Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a chairde and welcome to my report.
So the Queen has died, went to sleep at 96, letting us know once again that they don’t forget anyone. We have no hope of recalling the changes that have come about since she assumed the throne in 1952, at the tender age of 25. I left the Presentation Secondary School in 1950, at the age of 17. Education for girls, or indeed for anybody at that time, counted for very little. Those who were blessed with a lively mind, a good brain and an element of ambition about them, forged ahead and sought a better way of life than the stay-at-home kind who were satisfied or maybe forced to carry on the same as all those before them. To show signs of trying to better oneself very often brought snide remarks and opinions that someone is aiming above his station. Some of my friends took the boat the England to become nurses, because there were no places here in Ireland where they could do so. My one ambition in life was to become a nurse, but as it turned out my dream I could not fulfil, because I was needed at home to help with the farm work. The lives of many young men were spoiled when they had to stay at home to cut the corn, etc, when parents were getting too old and the other sibling had already flown the coop. There they had to stay and take antiquated orders from bossy parents or maybe do it the old way rather than to offend them and in time succumb to their ways. If by any chance a fellow met a girl whom he may like to marry and settle down with, well, she would have to pass the very rigid test of being of good stock, of being well thought of and more important still to have a suitable fortune. Love counted for nothing. It was not unknown for a girl to have to go to England or America the top up her fortune before she qualified. Many of those who failed to get hitched, lived on in the bit of land, in time parents grew old, some living to a great age while the son or daughter advanced in years themselves and when both parents were dead found themselves in a no-man’s-land, with nothing but their own death facing them.
How things have changed since then and while our world is still far from perfect at least people have the freedom to choose their own path in life, choose their own partner and assume the responsibility for their own lives. I suppose a case in point couldn’t be more apt today, than Prince Charles himself. He is 73 years of age and his wife Camilla three years older. I doubt if any one of us would envy his job now. At such an advanced age to be taking on the burden of King of the British Empire. As far as we could see, he has led a pretty carefree life up till now, while waiting for the Day. Since he was born he was destined to be King, but my goodness did it ever occur to anyone that his Mom would live on to become the longest reigning monarch in history. Now he will have to leave his walks on the Moors of Scotland and his many other interests and wear the crown and leave wherever they live and move to Buckingham Palace to live, and what about Camilla at 76? How will these huge changes affect her. Only time will tell. As King Charles said on Sunday, ‘We feel the weight of history upon us’. So at the end of the day is there much difference between King Charles 11 and the ageing farmer’s son. Only that Charles will have to hold his heavy burden aloft until such time as it’s handed over to his son and heir. Life can be funny.
In the beginning we were very much in awe of Queen Elizabeth, but as the years went by she seemed to endear herself to the world. The many family troubles that she had to endure made her look a lot like the rest of us. And of course her trip to Ireland was tops. It healed a lot of sores to hear her lament on the wrongs of the past in our country. Proving that it’s never too late. To see her two grandsons and their wives together, reading the condolances and meeting the people must have made HRH, very happy in her casket of rest. Every parent’s dream.
Would you believe it, because of Queen Elizabeth I’m the proud holder of a Munster Medal. The very same as the ones so treasured by those who fought hard on the playing field. Ten years ago in 2012 we had a very vibrant Score Team in town. Their comedy piece was built around the Queen’s Visit to Cork. They won the local and the County without a bother, but for the Munster they felt they needed something extra. Up to then they were making gestures as if she were there, but for the Munster Final they decided that it may tip the balance in their favour if she was. So they asked me if I’d do it, not wanting to refuse the young people and I agreed. Got the loan of the Hat and theCoat to match in Royal Blue and the handbag and shoes and when I stepped out on the stage that night in Templemore the crowd went wild, we won the Munster and for that we all got our Munster Medal.
Set dancing resumes in Ballydaly Hall on Wednesday, September 14th, from 8.30 to 10. No need to bring a partner.
The Statue of Our Lady of Fatima will be paraded through Main St. Killarney today Tuesday 13th from 2.30 to commemorate Our Lady’s last visit the Fatima in 1917. Divine Mercy Chaplet and Rosary at 3pm.
Please keep up the prayers and thank God for sending us some rain. I got some pictures from friends in Finland last week showing rivers and lakes all drying up and water is very scarce.
Mass in Millstreet Church every day, Monday and Friday at 7.30pm and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10 am. Eucharistic Adoration every Tuesday from 10.30. Confessions every Saturday from 12.30 to 1. Legion of Mary Meeting every Tuesday night at 7.30.
Fundraising Quiz at the Abby Hotel in Ballyvourney on Saturday, September 24th in Memory on the late Denis Murphy. All proceeds to Pieta House.
Our Pipe Band will hold a Registration night at the GAA Hall this Friday night September 16th at 9. For young people and adults who would like to become members.
Bridge lessons with Mary O’Brien available, if there is ample demand. Ring 087 207 3042 for details.
45Drive continues in Millstreet every Tuesday night at 8.30 sharp.
Look up our website for the help that is available for older people who may like to learn more about doing things on line.
Our Vintage Clubs are proving highly popular as time goes on. Millstreet was awash with excitement last week when their car event pulled out of town and there’s more on Sunday September 25th the Car Club will meet at Super Valu carpark in Boherbue from 10 am to 2 pm for coffee, chat, etc.
During the week some members of our Active Retied Group were invited to join their counterparts from Newmarket and Boherbue etc, to join them on a wonderful trip to Clonakilty and many places in between. We would like to thank the organisers for their kind invitation where many new friends were made and a great time was had by all.
Millstreet ARA are starting Yoga , for one hour with Nora this Friday, September 16th at the Day Centre starting at 3pm and all are welcome. Further to that they have booked a bus for an evening at Siamse Tire Tralee on Friday, October 12th which will include a Variety Show plus evening Meal. All in cost €60. Names taken this week. For details ring Mary at 087 0537172.
Weekly coffee at the Blue Rose Cafe every Thursday, West End from 11 am, and all are welcome.
Here are the results of this weeks lotto draw which was held on Sunday night. Numbers drawn were. 9,12,15,32. and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to Rosie Linehan, Buttavent. The seller was Tom Carroll and he got €50 sellers prize. €50 went to Eve & Marie Murphy, c/o Patsy. €20 each went to Colin, Simon & Eve, Dooneen. Patrick Twomey c/o Corkery’s, Catherine Cleary c/o The Bridge Bar. Benny Murphy, Dromagh. Willie Rae, c/o Mary O’Connor. Pat O’Callaghan c/o Colemans, Mary O’Sullivan, c/o Kevin Hickey and Patrick andCaroline c/o Corkery’s Bar. Next Draw September 18th. Jackpot €2.200.
Agus sin a bhfuil, a chairde, have a good week ,Slán.
