Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a chairde and welcome to my report.
The biggest crowd ever for the Rosary, exceptionally long queues for the removal and a full church for his requiem Mass, That was the tribute which was meted out to the humble Pat Lane, who passed away before the weekend and who was Pat Lane. Born 60 years ago to parents Connie and Peggy Lane in Caherdowney. We take little notice of each other getting on with our daily lives, but it is only when someone dies that we are rocked into a sense of the reality, that they will be with us no more. Born in 1962, we all knew and loved Pat for different reasons. Mine started long before he was born, when I walked the Liscahane road with his lovely mother Peggy Butler going and coming to school every day for years. We were soul mates, like all of us going to school that time we knew one another in depth and that familiar gene seemed to be passed on to Pat for when I’d meet him, his mom’s name came up every time and some story or memory to go with it. On the wider scale Pat was a friend to everyone and his needs were few. So long as Mary and the children were OK, everything else came second. Pat had no high class education, he worked hard to make a living, be it on a powerful track machine or using the shovel to clean the streets or the shlean to cut the turf, even plucking turkeys at Christmas. If we are wise, we will learn a lot from Pat. He had many talents, play music, sing, recite, converse, which he rarely used and without them by just being himself, he gained the respect and regard of all those who met him over the years. Even the Healy Raes and the Brennan Brothers came. Many would be wise to take a page out of his book. The shortest sermon I ever heard a priest to give at a Mass was when he turned towards the congregation (They faced the alter that time for Mass) and said in slow profound words, ‘Remember you may be the only Bible that someone will ever read’. The biggest crowd for the Rosary the longest removal and the fullest church, the lovely Ford sisters with their meaningful songs and music, lorded over by Canon John.
Pat got it right.
We offer our deepest sympathy to his grieving wife Mary and his children Maria, Con, Patrick and all his extended family. No doubt Pat will work hard for them in Heaven as he always did on earth. R.I.P.
If you didn’t go to the 4 day Mounted Games at the Green Glens last week you missed a treat. Teams came from far off Australia and many places in between to vie for a place in Millstreet. The huge horse carriers rolled into town in the days running up to Thursday. Nine nations in all attended, following the two years break because of Covid. The weather was lovely throughout, admission was free and seating was provided beside the arena. Little ones from under ten to high teens put on speedy performances that thrilled the crowd. At night entertainment was held in the long dining tent which was altered to make a fancy marque, fit to hold the crowd. The well-known Liam OConnor was there at night and to give the occasion an extra International theme the head man, Conor O’Leary went along and invited the Ukrainian people to attend, which they did and danced the night away with the others.
And there’s more to come. The Millstreet Summer Horse Show will be held at the Green Glens from Aug.10 to 14th. Admission free. Those with accommodation to let please ring the office at the Green Glens.
By the way I find these chargeable specs a great boon. I can sit in any light, even in the dark, put them on over my own and read in comfort. An ideal gift for someone like me. They can be got at Tescos @ €24.
Sean Radley wants us all to know that the video of the launching of his great book Picture Millstreet, can now be seen on YouTube. Click on Sean’s name down the side of your screen and it will lead you to it. After all these years it will make some great viewing.
Sean also tells us that some of Jimmy Reidy’s Programs can be got worldwide on Cork Music Station on Saturdays at 1. Again it can be got through our web. Thank you, Sean.
I want to wish our dear Fr. James McSweeney the best of luck in his new appointment at Carrigaline near Cork City. I’m sure the people of Bantry are grieving his departure. I know Fr. James endeared himself to his congregation down there.
Sad to say that we’re facing more unwelcome changes in our church. The thumb screw keeps tightening all the time as the number of our dear priests keeps going down. A friend from Poland was heard to say last week that in his country they have three young men going for priesthood this year and it’s the smallest for some time. Maybe we should pray more that God will send more workers to his vineyard here. The only thing that we can do is to offer our full co-operation to and changes that have to be made.
Eucharistic Adoration in Millstreet Church every Tuesday from 10.30am.7.30pm.
Legion of Mary meeting every Tuesday night in the Parish Centre at 7.30 and all are welcome.
The annual Holy Mass to celebrate Padre’s Pio’s Ordination on Sunday Aug7th. At 2.30 at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Dennehy’s Cross ,Cork.
Have you given to our Pipe band? If not please get their Go-Fund-Me page on the web or give a donation to Gillian McCarthy, Teresa Cleary or Marie Twomey. Our Pipe Band is part of what we are.
I happened to be in a house last week when the Meal on Wheels arrived and to see the face of the recipient light up was a treat. Please advise anybody who needs the service to avail of it or help someone to get in touch with this great service.
Contact numbers 029 30998 or 029 70926.
It’s great to see so many fixtures coming on stream following the two years break. The well-known Declan Nerney is coming to the pub in Carriganima on Sunday August 14th, a show not to be missed. And out in Aubane they have planned a lovely walk on Sunday August 21st. Keep an eye out, I’m sure there are more.
45 Drive at the Canon O’Donovan Centre every Tues night at 8.30
Here are the results of this week’s lotto draw which was held on Bank Holiday Monday night. Numbers drawn were 20,26,27,29, and the jackpot was not won. €E100 went to Jerry Light Beer, c/o the Clara Inn. They were the sellers and got €50 sellers prize. €50 went to Olivia Pomeroy, Dooneen. €20 each to Robbie Tenian, c/o the Mal Paso. Linda Dennehy, c/o Margaret Bourke, Pat & Mike, Keale ,c/o Mike Healy, Mary O’Connor, c/o Colemans, BTD c/o Bridge Bar. Con & Nanny c/o Joan Casey. BTD c/o Bridge Bar. Denis Healy Liscahane. Next draw August 7. Jackpot €20.000.
Sinn a bfuil a cairde. Slán.
