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ISSUE # 1037 1038

Letters To The Editor frontdesk@douglaspost.ie

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, Douglas Community Centre, Church Road, Douglas, 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.

I WANT TO SAVE A LIFE! Dear editor While reading the Douglas Post I came across your CPR responder ad for classes which are held the second Tuesday of each month in Douglas. I have always felt I should have some first aid knowledge in case I find myself in a situation where I could help. I wanted to see if I could learn to save a life. To date I have attended a few of these classes where I have met a group of Like—minded people all interested in learning CPR. Each time I attended the class size has grown. The class is run by John and a number of helpers, Aoife, Maurice and Rory with qualifications ranging from Cardiac Responders to Emergency Medical Technician. The basics of CPR are covered and most importantly how you know when you should perform CPR. It’s a relaxed class where everyone trains to their own ability and speed, you learn how to perform CPR on your own and then with others so you can work as a team. Other elements of first aid are covered but this is primarily a CPR class. It’s for beginners and for people who are already trained to help keep their skills up. I write this letter as I feel this class should be supported it’s a great addition to the Douglas community. After a few classes you begin to perform with good CPR skills and the confidence to step up when your needed. You leave confident that you would know what to do if the need arose. The lads deserve all the support they get a great initiative for the people of Douglas. Yours sincerely Finbarr Murphy Douglas

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.

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PARTY Are you looking for a no fuss, relaxed location to raise a glass or two with your colleagues over the festive season? Do you want to say “thank you” to your staff for their hard work and commitment in 2015? Christmas 2015 at Bull McCabe’s Bar and Grill will offer the choice of formal dining or party food buffets for Christmas parties. Our 3 course set menu is €27 Party Platters starting from €5.

www.bullmccabes.ie

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Winners of our competition to Wish at FOTA Island Resort Katelyn O Leary with Alex,Darragh & Killian OHalloran from Carrigtwohill

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The Douglas Post Magazine | Douglas Community Centre, Cork | Ireland Tel: 089 4408242 | 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. Issue 1151 The Douglas Post by Douglas Community News Ltd The Douglas Post is published every fortnight 2


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ISSUE # 1037 1038

Is there a community event or fundraiser in your area? Email to – frontdesk@douglaspost.ie. Douglas Writers Group

The next meeting of the Douglas Writers Group will be held in Frankfield House on Friday 8th January at 5.30 pm. The Douglas Writers Group meets on the 2nd Friday of every month at 5.30pm. Meals on Wheels – An Amazing Service!

Meals-on-Wheels service provides between 30- 35 dinners every day and has almost 70 volunteers, drivers and cooks, who support it. They are always looking for new volunteers. It is a wonderful service as it plays a huge role in facilitating the clients, who may be elderly people who can no longer cook for themselves or people who are unwell, or recuperating from an operation, to continue living independently in their own homes. There are five teams who run the service each weekday from Monday to Friday, and for those who need a Saturday meal, an extra meal is delivered with their Friday meal. The cooks arrive sometimes as early at 8 a.m. to prepare and cook the dinners and have them ready and packed for the drivers who arrive around 11 o’clock. The delivery of the meals takes under two hours. The MOW committee meet every Friday to balance their finances and to sort any problems that may arise. At certain times in the school term, they have pupils from Douglas Community

School, Ashton School and other schools coming in to do community work. They help with the preparation of the meals and then go out with the drivers to meet the clients, which is a great experience.

Of all the services provided at the centre, this voluntary endeavour is undoubtedly the most amazing and most appreciated.

A Vital Social Contact The drivers who deliver the meals are a great daily social contact with the client and play a vital role in making the person feel they are being looked after. The meals are made from scratch each day in the meals-on-wheels kitchen, providing freshly cooked meat or fish, vegetables and potatoes all of which are bought fresh from local suppliers. The cooks are particularly looking forward to moving to an upgraded new state-of-the art Meals-on-wheels kitchen sometime next year in the new extension which has been built at the centre. We say to all these excellent cooks, drivers and the Meals-on-Wheels committee a huge ‘THANK YOU’ for keeping this vital service going in our community year round! The service is also supported by the HSE and clients pay a small charge for the meal.

The annual calendar has been revamped and 4,000 copies will be delivered to premises in Douglas shortly. Happy Christmas to all the service providers, staff, and exec, the committee at Douglas Community Centre and all our supporters and thanks for your hard work during 2015. Also a very special thanks to the staff at Douglas Post for giving us a place to share our story with the wider community of Douglas.

History of the Service

Douglas Meals-on-Wheels was founded 35 years ago in 1980 by a number of local people namely Penny Shaw Hamilton, Margaret Elley, the late Eileen Collins and Tom O’Keeffe. They began under very difficult conditions in a pre-fabricated building in the community car park and only in 1986 did they move into the existing Community Centre with great assistance from Douglas Community Association.

DCA Calendar 2016

Fund-Raiser for Carers’ Association at the Douglas Village S.C. St. Columba’s Church Choir will be singing Christmas Carols and songs and spreading the yuletide spirit for the Carers’ Association on the afternoon of Friday 18th December at Douglas Village Shopping Centre. They will be raising some funds for this also very deserving group of extraordinary people who take care of their longterm sick or disabled relatives, in their homes, with the minimum of resources.

Douglas Community Association

Douglas Community Association Events Team would like to thank the people that helped us with the Christmas Lights in the park: Frankfield House, Who’s Chinese Restaurant, O’Sullivan’s Pharmacy, Fab Flowers, Grange Bar, Hanley’s , Douglas Credit Union, Blackrock Inn, Peri Peri Chicken, Cummins Sports, Apache Pizza, SuperValue Grange, Douglas Shopping Centre To all who helped in anyway especially the people who came along on the day despite the bad weather

Chloe with Daniel O Donnell at the INEC Killarney

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ISSUE # 1037 1038 Opera House Pantomime has Excellent Production Values Frank Hanover

