Aubane Notes October 2008

Deaths

We extend our greatest sympathy to the families, relatives and friends of the following who died recently Johanna Lehane Aubane, James O’Connell Dripsey & Ballingarry, Queenie Piggott Gurrane.

Ar dheis De go a raibh a namam dillis

Dancing Classes:
Dancing Classes have now commenced in the Aubane Community Centre since Tuesday 7th October and will continue every Tuesday night from 8.00 to 9.00 pm. These classes are for eight weeks till the end of November. If anyone is interested please contact myself John Kelleher Secretary on 086 1942161 or Eileen O’Riordan or Gerdie Buckley for further information..

A Warm Welcome:
On behalf of the Aubane Social Club I would to entend a warm welcome to those who have taken up residence in the Aubane Area recently. Ye are more than welcome to come and join in the activities we host in our Community Centre.

Births:

Congratulations to Mairead & John Biggane Boherbue on the birth of their baby Boy and also to Ola & Michael Cashman on the birth of their baby boy.

Ministerial Visit to Aubane Commuity Centre to Launch 2 Publications

On Tuesday 26th August 2008 the Aubane Social Club & Aubane Historical Society was very privileged to have Batt O’Keeffe Minister for Education visit Aubane Community Centre for a very historical event. The Minister was welcomed by Jack Lane President of the Aubane Historical Society and John F. Kelleher Secretary of the Aubane Social Club. He was then introduced personally to each of Aubane Social Club Committee Members. It is the Ministers third visit to Aubane as his first visit was in April 2005, then he came for Jack Lane’s last Launch in May 2007 and now his present visit. The proceedings got under way by the President of the Aubane Historical Society Jack Lane who welcomed everyone as there was huge attendance. IRD Duhallow was represented by its Vice Chairperson Jack Roche. Apologies were sent by Michael Creed TD, Eily Buckley, Fr Gerard O’Leary, Canon Declan O’Connor, Maura Walsh IRD Duhallow, John Sheehan, , Michael Moynihan TD and Don Crowley V Chairman of IRD whom were unable to attend the function. Two publications

Books were launched on the night. The first book is written by Mr. Dan Cronin from Shrone entitled Around the Cork Kerry Border, recalling the Rambling House. In this book Dan presents in collection of stories and historical Sketches from his native shrone and surrounding areas. It is a tribute to the people of his area, their knowledge, culture and resilience in face of many difficulties. They are stories and experiences that impressed and entertained him, and many others and they give a real glimpse into bygone age by someone who lived in it and became one of its narrators. Unfortunately Mr Dan Cronin was unable to attend the launch but his wife Margaret Cronin deputized on his behalf. The second book was written by Ballydaly native Fr Sean Tucker entitled the origins development of the Parish of Millstreet. In this publication Fr Sean Tucker traces the history of Millstreet Parish across nearly a thousand years. It is the first such record of the parish. It is based on detailed analyses of church records using primary resources and is the result of years of original research by Fr Sean Tucker – truly a labour of love. On the platform was Batt O’Keeffe Minister for Education, President of the Aubane Historical Society Jack Lane and Fr Sean Tucker.

Jack Lane in his opening speech said that it was very symbolic to have a launch in Aubane this week as it is National Heritage Week and these two books are a great contribution.

He also said that the Millstreet Area is steeped in local history and urged that the present generation should read and learn about all about the happenings of long ago. He said this history should be thought to second level students at school. Fr Tucker then spoke, he first said that we have a lot of wonderful local heritage even in the Millstreet area. Fr Tucker in his address said he went for a drive the other day around the circuit of Clara which is about 15km. On this route there are many historical sites such as the Old Workhouse at Millstreet Hospital, the old Georgian house at Mountleader and Kilmeedy Castle. Fr Tucker went to college in Waterford and the first Minister he met was Sean Moylan who was the Minister for Education at that era. He paid tributes to Sean Radley Curator of Millstreet Museum on his publication Picture Millstreet, Fr James Mc Sweeney on his recent publication A year in Reflections and Canon Michael Mannings writings on the history of the Stain glass windows of St Patrick’s Church Millstreet. Fr Tucker was truly delighted to have Cullen native and a Minister to launch his publication.

Minister Batt O’Keeffe then made his speech. Batt said it was a hounour and a great pleasure to come to Aubane to celebrate the publications of two great authors who enjoy writing. He praised the Aubane Social Club as it is a club which thrives in a small community by the hard work the club members put in. The Minister then said it was great to see Fr James as he is now the new chaplain in Colaiste Cholim Ballincollig which is just down the road from where the Minister resides, Tom Meaney who was previously a Minister of State and whom he always looked up to. From the Ministers reading of the books he found the two books were written in a picturesque language, interesting and very educational. He said that his 26 year old daughter asked him to give her the two books also to read as after a few pages she too found them interesting to read. He also thanked the two authors for an outstanding contribution to local history and also praised the Aubane Historical Society highly. From his reading of Dan Cronins Book he said it brought back many old memories to him such as the Stations in the local area, the whitewashing of the house, threshing days, the pig and the making of the puddings. He said Dan portrayed these happenings of long ago very well.

