Legion
Newsletter – Autumn ’07
The leaves are turning amber –
And russet red – and brown
But don’t worry – all is blooming
In Kanturk – your native town
You may think we’re on sabbatical,
But – please! – allay your fears
The truth is – we’ve been busy
And quite – up to OUR EARS
In fact – there’s no redundancy
For volunteers in this region
And - that’s the case perpetually
If you’re in OUR LADY’S LEGION!!
- but, sure we all love it anyway – and finally,
we get around to saying “HELLO, WE’RE BACK” – so, get ready to join
us on our usual –
Trip Around Town:
We start on our own doorstep next door, in Frank Crowley’s (before
that McNamara’s) – no need to complain of aching feet – the remedy
is here at the recently opened “Footcare Clinic” run by one of our
Lithuanian friends Irma, on Monday mornings and all day Wednesday –
she has rooms in Charleville on the other days and works in various
nursing homes – and then further down, you may continue the “Head to
toe” makeover – or having dealt with the “toe” go “ahead” – as we
have a new ultra-modern hair salon in the former residence of Mrs
Eileen O’Shea (née Eileen “Pierce” O’Connor of Watergate Street) –
proprietress, Louise Desmond, a Cork city lady – now resident in
nearby Castlemagner – while second next door, Fiona Bailey (of
Banteer) is doing a major refurbishment and extension on her saloon
(former residence of the late Mrs Lafferty) and now, that we have
all got ourselves basically “remodelled” how about a little extra
embellishment – as we have a wide section of hand-made jewellery
made to order by Arie Spier,
a Dutch goldsmith who has moved his business from
Main Street to Strand Street in the £ shop recently vacated by Paddy
Healy of Mallow, who has retired from business after 16 years in
Strand Street. We wish Paddy well; he was a very kind neighbour to
all. The new Jewellers’ Shop has been completely refurbished and is
next door to Duhallow Interiors who recently had a very colourful –
in - store and on-street celebration of their 10th
anniversary in business, both these businesses are in the downstairs
area of premises formerly owned by Mrs Sheila O’Leary (née Scarry)
and before that Joe Howard’s family grocery business. – and
“straight from the horses mouth” we have news from the house at the
other side of the lane which leads to Watergate Street as the Turf
Accountants – UBET has changed hands and now belongs to a new group
called “Celtic Bookmakers”. At the lower end of Strand Street, Dr.
Cormac Lyons has been joined in his practice by Dr. Brian O’Connell,
son of the late Pat – Manager A.I.B. and Peggy, proprietress of the
Stand Street, Shoe Boutique. And do you know why you should never
argue with your doctor? Why, of course, because he has ‘INSIDE’
information!! And now to Percival Street a complete transformation
of the Buckley family Forge of yesteryear – The late Kathy lived
here to a ripe old age, long after her blacksmith brothers had
died. Here we have a Tudor style two-storey residence – very
colourful – and part of the development carried out on Deady’s &
Kathy Buckley’s by property developer and building contractor Tim
Cremin, Coolclough. There is quite a re-generation and new life in
Percival Street, Catherine (Ferns) Murphy of Dromtariffe, proprietor
of The Pepper Mill restaurant in Cotter’s of Main Street which is to
undergo a complete re-construction and refurbishment. Catherine has
re-located her very popular restaurant in the rebuilt refurbished
“Buckley’s Forge” (Kathy’s) until such time as her Main Street
restaurant is ready for her return. Here she continues to serve her
all home-made delicacies in a very spacious bright dining room. Bon
appetite to all! And finally in Pericival Street, next door to
Bob’s Bar (PD O’Connors) we have a new Holistic Therapy Centre (part
of the former residence of the Thornton family). This is “Sólás”
(directly translated this is “comfort and joy” – and a relaxing
thought after your long trek around town – proprietor here is
Winifred Downey from Mallow, who tells me her O’Keeffe/Mulcahy
ancestors hail from the Kilbrin/Kanturk area. Here one can get
relief from a real “pain in the neck” – (from which incidentally I’m
suffering intensely at present – and which has delayed me in
catching up on the news – for quite a while!!). Winifred tells me
this treatment is the concept behind all natural therapies and can
be traced as far back as 2330 B.C. no wonder Methuselah lived to be
965 years! Lucky for the governors of the day that there was no
O.A.P. to be paid out then! Also, Alan Buckley, son of Puadie and
Marie (née Grimes) – grandson Nellie & Michael Grimes and of the
late Conchúr Ó Buachalla, late of Boherbue, former staff Coláiste
Treasa (Tech) – has set up practice in Strand Street, next door to
John Linehan, Auctioneer, in a section of the former residence of
the late Mrs Maureen Murphy – Alan provides Therapeutic massage and
sports and remedial massage – and with an entrance from Upper
Bluepool – via the car park, we have a new terrace of 8 bungalow
style houses – “Market Place” (used to be mart premises) built by
Cork County Council and occupied by very happy senior citizens.
