Category: Culture

Great Success for Leah in All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil

Leah who represented munster in the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Derry on august 17th last. She did her County and Provence proud by achieving 2nd place in the under12 English Singing competition.
Leah Murphy of  Rathcoole who represented Munster in the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Derry on 17th August 2013….She did her County and Province proud by achieving 2nd place in the under-12 English Singing Competition.   Sincere congratulations to Leah.  Click on image to enlarge.  (S.R.)

Also congratulations to the Linehan brothers Donal and Conor who brought home trophies from the Fleadh: Donal won the Senior Melodeon title, while Conor was second in the Senior Accompaniment [full results]

Bruach na Carraige, Rockchapel Update

Bruach na Carraige
The Sliabh Luachra Summer school continues in Bruach na Carraige,  Rockchapel this weekend.
On Thursday night at 9 pm Ceoltóirí  Sliabh Luachra will present “A Musical Journey through the history of Ireland” which is a 2 hour Show of Ireland’s most ancient music song and dance linked to the major events in the history of Ireland from the arrival of An Tuaithe Dé Danann to Easter 1916.
On Friday there will be a Céilí with Danny O’Mahony and his All-Ireland winning  Shannon Vale Céilí Band.
On Saturday at 2pm a conference on the importance and the marketing of our culture.
At 9pm a rambling house
On the bank holiday Monday at 1.30 pm there will be a tour to the important locations throughout Sliabh Luachra.
Booking and other information 0872205566 
We thank Jack Roche of Rockchapel for this update.   (S.R.)

New Open Air Dancing Platform Opening at Mushra Mountain on Sunday 21 July

The Lord Mayor & Deputy Mayor of Ballinagree

Along with Neighbours and Friends from Moulnahourna & Ballinagree

gather together to restore

The Platform

at Mushra Mountain

Official opening by:

The Lord Mayor of Ballinagree

Rita O’ Sullivan

At 2:30pm on Sunday 21st of July

Music by: Peter Lane of Blackwater Sound

Everyone welcome to join and reminisce the fond memorieslaharn

Bruach na Carraige Extension Official Opening in Rockchapel on 24th June

The newly completed extension to the Bruach Na Carraige Centre will be officially opened by Mr. Jimmy Deenihan TD Minister for Arts, Culture and Gaeltacht on Monday 24th June at 8pm.

The new extension includes a new stage complete with all fittings as well as the whole building being upgraded to all the latest fire regulations, as well as new chairs and some tiered seating. The Minister will also launch the Bruach Na Carraige Summer programme of Our Seisiún, Summer School and Summer Camp
All are welcome to this launch and opening.

(We thank Jack Roche for this important notice – S.R.)

Feis Laitiaran 2013 in Cullen Maintains a Wonderful Tradition

A superb atmosphere as always at Cullen Feis today blessed with magnificent weather and an inspiring volunteering spirit. Many of our Breton visitors attended the annual celebration of our rich heritage. The summer style was splendid and the children thoroughly enjoyed the great event. Here we share just some of the many images of a treasured event. (S.R.)
A superb atmosphere as always at Cullen Feis today blessed with magnificent weather and an inspiring volunteering spirit. Many of our Breton visitors attended the annual celebration of our rich heritage. The summer style was splendid and the children thoroughly enjoyed the great event. Here we share just some of the many images of a treasured event.   Cullen Pipe Band and the Solo Piping event added greatly to the occasion.  Note the marvellous smiles of the people in our pictures reflecting the excellent weather!   Click on the images to enlarge.   (S.R.)