T

he Cork Opera House Pantomime ‘Beauty and the Beast’ has launched with early indications revealing that the show will be deemed no less beloved than pantomimes of earlier times. This is largely down to a production that emphasises quality and optimal visual effects, a hugely professional cast and a heavily participative children’s chorus from across and around Cork city. I spoke with Director Trevor Ryan before the curtain rose on the show, “I think we’ve a superbly funny script and a fantastic ensemble cast. It’s the sort of show with something for everybody, all ages.” Continuing, the returning second-time director Ryan exudes enthusiasm for the choreography and cast, “Beauty and the Beast is a classic and so we have a superb 30 performers. There are the principles and also the dancers and the children from the stage schools. Given the work and the production we feel this panto makes a huge statement to the audience.” Working with choreographer Niall O’Brien, Ryan and his colleague are second time Opera House Panto organisers and Ryan puts numbers to its achievement. He tells me that the first day of every Panto is the day after the previous Panto run ends. By February a script is innovated at monthly meetings. The vivid Disneyesque set is organised with the present set coming from the UK. By June, the auditions begin. Holly Ryan is one of 50 who audition for the part of Belle. The Waterford actress has a hugely impressive skill set and successfully she’s warm and perfect as the beauty. Frank Mackey comes in as the pantomime dame Nanny Potts and makes a huge contribution to the riotous laughter of this particular ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Running for an extensive 54 performances the panto will be a feature of Cork life for the next seven weeks. The strictest responsibility of an Opera House Pantomime is to produce a huge visual splash alongside commanding performances that engage an audience in the most immserive way. With Ryan, his cast and production professional’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’, this job has been very well accomplished. The show delivers a Cork audience with ease and power. You can purchase tickets from the box office at Cork Opera House or go online at www.corkoperahouse.ie where booking fees are applicable. Matinees are at 1pm on Sundays and 2pm otherwise. It’s an impressive and funny panto.

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Ballinlough Community news Is there a community event or fundraiser in your area? Please let us know and we will be delighted to publish it for you. Email to – frontdesk@douglaspost.ie. To ensure publication your entry should reach us before 5 PM on Mondays

Ballinlough Writers Group

The next meeting of the Ballinlough Writers Group will be held in The Ballinlough Community Centre on Fri 15th January at 5.30 PM. Ballinlough Writers Group meet on the third Friday of every month and its open to all people, including beginners, interested in writing. So even if you’re only half interested please come along and check us out. We look forward to meeting you ! (Inquiries 086 8839392)

Our Lady of Lourdes Church

Penitential Service Monday 21st December at 7.30pm

Christmas Mass times:

Christmas Eve Thursday 24th December - 6.00p.m. & 9.00p.m. Christmas Day Friday 25th December - 9.00a.m. 10.00a.m. & 11.00a.m. St. Stephen’s Day Saturday 26th December - 10.00a.m.

Annual Christmas Concert

Ballinlough Youth Club Events held their annual Christmas Concert last Sunday night in the Ballinlough Community Centre. This year’s concert was headlined by award winning classical singer Amanda Neri. New to our concert this year were the Aluminata St Aloysius Alumni Choir, Shannon Buckley a new upcoming singing sensation, Pat Speight storyteller and the Crossshaven Ukuladies singing group. We will also have returning favourites including Kieran Mc Carthy, accompanist David O’Sullivan and the Youth Club children. As always at the intermission we were treated to free tea, coffee and mince pies that got us all in the festive mood. Well done to Ballinlough Youth Clubs Events for another sell out concert.

Ballnlough Youth Club Events

Ballinlough Youth Club are helping the homeless this Christmas. They will be giving out gift bags on Dec 23th with Christina from Help the Homeless Cork. They are looking for new socks, 3 tog thermal vests, hats, scarves; gloves, hand and shoe warmers, and combs. They are also looking for rolls of bubble wrap. Message us please if you can help at Ballinlough Youth Club Events

The members of Ballinlough Community Association which everyone a Happy and Holy Christmas and a Bright New Year

Douglas Tidy Towns handing a €1500 cheque at our Christmas lunch to Pat Mc Mahon of Varanasi’s Children Hospital. This money was raised during our Musical Evening in November and will allow the hospital to provide additional food to 60 malnourished pregnant women for 3 month in their maternal unit. Big thanks again to everyone who made that evening such a success.

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ISSUE # 1037 1038

Ciarán Lynch TD Constituency Office 29 St. Patrick’s Mills Douglas Tel: 021 4366200 Fax: 021 4366202 ciaran.lynch@oir.ie

NIGHTRIDER BUS SERVICE

CHRISTMAS PERIOD LATE NIGHT SERVICES

To BALLINCOLLIG, CARRIGALINE, MIDLETON

PUBLIC ENCOURAGED TO MAKE SUBMISSIONS TO LOW PAY COMMISSION

th th Friday 11 12th &&Saturday Saturday 1213th December December th th Friday 18 19th&&Saturday Saturday1920th December December

I

n its new phase of work, the Low Pay Commission is examining why the majority of people on the National Minimum Wage are women and the appropriateness of subminima rates for young people. I encourage interested parties to make submissions to the LPC on these two matters and also on the National Minimum Wage, which it will be looking at as part of its annual examination of the rate. The Low Pay Commission (LPC) is an independent body set up last year by my Labour Party colleague, Ged Nash TD, the Minister for Business and Employment. In 2016 the LPC will investigate the preponderance of women on the National Minimum Wage and its underlying causes. It is also going to look at the rates paid to young people, with regard to their impact on youth employment and participation in education. Currently, workers under 18 years of age, or those in their first or second year of work, may be paid a lower hourly rate of pay, and those who are on certain training courses may also receive lower rates of pay. We have fundamentally changed the way that the National Minimum Wage is set through the establishment of the Low Pay Commission and I am pleased that this independent body is now moving onto its next phase of work. In July of this year, the Low Pay Commission submitted its first report to Government recommending an increase in the Minimum Wage of 50 cent, to €9.15 per hour. This recommendation was accepted by the Government and corresponding issues relating to employer and employee PRSI were addressed in Budget 2016. The new rate of €9.15 per hour will be introduced from the 1st of January and will mean a pay increase for more than 124,000 people on the lowest pay in society.