And today I caught up with the most recent innovation in Church
Street, here the A.O.H. Hall has been transformed into a really
glossy magazine style show-room for Kanturk Window & Door Store –
also supplying fireplaces and timber floors – proprietor Denis
O’Sullivan & Son Ltd., Denis now lives in Derry, Banteer in one of
the houses built by his own company. They are a construction
company, also “Platform Lift Ireland” (no – they don’t do “FACE
“LIFTS) although their doors and windows could “beautify” any
residence. Denis is a native of Lisgriffin. The owner of the A.O.H.
Hall, Oliver Barrett, O’Brien Street (son of Joan & Billy) has set
up business as an Auctioneer and Property Consultant. There are so
many new developments in town to catch up with that I think I should
have rented a Halloween broomstick on which to go around!
Marriages: We
wish many happy years of marriage to Patricia Healy, Upper Bluepool,
daughter of Kathleen and John and Michael Lofts, Edel Quinn Place,
son of Michael and Nora. John O’Riordan, Edel Quinn Place, son of
Julia and the late Michael (formerly of Freemount Road) and Clare
O’Sullivan, Lismire. Julie Murphy, Paal, daughter of Eileen (née
Scannell, St. Patrick’s Place) and Jerry, and Peter Garvey, Galway.
Barbara Dunleavy, daughter of John and the late Barbara (née
Ambrose) formerly of Upper Bluepool – and Anthony Kelleher,
Millstreet. Orlagh Hartnett, daughter of Ronnie and Helen,
Hartnett’s Bar, Main Street and Kieran Crowley, Kilbrin. Tadgh
Brown, Greenane, son of Mary and the late T.J. and Roanna O’Brien,
Kells, Co. Meath. Sharon Harding, daughter of Mick and Rena (née
Kiely, Strand Street) and Paul Daly of Carrignavar.
Screen Test:
Congratulations on their 30th anniversary in the business
to the O’Riordan family – Mallow Road. “Cosey Miniplex”, opened for
business on October 2nd 1977 and since then has offered
popular entertainment for all age-groups, who come from a wide area
– and “Cosey” lives up to its traditional inherited name offering
warmth, comfort and a convenient “mini” shop to clients. Special
showings for charity have also been run from time to time. Well
done to Mary & Michael for maintaining “alternative” entertainment
in the area. And talking of “screens” and “stars” – geography
teacher on trying to simplify a lesson on astronomy for kids –
asked, if anyone could name a STAR with a TAIL? – to which one
bright chancer enthusiastically replied “Mickey Mouse Sir”. No
juvenile “Oscar” awarded to this smart youngster!!!
And Our Big Centenary:
We had a wonderful community celebration – Thank God – to celebrate
the centenary of our Venerable Edel Quinn – born in Kanturk on
September 14th, 1907 – on the feast of the Triumph of the
Cross. The opening event was on the evening of the September 14th
– when Jerry O’Leary, Mill Road, unveiled a commeration plaque in
the O’Brien Street Park. Fr. McCarthy, our Legion Spiritual
Director blessed the plaque and led the short prayer service and
hymns on Sunday September 16th. Bishop John Magee
presided at the celebration in the Edel Quinn Hall – led the rosary
and intoned Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament – the singing was
led by members of the Duhallow Choral Group – accompanist – Lily
(Jordan) Buckley – Fr. McCarthy gave an illustrated talk on the life
of Venerable Edel and some members of the audience gave witness to
favours received through the intersession of Venerable Edel. We got
wonderful local help and the “Centenary tea” was served to almost
350 very happy people. We had visiting Legionaries from many parts
of Munster and also from Dublin – Archbishop Indingi of Nairobi,
Kenya, where Edel died and is buried, came to Knock Shrine on
September 30th on the big occasion.
Go For Gold!
Congratulations to Frank and Ann Healy, Greenfield on celebrating
their golden wedding this month. They certainly prove the saying
that “a wedding is for a day – a marriage for life” – and close on
their heels come “the sparkling rubies” - Alice (Hayes) & Eddie
Clernon, who celebrated their 40th – ruby anniversary
recently. The Healys and Clernons both reside in Greenfield now.
Alice isn’t the only one living in “Wonderland” as; between them
both couples can boast of 90 years of marriage.
The Evergreen Boys & Girls!!!
Birthday congratulations to Kathleen Linehan, Upper Bluepool, 94
years young – and to another “youngster” Billy Barrett, O’Brien
Street recently “graduated” as an octogenarian. Billy tells me that
among the guests at his birthday were 12 members of his beloved
G.A.A. teams whom he coached between 1965 and 1969 who won 5
Duhallow Titles in those years – and became known as the 5 in 1.
