Community website for Millstreet, Co. Cork, Ireland
Let the people be heard.
RTE are showing highlights of the Tour of Ireland are showing highlights from each day in the evenings. They are also putting the highlights programs onto their website. The one from yesterday (Saturday) is here: http://www.rte.ie/player/#v=1054085. For the parts of the highlights around Millstreet, the times are outlined below:
Pictures from the Kiskeam and Millstreet participated Great Walk along the mountain top from Killarney to Kenmare in aid of Jerry Pat O’Leary’s Haven Project. More about the project on an earlier report http://www.millstreet.ie/blog/2009/08/22/millstreet-butcher-heading-to-haiti-on-aid-trip/
(pictures by Geraldine Dennehy)
The video shows Dennis van Winden in first position followed by Mark Cassidy and finally the main group. with thanks to Bernard Crowley
As we approached the category two climb at Musheramore at 133km, the dynamic of the race began to change irrevocably. Astana hit the front of the peloton and began to peg back the leading duo. The gap was reduced to 6 minutes 57 seconds.
Here van Winden made a dash for it, dropping Cassidy on the ascent. On the way down the other side of the hill, van Winden had a two minute lead. An Post Sean Kelly Team Niko Eeckhout abandoned here; the climb just too much for the veteran Belgian.
Cassidy did hold on to second going over the summit at Musheramore, with Matt Wilson, last year’s King of the Mountains taking third place, adding crucial points in his hunt to retain his jersey this year.
Jay Thomson was fourth adding more points to his impressive ride in the Tour overall.
Van Winden took maximum points at the sprint at Millstreet followed by Cassidy, Andrey Grivko of ISD – Neri and Jason McCartney of Team Saxo Bank.
from: http://www.rte.ie/sport/cycling/2009/0822/tourofireland.html
More Pictures and videos of the Tour of Ireland in the next few days.
For me ’tis a sad thing for to have to say
That I would feel a stranger in Millstreet today
A stranger to those even I once did know
Apart in my ways from them I seem to grow
Though with great fondness memories of them I do recall
In my physical prime with them I played football
And though absence makes the heart grow fonder some are known to say
To them I might seem like a stranger today
Even in Claraghatlea and the Town of Millstreet
A stranger to most people that I would meet
The praises of Millstreet I often do sing
And memories of old friendships joy to me does bring
But I’ve not been there for years and from there live far away
And I would feel a stranger in Millstreet today.
by Francis Duggan at poemhunter.com
There’s some very beautiful photography of the stone circle in the Millstreet Country Park by Ken Williams at this site , where he has this to say:
Every once in a while you come across a place that puts your head in a spin and in all the confusion you just want to laugh. This is a very odd place. Very, very odd. After seeing a handful of pics in a picture library of a stone circle with some unusual looking arrangements around it, there was nothing else to be done only track this strange place down and see it for myself …
You can read the rest of his article here: http://cianmcliam.smugmug.com/gallery/1537658
BEFORE jetting off to the New York Film Academy, Millstreet film maker Steven O’Riordan will host a special three-night screening of his documentary, ‘The Forgotten Maggies’, this weekend at The Glen Theatre in Banteer.
This searing documentary will be screened on national TV in September but has only been shown in public once before — in Galway during their recent film festival. Since then, however, it has received waves of interest nationally and internationally.
‘The Forgotten Maggies’ tells the stories of Kathleen Legg, Maureen O’Sullivan, Mary King and Mary Collins; four women indelibly marked by Ireland’s Magdalene laundries …
The above is a stub from an article published on Thursday August 13th the Corkman newspaper. The full article can be read here: http://www.corkman.ie/entertainment/special-screening-of-forgotten-maggies-in-banteer-1858763.html
Trailer for the film “The Forgotten Maggies”
[read more …] “Millstreet film maker to jet off to New York Film Academy”
Maybe a few miles outside Millstreet, but Dan O’Connells pub Knocknagree, in the middle of Sliabh Luchra region was frequented by many Millstreet people for their sessions. Unfortunately now Dan and some of the musicians are no longer with us, and the sessions are fewer, but last Wednesday night (12th August) on RTE1 Radio: The Rolling Wave, they played a session from Dan’s from October 1992. Follow this link where you can listen to an hour of traditional music and song:
http://dynamic.rte.ie/quickaxs/209-rte-radio1musiccollection-rmc-2009-08-12.smil
Note: the 9pm news is played first, and the music from Dans starts after 4 minutes.