Pick up only: St. Patrick’s St. Departing: 01:00, 02:00 & 03:00 hours

SINGLE JOURNEY FARE 3 DOUGLAS, BISHOPSTOWN, GLANMIRE, GLOUNTHAUNE 5 BALLINCOLLIG, CARRIGALINE CARRIGTWOHILL 8 MIDLETON

SERVING Douglas East Village - Maryborough Hill - Carrigaline (Departing Outside Brown Thomas) Bishopstown via Curraheen Rd. Melbourne Rd - Ballincollig (Departing Outside Debenhams and Washington St.) Glanmire - Glounthaune - Carrigtwohill - Midleton (Departing Outside Savoy)

Connecting Ireland

Mary O Callaghan(right) presenting Kay Ratcliffe with The Young At Heart Volunteer Of the Year Trophy 2015

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CORK COUNTY COUNCIL C O M H A I R L E C O N TA E C H O R C A Í

PUBLIC NOTICE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT, 2000 SECTION 20(1)

A copy of each of the eight Municipal District Preliminary Consultation Documents may be inspected at the following locations: 1. Planning Department, Floor 1, County Hall, Cork

PREPARATION OF LOCAL AREA PLANS ARRANGEMENTS FOR PRELIMINARY PUBLIC CONSULTATION

2. Planning Department, Norton House, Skibbereen, Co. Cork 3. Cork County Council Divisional Office, Annabella, Mallow, Co. Cork

Cork County Council has commenced the process of preparing a Local Area Plan for each of the eight Municipal Districts which comprise the County: • Ballincollig-Carrigaline Municipal District Local Area Plan

• Blarney-Macroom Municipal District Local Area Plan • Cobh Municipal District Local Area Plan • East Cork Municipal District Local Area Plan

The Consultation Documents are also available on CD-rom at the locations listed above or please contact the Planning Policy Unit at 021- 4285900 to receive a CD by post.

• Fermoy Municipal District Local Area Plan • Kanturk-Mallow Municipal District Local Area Plan • West Cork Municipal District Local Area Plan The intention is to complete the making of these plans before the end of July, 2017. A Preliminary Consultation Document has been prepared for each Municipal District. These documents are available for public consultation from Monday 14th December, 2015 to 4.00pm on Monday 25th Januar y, 2016. It is intended that the new Municipal District Local Area Plans will replace the following plans currently in force: Town Council Plans

Bandon Electoral Area Local Area Plan 2011

Cobh Town Plan 2013

Bantry Electoral Area

Clonakilty

Local Area Plan 2011

Town Plan 2009

Blarney Electoral Area

Fermoy Town

Local Area Plan 2011

Plan 2009

Carrigaline Electoral

Kinsale Town

Local Area Plan 2011

Plan 2009

Fermoy Electoral Area

Macroom Town

Local Area Plan 2011

Plan 2009

Kanturk Electoral Area

Mallow Town

Local Area Plan 2011

Plan 2010

Macroom Electoral Area

Midleton Town

Local Area Plan 2011

Plan 2013

Mallow Electoral Area

Skibbereen

Local Area Plan 2011

Town Plan 2009

Midleton Electoral Area

Youghal Town

Local Area Plan 2011

Plan 2009

Skibbereen Electoral Local Area Plan 2011

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5. Online at www.corkcoco.ie at all times. Cork County Council wishes to advise those wishing to inspect the Preliminary Consultation Documents, that during the Christmas period, Council Offices will close at 4.00pm on Wednesday 23rd December, 2015 until normal opening hours on Wednesday 30th December, 2015. The offices will also be closed on Friday 1st Januar y, 2016. However, the Consultation Documents will continue to be available to inspect and download in .pdf format during this time from the Cork County Council website www.corkcoco.ie.

• Bandon-Kinsale Municipal District Local Area Plan

Local Area Plans

4. County Library and Branch Libraries – Please check your local library regarding opening times

Special Local Area Plans Cork Airport Special Local Area Plan, 2010

The Consultation Documents are also available for purchase from the Planning Department, Floor 1, County Hall, Cork. Should you have any queries with regards to the policy content of the documents, you may also contact the Planning Policy Unit during the consultation period at 021-4285900. Invitation to make Submissions: Submissions or observations regarding the content of the Municipal District Preliminary Consultation Documents and other issues which may need to be considered in the preparation of the eight Draft Municipal District Local Area Plans are hereby invited from members of the public and other interested parties. Children, or groups or associations representing the interests of children, are entitled to make submissions or observations. On the basis that it is proposed to include the former Town Council administrative areas within the Local Area Plan review, parties with an interest in lands within the former Town Council administrative areas should consider the need to make a submission to the Cork County Council as part of this consultative process. Submissions may be made during the period from 14th December, 2015 to 4.00pm on 25th Januar y, 2016 in either of the following two ways: • Online via www.corkcoco.ie following the instructions provided OR • In written form to the Senior Planner, Planning Policy Unit, Cork County Council, Floor 13, County Hall, Cork, T12R2NC. All such submissions lodged within the above period will be taken into consideration prior to the preparation of the eight Draft Municipal District Local Area Plans. The Council regrets that for technical reasons, submissions by email cannot be accepted. Because of the large volume of submissions expected, the public are advised to make their submissions/obser vations to the Cork County Council well in advance of the closing date. Signed: Andrew Hind, Senior Planner. Dated this 14th day of December, 2015

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ISSUE # 1037 1038

Health

Ask your Phamacist By Garvan J. Lynch

BEDWETTING 10 BEDWETTING FACTS PARENTS SHOULD KNOW 1. The medical term for bedwetting is “enuresis,” which refers to bedwetting that is not due to an abnormality of any portion of the urinary tract. Primary enuresis means the child has never been dry, whereas secondary enuresis is the term used for a child who has previously been dry but then starts wetting his bed. 2. Fifteen percent of five-year-olds or around three to four children in a first grade class, are not dry every night. Eighty-five percent of children eventually outgrow bedwetting without treatment. Bedwetting boys outnumber girls by a ratio of 4 to 1. 3. Bedwetting is not an emotional or psychological problem, nor does it reflect a dysfunctional family. It is a problem of sleeping too deeply to be aware of bladder function. 4. The genetics of bedwetting are similar to that of obesity. If both parents were bedwetters, the child has a seventy- percent chance of being a bedwetter. If only one parent was wet at night, the child will have a forty- percent chance of following his parent’s nocturnal habit. 5. It helps to first understand how children usually achieve bladder control. In early infancy, bladder-emptying occurs mostly by the bladder- emptying reflex. When the bladder reaches a certain fullness and the muscle has stretched to a certain point, these muscles automatically squeeze to empty the bladder. Sometime between 18 months and 2½ years, most children have an awareness of bladder fullness, the first step toward bladder control. Next, the child becomes aware that he can consciously inhibit the bladder-

