Author: Seán

Issue 12 of “Discover Duhallow” Now Available in Local Outlets

Issue 12 of the very popular free fortnightly magazine “Discover Duhallow” with lots of Millstreet-related images is now available in the local shops and at various other Outlets throughout Duhallow.  This issue and all past issues may also be viewed online.   Just Google “Discover Duhallow”. Tap on the image to enlarge. (S.R.)

William Among the Many Stars of Portugal 2020

Our very own William Fitzgerald (with headphones) features among the many Country and Western Stars in Portugal 2020. William (with Ita and John) of course established the hugely popular Internet Radio Channel – Cork Music Station. Tap on the Poster to enlarge. (S.R.)

“Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Sunday at 7pm

On this week’s edition of ‘Where the road takes me’,  John Greene returns to Brandy-Hall on the eastern side of Castletownbere. 

We thank John for advance information regarding this Sunday Evening’s programme.  (S.R.)

We visit the monument to Timothy Harrington MP on the western side of the Millbrook Bar on Brandy-Hall Bridge.  In 1884, Harrington dismantled the Crown Prosecution’s case against the eight men accused of the Maamtrasna murders in 1882.  His investigation led to the end of Gladstone’s Government. 

We visit a monument on nearby Dinish Island which was erected to those who lost their lives at sea on the Beara Peninsula.

And we’re back in the Millbrook Bar for more music, song and story.  [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 This Sunday at 7pm”

Presentation N.S. Supporting New Children’s Playground

The boys and girls of Junior Infants (R4) were thrilled to be invited by members of the Millstreet Town Park Committee to be the first children to play in the newly renovated playground.

We thank the committee for their Trojan efforts over the past few months to ensure our town has a state of the art playground and we also thank the people of Millstreet for getting involved and supporting the many fundraising events.  We are delighted that the €900 we raised from our ‘Christmas Jumper Day’ here in our school helped make this dream playground a reality. 

Well done to all members of Millstreet Town Park Committee! 

We thank Ciara for the image and caption. Tap on the picture to enlarge. (S.R.)

Very Successful “Sing Along” Event Most Enjoyable

The regular “Sing Along” event at Millstreet Day Care Centre this Wednesday (19th Feb. 2020) evening was most enjoyable and a true credit to Helen, Petra and their dedicated Team.   In a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere and with the aid of background music everyone participated in the group singing and we also had some uplifting individual presentations.   Splendid refreshments were provided at half-time.   Everyone is very welcome and we would encourage attendance at the next event.   Here we share some 7 images to illustrate the relaxed setting and atmosphere.  Numbers attending were influenced this evening by the coinciding of two other events elsewhere.  Tap on the pictures to enlarge.  (S.R.) [read more …] “Very Successful “Sing Along” Event Most Enjoyable”

“Radio Treasures” on CMS Tonight Features Sharon & David

Radio Treasures tonight (Tues. 18th Feb. 2020 from 9:30 to 11.00 pm) on www.corkmusicstation.com.… Special feature at 10pm when we recall meeting musician supreme Sharon Shannon and her Band including Jim Murray Jnr. plus five times world Dance Champion David Geaney from Dingle…Listen to the amazing music and picture the mighty dance steps.   We reflect on the success of the recent two broadcasts from “Round the Fireside” with Jimmy Reidy.  We hear a wonderful  song from Sarah Dennehy .  And we refer to the many happenings illustrated below.  Tap on the images to enlarge.  (S.R.)

Hugh Ryan, Chairperson, Kerry Parents & Friends is hugely impressed on recently receiving €20,500.00 on stage at the final performance of Rathmore’s Marian Players Pantomime 2020 – “The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe” at Rathmore Community Centre.
Pictured in the Wallis Arms Hotel, Millstreet at the recent Medal Presentation Event organised by Millstreet Juvenile Club with MC Mag O’Connor and Special Guests Darragh Cashman and Shane Hickey – the Under-14 (and Under-13) Division One Football Plate Winners.

