They hosted a Coffee Morning on Daffodil Day followed by a cake sale. Our school hall was packed full of very happy customers from 9.30am to 1.00pm. Altogether over €2,600 was raised for the Irish Cancer Society. What a fine achievement for our Sixth Class! Thank you to everyone who called in and made a donation on the day

A source of comfort and inspiration to so many of its listeners, Radio Maria Ireland is a Catholic radio station that has been operative in Ireland since 2015 with volunteers and presenters from all around the country, including our own Margaret Griffin who presents ‘Sow and Grow’, a weekly gardening and nature programme.

Radio Maria has grown to an audience of tens of thousands of listeners, nationally and internationally and over the past number of years, it has enjoyed a growing reach and is kindly supported by its listeners and generous volunteers through prayer, the presenting of programmes, promotion and financial assistance.

The three pillars of Radio Maria are that of catechesis, prayer and human formation, accompanying her family of listeners on their journey of faith and Radio Maria seeks to provide a supportive, easy-listening service free of commercial advertising and with a variety of programming, prayer and music throughout the day.

Each day, the radio receives a multitude of messages, letters and feedback from listeners who find it a great accompaniment and feel it a real sense of companionship in their daily lives, also reaching nursing homes, hospitals and prisons with its own unique mission of comfort and prayerful support to those otherwise isolated or alone. Radio Maria Ireland is available on digital television via Saorview Channel 210 and can also be found at www.radiomaria.ie, or on the free Radio Maria App, via Alexa and Google and, for those without digital connectivity via landline phone broadcast on 01 437 3227.

Thanks were paid to everyone who supported the recent table quiz held by Gleann na Laoi, the Rest Bar for hosting, quizmaster Robert Fitzgerald and to Valerie Lucey and others who helped out with organisation on the night! It was a huge success for the club with over 30 teams taking part and not a free seat in the house. Congratulations to all the prize winners on the night. Thanks very much to the Rest Bar for hosting, the Quizmaster Robert Fitzgerald and to Valerie Lucey and others who helped out with organisation on the night! A great night was had by all and over €2000 raised.

Gaelscoil Mhuscraí students created some wonderful hats for Easter this Friday.

Gleann na Laoi players and selectors enjoying a lovely team lunch at Ravenscourt Garden Centre and Village Cafe.

Blarney & District Person of The Year Awards 2023

The March 2023 Blarney & District Person of the Month is Jackie Lewis

This months person of the month is none other than the popular manager of ‘Vincents’ Jackie Lewis.

Jackie has been the manager of this essential local shop since it opened its doors in 2012 and not only manages the shop, staff and volunteers within, but also engages with local students encouraging the next generation to work with local charities.

The shop, which stocks a wide range of

clothing, footwear, books and CD’S, games and bric-a-brac is a fabulous addition to the village, with many a last minute call for an outfit or school fancy dress dilemma solved by a quick trip to ‘Vincents’!

The shop is also a very important point of contact for people looking to get in touch with St Vincent de Paul but not knowing where or how to start, many have benefitted from a discreet word from Jackie pointing them in the right direction, her quiet kindness helping many local people.

Jackie doesn’t let an occasion pass without celebration, something her eye-catching window displays are testament to, and the recent fashion show held at Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel which featured local models wearing wonderful clothes from Vincents shop brought the community together, a perfect example of the richness that ‘Vincents’, with Jackie at its head, brings to the village.

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

Dan Donovan & Co. Ltd.

General Merchant & Farm Supplies

dandonovanltd@gmail.com

April Special Offers

Peat Briquettes stocks are limited, no more after April

Ecoblaze Hardwood Briquettes - €7.50 bale

Diamond Grass seed in stock for 2023, including Multispecies sward.

Amenity and No. 2 Lawn seed available.

Organic Liquid Activa Lawn Tonic now in stock

Scanpole and Octopost Fencepost in stock

Wild Bird Seed, Nyjer Seed, Peanuts available

Fitzgerald, Sweeney & Declan Barron Hurleys now in stock

Fulvic, Liquid Humus available for foliar nutrition on grazing paddocks

Granular Humate for Slurry enhancement in stock 25kg bags.

AVAILABLE

January

Michelle McDonagh

Jackie Lewis

Tommy Barker in last weekend’s Irish Examiner broke the news of a new one billion masterplan for 2,500 homes in Blarney over the next decade with a larger site assembled at Blarney's Ringwood and Stoneview to be served by Park and Ride rail station. The combined sites at Ringwood and Stoneview total 255 acres and are capable of taking over 2,500 new homes.

As reported in The Examiner, “Planning permission for the first stage of a possible 2,500-plus unit housing masterplan for world-renowned Blarney village is about to be lodged with Cork City Council, on lands between the village and the N20 and planned commuter railway station.

