We greet you all our friends
For two seasons all in one
We have reason for our absence
We WERE NOT just having fun
So, it’s good to be right back again
Reunited by this letter
And thank God things are improving
And the news is getting better 

Even since early January we have had some sick Legionaries – and then I (Sarah was not around as John was in hospital most of the time – both waiting for and then undergoing heart surgery for a triple bypass – and, on returning home in May required constant care, some of you got this news from your families – thank you for your masses, prayers and good wishes.  He is getting stronger daily thank God – and, so, we all need the exercise and fresh air – so, let’s get going on our usual 

Trip Around Town   Here in Strand Street, right next door to us, in Frank Crowley’s (McNamara’s) we have a hairdressing salon, once again (remember the late Peggy McNamara’s Salon) proprietress is Aileen ,,,, from Dromtarriffe, who has moved down from Percival Street (Thornton’s) I remember once saying to Peggy McNamara that the “hairdressers jargon” she was using was most incriminating on hearing her say to the assistant “Mrs X is “HALF CUT”           - WILL YOU “FINISH HER OFF” and I’ll “PUT HER UNDER”!!! Frightening “HAIR RAISING” statement but I assure you quite harmless!!! On the opposite side of the street – beside Twohigs Supervalu is the notice of the opening in July of Mario’s Takeaway – pizzas, chips, fish, chicken, burgers etc (I suppose “multi” flavoured ETC!!!!) All freshly cooked daily.  Down the street just below the entrance to Upper Bluepool we have “ a new bus shelter” accommodating passengers who are waiting for the D.A.R.T.- Duhallow Rapid Transport service which brings them from outlying areas in Duhallow to shops or to get medical or dental attention – or just to have a social outing with friends.  Kanturk Tyre Centre has moved just above across the road in Bluepool to its new location within the complex of Michael Foley's (Agnes Walker’s husband) – Duhallow Aluminium and P.V.C. and we can expect big changes in what we knew generally as North Cork – Co. Op. or the creamery.  Their planning application to Cork County Council applies for planning permission at Strand Street and Lower Bluepool for the demolition of existing properties and the construction of a two storey extension to the production building for ancillary services – 0.63 hectares of the site is to be changed from industrial to residential there will be – the best way I can figure out that complicated notice is “umpteen” apartments and retail outlets.  I don’t even understand the kids cartoon character “Bob the Builder” – let alone these planning notices – but the main thing is – it is BIG - and if you decide to come home and settle in Kanturk you will find a big variety of apartments and houses you probably know our “standing invitation” to visitors to our streets here- we live by the river “DROP IN IF YOUR PASSING” (no, you don’t have to wet your feet!!!)  Yes, more new houses as we continue up the Hospital Hill – 22 four bed roomed houses opposite the hospital – complex called “Aisling Gheal” – you’ll probably remember the site of Breen’s field (more recently Scoil Mhuire Playing Field) and in Percival Street, Ethel O’Sulllivan's residence more recently Ahern’s (Kilbrin) (Fireplaces) Gerard Murphy T.D. a native of Newmarket has his Area Office – and we have told you previously of the development of Dicko’s Forge in Watergate Street which houses “The Forge House” upstairs apartments reached by outdoor stairs – while another retail outlet is to open shortly in the “garden” of Dicko’s – McCarthy’s Electrical are moving there from Strand Street.  Over in Earl Street, townhouses built by Liam O’Callaghan (son of Paddy) – (garage) and Betty are nearly all occupied.  Retail units you have “Castle Buds” florists Sheelagh Hallihan whose husband is from Liscarrol – so now “bud you can add “Bloom” to your good lady’s appearance by getting her a lovely bouquet in Earl street while next door she can have a new hair-do at Clair’s salon (Clair is daughter of Eddie Clernon and Alice (Hayes/Clernon) of Greenfield – and then she can visit “Venus Beauty and Tanning” Salon – and having treated her to all that luxury you may be forced to put your house up for sale – but here’s help – you have yet another new auctioneering firm next door again “Murphy & Browne” (Mary Browne is from Mallow).  In O’Brien Street, Stephen Bowles of “The Vintage”(Lizzie Kearney’s long ago) has bought the premises next door – one time Goggin's and has applied for planning to extend his Bar & Restaurant business.  I think after all this trip around now – we’ll stop here to catch our breath before returning finally to Church Street, where Oliver Barret, O’Brien Street has applied for planning permission for 3 fully serviced town houses at the rear of his family owned A.O.H. Hall  - and across the road (formerly Kelly’s Fish & Chip Shop) we may stop for a “TAKE AWAY” from the very courteous Turkish proprietor of The Pizzeria, which he has named “HAVIN” after his youngest child – his little daughter who is Irish born.  Take one last deep breath and head for Sally’s Cross (you could do with a refresher after that walk – but, Sally’s Shíbín – after which The Cross was called has long since gone!!!)  Here, planning is sought for 9 luxury two storey houses “Bowling Green” (Sally’s Cross being famous for bowling) 