The second part of the session is on the radio tonight (Wednesday 19th August 2009) at 9pm. I will put a link to it here when it becomes available.
———–
Update (20-Aug-09): The second part of the session is here: http://dynamic.rte.ie/quickaxs/209-rte-radio1musiccollection-rmc-2009-08-19.smil
RTE Says:
We return to Dan O’Connell’s pub in Knocknagree for the finish of the 1992 session and also hear music and speech from accordion player Jacky Daly and fiddle player Séamus Creagh recorded at the Cork Folk Festival of that year.
Again, The session starts after 4 mins 10 seconds of the clip.
Nowadays, the building above of course is the Bank of Ireland in the square.
Here’s a look back at the wonderful European Juggling Convention 2006 which was held in the Green Glens in Millstreet. These are newly uploaded videos on youtube
[read more …] “Juggling Jam”
MLLSTREET Ceolthas Ceolteoirí Eireann received the perfect 30th Anniversary plaudits on capturing outright honours in the All Ireland Junior Scóraíocht hosted in conjunction with the Fleadh Nua in Ennis last Saturday. (read below for a full description).
Pictures from the Millstreet group participating in Scoraíocht na nÓg Munster Finals, in Templeglantine, Co. Limerick on April 24th 2009 which they won, and progressed to win the All-Ireland finals also!
[read more …] “All Ireland Scoraíocht na nÓg Champions 2009”
This is a short video clip of the Cork 20 rally from the cross just above the Kerrymans table, and some more footage from a few hundred yards more down the road towards Kilcorney
Noel was re-elected to his seat on Cork County Council. The Kanturk Electoral Area was being reduced from a 5 seater to 4 seater, and unfortunately Marie “The Shamrock” Murphy from the West End failed to get re-elected by a very narrow margin in the seventh count. Her loss will be a big loss to the town.
Here is a archive video of the horse Mill Pearl born and bred by Noel C Duggan in Millstreet, jumping at the 1988 Soeul Olympics where he finished second.
THE BLACK MARE ASCENT TO CARRAUNTOOHIL. 27th. Jun.’09
BY
Mary O’Mahony
This is a straight forward route to the summit but I think only on a fine day and with clear visibility! It begins with a walk up the concrete road, so named because it is literally concrete that you are climbing for the first 15 mins. There is an udnerlay of iron underneath this mass of concrete. Some call it the Hydro road. Same route, if you fancy doing the Coomloughra Horseshoe.
The Black Mare Ascent is a very steep climb through a wide gully,
Emerging within 100m of the summit.
In the previous version of millstreet.ie, there was a Discussion forum where people could leave comments. This is no longer in use, because you can comment everywhere on the blog, but here are the comments that came in regardless.
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Discussion Forum
Homepage
Welcome to our discussion forum. If you would to like to add a comment, or start a new discussion, you can send an e-mail to [deleted]
i am trying to trace the family of cornelius murphy born 1st april 1877 he was born in cullen and registered as living in millstreet his father was denis murphy, mother was mary mahoney .He left in 1898 on the ship pavonia with his brother denis murphy and his cousin mary murphy they were bound for boston america but cornelius got off at liverpool uk and then moved to wales and dont know at this time if his brother and cousin stayed in the uk or continued to boston if anyone has any information please could you contact me [read more …] “Old Guestbook 2000 – 2009”
Dia is mhuire diobh go leir a cairde and welcome to news report 973 from Mllstreet.
Fondest greetings dear listeners and I wish you all the very best on this , rather wet, but very mild Tuesday morning.
There was a great buzz in the town at the weekend with many people home on holidays and others visiting the area. But the Clara Inn was a hive of music, food and good companionship for the retirement party in honour of Davy Twomey, His employer John Buckley , and his co-workers from the building industry as well as family friends and neighbours, gathered to wish the popular Davy many years of well deserved and happy retirement.