The scheme, likely to proceed over a 10-year time span and in phases to include a 40-acre town park, may have a value of up to €1bn when complete: it’s being proposed for zoned farm lands at Ringwood, and the joint venture development includes landowners the Forrest family, who have farmed on the edge of Blarney village for more than 200 years. Involved in the significant scheme in one of seven identified strategic growth centres for the greater Cork area are Cork-born former solicitor and venture capitalist Finbarr O’Leary of Rock Fleet Group, and Elkstone Capital Partners.

Mr O’Leary and Elkstone paid €7m to Nama for 105 acres at the adjacent Stoneview site on the other side of the N20 two years ago, next to the Blarney Business Park, with the area publicly identified over 20 years ago for strategic development given the rail line access at Station Road and scope for a commuter rail service, currently being progressed by Irish Rail.

Combined, the Ringwood lands owned by the Forrest family, and Stoneview, come to 255 acres and the plans for more than 2,500 new homes on the combined site over the coming years makes it one of the largest planning applications to come before Cork City Council in recent times, notes Mr O’Leary.

The two combined sites “effectively flank the N20, and encircle the lands earmarked for the planned (revived) Blarney Railway Station and the site for the proposed Park and Ride facility which will be adjacent to the Railway Station itself”.

Mr O’Leary says the Elkstone Capital Project proposal was for a ‘concentric’ development for Blarney, as favoured by planners, working from the village side out.

The Ringwood lands are within 1.5kms of the village square, with the 15th century castle beyond. Previous plans for Stoneview envisaged a right of way through the land at Ringwood: this unites both in a more cohesive way, say the developers and will in time include a new bridge over the N20 Cork-Limerick/Mallow road, serving as a secondary route of access for Blarney.

The phased scheme will include a 40-acre town park to preserve open views close to the village and castle, and the layout is designed not to impinge on views to and from and castle. The masterplan will allow for other associated uses, some retail, lands for schools, creches, etc, and linkages to the Park and Ride rail station on the main Cork-Dublin line. Blarney is earmarked for a funded rail station, part of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, linking to the city, Midelton and Cobh.

Proposed in the first phase for the lands which are zoned in the Cork City development Plan 2022-2028 are 500 new two-, three- and four-bed homes across a range of house

types and sizes, and available to first-time buyers, including social and affordable units.

Densities suggested are 35-40 to the hectare, with heights generally two and three storeys. Design teams include Dublin-based urban design plan architects Conroy Crowe Kelly; Landscape Designers Cunnane Stratten Reynolds;, MHL Consulting Engineers; planning consultants Coakley O’Neill; transport consultants Systra, and project co-ordinator, is Alex Walsh, of Elkstone Capital Partners who are providing project finance.

Elkstone are active on a number of funding/development and investment fronts, including in the health and nursing home sectors, and are understood to have been underbidders on the €20m+ sale of Douglas Village Shopping Centre.

Spearheading the project, Finbarr O’Leary notes that their assembled lands “have been identified as one of seven strategic areas within the Cork City Region, earmarked for compact consolidation and expansion according to the Cork City Development Plan 2022–2028”.

“Blarney, which became a suburb of Cork city following the boundary extension in 2019, is set to play a key role in the growth of the city as noted in the National Planning Framework which has set a population growth target of at least 5060% for Cork City and its suburbs by 2040,” he adds.”

Congratulations to Blarney Community Council for organising a super community day bringing the village together to celebrate St Patrick. With wonderful music organised by Anna Mitchell, Youngstars School of Music; trad tunes by Club Ceoil, face painting, fun activities from the team at Blarney Library and a wonderful day of crafting at Church of Ireland, topped by The Gab who put on a fabulous show to end a fabulous day! Thanks were paid to all the volunteers who gave up their time, to Blarney Tidy Towns for ensuring the village was spotless before and after the event, to Blarney Gardai and, most of all, to all who came and made the day such a success!

Ever driven past Kenmare Golf Club and wondered what goes on there? The answer is everything! Great golf, old friends catching up, new friendships being forged, business networking, people enjoying superb food and hospitality in our brand-new clubhouse …. It’s all happening here.

Unlike most golf course locations, we are uniquely situated in the town of Kenmare with everything on our doorstep. We are a vibrant members club which puts members front and centre of all decision making, and this ensures an inclusive, fun, and friendly atmosphere.

If you are new to golf, we will guide you through the ins and outs of the great game on our quality course and greens. If you already golf elsewhere why not consider Kenmare Golf Club as a new option?

The new Macroom bypass has made driving from Cork to Kenmare a dream by significantly reducing travel time and this will only improve in the years ahead as the remaining sections of the new road are unveiled. Getting from the Rebel County to The Kingdom has never been easier.

