Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a chairde, and welcome to my report.
The year flies by and then when December comes it feels as long as the whole of the past year put together for little children checking the special calendar, where they open a door every day and wish the days would go a lot faster. Very often its a way for the parents too to check on the passage of time, but unlike the little ones their days go too fast as they try to remain abreast of all that has to be done before Santa comes.
The turning on of our Christmas lights in the town square on Friday night was a wonderful occasion. The design was in total contrast to that of former years. The plain white snowdrop decorations, coupled with the delicate blue lights on the street trees, worked very well. The blustery weather calmed down just on time for the Pipe Band to do their part and the Community Singers gave recitals both at the opening and the closing of the ceremony. A very large crowd braved the cold to bring out the children and there was a real carnival atmosphere with people from many lands joining the fun as well as Santa Claus.
The honours were done by popular politician John Paul O’Shea, aided by Gearóid Murphy and Gobnait Moynihan. Council Chairman Noel Buckley was the MC, and carried out his duties with the panache that only Noel can provide. Some welcome warming refreshments were served at the Clara Inn after the switching on. It was a wonderful event and once again, Girl Power came to the fore. The chief organisers were, Niamh Twomey, of Wordsworth Book Store, Catherine Murphy/Pomeroy and Noirin Twomey of Noirin’s Boutique with a little bit of help from their friends, including Cork County Council. They did us proud . Nobody works alone and the ladies want to thank the many people including sponsors, who gave them such great help.
The lovely Crib feature near the chapel gate was sponsored by the Gathering Group. Which is now extinct. The customary Swan takes up it’s place in the Fountain at the West End. Mini trees have been placed at many houses in the town and everyone is asked to add a little brightness where they can.
The Millstreet Calendar for 2019 is on sale, a must have at €6. Its on sale in many shops in the town, Guerin’s Shop in Ballydaly and from any Community Council Member. Please support it well. Proceeds this year goes to out very dedicated Tidy Towns Committee.
Fundraising has reached fever pitch with good-living people making every effort to bring Christmas cheer in a practical way to those who are in need. Our St.Vincent de Paul committee held their church gate collections over the weekend in many local parishes. And the drive goes on in the shape of raffles, carol singing, and there is a collection box at O’Regan’s Mill where you can donate dried foods, tinned, etc in aid of the homeless of Cork City.
A great night is promised at the Pub in Carriganima next Saturday night when the presentation to CART by Millstreet Vintage Club of Proceeds from the recent Tractor Run. All are welcome.
(CART = Carriganima Area Rural Transport).
(Presentation to CART by Millstreet Vintage Club of Proceeds from
recent Tractor Run)
And please know that the Sunday Mass in Carriganima will be said at 9.45am from now on.
Four girls from the Community School will be going as helpers to Lourdes in 2019 and the help defray their expenses they are holding a Bake Sale at the Parish Centre next Saturday night December 15th after the 6.30 Mass. Please give them your best support.
Nativity Plays are on the cards in many National Schools in the run up to the Christmas Holidays. In Cullen they have their’s on Friday next December 14th at 7 pm in the local Church. And all are welcome.
Millstreet Gramophone Circle monthly meeting this Friday night December 14th at the Canon O’ Donovan Centre starting at 8.15 and again all are welcome. Presenter Francis Curtin, Dromagh.
45Drive at the same venue every Tuesday night starting at 8.30. Proceeds to the Centre Fund.
Aubane Dancing Party next Monday night December 17th with Music by the Shandrum Céilí Band.
Aubane Social Club annual Christmas Day Climb of Mushera Mountain goes ahead as usual, please support it well. PROCEEDS THIS YEAR GO TO the Air Ambulance Fund.
The beautiful Christmas Crib in already in place in our church.
We are two weeks into the Season of Advent and as is usual we will have Penitential Services in the Churches of the diocese. It’s when visiting priests come to hear confessions at different places in the Church.
- In Rathmore Sunday December 16th
- In Millstreet Tuesday December 18th from 7.30 to 8.30 and the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for the hour.
- Dernagree on Thursday December 20th at 7.30.
Masses this weekend will be for Children who are about to get their first Holy Communion, and their parents:
- In Millstreet Saturday December 15th at 6.30pm, and in
- Cullen on Sunday December 16th at 10.15 am.
Here are the results of this weeks lotto draw which was held at Tarrant’s Bar on Sunday night. Numbers drawn were,4,16.18,24 .and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to Davy and Noreen c/o Corkery’s Bar. €50 seller’s prize went to Corkery’s Bar. €50 went to Jim and Eileen O’Sullivan, Laught, €20 each to Christy and Eileen Dunne, Rathcoole, Robbie, John and Mike c/o Tarrant’s Bar, Frank Brosnan, Rathmore, Kate Coleman, Minor Row, Eileen Moynihan, Rathmore. Patrick Twomey, Murphy’s Terrace, Murphy Family, Rathduane, and Thomas O Riordan, Cullen.
Jackpot for next week is €11,000.the draw at the Bush Bar on Sunday Night. The weekly lotto draw will continue up to Christmas last one December 23rd. There will be no draw on Sunday December 30th.
The annual Women’s Christmas Party will be held at the Wallis Arms Hotel on January 5th. Tickets already available. Get yours right away to avoid disappointment.
Agus sinn a bhfuil a chairde, slán is beannacht Dé libh go léir.