James O’Sullivan and Kathleen Healy manning one of the Millstreet polling booths during the recent local and european elections. (pic. Seán Radley)
Two Centenaries
Both Drishane and Kilcorney Feis Centenaries were celebrated in a very impressive and memorable manner during May 2009. Over the next few weeks visual records of the historic events will appear on www.millstreet.ie . The “Buίochas” DVD produced for the Drishane Centenary is truly excellent with some rare historic film footage, brilliant editing and production. The pageant which preceded the celebration of Mass at Green Glens on Saturday, 16th May was most memorable and gave a very creative insight into the history of the Sisters of the Infant Jesus. The symbolic features within the setting were so tastefully illustrated such as the symbols of the farm, the brush factory, the missions etc. [read more …] “In Passing – June 2009”
Congratulations to Sister Mary Perpetua Hickey (Formally Kathy Hickey of Pound Hill, Millstreet Town) who recently celebrated her 90th Birthday in the Convent of Mercy, Charleville surrounded by many of her relations from England, Ireland and the USA. (Kevin McDermott, Wexford)
The 952m mountain and it s dramatic sister the 840 Brandon Peak are flanked by water to the North, East and South. There are multiple approaches to the mountain. Brandon peak to the left above seems higher than Brandon itself. St. Brendan is the patron Saint of Kerry and so this mountain is named after him. We went by Faha, east of the mountain. Turn left on a minor road, where you can park beside renovated cottages.
Since the Presentation Order arrived in Millstreet in 1840 the Sisters have so very generously provided all-important education at both Primary and Post-Primary level for generations of Millstreet people and beyond. (The very fact that I can type this section of our Millstreet website is entirely thanks to the late Sr. Assisi Fitzgerald, a Presentation Sister from Tralee who spent her religious life in Millstreet Convent and who was a true expert in teaching the art of typing!) Their influence has been enormous on our local community as they shared the Christian vision of their renowned foundress, Nano Nagle.
Our pictures relate to a special commemorative day in the 1980s at Ballygriffin near Mallow, the home of Nano Nagle.
We also view Sr. Celestine near the portrait of Nano.
In 1993 the “Cork Examiner” took the picture of the Millstreet Presentation Community as they watched Niamh Kavanagh win the Eurovision Song Contest.
We extend our heartfelt best wishes to the Presentation Community on the Order’s Feast Day which in on Sunday, 21st November, 2004.
We thank Sr. Mercedes for the following text which provides an excellent insight into the spirit of the Presentation Order:
A Little Girl Grew Here
A little girl grew here
For her, brownstone house was home,
Its fireside love and peace.
The blossoming hedgerows sang freedom,
The rivers told stories of places far away,
While beyond, dreaming mountains called.
(R. Consedine 1983)
Nano Nagle, foundress of the Presentation Congregation
on 24th December, 1775
Nano belongs to Ballygriffin, Mallow, Co. Cork, Ireland. We know that she was born there in 1718, the eldest child in a family of seven of Garrett and Ann Nagle. We remember them now. A plaque marks the place where their home stood, looking out on the very beautiful landscape. It is easy to believe that Nano would have been such a child of wonder as she played there and touched, tasted and smelled the various creations of the natural world around her. It takes little effort to discover that, in the gentle care of her parents, she knew the happiness of childhood and by them she was taught to take her first steps in the love of God (T.J. Walsh). She was of an exuberant, enthusiastic disposition, which proved too much for her mother sometimes! Her father had other thoughts and declared emphatically “Poor Nano will be a saint yet” (Coppinger 1974). It was in Ballygriffin also that Nano was nurtured through the uncertainties, sorrows, risks and dangers of 18th Century Ireland. Must not a seed of grief have taken root in her heart, grief that even one of God’s children should be oppressed, deprived or hungry?
Who are you, little girl Nano?
What will you make of your inheritance?
Where will your heart find its pathway?
The seed sown in Ballygriffin and bearing abundant fruit later in her life, attracted Nano totally to the person of Jesus and revealed how sensitively and deeply affected she became by the awful situation of poverty of people around her. Dr. Coppinger (1784) wrote of her: “In her schools, ever laborious, patient, vigilant and judicious, she studied the dispositions of her pupils, the degree of capacity they possessed; she adapted her instructions accordingly; she watched their countenances which long experience had taught her to read, and proceed or turned back, or explained or repeated, as she found them impressed by what she said”. What great gentleness and compassion from a heart with its roots in her Ballygriffin childhood experience! Her way of relating to the children expresses the spirit of a woman aware of God’s love being poured into the hearts of all people by the Holy Spirit.
Presentation Sisters went “to the ends of the Earth” and responded to basic human problems. Nano died on 26th April, 1784. She had led such a life that it can only be done justice to by saying that it was the Gospels perfectly translated to practice.
Let us continue to pray for her Canonization one day.
