Category: Regional Report

Dia is mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my Report.

The first week of the month of July is over and our countryside continues to react to the beautiful weather. A sprinkle of light rain refreshes the earth most nights giving way to a fresh start next morning. New blossoms are making their appearance all the time. The  new Montbretia which got a step up from it’s orangey hue of it’s elderly cousins is now claiming pride of place in its distinctive bright red and never fails to capture the attention of all who pass them. The lilies are also standing to attention and their angelic creamy/white blossoms are a joy to behold. There are lots of different lilies ,but the one which does it for me is the common white lily cone shaped and with it’s yellow centre on show . Not only do I love them for their present day beauty, but also for the memories that they conjure up in my mind of my school days. The nuns always had them.   Back then, they were the only ones who had them, like the laburnum and weeping willows which we take for granted in our gardens today.  There would be at least one pot of lilies on the window in every classroom. And it was the duty of the nun teaching there to take care of it. Windows were very high and she needed a rope to open and close to top section to refresh the air for the flower as well as herself and her pupils. I’ll never forget the care that was taken the watering the wiping of the leaves and the warnings of woe betide anyone who touched them. Sometimes they would appear on the alter in a vase of water for Mass. Then as time moved on the lily became more popular and used widely. I tried growing some in my own garden some years ago but failed. They came to nothing until I gave them to my neighbour over the wall where they flourished and where I can admire them with pleasure when I come and go.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 8th July”

Dia is mhuire diobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

Welcome to the lovely month of July. As the saying goes, we’re doing well. The weather is giving us everything that we need. Plenty of sunshine and rain when things start to dry up a little. What a great gift it is from God who is in the driving seat and don’t forget to say a word of thanks to him for it all. The great success of the Busking Festival is still a popular talking point. But for me the crowning glory was that a kind person found some money on the street and looked for the owner. Acts like that restores your faith in people. How sad it would be if there was a notice  to say that someone  lost a sum of money in the town on busking day and never got it back, that nobody owned up to finding it. Well done to the person who found it and gave it to it’s owner. It must have made their day.   It’s a well known saying that if you make someone happy, then you’ll be happy too.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 1st July”

Dia is mhuire diobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

Put another nickel in. In the Nickelodeon, all I want is loving you and and Music, Music, Music. It was a case of music, music all the way at our wonderful Busking Fest on Saturday March 21, the longest day of the year. It was a  brave adventure for our Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Association to hold the first of its kind in the town. But once the idea was born, the whole community rowed in behind them.  Duggan’s Business yard was available for parking.  In the run-up to the day the shops and business places in the town decorated their windows and it helped in no small way to create an atmosphere of expectancy long before the big day came. When the day came those taking part registered at the GAA Hall and were given the place where they performed for a given time before moving on to another. There were places allocated  along the full length of the town and Mary Hickie’s yard provided a centrepiece for the event.  Committee members kept an eagle eye on the entire event to see that everything was seen to. The crowds came, whole families, parents, children of all ages and people of all ages. There were places for resting and plenty of people to meet and talk to, as the musicians spread their magic far and wide.  Our food providers did us proud.  Hot food outlets plus a variety of refreshment places. Smoothies and so on.  IRD Duhallow provided a covered seated area where people were able to sit and have their food. The tent in the Square also made a welcome gathering/ resting place.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 24th June”

