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On OUR TRIP" -
This is our regular quarterly Trip Around Town! Our first stop is Percival Street, we arrive here "by a close shave", you see, "The Syrian Welcome Barber" has opened for business in Patsy Flavin's Shop - a "go AHEAD" Syrian gentleman, you might say. We continue up the Hospital Hill to discover in the hospital the many improvements being made for the comfort of patients - a major upgrading of toilet facilities, several new showers and toilets - a new modern bath - in all these areas floors and walls beautifully tiled - and new individual bell presses over the patients' beds. It's no wonder that we hear regularly the comment that Kanturk Community Hospital is the best in Ireland - with such a caring and cheerful staff - and cheerful, colourful décor. Now, we go to the opposite hill - Donovan's Hill, we told you previously in detail about the new housing development "Greenane Crescent" on Donovan's Hill - now a further 8 semi-detached 3 bedroom dormers, "Ard na Gréine" are almost completed adjacent to Greenane Crescent - more new houses in Upper Bluepool on sites of old ones - and much development land has been bought on all sides of town - as details emerge we'll keep you up to date. In Church Street, plans for the refurbishment of the Church are at the consultant stage - the condition of the wiring is critical, pipe work & fuel efficiency, health and safety are all causes for concern, while refurbishment of the Main entrance and lobby has commenced in Lismire Church. In Strand Street, William O'Brien son of the late Tom (Mill Rd.,) and Bridget (nee Conway) has extended his business at the rear of his premises (formerly Manley's Drapery - in a "previous life" The Strand Hall) - facing the car park, which is at the back of Twohig's, Supervalu, he has opened Kanturk Quick Fit Computerised 4 wheel tracking and electronic balancing. Incidentally, to extend itself, Supervalu has taken a giant leap and Michael Twohig has taken over Supervalu in Abbeyfeale - reminding us of the Limerick joker who remarked, "Patrick's Well - How does "Abbey feale?" (we could add the Laoighis reply "Why don't you ask" Rosenallis"! Our Church: - interesting news from the past - We are all indebted to Mrs. Sheila Harrington, St. Theresa's Place - daughter of the late Nicholas O'Connell, for very interesting information - hand written by her father about 1957. Nicholas began to learn his trade in March 1898 in Lismore, Co. Waterford. Shortly after, he went to work for his uncle, working on the construction of many churches, convents, schools, banks and public buildings in Munster, and came from his "adopted town, Fermoy", to Kanturk in August 1911 to work as a Master Mason on the renovation of Kanturk Church carried out in 1911 - 1912. Among the major works carried out, Nicholas mentioned "so as to provide for the new Sanctuary, Stained Glass Window, the greater part of that gable had to be taken down and rebuilt, after the building of the all-cut-stone window had been taken down --- old floor taken up and almost 12 inches of lime-stone soleing & concrete and 3 inches of breeze on which the new timber floor was laid down in boiled tar and pitch --- a new heating chamber excavated and built under the Vestry, -AVERY, - BIG JOB, as brick walls, new windows (had to be made) - and repairs also to Belfry --- old organ Gallery & Porch replaced by pitch - pine structure - pillars polished, all old chisel-work rubbed off under the direction of two Belfast Polishers --- two new Holy Water fonts built on either side of the front entrance, so, solid stone had to be cut out to fit in the fonts" In all, Nicholas listed 22 major works carried out, some of which had not been done originally when the Church was built -- foundation stone 1860 - dedication 1867 - costs of 1911-12 job, approximately £3,000 - all local labour employed where possible. Nicholas spent the rest of his life in Kanturk - died in 1965 and is buried in St. Patrick's Cemetery. He was a top class skilled tradesman, about whose work the late Bishop Roche, of Cloyne once said that he had never seen better! Nicholas was an Irishman in the best sense, loved our culture and language which he learned at Sunday classes in Mount Melleroy Abbey when