Start 26.04.09 Finish 9th May 2009
DAY 1 – Kathmandu
KATHMANDU: Arrival in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu is a fascinating almost medieval city full of extraordinary temples, monuments, and colorful street life. There are endless small streets jam packed with stalls selling cloth, pots and pans, spices, souvenirs, saris and a myriad of other merchandise. Scooters carrying families of 5, bicycles, taxis and pedestrians all compete for space and there is always something to marvel at. It was a shock initially as we were being drive through the streets of Kathmandu from the airport I was not expecting the streets to be so small or the people either!
Sr. Barbara Bowe, Chicago, U.S.A. on a recent visit to Drishane, Millstreet guided by yours truly. Sr. Barbara was tracing her Dinneen Family roots in the Millstreet area. (Picture: Seán Radley)
[Sadly, Sr. Barbara Bowe, a Sacred Heart Sister, passed away in March the following year (December 1st 1945-March 14th 2010)]
A recent meeting of the Millstreet Branch of St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society joined by Kerry Diocesan visitors at Millstreet Presbytery. (Picture: Seán Radley)
Siobhán Carroll (nee Hickey) presenting Matron Lena Kelleher with the impressive cheque resulting from the recent very successful launch of Kit Hickey’s CD and Video in aid of St. Joseph’s Community Hospital Fund, Millstreet.
A selection of poetry by John Bourke, Rathcoole
.
ONE MAN’S LIFE STORY
The old man’s life near over
His voice was weak but clear
When he told me his life story
O’re many a bygone year
.
I was born in this cottage he said
And I’ve lived here all my life
T’was here I brought Mary
When first she became my wife
by JAMES BUCKLEY
Tower House
Townland: Kilmeedy East, Co. Cork
Parish: Drishane
Barony: West Muskerry
History:
Kilmeedy tower house is situated within the parish of Drishane and situated “on the confines of the baronies of Magonihy, West Muskerry, and Duhallow”. (Lee, P.G. 1914. Notes on Some Castles of Mid Cork: Journal of the Cork Historical and Archaeological Society. Guy and Co. Ltd: Cork. vol. 20. p. 63). The builders of the castle were the MacCarthys who were in control of the area at that time and were the owners/builders of such castles as Drishane, Carrigaphooca and Downyne (Healy 1988, 58).
There are conflicting reports regarding the exact date of construction of Kilmeedy tower house. The earliest date of construction is 1436 (Lee 1914, 64) while the latest quoted is 1445 (Lewis 1750, 498). It is fair to say that it was constructed in the early to mid fifteenth century at any rate. The castle is supposed to have been built by Dermot MacCarthy in 1436 or by his son Teige in 1445 (Healy 1988, 58). These were the MacCarthys of Drishane and were father and son and Dermot was the brother of Cormac Làidir of Blarney (Healy 1988, 58).
This tower house was built by the MacCarthys as they wanted to defend the pass of Keim between Musherabeg and Claragh Mountains (Healy 1988, 58). The main road (which it is just located off) was originally called the ‘Mail Coach Road’ and was the main road linking Macroom to Killarney (Lewis 1750, 498).
The castle was inhabited by the MacCarthys of Drishane in 1638. (Healy 1988, 58). During the Cromwellian disturbances, the MacCarthys were dispossessed of Kilmeedy tower house but thanks to the intervention of Lord Muskerry, they regained it (Healy 1988, 58). The MacCarthys lost their lands again after the Williamite times but yet again it reappears in the will of Donagh MacOwen MacCarthy (the centarian) of 1728 (Healy 1988, 58).
The castle was attacked in 1713 by the dispossessed Tadhg O’ Keeffe of Ballymaquirke (Healy 1988, 58). The Sliocht Meirgeach O Mahonys, “chief stewards of MacCarthy Mór” are also said to have had possession of Kilmeedy in the seventeenth century (O’Murchadha, D. 1985. Family Names of County Cork. Glendale Press: Dùn Laoghaire. p.232). One final note to add to this brief history is that in 1651, one of the inhabitants of the castle, Charles MacCarthy was shot dead by a “span’d pistol” at the grate of the castle by a Colonel Ingoldsby (Lee 1914, 64). One last piece of local legend associated with the tower house is that “the golden gates of Kilmeedy are reputed to have been thrown in Comeenatrush (lake) in the neighbouring townland”. (Kiely, E. 2003. Seanchas Duthalla, vol. XIII. Duhallow Historical Society: Cork, p. 45).
