Photograph supplied by Royal Caribbean International
Thursday 16.01.2014
!
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Dr Zoltan Nagy Express Medical
WOOLLEN MILLS MEDICAL CENTRE
Accepting new medical card patients
! !
Dr. Nagy is a dedicated and compassionate medical professional with special interest in the field of infection, antibiotic treatment, hepatology and minor surgery. He possesses outstanding knowledge of Public Health and Health Promotion. He is fully registered with the Irish Medical Council and is on the Specialists GP register. He looks forward looking after and meeting new patients.
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ST PATRICKS WOOLLEN MILLS, DOUGLAS, CORK. 021 4360100
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Thursday 16.01.2014
‘Twas the Week after Christmas ‘Twas the week after Christmas, and all through the house, nothing would fit me, not even a blouse. The sweet cakes I’d nibble, the red wine I’d taste, all the holiday parties had gone to my waist. When I got on the scales, it jumped to a high number! When I walked to the shop (less a walk more a lumber). I remembered the marvelous meals I’d prepared... All the gravies and sauces where nothing was spared. The beer and the wine, the bread and the cheese, and the way I’d never say, “No thank you, please.” As I dressed myself up in my husband’s old shirt, and prepared once again to battle the dirt. “You can’t spend the winter dressed up like a man!” So away with the last of the sour cream dip, get rid of the fruit cake, every chocolate and crisp. Every last bit of food that I like must be banished, until all the additional ounces have vanished.
WRITER’S GROUP MEETNGS Bishopstown Readers - Reading in Bishopstown Library Thurs 23rd January at 6.15 PM
Douglas Writers Group - John O’Sullivan’s, Boardroom Friday the 13th Dec. at 5.30 pm
Douglas Junior Writers Group - Douglas Library Thursday 16th Jan at 5.30.PM
Mallow Poetry Group – Mallow Library - Tuesday 21st January at 12.30 p.m
Ballinlough Writers - John O’Sullivan’s, Boardroom - Friday the 21st Feb. at 5.30 pm
Ó Bhéal – Open mic every Mon at The Hayloft (upstairs at The Long Valley), Winthrop Street
Writers Workshop – every Tuesday 3pm – 5pm Bishopstown Library. It’s not for beginners, but for people who are already committed to writing and have quite an amount of work already written.
I won’t have an ice cream, not even a lick. I won’t have hot toastie’s, blackpudding, or pie. I’ll munch on a carrot -- and quietly I’ll cry. I’m hungry, I’m lonesome, and life is a bore, but isn’t that just what January’s for? And I said to myself, as only I can, I think I’ll just chew on a celery stick. Unable to giggle, no longer a riot, Happy New Year to all!!! .....and to all a good diet.
Send your poem to ‘The Poetry Corner’ /Douglas Post, Unit 29C, St Patrick’s Mills, Douglas or you can email it direct to ronniemcginn@eircom.net If possible keep your poem to 20 lines. You may choose any subject you like, in any form you like as long as it’s original. We look forward to hearing from you. RonnieMcGinn
The Douglas Post Magazine | Unit 29C | St Patrick’s Mills | Douglas West | Cork | Ireland Email: frontdesk@douglaspost.ie | www.douglaspost.ie The publishers have made every effort to ensure all information is correct at time of print, however no responsibility is accepted for errors or omissions. The views expressed in the articles herein are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher of The Douglas Post Magazine. The Douglas Post is published weekly by South Link Publishing Ltd, Unit 29C, St Patrick’s Mills, Douglas West, Cork.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dear Ronnie,
We’d love to hear from you. If you have any news, views or issues you’d like to see covered, write to the Douglas Post, Morris House, Douglas West, Cork or by e-mail to frontdesk@douglaspost.ie Please include your name and address and a contact number. Letters may be edited due to space considerations.