emptying reflex and hold in his urine. As a result of his urine-holding efforts, his bladder stretches and its capacity increases. When the child can consciously inhibit the bladder-emptying reflex, he achieves daytime bladder control. Nighttime control occurs when the child can unconsciously inhibit the bladder-emptying reflex. 6. Think of bedwetting as a communication problem: the bladder and the brain don’t communicate during sleep. The bedwetting child literally sleeps through his bladder signals. There are late walkers, late talkers, and late dry-nighters. 7. Bedwetting is a sleep problem. New insights into the cause of bedwetting validate what observant parents have long noted: “He sleeps so deeply, he doesn’t even know he’s wetting the bed.” These deep sleepers are not aware of their bladder sensation at night, let alone how to control it. 8. Some bedwetters may have a deficiency of ADH (anti-diuretic hormone), the hormone that is released during sleep and concentrates the urine so that the kidneys produce less of it during sleep and the bladder doesn’t overfill. 9. Normally, bladder fullness works like supply and demand. The bladder fills with just enough urine at night so that it does not overfill and demand to be emptied. Bedwetters may overfill their bladder so the supply outweighs the demand, but because they are sleeping so soundly they just don’t tune into their bladder fullness. 10. A small number of children have small bladders that are more easily overfilled.

For more information contact Garvan Lynch at Lynchs Pharmacy on 4366923.

WARNING

YOGA HAS BEEN KNOWN TO CAUSE FLEXIBILITY, HEALTH & HAPPINESS! Kundalini Yoga with Holly Johnson CORK AIRPORT HOTEL Mixed levels: Mondays, 5.45­7pm DOUGLAS YOGA CENTRE, MARYBOROUGH WOODS Beginners: Wed 9.45­11am Seniors: Wed 11.30­1pm Private classes for individuals & groups on request

HollyJohnsonYogaCork www.douglasyogacentre.com

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info@eastcorkjournal.ie

gates Open idleton and acurra Flood Scheme

as been proven over st number of years.” at is important he is that works should ried out on any suse areas of weakness tect premises in the erm until the full relief program is in ” ds were provided by nment following the me flooding in the acurra River in July hat affected Midleton allinacurra. money in the form nt aid from the OfPublic Works (OPW) nnounced in October Plans for the relief

project were to be completed by the end of last year. As far back as 2008 the then Minister for the Environment John Gormley warned that a National Flood Relief Programme needed to be fast tracked, if Ireland was to ensure that vital national infrastructure was to cope with the increasing impact of climate change. In March 2013 the OPW approved €19,000 for Cork County Council, for the completion of the Midleton Northern Relief Road Study. €23,880 (€18,000 in 2009 and €5,880 in 2010)

was allocated for the installation of a debris screen in Ballinacurra to alleviate flooding due to culvert blockages but these have proven to be insufficient. Despite these works carried out by Cork County Council, many homes and businesses in these areas still experienced serious flood damage in July 2013, at great cost to the owners. The flooding of July 2013 had resulted from heavy rainfall and insufficient capacity of the surface water drainage system. Numerous weather warnings were issued at the time.

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Issue 1151

11 Tel: 021 463 8000 • Email: info@eastcorkjournal.ie • Web: www.eastcorkjournal.ie


Christmas at J.J O’ Driscoll Ballinlough ISSUE # 1037 1038

Photos by: Gavin Browne

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ARTS

ISSUE # 1037 1038

Writers Group Meetings

Ronnie McGinn’s

Poetry Corner Harley White is a poet’s poet, born in Beverly Hills Los Angles; she studied English Philology and Psychology, then got married and moved to Granada, Spain. Not alone does she write poetry, she is also a novelist, short story writer and a fairy tale writer. Her poems have a skilled intensity that is the envy of her peers. Her handling of metre and rhyme puts her in the league of masters. But what we like most about her is that she always reads this column and has paid us the honour of sending us her very latest poem. Thank you Harley

A Christmas Verse Christmas is upon us and a New Year once again. Where has all the time gone from the now that’s turned to then? While some folks hand out presents, part and parcel of the season, I’ve no gift to offer, save for this poor rhyme, with reason. My yearning for the world, yet most especially those I know And dare to call true friends, is something harder to bestow... Or at least a bit more abstract than a package could contain— Though only grinches would upon receiving those complain.

Mallow Poetry Group – Mallow Library - Tuesday 5th January at 12.30 p.m Douglas Writers Group, - Frankfield House - Friday the 8th January at 5.30 pm Bishopstown Writers- Bishopstown Library Thurs 14th January at 6.15 PM Midleton Writers – “My Place” Midleton Thurs 14th January at 8.00pm Ballinlough Writers - Ballinlough Community Centre Fri 15th January at 5.30 PM Frankfield House – Around the Fireside – Tues 19th January from 8.30 pm Carrigaline & District Writers’ Group meet at the Stables Bar in Carrigaline, on the first Saturday of every month at 11:30am. Writers in all genres are welcome to come along to our meetings, where like-minded people share their ideas & experiences in a relaxed environment. Further information is available on 021 432 0042. 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. Writers Corner –Cork City Community Radio 100.5 FM – every Sunday at 3.30PM

I want to voice my deepest thanks for friendship’s warmth and cheer That fill the heart with brimming blessings all throughout the year And ask that Santa give us peace and love in fullest measure, With happiness thrown in that lasts as memories to treasure. So, let me say, in my own way, with simple quatrains plain And unadorned by ribbons, what no poem can explain, Just Merry Christmas, one and all, and by the stars that shine, I wish you Happy New Year in these days of Auld Lang Syne! Harley White

Send your poem to ‘The Poetry Corner’ /Douglas Post, Douglas Community Centre, Church Road, Douglas, or you can email it direct to frontdesk@douglaspost.ie 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

Some of the Douglas Writers Group enjoying their Christmas night out at The South County

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Give the gift of Muckross this Christmas 5 Star Overnight Escape to Killarney with breakfast and dinner for two guests - â‚Ź250 Selection of gift vouchers available including overnight breaks, luxury dining, Spa treatments and monetary values.