Deaths  Please pray for the repose of the souls of the following friends – Kay McCarthy – Pulleen – wife of Denis – staff Tony O’Keeffe’s Office, Greenane.  Orllaith Murphy, Salthill, grand-niece of Sr. Evangelist – Kanturk. Mary Dineen, Newmarket, mother of Mrs Mary O’Riordan (Cosey Cinema Prop).  Joan Geary, St. Theresa’s Place (née Flynn, Bluepool).  Mary Bowles, St. Joseph’s Place, Mill Road (née Flynn – Joan’s sister).  Johanna Horgan, Sally’s Cross (née Hennessy).  Charlie Singleton, Greenane, (late Kilroe).  Elizabeth Kelly, Luton.  Be (née Fitzgerald), Kanturk.  T.J. Browne, Greenane.  Moira McEnery, Greenane.  Eoin Channinng, Wexford, son of the late Finuala Kelleher, grandson of the late Gus and Una, formerly Boy’s secondary school, Banteer Road.  Brian Deady, Cork (late of Percival Street).  Elizabeth O’Connell, St. Theresa’s Place – wife of Davie.  Kathleen Thornton (Hartnett) Bawnmore, widow of Tommy Vetinary Surgeon.  Nuala Kert, (Vaughan – Cork – niece of the late Mrs Tarrant, Percival Street (Nuala went to school in Kanturk). Sr. Joannes Healy, late of Percival Street.  Fr. Billy (P.D.) O’Connor, California – late of Percival Street.  Con O’Flaherty – Greenane, late of Freemount.  Patrick (Pakus) O’Connor, Mill Road.  Brendan Walsh, St. Theresa’s Place.  May They Rest In Peace. 

Marriages We wish many happy year of marriage to Danielle O’Keeffe, daughter of Jacqueline and the late Dan Joe formerly of Gurteenard (Dan was son of the late Dan and Joanie Lyons – Gurteenard- and William Lyons, Thurles.  Padraigh O’Connell, Pullleen, son of the late Pat A.I.B. and Peggy, Shoe Boutique Strand Street and Geraldine Clune, of County Clare.  By the way have you heard the story of The Miser’s wedding? – They say the confetti was on elastic!!!!  And then there was the economically-minded boyfriend of long standing to whom his girlfriend said – “John, when we get engaged will you give me a RING?  -  to which John replied, “of course, Mary, but make sure you give me your NUMBER!!! 

First Holy Communion Fourteen girls and 5 boys from Kanturk primary schools received first Holy Communion on May 14^th and six children from Lismire school had their own day.  This day was extra special this year being the Year of the Eucharist. 

Slow Down!  Traffic jams have for some time been causing long delays in O’Brien Street, - a Round About is now in place at the junction of the bridge and O’Brien Street to direct traffic from 3 directions and is helping to alleviate the problem. Have you heard of the road sign warning on an American road – “5.679 people killed by gas last year in this state, 2 inhaled it, 27 put a match to it – and the rest STEPPED ON IT”!!! – Herein lies the lesson!!! 

Confirmation Bishop Magee confirmed 33 children from both town post primary schools in April.  As usual, he gave the boys and girls a motto; this year’s motto is “STAY WITH US LORD” – being the opening sentence of pope John Paul’s letter on the Eucharist – “MANE NOBISCUM DOMINE” 

Lovely Hurling  A winning duo – in the G.A.A. “Puc Fada” competition were Eamonn Barry, Upper Bluepool and his daughter Eimear who keeps up the tradition in a new generation, verifying the Irish proverb “Briseann an dúchas tré shúile an chait”.