2Cullen Feis 2013 -800 3Cullen Feis 2013 -800 4Cullen Feis 2013 -800 5Cullen Feis 2013 -800 6Cullen Feis 2013 -800 7Cullen Feis 2013 -800

Karen O’Connor Wins Single Poem Competition at Listowel Writers Week

Photo with Noel King-800

Karen O'Connor, Poet supreme, has just won the highly prestigious Single Poem Competition at Listowel Writers Week 2013. We thank Karen for the Press Release and the two pictures and we extend our heartfelt sincere congratulations on such a wonderfully significant recognition of Karen's superb talent as a highly regarded Poet. (S.R.)
Karen O’Connor, Poet supreme, (originally from Station Road, Millstreet) has just won the highly prestigious Single Poem Competition at Listowel Writers Week 2013. We thank Karen for the Press Release and the two pictures and we extend our heartfelt sincere congratulations on such a wonderfully significant recognition of Karen’s superb talent as a highly regarded Poet.     (S.R.)

Our pictures show Karen with John Bowman who opened the 42nd Listowel Writers Week at the Listowel Arms. And Karen with Noel King, Editor of Doghouse Books, a Tralee publisher.

The following is the Press Release outlining Karen’s achievements and journey to this magnificent [read more …] “Karen O’Connor Wins Single Poem Competition at Listowel Writers Week”

Traditional Craft & Blacksmithing Fair 2013 at Millstreet Country Park

It was a truly wonderful family day for the many who attended the superbly interesting Traditional Craft & Blacksmithing Fair at MCP on Sunday, 5th May 2013. Included here in our cover pictures on the feature is Craftsman supreme J.J. Bohan from West Cork who very kindly created the most attractive LTV2 ironcraftwork since last year's event at MCP. (S.R.)
It was a truly wonderful family day for the many who attended the superbly interesting Traditional Craft & Blacksmithing Fair at MCP on Sunday, 5th May 2013. Included here in our cover pictures on the feature is Craftsman supreme J.J. Bohan from West Cork who very kindly created the most attractive LTV2 ironcraftwork since last year’s event at MCP.   Click on images to enlarge.   (S.R.)

9Traditional Craft & Blacksmithing Fair 2013 at MCP -800 40Traditional Craft & Blacksmithing Fair 2013 at MCP -800

1Traditional Craft & Blacksmithing Fair 2013 at MCP -800

Here we share a selection of images from the most enjoyable event at  [read more …] “Traditional Craft & Blacksmithing Fair 2013 at Millstreet Country Park”

Exquisite Bealtaine Concert at Drishane with Duhallow and Swedish Choirs

Duhallow Choral Society & Katarina Kammarkor Choir from Sweden performing at a hugely enjoyable Cork Choral Fringe Festival Concert in the Church of the Little Flower at Drishane on Thursday, 2nd May 2013 from 7pm. (S.R.)
Duhallow Choral Society & Katarina Kammarkor Choir from Sweden performing at a hugely enjoyable Cork Choral Fringe Festival Concert in the Church of the Little Flower at Drishane on Thursday, 2nd May 2013 from 7pm.    (S.R.)

11Cork Choral Fringe Festival at Drishane 2013 -800We now share over forty images from the very special and memorable evening at Drishane.   Great credit is due to IRD Duhallow on organising such a very successful Bealtaine 2013 event.   Superb refreshments were provided by the Staff in the beautiful Hall after the performance while marvellous live piano music was played by Ignacio – Jazz Pianist.   The unforgettable occasion was recorded by Paddy Buckley, Paddy Tobin and I also made a recording while Pat [read more …] “Exquisite Bealtaine Concert at Drishane with Duhallow and Swedish Choirs”

Millstreet Féile Cheoil 2013 at Millstreet Community School

Wonderfully talented musicians, singers and dancers travelled to Millstreet Community School last Sunday (7th April) for Féile Cheoil 2013. Here we see some of those gifted visitors as well as the superbly dedicated Judges, Clerks and Coordinators who held to make this annual event so very successful. (S.R.)
Wonderfully talented musicians, singers and dancers travelled to Millstreet Community School last Sunday (7th April) for Féile Cheoil 2013. Here we see some of those gifted visitors as well as the superbly dedicated Judges, Clerks and Coordinators who help to make this annual event so very successful.   Click on images to enlarge.  (S.R.)