Bibliography:
Healy, J. N. 1988. The Castles of County Cork. The Mercier Press Limited: Dublin.
Kiely, E. 2003. Seanchas Duthalla, vol. XIII. Duhallow Historical Society: Cork
Lee, P. G. 1914. Journal of the Cork Historical and Archaeological Society, vol. 20 (Second Series). Guy and Co. Ltd: Cork.
Lewis, S. 1750. A topographical dictionary of Ireland: Volume 1. Kennikat Press: Port Washington.
O’ Murchadha, D. 1985. Family Names of County Cork. Glendale Press: Dùn Laoighaire.
Power, D. 1997. Archaeological Inventory of County Cork, vol. 3: Mid Cork. Stationary Office: Dublin.
Church and Graveyard
Townland: Dromtarriff, Co. Cork.
Parish: Dromtarriff.
Barony: Duhallow.
History:
The history of Dromtarriff church and graveyard is fairly sparse. The placename “Droumtarriffe” is derived from the two Irish words ‘drom’ and ‘tarbh’ meaning the ridge of the bull. (O’Muineachain, T. 1976-1977. Seanchas Duthalla. Duhallow Historical Society: Cork, p. 61). Dromtarriff church was “here listed in the Papal Taxation of 1291 (Hickson 1891, 46)”, as quoted from the inventory (Lane, S. Power, D. 2000. Volume 4, Part II, Entry 14419). Dromtarriff church and graveyard are located in the parish of Dromtarriff which is in the Diocese of Ardfert and Aghadoe (Lewis 1837, vol. 1, 509).
Dromtarriff church was burnt in 1652 by the troops of Lord Broggill (Lewis 1837, vol. 1, 509). There is a poem which states that the pikemen first hid in Knockbrack wood, and then ran for sanctuary in Dromtarriff Church – there were some fugitives and local people also in the church. (Shine, D. M. 2003. Seanchas Duthalla, vol. XIII. Duhallow Historical Society: Cork, p. 32). There is a commemorative plaque today within the grounds of the church (see fig. 1) which reads:
“Dromtariffe Church
Here on 27th of July, 1651
(The day after the Battle of Knockbrack)
Dromtarriffe Church was burnt
By one of Cromwellian Lord Broggill’s Officers
Known as Butcher Maxwell
Approximately 400 persons perished in the fire”.
Therefore it can be established that the church was burnt with tragic loss of life during the Cromwellian era. N.B. there is a difference of a year between the date given by Lewis (1837) and by the commemorative plaque (which was erected on the 6th of May 2006). One last point of interest is that there was a church burnt in Kilcorney (a few miles away) also following the battle of Knockbrack by the same people. (Tarrant, C. 1986. Seanchas Duthalla. Duhallow Historical Society: Cork, p. 56). The church is no longer extant but the crossroads is still to this day called the old chapel cross.
Bibliography:
Lane, S. Power, D. et Al. 2000. Archaeological Inventory of County Cork, vol. 4: North Cork Part 2. The Stationary Office: Dublin (Entry 14419)
Lewis, S. 1837. A topographical dictionary of Ireland, vol. 1. Lewis and Co.: London
O’Muineachain, T. 1976-1977. Seanchas Duthalla. Duhallow Historical Society: Cork
Shine, D. M. 2003. Seanchas Duthalla, vol. XIII. Duhallow Historical Society: Cork
Tarrant, C. 1986. Seanchas Duthalla. Duhallow Historical Society: Cork
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Ringfort
Townland: Coolnagillagh Lower, Co. Cork.
Parish:Drishane
History:
Written information on this fort is virtually non existent. Pat Kelliher mentions a fort in the glen, three or fourfeet higher than the surrounding surface and concludes that this is the fort’s surface. (Broker, T. 1937. Sràid an Muilinn: A history of it’s people, by it’s people, for it’s people. Timothy Broker, Millstreet, Co. Cork: Millstreet, p. 47). Broker claims (pg. 42) that the forts were abandoned around 1350 A.D. at the time of the Black Death. The only other information obtained was (from the landowner) that there are three ringforts (including this one) which are supposedly constructed in a line and are linked underground by passageways.
‘Coolnagillagh’ is the anglicised version of ‘Cùl na Coileach’. This translates as Cockhill. (http://www.englishirishdictionary.com/dictionary). The townland Coolnagillagh (Lower) is known locally by its English translation, Cockhill. There was a query lodged in the Cork Memoranda (II) over the townland name, i.e. the surveyor was unsure whether to call the townland Cockhill Upper or Coolnagillagh Upper. Coolnagillagh Upper was chosen as the official name.