Pictured at the recent A.G.M. of Millstreet Active Retirement Association held in Millstreet Day Care Centre at which the “Three Paddys” were Special Guests to launch one of their many Video Documentaries which had local relevance.
Maria O’Riordan, Director of Millstreet Day Care Centre with Sheila Murphy who coordinated a magnificent reception in the Dining Room on the occasion of the recent A.G.M. of Millstreet Active Retirement Association at the Day Care Centre.
The “Three Paddys” are presented with Millstreet Calendars by members of Millstreet Active Retirement Association. From left: Maria O’Riordan (née O’Sullivan) Director MDCC; Paddy Buckley, Banteer; Mary McSweeney, Chairperson MARA; Paddy Tobin, Castlemagner; Mary Sheahan, Secretary MARA; Paddy McAuliffe, Castlemagner; Dolores Goggin of MARA.

 

Members of the Linehan Family of Dooneen, Millstreet pictured at Rathmore Pantomime 2020. From left: Conor with parents Elizabeth and James and sister Jayme.
Millstreet’s very own “Disneyland-like” new Children’s Playground hugely impressed all the children and adults who were recently given the opportunity to experience the truly magnificent facility in Millstreet Town Park in advance of its official opening at a later stage.

[read more …] ““Radio Treasures” on CMS Tonight Features Sharon & David”

Thanks from Millstreet Town Park

Millstreet Town Park Committee wishes to thank  Jerry Collins of Collins Tyre Centre & Filling Station  for his  very generous  donation to the Playground Project.   The Playground is now open during daylight hours and is a hive of activity with the fun levels through  the roof!  We send a huge thank you to Jerry and all our local businesses, clubs, schools, Creches and individual Sráiders who have contributed in anyway to date.    Please continue to support our local entities  as they have helped  to make this dream Playground become a reality. We are still accepting donations to make us debt free  and we would be delighted to receive any and all  amounts.  

TO DONATE:     You may

(1) lodge online to Millstreet Town Park bank account: BIC-BOFIIE2D; IBAN-IE61BOFI90580332105069

(2) lodge cash or cheque in person  at Millstreet Credit Union – reference Millstreet Town Park account

(3) send a cheque payable to ” Millstreet Town Park ” care of  FAS Offices, Millstreet Community Gym,  Millstreet

If you wish to confirm your donation we would be delighted to hear from you at  millstreettownpark @gmail.com

Millstreet Pitch & Putt AGM Friday 21st Feb. at 8pm

The AGM of Millstreet Pitch & Putt will take place this Friday, 21st Feb. 2020 at 8pm in the Parish Centre.  All are welcome.   Tap on the image below to enlarge.  (S.R.)

Millstreet Pitch and Putt Course is situated in Millstreet Town Park. Here from Millstreet Museum Pictorial Archives we view a scene from a Winter of decades ago when the Dressing Rooms were beginning to be constructed and there was no sign of even the first Children’s Playground.

“Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 at 7pm on Sunday

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information regarding this evening’s programme on C103 on 16th Feb. 2020.  (S.R.)

In 1921, and a few weeks before the truce, a young Jack Breen refused to leave the bedside of his dying mother and evacuate their hotel, as the IRA came to blow up the adjacent Brandy Hall Bridge on the outskirts of Castletownbere.

On this week’s edition of ‘Where the road takes me’,  John Greene returns to the area where he was born, reared and reluctantly educated.

Close by and accompanied by an old school friend, they view the reluctant path once taken by many to Brandy Hall National School and the ruins of a handball alley which doubled as a ‘sporting centre of excellence’ for the local youth.

In the first of a two part programme, we base ourselves in what was once Jack Breen’s Hotel, now the Millbrook Bar, run by his daughter Mary.

We meet Mary’s daughter, Dr. Fiona Kelly who was voted the best rural GP in the country last year.

We hear about local born journalist and MP Tim Harrington who was responsible for bringing an end to Gladstone’s Government in the UK

And……….. [read more …] ““Where the Road Takes Me” on C103 at 7pm on Sunday”

Celebrating St. Valentine’s Day 2020 in Millstreet

St. Valentine’s Day 2020 at Millstreet Museum where we received a bequest from the estate of the late Mary Gahan of Minor Row in the form of a splendid knitted name feature. When you look at it you either see a series of lines …. or the name “Jesus”.   Millstreet Museum celebrates its 40th Anniversary on St. Patrick’s Day 2020.  Tap on the images to enlarge. (S.R.)

Valentine’s Day windows on Main Street, Millstreet.

Superb window features in Minor Row, Millstreet.

New Children’s Playground (locked at night) following another busy and exciting day on this 14th Feb. 2020.

