Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a chairde, and welcome to my report.
When you see a third crop of silage being harvested from a field, you tell yourself that maybe it’s not a bad year after all and because it’s early September still, a fourth crop may come. An old man of the roads used to go around here one time and in spite of his poor station in life, he always said that hope was a grand thing and who are we to argue with that.
I must tell you the tale of the cat. About two weeks ago a beautiful black kitten arrived into my daughter’s house in Cork City. It was raining at the time but the little lad was dry as a bone and pleading for food and shelter. So she gave him some bread and milk which he cherished and because she had no facilities for him indoors, he bedded down in the garden on the warm sunny evening. Now because he was dry when he arrived on a wet evening, it could only be imagined that he came on the engine of a car or some vehicle. Next morning before driving to the shop, she checked to see where was the elusive feline ,nd when she couldn’t find him she went about her business,only to find that when she returned into her own drive, the little black beauty calmly stepped out from the body of the car. They didn’t want a cat,but the cat had other ideas. He was perfectly behaved asked for food when he wanted it and lovingly coiled himself around any leg that stayed long enough in one place. Even the most anti-cat member of the family softened to him. Some of the family went on holiday two hours drive away and a couple of days later, some others went on a day trip to join them. Before they left there was the now usual search for the cat, but again without success. So on arriving home from their half day tour guess what the little black beauty once again popped out of the engine. Nobody can understand how he survives on these trips both long or short but I imagine his nine lives must be running rather thin by now, though I hope not. It’s the accepted thing now that anywhere they are going with the car they have an extra passenger. To the shops, anywhere. You hear a new one every day.
Many congratulations to the lovely Ann Marie O’Riordan who got engaged over the weekend to the love of her life Anthony Homes. Ann Marie has carved a nice niche for herself in the world of entertainment. Her beautiful singing voice has opened many doors for her over the years and we wish herself and Anthony the best of luck for the future.
There is a lot to look forward to this September with the delayed First Holy Communions still ahead of us. The Millstreet Schools will have theirs on September 19th. It will be a two fold ceremony, with the Boys Mass at ten thirty and the girls later. It will be a far cry from the grand celebration of former years. For obvious reasons, only parents will be allowed to accompany their young communicants to the church. Perhaps making their big day more meaningful and with the guidance of their parents give them the opportunity to dwell more deeply on the day that they got their First Holy Communion. Needless to say the restrictions will have their own adverse effect on the economy. The crowds of family and extended family members who always graced that day cannot be there and so will not be in need of the lovely new outfits that were so synonymous with such occasions. Hotels and restaurants will also feel the pinch. The rippling effects will be felt far and wide and it makes it all so vital that we support our local industry at every opportunity.
This is a big week for students who did the Leaving Cert. Their story like so many more at the moment will go down in history and we hope that they were pleased or at least satisfied with the way the Department for Education handled the difficult situation. It is great to see all the young people back in school. The secondary school students come up town at lunch time and they queue in very orderly fashion for their steaming hot food from the many outlets in the town. Their presence brings an air of delight and life to the scene. The little ones are back for their second week and it’s a matter of so far so good. The teachers and staff spare no time or efforts to make sure that every precaution is taken to make sure that there will be no interruptions. It’s a learning process for all of them and we must all hope and pray that the Good Lord will keep them safe and well.
The Church is beginning to look more full for Sundays Mass of late. As well as having people at both ends of the seats a third person is now allowed to sit center way. Also families who are allowed to sit together take up more space giving a more occupied impression to the scene. Having said that there are often vacancies in the allotted spaces. By what I hear some people are still not sure about going to Mass and of course it all stems from the times we live in. We have morning Mass every Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday at ten, and on Monday and Friday evenings. Anybody who would like to know more can ring the Parish Office at 029 70043 and Sharon will fill you in on all the details. Last evening Monday a capacity crowd attended the special Mass for our Active Retired Group. This Mass is held every year and is followed by refreshments at the Parish Centre, to celebrate their wonderful group and all that it means to the not-so-young. The hardworking committee always on the look out for new things to do and new places to go. But DV it will all come back again at a future time.