Bibliography:
Broker, T. 1937. Sràid an Muilinn: A history of it’s people, by it’s people, for it’s people. Timothy Broker, Millstreet, Co. Cork: Millstreet.
http://www.englishirishdictionary.com/dictionary
Location in Maps: Google Maps / 1890 OSI / 1840 OSI
It is on private farm land and accessible with the permission of the owner.
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Stone Circle
Townland: Knocknakilla, Co. Cork.
Parish: Drishane
Barony: West Muskerry
All the information for this section was sourced from the book: (Broker, T. 1937. Sràid an Muilinn: A history of its people, by its people, for its people. Timothy Broker, Millstreet, Co. Cork: Millstreet, p. 27).
The placename Knocknakilla was a source of dispute according to Broker’s book. It is outlined in the below quote:
“The Professor, however states that the name of the townland is Cnoc na Coille, not Cnoc na Cille. Not correct. On the other hand, Borlase who knew it was Cnoc na Cille, said the gallàn group was the Cill. Wrong again. The Cill was in Denis Buckley’s farm where a disused graveyard marks the site of an early Christian foundation”. Today, Denis Buckley’s farm is part of Millstreet Country Park – it is unknown today that there was such a cemetery – a good deal of his farm is in forestry.
The large outlying stone is called ‘Gallan Croum’ and there is supposed to be the print of fingers on it. (Broker, T. 1937, p. 27). Borlase called the large outlying standing stone ‘Dallan-crom-na-thittim’ (Broker, T. 1937, p. 27). “Margaret Kelleher (born 1795) of Ballyvourney, who married into the townland, said it was father and mother (thrown down) and five children” (Broker, T. 1937. Sràid an Muilinn: A history of its people, by its people, for its people. Timothy Broker, Millstreet, Co. Cork: Millstreet, p. 27).
There is a standing stone which measures six foot in height and five/six feet in girth in Con Lehane’s land in Abha Bàn, two miles off – this is said to have been thrown from Gallàn Croum in Knocknakilla by a giant (Broker, T. 1937, p.31).
Bibliography:
Broker, T. 1937. Sràid an Muilinn: A history of its people, by its people, for its people. Timothy Broker, Millstreet, Co. Cork: Millstreet.
Standing Stone
Townland: Lackdotia, Cork.
Parish: Drishane
Barony: West Muskerry
History and traditions:
Lackdotia in itself is an unusual placename. The most satisfactory sources regarding the origins of the placename were to be found online. The best that can be fournished as regards a translation from “Leaca Doite” is “the flagstone” (http://www.booksulster.com/library/plnm/placenamesVocL.php) “of fire” (http://www.englishirishdictionary.com/dictionary) or “the side of a hill” (http://www.booksulster.com/library/plnm/placenamesVocL.php) “of fire” http://www.englishirishdictionary.com/dictionary).
According to Broker, “Gallàn, 4 feet high and 5 feet in girth. A couple of feet outside it were 6 or 7 smaller stones arranged in a circle. Smaller stones were removed by James Kelliher in 1915 when ploughing. Smaller stones were like flags, 2 feet under and 2 feet over the ground. Circle was 6 or 7 feet in diameter”. (Broker, T. 1937. Sraid an Muilinn: A history of its people, for its people by its people for its people. Timothy Broker, Millstreet, Co. Cork: Millstreet. p. 28). The fact that there was a circle of flagstones around the standing stone links in with the first suggestion for the origin of the placename (the fire aspect may link to the idea of the gallàn as a sundial) but that is open to interpretation.
Bibliography:
Broker, T. 1937. Sraid an Muilinn: A history of its people, for its people by its people for its people. Timothy Broker, Millstreet, Co. Cork: Millstreet
http://www.booksulster.com/library/plnm/placenamesVocL.php
http://www.englishirishdictionary.com/dictionary
Holy Well
Townland: Mushera, Co. Cork.
Parish: Drishane
Barony: West Muskerry
History/Traditions:
“Two wells in commonage of Mushera mountain – one at the top (for cattle) and one at the foot (for Christians). Not many go to the top well but five or six hundred come to the foothill well…Both wells are called ‘Tobar na bhFaithní’, warts being cured by washing in them”. (Broker, T. 1937. Sràid an Muilinn: A history of its people, by its people, for its people. Timothy Broker, Millstreet, Co. Cork: Millstreet. p. 35).
