Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.
A lovely Spring day T.G., February 11, the Feast Day of St. Gobnait, the patron saint of bees. Cold perhaps but it’s not stopping the little birds from singing their loudest songs from the highest trees. I think they like it when we come out. They seem to sing all the louder when we do and come out we should when there is no storm and rain. There is still a lot to see even after the ‘big wind’. To pick up the things that are lying around in it’s wake, gives us the chance to find the new life that is lurking below. Tender shoots have a strength all of their own and it never fails to amaze me to see how the soft tender beginnings of the daffodils can make their way up through crushed down leaves and last year’s nettles plus a few stones, to arrive strong and green and determined to play their part in the game of life which Mother Nature devises for them year after year, century after century, even if it’s too early for planting yet but it’s nice to be planning that is after we clean up the place after the severe weather. It’s great to see farmers out on the land. Their work is more important than our gardens and we wish them well. There are no sheep in my view and I’m sure baby lambs are arriving around this time. They give the Spring and head start every year. To see them playing and prancing in the fields would raise anybody’s spirits. The very thought will make me drive out some day to where I can stop and admire and enjoy them.
The AGM of our Active Retired Association was held at the Day Centre on Wednesday, February 5. It was very well attended and was presided over by Chairperson Nuala O Riordan, Secretary Mary Sheahan and Treasurer Margaret Leader. The minutes of last’s year’s AGM were read and many interesting items arising were discussed. The secretary read out the list of activities which the club was engaged in during 2024. A 5 day bus trip and also an evening outing to Siamsa Tire plus swimming to line dancing and yoga as well as keep fit, coffee mornings, bingo coupled with lots of moral support, the list goes on. Similar program is planned for the year ahead DV. A 5 day trip to Wexford already booked. The membership including ladies from Rathmore and Cullen has now reached almost 160 with many others intent on joining.
Phil Sheehan ably presided over the Election of Officers with new people willingly prepared to take part while serving members stayed on to assist the new comers. The list is as follows. Nuala O’Riordan, chairperson, assistant chairperson, Phil McCarthy, secretary Kathleen Flynn, assistant secretary, Mary Sheahan, treasurer Margaret Leader, assistant treasurer, Joan O’Connor. Following the meeting a very enjoyable tea and cakes were served in the dining room. New members are always welcome and paid up members are covered by the Association’s Insurance for all it’s activities.
The Active Retired organisation which is open to both men and women, does wonderful work for the elderly all over the Country. Apart from it’s many activities it provides companionship and friendship for all. But sadly the need for companionship and friendship is not confined to the elderly. We still have lots of people who are in need of places to go and friends to meet.
It’s that time of year again for you to buy for the one you love. St.Valentine’s Day is looming. February 14 is the day and it never fails to raise lots of excitement, be it perfume, gold, roses or a simple card. Get out there and be part of it for the sheer joy of the annual “Guess Who”.
Be reminded that if you missed the great Darby o’ Gill Show at Aubane and couple of weeks again the good news is that they’re doing it all again this Saturday night. Booking your ticket is advisable. It’s a wonderful home produced performance with many of the local children playing their part. This is a very important year at the Aubane Social Club they are celebrating 50 years in existence. From humble beginnings they have developed this disused schoolhouse into a mecca of activity to suit all ages. They plan their celebrations for next June and with the end of their first 50 years their plans for the future are even more exciting.
While keeping it Country ,next stop the wonderful, wonderful village of Carriganima. Sadly one of their events had to be cancelled at short notice at the weekend but not to worry they bounce back and have great plans for Saturday, March 1st in aid of the local transport bus, CART. A service which has brought great convenience to people over a wide area for the last number of years . There will be a selection of bands and singers on the night, all coming to give their support to the great people of Carriganima and the surrounding areas. Put a ring around the date March 1st, and be ready for a great time for a good cause.
Well done to Singer supreme Darren Kiely who continues to spread his wings in many parts of the world. Many thanks to Tara Bourke for sending a picture of his performance in Sweden recently.
An Item from this weeks Parish News (Mass) letter.
Commissioning of Pastoral Leaders.
This weekend Bishop Ray Browne will commission 25 people as Pastoral Leaders at 12 o’clock Mass at the Cathedral in Killarney. This is a new Ministry in the Diocese and it involves the Co-ordination and Support of Pastoral Ministry in Parishes and Pastoral Areas. The volunteer pastoral Leaders will work with the Clergy, parish secretaries and all those already in Parish Ministry. Parish Ministers will be commissioned for three years.
And on behalf of our Parish I want to extend congratulations to Edel Fraser who will be commissioned from our Parish and to thank her most sincerely for her continued commitment to our Parish. The End.
Eucharistic Adoration our Church every Tuesday from 10.30 am to to 7.30 pm. Confessions in Millstreet every Saturday at 12.30. Legion of Mary Meeting at the Parish Centre every Tuesday night from 7.30.
Here are the results of this weeks lotto draw which was held on Sunday night. Numbers drawn were 13,14,18,25 and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to Noreen O’Regan c/o Nigel. Nigel was the seller and he got €50 sellers prize. €50 went to P.S & D.J c/o the Bridge Bar. €20 each went to Tony, Mike & Mag c/o McCauls, Paul McCaffrey, c/o Colemans, Christy & Veron c/o Marie Twomey, Jerry O’Mahony c/o Jerry O’Mahony, Noel O’Sullivan c/o Noreen Tarrant, Danny & Buddy c/o Sheila Lane, Mary Kelleher c/o Capabu, Michelle Forde, Cork, c/o Eily. Jackpot for next week €8,400, the draw Sunday, February, 16th.
The weigh In continues in Cullen every Monday Night. Go there and warm up to Hannah’s music and exercise. This week 40 people weighed In and 44 lbs. weight was lost. More of the same next week.
The AGM of Ballydaly Hall tomorrow Wednesday February 12 at 7.45 pm. All Welcome.
New road signs are going up in all sorts of places. If they’ll be adhered to is another story. The speeding on some of our remote country roads are falling victim to many fast drivers. these places are used by people who like to take a long or short walk for exercise and for the good of their health but sadly their peaceful jaunts are often interrupted by drivers who think that they’ll meet nobody. There’s room for all if the proper care is taken. Please Drive Safe.
Sinn a bfuil a cairde Slán is beannach.