St. Columbas GNS Admittance Dear Sir/Madam, I was utterly appalled this morning at 8.20 to find the girls standing outside their school waiting for the doors to be opened, with high winds and torrential rains outside, the girls were screaming. I rang the bell and spoke to the secretary and asked her to open the doors to let in the children. She said they would do it shortly. After I dropped my son off at the boys school next door about ten minutes later in a torrential downpour the children were still waiting for the doors to be opened, getting absolutely soaked to the skin and the wind battering them. I rang the doorbell again and this time I spoke to the principle Miss Cashman, and I asked her to open the doors to the girls as it was torrential rain and the girls were upset. I was advised that because of insurance that they could not do this, after seeing the situation for herself she opened the doors but surely common sense should prevail on exceptional days like this. The parents of children applauded me for having the guts to do something about it. I believe this happens at the school all the time and the practice should end, the safety and welfare of the girls should be paramount and looking at the situation this morning the excuse of insurance simply does not wash. This is something that the Parents Association should look at for the future. Maureen Hurley
I want to thank you and the staff at Douglas Post for the tremendous support given to our association in 2013, a very crucial year for us as the longawaited extension to our centre at the Community Park commenced. Through our regular DCA Update, we are able to keep the people of Douglas informed of our services and our plans to improve them, and invite them to participate as volunteers or supporters. We were able to keep them in the loop re numerous fundraising events for the new building throughout 2013, which includes a new Meals-on-Wheels kitchen, as we strived to meet targets to cover costs. A huge thanks in particular for the great support through advertising, given to our newly-formed Park Events committee, which includes Marie Piper, one of your staff. This very hard-working group brought the first ever St. Patrick’s Day Parade to Douglas, ‘Kevin’s Day’ (fundraiser for Crumlin Childrens’ Hospital in honour of the late Kevin Cregan), a May Day Festival and a Harvest Festival in late September. They also managed to light up the Community Park for Christmas and brought Santa. Local traders also benefitted as they were invited to set up stalls and sell their produce at these events. A Community Newsletter is vital in giving a voice to all the organizations, who work hard for people at a local level, to get their message across. You and your staff help to make that happen! Thank you again for your cooperation, generosity of spirit, and at times patience when you needed to remind me of production deadlines! Happy New Year and may Douglas Post prosper throughout 2014! Helen Fox, PRO, Douglas Community Association Disclaimer: Any views or opinions expressed in these letters are solely those of the individual author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of The Douglas Post.
Grateful thanks to St. Theresa of the Roses.
Anniversaries Anniversaries Anniversaries Anniversaries Memorials
Memorials
Memorials
Memorials
Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Thanksgiving Remembering Loved ones
Remembering Loved ones MD
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Remembering Loved ones JOM
Remembering Loved ones RC
RC
OPENING HOURS
Mon -Tues: 9.30 till 6pm Late Openings: Wed, Thurs, Fri: till 8pm Sat : 9:00am - 5:00pm
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HOW MANY MORE SCANDALS? asks Diarmaid Ó Cadhla. Welcome to 2014, not much has changed I’m afraid, the scandals continue. On January 1st our water services were handed over to Irish Water, we are to be charged for it from October next. John Tierney, CEO has said that anyone who doesn’t pay will have their supply “disrupted”, whatever that means. We hear that of the €100 million cost to setup Irish Water (paid for by Property Tax) a massive €50 million was spent on “consultants”. But, Irish Water are exempted from the Freedom of Information Act so we can’t find out what the money was spent on. NAMA is also exempt and doesn’t have to answer for itself either, it is now the biggest property company in the world! Hard pressed families are threatened with prosecution and water cut-off, and no one needs to account for it. Is this the democracy that we are entitled to? we should accept this from Government? Year after year, successive Governments have imposed policy on us, it matters little which Political Party is involved. A drama is acted out in Dáil Éireann and in Local Government, like a Punch and Judy show, we are supposed to think there is a tough battle taking place on our behalf. However, the drama is an illusion, we are not being represented, we are never consulted - the Parties look after themselves. We will continue to have scandals so long as private clubs, in the name of Parties, rule over us. Politics in Ireland needs to change, we must stop handing over our mandate to any Party. The people must be represented, not any Party... let’s work together to achieve that. Diarmaid Ó Cadhla, @GraTire on Twitter or Mobile 086-3805005
PUBLIC MEETING
The People must be Represented, not Parties! Thursday 23rd January 7.30pm Metropole Hotel, MacCurtain Street, Cork guest speakers include:
Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan TD Dr. Liam Weeks, UCC (Department of Government)
and speakers from The People’s Convention
Article 28A of our Constitution says that Local Government is “to provide a forum for the democratic representation of local communities”, there is no mention of ‘Party’.
WE MUST ASSERT THAT RIGHT!
An Chomhdháil Phobail|The People’s Convention Resource Centre at 99 Douglas St, Cork. Tel 021-2428310
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Cllr McCarthy’s Ward Funding 2014
Cllr Kieran McCarthy is calling on any community groups in the south east ward of Cork City with an interest in sharing in his ward funding to apply for his funds. A total of E.8,000 is available to community groups through Cllr Kieran McCarthy’s ward funds. Application should be made via letter or email to Kieran at info@kieranmccarthy.ie by Friday 14 February 2014. This email should give the name of the organisation, contact name, telephone number, what will the ward grant will be used for? Ward funds will be prioritised to community groups in the south east ward who build community capacity, educate, build civic awareness and projects, which connect the young and old. Cllr McCarthy especially welcomes proposals where the funding will be used to run a community event that benefits the wider community. In addition, he is seeking to fund projects that give people new skill sets. That could include anything from part funding of coaching training for sports projects to groups interested in bringing enterprise programmes to encourage entrepreneurship to the ward. Cllr McCarthy is also particularly interested in funding community projects such as community concerts, coffee mornings and those that promote the rich history and environment within the south east ward. More guidelines can be viewed under ward funds at his blog at www.kieranmcarthy.ie.