Whether you are visiting or have just moved to the area you will make new friends here while enjoying fresh air, exercise, and some of the best views in the country. Members enjoy full playing rights and there are over 90 men’s and ladies competitions every year. Our members represent all walks of life, from busy working people to busy retired people and everyone in between! Kenmare Golf Club, where club meets community.

Why not enquire today about making Kenmare Golf Club your new home away from home? www.kenmaregolfclub.com

Congratulations to the SMGS transition year mini companies who did themselves and the school proud at the County finals. Pocket Caddy took home the award for best sales, whilst Rethink fashion won best stand and Bee You came second overall. Well done!

31 Byefield Park, Mayfield T23E6T4

Extended 4 / 5 bedroom detached bungalow with garage and attic conversion. This property has been upgraded but it requires some internal finishing touches. Off street parking, front and back gardens. Constructed in the 1950's it is c.126.77 sq.m.

€375,000

BER: C2 BER No: 115977696

6 Lotamore Crescent, Mayfield T23R5P9

Well presented 3 bedroom end of terrace house in a tranquil estate, ideally located close to schools, supermarkets and sports clubs, with a bus route and direct access to the North Ring Road and the City Centre. Off street parking, side gate entrance to the back garden that itself features beautiful rural views.

€245,000

BER: C2 BER No: 116280124

10 O Connell Street, Blackpool T23HXY4

Fantastic investment opportunity for this 2 bed mid terraced house in the heart of Blackpool. Within walking distance to shops, pubs and the city centre this property boasts a spectacular location, with bus routes to Apple, Mahon and Cork City Centre. Dormer style property, which is more spacious than you think from the outside.

€145,000

BER: E1 BER No: 102717147

9 Ross Park, Killavullen, Mallow P51WE19

"Turn key" condition best describes this 3 bedroom semi-detached property which is located in a cul de sac setting of just 16 semi-detached homes, and facing a large common green area. The property was constructed c.2006 and was upgraded recently.

€288,000

BER: B2 BER No.104876925

222 Blarney Road, Cork City T23X2R4

The location of this 2 bedroom two storey mid terrace property is ideally located on the Blarney Road, just above Strawberry Hill, within easy walking distance of UCC, Bons, local national schools on Blarney Street. Ample on street parking, on a wide street. Ideal starter home or investment property.

€180,000

BER: G BER No: 115543357

3 O’Connell Place, Watercourse Road, Blackpool T23K222Y

Location, Location, ideal for those downsizing, investors or first time buyers. Two bedroom mid terrace property which is located in a small gated development off Watercourse Road and is within walking distance of City Centre.

€170,000

BER: F BER No: 116092594

Apt. 5 Tivoli Woods, Silversprings

T23Y563

Excellent condition featuring two double sized bedrooms, en-suite, main bathroom and large open plan kitchen/dining/living area, this first floor apartment is spacious with plenty of natural light filling the living space and bedrooms. An investment opportunity with excellent rental potential, the property comes for sale with vacant possession.

€250,000

BER: B3 BER No. 105800494

29 St. Anne's Road, Gurranabraher

T23 C4EA

Two bedroom mid terrace property, which has been upgraded and finished to a good standard.Comprising of entrance hall and stairs to first floor. Light filled living room, with wall to wall built in storage units, feature tiled fireplace, Kitchen/dining room, bathroom and two double bedrooms.Front entrance with off street parking for one car, good size back garden laid to lawn.

€185,000

BER: C3 BER No: 108879339

Due to a hugh demand we urgently require rental properties in all areas for reference checked clients.

PSL No. 003096

Whitechurch celebrated in style with a great community gathering for the St. Patrick’s Day parade and celebrations. Nan Sheehan lead the way as a wonderful Grand Marshall followed by the many local groups and clubs who took part, creating a fabulous sea of green! Thanks were paid to Whitechurch Foroige for organising this super day and to and all who helped to make it a great family occasion. pics Johnathan Healy

An optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan helps us to view the health of your eyes in greater detail, by allowing us to see what’s going on beneath the surface of the eye. Talk to us for further details or to book your scan.

All smiles at the cake and jumble sale organised by the parents association.

Well done to sixth class who organised Easter egg hunts for all the other classes in the school.

Blarney Tuesday Cubs took part in the Urban Challenge in a very wet Midleton and they won! They took the train to Midleton, spent a few hours completing challenges, searching for clues, map reading and finished with a well earned trip to McDonalds.

Moss removal, stains from tarmac, brick paving, concrete, power washing, roof restoration. We restore the surface back to its original colour.

The wonderful volunteers who gave up their Saturday to clean up the River Martin along the waterloo walk.

Blarney Bridge Club president, Marie O’Mahony, presented the Coleman Brothers Cup to the winners of the Club Championship, Marian Nugent and Tom MacGrath.

