Dia is mhuire diobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.
Week upon week and the beautiful weather shines on. The turf machine arrived at Gneeves Bog a week ago with more people than ever seeking it’s services, and this weather will put a hard seal the soft sods in the event of the rain, which is on the cards. It’s the same old story some want rain others do not and it’s a good job that there is only one boss over it all and we must all abide by him. More and more silage is being harvested. Some going into pits in the yard. More being rolled up into giant bales which can be seen from afar but only for a moment until the giant carriers come and lift them into trailers with no effort at all. More flowers come on stream as the weeks pass quickly by. The old fashioned rhododendrons at the entrance to the Mount Leader Estate on the Macroom road are breaking through the greenery, to provide a shock of colour to be enjoyed by all the passers by. In my early days this splash of colour was always admired with great glee. Because those were the days before Japanese Maples, Tropical Palms cultivated bloomers etc. and all the plants from foreign parts which adorn our gardens and parks today. Those were the days of the plain old native trees. The old fashioned cottage rose and the potted red geraniums. Geraniums, slips of which were handed on from mother to daughter and even when the old house became deserted, when going the road you could catch a glimpse of the old flower pot inside a thickly cobwebbed window, with the geranium still in it after growing long and leggie up to the top of the window inside. I always wondered how it stayed alive without water or any care over the years.
The flowering laurels, as they were called on the MountLeader entrance, held a great fascination for us as children. The grand entrance with its heavy iron gates and the beautiful curved walls and the drive flanked on both sides with lovely blossoms and the enamel sign saying “No Entry”. But beyond that when the pony was trotting past the sound of his hooves the clip clop of his iron shoes on the hard road, created an echo which was different from any other sound along the way. We didn’t live along here back then so the rare time that we did we listened eagerly for the echo at the lodge every time.
I’m glad I mentioned my tummy ache last week, seldom before did I get such feedback. It’s seems my brief set-back was felt by many others, but having read my mention of it, it brought the problem out into the open and I think they felt the safety in numbers and moved on.
I love Facebook, others hate it, more are afraid of it. But I have learned that we can all get what suits our taste from it. Recently I came across the story of the oldest woman in the world. She was 116 and her recipe for her longevity makes all the sense in the world. Always to keep the bright side out. Mix with people who make you feel good, who make you feel good about yourself. Keep away from those who try to drag you down. Those who anger you. Do not harbour grievances, forgive, forget and get out, move on. She went on at length and in the end of the day her advice was to spread love not hate. Still with Facebook, with a flick of the finger I can be taken back to the days of very old when I stop at the subject of under-developed countries. They are now where we were then and to see the farm yards with the hens and chickens and pigs and lambs and ponies and children and the dog all in the same patch. Ragged little children joyfully tossing feed to the fowl and even taking a mouthful for themselves and they glorying in the fun. Little ones riding donkeys and feeding pet lambs in gay abandon. It is a great reminder of the innocence of it all and the great health and freedom that we enjoyed. Other pages take me close up to birds building their nests. Weaving tight basket like creations with precision. Things I never saw so clearly before. All so lovely to watch close up.
A million Congratulations to the Best Baker in Ireland. The well known popular Mary Buckley Laught, Rathcoole has won the highly prestigious title of Ireland’s Best Baker. Well done Mary. We are all extremely happy for Mary and proud of her wonderful achievement. Look up the details on our website.
Aubane are all geared up to celebrate a half a century of their wonderful Community Centre. They will set the ball rolling with a Grand Céilí June 16. Music by Gerard Murphy. They have one of their own, the great historian Jack Lane to give a talk on June 21. And on Sunday June 22 a Gala BBQ in real Aubane Style plus dancing from 2-5 with Neily O’Connor providing the music.
I know that I speak for everyone when I convey the deepest sympathy of all our people to the family and community of the tragic Michael Gaine. The fate of this popular, well loved member of his community has sent shock waves through all good living people in Kerry and indeed the whole island of Ireland. May the Good Lord console those who mourn him and grant the soul of Michael Eternal Rest.
Here are the results of this week’s lotto draw which was held on Sunday night. Numbers drawn were 17,20,23,26 and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to Finbarr Murphy, c/o Colemans. Colemans were the sellers and got €50 sellers prize. €50 went to Jerry O Mahony, c/o Jerry O’Mahony. €20 each went to Kate Dennehy, c/o Joan Sheehan, Adam Buike c/o Capabu, Breda & Dan, c/o The Clara Inn, Patsy Corcorcan c/o Patsy, Justine, Kevin, Robble & Jason, c/o the Bush, Adam Bourke c/o Margaret Bourke, Alexandria Cashman, Tullig House, c/o Colemans, Eoin G c/o Bush.
Jackpot for next week €11,200. The Draw May. 25th.
Holy Rosary at Tubrid Well on Monday and Friday evenings at 8. Holy Rosary at Aubane Grotto every Thursday evening at 8. All welcome.
Eucharistic Adoration every Tuesday from 10.30 am to 7.30pm. Please support it well.
Legion of Mary Meeting every Tuesday night at the Parish Centre from 7.30 all welcome.
Please return all Troacaire boxes this week as they will be making a return to the Diocese at the end of the week. Your support will be greatly appreciated .
Our prayers and best wishes go to all those who are sick or worried about their health, or lonely in our community.
Slán is beannacht Dé libh go léir.