The members of Ballinlough Community Association wish everyone a very happy New Year. Throughout the year there are many activities and events in the Community Centre, Youth Centre and Scout Hall. Anyone who wants any information on any of the above can contact 087-6748215. Bingo Every Friday night in the Community Centre at 8.15pm. Lord Mayors Tea Dance Will be hosted by Lord Mayor Cllr.Catherine Clancy, it be held in the City Hall on Sunday 26th January 3.00pm to 6.00pm with Evelyn Grant and the Pops Orchestra. Tickets available in Pro Musica, Oliver Plunkett St €10.00. A great afternoon guaranteed. Ballinlough Man opens new Funeral Home I recently attended the opening of a new funeral home in Copley Street by Ballinlough man John Keohane. Among the invited attendance were Bishop John Buckley of Cork & Ross who blessed the funeral home & the congregation. Archdeacon Robin Bantry White of the Church of Ireland, Canon Jim O’Dononovan P.P. Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Ballinlough and Fr. Thomas Wade P.P. SMA Blackrock Road and many local invitees. It is the first family run undertaking service to open in Cork City for over forty years. We wish every success to John his wife Rosaleen & his family on their new venture.
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We d d i n g Fe a t u r e 2 0 1 4
Will You Marry Me? Your Once in a Lifetime Day by Frank Hanover
Very few days in a person’s life are as illuminated and as glowing with memory as the day they get married. It’s hugely important therefore that the event goes as smoothly and as elegantly as it possibly can. To help
readers of the Douglas Post achieve their once in a lifetime day we’ve looked at a number of businesses each of which have something distinctive and appealing to offer to the most romantically committed and clear thinking pre-nuptial people. Each business appearing here does so on their obvious merit. It’s a good idea to pre-plan your honeymoon package and we suggest that based on their
experience you need look no further than Lee Travel to organise this. The Clarion Hotel, Kenmare Bay House Hotel, Fota Island Resort, Inishannon House Hotel, Silver Springs Moran Hotel and Fernhill House Hotel are each extremely keen and oriented to providing the perfect location for your reception and are each well worth the while of your regard
from the point of view of value and innate elegance. Blarney Woollen Mills, Cherish, Roman House, Zest for Life, Waterlily Brides, Cork Candy Carts and Platinum Works collectively offer a distinctive sense of the day’s detail and wedding wear to suit the most discerning couples. Whatever choices you make from this pool of resources, you’re going to have an excellent ‘once in a lifetime’.
CORK CANDY CARTS LOOKS AFTER EVERY ASPECT OF YOUR BIG DAY WE HIRE Candy Carts, Chocolate Fountain’s, Fererro Towers, DJ’s, Pop Corn Machine, Photographers, Room Decour, Florists, Bands, Wedding Cars and much, much more.
LED STARLIT DANCE FLOORS AVAILABLE TO HIRE
Chocolate Fountain 15 Tier Tower
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Personal attention is a key part of organising a boutique wedding held at Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel. Nestled in the picturesque village of Blarney and situated next door to one of Ireland’s most revered heritage gems, the focus is on creating a day where beautiful memories are made and treasured. The hotel’s general manager and wedding co-ordinator Stephen Crowley highlights that by keeping the venue intimate, the focus is always on the couple. “From that initial phone call we are always interacting with the bride and groom and discussing their options so everything is
tailored specifically for them and meets their needs exactly,” he says. Prices range from €48 to €65 per head for their silver, gold and platinum packages, which include culinary highlights such as succulent roast fillet of monkfish with shaved fennel salad and prawn velouté or roast rack of Kerry lamb with herbs, basil mash and rosemary jus. “Our head chef Phillip sits down with each couple and designs a menu for them and of course, a complimentary tasting is included,” says Stephen. The historic hotel caters for between 40 to 120 guests in the
newly appointed Martin Suite with its neutral yet elegant décor complemented by a rows of chandeliers sparkling overhead. Crisp white linen tablecloths along with refined candelabras add a finishing touch of elegance to the perfectly styled room. The hotel is also registered for civil ceremonies with a beautifully appointed room holding up to 50 guests. Other little extras at the Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel include a champagne reception for the bride and groom, rooms for both sets of parents, first year anniversary dinner in the Christy’s Bar and a year’s
BLARNEY
WOOLLEN MILLS HOTEL
Tel: +353 21 438 5011 www.blarneywoollenmillshotel.com
membership at the hotel’s Health & Fitness Centre. For those looking to have photographs in the grounds of Blarney Castle, the hotel will make all the arrangements. When it comes to styling, Blarney Woollen Mills Hotel employs design consultants Cover Story, who specialise in wedding chair cover s, sashes, l i nen, r unner s, centrepieces and organza drapes. “Marie from Cover Story will speak to each couple and ask them what exactly they want on the day. It means that their vision can truly be achieved,” highlights Stephen.