4Féile Cheoil in Millstreet 7th Apr. 2013 -800 2Féile Cheoil in Millstreet 7th Apr. 2013 -800 5Féile Cheoil in Millstreet 7th Apr. 2013 -800 1Féile Cheoil in Millstreet 7th Apr. 2013 -800 6Féile Cheoil in Millstreet 7th Apr. 2013 -800

Easter Commemoration 2013 in Millstreet Today

Despite the very cold and wet weather the annual Easter Commemoration at the National Monument in The Square was superbly carried out with Millstreet Pipe Band in attendance, speakers and guests. Dedicated Committee Members Joan O'Mahony and Jerry Lehane were among those who helped to co-ordinate the important ceremony. (S.R.)
Despite the very cold and wet weather the annual Easter Commemoration at the National Monument in The Square was superbly carried out with Millstreet Pipe Band in attendance, speakers and guests. Dedicated Committee Members Joan O’Mahony and Jerry Lehane were among those who helped to co-ordinate the important ceremony on this Easter Sunday, 31st March 2013.   (S.R.)

2Easter Commemoration 2013 -800

At the Duhallow Scór na bPáistí Finals

Many thanks to Geraldine Dennehy for the photos

The Gathering – Launch Night

2013-03-15 The Millstreet Gathering Launch Night - poster

Millstreet Development Group is pleased to announce the launch of their ‘Gathering Program 2013’. The launch will take place on Friday the 15th March at 9pm in the Wallis Arms Hotel, Millstreet Town. Refreshments will be served on the night. Guest Appearances on the night, Alan Shortt and Matt Cooper with special messages from friends and family abroad. We look forward to seeing you there.

See the list of events which will take place through the summer

Find out more at MillstreetDevelopment.ie

Brendan Honoured and “Pope” Arrives at Rathmore Parade 2013

With Michael John Dineen as the superb Grand Marshal at the excellent St. Patrick's Day Parade in Rathmore today Olympic Hero, Brendan O'Sullivan of Rathduane was especially honoured while one of the most popular winners of the Parade Participants was Michael Linehan of Scaraglen who arrived as "the newly elected Pope!" Cullen and Millstreet Pipe Bands added greatly to the Parade atmosphere. Despite the inclement weather a large attendance enjoyed the wonderful annual event. Brendan Murphy and I for LTV2 recorded the proceedings. (S.R.)
With Michael John Dineen as the superb Grand Marshal at the excellent St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Rathmore today Olympic Hero, Brendan O’Sullivan of Rathduane was especially honoured while one of the most popular winners of the Parade Participants was Michael Linehan of Scartaglen who arrived as “the newly elected Pope”!  Cullen and Millstreet Pipe Bands added greatly to the Parade atmosphere. Despite the inclement weather a large attendance enjoyed the wonderful annual event. Brendan Murphy and I for LTV2 recorded the proceedings.   Lots more pictures to follow later.  Click on images to enlarge.     (S.R.)

3Rathmore St. Patrick's Parade 2013 -800 2Rathmore St. Patrick's Parade 2013 -800 4Rathmore St. Patrick's Parade 2013 -800 5Rathmore St. Patrick's Parade 2013 -800

World Wide Welcome Multicultural Evening Mon. 11th March

World Wide Welcome

Multicultural evening

 Monday 11th March 2013 @ 7pm

Millstreet Community School library/canteen

 Admission: Free

 EVERYONE IS WELCOME

 A fun filled multicultural evening to celebrate  nationalities and cultures in the Millstreet area, through song, dance, stories and traditional dishes.

 This event will be filmed by a production company for use in a future edition of the  RTE 1 Nationwide programme

 For more details contact Millstreet Community School on 029 70087

A Musical Journey through the history of Ireland in Bruach na Carraige, Rockchapel this Thursday, 3rd January 2013 at 8.00 p.m.

Ceoltóirí Sliabh Luachra will present their show
“A Musical Journey through the History of Ireland”
in Bruach na Carraige,  Rockchapel this Thursday night – 3rd of January at 8pm.
This two hour show which is narrated throughout features some of the most ancient and forgotten traditional music and dance of Ireland – linked
with Irish History from the arrival of An Tuaithe Dé Danann to Easter 1916.
This is the only such show in Ireland or in the World.
(We thank Jack Roche for this important notice of such an interesting event – S.R.)