All smiles from the newly formed TARA (Tower active retired group) as they enjoyed a spring break to Kilkenny.

Lee Gaels

Lee Gaels U9 hurlers were in action recently against Aghabullogue, a fantasic match between two brilliant teams with great skills on display.

Well done to Lee Gaels U14 Hurlers. They played Crosshaven recently and, despite the weather, had a great win on a scoreline of 6-9 to 2-5. Great scoring in both halves, all of the extra training at home is really paying off and is transferring to match day. Special mention to Pawel Baraniecki who has made it through to last trial for the Cork Primary Schools football team. Well done and best of luck Pawel.

Lee Gaels under 8-10 girls are back training in great numbers and preparing for matches over the coming months. Training is Wednesday evening from 7pm-8pm and new players are welcome!

Behind the Castle Walls

The colour in the gardens is amazing at the moment, with magnolias, cherries, rhododendron and various spring bulbs all competing for attention. So much of the past few years planting is now maturing, and all the investment is beginning to pay off. Many of the Magnolias and Cherry species are flowering for the first time this year, and there is literally something worthy of an Instagram post around every corner.

March has been another fast month and we are currently playing catch up with seasonal pruning as everything suddenly bursts into growth. The next few weeks will also be a blur as we try to keep up with the growth of weeds in all the beds and borders. It’s been a very wet month which has made things difficult and I’m hoping that the soil starts to dry out now. We still have planting to do, including moving out all of our tender plants back into the tropical borders, jungle and fern garden.

We will also shortly be thinking about summer bedding around the main entrance and café areas, and our usual hanging baskets will need to be put together. They make another show stopping display, and we have become quite well known for it, so no pressure!

In the walled garden we are busy with seed sowing, potting on and planting out fruit and vegetables. We just divided our rhubarb and planted another extension to our rhubarb bed. We have also replaced our strawberry plants in the polytunnel with fresh stock with a view to making a lot more ice cream for the summer. Jobs for the next few weeks include sowing sweet corn, runner beans and outdoor salad crops, carrots, parsnips and beetroot. Plant out onions, shallots and potatoes if you haven’t already. Plant indoor tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and tie in and pinch out new growth on the grape vines, hand pollinate indoor peaches to ensure a good quality crop, sow herbs, check for greenfly both indoors and out. A good tip I share every year for dealing with greenfly is to mix some washing up liquid and water vigorously in a jug to make a lot of foam, then apply this directly to the infested areas to completely cover the aphids. It works very well!

We have been extremely busy over the winter months with infrastructure and general housekeeping jobs. We recently resurfaced many of our roads and paths and visitors to the garden are venturing further and exploring new areas. Many locals, coming in for the first time, are amazed at what they find here. Over the last ten years we have created what is one of this country’s finest gardens and a haven for wildlife. For somewhere so close to the city, we are very fortunate to have most of Ireland’s native animals still present. A quiet visitor to the river, lake or woodland walks can be rewarded with the site of an otter, kingfisher, red squirrel or even one of our elusive woodpeckers that have recently taken up residence. If you haven’t visited us recently I would encourage you to come and see.

Adam

Local principals celebrate the retirement of Whitechurch Principal Imelda Desmond after 38 years service to the community. We wish her the very best of good health and happiness in her retirement.

Rathpeacon Hall Rental

Do you have a talent or an area of expertise and would like the opportunity to give classes and teach others? Whether it's music, dance, art, yoga, meditation, fitness or anything in between, Rathpeacon Community Centre is a fantastic venue to host your class.

Interested? Find out more from Irene at rathpeaconhall@gmail.com

HUGE congratulations to the talented young actors at Scoil Mhuire gan Smal Blarney.

All smiles from Michael and Esther Ruby pictured on the wonderful occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. This lovely local couple met whilst both were working in the Mill in Blarney in the late 1960's and have been together ever since. Their five sons Michael, Paul, Kieran, David and Gary and their families would like to wish them many more wedding anniversaries and happy memories to come.

The Coachford Players who performed the wonderful and brilliant play, 'Steel Magnolias' in Coachford Hall last weekend.

Empty plates and full hearts at the Community Table supper held at the Church of the Resurrection, Blarney, on Monday of Holy Week.

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.

Firstly congratulations to Blarney Community Associations who held the very successful music day on Saturday March 18th. The weather gods shined down and a great day was had by all. The organisation of the day was impeccable and thanks to the Community Association, Sgt Mark Dempsey and Blarney Gardai, Blarney Castle Hotel, and The Muskerry Arms. Cork City Council provided the funding for the day along with ward funding provided by Cllr Sheehan and myself.

Good news in that planning was granted for the Sunset Ridge site. I have been working with all parties to make this happen and hopefully we will see the eyesore that is the ruin, knocked to the ground and a suitable development of housing and retail units put in. The plans are freely available to view on the Cork City Council planning website and look very impressive.

