Dia is mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my Report.
We were told to look out for it and the big moon did not disappoint. It rose to the East for the past couple of nights and it looked wonderful. It stood out in the sky like a huge ball of cheese. The skies were not very clear so it played hide and go seek among the clouds, making you wait for its next appearance. It seemed a shame to waste it but you can’t stay looking at the sky all night, so reluctantly finally I drew the curtains and sit by my lovely fire.
Our Tidy Towns Association excelled themselves on Thursday night at their Annual Awards Event. The Clara Inn was full to capacity. Chairperson Derry Sheehan opened with a fine speech, lauding the great successes of the Tidy Towns Association and listing their plans for further improvements in their pursuit of the last elusive points to make them the winners of the National Accolade. Their success in the Anti Litter was indeed a very encouraging step in the right direction.
The list of winners was long and varied. Best Front Garden 1st. Prize, Teresa & Brendan Kelleher Liscahane, with eight runners up. Best Town House, John & Mary Coleman, Minor Row, two runners up, D & D Baksalary, 3 Killarney Rd. and Kay Ryan, Killarney Rd. Best Business Frontage, Reens Reens Life Pharmacy, Main St. Unesco Young Environmentalists Award went to Daniel & Patrick Bourke. They thanked the many volunteers and lauded them for their continued assistance throughout the year. Secretary Gordon O’Keeffe and Treasurer John Randles were on hand for the presenting of the awards. Some lovely refreshments were served and enjoyed by all present.
In closing, on behalf of our community I want to congratulate of Tidy Towns Association on their successes and wish them the very best for the future.
Sadly the parking in our town leaves a lot to be desired as we approach the Festive Season. Following the recent work on our streets our parking places are not lined and we are losing many badly needed parking places as a result. I was sitting in my car in the Square last week, three cars were parked where there should be four. I saw no less than three drivers lining up for the fourth place but had to drive away again because the last one was too small, due to lack of signage.
Voluntary bodies are busy hosting both social and fundraising events at a very fast rate in the run up to Christmas. Our Reach out to Cancer Group held their annual morning Mass last week and it was followed by refreshments at the Parish Centre. This is wonderful group of people take Cancer patients to hospitals and places of their medical needs and are supported only by their own fundraising efforts.
The Cullen Special Need Association were worried because their annual event clashed with our Active Retired Dinner /Dance. But God helps those who helps themselves and their Mass and Party out did many of previous years. Fr. O’Donnell said the Mass and everybody joined him in song. Mass was followed by beautiful refreshments and the dance floor was busy until it was time to go home. But not before every special guest was given a lovely gift to see them on their way. Well done once again to the Cullen Special Needs Association.
Meanwhile our Millstreet Active Retired members travelled by bus to Macroom for their annual Christmas Party and Dance at the Castle Hotel. Following the four coarse dinner, our own reliable Peter Lane and friend kept the dance floor crowded until six. Many thanks to all those who organised this wonderful event ,their care and attention did not go unnoticed.
In spite of unfavourable weather our town is taking on a real spirit of Christmas. Well done again to the members of our popular Men’s shed for placing their Christmas Crib beside our Church Gate. Please shop at home this year. Our shops and stores and services have a lot to offer and they also provide gift vouchers which makes shopping trouble free.
Marie Twomey and her Community Singers attended the Annual Mass and Christmas Party on Friday night in Aubane. Fr. John said the Mass and a great night was had by all in real Aubane fashion. Well done to all who organised it.
Monday December 8 the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception of Our Blessed Lady. It was a Holy Day of obligation. Mass was at 11.30. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Billy Radley. Assisted By Fr. John at Holy Communion time . A fine crowd attended. It was also attended by the boys and girls of our National Schools.
Please be reminded that our National Schools invite you to Carol Services in our church this week. On Wednesday 10th, the Presentation Convent and Thursday 11th the Boys National School. Both begin at 7 pm. All welcome.
St V de Paul Church Gate Collection, at all Masses this weekend December 13/14. Please give generously to this very worthy cause.
Millstreet Gramophone Circle Christmas Presentation in the Canon O’Donovan Centre, on December 12th . Presenter Eithne O’Keeffe, Boherbue. All Welcome.
We are earnestly requested to say the Rosary every day. Please remember that the Rosary is live streamed before morning Masses from 9.40.
Eucharistic Adoration every Tuesday, from 10.30am to 7.30 pm. Sign up for an hour or drop in any time.
Confession in Millstreet every Saturday from 12.30 to 1.
Legion of Mary meeting every Tuesday night from 7.30 at the parish Centre.
For details of vacancies in the Community Employment Scheme. please ring 029 21869.
Many of our people will travel abroad to be with families at Christmas time. While others will be coming home .We wish them safe and happy travels.
Slán is beannacht Dé libh go léir .
