Dia is mhuire diobh go leir a cairde and welcome to my weekly Report.
What a difference a day makes, moreover what a difference a fine day makes. The air is lighter, the skies are brighter and never fails to put spring in your step. Having come through so many dark wet and dismal days, who could be blamed for being prepared to face more of the same on rising in the morning. The plan ahead comprising of more things to do indoors and keep abreast of danger of getting the ‘downs’. But the first day of this week changed all that, notions of doing anything inside were quickly cast aside as the warm sun beckoned. An early wash and to see the washing waving in the soft breeze on the line for the first time in ages was a thrill in itself. I firmly believe that even the birds love to see us out. The little robin who has been begging for grub month after month on the window sill, conveyed me going from bush to bush with it’s cheerful song while I scanned the flower beds to see how my poor garden looked after all that rain. Never ones to disappoint, the daffodils are up strong. As well as the wild garlic and I even spotted a little primrose doing it’s best to push up through the rotting leaves. A few more days of this could see us making some real improvements in the garden. Moving some of last seasons pots out of view never fails to improve the look and soon we may even probe down through the rotting leaves etc to see if the little seeds and nuts that we put down in the Fall are making their own battle with the elements to surprise us with some new growths for the coming season. While the morning fog may be the detriment of road users especially early risers, it can weave a spell for those like me who have time to look out and study it’s comings and goings in the neighbourhood. It comes and goes in the still air, turning woods and hedges into a fairyland all of their own sometimes it comes right up close and as it were pulls down the curtains all around and then it lifts off and goes away again.
The birds are always teaching us new things. A pair of Mallards flew past my window just now, easy to spot with their sleek bodies and long necks all stretched out as they make their way to their nearest watering hole which could be the Lake at Gneeves or even the river at the back of my house. A few days ago I threw out some scraps in a pan and right away two grey crows about eight crows and a magpie swooped down. But one of the grey crows started to gobble up the stuff and as he did no other bird made an attempt to grab a bite he did spill one morsel and his fellow grey rook cautiously grabbed it. Only when the leader had packed himself to bursting point did he move away and let the others in. There’s always one. Hard to understand, how do they do it.
Still with the birds my bird feeder has no drain at the bottom and with so much rain the peanuts at the bottom were getting wet and soggy, so I put in some small pebbles to bring the food up beyond the bottom rim ,and now all is well again.
Well done again to the Special Needs Association in Cullen, 56 people attended last night’s Weigh-In, and 88 pounds weight were lost. Still not too late to join. It’s on every Monday night at 7.15 starting with exercise to music with Hannah.
The Marian Players in Rathmore are revving up to put on another one of their wonderful Pantos for our enjoyment. This time a show with a Western theme, entitled Dame Anna goes West. Opening on next Saturday night January 28. Followed by Matinee on Sunday January 29. Into February they have shows on Wednesday.1st, Thursday 2nd and Saturday 4th.followed by Matinee on Saturday February 5th. Doors open each night at 7.30 and 3pm Matinees. To avoid disappointment book your ticket without delay. 085 203 1730.
Many children from Millstreet took part in the popular Starmakers Show which was held at the Boys National School in Macroom over three nights last week. Little ones as small as five played their part in telling the timeless story of Oliver. A lovely show it reminded me in many ways of the tops of the Parish competitions which we were all involved in here in Millstreet many years ago. The parish was divided into sections with Aubane, Cloghoula, Ballydaly, Murphy’s Terrace and many other sections of the town put a team forward. Far from being professionals we did our best on the stage even though we were as green as grass. Funniest of all were the mistakes that were made and parts that we forgot, but it was all done in great spirit and some of the shows were recorded on the primitive equipment that was there at the time. Some have been put on YouTube and are well worth the trouble of seeking them out, especially by those who took part in the Tops of the Parish in Millstreet all those years ago.
The month is nearing it’s end and the monthly chat for all ages will be held at the Library on this Friday from 11am to 1. All welcome. Our Active Retired Tea and Bingo session will be at the Day Centre also on Friday from 1.30.
Prices going up and up and sadly quality going down. I find that the smokeless coal which I was so pleased with is no longer as good as it used to be. I even heard complaints about it on the radio. It used to burn out to the last leaving very little ashes, but now it leaves the ash tray heavy with the amount of sand that it contains. Reminding me once again of the poor quality goods which we had to endure in the forties on account of the war. Some of the products that we got back then were truly deplorable but we just lowered our standards and carried on.
This Tuesday Morning the 10am Mass will be attended by School Children and parents and Grandparents to celebrate Catholic Schools Week.
Tuesday of next week February 6th is a Bank Holiday, a new one this year. It’s also the Feast Day of our well known Irish, Saint St. Bridget.
Ash Wednesday is on February 22nd. at the start of the six weeks of Lent and April 10th will be Easter Sunday.
Here are the results of this weeks lotto draw which was held on Sunday night. Numbers drawn were 1,12, 16, 19 and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to Anita and Sean. Sraid, c/o Corkerys Bar. Corkerys got €50 sellers prize. €50 went to Peter Horgan. Kilmeedy, €20 each to Mike Keane and Mary Rose Kelleher, Georgie Sheehan c/o Tom Carroll. Bridget Buckley c/o Joan Casey. Helen Staunten, c/o The Mal Paso, Lisa O’Callaghan. c/o Tom Carroll, Linda, Patrick, Marie, & Emma Coleman, Nigel andTommy The Wallis Arms, Joan Corkery, c/o Mary O’Connor. Next draw January 29, Jackpot €5,400.
Table Quiz at the Wallis Arms on Friday January 27 in aid of the Fifth year students who are going as helpers to Lourdes at Easter at Easter, Please support them well.
And to celebrate Catholic Schools week, we are asked to pray for pupils, teachers and staff that God may continue may Bless and protect them.
Well done again to the Special Needs Association in Cullen, 54 people attended last night’s Weigh-In, and 90 pounds weight were lost. Still not too late to join.It’s on every Monday night at 8.
In closing I want to wish a heartfelt Happy Birthday to the wonderful Gubby Twomey who was 101 years of age last week and got a special medal from the President to Mark the happy occasion.
Agus sinn abfuil a cairde Slán is Beannacht Dé libh go léir.