“A Musical Journey Through The History Of Ireland” in Rockchapel

Ceoltóirí Sliabh Luachra,  the Rockchapel based traditional group,  will present their Show “A Musical Journey Through The History Of Ireland” in Bruach Na Carraige,  Rockchapel on Thursday 3rd of January starting at 8pm.
This highly acclaimed traditional group are performing  some of Ireland’s oldest and rarely heard traditional music and dance. Their 2 hour show which is narrated throughout links our most ancient music and dance with the main events in the history of Ireland from the arrival of An Tuatha Dé Danann to Easter 1916. This is the only group doing such a show in Ireland or in the world.

Our thanks to Jack Roche for this notice.  (S.R.)

Dr. Mary Leader’s Book Launch in Boherbue on Saturday at 8.15 p.m.

The official launch by Eileen Linehan of IRD Duhallow of Dr. Mary Joyce Leader’s new Children’s Book “The Waiting Room Christmas Tree” (“Crann Nollag an Seomra Feithimh”) will take place in the Library of Boherbue Comprehensive School at 8.15 p.m. on this Saturday, 1st December 2012.   MC for the very special occasion is Frank O’Sullivan.   A night of music, dance, old Irish carols, mince pies and mulled wine!  (S.R.)

Strawing in Aubane

Super night in the Valley of Aubane Last night at Aubane Community Centre for the Monday night Dancing…Last night we had Visitors “The Strawboys” There are very few places where the tradition of strawing takes place. It seems to be confined now to parts of Cork and Kerry. In our photo today newly weds Gerard McSweeney and Karen White were welcomed home from their honeymoon by the strawboys.
The history of the tradition of strawing is that strawboys were uninvited guests who dressed up in suits made from straw and paid a visit to the wedding feast in the midst of the celebrations. The average number in the group was about a dozen and all the gang remained anonymous. The face especially had to be well covered in straw to nullify identification. The group last night was made up of ten people. Picture compliments of John F. Kelleher

Sun Shines on Annual September Horse Fair Today

Blessed with glorious sunshine Millstreet’s Annual September Horse Fair took place today, Sunday, 2nd September 2012. The wonderfully colourful standings extended further along the streets that ever before reaching the Church at West End and down to the end of Minor Row.  Here we view the busy scene at 2.35 p.m. in Main Street as photographed from the Bridge.   (S.R.)

Brendan Murphy and I travelled to the various parts of the town and the Fair Field to record this annual tradition for our website and LTV2.   We invite you to join us on our journey earlier this afternoon where we got to meet lots of cheerful people, saw one of the smallest ponies ever [read more …] “Sun Shines on Annual September Horse Fair Today”

Jack Lane Speaks at the Kerryman’s Table on 19th August 2012

Historian supreme, Jack Lane gave an outstanding address at the Kerryman’s Table, Mushera, Millstreet at noon on Sunday, 19th August 2012.   Jack emphasised the importance of the Butter Road and gave a very interesting history of the famous Road.   It was held during Heritage Week 2012 as well as on the very same Sunday as the celebration of the centenary of Aubane N.S..  (S.R.)

While it was raining for part of Jack’s address this did not dampen the spirits of all who attended on the Sunday at this wonderfully picturesque setting.   Jack also introduced [read more …] “Jack Lane Speaks at the Kerryman’s Table on 19th August 2012”

Launch of “The Bard” by Barry Keane in Millstreet on 18th Aug. 2012

Pictured at the official launch of “The Bard” in Millstreet G.A.A. Community Hall on Saturday, 18th August 2012.   Included is (from left) John Sheehan, Aubane Social Club, Barry Keane (Author supreme), Cllr. Joe Kavanagh, Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork City and his wife.   Also included are Barry’s mother and his aunts.  (S.R.)