The old building of Scoil Mhuire gan Smal attracted a lot of visitors for its open day. The new school is a hugely impressive building with the sort of facilities that students deserve, all extra-curricular will be catered for with a theatre and pitch in the build. I visited the old building on the open day along with my brother, a past pupil. The pictures on display evoked a lot of memories and it was fascinating to hear the stories.

The Bus Éireann portal has now opened for new applications for school transport for the 2023/24 school year, closing date for new applications is Friday April 28th. New applications made after this deadline date will be deemed late and families are not guaranteed a seat. Payment/medical card details for all pupils who wish to be considered for the allocation of a ticket can be submitted between April 3rd and June 9th 2023. It is important to ensure that payments/medical card details are submitted for new applicants and also for pupils who have previously applied/availed of school transport and require a seat on a service for the coming school year. Children (who are eligible for school transport) with valid medical cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from paying the annual charge, however their medical card details must be submitted. Updates can be found on Gov.ie (link to School Transport) and on buseireann.ie.

Many congratulations to the local ICA and St Vincent de Paul who put on an excellent fashion show on March 29th. They style was incredible and MC on the night, Annette Enright, did a wonderful job of keeping the whole thing flowing. I visited briefly and the craic was mighty!

The bus connects project for Cork was updated further and the NTA have rightly reconsidered the Sundays Well portion of the project. The plan for Sundays Well was , in a practical sense, unworkable. This has no bearing on the provision of the new bus services for Kerrypike and the connection between Cloghroe and Ballincollig. They are still planned for delivery, with work on them starting later this year. At a recent meeting with Bus Eireann we were told that at least 100 more drivers will be required over the course of the next 2 years to deliver what is promised.

As always if I can be of assistance please don’t hesitate to contact me

Kind regards,

Blarney Community Council AGM

Tuesday May 2nd 8pm

Preceded by Blarney Tidy Towns AGM

Tuesday May 2nd 7.30pm

Both AGM’s will be held at the The Castle Hotel, Blarney.

Officers and volunteers are needed for both organisations.

Don't be the hurler on the ditch complaining about what is or isn’t done in the village - join in and help out.

It’s your village, play your part, we need doers not talkers!

If you wish to bring any local issues to the Community Council please make contact with any member or through our facebook page. Thank you.

t News from Pas Times

Society Historical District & Blarney Gabriel, Brian with

Construction of the Church of The Immaculate Conception Blarney: Analysis

The Church of The Immaculate Conception was begun in March 1893 and sanctified on the 21st of October 1894. The following day the Cork Examiner gave a report of the opening ceremony of dedication. This detailed the design of the building, the benefactors who had funded its construction, the people involved in the design and construction, the cognoscenti present and a most lengthy opening sermon given by Bishop Brown. The funding for the church came primarily from the Mahony family the major employer for Blarney and indeed the surrounding countryside. Martin Mahony had arrived in Blarney in 1822 to convert the former cotton mill to a worsted wool manufacturing plant. His grandsons Nicholas and Timothy Mahony between them made bequests of £3,000 (equivalent to roughly £3,000,000 today). The Cork Examiner’s report notes, “That Blarney village is now beautified at its north eastern corner by a magnificent and spacious church is a fact which is attributed to the munificence of late Mr. Nicholas Mahony and the late Mr. Timothy Mahony, for by the former highly respected and much lamented gentleman a bequest of £2,000 was made for its erection, while the latter, held dear and much esteemed by all bequeathed the substantial sum of £1,000.”

Nicholas Mahony and his wife Ellen were also founders of the local convent which housed the Sisters of Charity. Two plaques in the church record this and the funding and dedication of the high altar to St.Nicholas of Myra by Mary Esther Breen, adopted daughter of Nicholas and Ellen Mahony. A further plaque notes that the side altar was built by donations from the Smith family. The architect for the church was Samuel Francis Hynes of South Mall Cork. The builder was John Murphy of John’s Street Cork who was ably assisted by his clerk of works John Owens. John Francis Davis designed and executed the high and side altars for the church. The lamps were made by Messrs. William Egan and Sons of Patrick’s Street Cork (who later supplied silverware for the Honan Chapel). Interestingly despite being listed in the Cork Examiner as one of the invited guests Richard Barter had not been involved in the sculpture of the altars.

