Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a chairde, and welcome to my report.
The howling winds and driving rains, which have continued all day are still are at work outside as I settle down to write my last report before Christmas. And pray that all will be safe.
This is my last chance to remind you, to please shop at home. Please give our local stores and services one last push, to help them to survive into 2019 against all the pressures of on-line shopping and big department stores.
The good work in aid of the needy goes on. And ‘Work’ parties are the order of the day as the days wear down to the wonderful festival of Christmas.
A gala event was held at the Pub in Carriganima last weekend when our Vintage Club,presented the proceeds of their efforts which amounted to €1,245 for the upkeep of the local bus called C.A.R.T. (Carriganima Area Rural Transport).
… and they have a long lineup of events planned for the whole Christmas period:
- Saturday, December 22nd Tradition Music night,
- St. Stephens Night Music by Willie’s Country Road Show,
- Thursday December 27th Christmas Party night,
- New Years Eve. Music by Danny Golden.
- Saturday, January 5th Christmas Draw with Music.
Drop in to any of these fixtures and you’re sure to have a great time.
The organisers of the weekly 45-Drive at the Canon O’Donovan Centre will hold their Christmas Party tonight, starting at 8, it will be followed by the popular weekly card game.
The Pupils of our Presentation School will hold a Carol Service/Recital in the Church this Thursday evening at 7. It promises to be great, so don’t miss it. And all are welcome.
The Students from the Community School who held a Bake Sale at the Parish Centre want to thank all those who supported them so well.
The Aubane Christmas Day Climb of Mushera will start at 10.30 and proceeds will go to the Air Ambulance Fund.
The 2019 calendar which was organised by Marie Twomey for the Community Council is on sale at €6. It’s in many of our shops, including Guerin’s in Ballydaly . An ideal gift or stocking filler. Proceeds will go to our Tidy Towns committee.
Every good wish for future happiness to Denny Twomey, youngest son of Denis and Marie and Sinéad Murphy, only daughter of Mary and Andrew who were married last Saturday. Their reception which was held at the Great Southern, was a wonderful gathering of friends and relations in the run up to Christmas.
The annual Women’s Christmas Party will be held at the Wallis Arms Hotel on Saturday, January 5th. Music by the Lovely Diamond Sisters. Tickets at €25 each are on sale. Get yours before its too late.
The recent pictures from the past,which were on our website generated great interest and its wonderful to see how they evoke thoughts in people who are far away from home. How nice it was lovely to see a message from the Hennessy sisters who wondered if anybody still remembered them since they left Millstreet many years ago. Their Dad Tommy (West End) was very well known especially for the help he gave to local young lads in the field of sport when there were no other facilities open to them at the time.Its always great to hear that those who left can still remember us.
Here are the results of this weeks Lotto Draw which was held at the Bush Bar on Sunday night. Numbers drawn were 3,7,17,25. And the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to The Rahilly Family c/o Tom Carroll. Tom was the Seller and got €50 sellers prize, €50 went to Kate and Stephen Tarrant, €20 each to Denis Dennehy, Clara Rd, Emma OMahony, Coomlogane, Mick Twohig, c/o Tom Carroll, John Twohig, c/o Tom Carroll. Eileen Cotter, Old Coach Ave, Kevin Hickey, Kilmeedy, John Heelan c/o McCarthys Bar and Michael Twohig, Annagloor. Jackpot for next week €11, 200 the draw at Corkery’s Bar on Sunday Night. There will be no draw on December 30th.
Tune in on Line every Tuesday night to Cork Music Station from 9.30 to 11, for Sean Radley’s lovely program which includes music and many interesting topics.
In our Church we have Penitential Services tonight December 18 from 7.30 to 8.30 when visiting Priests will be hearing confessions in the church and the blessed sacrament will be exposed for the hour. And in Dernagree on Thursday night December 20th at 7.30.
Mass on Christmas Eve in Millstreet Church will be at 10 pm and Christmas morning at 8.30 and 11.30.
In Cullen on Christmas Eve at 7.30 and Christmas Day at 10.15.
Ballydaly Christmas Morning at 9.
Our Capital Fund collections (In aid of our Church) will take place at all Masses.
Choirs in all our churches are preparing well to add their own Spirit to our Yuletide services.
Please be on the lookout for those in need in the coming days. And remember their need for food or clothes may not be the greatest. But need for a little love or companionship, or encouragement. A little of your time could be the greatest gift of all.
Our shops are full of the fruits of the Earth and we have to thank those who grew them for us. People who forged ahead in all kinds of unsuitable weather during the planting season. The wet Spring followed by the long drought would lead anyone to despair. But the people of the land put their trust in God and went ahead and planted their crops and were rewarded in abundance and we have all gained from their efforts. Thanks to them and to God.
Happy Christmas everyone.
Agus sinn a bhfuil a chairde, slán is beannacht Dé libh go léir.