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Hosting a wedding with Celebrity Cruises is a unique way guests can combine their wedding ceremony and honeymoon into one complete, special package. Celebrity Cruises offers the perfect solution with all-inclusive wedding packages arranged by dedicated coordinators from Exotic destination weddings are becoming increasingly popular; in fact, each year, more than 300 couples say “I do” onboard a Celebrity Cruises ship. For more information, call 1800 932 619, visit www. celebritycruises.ie or talk to your travel agent. Travel professionals should visit www.cruisingpower.ie
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HERE ARE SOME OF THE MANY EXTRAS WE OFFER COMPLIMENTARY..
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WEDDING SHOES TO DIE FOR
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Tuesday to Saturday
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CELEBRATE LOVE The Ultimate Venue for your Special Day Fota Island Resort is an idyllic wedding location, nestled at the heart of a beautiful, peaceful island. At Fota Island Resort, you can choose from a variety of wedding styles, either in the Fota Island Hotel & Spa or the traditionally styled Clubhouse, to suit every need on your special day. Call and arrange a visit today and remember to save the date - January, 26th 2014 when you can attend Fota Island Resort’s Wedding Showcase. On this day the magical Resort will play host to an array of wedding services and suppliers, all showcasing everything you might need to create the perfect wedding day.
Contact our Wedding Co-ordinator T +353 (0)21 488 3700 E slavelle@fotaisland.ie
HOTEL SPA GOLF CLUB GOLF ACADEMY LODGES Fota Island Resort, Fota Island, Cork, Ireland www.fotaisland.ie
Find us on
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Happy new year to all as we look forward with hope and positivity. We look back at 2013 and reflect on some of the highlights. We visited Paris-Germany also a visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, had many events and outings. The intergenerational quiz in the City Hall was a great event that brought young and old together. The 2014 program of events is up and going with all the regular events ongoing, such as a gym-pool exercise, paintingart, knitting- crochet, bingo, computers, Tai-chi and indoor bowls. We look forward to the over 60 dancing competition, celebrating life-long learning festival. We have a quiz with the students in Douglas Community School. On March 31st we have a trip to Amsterdam, Antwerp, Brussels, Bruges and Ypres. Many older people fear technology. Old age was perceived to be a time of quiet and inactivity with the word retirement forcing people to withdraw from areas of life in which people had previously been active. It can be a time for participation in your local community and make new friends. By taking part in activities that enhance physical and mental health, it can be a time of fulfilment through helping others on their journey through life. The Lord Mayors tea dance takes place in the city hall on Sunday the 26th of January from 3-6. You will be entertained by Cork Pops Orchestra, Rona Coulter Dance Academy and Special guests. Happy birthday Pauline Reen, celebrating her 70th birthday and to Dennie Carroll who turned 80 during the week. We offer our sincere sympathy to Celia Beale and family on
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the unexpected passing of her husband Vincent. If you know someone who would benefit from a friendly phone call once a week, our care-ring phone service volunteers call people in their own homes who feel isolated and lonely. Upcoming events
Upcoming Events
Mondays -- Exercise and swimming Mardyke Arena 1112.30, Painting and art therapy Douglas G.A.A Hall 2-4 Tuesdays--Knitting and Crochet Pastoral Church Hall 2-4, Advanced Computer Classes Wednesdays--Bingo Lion House 2-4, Computers for beginners Community School Thursdays-- Tai-Chi, Library 1112, Indoor Bowls, Boys National School 3-5
Cork Gaelscoil to feature extensively in new TG4 documentary series, An Ceoldráma
Cherish your yesterdays Dream your tomorrows Phil
Affordable live-in homecare for the elderly from 150 euro per week. PHONE
US
ON
087 991 6791 or 087 640 6459.
Beginning on TG4 on Sunday, January 12th at 8pm. The series, which will run for four weeks, goes behind the classroom door in Gaelscoil Charraig Uí Leighin in Carrigaline, Co. Cork and three other Gaelscoils around the country to reveal what it takes to get a school musical on stage in one of the toughest categories of the Féile Scoildrámaíochta (The National Schools’ Drama Competition). A cross between the award-winning documentaries, Spellbound and Être et Avoir, An Ceoldráma offers a highly-accessible insight into what has become a rite-of-passage for thousands of Irish-language pupils across the country.