[read more …] “Celebrating St. Valentine’s Day 2020 in Millstreet”

Millstreet’s Very Own “Disneyland” Children’s Playground Totally Delights All

Wednesday, 12th Feb. 2020 at Millstreet Town Park on an initial visit to Millstreet New Children’s Playground delighted children from Junior Infants, Presentation N.S., Millstreet and the children from “Curious Minds” Creche gave their 100% approval to what could easily be described as our very own “Disneyland”.   While all the amazing units impressed it was the High Web Net which attracted the most attention!   And we encourage you to experience the state-of-the-art very safe bouncy floor. We met with many members of the Coordinating Committee on the bright morning and we received a wonderful guided tour from Geraldine (née O’Leary) O’Sullivan of all the magical area of this truly magnificent facility which is going to be such a superb benefit for present and future generations of young children here in Millstreet and beyond.    The very generous support received has made this possible.    While the official opening is still in the future the Playground is presently open daily during daylight hours.   Contractors Browne Brothers of Carrigadrohid must take a huge bow on completing such a fascinating facility to the very highest standards.   Here we share 22 images from our visit to this magical location on Wednesday morning.   Tap on the pictures to enlarge.  (S.R.)

Dedicated Committee Member Geraldine explains:  

“The Contractors have finished the playground, our insurance is arranged and I’m delighted to share with you that we passed and are in receipt of our safety certificate 2 weeks ahead of time. In fact the completed project is some 2 months ahead of the original finish date.  It’s great that on this Wednesday morning we are open .  So very exciting for the children. We have a few remaining thank you notes to issue.  The IRD Duhallow representative visited us on Friday and advised that they had been closely following the Playground Project on Millstreet.ie. He commented on the fantastic community forum that you and your team host and support for the people of Millstreet.
He also commented on the widespread backing from the overall community was really uplifting – from the volunteers running fundraising, the variety and number of events taking place , the involvement of children, clubs, businesses and the communication updates via our community website to the public was a perfect example of the community working together for the rural development that IRD stands and strives for. He also commented that this was some of the fastest fundraising efforts for a community of our size and with the €120,000 spend we now really have a top class playground.”  Below we share 13 more images. [read more …] “Millstreet’s Very Own “Disneyland” Children’s Playground Totally Delights All”

Ballinagree Wind Farm

The following email and map have been submitted to our website which we now share.  Tap on the map to enlarge.  (S.R.)

Ballinagree Wind Farm

Some of you might have heard “something” about the proposed development being referred to as The Ballinagree Wind Farm.  Many people have heard nothing about it and those that have probably think that it has nothing to do with us as it is outside our area.  However the perimeter of the windfarm comes to within ¾ of a mile of St. John’s Well and within a mile of The Kerryman’s Table. It also crosses the Millstreet / Rylane road at the car park  –see map attached. The area highlighted in yellow is the proposed site and approximately 60% of this area is owned by Coillte.

This means that this development should be of serious concern to the people of Kilcorney, Aubane, Tullig and Millstreet and all surrounding areas.

These wind-turbines can be heard from in excess of a mile away on a calm or frosty day yet the developers can get planning permission to site them as close as 500 meters from a dwelling house – this is less than a third of a mile.  This does not even begin to take into account the desecration of an area of great natural beauty or their detrimental effect on people with certain medical conditions.

Everyone needs to make themselves aware of what is planned and make an informed decision regarding whether or not they want this development to proceed in our area.

Details of an information evening / meeting will be posted at a later date.

On a broader level the Government is currently conducting a public consultation on the “Revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines” which will close on Wednesday Feb. 19th. 2020. This is an opportunity to have your say regarding Wind Energy and how it impacts on local communities. You can make your submissions by email to the following  – <WEDGReview@housing.gov.ie>;  or by writing to the following address:

WEDG Review Submissions,
Planning Policy and Legislation Section
Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government,
Custom House,
Dublin 1,
D01 W6X0.

This is an opportunity to have your say that will not present itself again and should not be missed.

“Radio Treasures” Tonight Features Medjugorje and Nebraska

Radio Treasures tonight (Tues. 11th Feb. 2020 from 9:30 to 11.00 pm) on www.corkmusicstation.com.… Special feature at 10pm when we briefly interview two visitors from Nebraska – Michael & Willie Cronin who with Eily Buckley visited Millstreet Museum on Nov. 11th 2019.  And on day – 11th Feb. which is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes we listen to two beautiful hymns recorded in Medjugorje.  We reflect on the success of the recent two broadcasts from “Round the Fireside” with Jimmy Reidy.  We hear two wonderful songs from Sarah Dennehy – “Caledonia” and “Travelling Soldier”.  And we refer to happenings illustrated below.  Tap on the images to enlarge.  (S.R.)