St. Johns Well was founded by Michael Buckley of Aubane in 1954 (O’Brien, 1987, p. 8). It is said locally that when Michael Buckley died (1956), a light travelled down from the site of the well along the path he took (when travelling to it) and came to rest on the bridge in front of the house. The light then disappeared – a lot of people in Aubane are said to have seen it.
St. John’s Well has been a place of worship since pre Christian times according to O’Brien. According to a legend, this St. John had one brother and three sisters; Lasair, Inghean Bhuide and Latiaran (of Cullen), and St. Berihert (who founded a monastery at the defeated stronghold of druids at Tullylease) (O’Brien, M. 1987. St. John’s Well. St. John’s Holy Well Committee: Aubane, p. 7/8). According to O’Brien, their feast days more or less match those of the pagan celtic deities, St. John’s being Midsummers day, the 24th of June. This would suggest that the well may have had significance in pagan times.
There was a pattern day held up to the year c. 1940 – it consisted of tents set up about a mile and a half away from the well on the Macroom side in the townland of Moulnahourna. There is said to have been entertainment (e.g. three card tricks), sweet and cake stalls, porter stalls and even fights, sometimes involving factions. (O’Brien, M. 1987. St. John’s Well. St. John’s Holy Well Committee: Aubane, p. 8).
To sum up the recent history of the well, (as already mentioned) it was founded in 1954 by Michael Buckley. In 1958, there was a statue of the Infant of Prague placed at the well and it was blessed by Canon Costello of Millstreet. Mass was first celebrated at the well in 1974 and has been celebrated annually ever since. The Stations of the Cross were erected and blessed in the eighties. (O’Brien, M. 1987. St. John’s Well. St. John’s Holy Well Committee: Aubane, p. 8/9). The site is continuously been kept to this day by the St. John’s Well Committee.
Bibliography:
Broker, T. 1937. Sràid an Muilinn: A history of its people, by its people, for its people. Timothy Broker, Millstreet, Co. Cork: Millstreet
O’Brien, M. 1987. St. John’s Well. St. John’s Holy Well Committee: Aubane
Megalithic Tomb (Wedge Tomb)
Townland: Carrigonirtane, Co. Cork.
History/Traditions:
Townland Name:
Carrigonirtane: from the Irish Carrig an Fheartàin which means ‘Rock of the little vault or trench’. (O’ Connell, 1988. p. 143).
As well as giving the name to the townland, the monument has given its name to the field which it is located in, i.e. “Phile a’ Chalir”. (O’ Connell, 1988. p. 140). This (according to O’ Connell) has something to do with the fact that the megalithic (wedge) tomb is shaped like a table.
Bibliography:
O’Connell, D. 1988. Tales of the Foherish Valley. Kerry’s Eye Printing Works: Tralee.
Aubane 1975 – 2008
On Tuesday 26th August 2008 the Aubane Social Club & Aubane Historical Society was very privileged to have Batt O’Keeffe Minister for Education visit Aubane Community Centre for a very historical event. The Minister was welcomed by Jack Lane Aubane Historical Society and John F. Kelleher Secretary of the Aubane Social Club. He was then introduced personally to each of Aubane Social Club Committee Members. It is the Ministers third visit to Aubane as his first visit was in April 2005, then he came for Jack Lane’s last Launch in May 2007 and now his present visit. The proceedings got under way by the President of the Aubane Historical Society Jack Lane who welcomed everyone as there was huge attendance. IRD Duhallow was represented by its Vice Chairperson Jack Roche. Apologies were sent by Michael Creed TD, Eily Buckley, Fr Gerard O’Leary, Canon Declan O’Connor, Maura Walsh IRD Duhallow, John Sheehan, , Michael Moynihan TD and Don Crowley V Chairman of IRD whom were unable to attend the function. Two publications
Books were launched on the night. The first book is written by Mr. Dan Cronin from Shrone entitled Around the Cork Kerry Border, recalling the Rambling House. In this book Dan presents in collection of stories and historical Sketches from his native shrone and surrounding areas. It is a tribute to the people of his area, their knowledge, culture and resilience in face of many difficulties. They are stories and experiences that impressed and entertained him, and many others and they give a real glimpse into bygone age by someone who lived in it and became one of its narrators. Unfortunately Mr Dan Cronin was unable to attend the launch but his wife Margaret Cronin deputized on his behalf. The second book was written by Ballydaly native Fr Sean Tucker entitled the origins development of the Parish of Millstreet. In this publication Fr Sean Tucker traces the history of Millstreet Parish across nearly a thousand years. It is the first such record of the parish. It is based on detailed analyses of church records using primary resources and is the result of years of original research by Fr Sean Tucker – truly a labour of love. On the platform was Batt O’Keeffe Minister for Education, President of the Aubane Historical Society Jack Lane and Fr Sean Tucker.
