Dia is Mhuire diobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.
And welcome to the month of December. The last few days of November left a lot to be desired weatherwise, but the wind and rain did nothing to dampen the long line of activities which brought the second last month to a close.
Friday was full of things to do because the Tanaiste and Minster for Finance Simon Harris breezed in to town. Earlier in the day he officially opened the office of Kathleen Lynch in Macroom before coming to our Library where a large number of people had come to meet him. They were made up of members of Our Active Retired Club as well as members of other voluntary bodies in the town. Our Librarian supreme Gillian gave an in depth account of all that goes on in her care. It painted a vivid picture of all that goes on involving people of all ages from small children to the very aged. Some of those present adding the wonderful improvement that Gillian herself has made for our people changing it from a place of silence to haven of activity and interaction to suit all ages. She pointed out a piece of ground at the back where our library space could be extended to encompass ever more room for more things to do. Sean Radley was at hand to take the many photos and then took the visitors to see his lovely museum of which he is so justly proud. Then all went down the street to the old cinema where our Community Council has transformed this fine building into a modern day Gym. The youthful Tanaiste couldn’t resist the temptation to have a go on the rowing machine. On his way back to his car beside the Carnegie Hall we met up with him and his entourage again and (politics aside), we enjoyed some real good humoured banter, enough to have he say that he must come back another time. We would count it an honour.
The switching on of our Christmas Lights. Well what can I say. There was a yellow warning for rain and our Mna na hEireann were in a dilemma as to what to do. But knowing the determination of our ‘girls’ we knew that they would forge ahead. Cancelling or deferring was not an option. An air of mixed feelings also hung over the event because of the death of Maureen Duggan. Noel C’s wife. Her passing was deeply felt and brought back endless memories of a beautiful queenly member of our community. Someone who stood by her Noel C through all the ups and downs of building the Empire as we know it today. So as the rain fell down Sean Radley asked all present to observe one minute’s silence in honour of the lovely Maureen. Silence fell on our wet Town Square. Men removed their head gear and endured the heavy drops on bare heads and in the end Sean whispered a short prayer in total respect of one of our very beloved ladies. THE lovely Maureen Duggan. RIP. Soon the noise and banter built up again and god Bless the crowds grew in spite of the rain. For the first time the organisers decided to have a colourful carousel which was set up down the end of the Square and from early on little children lined up to get a spin. Our Pipe band members dressed up in their oils and set toes a tapping with a medley of Christmas airs. Sean Radley kept the show on the road with running commentary of all that was happening and what was to come. 96fm were there and their pictorial account, made our town look far better than any place in Cork City. I was very honoured to be invited to turn on the lights, to throw the switch as they say. But to my surprise as I stepped out of my nice dry seat. Sean asked for a bit of quiet as some music went up followed by a few verses of a song all about me. It took me totally by surprise. I’m told it was the expertise of the popular Paddy Murphy. Then on to the ramp where we asked the crowd to accompany us in the countdown from ten. Our so reliable Garda, Sargent, Paul Lynch keeping a fatherly eye over it all It was great, full of fun and joy and excitement and happy noises. I was so afraid that I’d press the switch too soon but not to worry it all went fine. The parade which came up from the Creamery store was unsurpassed. The way people decorated their vintage vehicles was truly amazing. One car was adorned with no less than six thousand bulbs. Santa and Mrs Clause endured the elements because it was the opening of the Festive Season and the birth of Christ. In closing Sean Radley tried to read out the list of sponsors. He had a neat list on a piece of paper but alas the heavy rain made it crumble in his hand, so if you were a sponsor and you didn’t hear your name, well now you know why. The tea and sandwiches and other refreshments at the Clara Inn were very welcome when it was over and everybody had some story to tell about our wonderful event in the rain. I want to say a sincere word of thanks to the organisers Noreen Twomey, Niamh Twomey and Catherine Murphy/Pomeroy for giving me the honour of switching on the Christmas lights 2025 in the Town that I love so well. Thanks also to the four generations of my own family who came to support me on my special night.
The people of Cullen were blessed with dry weather for the turning on of their Christmas lights on Saturday night. It was followed by a gala party at the Community Centre.
I know that I speak for all when I offer our sincere sympathy to Noel C Duggan and all the Duggan Family on the death of Maureen. No words of mine can do justice to what Maureen meant to her family and indeed to all in Millstreet. May the good Lord grant her Eternal Rest. Amen.
The Mass on Sunday November 30 marked the start of Advent. The Advent Wreath was placed at the alter and one of its five candles will be lit each Sunday until Christmas.
Everybody is invited to the celebration of Culture & Inclusion which will be held at the Community School on Thursday December 4th. It will be an evening of music song and dance and food from many Countries. Please support it well. All Welcome.
The annual Mass & Christmas Party will be held in Aubane on Friday December 5th from 8pm. All welcome.
The Christmas Day climb of Clara Mountain will go ahead as always at 10.30 on Christmas Day. Proceeds will go to the Aubane Social Centre fund.
THE Millstreet Christmas Lights Committee want to thank all those who supported their recent Church Gate collection.
Medjugorje Evening of Prayer on Sunday December 7th at the Church of the Immaculate Reception, Currow. Anointing of the sick at 4pm. Confessions at 4.30. Rosary at 5, Mass at 6. Adoration from 7 to 8 Refreshments in School Hall at 8pm. All welcome.
For details of Community Employment Vacancies contact 029 21869.
The annual Community Council Calendar is in the shops. Its a beautiful record of many of the main events of 2025. A lovely gift idea or stocking filler.
Please support the Eucharistic Adoration in our Church every Tuesday from 10.30am to 7.30pm.Sign up for a set time every week or drop in any time.
Legion of Mary Meeting every Tuesday night from 7.30 at the Parish Centre.
The Cullen Special Needs Association will hold their annual Mass and Christmas Party on Saturday December 6th.Please support it well . All welcome,
The Millstreet Active Retired Association will hold their Annual Christmas Dinner at the Castle Hotel Macroom on Saturday December 6th. We wish them the joys of the Festive Season.
Sinn a bfuil a Cairde. Slán.
