Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a chairde, and welcome to my report.
In Millstreet, St. Valentine’s Day was widely celebrated starting off on Friday and continuing right through the weekend. Our flower and chocolate outlets did a roaring trade as did our jewelry and perfume shops, the food outlets and the all-important cards that say the tender words that any lad or lass would be loathe to utter. The business people of the Town have to be commended for their efforts in dressings their premises in a wide range of brightly coloured decorations which didn’t go unnoticed. It all helped to distract our minds away from the approach of the demon “Denis” the Hurricane. All things considered, I think that we didn’t fare too badly around here.No flooded homes or power cuts and no road blocks due to fallen trees. By and large our people are good at listening to the warnings and obeying the rules which is vitally important. We did have a few claps of thunder and when I hear that I of course reach for the Holy Water and sprinkle it around and pray that all will be safe. But the very next thing for me at any rate is to think of the dogs. I don’t own a dog, much as I’d love to, but dogs are terrified of thunder and if at all possible, should never be left unattended during a thunder storm. I think that the bold “Denis” is staying around for a little while longer,so remain on your guard.
Our Active Retired Club enjoyed great support for their AGM which was held the Day Centre on Wednesday night. In spite of the inclement weather a large crowd attended. Special guests on the night were the award winning, three Paddy’s. Paddy Tobin, Paddy Buckley and Paddy McAuliffe who are well known for their great work in recording the lives of many people from around the County. At Wednesday’s meeting they showed the profile of the outstanding life of our own Sean Radley, which they recorded in the recent past. Others will follow as time goes along. The AGM closed with some beautiful tea and refreshments. And the existing officers were re-elected in block. They continue their great work in providing many functions and events for it’s members. Tomorrow Wednesday over fifty will bus it to the Everyman Theatre for a comedy show. And along with the Men’s Shed they have resumed the Bowls Club which is open twice a week at the Wallis Arms Hotel. On Tuesday nights from 7.30 to 9.30 and on Wednesdays from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. It’s important to wear soft soled footwear so as not to damage the mats. Just drop in and see if this pleasant hobby is for you. The contact number for the Active Retired Club is 0870537172.
The AGM of the Community Council which was held at the Wallis Arms Hotel on Tuesday night was very well supported. The financial report which was presented by accountant Willie John O’Flynn and Margaret Burke showed the Council in a very healthy state financially. With St. Patrick’s Day only a matter of weeks away the meeting decided to call another meeting the next week to put plans in place for the National event. That meeting is tonight starting at 8.30 and all interested parties please attend.
The meeting was glad to say that the new state of the art Children’s Playground is complete at the Town Park and is already in full use. Many other topics of interest were discussed. At the election of officers the existing committee were re-elected in block and the meeting then concluded.
Our Community Singers have resumed their Thursday night singing sessions. This time at a new venue on the Main Street. A place that has seen many changes over the years. In my school days it was a busy Barber shop where Andy the Barber (Duggan) ran an impeccable business. His Brother Timmy had a similar business at the West End of the town. I can’t recall any ladies hair styling place in the town at that time. Maybe somebody will let me know if there was. Most hair-trims were done at home both for women and children and some novel creations emerged. The full clip was the most popular for the young lads. It was achieved by placing a basin upside down on the head and cutting from the rim of it down to the neck. Mirrors were scarce and few bothered to check if it was alright but often brought some wisecracks in school next day. Names like baldy nut and the like often stuck. Nick names abounded. One stands out more than others. The late great Toots Kelleher got his title very simply one day in school. At a young age he had to have his teeth extracted and a little young fellow one day in the school yard made a childish remark and said “look at him, him no toots”. The rest is history.
But to get back to our Community singers, they now have their weekly sessions in that same building , which is a far cry from the one of old. It is now a state of the art Adult Learning Centre where up to a hundred people, both Irish & otherwise are being given the chance of bettering themselves, be it in computer skills, literacy, languages, art, the list goes on. The contact number is Marie, 0876863887.for full information.
Here are the results of this weeks lotto draw which was held at Corkery’s Bar on Sunday night.Numbers drawn were 3,9,29,32 and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to Helen and PJ, Millstreet. the seller was the Wallis Arms and they got €50 sellers prize. €50 went to John D. Buckley, Kilmeedy. €20 each to Micky O Mahony, The Bridge, The Twomey family, Station Rd, Town Park Playground, W and Linda Cahill c/o Cahill’s, Val O’Connor,Woodland Drive, Joe,Eileen, Bill, Nana and Granda Randals, Minor Row. Dan Barry, Lackabawn and Clare O Keeffe, Rathmore. Jackpot for next week €7.800 the draw at the Mal Paso Bar on Sunday night.
Millstreet Gramophone Circle Meeting on Friday night starting at 8.15 (February 21st). at the Canon O Donovan Centre. Presenter Jim Deery. All Welcome.
Eucharistic Adoration in Millstreet every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10.30 am to 10.30 pm. In Ballydaly on Sat. From 10.30 to 12.30. Confessions in Millstreet Church every Saturday from 12.30 to 1.
Fundraising concert at our GAA Hall this Friday night 21st in support of Patrick Buckley, (son of Pat and Bridget, Kilcorney ) who will travel to India in aid of Hope Foundation. This concert will include a line-up of All Ireland Bands, Groups of Musicians and Dancers. Starts at 8, please support it well. Tickets available at O’Regan’s Mills. Family tickets €30, adults €10 and students €5.
The Irish Heart Foundation will hold their annual Church Gate collection this weekend. Please support it well.
Next week we’ll be talking about Shrove Tuesday and pancakes and lots more.
Agus sinn a bhfuil a chairde, slán is beannacht Dé libh go léir.