Dia is mhuire diobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

It’s great to be packing and going off on holiday, but alas coming home is never easy. The tiredness sets in and is in no hurry leaving. But the memories of a wonderful trip never go away and with a few pictures and leaflets to sustain special moments, you can’t go wrong.     Fifty three senior citizens climbed aboard Darren Keely’s super bus in the West End on Monday June 9 and for the next five days it was enjoyment all the way. We were booked into the beautiful Arklow Bay hotel in County Wexford. It was ad lib breakfast every morning and a four course dinner on our return in the evening. Our days were full and varied. We went to Glendalough and Powerscourt House  in brilliant sunshine. Also the National Park in Wexford and boarded the infamous Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross. There was time for shopping and a visit to a lovely four acre Lavender Farm where we were treated to fresh scones and tea/coffee on the house.  Everywhere we went we were shown videos of the places we were in and guides to make sure we got the most out of our stay. The weather was delightful and the scenery was sublime. Wicklow is a beautiful county. All along the way the lust green fields and crops made you say a silence prayer to thank the Good Lord for it. Their landscape shows no evidence of damage by wind and rain, it is easy to see that they get much less harsh weather than we do. We were alerted to Irelands biggest bridge just on time to view it properly as our coach moved over it.  The Rose FitzGerald-Kennedy Bridge spans the river Barrow between Counties Kilkenny and Wexford.   It is awesome, different to any we’ve seen so far in Ireland. The enjoyment continued on into the evenings when after dinner some took scenic walks of the local area, others who were not so adventurous enjoyed a game of forty five but all were into the ballroom to finish the day with music, song and dance.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 17th June”

Sorry a Cairde, I won’t be with you this week.

See you next week le conamh De.

Please take care.

Eily

Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

I didn’t sleep very well last night, I don’t know why but the shut eye evaded me for hours. Everybody has their own way of dealing with insomnia. It has to be very annoying for those who suffer from it regularly. Thankfully that is not the case with me, not very often anyway. And when it does I just lie there and resign myself to the fact that this is it for me till the morning.  Reading a little often helps or a glance at Facebook.  The loss of sleep leaves you drowsy and not in full command of your plans for the new day. But with a little effort I’ll get by. It’s a lively day outside. There is a fresh breeze with a brightness without direct sunshine and the flowers and rose trees are dancing to the tune of the birds. Enough to spur anybody out of a lazy mood.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 3rd June”

Dia is mhuire diobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

If we’re not on our knees, well we should be, to thank the Good Lord for the lovely rain and we still need more. The beautiful warm sunshine of the past number of weeks was a joy. Crops grew like never before, silage was harvested. Fruit trees and flowering shrubs weighed down with blossoms while we lived it up in summer style.  Greeted by the sun every morning, wearing summer attire which hadn’t left the wardrobe for years. The long spell gave us the perfect opportunity to shake off the blues and build a store of goodness which can only be got from the sun which will, le conamh Dé. sustain us for the months ahead. But sadly the signs were beginning to show. Places were turning brown and water going low. Which can be a concern judging by what we see in other countries. But the tide turned and the rain came .It fell slow and soft ,gave itself time to be absorbed by the earth, and refresh everything again. An answer to prayer if ever there was one.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 27th May”

Dia is mhuire diobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

Week upon week and the beautiful weather shines on. The turf machine arrived at Gneeves Bog a week ago  with more people than ever seeking it’s services, and this weather will put a hard seal the soft sods in the event of the rain, which is on the cards. It’s the same old story some want rain others do not  and it’s a good job that there is only one boss over it all and we must all abide by him.    More and more silage is being harvested. Some going into pits in the yard. More being rolled up into giant bales which can be seen from afar but only for a moment until the giant carriers come and lift them into trailers with no effort at all. More flowers come on stream as the weeks pass quickly by. The old fashioned rhododendrons at the entrance to the Mount Leader Estate on the Macroom road are breaking through the greenery, to provide a shock of colour to be enjoyed by all the passers by. In my early days this splash of colour was always admired with great glee. Because those were the days before Japanese Maples, Tropical Palms cultivated bloomers etc. and all the plants from foreign parts which adorn our gardens and parks today. Those were the days of the plain old native trees. The old fashioned cottage rose and the potted red geraniums. Geraniums, slips of which were handed on from mother to daughter and even when the old house became deserted, when going the road you could catch a glimpse of the old  flower pot inside a thickly cobwebbed window, with the geranium still in it after growing long and leggie up to the top of the window inside. I always wondered how it stayed alive without water or any care over the years.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 20th May”

Dia is mhuire diobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

 Today, May 13 is Parish Day of Eucharistic Adoration & Prayer for Youth.  From 10.30 am to 7.30 pm. Adoration will conclude with  prayer around the Cross from 7 to 7.30 pm, Candles can be lit for intentions of all those sitting exams this year. All welcome.

