West Kerry Live issue 402

Corca Dhuibhne Beo

&

Kerry Live

News - Events - Live Music Listings - Local Maps & More Nuacht - Imeachtaí - Ceol Beo - Léarscáileanna

Eisiúint / Issue 402

19ú Nollaig / December 2024 - 3ú Eanáir / January 2025

Díseart Gardens: Mossy Donegan

San Eagrán Seo / In This Issue

Pg 3: Dún Síon Christmas Day Swim

Pg 6: Nutrition with Irene

Pg 10: Once Upon a Time in the Southwest

Pg 16: The Phoenix - Delivered From Destruction

Pg 25: Scéalta ón bPobalscoil

Pg 28: Christmas Dinner with The Cookery School

Pg 25: Dingle Cookery School Recipe

Pg 45: Mike Graham and the Tailteann Games

Pg 47: All in the Mind

Pg 48: Live Music Listings

Pg 49: Town & Peninsula Maps

Pg 52: Crosfhocal Sean-Nós

Pg 53: Ó Mhárthain

Pg 54: Crossword

Pg 55: Classifieds

by West Kerry Live, Goat Street, Dingle, Co. Kerry V92 EC85

IONAID LEIGHIS / MEDICAL CENTRES:

Clinic Cois Abhann, The Mall , Dingle 066 9151465

Ionad Leighis An Daingin, The Mall, Dingle 066 9152225.

DingleDoc, Spa Rd, Dingle V92K282 066-9152346 / 066-9152324

Castlegregory Medical Centre, 066-7139226 Mon-Fri, 9:00am to 5:00 pm Saturday, by appointment.

Annascaul Health Centre, Annascaul 066-9157227, SouthDoc: 0818 355 999 for all calls between 6.00pm to 8.00am

Killorglin Health Centre, Killorglin, Tel: 066 976 1284

Cronin, Dr Ann, Beach Tree Lodge, Market St, Killorglin (066)9761014

Prenderville Edmond, Daly’s Lane, Killorglin (066)9761072

Prenderville Edmond, Coolmore Laharn, Killorglin (066)9761512

Milltown Health Centre Milltown (066)9767113

IONAD TRÉIDLIACHTA / VETERINARY SURGERY

Brendan O’ Connell, Spa Rd., Dingle. Tel (066) 9151814

EIGEANDÁIL / EMERGENCY:

Police, Fire, Ambulance, Coast Guard: Tel: 112 or 999. These numbers are free of charge but should only be used in cases of genuine emergencies.

STÁISIÚN NA NGARDAÍ / GARDA STATIONS

Annascaul Garda Station,. Tel: +353 66 9157102

Dingle Garda Station, Tel: +353 66 9151522

Castlegregory Garda Station,Tel: +353 66 7139690

Garda Station, Killorglin, Tel: +353 66 976 1113

News from The Marts

Dingle

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas, Beannachtai na Nollag oraibh Opening Sale January 11th.

Milltown

-ring for details

DINGLE 066 91 51586

MILLTOWN : 066 97 67309

FIACLÓIRÍ / DENTISTS

Corkery-Johnson Linda BDS NUI

Upper Main St Dingle Co. Kerry (066) 9152333

Long Bryan G B. Dent. Sc. Main st. Upr .Dingle (066)9151527

Timothy Lynch Dental Surgery, Langford st, Killorglin, 066 97 61831

Mac Domhnaill Dental, Tralee, 066-7121457 / 087-1319792

CLÁR-AMA BUS / BUS TIMETABLES:

Local Link Kerry 066 7147002

Bus Station, Killarney, Co. Kerry. (064) 6630011

Bus Station, Tralee, Co. Kerry. (066) 7164700

POITIGÉIRÍ / CHEMISTS:

The Village Pharmacy, Castlegregory, 066-7139646

Walsh John, Pharmacy Green st. Dingle (066)9151365

O’Keeffe Pharmacy Ltd . Strand St.(066)9151310

Grogan’s Pharmacy, Spa Rd, Dingle (066)-9150518

O’Dohertys Pharmacy, Bridge Street, Milltown (066)-9767305

Laune Pharmacy Market Street, Killorglin, 066 976 1131

Mulvihill Pharmacy Ltd, Main St, Killorglin, Phone : 066 976 1115

O’Sullivan’s Pharmacy, Mill Road, Killorglin, Phone : 066 976 2111

O Sullivans Pharmacy 6 Bridge Street, Milltown, 066 9795915

OPTICIANS / RADHARC-EOLAÍ

Ó Domhnaill Opticians, Mail Rd., Dingle, (066) 9152863

SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL (SVP) WEST KERRY AREA 066 7128021

Dún Síon Christmas Day Swim

Given the hazardous conditions at Beenbawn starnd after recent rockfalls that beach is now off limits, so this year 's Christmas Day swim will again take place at Dún Síon strand under the watchful eye Nuala Moore.