Thursday 16.01.2014
Are you a winter weather sufferer of pain and/or stiffness? Reduced activity or repeated sports impacts to the body can cause the bones of the spinal column to shift, placing a great deal of stress on the spinal joints and the central nervous system. These spinal misalignment’s can weaken the spinal joints, stiffen spinal muscles and irritate the spinal nerves, causing pain and stiffness. If care is not taken, the pain and stiffness that we all experience can progress and worsen over time. The proper function of your spine and nervous system affects every aspect of your health including organ
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function. This is a very important fact to understand. When pain finally happens, damage has already been done! For Example; a tooth cavity, do you think the problem began exactly when the pain did? Or was it the months or years of decay that caused the cavity? It’s no different in the neck, back, or any other part of your body. An imbalance in the spine is usually caused by a misalignment process and may be corrected, Chiropractors are successful at treating spinal pain, stiffness, and sport injuries because attention is paid to correcting the cause of the problem not just masking the pain symptoms. Restoring balance to spinal joints takes pressure off the nervous system, allowing the body to function optimally. Call our office 429 2445 to book an appointment. You have everything to gain and the only thing you may loose... is your pain.
Applications open for 2014 Sports Capital Programme
Local Labour representative Ciarán Lynch TD is urging local clubs and sports organisations to apply for the 2014 Sports Capital Programme, which opens for applications this Friday, 17th January. The 2014 round of sports capital funding will allocate €40million to local sports clubs to improve and develop facilities such as changing rooms, pitches and floodlights, as well as providing funding for regional facilities Speaking about this years appliction process Deputy Lynch said, “The application process for grants has changed, and is now carried out through a new online registration system. This means it is now quicker and easier than ever before for sports clubs to apply for grants, and will ensure a more streamlined and user-friendly service Deputy Lynch further added, “Applicants must register online by February 7th, and the deadline for applications is February 28th . I would advise local sports clubs who are interested to consult the Department of Sport’s online guide to registration, available at: www.dttas.ie/sport/english/sports-capital-programme” Ciarán Lynch TD. Constituency Office, 29 St. Patrick’s Mills, Douglas. Tel: 021 4366200 Fax: 021 4366202 Email: ciaran.lynch@oir.ie
Curragh Oil
w w w. c u r r a g h o i l . c o m Jerry O’Donovan Curraghconway South, Douglas, Cork Mobile: 087 929 3419 Tel: 021 436 1080 We accept debit and credit cards
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KEROSENE HOME HEATING OIL ROAD DIESEL AGRI DIESEL
6 DAY SERVICE AND EMERGENCIES PAGE 23
ST. COLUMBA’S HALL A performance (by students from the secondary schools of the parish) of one of Lennox Robinson’s plays 3 p.m. –Sunday 2nd March
SOUTH COUNTY DOUGLAS Readings by Billy O’Callaghan and Ronnie McGinn followed by the official closing of the festival 8 p.m. Sunday 2nd March
QUIGLEY’S RESTAURANT DOUGLAS VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTRE Readings by children from the local schools (St. Columba’s Boys & Girls, St. Luke’s, Collaiste Daibhéad) 11 p.m. Sunday 2nd March
DOUGLAS LIBRAY A new portrait of Douglas born Abbey Theatre playwright Lennox Robinson who lived in Westgrove House, is to be unveiled by Cork’s Lord Mayor Cllr Catherine Clancy in Douglas Library at 11AM on Saturday 1st March. The portrait has been painted by London based Bernard Canavan well known as the artist of the London Irish.
JOHN O’SULLIVAN’S BAR DOUGLAS An evening of Storytelling, from the Yarnspinners 5 p.m. Saturday 1st March. DOUGLAS GAA CLUB Readings by Billy McCarthy and Cliff Wedgbury 8 p.m. – Saturday 1st March ST. LUKE’S CHURCH DOUGLAS Remembering Lennox Robinson: A short talk on the author’s life and works, followed by readings of two of Robinson’s stories. Saturday 1st March at 2pm
OFFICIAL OPENING
Eoghan Harris to perform opening ceremony in St Columba’s Hall at 9pm on Friday February 28th. Plus Launch of Peter Duffy’s new Book “Old Dog for the Hard Road
The Lennox Robinson Literary Festival Douglas (Feb 28th – March 2nd)
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Many Events throughout the Year
- On 8th March, Barry’s of Douglas East organized a Coffee Morning for the Building Fund. - 17th March – The first ever St. Patrick’s Day Parade was organized in the Community Park by a brave group of committee members and 300 plastic ducks raced the length of the river that flows through it, causing the biggest buzz, especially for the children, as they shot to the finish line. - 27th April – Tidy Towns planted 80 trees in the margin between the slip road and Patrick’s Woollen Mills as part of the nationwide ‘one-million-trees-in-one-day’ initiative. - 1st May, Douglas Tidy Towns held a variety concert at Rochestown Park Hotel which included local soprano Aine O’Sullivan, and local band Re Nua. - Sun. 29th May, May Day Festival at the Park – This was great fun for all the family. - On Sat. 7th June, Open Garden in Rochestown, and Re Nua again provided the music. – Sun. 7th July – A Fundraising Day for Ronald McDonald Foundation, which supports Crumlin Childrens’ Hospital was organized by Marie Gregan-Piper and friends. - Mon. 29th July – Sod-Turning at DCA. Lord Mayor Cllr. Catherine Clancy, and County Mayor Noel O’Connor jointly turned the sod for our new extension building at Douglas Community Park. - Sun. 29th Sept. – A Harvest Festival in the Park, with a Country and Western theme with music by ‘Off the Cuff’ band from Kerry and a nail-biting tug-of-war where Tesco fought against DCA team in the semi-final, Barry’s took on rival publican O’Sullivan’s in the semi-final and there was a nail-biting finish with Tesco and Barry’s tugging and heaving til finally Barry’s won! - 7th September: National Tidy Towns results announced, Douglas Tidy Towns increased by 6 marks to 272, a superb effort. Douglas is now in Category H and competed with towns such as Bray, Co.