Oh dear, I don’t have a lot of news for you this week. Whatever I have is hearsay, because I wasn’t out very much to attend the local happenings. I got a bug which left me ill for over a week. It was an unusual sort of bug, strange, and I was a little concerned until I heard of others having the same symptoms. Cramps in the stomach. Not your usual pain in the belly but painful cramps and a feeling of sickness. No appetite for food and no tolerance of it except something light and soothing.   The family wanted me to see a doctor, but I chose to wait, go to bed and take rest. Take light food, I had to because any thing heavy hurt inside. T.G. I’m the type who bounces back. But I want to let others know  how I was ,because it was such a comfort to  me when I heard that others had the same symptoms. The old adage that there is safety in numbers works in many ways and we can all fit it into our own case when it suits us.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 13th May”

Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

‘Tis the weather that makes it. No matter what your interests or hobbies may be, the weather can make all the difference. How blessed we are at the moment by this spell of beautiful ,warm sunny days. May Day was made all the more pleasant by the warm weather. Ireland is at it’s best in May. The native furze is in full bloom and all the shrubs and plants are vying with one another to see who can put on the best show. Silage fields wave in the breeze and there is beauty all around. Every year at this time the massive crab tree  across the road from Connie Joe’s Fort on the Macroom Road puts on a great show of blossoms but this time it excels itself. It’s leaves almost invisible among the pink blossoms as it hangs over the road  as far as the white line. The crop is never picked and in the latter end of the year our road will be strewn with mini apples of many colours. Our gardens get more interesting all the time. At my age I find the best place for me to enjoy it is in my car and as I sat there on Sunday I learned an awful lot about what goes on outside my back door. From the comfort of my seat I discovered at least four birds nests. Not seeing me in my car they flew in and out of the same bush  giving the secret away.  Overhead a wily Hawk hovered in the hope that one of the parent birds would make a blip and it could swoop down for a meal. In my open shed I could hear the gearcucs pleading for more from their cosy home inside  a cavity concrete block. The parent birds made no secret of their comings and goings and each time they brought food they had to take away excrement from the nest, a full beak coming and a full beak leaving. I have a pair of Gold finches here and they go around like an old married couple. You’d never kill a dandelion again if you saw how they relish them. With the changing of the light I can turn my car to the best vantage point, maybe nod off for a moment and continue to wallow in the wonders of nature that only a fine day can bring.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 6th May”

Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

It may still be Spring but the signs of summer are all around.  In spite of the chilly breeze  the leaves are budding out in every tree and shrub and the forty shades of green are outdoing one another in every hill and hollow.  It’s a joy to drive along (better still if you have a driver) and admire the gifts which Mother Nature has for us as the months of Spring slowly move on. Never have we seen such a cover of blossoms on our apple, blackcurrant, gooseberry,  plum trees. The humble blackthorn still holding out longer than them all. The mad drive by Mother Nature seems to be catching. Our wild life creatures are behaving like never before. Heated situations arise when the hunt for a place to  build a nest comes along. While taking a moment’s glance out the window of a city dwelling last week, I was just in the right place at the right time to witness and high-pitched battle going on between a pair of Blackbirds and a magpie. The latter took up a vantage point at the edge of the evergreen where the two were busy trying to put their home comforts together , but the mean magpie was taking it all in, then out of the blue the  returning blackbird flew into him, giving him a mighty sidewinder which sent him on his way with more than a flea in his ear.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 29th April”

Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

The old people used to say I’ll live as long as I can and I’ll die when I can’t help it. Well that was so true of our beloved Pope Francis. Having seen him the previous day blessing the crowd, I doubt if the news of his passing came of any shock on Easter Monday morning. He was a wonderful Pontiff, a man of the people and he proved it by leaving his deathbed to bless them one more time before God called him home. I’m confident that he is in Heaven and we can pray to him now that he is inside the Golden Gates.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 22nd April”