The Church itself is a rubble stone construction with coursed random old red sandstone external cladding typical of 19 th century Cork building. This stone was quarried locally but the exact location of the quarry is not recorded. There are quite a number of small abandoned quarries in the Blarney area. As is the Christian tradition the church is aligned east –west with the main entrance to the west and the sanctuary to the east end. The original main entrance had a Gothic arched doorway with a rose window above. There are four lancet windows to the east; the larger two light the sanctuary while the smaller two are blind. There are two more lancet windows over the south side altar and two more to the side of this altar. Over the left side (north) altar which originally was the nun’s choir there are two blind windows as the sacristy is behind this wall. A side door led from the nun’s choir to a pathway to the convent which was 50 metres to the north east. The windows to the sacristy match those in the south side altar. There were six gothic arched windows to the north and south elevations representing the twelve apostles. There were also four bull’s eye arched windows on the north and south elevations on the projections for the confessionals. Unhappily these have been removed on the south elevation and replaced with plate glass windows and an extra door. There are also three triangular dormer windows with a trefoil pattern under a limestone detail with red brick cladding on the north and south elevation. There are red brick quoin details on the corners and on the buttresses with matching brick bands on the East West and South elevations at sill level and to mark the beginning of the arches in

the windows. There are buttresses at the east and west elevations which are adorned with small pinnacles referencing the soaring pinnacles of High Gothic. Additional brick bands were included on the East and West Elevations. There are yellow brick reveals around the windows and doorways. These comprise a single brick arch with a narrower shaped brick with a bull nosed edge inside on the side windows and a double arch of yellow brick on the arched section of the side doors with the same shaped brick detail. The window sills are cut limestone with chamfered edges. These are more elaborate on the east elevation and extend from under all the windows uninterrupted. There are hood moulds in cut limestone over the two tallest lancet stained glass windows. A blind ovoid gothic arched window decorates the higher section of the east gable with a cast iron crucifix on a limestone gabelet topping it out. This detail was also repeated over the main door to the west but unhappily this door was removed in the 1970s during the reordering of the church after Vatican II. The rose window has a semi-circular hood mould in cut limestone as well as a double rounded brick detail. It has limestone tracery in aquatre-foil arrangement with stained glass windows. A bell gabelet with limestone capping tops the west gable.

A single storey mortuary with similar detailing was added to the north- west corner of the church in 1919 at a cost of £642-13-00. The entrance has a trefoil or cusped arch and the windows are pointed elliptical. The roof is slated with the hips finished using hidden soakers. The builder was E. Barrett. A special account was set up to help finance this addition. Apart from the original sacristy which protrudes from the north east corner and the mortuary which was a later addition to the northwest corner, the building is essentially rectangular in plan 15.5 metres wide by 34.5 metres long from front door to sanctuary wall. A further sacristy was added during the 1970s.

Immediately inside the main door is a stairs leading to the organ gallery. The Cork Examiner report of 22nd October 1894 describes ‘a neat organ gallery, with handsome pitch pine under the gallery, the upper panels prettily glazed.’ Neither the panelling nor the pretty glazing survived the reordering. The nave is flanked on each side by six octagonal pillars, with plain rectangular plinths with chamfered tops, representing the twelve Apostles ‘holding up the church’. The pillars are separated by moulded gothic arches. There are side aisles to the north and south of the nave. The floor of the nave and side aisles is covered with a geometric patterned unglazed mosaic tile. The sanctuary floor has a more elaborate mosaic design with a high percentage of patterned encaustic tiles. The sanctuary steps are edged with bull nosed marble edging. The floor under the pews and the nun’s choir is of suspended pine.

The above excerpt was taken from a much larger article titled ‘Construction of the Church of The Immaculate Conception Blarney’ by Jacqueline Manley, Chartered Engineer, 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 and local articles.

Gerry White is the guest Speaker for the Blarney and District Historical Society presentation titled ‘By a Treaty Divided –Civil War in Cork’ on 4th May 2023 at 8p.m. in Blarney Secondary School.

Trocaire volunteer Megan O’Sullivan, Ballyvolane, has a keen interest in development education through her work as an early years educator and is a firm believer in the work of Trocaire around the world. Founded in 1973 by the Irish Bishops, the charity has changed the lives of tens of millions of people over the last five decades and its Lenten Campaign sees the iconic Trocaire box displayed in schools, churches and homes in the build up to Easter. This year’s 50th Lenten Campaign is focusing on Somalia where repeated failed rains have led to nearly eight million people struggling to find food.

The Magnificent Seven! Blarney Walking Club conquering Craig Meagaidh, Ben Nevis and Buachaille Etive Beg over St Patrick’s weekend in Scotland. Well done to all.

Everyone is invited to a magical Dawn Chorus on May 1st at 4:45am at the central car park at Clogheenmilcon Fen. Wrap up warm and bring an umbrella...just in case! Local botanist, Tom O'Byrne, will guide you through the bird songs as the day dawns.

Thanks to the local volunteers who planted some beautiful spring flowers at Rathpeacon Community Centre for all to enjoy.

Scoil Mhuire gan Smál, Blarney, holds great memories for so many people and as the new school building nears completion, and before the old building is demolished, past pupils gathered to roam the corridors one last time and exchange stories and tales from the past.