Visitors from Nebraska at Cinnamon in Nov. 2019. We briefly interview Michael & Willie Cronin.

Presentation of €20,500.00 Cheque to Hugh Ryan, Chairperson, Kerry Parents & Friends Association at final night of Rathmore Panto 2020.

Members of the Linehan Family, Dooneen, Millstreet at final night of Rathmore Panto 2020.
Civil Defence meeting in Millstreet in late 1970s.
Tour of Alps Factory in 1988.
Cobh Historical Animation Ladies Group at Carriganima 2016 Commemoration.
An tAthair Peadar Ó Laoghaire
Eurovision Week at The Square – May 1993

Below – A magical moment from the final performance of Rathmore Pantomime 2020! [read more …] ““Radio Treasures” Tonight Features Medjugorje and Nebraska”

Millstreet Museum Archive Images from 2000

Here we share a selection of images from our Millstreet Museum Pictorial Archives from the year 2000.   Our pictures from 20 years ago refer to Ardfert, Aubane and Ballydaly.  Tap on the images to enlarge.  (S.R.)

Pictured at Ardfert Retreat Centre in 2000 – From left: Sr. Christina O’Sullivan, Peggy Twomey and Mary Dennehy.
Three special images recorded at the official unveiling of the very impressive monument in honour of Captain Con Murphy at Ballydaly in 2000. Many famous people were in attendance.

Time for refreshments at Aubane Community Centre in 2000.

Millstreet Pictorial Updates – Sat. 8th Feb. 2020

Here we share images of recent happenings in the Millstreet area in our regular Pictorial Updates.   Tap on the images to enlarge.  (S.R.)

Children’s Playground Development Project well advanced.
Millstreet Polling Station for General Election 2020 at Killarney Road on this Saturday 8th Feb..

Issue No. 11 of the very popular fortnightly Free Magazine “Discover Duhallow” is now available in local shops and outlets. Lots of photos again in this issue relating to Millstreet, Ballydaly and Newmarket…and beyond.  The magazine may also be viewed online.

[read more …] “Millstreet Pictorial Updates – Sat. 8th Feb. 2020”

Stephen Nolan on WTRTM on C103 at 7pm Sunday

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information on this Sunday’s “Where the Road Takes Me” – 9th Feb. 2020.  (S.R.)

Travelling to a Formula One Grand Prix in Silverstone, Brazil or the US, or how about meeting many of your favourite world famous Country Music or sporting stars, or taking a motorbike ride across Alaska.

Anyone of these may be on your bucket list.  However, on Where the road takes me this Sunday evening, John Greene meets a man who has managed to tick them all off, one by one.  And he’s not finished yet, having every intention of adding more to his long list of ‘have dones’.

Stephen Nolan was born in the village of Ballinspittle, once famous for its moving statue.  His job which provided him with the time and the finance to fulfill an amazing bucket list, is deserving of a programme on its own.

For forty years, Stephen has worked for the Catterpillar Company on the Oil Sands of Fort McMurray in Canada.

In his spare time, he has met Mohammed Ali, Marvin Haggler, Sugar Ray Robinson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. [read more …] “Stephen Nolan on WTRTM on C103 at 7pm Sunday”

St. John’s Aubane GAA Victory Social in Killarney Features in the Media

We thank St. John’s Coach supreme Jimmy Murphy for sharing and alerting us to this week’s “Kerry’s Eye” impressive photo of this past weekend’s Victory Social in the Dromhall Hotel, Killarney.   Tap on the image to enlarge.  (S.R.)

“Radio Treasures” on CMS Tonight Recalls Culture Night 2019

“Radio Treasures” on air tonight (Tues. 4th Feb. 2020 from 9:30 to 11.00 pm) on www.corkmusicstation.com.… Special features at 10pm – We recall 20th Sept. 2019 at the Wallis Arms Hotel where we listen to three splendid songs from Millstreet Church Choir and we also hear the Aubane Set Dancers.   And we refer to the many other topics illustrated here.   Happy Listening!   Feel very welcome to contact the programme live on 086 825 0074 0r on the Seán Radley Facebook Page.  Tap on the images to enlarge.  (S.R.)