The end of another season of Lent is in sight, goodness knows I’ve seen a lot of them but the ending is always the same. First a sense of relief, then the nagging feeling of guilt, or remorse to see if I did all the right things. Did some act of mortification, such as fasting from one of my favourite things, or perhaps put the few bob into my Trocaire Box or did some kind act for someone in need. Well as they say the game isn’t over yet. We still have this week to make up for any of our shortcomings and a last minute effort could make all the difference. At Masses over the weekend we were given the list of all the ceremonies that we can avail of in the run-up to the excitement of Easter. The seven churches in our Pastoral area have various ceremonies at various times details of which can be found in each church, or on this week’s Mass leaflet. Please support them well. There was never more need for prayer with the amount of disturbance that is going on around us.  With world leaders playing ping pong with our future. But we still believe in the power of the God who by prayer alone has seen us through all the difficulties of the past.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 15th April”

Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

The count down is on for all our young people who are due to be confirmed  on tomorrow Wednesday,  April 9^th and our Bishop Ray Browne will be a very busy man to get through them all. 88 in our own church representing Millstreet, Cloghoula and Cullen starting at 11 am and at 3 pm almost 40 in Derrinagree taking in Dromagh. Confirmation was always regarded as a very big step compared to First Holy Communion. A time when they received the Holy Ghost to fill them with enlightenment for the future. A time to take a pledge  a promise to God to stay away from certain things. It used to be intoxicating drink, but as I said last week now its drink, drugs and gambling. We wish them all the best of luck and God’s Blessing on their big day and hope that they and their families will enjoy their family gatherings afterwards.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 8th April”

Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

Watch it, mind yourself, this is Fools Day, April the first. In olden times it was a day to be dreaded because somebody might make a fool of you. It was all very innocent really. Say to a pal or sibling ‘your lace is ripped or there is a mouse on the shelf above you etc.’ and of course you’d jump  or react and then you were called an April Fool making you feel foolish that you got caught. Then you’d spend the rest of the day trying to catch them back but great fun for the one who caught you. It was always a relief when the end of the day came and you were free from pranksters for another year.  There’s a lot of that sort of humour gone out of the world today and it’s a pity.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 1st April”

Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

Travelled from Cork by bus at the weekend and it was a joy to view the countryside in brilliant sunshine. The fields looking lush and green others ploughed up and ready for the planting season. Cattle grazing but I have yet to see baby lambs. I’d say I’ll have to take a different route to find them and I will,  le cúnamh Dé.

I’m all a thither and I suppose  my mental storage is not what it used to be and when I get a blast from the past everything else has to take a back seat and what’s the cause for this eruption in me.  Well it all stems from the fact that I came across some copies of Clara News during the week and reading it over filled me with wonder and awe. I’m sure  that some of my readers are asking ‘what’s Clara News’. I can  not recall when it came to an end but the copies that I found were in March 6^th 1994 and April 1st, 2001. Clara News grew from humble beginnings, one page to be precise to a twenty pages publication which covered everything that went on in the parish for many years.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 25th March”

Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

‘I tore my ould breetches going over the ditches, St.Paterick’s Day in the morning.’ This adage was chanted out in our house when I was a child every St.Patrick’s Morning for as long as I can recall and it set us young ones off on a tangent to find Shamrock for going to Mass, while the others saw to the milking and feeding the stock and taking the milk to the creamery. While the rooster crowed from his highest vantage point ’to warn off the evil spirits from the world’. Youngsters can be devils at slagging one another and if our find was not the real three leafed thing ,” Ah that’s  only  clover, the cows will be after you.”  Clover being every cows favourite food.  By keeping a watchful eye we soon learned how to identify the real thing.  Then there was the problem of pinning it on to our coats.  Every home had needles because so much of our clothes were either home knitted or home sewn. But a headpin was rather special. Men had one almost permanently on the lapel of their coats, stuck down at the peak where it could be easily retrieved when needed.  Picking thorns was an art in itself and because of the way the work was done back then there were plenty of them to pick.  If the victim couldn’t reach the spot himself there was always a willing hand nearby to pick a thorn for them. Children screamed during the ‘operation’ while the elders just grinned and bared it. The offending piece had to be removed or it could turn septic.   When it was over the pin was dutifully returned to it’s place on high and work resumed. However it didn’t always go swimmingly. Certain thorns and the time of year often caused a problem.  The  thorn of the Black Thorn bush at the start of the growing season was one to be avoided or handled with extreme care. To make us aware of the danger, we were often given accounts of where the likes led to the demise of a person. One example remains embedded in my mind of a young man who emigrated to America to make a better life. He was conscripted into the army and served in the wars of the time. He returned home where he bought a farm, got married and started a family but alas in the course of his work at  making his land better he suffered a prod from a Black Thorn bush and died of blood poisoning.  Anyway on St. Patrick’s morning the pin was again brought into action to keep the national emblem well secured and put safely away afterwards for the next time.