It was one of the most uplifting book launches Millstreet has ever witnessed.   Author Barry Keane delivered an outstanding witty speech and the splendid words shared by his mother and aunts hugely impressed the capacity audience. Historian/author Jack Lane [read more …] “Launch of “The Bard” by Barry Keane in Millstreet on 18th Aug. 2012″

Kilcorney Community Feis Takes Place Today – Established 1910

What a truly wonderful tradition has been maintained since the establishment in 1910 of Kilcorney Feis by Liam Ó Buachalla and his dedicated Committee and afterwards continued by his son, Seán and Seán's Family and now by a more recent also very active and enthusiastic Committee. We wish this year's Community Feis every success. (S.R.)

Four Generations at Eurovision Wall in Minor Row, Millstreet on 24th May 2012 Recalling Millstreet’s Historic 1993 Eurovision Song Contest

How very appropriate during this 2012 Eurovision Week we recall the 1993 Eurovision in Millstreet before which Matthew Murphy creatively painted on his front wall at Minor Row truly superb flags of all 25 countries participating in the Song Contest in 1993. Here we meet this very evening (24th May) four generations of the Murphy Family standing in front of the now renowned wall which has been magnificently further upgraded by Millstreet Tidy Towns Tourism Association. From left: Martha Gaffney, Geraldine Goggin, Rachel Gaffney, Matthew Murphy and Seán Gaffney. (S.R.)

Matthew Murphy’s Eurovision Wall in Minor Row has been one of Millstreet’s most photographed features.   It has lasted so very well over the past 19 years and now with the new very colourful and attractive panels put in place its future is further guaranteed.    The flags are arranged in [read more …] “Four Generations at Eurovision Wall in Minor Row, Millstreet on 24th May 2012 Recalling Millstreet’s Historic 1993 Eurovision Song Contest”

Researching The City

Richard Scriven is a PhD student in UCC looking at pilgrimage in Ireland. He is seeking volunteers who would be willing to talk to him about The City, the rounds and traditions associated with it. Please do not feel you have to have any expertise, he is looking for people who have a devotion to the City and who care about it.

If you are interested please contact him at (021) 490 2709 (office hours) or <email>

St. Patrick’s Day in Millstreet – Part 2 (Catching Up!)

Millstreet Pipe Band pictured having participated at Mass and having given a recital in the Church Grounds on St. Patrick's Day 2012. (S.R.)

Finally we get a chance to catch up on the many images we’ve captured over the past few weeks.  Here we share the second part of our coverage of St. Patrick’s Day in Millstreet where we focus on [read more …] “St. Patrick’s Day in Millstreet – Part 2 (Catching Up!)”

Wonderful Evening of Storytelling, Music, Song and Chat at Men’s Shed

Enjoying a cuppa at the Men's Shed Centre, Pound Hill, Millstreet on Tuesday, 20th March before the start of a superb evening of great storytelling, music, song and chat open to everyone - men and women. It was such a success that future such enjoyable evenings are envisaged developing hopefully to the establishing of very regular get togethers where music and chat will feature big time. More pics to follow later. (S.R.)

Loretta O’Connor in Semi-final of Prestigious Over-60s Competition

Superbly singing “The Green Glens of Antrim” on Monday in Mallow, Loretto O’Connor, Knocknagurrane, Cullen has succeeded in winning through to the Semi-Final of the highly prestigious Over-60s Competition

in Cork on 15th April 2012.   Renowned Organiser, Paddy O’Brien was very impressed with Loretta’s rendition of this wonderful song and recalled how with his Aubane roots, fondly remembered attending Cullen Feis as a young person.    Paddy began the Over-60s Competition in 1977 and some years ago was chosen as the Cork Person of the Year for having developed this hugely popular annual event to the very impressive level which it has now successfully reached.    Having won the North Cork Section of this year’s Competition Loretta is guaranteed the full support of Millstreet Parish as she participates in the Semi-Final in Cork on 15th April.    She was given a splendidly warm reception when she brought the winning cup to the Canon O’Donovan Centre this week.    Sincere Congratulations, Loretta and every success in the Semi-Final.  (S.R.)