he worked there and at other classes taught by Dr. Douglas Hyde, first President of Ireland. I find further reports of the next major work carried out on the Church in our "newsletter Selection" publication of Dec. 1961 when the late Canon O'Leary commissioned a report from Mr. Boyd Barrett Architect from Cork - on repairs necessary - June 1962 Newsletter reported "Messrs Pyne Bros., Contractors, Fermoy have begun work on the renovation of the Church. Newsletter Dec. 1962 announces the "Birth" of TOMBOLA (forerunner of Bingo) as one of the Church renovations fundraisers organised by the late Fr. Peader O'Keane. May 1963 Newsletter reported "visible progress in Church renovations" - and now WELCOME TO THE 2004 JOBS TO BE DONE - Fr. Lawton has just announced a "MONSTER" DRAW - tickets €5 per book of 6. Should you wish to support this you may ask family members or friends to get you tickets. Now, recently a friend of mine mentioned to me that she had "a ticket for Brendan Grace" (of course she meant for his show at the Edel Quinn Hall). I remarked "What will you do with him if you win him?" (She was not amused). Well, cheer up, you won't win the MONSTER - first prize is a magnificent painting of the Old Court (donated), "2nd A Hand carved Standard Lamp, 3rd Pen & Ink Drawing (surprise from the artist) 4th €100 Shopping Voucher, 5th €80 Voucher for Kanturk Gym Club. And talking of "The Church" (not just the building!!) - I saw a very good evangelizing sticker on a car recently it read - "CARPENTER FROM NAZARETH SEEKS JOINERS". Kanturk Gym Club: Coláiste Treasa (Tech) Gym is up and running well and still admitting new members. Should you win the 5th prize in the Church refurbishment draw - one of your local friends may well appreciate your gift of membership. Happy & Glorious - also Victorious! This has rather a monarchical echo about it - but it is true. Kanturk G.A.A. clubs held their victory - social in the Duhallow Park Hotel in January. They celebrated Duhallow Junior & u21 Hurling Championship victories in 2003. The social function incorporated the reunion of the "Kings of the pitch from the past" - that is the 1973 Examiner Cup & Novice Football teams. Confirmation: Bishop Magee confirmed 54 children from the parish primary schools in February. School Around The Corner: Boys' National attended a practical demonstration on making St. Brigit's Crosses for Feb. 1st in the Kanturk Library. Fr. Lawton blessed these crosses, which the lads proudly took home to their parents. The Parents Council also ran a "Fun Quiz" as a fund-raiser and a School Book Fair on three afternoons, this month in the school premises. Red Cross: The Kanturk Branch is currently running an occupational First Aid course in premises at the back of the hospital. Ben McAuliffe also reports they have got themselves a new ambulance. Halls of Fame - HERE and THERE: Duhallow People of the Year Awards - congratulations to Hall of Fame Award winner Frank Healy, Community Worker par excellence. Incidentally The Corkman mistakenly made him 10 years older than he is). I'm sure you know that the longest 10 years in a woman's' life is between 29 and 30! D.C. O'Connell from Boston, son of Hannah Mary & Derry, St. Theresa's Place was declared "Duhallow Person of the Year" in recognition of all his achievements in the catering trade in the U.S. and for all the valuable help he has given over the years to young Irish students for whom he ran summer courses in Boston to help them get work & experience in the catering trade. Kevin O'Connor (we told you about him in a previous letter) got a further local award for his being a Special Olympics medal winner, - Brian Clernon for captaining the Blue Demons National Basketball winners - Paul Nagle for coaching the Soccer Club's Youth Team - Kanturk G.A.A. Club for their Junior & u21 Duhallow winning teams - Coláiste Treasa Hill Running team, All Ireland Title & Colm Sheehan, Butcher, The Square - All Ireland Gold winner for his sausages. Another Bostonian, Vincent Crotty, who has made recent headlines with an exhibition of his paintings at SALEM (where the witches were burned!). The exhibition was sponsored by famous maritime artist John Stobart - now living in Florida .Two years ago Vincent won the coveted John Stobart Award for his