Our 11.30 Mass was everything that a St.Patrick’s Day Mass should be. Our wonderful pipe band played us in, its loud strains filling every inch of our mighty church.   A member did readings and in these days of clerical scarcity we were honoured to have as many as four priests on the alter at one stage. The weather favoured our parade at five in the afternoon and there were prizes for the various entries and the best dressed window. The results will be published as soon as they come to hand. In the absence of a hotel the fast food outlets did a lively trade at the end of the day. Well done to our Community Council all those who worked so well together to make our annual parade in honour of our Patron Saint the great success that it was. This years Grand Marshal was none other than the one and only racing driver supreme Billy Coleman.

Merit where merit is due our popular Garda Sargent Paul Lynch told me that a bus driver who ferried a number of our young people home to Millstreet from a night out in Killarney of Sunday night March 16^th   told him that he had never met a more honourable, respectful and well behaved group of young people returning from a night out.  He was so deeply touched by them that he saw fit to meet our Garda member and let him know. Well done to that group they did themselves and all of us proud.

A beautiful ceremony was held at Coleman’s Garage at four pm on St. Patrick’s Day.   A prestigious event by any standard. When the proceeds of the  recent 50^th anniversary celebrations of Billy’s winning of the British Rally Championships which came to a massive €47 050 were divided between three very deserving local causes, namely The Canon O’Donovan Centre.  St. Joseph’s Hospital and Marymount Hospice.   Well done to all those connected to this venture and especially Billy himself a lovely humble man never craved the limelight himself, yet made history and made Millstreet proud. The offer of refreshments had to be declined as everybody rushed away to view the Parade.

The Holy Season of Lent is moving on and I hope that those who gave up some favourite thing are not feeling the pinch. But of late we are being told that maybe it’s better to do something else rather than to be cranky or irritable with those around us because of our fasting.  There are plenty of  other ways of doing our bit during Lent like paying a visit to needy/lonely persons or giving a few extra bob to a collection box, the choices are far and wide. Think about it and I’m sure you’ll be a happier person for it, but more importantly,  so will those around you.

Please be reminded that the great clean-up of our approach roads, Liscahane Black Shed road and Macroom road will take place this coming Saturday  March 22. Meet at the Square where bags, hi-viz jackets etc will be provided.   New volunteers welcome. Please give your best support.

Cullen & District Special Needs  Association want to thank all those who supported the Weigh In this year.

The AGM of our Pitch n Putt Club will be held on Friday March, 21 and the Parish Centre from 8.15.

Millstreet Gramophone Circle meeting at the Canon O’Donovan Centre Friday March 21. Presenter Con Kelleher. Starts at the Canon O’Donovan Centre at 8.15  All welcome.

Eucharistic Adoration every Tuesday from 10.30am to 7.30pm

 Legion of Mary Meeting every Tuesday night from 7.30 at the Parish Centre.

Here are the results of this week’s lotto draw which was held on Monday night.  Numbers drawn were 19,20,27,31 and the Jackpot was not won. €100 went to Connie Healy, Murphys Tce, the seller was his wife Paula and she got €50 sellers prize. €50 went to Mick & Mairead Walsh c/o Corkery’s. €20 each to Anne Ducey, c/o Sheila Lane, Denise Smith c/o Michelle Whelan. Catriona Twohig, c/o Guerins, Colin, Simon & Eve Murphy, c/o Corkery’s, Denis Murphy, c/o Rita O’Reilly, Aoifa Moynihan c/o Guerins, Jerry O’Connor, c/o Mike Healy,  Neily McSweeney, c/o The Bridge Bar. Next Draw March 23. Jackpot €9,400.

