WWI: Lieutenant William Felix MacCarthy O’Leary

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William Felix MacCarthy O’Leary

Lieut. Wm. F. MacCARTHY O’LEARY, Royal Munster Fusiliers.
Killed in action in France on September 7th, 1916. Aged 22.

In “Billy” MacCarthy O’Leary we have lost one who was so recently amongst us that many boys still at the College remember well the tall form and good-humoured face of one who was a general favourite with his school-fellows. The notice from The Times for September 9th, which we print below, briefly summarises his career :-

“Lieut. William Felix MacCarthy O’Leary, Royal Munster Fusiliers, killed on September 7th, 1916, aged 22, was the son o f the late Lieut. Col. W. MacCarthy O’Leary and Mrs. O’Leary, of Coomlagane House, Millstreet, Co. Cork. His father was killed in action while commanding the 1st Bn. The South Lancashire Regt. at Pieter’s Hill, Natal, on February 27th, 1900. He was educated at Stonyhurst College, Lancashire, and when war broke out was at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, whence he was gazetted to the Royal Munster Fusiliers. He was with his battalion at the Dardanelles, and was wounded in the attack on June 28th, 1915. He rejoined his regiment in August, but was sent down to Alexandria with enteric (typhoid), and after some months’ illness was invalided home last December. He rejoined his regiment at the front in July. His two elder brothers are serving in the South Lancashire Regt. and the Royal Irish Fusiliers.”

In a letter to Mrs. MacCarthy O’Leary acquainting her with her son’s death, the Colonel of the regiment wrote :— [read more …] “WWI: Lieutenant William Felix MacCarthy O’Leary”

Presentation to Millstreet Men’s Shed at Millstreet Community Hospital

Matron Margaret Collins presents a special gesture to Ivor of Millstreet Men's Shed in recognition of the magnificent Planting Table Units so creatively designed and manufactured by the many dedicated members of Millstreet Men's Shed at Macroom Road. Also present for the important occasion was the very beautiful Cork Rose - Denise Collins (Margaret's daughter). Click on the images to enlarge. (S.R.)
Matron Margaret Collins of St. Joseph’s Community Hospital presents a special gesture to Ivor of Millstreet Men’s Shed in recognition of the magnificent Planting Table Units so creatively designed and manufactured by the many dedicated members of Millstreet Men’s Shed at Macroom Road for use by the Hospital Residents during the planting season. Also present for the important occasion was the very beautiful Cork Rose – Denise Collins (Margaret’s daughter). Click on the images to enlarge. (S.R.)

8hospital-presentation-to-millstreet-mens-shed-2016-6006hospital-presentation-to-millstreet-mens-shed-2016-6004hospital-presentation-to-millstreet-mens-shed-2016-6002hospital-presentation-to-millstreet-mens-shed-2016-60010hospital-presentation-to-millstreet-mens-shed-2016-600We also recorded a very interesting interview with Cork Rose Denise who was so wonderfully obliging in sharing her many happy memories of the Rose of Tralee experience.   This will later feature on Cork Music Station and also on LTV2 Millstreet.  Further images follow below: [read more …] “Presentation to Millstreet Men’s Shed at Millstreet Community Hospital”

Bon Voyage to Dan Until His Return Visit to Millstreet Next Year

In the wonderful autumnal setting of Millstreet Country Park we met these three well known gentlemen this morning.  Dan Horgan a native of the Ballydaly/Rathduane region of Millstreet is about to travel to his New York home following his annual visit to this native area.  And to wish Dan an enjoyable and safe journey James L. Moynihan (on left) and Denis Hickey extended their sincere greetings.   We look forward to seeing Dan back again next year doing his daily walk in his favourite Millstreet Town Park.  Click on the images to enlarge.  (S.R.)
In the wonderful autumnal setting of Millstreet Town Park we met these three well known gentlemen this morning. Dan Horgan (centre) a native of the Ballydaly/Rathduane region of Millstreet is about to travel to his New York home following his annual visit to this native area. And to wish Dan an enjoyable and safe journey James L. Moynihan (on left) and Denis Hickey extended their sincere greetings. We look forward to seeing Dan back again next year doing his daily walk in his favourite Millstreet Town Park. Click on the images to enlarge. (S.R.)

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Felix Joseph McCarthy

mr-felix-mccarthy-montonette-and-coomloganeFELIX MACCARTHY, J.P., Montenotte House, Cork; son of the late Denis MacCarthy O’Leary, of Coomlagane House, Millstreet; born March, 1829, at Coomlagane; educated at Everton College, Cork.