To purchase your Christmas Gift vouchers go to WWW.MUCKROSSPARK.COM or call 064 662 3400. Muckross Park Hotel & Spa, Muckross, Killarney, Co. Kerry

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Young at Heart

ISSUE # 1037 1038

A

s we say goodbye to 2015 we take a look back and reflect on the year that was YOUNG AT HEART we have had a busy year. As a group we travelled to Lithuania were we visited the cities of Kaunas and Vilnius. One of the highlights of that trip was a reception at the Irish Ambassador Residence, we got a great understanding of how Ireland is represented abroad in a very positive way we can be very proud of our Irish Ambassador Mr David Noonan who is a Cork Man. We travelled the highways and byways of our country visiting 14 different counties from North, South, East and West trips to remember. We had our usual trips to Sherkin Island, Roscrea Abbey Ballycotton Light House, Kennedy Homestead etc, we went to The Bord Gais Theatre to see Top Hat, Singing in Rain and Mary Poppins. Our trip abroad next year is a Cruise to the Fjords in Norway on May 30th 2016. Christmas can be a difficult time for some older people, especially those living alone, those whose family have emigrated, the bereaved and those who are house-bound. One-in-three older people living in Ireland live alone. Christmas also poses challenges for people who are dependent on home help, and other community supports. Take time to call on older neighbours especially those who do not have family living locally. The greatest gift of all is spending time with someone especially those most alone. The Care-Ring Phone service will operate as usual over the Christmas Period for those who need that friendly call and chat. Stay safe by wearing your Personal Pendant Alarm at the press of a button your call is answered immediately it is monitored 7days a week 24/7 365 days of the year. These alarms give great security and peace of mind to families knowing their loved ones feel safe and secure . Call into the office 17 Morris House Douglas on Tuesdays from 10.30am to 1pm to check out all the activities and events planned for the coming year and how you can get involved. The Launch of the Kurling Sports Activity for people of all ages and abilities was a great success aimed at people who need a little help to get more active this will start back on January 13th in the Douglas GAA Hall. The Young At Heart Cook Book will be available for Easter, share your recipes, and the stories behind them. Thank you to everyone who supported the Coffee Morning Cake Sale especially those who baked the homemade cakes and tarts were we raised €577. Well done to Kay Ratcliffe who is Young At Heart volunteer of the year 2015 an accolade truly deserved. Kay is a remarkable woman who is always on hand to help out at any occasion always with a smile and a positive outlook.

Thanksgiving The Miracle prayer Sacred Heart Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask for a special one (mention favour). Take it dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own Broken Heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful Eyes it will become your favour not mine.

Amen

Thanksgiving The Miracle prayer Sacred Heart Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask for a special one (mention favour). Take it dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own Broken Heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful Eyes it will become your favour not mine.

Amen Say this prayer for 3 days promise publication and favour will be granted how impossible

JD

We wish a Happy 80TH Birthday to Michael O’ Sullivan Upcoming events 6th for Women’s Christmas Party at Frankfield House 21st January Lord Mayor Tea Dance in the City Hall tickets are €10 call me on 0872987161 8TH February we be have a talk on Brain Nutrition All that is left for me to say is Thank You to all that have support us during the year I wish you all a Peaceful and Healthy Christmas Cherish your Yesterdays Dream your Tomorrows Phil

Thanksgiving The Miracle prayer Sacred Heart

Thanksgiving The Miracle prayer Sacred Heart

Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask for a special one (mention favour). Take it dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own Broken Heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful Eyes it will become your favour not mine.

Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask for a special one (mention favour). Take it dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own Broken Heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful Eyes it will become your favour not mine.

Amen

Amen KL

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CD

Say this prayer for 3 days promise publication and favour will be granted how impossible

The Douglas Post

Say this prayer for 3 days promise publication and favour will be granted how impossible

CH

Issue 1151


Ballinlough Community News With Mary Cremin

Tuesday 19th January

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ISSUE # 1037 1038

michael.mcgrath@oir.ie

Self-employed supports need a boost

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he introduction of an earned income tax credit of â‚Ź550 for the self-employed in 2016 is to be welcomed. However, this budget announcement falls well short of full equality for the selfemployed and non PAYE income earners. 111,600 people will benefit from the tax change in 2016. However, as a result of the restricted nature of the measure being introduced, 173,000 people living on income derived from savings and other non PAYE sources will continue to be discriminated against in the tax code. The refusal of government to introduce a voluntary PRSI scheme for the self-employed means that thousands of self-employed people continue to be denied access to certain social welfare benefits if they become sick or if their business fails. The State also fails to even recognise, as unemployed, persons who were formerly self-employed but who are now out of work and they continued to be denied access to activation measures and other supports. Fianna FĂĄil has published a range of measures to assist the self-employed and small businesses including initiatives around access to credit, the introduction of a voluntary PRSI scheme, an attractive Capital Gains Tax regime for entrepreneurs and enhanced supports from the Local Enterprise Office.

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Funding boost for training of pre-school workers

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ine Gael TD for Cork South Central and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, Jerry Buttimer, has said that the provision of €1.5 million to improve the qualifications of pre-school workers will help improve the quality of care and education provided to young children across the county. “This funding will help practitioners in Early Childhood Care and Education to undertake training and will support the expansion of the free pre-school programme. “I know that for parents the quality of care and education provided to their children is of vital importance. We know that children benefit most from pre-school when provision is high quality, and staff qualifications are a good indicator of quality. The announcement of ‘Leader Fund 4’ builds on a range of initiatives to support better quality in the pre-school sector. “This also marks the first of a series of new measures designed to support the expansion of free pre-school announced in Budget 2016. The measures will increase the number of children benefiting from free pre-school from about 67,000 currently, to around 127,000 in a given programme year. “The expansion of free pre-school applies from September 2016, when the minimum qualification requirement for ‘ECCE Room Leaders’ will be a Level 6 Award on the National Qualifications Framework. “To date more than 3,000 staff has been supported through previous Learner Funds to raise their qualification level in Early Childhood Care and Education. “The expansion of the free pre-school programme and investment in the training of pre-school workers is part of Fine Gael’s commitment to strategic investment in childcare, to increase affordability, quality and accessibility. Fine Gael has a long term plan to keep the recovery going. We are seeing economic progress, with over 135,000 more people at work. More people in work allows more investment in better services like these.”

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ISSUE #935- 936

ISSUE # 1037 1038

Wishing you Curragh Oila

Happy Christmas & Peaceful New Year Mobile: 087 929 3419 Tel: 021 436 1080

Jerry O’Donovan Curraghconway South, Douglas, Cork

Micheál Martin KEROSENE HOME HEATING OIL ROAD DIESEL AGRI DIESEL

ll Sma ts n u amo ered v deli t card i d e Cr ment y a p d epte acc 137 Evergreen Road, Turners Cross, Cork

michealmartin.ie

Please contact my office for details micheal@michealmartin.ie 6 DAY SERVICE AND EMERGENCIES @michealmartintd of my Constituency Clinics 021 432 0088

/michealmartin

Ardtech Industries Ltd.