In Fr Sean Tuckers book he found that the spirit of hope was very evident. He then declared the two publications officially launched. Jack Lane in his final speech said he could n’t have asked for better launch and praised the Minister. Jack Lane thanked all those who helped in the organising of the launch. Jack Lane then presented the Minister with a hand painted slate which was specially commissioned by Artist Kate O’Keeffe from Ballydesmond.

Tea and Refreshments were served afterwards. Entertainment was then provided by local singers, amongst them was the very popular Annmarie O’Riordan. Local Musican James Buckley played the Concertina. MC was myself.

Set Dancing:
The weekly set dancing at the Aubane Community Centre continues every Monday night. All the best Polka sets and Hornpipes are promised in the lively sessions. The dancing on the floor commences at 9.15 pm

Felling of Trees:

I have noticed also that the forestry on the road to St John’s Well is getting a new face lift as the trees are being felled. You can now see the Window Turbines in Cahirdowney, and Clara Mountain, Kerry, the Duhallow Region and further afield. We really take advantage of our beautiful area as it has such scenic views. The view now from St John’s Well is really great.

The Aubane Website Link:
The Aubane Community Website was set up over a year consisting of the History of Aubane, Aubane School, St John’s Well, Places of Interest around the Aubane Area, Aubane Community News and Photographs of the various events that were held during the year. the Aubane Community News. If anyone has any pictures or articles relating to the above that they would like to contribute please forward them to myself John F. Kelleher. The Aubane Social Club email addresses are <email> or aubane@eircom

Anerican Tea Party in November in Aid of the Aubane Community Centre Renovation Fund

On Saturday 29th November the Aubane Social Club will hold an American Tea Party followed by Cabaret to one the Ireland’s Popular Bands Natural Gas in the Millstreet GAA Hall. Commencing at 8.30 pm. This event is aid of the Aubane Community Centre Renovation Fund. For each host to book a table please contact John Kelleher Secretary on 086 1942161 or Eileen O’Riordan, Gerdie Buckley & Elmarie Creedon for further details. Early booking is recommended.

Aubane Tour to Mizen Head:

On Saturday 23rd August a group of 32 travelled to the Mizen Head Peninsula for their Annual Day tour. Along the route I acted as their guide and pointed out different things. As we enter the village of Ballingeary I outlined that it was a Millstreet native who runs the local shop (Ursala & Anthony Manley’s daughter). Then as we left the village just after the hump back bridge on the right I pointed out the magnificent private house which is owned by the Quill Family. Our first stop was the beautiful town of Bantry for morning tea here I spoke about the Maritime Hotel and the plans for a new marina which will further enhance the town. We then departed Bantry heading out the Cork Road passing the beautiful historic Bantry House which operates as a Tourist Attraction during the months March to October. The tour then passed through the villages of Durrus, Ballydehob, Goleen and Crookhaven. Just before Midday we arrived at Mizen Head Visitors Centre where the beautiful Sea Landscape welcomed us. Mizen Head being Europe’s most westerly point.

Mizen Vision, the Irish Lights Signal Station Visitor Centre, had been developed by a local tourism co-operative. The Signal Station was built in 1905 to protect shipping from the cliffs during fogbound journeys. It is a spectacular location with its folded rocks and high cliffs. The Signal Station is on an Island joined to the mainland with a fine example of an arched bridge. If you have plenty of puff you can return up the 99 steps but there is an easier path for the less energetic. Well worth a visit! We had lunch here and the group posed for a group photograph. Our next stop was the beautiful town fishing town of Schull, here the group met with a local man who had great local knowledge of the town, a man you could stop and talked to all day. His family runs the local ferry which transports people to Cape Clear. It was back on the bus again passing through Skibbereen and leap. At 6.30 pm we arrived at our final destination croakily where I had precooked dinner and entertainment in the Quality Hotel. We then partied on until after midnight. It was a great day out and I now look forward to organizing next year tour which will be in August. A special thanks to our driver Seamus and to you all for coming on the day.

Monster Fancy Dress in Aid of the Jack & Jill Foundation

The Aubane Social Club in conjunction with the Proprietors of

Wallis Arms Hotel Billy & Ellen Sheehan are holding this years Monster

Fancy Dress on Friday 31st October in Aid of the Jack & Jill Foundation.

The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation was launched in 1997 by Jonathan Irwin and his wife Mary Ann O’Brien after they discovered during the tragically short life of their son Jack that there were virtually no state services available to provide for babies with severe developmental problems, including cerebral palsy. So early in 1997 they set up the Jack And Jill Children’s Foundation to fund early intervention home respite to severely developmentally delayed babies, from birth to 4 years of age, and are delighted that since they we have been able to bring succour to nigh on 1000 babies and nowadays never have less than 250 “active” families under our wing in every corner of the country. The Foundation today provides 24 hour care for sick children and support to their families throughout Ireland

This event kicks off at 9.30 pm with Dancing to the ever popular Eddie O’Gorman.

Spot Prizes will be given and Complimentary finger food will also be served. Eddie O’Gorman will entertain the crowd with waltzing, quick steps fox trots until Midnight.

From Midnight a Disco will commence in the Night Club where Spot Prizes and Prizes for the best Costumes will be given. Admission of the night is €10.00. Please give this event your best support.

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