Dripsey Castle Estate has been brought by a local businessman from the Blarney area who saw off US and locally based interests to secure the sale.

The property includes a 15th century castle and an upgraded 18th century eight-bed mansion, and it is believed that the new owner plans to develop hospitality at the property. The previous owners, from the UK, had bought Dripsey Castle in 2014 for close to €2m and lavished considerable sums on it subsequently. Within the grounds is Carrignamuck Castle built by Cormac Laidir McCarthy in the 1450’s, Lord of Muskerry, and later associated with the Bowen/Colthurst families of Blarney Castle.

According to Eoin English in the Irish Examiner Cork City Council have granted planning to developers Oshawott Limited for the demolition of the former Sunset Ridge Hotel at Killeens which was gutted in a suspected arson attack last year.

“Cork City Council granted planning to developers Oshawott Limited for the demolition of the former Sunset Ridge Hotel and the construction of 43 residential units, a pharmacy and medical consulting rooms. The news has been welcomed by local Fine Gael councillor Damian Boylan, who said he had been working for some time to address the dereliction issues blighting the site. “I hope to see swift movement on this project now,” he said. The landmark former hotel, a favourite spot for many people on the city’s northside, ceased trading several years ago and was boarded up, and had become a magnet for anti-social behaviour in recent years. Now, the city has granted planning for the demolition of the former hotel and all associated structures, and for the construction of a two-storey commercial building, with a ground-floor pharmacy and one medical consulting room, with four medical consulting rooms on the first floor. The scheme also includes 43 residential units, to include four one-bed duplex apartments, 17 two-bed terrace dwellings, two two-bed semi-detached dwellings, 10 three-bed end of terrace dwellings, and 10 three-bed mid-terrace dwellings, all ranging in height from two to two-and-a-half storeys, and 67 car parking spaces across the site.

A new access point will be built, along with traffic calming measures, a new footpath and cycle lane to the L2785 and a reduce curve at the junction of the L2785 with the Killeens flyover to make the area safer.”

Have you considered joining a matchmaking agency?

Eithne of well know matchmaking agency ‘Twoheartsmeet’ says, “My husband Dan and I set up Twoheartsmeet back in 2011 when I was looking for a change of career and decided that becoming a matchmaker was the way to go. I had completed courses in Life Coaching and Counselling and was looking for something that was a better fit than the office administration role I held back then. I knew myself well enough that I enjoyed working with people more than working with files!

Every day is different for me now. I’m often on the phone giving information to interested potential members or I’m meeting new people who are joining up. But mostly I’m going through the profiles of my clients and putting matches together. How this works is, I email a lady with a profile of a potential match and if she gives me the green light I will email her profile to the guy. If someone doesn’t want to receive an email, I will read out the profile over the phone. People also have the option of receiving someone’s photo so they won’t be going on a blind date.

It’s a wonderful feeling when I put matches together and help facilitate people to find happiness as part of a loving couple. People who join up are typically mid 30’s to mid 70’s. The one thing they all have in common is they are looking for a long term, committed, romantic relationship.

When I match couples, I take into account the age bracket and personality traits each person is looking for. I also cross match hobbies and interests, height, build, value systems, as well as similar levels of education and backgrounds.”

To become a member of Twoheartsmeet you can find out more on www.twoheartsdating.com or call 085 7742444 for more information.

Well done to U15 Footballers Luke O'Mahony, Brian Cronin, Jack Ryan and Finn Murphy who represented Cork v Laois in Portlaoise, and to John Noonan too.

Ballincollig GAA

Congratulations to Ballincollig LGFA U15 girls, management and parents on winning Mid Cork Feile A against Donoughmore for the first time ever!

U11 hurlers who made the short journey to Bishopstown recently.

Eva Lynch, Ballyanly, Inniscarra who won a silver medal in the under 10 National Gymnastics competition in Dublin last month, following on from a Gold medal at the under 9 competition last year, making the podium two years running.

SBG Cork

Martial Arts & Fitness for all the Family

Unit 31, Northpoint Business Park, Cork, T23 HN76 (021) 421 5007 info@sbgcork.com

SBG (Straight Blast Gym) worldwide is a community built on the ethos of ‘One Tribe One Vibe’.

Starting with our FREE consultation, you’ll experience the vibe for yourself. Come meet with one of our coaches, get a tour of the facility, talk about your goals and aspirations and then enjoy a FREE private lesson to kick start your journey with us.

Join our tribe today and experience it for yourself!

Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic so this month I thought I might discuss 'Stress and Depression' as it is said to be the silent killer. How do you cope with prolonged sadness that robs the wind for your sail ?