PVC GATES, RAILINGS & FENCES Kilnahera West, Drimoleague Co. Cork TELEPHONE 028 31410 EMAIL ardtech@eircom. net

www.ardtech.ie

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Learn basic CPR and & Save a life!

Dr Stefan Billing, BSc, B. Chiro, DACNB Functional Neurologist & Consultant Chiropractor

H

Stress the silent Christmas Grinch

W

ith Christmas only around the corner life seems to get a little bit crazy with the shopping, nights out and all the running and racing that comes with it. With this in mind, our senses become heightened and our overall stress levels may rise. Stress is considered a risk factor for many chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and depression. Stress can sometimes be taken as a positive motivator when striving to get the jobs done however when the brain senses any kind of stress, your heart rate and blood pressure rise and your muscles tighten. Stress may be temporary, such as being stuck in Christmas traffic or preparing for the festive season. It is not necessarily the event, but rather your body’s response to the event that causes stress. Feelings of stress that continue for long periods have a detrimental effect on the body. Massage helps you relax, calming the mind and body and relieving your stress. Massage also helps to relax tight and painful muscles, improve range of motion in the joints, enhance circulation and lower stress levels. Stress has a lingering effect on the body and brain and without attention that can build up and present itself in many forms including mood and attitude changes and minor cognitive function of the brain while also affecting your judgment.

ave you ever wondered what you would do if you came upon an accident or worse again found a member of your family unconscious? Would you know what to do? Would you like to know what to do? Can you use a defibrillator? It is generally recognised that getting to a person in Cardiac arrest within 4 minutes could make a huge difference to them. Only a few classes are needed to teach you to be able to do what is necessary. A series of basic first aid CPR classes are being offered free of charge in order to teach people of Douglas how to deal with such situations. St Luke’s school in Douglas has kindly donated their Canon Packham Hall for training. John Clifford, a Cardiac trainer, has also offered his training expertise free of charge. It would be ideal for a number of people from each park to get involved, so get a number of your neighbours interested. We can train you as a team and offer advice on setting up your own group. lf you did one thing this year that could have a profound effect on someone’s life then do this. Even if you don’t want to, come along and see how it’s done, then decide later. 6.45 for beginners 8,00pm for Regulars

Tuesday 12th January NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY ! It won’t take long and you could save someone’s life and it will cost you nothing!

Benefits of massage Massage is generally considered part of complementary and alternative medicine. It’s increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations. Studies of the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for: •Anxiety •reducing stress •Alleviating pain and muscle tension •Digestive disorders •Headaches •Insomnia related to stress •Myofascial pain syndrome •Nerve pain •Soft tissue strains or injuries •Sports injuries •Joint pain

Canon Packham Hall Douglas

Tuesday 12th January

Further details available from: John Clifford at 087 246 2629 Or Ronnie McGinn 086 883 9392

With Christmas in sight why not treat someone to one of our new gift vouchers available at the clinic for the ideal Christmas gift. We offer 30 minute or 60 minutes massage treatment and we look forward to welcoming you Koru Clinic.

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ISSUE # 1037 1038

Cllr Joe Harris Independent

089 2210574 Email. joeharriscork@gmail.com

Cork South Central

S

hould we bother voting in Cork South Central. We are told it’s done and dusted even before one vote is cast. It is now a four seater so the prevailing wisdom is that one of the current TDs will have to lose out. The chance of anyone else disturbing their cosy little club is not even considered. I suggest that they go into a room and draw straws to decide which one of them walks the plank. It will save the rest of us the trouble of voting. The party machine is so powerful that they feel they control you and with massive media coverage and promises they are confident you will play along. That’s one of the reasons I am putting my name forward in this election. Two F.F. Two F.G. 1 Lab. How depressing is that. Cork is one of the only areas in the Country not to have an Independent TD. Now as a Qualified Financial Adviser I’m well aware that it’s important to keep the recovery going and I intend to do just that. But who gets the benefit of that recovery is the question. When you do your income and expenditure at the end of every week or every month, how much have you left. That’s the acid test. With high Mortgage payments/Rents, food, bills, water and property charges, utilities, car, petrol, kids cost, education, you can add more I’m sure, you are lucky if you are not using your credit card or credit union loan to make ends meet. That’s the reality. So lend me your number 1 and if I am eliminated then your number 2 becomes your number 1 . So you have nothing to lose. And if I’m elected I won’t be a prisoner of the whip system in Dublin. No! I will be for Cork and South Central in particular. So should you bother to vote...yes....because that’s how to answer their sense of entitlement, their arrogance! Make a difference .Make your vote count. Have your voice heard in Dublin! You can’t serve two masters. You can’t serve the party and the people. I’m Independent so I only serve you. I only answer to you. I can make a difference.

Regards Cllr Joe Harris ,Independent member Cork County Council Member of regional health forum Member joint policing committee Vice Chair of Carrigaline/Douglas/Ballincollig Municipal District Mob 0892210574

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The Little book of Cork

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he Little Book of Cork (2015) is a new book penned by Cllr Kieran McCarthy and published by History Press Ireland. It aims to be a compendium of fascinating, obscure, strange and entertaining facts about Cork City. Here you will find out about Cork’s buildings and businesses, its proud sporting heritage, its hidden corners and its famous (and occasionally infamous) men and women. Through its bustling thoroughfares and down winding laneways, this book takes the reader on a journey through Cork and its vibrant past, recalling the people and events that shaped this great city. A reliable reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped into time and time again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage and the secrets of Cork. North Cork Through Time The second of three books by Kieran McCarthy this year focuses on postcards of historic landscapes of North Cork. Entitled North Cork Through Time (2015), it is compiled by Dan Breen of Cork Museum and Kieran and published by Amberley Press. The region is defined by the meandering River Blackwater and its multiple tributaries and mountainous terrain to the north. It borders four counties that of Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford. The postcards, taken for the most part between c.1900 and c.1920 show the work of various photographers, who sought to capture the region and sell their work to a mass audience. Not every town and village were captured in a postcard. This book brings together many of the key sites of interest and serves as an introduction to the rich history of the region. Cllr McCarthy noted: “In the postcards, one can see the beauty that the photographers wished to share and express. The multitude of landmarks shown in this book have been passed from one generation to another, have evolved in response to their environments, and contribute to giving the County of Cork and its citizens a sense of identity and continuity”. Ring of Kerry, The Postcard Collection The third of three books Kieran McCarthy has been compiling and penning this year is entitled Ring of Kerry, The Postcard Collection (2015). One of the most famous and popular road circuits for tourists in the South West of Ireland, the Ring of Kerry, traverses the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula, with a great many tourist sites along the way from Killarney’s lakes to Waterville’s coast. A century ago, the Grand Atlantic Tour emerged as one of the essential travel itineraries by horse drawn and motor bus tours on the island of Ireland. For the landscape lover postcards were produced for visitors to remember their visit and to send to loved ones. These beautiful colourful postcards showcased the region and helped frame the visitor’s memories. http://www.corkheritage.ie/ www.kieranmccarthy.ie Kieran’ heritage on facebook: Cork: Our City, Our Town