Wicklow (273 marks), Galway City Centre (275 marks), Limerick City Centre (258 marks) and Swords Co. Dublin (267 marks). We are so proud of our Eco Warriors! - Fri. 20th Sept. Coffee morning for Tidy Towns hosted again by Barry’s of Douglas East. - December 7th and 14th – Christmas Lights and Santa at the Community Park – another first for Douglas, the Park was light up, and a wonderful, goodhumoured Santa did a fantastic job of bringing magic to the children. As well as the above, there were many bag packing days at Dunnes Stores, Marks & Spencer and Super Valu Grange. We thank all these stores for their generosity.
More Fund-Raisers needed!
Any individual or group can run a fund-raiser, you don’t have to be on a committee. For example, Re Nua, a local band led by local, active retiree Tony Breen, performed a gig for us at Douglas Village Shopping Centre on Dec. 21st. Tony coordinated with Bartek Miesela, manager at the centre, and they agreed a date and spot for the venue. Tony drafted in Liam Maloney, well-known manager of the Lion’s Club, who plays a mean polka on the accordion, Con O’Callaghan (drummer) and John Hartigan from the local Guitar Group who practice Monday nights at O’Connor’s Pub; Eamon Dwyer from UCC, Aiden O’Reardon and Con Corcoran . They were supported by Claire and Niamh O’Callaghan who organized the posters and publicity and rattled the boxes to get money. They raised €550 which goes straight to our building fund, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience (except poor Tony who, after all that, got the flu and had to go to bed!)
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to the people of Douglas, and especially to all the volunteers and supporters of our services here at Douglas Community Centre in the Community Park at Church Road. These include of course the very generous business community and voluntary organizations. We also send best wishes to any new-comers in our community who are very welcome to join us or to get to know us by dropping into the centre (Office Hours: 9-1 Mon., 9-2 Tues & Friday), Phone 4894955, or e-mail douglasca@eircom.net. You can also text Mary Cronin, (secretary) at 0864536791. A listed of activities is posted at the centre and please visit our website at www.douglascommunity.com for further information.
2013 in Review
Looking back at 2013, it was one of the busiest ever at DCA. The big push was on to get our new extension underway which meant a lot of fund-raising but with a lot of hard work and generosity from the people of Douglas, we met our targets and we look forward to a completed building in 2014. In the period from end of Nov. alone, we collected €12,219. These events included: Christmas Floral Demo - €1,183, Christmas Concert at St. Columba’s organized by Young at Heart - €4,600; M&S bag packing - €3,200; Churchgate Collection at St. Columba’s - €2,009 and Grange/Frankfield - €777. Musical Gig by Rea Nua at Douglas Village Shopping Centre €550, making the grand total €12,219. All funds will go directly to the Building Fund.
DCA Update 12th January 2014 Happy New Year!
We at Douglas Community Association would like to wish a very Happy New Year
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Amy’s Assistant Will Transform her Life
FIANNA GAEL AND LABOUR SINK PAY PARKING CHANGE
Six year old Amy O’Mahony from Grange is a little girl who loves music and dancing while enjoying life to the full. She’s the daughter of Stuart and Deirdre O’Mahony and the sister of six siblings. She attends the Sonas facility in Carrigaline and her parents would like to see her attend the well adapted Scoil Aislinn on the Boreenmanna Road eventually. It was three years ago that Amy’s diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder was specified. Stuart and Deirdre are fully committed to ensuring that their daughter’s education and life are not in any way disadvantaged by her disability. That’s why on Friday, February 28th a gala evening for a very reasonable €15 entrance fee and featuring the therapist, mentalist and stage hypnotist Seafra O’Cathain is being held at Douglas GAA Club. The doors open at 8pm and the fascinating entertainments will begin at 9pm sharp. The hope is that funds will be gathered so that Amy will for the first time in her life be provided with a dedicated assistant.