Sinn a bfuil a cairde.Slan is beannacht de libh go leir.

1. Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

Everybody has one and I suppose it’s my turn to have one too, even if I didn’t want it. When the common cold is doing the rounds it’s not easy to hide from it. So I’m sitting beside a very large box of tissues and mopping away ’till I run out of bodily fluids and then perhaps I’ll get a little respite. Flu jabs do nothing for the common cold, it’s a lad all of it’s own and the plan is to give it time and  soon all will be well again.  le cúnamh Dé.  Five years ago we had worse trouble when we were told that the illness that we felt was Covid 19. A new name in the medical world and we would do well to cast our minds back to the devastation that it led to and it will make the common cold seem like a dawdle.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 11th March”

Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

The kiss of the sun for pardon, the songs of the birds for mirth, one is nearer to God in the garden than any place else on Earth. (Forgive me if I borrow a few words from William Wordsworth) And I shall have some peace there for peace comes dropping slow.

The weather forecast this week is enough to put anybody in a poetic mood. Warm and sunny all the way. The beautiful sunshine on Monday is a good start and we’ll take it from there, one day at a time. Our March Fair got ideal weather on Sunday but sadly the crowds didn’t come. But the usual stalwarts never fail.  Honor with her real bargains in gold pieces, the man with the multi-coloured rugs and matts and the man from Kerry with his fine display of shrubs and trees. Horses being confined to the Fairfield were away from the naked eye and they would have been  my favourite .  Up to lately you’d see some chickens and pups for sale in boxes at the corner but not any more. If you were to have a mere six hens/fowl nowadays you should have to herd number.  In Nebraska hens/fowl are big business. Not for big numbers like here, but for show. The shows are for children. It’s hard to imagine the interest and the excitement it creates. It’s up to the youngster to look after their own birds and breeding the best is very competitive. There are catalogues of the best prize winners and they spend big money in owning a good one. I often wondered, if it could  happen here.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 4th March”

Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

Isn’t it divine when the sun comes out ,you want to run outside and grab it up before it goes away again. I wonder is it silly to think that the few stolen minutes in the sun does you good. How long does it take to make a difference? Minutes, half an hour, a full hour. I wish I knew. Well in any case I get out even for a moment. This morning I soaked up the morning rays at my little suntrap outside my back door and even if it didn’t do any good to my body it certainly did wonders for my mind. The birds were enjoying it too and their song was like balm to my sun-hungry me. My moments of bliss only lasted about half an hour when the elements changed their mood and it started to rain again. From my kitchen window I can see my camellias, I have them in two colours with a cheeky azalea fighting for notice in between and they are all ready to blossom. Other people’s camellias are flowering for ages mine just now, and others will follow according to their time.  But for now the moment is mine. And as the buds slowly emerge there is something new to look at every morning and admire for the day. All around the garden growth is in the air. The snowdrops have done their duty for now and the daffodils are well there. The bluebells and the wild garlic are ready to do their bit and it’s worth using the bit of sun to walk among them even for a few moments.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 25th February”

Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my Report.

Before the drizzly rain started today there was a lively wind blowing outside and while savouring my first meal of the day I let my eye wander over what was happening in the great big world beyond my kitchen window. At ground level there was little change, just the weather beaten lawn and judging by the skies it was in from more. However high up in the sky the crows were playing high jinks. In full wing they seemed enjoy riding on the wind. They allowed themselves to be carried by it and play a variety of games. At times to soar ’til they were nearly out of sight and then drop wing and fall from on high at great speed, only to catch themselves at the last minute and rise again. They flitted in and out amid the flock and it was easy to see that they were having a great time.   As a little reward for the free show I threw out a few scraps and it didn’t take them long to spot them and dive in for the morsels. After that they disappeared into wherever crows go after their morning rounds. Very soon the misty rain pulled a curtain over the scene and I was glad that I saw and enjoyed it at the beginning of my day, my week.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 18th February”

Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

A lovely Spring day T.G., February 11, the Feast Day of St. Gobnait, the patron saint of bees. Cold perhaps but it’s not stopping the little birds from singing their loudest songs from the highest trees. I think they like it when we come out. They seem to sing all the louder when we do and come out we should when there is no storm and rain. There is still a lot to see even after the ‘big  wind’.  To pick up the things that are lying around in it’s wake, gives us the chance to find the new life that is lurking below. Tender shoots have a strength all of their own and it never fails to amaze me to see how the soft tender beginnings of the daffodils can make their way up through crushed down leaves and last year’s nettles plus a few stones, to arrive strong and green and determined to play their part in the game of life which Mother Nature devises for them year after year, century after century, even if it’s too early for planting yet but it’s nice to be planning that is after we clean up the place after the severe weather. It’s great to see farmers out on the land. Their work is more important than our gardens and we wish them well. There are no sheep in my view and I’m sure baby lambs are arriving around this time.  They give the Spring and head start every year. To see them playing and prancing in the fields would raise anybody’s spirits. The very thought will make me drive out some day to where I can stop and admire and enjoy them.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 11th February”

Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

You can’t bate (beat) the Irish. For weeks we’ve been punished and lashed by all kinds of weather, culminating in the worst gales that ever hit the land, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake and people on the point of despair.  Then a little over a week later along comes the Feast Day of St. Brigid and suddenly the mood changes into an extravaganza of celebrations and parades in every corner of the Country. I feel like saying ‘Congratulations Bridget at last you have ‘arrived’. A National Bank Holyday all to yourself.  Never have I seen so much excitement.  It was as though every community, every single person wanted to shake off the shackles of Storm Eowyn  and be part of it all. It was as though we were only too glad to change the subject and face the future with new hope, now that our Mary of the Gaels got her place among the Elite of the Great where we can pay new homage to her and be confident of her help in the future.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 4th February”

Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

Well, well, well, well what can we say, how can we talk about the strongest storms that ever hit our country.  No doubt we were well warned, but nothing prepares you for the extreme. You fool yourself along thinking that it can’t be as bad as they’re saying. We’ve been warned in the past and we felt that the warnings were overdone and foolishly told ourselves that it’ll be the same this time, but it wasn’t. Judging by the devastation that was done in other places, we feel that we didn’t fare too badly, really. We had very little disruption in our power supply and we are hearing from people from all parts of the country where they have no hope of it’s return until well into next month. One thing which struck me was a new departure, Electric cars. People were grounded in a way that they’d have a chance to go anywhere. Another first was to see a wind turbine, bent over.  One example the effects of the power cut was of a man who was invited to a birthday party up the country and the first thing he asked for was a shower, lucky for him he had a petrol car. We have yet to hear the many other stories of how the big wind affected others.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 28th January”

Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

Despite the weather warnings of a foggy, rainy week with storm ahead, today Monday is everything that a lovely Spring Day could be. A day which allowed us to venture out of doors and take stock of how things are looking following the snows and ices of past weeks. It was a joy to see, so many things coming to life. Lovely green shoots on early shrubs like the Camelias, the flowering currents and fuchsias. I saw a brave little primrose making an appearance and the crocus not far behind. Here and there I found some things that needed my attention while the perky little robin looked on.

Our morning Mass today (Monday) was very special. In keeping with our Jubilee year and as part of the Diocesan Retreat the Choir attended, special prayers on peace and hope were said and the Priest also gave a short sermon in keeping with this important occasion. More details can be found on the Diocesan website.