The Douglas Post

Issue 1151


CINEMA

PUZZLES Local Cinema Listings

CINEMA

Local Cinema Listings

Mental Problems to Solve

Crossword

DOUGLAS CINEMA

LINK ROAD, DOUGLAS, CORK DOLBY DIGITAL SOUND BOOK ONLINE @ WWW.CORKCINEMAS.COM

021 4895959

DIGITAL PROJECTION IN ALL SCREENS 11.30AM SHOWS: 2D TICKETS ONLY €5.30 3D TICKETS ONLY €5.50

WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OF OUR CUSTOMERS A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A PEACEFUL AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR. PLEASE NOTE WE WILL BE CLOSED ON DEC 24TH, 25TH AND 26TH AND WILL REOPEN ON SUNDAY DEC 27TH. STAR WARS VII: THE FORCE AWAKENS 2D (12A): 1.45 2.15 4.45 5.30 6.30 8.30 8.45PM + FRI-SUN & WED 11.30AM SNOOPY & CHARLIE BROWN: THE PEANUTS MOVIE 2D (GEN): SAT- WED 2.15 4.15PM + SAT, SUN & WED 11.30AM SISTERS (15A): FRI 1.30 4.00 6.30 9.15PM SATWED 1.30 4.15 6.40 9.15PM CHRISTMAS WITH THE COOPERS (12A): FRI 1.30 4.00 9.15PM SAT-WED 9.15PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 2D (PG): 1.45 4.15PM + FRI-SUN & WED 11.30AM THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 2 2D (12A): 8.45PM BROOKLYN (12A): 6.30PM

Brain Teazer The parish clerk of a West Cork town received a small parcel from Germany addressed to Mr. Alfred White, she checked the telephone directory but could find no one listed under that name. However, when she inquired at the local pub she was told by some of the town’s old timers that there had been an Alfred White and that after World War 2 , he had married a German and settled in Frankfurt. What was in the parcel ?

Last Issue’s Answers Last Week’s Teazer

A hiker came to a fork in the road and does not know the way to go to his destination. There are two men at the fork, one of whom always tells the truth while the other always tells lies. The hiker does not know which is which, though; he may ask one of the men only one question to find his way. Which man does he ask and what is the question?

Last Week’s Answer

Either man should be asked the following question: ‘If I were to ask you if this is the way to go, would you say yes?’ While asking, the hiker should be pointing at either of the directions going from the fork. Its not difficult to figure out that the answer would be no from both men if it’s the wrong direction, and yes if it’s the right direction.

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ISSUE # 1037 1038

Know Your Rights Know Your Rights : The Housing Assistance Payment Question:

What is the Housing Assistance Payment?

Answer:

You must find your own private rented accommodation. Although the local authority administers the HAP scheme, you will not be a local authority tenant. The rental agreement will be between yourself and the private landlord. This means that you will have certain rights and obligations, as will your landlord. The rent must be within the HAP rent limits for your household size and the area you live in. The limits are generally based on the limits for Rent Supplement. Additional flexibility has been provided beyond the limits in some local authority areas and for some qualified households where suitable accommodation cannot be found for a household within the HAP rent limits. If your landlord requires a deposit, you will have to pay this yourself – the local authority will not pay it for you. You may be able to get an Exceptional Needs Payment from the Department of Social Protection to help with paying the deposit. Further information is available from the Citizens Information Centre below. Tel: 0761 07 6950 Citizens Information is also available online at www.citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service

The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of housing support for people who have a long-term housing need. It is administered by local authorities and will eventually replace long-term Rent Supplement. You must be on the local authority’s housing list – which means that you qualify for social housing support – to be eligible for HAP. Under the HAP scheme local authorities pay landlords directly and tenants pay a differential rent to the local authority. This is based on your income and your ability to pay. If you take up a job or increase your working hours, you will still be eligible for HAP provided you meet the other conditions of the scheme. If you are getting a social welfare payment at a post office, you must pay your HAP rent to your local authority through the Household Budget Scheme. People on the housing list who are already renting and getting Rent Supplement can apply for HAP, but you do not have to be getting Rent Supplement in order to qualify. People who are on the housing list and currently getting Rent Supplement will be 0761 07 4000. transferred to HAP on a phased basis.

Carrigaline Community news

Men’s Shed The Carrigaline Men’s Shed held their annual Christmas party in the Shed on Wednesday. (They started at 11am). The main meeting room was decorated to create the Christmas spirit. The party started at 11am and they made their own fun with a singsong and storytelling. Some of the members will take part in the Wren Boys festival, some as Wren Boys and more helping with the stewarding. The Men’s Shed will be stewarding the annual Carrigaline Road Runners race at the weekend. . New members and visitors are always welcome Contact Roger Morrissey 021 4372438, Barry Cogan 087 813 7990 or Pat Byrne 086 1924375. Active Retired Carrigaline Active Retirement Association hold their 10th annual dinner on this Thursday December 17th in the Carrigaline Court Hotel at 12.30pm. Music for the occasion is by Kevin Mc Sweeney. Last Thursday they enjoyed another afternoon of Line Dancing with Frankie Brierley while the non-dancers played cards. . For further information please contact Kaye Jeffords 086 057 6110 or Pat Sheridan 086 387 1108. Tidy Towns A delegation from Carrigaline Tidy Towns traveled on Friday December 4th to Listowel to the presentation of the Silber Medal they won in the National Tidy Towns competition to find the event was postponed due to the inclement weather conditions. The event is to be rescheduled for end of January. On that Friday night and the following Saturday Tidy Towns had a stand at the Carrigaline Enterprise exhibition. Included in the Tidy Towns programme for 2016 is the development of the Garden of Remembrance, this week they got a grant of €1,000 for the project. Tidy Towns took up the Church Gate collection recently and received contributions of over €1,000. . Contact the Hon Secretary Ger O’Hara 086 166 1049 or email oharageraldinem@eircom.net or Maura Allen 437 2479.