People are asked to gather on the beach from 12pm with a view to taking the plunge shortly after 12.15

As always there will be collection buckets with money going to CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).

NB: It is important to note that there is much less parking space in Dún Síon than at Beenbawn, so factor this in to your plans. Car pool with others to reduce traffic or perhaps park in Beenbawn and walk the rest of the way

Things to remember when you are getting ready

• Keep your Feet warm until the last minute-stand on a towel or a bag until we say go. Cold sand goes up through you.

• Keep your head warm until the last minute -remember feet and head.

• Stand on the towel or a bag and get dressed head down-have your clothes ready if it is wet and cold

• Bring more than one towel.

• Pay attention to the younger swimmers as they tend to cool down quicker.

• If it's raining-bring a black bag for your clothes to keep them dry

• Bring a warm drink for the younger kids.

• When you get home-don't have a shower straight away if your feet and hands are very cold, give yourself a few hot cups of tea, and change your socks with dry ones, bearing in mind that as your body heats up the cold comes into the clothes and they become damp and you don't heat up proper. The hot shower sends cold blood back to your core too quickly so take your time about 30 mins after is fine.

• Take your time to warm up and just enjoy the cool feeling.

• Alcohol sends the blood to your skin surface and increases the circulation so be mindful that if you are drinking to take that into consideration.

• DO not swim or go into the water if you have had a drink before the swim

• Be responsible and remember to bring that happy face-it can be a great way to start your day.

60 Seconds with Mary Kelliher

What was your first job?

Helping my parents on the family farm

What is your favourite film? The Faraway

What is your favourite book?

Jimín Mháire Thaidhg

What was the first CD/Tape/Record you bought?

Big Tom McBride

What was your favourite holiday? My honeymon back in January 1980

What is your favourite drink? A hot cup of tea

Who is your favourite actor?

Tom Riordan in Glenroe

What advice would you give to your younger self? Enjoy life more and not work as hard

Who is your sporting hero?

Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh

Two figures from history you’d like to have as dinner guests?

John Hume and Seamus Heaney

If a time machine could take you somewhere for one day where would you go? The annual Horse Fair in Dingle back in the day

PARTICIPANTS WANTED!

Kerry Hospice Foundation

Kerry Hospice Foundation West Kerry Branch would like to thank all our supporters for another wonderful year of fundraising. You have helped us raise €27,000 this year through supporting Coffee Mornings, Sunflower Day, Church Gate Collections, Personal Fundraisers and Christmas Card Sales. Planning permission has been granted to extend the Hospice by five new units and it is hoped this project will begin next year. Your generosity and support has enabled this work to go ahead - we are truly grateful to you all. We wish you a happy, peaceful Christmas and good health for 2025. Nollaig Shona daoibh go leir - Christmas Blessings to all. Thank you to you all for helping to promote the hospice fundraisers. I hope you all have a very Happy Christmas and joyful New Year.

St. Brendan’s Road

Oifig and Phoist Ceann Tra presenting a cheque to Kerry Hospice for the Coffee Morning held in September.

A Midwinter Moment for Food, Humanity and Self-Care

Irene Flannery

It starts innocently enough. One minute you are peeling parsnips in a calm, festive glow and the next you are juggling boiling pots, answering WhatsApp pings about who is bringing what to dinner and wondering what end in which to stick the turkey thermometer. Somewhere along the way the simple joy of cooking turns into a military operation involving hours of planning, lists and multiple trips to the shops. And isn’t that the way so much of life feels these days? We are all so busy that it is easy to miss out on the quiet magic of midwinter – a season that once invited us to slow down, gather close and find comfort in the small, ordinary things and to share food as an act of care. Amidst the rushing, the racing and the weight of a troubled world, maybe, just maybe the only way forward is to find our way back to that.

It’s easy to dismiss cooking as yet another task on a never-ending list, but in its essence, cooking is self-care at its best. The action of preparing a meal—the simple, rhythmic motions of chopping vegetables, stirring a pot, tasting, waiting—can slow our minds and ground us in the present moment. Cooking, at its heart, offers small reassurances: that we can create something with our hands, that we can nourish ourselves and others and that in this moment, right here, right now, stirring this pot— we are okay.