At a meeting of Cork County Council pay parking in Douglas was back on the agenda. There was a proposal before full council which If passed would allow the public have their say on whether 1 hour free parking should be introduced in Douglas. The change to the bye-laws in Douglas was agreed in area committee with all attending Fine Gael members agreeing for it to go to full consultation. In a heated debate in the council chamber the proposal to go to public consultation was voted down by Fine Gael and Labour councillors.
By Frank Hanover
Amy’s assistant will come fully trained from an organization named Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland. Her canine sidekick will protect and guide Amy in a completely dedicated and safety conscious way and to do that effectively the dog must be trained. This requires money, €4000 worth. You can positively effect this very worthwhile endeavour on Facebook at www. facebook.com/Amy’s-Assistance-Dog/ and also go to www.mycharity.ie/event/stuart_omahonys_event/ to know what’s possible to do. The charity is supported by Douglas GAA as well as by Seafra O’Cathain and you can contact Stuart on 086-8267-739 or Douglas GAA for tickets in advance although a number will be available on the door at the end of February. Amy’s assistant will transform her life and it’s a feel good moment to help bring them together.
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Cllr Boyle says,” I am greatly shocked that Fine Gael members who agreed for the proposal to go before the public in July’s area committee refused to back the motion in full council and allow people have their say. A lot of people in Douglas will feel terribly let down by this. Businesses have suffered greatly since the introduction of pay parking”. Cllr. Derry Canty who represents Ballincollig where 2 hours free parking is enjoyed proposed sending the proposal to a subcommittee for further debate and Cllr John Collins who voted against the introduction of a similar scheme in Carrigaline also voted the same way. Cllr Boyle continues,” this was an example of the most cynical type of ‘please the county manager at all cost’ politics that I have ever seen. The manager did want the proposal to continue and did everything he could to stop it. Cllr Collins voted against pay parking in Carrigaline and agreed for this to go to public consultation changed his mind at the last minute. It must be noted that the chairman of the sub-committee where the 1 hour proposal is to be debated said in the meeting that it had no business been sent to the sub-committee”.
Thursday 16.01.2014
issue #1003- 1004
Proposed Changes to Pay Parking Stalled Once Again A motion to initiate a public consultation process on proposed amendments to the pay parking regime in Douglas was debated at the Full Council meeting on Monday, 9th December. Prior to this debate, it was agreed at the Area Committee of local Councillors to proceed with the public consultation. However, when a counter motion was proposed at the Full Council meeting to refer the matter to the Transport SPC, two members of the Area Committee agreed with this and therefore voted against proceeding with the public consultation. Referring this issue to the SPC at this stage is nothing more than a stalling tactic. I, along with Cllr. David Boyle, proposed amendments to the pay parking regime as far back as July, 2013. Central to these amendments is the introduction of a 1 hour grace period - that the first hour of parking would be free of charge. This is vital in my view to encourage activity in the Douglas area. The proposal to refer the issue to the SPC, from a Fine Gael Councillor who does not represent the Douglas area, is a setback for the proposed amendments. However, while this is a setback, I am determined to persist with initiating a public consultation process for these amendments. I am confident that we will be back debating this issue at the Full Council again in the next few months. I did not support the introduction of pay parking in the Douglas area over 18 months ago. It is perfectly reasonable to allow the public have their say on proposed changes to the parking regime. Why would anyone not want to allow this?
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Thursday 16.01.2014
Thursday 16.01.2014
issue #1003- 1004
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issue #1003 - 1004
Thursday 16.01.2014
Niall Colgan & Co. Solicitors Planning a Package Holiday this year in the EU? Planning an escape to somewhere via a
Buttimer welcomes 41% reduction in number of patients on trolleys at CUH
Fine Gael Cork South Central TD, Jerry Buttimer, has welcomed a 41% reduction in the number of patients on trolleys at Cork University Hospital (CUH) since 2010. The improvement at CUH is greater than the overall national reduction of 33.4%. “That there has been a 41% reduction in the number of patients on hospital trolleys at CUH is a welcome development. This is a very significant improvement and it represents the lowest number of patients on hospital trolleys in CUH in the last 6 years. “When the hospital trolley crisis was at its worst in 2010 there were almost 6,900 patients on trolleys in CUH. Thankfully since then the number has been decreasing and this trend continued last year when there were 4,058 people on trolleys. While this figure is still high and further improvements are needed, it is good to see that the efforts of staff and management to reduce the reliance on trolleys are making a positive impact. “Nationally, the numbers of people of on hospital trolleys has reduced by 34%, from a 2011 peak of 86,393, it is now down to 57,193. This shows that policy changes and the efforts of everyone in the health services are delivering improved results that benefit patients. “All staff working at every level within the hospital system deserve credit for this improvement. It is their dedication and commitment which delivers an essential service which is deeply appreciated by all who use the hospital system.”