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Alpha

Youghal Bikers Fundraise at Vernon Mount

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ISSUE # 1037 1038 TRADES & SERVICES

“Thank you Douglas Post I received several calls since advertising with you”. The Douglas Post For Great Advertising Rates Contact Marie, 0894408242 or marie@douglaspost.ie

6,6

No Job too Big or Small

Rare photo: 1964 - Tom Holland, Tom O’Shea, Michael Hehir, Paddy McCarthy and Willie Coughlas(RIP) at St James Square, Tower Street, Cork

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Rare photo: Douglas Ceili Band

The Douglas Post

Issue 1151


Report into Ring, Rackard and Meagher Cup competitions published by GPA

SPORT Raffeen Creek Pitch and Putt Notes by Brendan Hayes

Saturday’s game was again rained off Sundays game for bottles went ahead, course was soft but playable. This was a singles 18 hole stroke competition and the winners were, 1st Sr Gross, Syd Venner 1st Sr Nett was Richard O Flaherty. 1st Inter Gross, was Mark O Riordan 1st Inter Nett, John Tett. 1st Jr Gross was Mick Coakley 1st JR Nett was Donal Field. I was out with the Senior winner Syd Venner and John O Grady, John was like myself all over the place sockets you name it the orange ball was a nughty ball today I wouldn’t do what it was told, but Syd was brilliant 10 under for front 9 that included a hole in one. It will be a fairly barren Xmas for yours truly this year. have to apply for a few shots back or buy a dog like Jimmy the leak, speaking of the leak has any one seen him. Out Xmas night out next Friday 18th in the FBI has Mick Coakley out pestering one and all for spot prizes he informs me that he has about 15 already so we thank you all that sponsored the spots, doors open from 9 on, if anyone spots the leak in the meantime let him know about the night out also tell him is casual dress no track suits allowed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McCarthy family out in Alaska at present in these difficult times.

The Ballinlough Men’s Retirement Bowls’ Club

The Ballinlough Men’s Retirement Bowls’ Club, which meets every Wednesday afternoon, was well attended during the year. Three mats, the maximum the hall can accommodate, were in use most Wednesdays. All members enjoy an evening of fun and camaraderie. New members are welcome. Long-serving committee member, Vincent Barry, organized a number of competitions for the members during the year. The ‘Paddy Kearney Memorial Bowls’ Tournament in which seven teams participated was held recently in Ballinlough Community Hall. The winning team was: Ray, Cremin, Tommy Daly and Frank Cronin. Runners –up were: Denis O’Connell, Pat Watters and Billy Riordan. Mrs. Anne Kearney and her son, Kevin, attended the final and thanked the club for running the competition in memory of Paddy. Cllr. Terry Shannon, Ray Cremin & Noel O’Shea referred to the many Community events in which Paddy was involved, not least of which was the Christmas dinner and party for senior citizens, which for many years was held in the community hall. Noel O’Shea thanked Cllr. Terry Shannon for his continued support of the club and lauded the contribution made by community volunteers over the years, mentioning recently deceased Anna Cronin, who was an active member of Ballinlough Community Association for many years - Solas na bhFlaitheas uirthi. He thanked the members for their support and help in running of the club from week to week. Recently deceased members Pa Twomey and Mossie McCarthy are remembered with affection. Nollaig shona agus athbhliain faoi shéan is faoi mhaise

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A more competitive Christy Ring Cup, a dedicated promotions officer and a promotional campaign to raise the profile of the Ring, Rackard and Meagher hurling competitions are some of the findings contained in a report commissioned by the GPA and published last week.. Former Cork hurling manager Donal O’Grady was tasked with compiling the report which included discussing all aspects of the competitions with relevant stakeholders and carrying out an extensive survey of hurlers currently participating in the three Cups. Players place great importance in the three competitions but believe administrators and those tasked with promoting hurling are falling short in terms of developing the Ring, Rackard and Meagher Cups. Extending the competitions to seven weeks was considered important by a large number of respondents while improving media coverage and broadcasting of games was seen as essential to further develop the profile of hurling in the relevant counties. Report author O’Grady commented: “The Ring, Rackard and Meagher Cups are the All-Irelands for the various teams involved. These are the elite hurlers of almost 20 counties and the players give great commitment,” he stated. “They see the success of these Cups as being very important for the future of hurling in their areas and they want these competitions to help drive progress and develop the games to the highest standards possible. Live television coverage by TG4 was a big boost for the teams in the finals this year and hopefully it will continue in the years ahead,” O’Grady concluded. GPA Chief Executive Officer Dessie Farrell added: “The GPA asked Donal (O’Grady) to carry out research into the three hurling competitions, to talk to the players, to county boards, development officers, Croke Park and members of the media. The promotion of the Ring, Rackard and Meagher competitions is an essential component for the development of hurling nationwide and it was very important to listen to what the players had to say. “I’d like to thank Donal and his team of Niall Ó Muineacháin, Padraig McHugh, Ciaran Clifford, Michael Ennis, Paul Sheehan and the late Shane Mulholland who died tragically earlier this year. I’d also like to thank the GAA and the various media outlets who helped inform Donal’s report.”

GAA Wheelchair Hurling Interprovincial All-Star Awards & AllIreland Finals 2015 Awards winners, from left, Pat Carty, Connacht/Sligo, Conor McGrotty, Ulster/Derry, Peter Lewis, Ulster/Antrim, Ellie Sheehy, Munster/Limerick, Sultan Kakar, Munster/Limerick, and Maurice Noonan, Munster/Limerick, along with, back row, from left, Mary Meaney, President, I.T.Blanchardstown, Martin Donnelly, Sponsor, Brian Armitage, Chairperson GAA Games for ALL Committee, Niall Corcoran, Dublin Hurler, and Tony Watene, GAA Games for ALL, during the M. Donnelly GAA Wheelchair Hurling Interprovincial All-Star Awards & All-Ireland Finals. I.T. Blanchardstown, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. Picture credit: Oliver McVeigh

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