Millstreet Church Choir at Wallis Arms 20th Sept. 2019.
Aubane Set Dancers at Wallis Arms Hotel on Culture Night 2019.
“Curious Minds” Creche Supporting Millstreet Playground Development.
Millstreet Golf Society supporting Playground Development.
“Little Treasures” Creche supporting Playground Development.
The wonderfully colourful Cast of Marian Players Rathmore Panto 2020 “The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe” with its final two performances on Sat. 8th Feb. at 7.30pm and on Sun. 9th Feb. at 3pm.
A comic scene from the superb Rathmore Pantomime 2020 with Nanny Rose Trellis (Conor Linehan) being surprised by Molls (Margaret O’Sullivan)!

[read more …] ““Radio Treasures” on CMS Tonight Recalls Culture Night 2019″

Today’s Date (Sunday) – A Perfect Balance!

Today’s (Sunday) date is: 02/02/2020

And at 20 seconds past 8.20pm earlier this evening it read:

20:20:20 02/02/2020 !! 

Sunday’s date is a rare palindrome that hasn’t happened in over 900 years!

  We thank John Kelleher, Patricia Hick , Gene Sheehan and Others for reminding us of this unique time and date fact.  (S.R.)

Millstreet Pictorial Updates 2nd February 2020

We share a selection of the more recent happenings in the overall Millstreet (and Rathmore) area.   Tap on the images to enlarge.  (S.R.)

Eansie and Mary at this weekend’s Church Gate Collection.
Mary, Katherine and Maria at Millstreet Day Care Centre Church Gate Collection this weekend.

Dan O’Riordan of Ballydaly recently gave a splendid interview as Gaeilge on TG4 regarding the importance of Air Ambulance based in Rathcoole.
Members of the Gleeson Family at Mass on St. Brigid’s Day. With Micheál and Mary is Rian who appeared as a superb young Book Reviewer on the “Late Late Toy Show 2019”.
A new Cross (wonderfully created annually by Breeda Kelleher, Station Road) for the Statue of St. Brigid in St. Patrick’s Church, Millstreet.
Ria Buckley and Hannah Keane at Quiz 2020 in Millstreet GAA Community Hall on Friday night fundraising for their upcoming Lourdes Volunteering Visit.
Young Odhran Cleary whose Great Grandfather Matthew gave many years of dedicated service to Millstreet Fire Brigade Service was one of the enthusiastic “New Recruits” at the recent Open Night at the Fire Station pictured with his parents Michael and Patricia. Also included are Millstreet Fire Officers Eamonn O’Keeffe, Justyna Corcoran and Brian Murphy.
The Cast of the Current Rathmore Pantomime 2020.

[read more …] “Millstreet Pictorial Updates 2nd February 2020”

Further Uplifting Support for the Rapid Development of Playground

Officers of Millstreet GAA Club, Millstreet Juvenile GAA Club and Millstreet Camogie Club at the formal presentation to representatives of Millstreet Town Park Committee of a significant contribution of €6,000, received last October, towards the Playground Project. 
Millstreet Town Park Committee wishes to again thank our 3 GAA clubs who rallied together and kindly forfeited their last instalment  of 2019 from the Local Lotto.   (We thank Geraldine for background information – S.R.)

Very impressive rapid progress at Playground Development. Tap on the images to enlarge. (S.R.)

George Murphy on WTRTM on C103 Sunday at 7pm

We thank Presenter John Greene for advance information regarding this Sunday evening’s programme.  (S.R.)

Seventeen years ago, seventeen year old George Murphy entered ‘Youre a Star’, the reality talent show on TV.

He didn’t win it, but such was his immediate success afterwards, that most people still believe that he did.

A recording deal followed from Sony Ireland, and his debut album went to number one in the album charts.  His voice was hailed as unique by the likes of the late Ronnie Drew and Peggy Seeger.  When Martin Furey left the High Kings, Murphy took his place.

And then he hit hard times.  Becoming a father for the first time, he found himself jobless.

On Where the road takes me this week, George Murphy chats to John Greene about being wise in hindsight with regard to reality TV shows, and why being a member of the High Kings could never be permanent.

We hear how he re-invented himself and formed a new band called ‘The Rising Sons’, and  we also hear some songs from his new album. [read more …] “George Murphy on WTRTM on C103 Sunday at 7pm”