He was a Justice of the Peace for counties Cork and Clare; Resident Magistrate for seventeen years in Roscommon, Castlerea, Longford, Kilmallock, and Limerick, and for thirteen years in Belfast.

Married, February 15th, Maria, daughter of William Hodnett, and has issue five sons,

  • William Serle, born December 5th, 1855, Captain in the Argentine Navy ;
  • Felix Denis Francis, born November lIth, 1857, Colonel Commanding Royal Engineers, Dublin;
  • Charles, born in November, 1860, electrical engineer;
  • Augustus, born June, 1865, Superintending Engineer Public Works Department, India; and
  • Morgan John, born November 25th, 1867, Major Royal Field Artillery, who was in the 13th.

Mr. Felix MacCarthy. J.P. Battery during the Boer war, and was in Ladysmith during the selge.
Clubs: County. Cork, and Royal Cork Yacht.
He died at his home Montonette House on 1st July 1914 in the presence of his son Morgan John McCarthy [read more …] “Felix Joseph McCarthy”

Cork Fairs Well in 2016 Tidy Town Awards

Conor Nelligan – Heritage Officer / ‘Ireland 2016’ County Coordinator has shared the following very interesting information re Medal Winners in Cork County at the recent National Tidy Towns Competition.  (S.R.)

The results for the National Tidy Towns Competition have been recently announced and are available to view on the Tidy Towns website by clicking here. The overall winner for 2016 was Skerries in Dublin with a score of 327 but it is clearly visible that the towns and villages of County Cork are getting closer and closer to the mark, with the County this year having picked up 19 medals:

Location Score Award
Midleton 299 Bronze
Bandon 302 Bronze
Carrigaline 306 Silver
Millstreet 308 Bronze
Skibbereen 308 Bronze
Youghal 311 Silver
Castletownroche 313 Bronze
Macroom 313 Silver
Timoleague 315 Bronze
Ballydehob 316 Bronze
Bantry 316 Silver
Cobh 317 Gold
Lislevane 318 Silver
Kinsale 319 Gold
Eyeries 319 Silver
Ballincollig 321 Gold
Rathbarry 322 Gold
Coolagown 323 Gold
Rosscarbery 323 Gold
Clonakilty 324 Gold

Numerous other locations in Cork, including some of the above also won other Tidy Town Associated Awards, for example, the Pollinator Award went to Kildorrery, the Islands Award went to Bere Island and, Coolagown, Cobh, Carrigaline and Kinsale also picked up other awards.
[read more …] “Cork Fairs Well in 2016 Tidy Town Awards”

“Where The Road Takes Me” – c103 on Sundays at 7pm

Presenter John Greene of c103 Local Radio and Correspondent Rosario Buckley have been in touch with us regarding the excellent Sunday evening radio series entitled “Where the Road Takes Me”.  They have kindly offered to share advance notice of the content headlines of each programme.   This is very much appreciated as it guarantees that we shall not miss what are oftentimes most interesting programmes indeed wonderfully researched and very professionally presented by John Greene.   Here we share a summary of the next programme scheduled for this coming Sunday, 2nd Oct. 2016 at 7pm  …  We thank John and Rosario for the important update.  (S.R.):

Having retired in the last few years as a metal fabrication teacher at CIT, Pat Lynch now lives with his wife on Model farm Road in the suburbs of Cork City.

But, what now seems like a former life, Pat was once lead singer with two of the top Showbands in the country. This week on ‘Where the road takes me’, John Greene pays a visit to his home to hear his story and his music.

Pat was born in Bantry, but grew up in Blackpool on the City’s Northside. He was giving tap-dancing lessons as a teenager, and became known as ‘Cork’s Al Jolson’.

While playing support act at a dance one night, Pat was offered the opportunity of a lifetime to become lead singer with the Clipper Carlton Showband, who have since been credited with starting the whole Showband era.

Later, as lead singer with the Airchords, he reached number one in the Irish charts with ‘When we were young’.

In 1968, he was pipped by a point in the National Song Contest by Pat McGeegan, who went on to represent Ireland in the Eurovision, eventually coming fourth with ‘Chance of a lifetime’. [read more …] ““Where The Road Takes Me” – c103 on Sundays at 7pm”

Pictorial Updates

As we experience the beautiful colours of Autumn we share recent local events in pictorial format and also focus on upcoming events.  We thank Noreen Dennehy for images relating to the recent visit of Pat Randles and Noreen to Dublin’s Helix Theatre to learn of Millstreet’s extra six marks plus a Bronze Medal in the National Tidy Towns Competition.  (S.R.)