This concept isn’t new or a passing fad. Our ancestors were the original trendsetters when it came to self-care though they didn’t have wellness hashtags to prove it. Cooking their own food was not an Instagram moment; it was life. They gathered ingredients, chopped, stirred, kneaded and cooked because they had to. Yet somewhere along the way, they discovered something profound: preparing food by hand is more than just survival—it’s soothing, reassuring and grounding. Today, in our broken and fragmented world, we seem to have forgotten this. Instead of cooking for ourselves—finding comfort in the chopping, stirring and tasting—we outsource it. We eat food that is fast, processed and lifeless. Food that fills our bellies but drains our ability to thrive. It takes away more than it gives, leaving us disconnected—not just from our food, but from ourselves. In a time when we desperately need the reassurance and grounding that cooking offers, we skip it, convincing ourselves that we are too busy, too tired or that it doesn’t matter. But it does. Cooking is not just about survival; it’s about being human. It is about reclaiming the small, ordinary moments that remind us we are alive, that we are capable of care and that we can nourish ourselves and those around us—one meal at a time

It turns out that chopping vegetables and stirring soup isn’t just good for dinner, it’s good for your brain, too. Scientists have found that repetitive, hands-on tasks like kneading dough or slicing carrots can actually lower stress hormones and promote mindfulness. It is like meditation, but with snacks at the end. The rhythmic motions—chop, stir, taste—calm the nervous system, easing anxiety and slowing racing thoughts. If you have ever zoned out in the swirl of a wooden spoon or felt oddly satisfied punching down a ball of dough, that is your brain saying “ ahh thanks, that feels better”.

A 2016 study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that engaging in small, creative activities like cooking or baking, on a daily basis, can lead to increased happiness and relaxation. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior in 2018 found that young adults who perceived themselves as having better cooking skills reported higher mental well-being and lower levels of depression over time. The findings suggest that developing cooking skills during adolescence and emerging adulthood can have long-term benefits for nutritional well-being and mental health.

In short, cooking is self-care that doesn’t come with a subscription fee or an app—just a cutting board and a few basic utensils. Let’s be honest: none of us are about to start hand-churning butter or cooking meals that take six hours. But small, intentional acts can still feel surprisingly soothing:

• Chop Slowly: Treat chopping as a kind of meditation. Let it take as long as it takes. You might be surprised how calming a few minutes of slicing carrots can be.

• Use Your Hands: Knead bread dough, mash potatoes or roll out pastry. There is something inherently grounding about making food you can feel.

• Create Rituals: Light a candle, play a favourite song and take five deep breaths before you start cooking. Make it a moment for you—not just another task.

• Start Small: A single pot of soup, a batch of roasted vegetables or scrambled eggs made just right can feel like the ultimate act of self-care.

So here’s to cooking—not for the show, but for the soul. Midwinter reminds us, as it always has, that even in the darkest days, there is light to be found in the small, ordinary things. When we take time to chop, stir, wait and eat something we made ourselves, we’re sending a small but powerful message. That we matter, that nourishment matters and that even in a world of busyness and chaos, we can create warmth. Cooking isn’t about trends; it’s about care—one pot, one loaf, one thoughtfully stirred meal at a time. Just like the flicker of a candle on a cold winter’s night, these small acts of care reassure us that brighter days are on the way and we will be okay.

On a personal note, as this season invites us to pause and reconnect, I want to thank the customers and colleagues I’ve met over the past 15 years at the Dingle health food shop. Your conversations, trust, and shared stories have been a true gift and I carry them with me as I step into this next chapter. Though I have stepped away from the shop, I’m still here in the community—ready to offer advice, encouragement or a nourishing recipe when needed. Midwinter reminds us of the light and renewal that lie ahead and I’m excited to bring fresh ideas, inspiration, and mindful nutrition to support you in the new year. Wishing you a peaceful and meaningful Christmas, Irene x

Irene Flannery, Nutritional Therapist & Medicinal Chef. Home visits within Dingle Peninsula and online consultations. 086 1662562 Email: hello@ omnom.ie

WILD ATLANTIC WINTER EXHIBITION

MICHAEL FLAHERTY * GERARD BYRNE * DAVID LEE

WILD ATLANTIC WINTER

Professional Cleaning Services

Keep Calm, Keep Clean

Household Cleaning

• Holiday Let Cleaning

Construction Cleaning • Carpet Cleaning Schedule Today! info@cleanhomedingle.ie

Brian: +353 (87) 962 0675 www.cleanhomedingle.ie

Inch Beach Christmas Day Swim

This Christmas Day come together to make a splash for a cause that makes a real difference! Dive into the festive spirit and join us for the 15th annual Christmas Day Charity Swim on Inch Beach, @ 12:30pm, all in aid of the Kerry Cancer Support Group. All proceeds from this event will go directly to the Kerry Cancer Support Group,helping local families and individuals on their cancer journey. Your contribution can make a huge difference.