Our Adult Gym under a new manager is open very long hours at the Youth Complex. Please support it well. It’s the place to go to work off those extra pounds that have climbed on over the past number of months and to loosen the joints that need some oiling for the want of use. It is a fully equipped facility and suited to all ages. Look up the Website for more or ring the Contact number 083 3982633. Our beautiful Town Park continues to be the ideal place for your gentle walk or for the more adventurous a more taxing challenge. The entire complex which is kept in pristine condition is home to many GAA games not forgetting Pitch ‘n Putt and Astro Turf. The new children’s playground has everything that any little one needs to have a swell time.
Our Weekly Lotto Draw was held at the Wallis Arms Hotel on Sunday night. There was a pleasant buzz in the place, many relaxing with a drink after a meal and social distancing a priority at all times. Anything from the counter was supplied by the wonderful staff. The hotel provides the crew of the lotto with a spacious but secluded corner in their function room, where they can carry out the important work of taking in the cash and the tickets from the sellers. It is very exacting work which is not made easy by the wearing of masks and visers. Wet sponges are provided so that those checking the tickets won’t have to lick their fingers. Needless to say the closure of the pubs is a big loss but more and more people who want to support the local lotto are willing to pay in advance. Some pay €50 for the half year, others €100 for the whole year. Or indeed some pay by the month while others buy their ticket every week. Many business places around the town sell lotto tickets. Be on the lookout for them, the committee are pleased with the support that the weekly lotto is getting from the public since it resumed in mid August following 22 weeks absence. People seem to realise and appreciate the great work that it is doing for the entire community.
At Sunday nights draw ,the numbers were 11,18, 21, 32 and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to Jerry O’Connor, Liscreagh, the Seller was Michael Healy and he got €50 sellers prize, €50 went to Mairead Daly ,Leap.c/o Paula Healy, €20 each went to Ann Ducey c/o Sheila Lane, the Camogie Club. Brendan Lehane C/O Herlihy’s Centra, Sheila O’Connor, Claracleagh, David Tarrant C/O Lehane, Mary,Sheila and John O’Riordan, Murphy’s Tce. Denis Murphy, Ballydaly, Jim Angland, Macroom and Eimer, Conor and Orla c/o Denis Twomey. Jackpot for next week €9,200 the draw at the Wallis Arms Hotel on Sunday night.
An post has brought out a nice book of fancy postage stamps for €5.70 a book. They look lovely and if you’d like to give a surprise gift to someone it would the ideal choice. We all like a little gift a surprise, it doesn’t have to cost a lot. It’s the thought that counts. I got a little surprise gift from a friend lately and I really loved the gesture. With the restrictions in many institutions and old people’s homes at the moment, loved ones are turning to sending cards or letters to family members who live there, so a gift of stamps or nice cards could be just the thing to make someones day. Or invite some to join you for a coffee or high tea. On fine days some of our cafes can put tables outside and they can look so inviting. But inside or out, it’s hard to beat a cuppa with a friend. We must make the effort to get out, more than just running to the shop.
I’m delighted to say that the stalks on couple of spuds that I planted in a bucket a few weeks ago are up. Nice green stalks peeping above the ground. As they grow I will fill in more compost around them ,and leave the rest to God.Time will tell how they’ll do but I’ll keep you informed. Some of my summer blooms are getting past their best by now. My Dalias are ready to do their bit now but due to the recent high winds they must be staked up, to help them look their best. Like the silage field the lawn keeps growing at a great rate .But the self-propelled, mulching lawnmower will see to that. The first week of September is gone. There is still lots to look forward to. Culture Day is on the 18th and Communities and groups around the country will be putting their best efforts forward in order to be up there with the best of the rest. The weather forecast is good for the coming weeks we have many beautiful places to see not far from home drive out and see them. The new houses that have sprung up in every direction and the landscaped gardens make pleasant viewing in themselves. On quiet country roads there is time to stop and admire at your leisure. All the better if you can share it with a friend and never lose sight of the true saying that Life is what you Make It.
Tune in to Sean Radley on Cork Music Station tonight (Tuesday) from 9.30 to 11. For his very own wonderful Show and don’t miss his request program on Sundays after the 11.30 Mass also on CMS.
Our Sympathy Goes to the Creedon Family, Ballyvouskil, Padraig and Mickie and their sister Sheila, Kilgarvan, on the recent death of their beloved Sister Joan (O’Rahilly) who passed away in New Jersey recently. May She Rest in Peace.
That’s it from me, for now. Have a good week. Slán.