paintings en plein -air. Credit Union Cycling Club: Danny Curtin reports at start of season - the club has competed in 4 races - The big ones, Meath Grand Prix and The Kilbeggan Tour - and club member Maurice O'Keeffe from Liscarroll "stole the show" bringing home to Kanturk Club, 2 firsts & 2 seconds. By the way - do you know what the thief who stole calendars got? - why - 12 months of course! - and then there was the dog who was went to the FLEA circus - He too "STOLE THE SHOW"! Marriages: We wish many happy years of marriage to Pat O'Neill, Hairdresser, Killarney, son of the late Kathleen & Seán, Newmarket Road, and Geraldine McCarthy, Killarney. Helen Curtin, Coolageela, Staff A.I.B., Kanturk - daughter of Joan & Danny, Greengrocer - The Square and Gerard Sheahan, Rossacon (grandson of Kitty (Corbett) O'Driscoll, Rossacon. Reminding us of the story of the young bride whose culinary prowess left much to be desired, she said to her new husband - "It will be chicken surprise for Sunday lunch this week dear" Her husband answered "I'd love to know what is the surprise" - "Oh" she said, "the surprise is that YOU'RE COOKING"! Next Stage: - The Screen: Emily Nagle - grand-daughter of the late Nell Corbett, Pulleen (-grand-niece of Kitty (Corbett) O'Driscoll, Rossacon) is a successful actress and also runs her own restaurant. Recently she played the part of Ophelia in Shakespeare's' Hamlet production, with Second Age Theatre who decided to set the action in the 1950's. Her favourite part is that of Deirdre in a modern version of Diarmiud & Gráinne and at present she plays a part in an R.T.E. comedy series "The Big Bow Wow" - (can't recommend this - haven't seen it yet!) and another T.V. actress with Kanturk roots is daughter of Joan Dwane (Kildare, (née Kenneally, Curragh) who featured as a chef in a number of episodes of the R.T.E. "Soap", "Fair City" - incidentally Fair City is nominated for the "Rose d'Or" in Lucerne in a few months time. Parish Devotions: as a preparation for the celebration of Easter - The Legion - on behalf of the parish has organised weekly Sunday Rosaries and weekly Friday night Stations of the Cross in the parish church. Senior Citizens Plan: Kanturk and Lismire Senior Citizens - coming events - April holiday in Ballybunion, and October pilgrimage to the Shrines of France. Parish Variety Show: Tops of the parish variety shows are just about to start with participation from the entire parish - divided into groups according to station areas. We'll keep you posted (that is if the postal dispute ends!!!) about the winning swingers and singers - dancers - prancers. Under Surveillance: Yes, the church car park is under the watchful eye of the Cork County Council CCTV cameras - culprit "Dumpers"- can't be "Jumpers" - as they can't jump out of view and escape. This should help keep the car park tidy. We have in the car park recycling facilities for paper plastic, glass and cans, - for such amount of litter was being dumped on site that CCTV had to be installed. Two Big Feasts: We take you back briefly to our Christmas Spectacular 2003 - The True Story of Christmas - A Street Theatre Production on Sun. Dec. 14th, presented by Duhallow Choral Society, in full eastern dress. The story began in the Church and travelled to the O'Brien St., Park where "Bethlehem" was brought alive in a suitably erected stable created by Bill Cashin, Jackie Nagle & Jerry Hickey. All our live animals were beautifully behaved - the streets were absolutely thronged - hundreds of children attended and enthusiastally welcomed the Baby Jesus - Four year old, when asked what gifts the 3 Kings brought to Baby Jesus, - promptly replied "GOLD - FRANKENSTEIN and MIRTH"! - and now, to March 17th We had our St. Patrick Banner (an "antique from Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann 1961 - 15th centenary of his death) in the Sanctuary - suitably surrounded by Greenery & Shamrocks - and at 1pm the parade with industrial, cultural and comical contributions, and in true entrepreneurial spirit beautifully "vested" in emerald green our new Indian friend, who is awaiting completion of the new building on the site of Dicko's Forge - to open his Indian Restaurant - took part. He helped collect for the Duhallow Chernobyl Project - with Ann Murphy, (Bakery), en