Jack Lane in his opening speech said that it was very symbolic to have a launch in Aubane this week as it is National Heritage Week and these two books are a great contribution.
He also said that the Millstreet Area is steeped in local history and urged that the present generation should read and learn about all about the happenings of long ago. He said this history should be thought to second level students at school. Fr Tucker then spoke, he first said that we have a lot of wonderful local heritage even in the Millstreet area. Fr Tucker in his address said he went for a drive the other day around the circuit of Clara which is about 15km. On this route there are many historical sites such as the Old Workhouse at Millstreet Hospital, the old Georgian house at Mountleader and Kilmeedy Castle. Fr Tucker went to college in Waterford and the first Minister he met was Sean Moylan who was the Minister for Education at that era. He paid tributes to Sean Radley Curator of Millstreet Museum on his publication Picture Millstreet, Fr James Mc Sweeney on his recent publication A year in Reflections and Canon Michael Mannings writings on the history of the Stain glass windows of St Patrick’s Church Millstreet. Fr Tucker was truly delighted to have Cullen native and a Minister to launch his publication.
Minister Batt O’Keeffe then made his speech. Batt said it was a hounour and a great pleasure to come to Aubane to celebrate the publications of two great authors who enjoy writing. He praised the Aubane Social Club as it is a club which thrives in a small community by the hard work the club members put in. The Minister then said it was great to see Fr James as he is now the new chaplain in Colaiste Cholim Ballincollig which is just down the road from where the Minister resides, Tom Meaney who was previously a Minister of State and whom he always looked up to. From the Ministers reading of the books he found the two books were written in a picturesque language, interesting and very educational. He said that his 26 year old daughter asked him to give her the two books also to read as after a few pages she too found them interesting to read. He also thanked the two authors for an outstanding contribution to local history and also praised the Aubane Historical Society highly. From his reading of Dan Cronins Book he said it brought back many old memories to him such as the Stations in the local area, the whitewashing of the house, threshing days, the pig and the making of the puddings. He said Dan portrayed these happenings of long ago very well.
In Fr Sean Tuckers book he found that the spirit of hope was very evident. He then declared the two publications officially launched. Jack Lane in his final speech said he could n’t have asked for better launch and praised the Minister. Jack Lane thanked all those who helped in the organising of the launch. Jack Lane then presented the Minister with a hand painted slate which was specially commissioned by Artist Kate O’Keeffe from Ballydesmond.
Tea and Refreshments were served afterwards. Entertainment was then provided by local singers, among them was the very popular Annmarie O’Riordan. Local Musican James Buckley played the Concertina. MC was myself John Kelleher
Article written by
John Kelleher
Secretary/PRO
Aubane Social Club
27th August 2008
On 1st August 2008 I again joined Foreman, Kieran O’Riordan to obtain even more extensive views from the very top of St. Patrick’s Church having climbed the nine levels of excellently constructed scaffolding. Also we had Pat O’Sullivan on video camera and Denis O’Shea on digital still camera recording the historic occasion from the first floor of Carnegie Hall …… really proving that we did reach the impressive heights including getting to ring the Bell of our Parish Church. The complete event was also recorded for LTV2. Our thanks to All who made this special occasion possible. (Seán Radley reporting for www.millstreet.ie from on high over St. Patrick’s Church, Millstreet)
This window was in the old church. It consists of two sections which coalesce to form one scene – the Ordination of a priest. The window is in remembrance of Rev. Jerome Harding who died on 16 Nov. 1876, aged only 28 years. He was curate in Cahirciveen but his people were from Millstreet. His remains were brought to Millstreet for burial and it was a massive funeral. The inscription at the foot of the window reads: “in memoriam reverendi jeremiae harding: obiit die novembris decimasexta mdccclxxvi” (“In memory of Rev. Jerome Harding; he died 16th Nov. 1876”). [read more …] “Stained Glass Window – Ordination of a Priest”