package holiday this year? If so you should be aware of the Package Travel Directive 90/314/EEC (“the Directive”). How we travel in terms of package holidays nowadays is a lot different than in the past. For example package holidays in the past were “pre-arranged”. Nowadays given the power of the internet, the packages are combined at the consumer’s request. Known as “dynamic” package holidays, these are package holidays where two or more services for a single holiday are bought at the same time and from the same supplier and are put together according to the consumer’s specific needs. Dynamic packages are becoming a lot more popular, especially online. The current law on package holidays is contained in the Directive. A recent EU case clarified the position in the area but also highlighted failures with the current law for example establishing where liability lay, given the multitude of different retailers involved.
The Current law
Knowing your travel rights can prove key to an enjoyable experience whilst abroad. Say, for example, you have booked two weeks in Lanzarote. Do you have a right to a refund for the entire package including the flight and the accommodation and assistance if you are stranded in Cork due to your flight being cancelled? If your cancelled flight has been purchased as part of a package holiday, you have more extended rights under the Directive. You may have a right to a refund for the entire package including the flight and the accommodation and assistance if you are stranded.
What does the Directive cover?
The Directive covers consumers who travel under a package holiday in the EU. A Package Holiday means the sale of a “prearranged” combination of transport, accommodation and other tourist services such as sightseeing tours.
Package Operator Liability
The Directive makes tour operators liable in certain circumstances for the performance of the service offered. There are some exceptions, for example cases of “force majeure”, or similar circumstances which could be neither foreseen nor overcome. However, even in these cases the organiser must use his best endeavours to help consumers.
Information for Consumers
Most package holiday information is contained in brochures. Under the Directive the brochure must state clearly and accurately “the price, destination, itinerary and the means of transport used, type of accommodation, meal plan, passport and visa requirements, health formalities, timetable for payment and the deadline for informing consumers in the event of cancellation”.
Cancellation rights
Consumers are entitled to cancel the contract if the tour operator seeks to change the essential elements of the arrangements agreed. There are provisions specifying the consumers’ rights if, after departure, a significant proportion of the services contracted for are not provided or the organiser and/or retailer fail to perform in line with his obligations arising from the contract. Where to from here? In July 2013, the European Commission proposed a new Directive to improve protection for holiday makers and modernise EU rules on package holidays. This Directive will clarify the law so that the consumer will know when they are covered and when they are not. The aim of the revised Directive is to extend the current protection for traditional, pre-arranged packages to these new “dynamic” combinations of travel services. If those new combinations of travel services feature the characteristics associated with packages, the consumer is protected under the new rules. This Directive is not yet law throughout the EU. Niall Colgan & Co. Solicitors, T: (021) 4222 022 E: niall@colgansolicitors.com W: www.colgansolicitors.com
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Thursday 16.01.2014
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FOOTBALL PROGRAMME FOR ALL Carrigaline United AFC
LAST WEEK’S BRAIN TEASER THIS WEEK’S BRAIN TEASER Young Ben Bright had another good idea. He bet his friends that they couldn’t take hold of string and, without letting go, tie a knot in the middle of the string. After they had failed miserably he showed how it was done. What did he do ?
LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS
of the ends of a piece
Ben Bright was a smart kid. He bet all the other kids in his class that they couldn’t stick a pin in a fully inflated balloon without busting it. He was right, they couldn’t. Each loser had to give him their lunch money and by the end of the day he was quite rich. The other kids insisted that the trick was quite impossible but Ben did it easily. How ? LAST WEEK’S ANSWER He stuck a small piece of sticky tape to the balloon and pushed the pin through the tape (Leaving it in)
The programme will give kids with Special Needs the opportunity to get regular football training and competition through a local community club in their area. The training they will receive will be professional and delivered by qualified FAI coaches recruited through a network FFA coaches from partnerships developed by the FAI with our business community. As well as regular training, children in Football for All clubs get the chance to play for their local club in regular blitz’s against other Football for All clubs! Carrigaline United AFC has a team to meet the needs of children in Cork who are unable to play in mainstream soccer. Training takes place on Saturday mornings at Ballea Park, Carrigaline from 10:15 – 11:15. If your child would like to play this season in a fun friendly environment please feel free to turn up on a Saturday morning. Contact: Killian: 086-8645700 or Mossy: 086-8889989
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