The weekly Eucharistic Adoration begins today following the 10am Mass and ends at 7.30pm.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 21st January”

Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

And welcome to 2025 , a New Year full of plans and hopes and prayers to make it a good one.  Le conamh Dé. God knows the Christmas period put us to the test, with snow and ice and all the things  that falls victim to them. Blocked and impassable roads, abandoned cars and trees down from the weight of snow. Even our religion was affected like never before. When did we ever experience Masses being cancelled, moreover during the Festive Season. Funerals didn’t escape, with coffins of loved ones having to be transported by any means possible and our Parish Priest transported by jeep. But the elements didn’t stop the rather regal removal of Dan Joe O Connell, R.I.P. a horse lover all his life, it made waves to see four jet black steeds in high plumes lined up in our church yard to ferry his remains to his final resting place. Only goes to show that combined effort makes everything possible.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 14th January”

Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

Aaah we’ve reached another milestone. Christmas 2024. And looking back we have a lot to be thankful for.  We  were given the wherewith to cope with whatever  stumbling blocks we met along the way in the past year and  look forward to more of the same until Christmas comes around again. Christmas can be many things to many people.  A Season of giving and remembering and looking back and taking stock of how we’re doing. Each one of us doing it our way depending on our circumstances and our attitude. It’s great to see the shops full of people searching for the last few things before they close. People meeting people and wishing one another the compliments of the season. Children all agog about what Santa will bring and good people such as St.V de Paul volunteers making the last minute effort to make sure that those in need are cared for. Our Community Council have much to celebrate this Christmas. Their combined effort made it possible for two families to move into the two apartments at the old cinema at the West End. The members put their shoulders to the wheel to put the final touches at the last minute on Saturday just before the new residents moved in. All the requirements, furniture, bedding etc. were bought from the local stores   while others donated good quality bits and pieces. It gives us all a good gut feeling, especially in this Holy Festive Season to think that up to eight people are now enjoying our hospitality  and will add much to the everyday life of our community  from now on.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 24th December”

Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

Red sky in the at night is the shepherd’s delight. Red sky in the morning shepherd’s warning. Well if the sky this Monday morning was anything to go by then we are in for some  mighty bad weather ahead. I got a phone call soon after 8am to see if I was up to see the wonderful sight that was lighting up our skies to the East. My iPhone did little to capture the  splendour before me. Any regrets about bad days/nights to come didn’t enter my head. I just marvelled at the scene above me. All too soon the blood red clouds and skies faded into their usual winter coats, as I got on with the task of dressing myself for the day ahead. The day ahead is different for us all, and I suppose it’s up to each one of us to live it as best we can, depending on our own individual circumstances. Not everybody was born with a silver spoon in their mouth and it is wonderful that we have so many good-living people who do so much to make Christmas/life  better for those who are down in their luck. Our local branch St. V de Paul Society did very well in the annual Church Gate collection again this year ,and we can be happy in the thought that the little we gave will be wisely spent on the cause that we gave for. Others organised food collections and further to that I know that  there are people who  look after the needy in private.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 17th December”

Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

Time is flying, with the first ten days of December already gone. Let us not waste our days before the 25^th. Or we will end up in a mad rush and spoil the lovely Festive Season for ourselves and those around us . Think about it and if you do you’ll have to agree that getting ready for Christmas could go on for months ahead of the big day. All through the year we come across bargains and offers that would make great Christmas gifts but we tell ourselves that there is plenty of time and other chances will turn up and before we know it we’ve fallen into the same old trap of buying at the last minute. There is a great air of celebration around the place with two weeks more to go. The lovely Christmas Cribs which were made by our gallant Men’s Club have made a great difference this year. The one at the Chapel Gate was blessed by Canon John last week. He invited us all out after the ten o’clock mass one morning and a great crowd assembled.  Likewise he blessed the other one on the grounds of our hospital. Each time he complimented all those who were responsible for these two  new and welcome features in our Christmas scene.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 10th December”

Dia is Mhuire díobh go léir a cáirde and welcome to my report.

And welcome to December, the last month of the year. The month when we look back in disbelief and ask ourselves, ’where did it go’  Not an easy question to answer but it’s up to ourselves how we spend our time and when we look back and pick out the things that we did in those past months maybe we could tell ourselves that we didn’t waste them after all. Our way into Mass on Sunday was made all the more spectacular with the placing of the beautiful wooden crib at the gate thanks to the  efforts of our Men’s Club. Everybody stopped to admire their presentation, complete with the all the figures of the age old Christmas scene. It is a wonderful addition to our way into Mass for the Holy Season of Christmas.

[read more …] “Eily’s Report – 3rd December”