"Strength doesn't come from what we can do ... It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't “ Nikki Rodgers

In my role as a Martial Arts Gym general manager, I get to chat and support so many who have stress from work, school, college, home and how it affects themselves and their families, and thankfully many have found relief being part of SBG Cork. But what really interests me is that we view the word ‘stress' in a negative way when actually he can be such a powerful force, as it makes us all question ourselves and our decisions and the future.

There is a difference between stress and anxiety. People with anxiety worry about stuff in the immediate and long term future and have uncontrolled racing thoughts and just don't go there as they are over consumed with feeling out of place. Those with stress however feeling overwhelmed in the moment. Stress, anxiety and depression are not new, they have been there since the beginning of time just maybe described in different words. And we are all prone to it, some of us may only experience it for moments or days where others for much much longer.

To offer top tips in this subject would seem wrong as it would trivialise it but I would like to offer some advice that I have found helpful to myself and my tribe, so if you feel this way or know of someone feeling down then….

1. You need to talk to someone; a friend, family member, professional or doctor. A problem shared. Just say ‘listen I am having a hard time,’ it may be hard to say but it might be the first step to having a better day, you do not need to know why, you might just not feel yourself.

2. If you notice that someone is stressed or down reach out with a smile or hug, keep an eye on them and let them know you are there if needed.

3. Exercise is often a good way to give some relief so be sure to avail of the lovely spring weather and get some fresh air and space.

4. A cup of tea with a best friend is always a good tonic!

And the Gym Momma is always here for a chat.

Congratulations to Leevale AC Munster under 17 indoor track and field relay champions. The team includes Sophie Mulcahy, Kerry Pike, and Ellie Vaughan Reddan, Whitechurch.

Jack O’Rourke, Leevale AC, who won gold in the 400m and silver in the 800m in the Munster Indoor Track and Field in Nenagh last month.

Congratulations to Hannah Falvey at the recently held National Juvenile Indoor Championships. The talented young athlete took gold in the U18 girls 200m sprint in a time of 24.97s.

The Board of Management of Ballincollig Community School invites applications for the position of:

Adult Education Clerical Officer (part-time, 8 hours per week)

This position will take effect from 1st May 2023

This is a part-time position (8 hours per week, Tuesday and Wednesday) and applicants must have previous experience in an administrative position, have strong IT skills, particularly MS Office, Excel and be well organised with excellent interpersonal skills.

A detailed job description is available from adulted@balcs.ie

A Letter of Application, with an up-to-date CV should be forwarded to: The Secretary, Board of Management, Ballincollig Community School, Innishmore, Ballinncollig,

Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 14th April 2023 at 12 noon. Shortlisting may apply Garda vetting will apply in respect of this position.

At Inniscarra Community Centre ‘Seniors on the Move’ Ladies took part in a scooch blitz as part of Women in Sport week.

Cork P31 E030.

Joint 3rd for talented local runner Jack O’Rourke, Leevale AC, in the National Indoor Championships 800m with a new personal best of 1:58.

Well done to Grenagh ladies, winners of the U15C shield beating an unlucky Éire Óg Camogie club.

Happy Feet runners who took part in the Sonia O Sullivan Cobh 10 mile race.

A packed crowd attended the underage medal presentation night in Blarney Castle Hotel. Due to Covid restrictions they had not been able to gather for a few years and competitions going back as far as 2020 were celebrated as the focus now turns to the 2023 season. pics John Kelly

Blarney Drain Services

Drain Jetting & Cleaning

Drains Repaired & Replaced

Drain CCTV Camera Survey for Insurance

Septic Tank & Bio Tank Cleaning

Servicing of all makes of bio tanks, C & W air blowers, dirty water pumps, media ltration systems. Repair of percolation trenchs, stone polishing lter bed and soakaways

24 hour drain & septic tank cleaning services

Congratulations to the U15 Blarney Camogie Club girls who beat Laochra og 3:1 to 2:1 in the Muskerry feile U15 B final.

Encouraging win for the senior hurlers against Ballymartle in difficult weather conditions, finishing on a scoreline of Blarney 1-12, Ballymartle 0-10.

Young rugby stars of the future from Dripsey, Cloghroe, Coachford and Blarney national schools came together recently for the conclusion of several months of rugby training managed by Munster Branch CCRO Vincent O'Leary and organised by Muskerry RFC. Thanks were paid to Vincent, the teachers and the club volunteers for helping out, Diana Hayes, Julie McCann, Catherine Coburn, Rosemary O’Connor, Aidan O’Connor, Ger Desmond, Kevin Condon and Brian Kavanagh for organising, and referees Tim Keating and Stephen Griffin.

The new Citroën C5 Aircross SUV uses advanced comfort technology and 3 individual rear seats for a special kind of comfort. Available for immediate delivery at Mallow Road Motors located in the Blarney Business Park. To book a test drive or see the range call 021 4392 066 today.