Couldn’t be “cooler”!  Although the weather and the applause couldn’t be warmer Denny Kenneally of Curragh won this years’ “Voice of Kanturk” contest held in the Edel Quinn Hall with his rendering of “Cool Water” and “North to Alaska”.  His prizes were a recording contract and a magnificent standard lamp in bronze, featuring a whistle player, an accordion player and a singer.  When you visit you may purchase a D.V.D. or Video of the finals at Noreen (Browne) O’Callaghan’s, “Occasions” in Church Street, whose son filmed the evenings proceedings.  Fr. Lawton, Chief Organiser of the event, tells me that the event, the heats of which were run off and sponsored by local hostelries raised €15,500 for the refurbishment fund of Kanturk & Lismire Churches.  Joan Hartnett of the Watergate Street, Café was the main sponsor of the event. 

Golden Jubilarians  Congratulations to Twohig’s Supervalu on celebrating this year – the Golden Jubilee of their foundation in 1955.  On December 8^th 1955 the late Paddy Twohig and his friend Frank Healy opened their new green grocer shop in “The White House”, Main Street; selling vegetables, fruit, groceries and bacon.  Like the biblical master said it grew and grew.  Frank left the business shortly afterwards (he now runs “Ducon Concrete & The Duhallow Park Hotel).  In 1961 the “V.G.” Group was born – and Paddy ran the smallest V.G. Shop in Europe – but think of the little acorn and the big oak! – after eleven years in business Paddy moved to the Square – (P & T Regan’s) on June 9^th 1966.  In August 1970 he moved to Strand Street (formerly Sheehan’s Hosiery Factory).  In 1974 V.G. became Supervalu.  In July 1984 the business incorporated what was formerly Neilie Goggin’s residence and in 1989 Paddy bought Cronin’s Stores next door.  In 1999 the entire Cronin’s stores premises was incorporated to become the almost 11,000 square feet Supervalu we know today.  Your newsletters are very kindly photocopied free of charge by Twohig’s office staff – courtesy of the present proprietor Michael.  The staff has already celebrated with a staff party at Duhallow Park Hotel – and on December 8^th 2005 there will be a massive 50^th birthday party with presentations of prizes, entertainment and an outside broadcast with 103FM!   Between now and then Supervalu host a special calendar of events each month, sponsoring many local events and projects. 

Christianity in Practice We are all very proud of two of our young parishioners – both past pupils of Scoil Mhuire who are currently giving their medical expertise to help others.  Michael Bourke, of Coolageela and Yvonne Numan of Curraheen both final year medical students have gone to work for 3 months – Michael in the Philippines and Yvonne in Malawi.  Each with the help of families and friends raised funds to buy antibiotics for patients in the hospitals in which they work.  Additional funds were raised by Fr. Pat Lawton, Frank O’Sullivan, Principal & students of Coláiste Treasa, Joan Hartnett of Watergate Street, Café and Eileen Thorntorn of the Riverside Bar through raffles – box collections and matches – we give you yet another Irish proverb relevant to the situation “Ní neart go cur le chéile”, or “unity is strength” – co-operation is the name of the game.  You may say a prayer for these brave generous young volunteers and for all who contributed to the good work. 

Country Markets  The I.R.D. Duhallow sponsored country market has welcome quite a number of participants recently and is open twice weekly now - Thursday s and Saturday s 11am to 1.30pm in a store at the back of Twohig’s Supervalu.  One can buy a variety of organically produced home-grown produce – home-made jams, free- range eggs, hand-crafts – and a variety of whole grain home-made breads – a great help to our “healthy eating” promotions currently spent a day in the library and heard contributions from several locals about our town and …… John Dillon (retired pharmacists, Strand Street was interviewed about the life of our own Venerable Edel Quinn.  When asked, “How should a young person treat GREY HAIR”?  - a wise person replied – “with great respect”!!!

God Bless Our Pope  Mass for our late Holy Father was offered in the parish church – Taize mass with a capacity attendance including – members of our growing Polish community who were given a big special welcome and on April 28^th another Taize mass was offered in thanksgiving for our new Holy Father, Pope Benedict XV1.  The Taize style Eucharistic celebration is particularly popular – with its beautiful chants and very peaceful atmosphere the celebration taking place in candlelight. 

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