route - and Jackie Carroll (Community Council) MC on the reviewing stand in Strand St., drew the attention of all to the introduction of his Indian cuisine in the near future. So, if you need "A CURRY IN A HURRY", it will be available soon at The Old Forge in Watergate St. and, while we are "ON FOOD", although it could put you "OFF YOUR FOOD" here is a funny little verse I came across recently "I eat peas with honey- I've done it all my life, They taste kind of funny - but, IT KEEPS THEM ON THE KNIFE"! Deaths: Please pray for the repose of the souls of the following friends Nora O'Leary, Newmarket (née Sweeney), staff of Lucey's Drapery, many years ago. Philomena Kiely, (Co. Mayo) née Smith - Kanturk Motor Works. Michael Manley, Bandon - (brother of Jim, Strand Street). Anastasia Wright, England (daughter of the late Rita Looney, Strand Street). Pat Joe Brosnan, Curragh, (formerly of Lower Bluepool). Kitty Jones Bluepool, (widow of the late Kenneth, Strand St). Sr Frances O Connor, U. S. A. (Josephine (P. D) O'Connor Percival St). Eileen O Mahony, England, widow of the late Kevin, Strand St. Maureen Murphy, Strand St, widow of the late Dan, Mill View. Margaret McCarthy, England née O Brien- daughter of the late Agnes O'Driscoll-O'Brien Bluepool. Anthony O Keeffe, Clonakilty, late of Gurteenard, son of the late Josephine & Connie (Creamery Manager). John Butler, Dunlaoghaire, husband of the late Angela -née Barrett, O Brien St. Fr. William Halliden, Columban Missions, Navan, late of Lyre Banteer - brother of Sr. Immaculata, Mercy Convent, Kanturk. Pat O Keeffe, Clongeel, husband of Noreen née Healy, Rosacon. Tessie McMahon, Strand St (née Hannon - Newmarket Road, widow of Frankie. Catherine O'Toole, Newmarket Road, widow of the late Noel. Madge Saar, England née O'Keeffe, Strand St. -sister of the late Pat - Canada- founder of Kilroe Graveyard Preservation Society. Conor Kelly, Dublin, son of Brian, The Square. - (Omitted from a previous letter, Maureen (PD) O'Connor, Dromalour. May they rest in Peace. Carry on Matron! Congratulation to Mary Healy (wife of Pat, Coolageela, née Moore, Strand Street, daughter of Phil (Murphy) & the late Paddy Joe, who has been appointed Matron of Heatherside Hospital (between Doneraile & Buttevant). Recently "The Holy Show" - Cloyne All-Priest caste (no "Clerical" errors here!) - all very professional vocally musically and comically) - augmented by the "Circles Band" - was presented in the Edel Quinn Hall as a fundraiser for Heatherside, while staff & friends of Kanturk Community Hospital presented their own top class variety show "High Blood Pressure" on two nights in Coláiste Treasa as a hospital fundraiser. Triple Crown: Congratulations to Mrs. Chrissie Finn, (Greenane) and Lowell, Mass., on becoming great - grandmother to triplets - 2 girls, 1 boy - grandchildren of Owen & Denise Finn, daughters and son of Matthew & Stephanie in Lowell, Mass. to be re-christened "FINNLAND". "Line" to Norway: Michael Twohig Junior, son of Noreen & Michael, Supervalu, has qualified, by coming 3rd in Munster and 2nd in All Ireland Championship to represent Ireland in Norway in August in World Fly Fishing Championship. Ven. Edel Quinn: On May 12 we celebrate the 60 anniversary of Ven. Edel Quinn's death one major miracle is still needed for her beatification. We are enclosing the prayer leaflet for her cause - you may have lots more by request. Thanks to those who sent subscriptions, cards and letters of appreciation, we said we would let you all know when we are approaching BEING BROKE as we have said constantly we didn’t need money. Now at last we could do with a little help - postage rates have gone up - our reserves have gone down- we don’t need a lot - a little will help. Please ignore this if you have already contributed, - we resemble the message that the bankrupt baker put on his window - "WE KNEAD MORE DOUGH" Newsletter still being returned if you change address and want newsletter please let us know. GOD BLESS you all. Sarah (Sheehan) O'Connor Noreen Barry _____________________ For The Legion of Mary Please forward all comments to Sarah Sarah has no email at the moment but all emails will be printed and given to her personally by me the webmaster
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