Lots more images of recent School Reunion to follow.
Lots more images of recent School Reunion to follow.
Noreen Pat at Helix on Monday.
Noreen & Pat at Helix on Monday.

new-church-debt-sign-2016-6001609250026-6001609250019-600vintage-dromtariffe-autumn-2016-600And there’s more! [read more …] “Pictorial Updates”

Down by the Tanyard Side

I am a rambling hero
And by love I am ensnared,
Near to the town of Millstreet,
There dwells a comely maid,
She’s fairer than fair Erin,
And she’s free from earthly pride.
This comely maid’s dwelling place
Is down by the Tanyard side.

For seven long years we walked together
Until we did agree
But for her parents
‘Tis married we would be.
To me they proved unkind
Which causes me to cross the tide
And to leave my love behind
Down by the Tanyard Side.
[read more …] “Down by the Tanyard Side”

Set Dancing Classes with All Ireland Champion Patrick

2016-08-21 Patrick O'Callaghan Fleadh Cheoil 02Five time All-Ireland set dancing champion Patrick O Callaghan will be holding set dancing classes in Dromtarriffe Hall for beginners and advanced ages 5-18. Patrick will teach a large variety of steps and sets.

Registration: next Tuesday 4th of October from 6-7pm in Dromtarriffe Parish Hall
Classes commence: Tuesday the 11th of October from 6-7 in Dromtarriffe Hall.

For further information contact Patrick O Callaghan after 4pm on 0873174561

Also, anyone interested in an Over 35 or senior set training please contact patrick also.

Tidy Towns: 6 extra points, and a Bronze Medal

2015 Millstreet Tidy Town and Tourist Association - logoThe results of the Tidy Towns Ireland Competition were released yesterday in Dublin, and Millstreet Tidy Towns continued on their upward curve, gaining six point this year (on top of 5 points last year), and seeing the return of a Bronze Medal. Great credit is due to all that put in lots of effort this year and in the past:

“Millstreet Tidy Town Association would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved. Without a strong community spirit and a stalwart of volunteers this result would not be possible. Tidy Town is just one simple way that we can showcase how wonderful a place Millstreet is. We can hold our heads high safe in the knowledge that all the hard work that people are putting into to keeping this town a beautiful place to live is paying off. So hats off and big congratulations to all.” – from millstreettidytown.ie

Below is the Adjudication Report and more:

[read more …] “Tidy Towns: 6 extra points, and a Bronze Medal”

Class Reunion 1971 – 1976

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Class Reunion
1971 – 1976

Calling all our former classmates…. a Grand Reunion is being organised for Saturday November 12th, 2016 in The Wallis Arms Hotel, Millstreet.

If you started Secondary School [The Tech, The Convent or Garrett’s] in 1971 – or joined us…….or left us at any stage up to Leaving Cert in 1976 we would be delighted to see you there.

Tickets are on a pre-booked basis and cost €35.00

This will include a Buffet dinner and music.

Please contact any of the people below for further details or to make a booking.

Eileen Martha Creedon 087 249 1089
Maura Twomey. 086 815 1974
Margaret Kiely. 087 741 2688
John O Sullivan. 086 4530 852

If anyone has any photographs from that time, we would love to get a copy. We look forward to seeing you all on the night.

Be Active with Arthritis: 6 week pool exercise course with a Chartered Physiotherapist in Macroom, Co.. Cork

ispc-aqua-macroom-02-16-800Be Active with Arthritis is an Adapted Exercise Programme for people with arthritis and related conditions.  This programme was developed by Arthritis Ireland and the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists. This is a one hour class over 6 weeks directed by a chartered physiotherapist.  This course takes place in Castle Hotel Leisure Pool, Castle Hotel, Main Street, Macroom, Co. Cork.

Dates: 13th, 20th & 27th October & 10th, 17th & 24th November 2016.  There will be no class Thursday 3rd November 2016

Places are limited to absolute maximum of 12 people per class. Pre-booking absolutely essential. Payment must be made in advance of the 1st classBooking by click HERE.

Water Exercise Programme: The adapted water exercise programme will provide a comfortable and effective way to exercise with arthritis because the joints and muscles are supported in water. [read more …] “Be Active with Arthritis: 6 week pool exercise course with a Chartered Physiotherapist in Macroom, Co.. Cork”

Murder at Shandy Hall – The Musical

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Briery Gap is proud to announce that this original musical at Riverside Park Hotel will star screen legend Patrick Bergin in the role of Dr Philip Cross and will involve director Michael Sheridan, musical director Alan Kiely with production by Briery Gap.
COUNTY CORK JUNE 1887.
Against the tranquil rural backdrop- the sleepy County Cork village of Dripsey near Coachford- a sensational Victorian murder is played out with a potent mix of love, lust, betrayal and ultimately naked hatred. The entry of a young and beautiful governess into Shandy Hall, the home of [read more …] “Murder at Shandy Hall – The Musical”

“Millstreet” by Julia A.Sullivan

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A General View of Millstreet – from the Lawrence Collection (approx 1910)

Millstreet, quaint and quiet village
Nestling mid your emerald hills
Though I see you but in memory
How my heart with rapture thrills.