Our Wonderful Olympians:
Well done – to 3 Kanturk participants in the Special Olympics in
China recently – 2 in the Equestrian events and 1 in soccer. Kieran
Buckley of Coolacussane – equestrian, brought back gold and 2 silver
medals – Pamela Collins, Greenfield competed honourably in the
equestrian events & Don O’Reilly, O’Brien Street, competing in
soccer was awarded a special ribbon as his team came fourth.
On the Ball!
Well, you know why the team manager gave all his players cigarette
lighters! It was because they were losing matches! not so, with
Rugby players. Kieran Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald Insurances, Percival
Street, their trainer tells me his men are doing very well, getting
to the semi-final of the Junior Challenge Cup – and in the Junior
League won 2 out of 3 games and recently they have got mini-rugby
going & up to 20 youngsters train on Sunday mornings at the
Knocknacolon grounds – Recently Fr. Pat Linehan C.C. celebrated mass
at the Club House for all members living and dead. Francis
Kenneally – Central Stores & Kanturk Sports Shop in the Square –
reports that after a 20 week wait (players involved with county
team) Kanturk played Ballygarvan in the Intermediate Hurling
Championship Final – they beat Ballygarvan and went on to play
Bandon in the County Semi-Final. This revived memories of 1949 for
the Club – they lost by 2 points despite the fact that Aidan Walsh &
Lorcán McLoughlin scored 14 points our of Kanturk’s 16 points. In
early October Kanturk played in the Duhallow Minor Football Final
defeating Lyre – under lights in Millstreet – their first win since
the millennium. Is it any wonder that oil-prices are soaring with
all these teams “burning the midnight oil” and “glowing” with their
victory? Fr. Pat also celebrated mass in the G.A.A. Club House for
all deceased members. They’re now planning their A.G.M. for the end
of the month – and do you know why A CAR can’t play football! – of
course it is because it has only ONE BOOT! -
Soccer News:
Kanturk Soccer Club is to be complemented on celebrating the
acquisition of heir own grounds in Gurteenard and the development of
those grounds. The new season sees them playing Premier Soccer.
Deaths: Please
pray for the repose of the souls of the following friends. Donal
O’Leary – late of Clountycomade. Mary Howard, Lismire. John Joe
Brosnan, Greenane. Thomas Sheahan, England – late of Kilroe. Pat
Ryan, Percival Street, husband of Marian (née Lynam). May they rest
in peace.
“Keep Right On To The End Of The Road”
Yes, any road in Munster – with North Cork Transport – based at
Mountain View, Killeenleigh and celebrating a year in business
recently. Noel Winkle, the owner of this successful haulier
business has as his motto “If you call – we have”.
Lets Dance:
Revival of Sunday night dancing is going strong in the Edel Quinn
Hall with the Big Bands and great music on stage. With the return
of winter time dance are tailored to suit Cinderella – ending at
midnight.
Rosary Revival:
The Legion has revived the praying of the rosary at Greenane Grotto
– once a month on special feasts of Our Lady – and now we leave you
with a word from Fr. Eamonn our Spiritual Director.
At last, the end of
our Church refurbishment work is in sight! It has taken our
approaching deadline of 8th December, the Feast of Our
Lady of the Immaculate Conception, after whom our parish Church is
named, to drive on the final stages of the project. The new
sanctuary furnishings - Altar, Ambo and Chair – all sculpted in
Portuguese Limestone are scheduled for delivery on 27th
November next, while the work to the Church Avenue is rapidly
advancing. There will be a magnificent paved area outside the main
entrance to the Church to provide a suitable gathering space for
those attending Weddings and Funerals and a further 20 or more car
parking spaces along the length of the Avenue will also facilitate
the already over-burdened Council Car Park. The existing trees along
the Avenue are being maintained and new plantings and landscaping
will make sure that the welcome greenery of the verges will not be
lost. Bishop Magee and all past clergy of the parish, together
with clergy and religious who hail from Kanturk have been invited to
attend our rededication ceremony at the 12noon Mass on the upcoming
Feast Day. Likewise, Architects, Heritage Personnel, Consultants,
Contractors, Sub-contractors and Tradesmen alike will be represented
and take part to mark the successful co-operation of all concerned
to produce such a marvellously renovated place of Divine Worship
that is our Parish Church. No small thanks of course is necessary
to the people of the parish and beyond for the ongoing generosity in
meeting the debt incurred in the work which is likely to surpass €2m
on completion, but towards which a sum of over €275,000 has so far
been contributed. It may take some years yet to pay off this debt,
but the safeguarding of the structural integrity of our fine Church
is now assured into the next generation. The work has been both a
step in faith and an expression of faith in the good will of the
people of our parish. Well done to all concerned. When you next come
home do be sure to pay a visit!
Every blessing of the Lord to all our Diaspora
friends from Canon John Terry PP, Fr Pat Linehan CC and Fr Eamonn
McCarthy CC
Please notify any change of address. Thank you
for subscriptions received during the summer. God Bless you all.
God Bless You all
Sarah (Sheehan)
O'Connor
Noreen Barry
__________________
From The Legion of Mary
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