Gentle stream & busy mill-wheel
Smile beneath the summer sky
Church & convent calm & peaceful
Welcome still the passer by

Friends the nearest, friends the dearest
I can see them now at will
And the sunshine of their kindness
So abiding with me still

[read more …] ““Millstreet” by Julia A.Sullivan”

Have you a Guitar that you are not using?

Have you a Guitar that you are not using?

We have someone who is willing to give guitar lessons for free to the children in Drishane Castle, but we have no guitars! If you have one that is not being used, would you be willing to give a guitar to a good cause? For more information contact Mike Riordan, K.A.S.I. (Killarney Asylum Seekers Initiative) 086 4106363 086 4106364

Macra New Members Night

macra-na-feirme-logoAre you bored heading in to these long Winter evenings with nothing to do?

Would you like to get involved in sports, drama, debating, agriculture and many more activities?

Would you like to meet new people and have a lot of craic along the way?

… then why not come along to Millstreet Macra’s new members night on the 30th of September. Bring a friend and make this an excuse for a night out.There’ll be more information available on the night but in the mean time, if you’re interested please contact James on 086 3023969 or Jerry Murphy on 087 9315783

Millstreet Community School Class of 1991 – 1996 Reunion at Green Glens on Saturday 24th Sept. 2016

A superbly organised 20 Year Class Reunion took place at the exquisite setting of Green Glens on Saturday night 24th Sept. 2016. Click on the images to enlarge. (S.R.)
A superbly organised 20 Year Class Reunion took place at the exquisite setting of Green Glens on Saturday night 24th Sept. 2016. Click on the images to enlarge. (S.R.)
Here we share the first of two features on the truly magnificent occasion.
Here we share the first of two features on the truly magnificent occasion.

1school-reunion-2016-600Key Coordinators Linda and Niamh (pictured 4th and 2nd from left above) together with a very supportive Team organised the Reunion Celebration in such a wonderfully creative manner – tremendous credit is due on such a high level of dedicated preparation.  We’ve lots more images to share in the follow-up feature but here’s one more for now. [read more …] “Millstreet Community School Class of 1991 – 1996 Reunion at Green Glens on Saturday 24th Sept. 2016”

Jerry Pat O’Leary in the Finals of Blas na hÉireann Awards in Dingle

Mushera Mountain as the clouds roll by. The staff at Millstreet Country Park wish Jerry Pat O’ Leary well in the finals of the Blas na hEireann awards in Dingle next weekend. One of his entries is the ‘ Mushera Venison Burger’
Mushera Mountain as the clouds roll by! ….. The Staff at Millstreet Country Park wish Jerry Pat O’Leary well in the finals of the Blas na hÉireann awards in Dingle next weekend. One of his entries is the “Mushera Venison Burger”.  We thank Donie Howard for the picture and for alerting us to the uplifting event.  We all extend our very best wishes to Jerry Pat and his Staff.  Click on the image to enlarge.  (S.R.)

SEAI “One Good Idea” Competition for Schools

The following Link has been shared with us to alert primary and post primary students in the Millstreet and the surrounding areas know about a One Good Idea Competition that SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) run which has been launched this week.

http://seai.ie/News_Events/Press_Releases/2016/Schools-competition-for-energy-awareness-is-open-for-entries.html

Best of luck to the students decide to enter!

Kind Regards,
Declan O Riordan
Group Energy Manager

We thank Declan of EPSWater for alerting us to this important Competition. (S.R.)

Death Notice: Bill Kelleher, Killowen

The death has occurred on Saturday 24th September 2016 of William (Bill) Kelleher, Killowen, Millstreet, Cork. Peacefully at his residence, brother of the late Dan, Con, Hugh, Mick, sisters Mary, Kit and Peg. Deeply regretted by his nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, relatives, wonderful carers, friends and neighbours. Reposing in Tarrants Funeral Home Millstreet on Sunday Rosary at 8pm. Removal on Monday from 6.30pm to 8pm to St Patricks Church Millstreet. Requiem Mass on Tuesday at 12 midday burial afterwards to St Marys Cemetery Millstreet. ‘May he Rest in Peace’.