Come and sing along to the Christmas carols, swim or support the brave swimmers. There is something for everyone on Inch beach on Christmas Day!

More Information available from Margaret Foley (087)7578980 and Michelle Long (087) 3942096. We look forward to sharing this great event with you all.

Dingle Heating & Plumbing

Once Upon a Time in the Southwest

Ted Creedon

(All stories in this issue were taken from events recorded in December.)

Dingle on High Alert

- Warder and Dublin Weekly Mail, 02 December, 1843

A Dingle correspondent informs us that Her Majesty’s steamer Stromboli, under Captain Edward Plunkett, arrived outside Dingle Harbour on Thursday from the Shannon.

Immediately on her arrival Lieut. Gore came ashore for the purpose of communicating with the magistrates. The Stromboli then left for Ventry where she moored for the night and returned to her Shannon headquarters the next day.

The soldiers wives have been ordered out of the Tralee barracks and it is rumoured that three additional companies will be located there. (What was that all about? It was probably to do with Daniel O’Connell’s ‘Monster Meetings’, the Repeal Movement and the Young Irelanders. The British were expecting a rebellion.)

Hanged in Tralee Jail

- Cork Weekly News, 12 December, 1891

At the Munster winter Assizes Court here in Nenagh today, before Mr. Justice Holmes, a man named Patrick Hackett was arraigned for having, at Heirhill near Castleisland, killed and murdered one Patrick Flahive on the 13th August, 1886.

It will be remembered that at the Winter Assizes a year ago a young man named Batt Sullivan was convicted of having been involved in the same murder. He was sentenced to be hanged and although a submission to commute the sentence was presented to the Lord Lieutenant it did not have the desired effect.

The extreme penalty of the law was enforced and the execution by hanging took place in Tralee jail. Hackett was then put forward on the dock and the indictment having been read out to him he pleaded not guilty.

Bodies washed ashore at Brandon Creek

- Kerry Reporter, 08 January, 1909

The bodies of Patrick Moriarty and - ? Johnston, aged 28 and 29 years respectively, two of the three fishermen drowned while fishing on the 6th of December last, were washed ashore at Brandon Creek, eleven miles from Dingle, on Sunday. No inquest was held.

(Tragic at any time of the year but particularly at Christmas time, yet it brought closure for two families.)

Beautiful Southwest Kerry

- Dublin Weekly Nation, 29 December, 1855

(The following is a description of Kerry by the British poet, historian and politician Thomas B. Macaulay.)

‘The south-western part of Kerry is now well-known as the most beautiful tract in the British Isles. The mountains, the glens, the capes stretching far into the Atlantic, the crags on which eagles build, the rivulets brawling down rocky passes, the lakes over-hung by groves in which the wild deer find cover attract every summer crowds of wanderers sated with the business and pleasures of great cities.

The beauties of that county are too often hidden in the mist and rain which the west wind brings up from the boundless ocean. But on the rare day when the sun shines out in all its glory, the landscape has a freshness and a warmth of colouring seldom found in our latitude.’

‘But during the greater part of the 17th century this paradise was as little known to the civilised world as Spitzbergen or Greenland. If ever it was mentioned it was mentioned as a horrible, a chaos of bogs, thickets and precipices where the she-wolf still littered and where the half-naked savages, who could not speak a word of English, made themselves burrows in the mud and lived on roots and sour milk’.

Derelict Ship in Dingle Bay

- Cork Examiner, 01 January, 1869

Yesterday morning, December 31, a large full-rigged ship, with a cargo of timber, and a complete derelict was brought into Dingle Harbour by local pilot John O’Flaherty and the coast-guard.

She had been boarded in the bay – first by Flaherty and later by the Ventry coast-guards in their open boat at great peril. The vessel is in a completely crippled state – her main-topmast is gone, all her bulwarks are gone, her cabin and boats washed off and her entire canvas in complete shreds. No trace of crew.

The sea was washing over her deck and the brave men who boarded her had to remain on the poop (after- deck) and in the rigging. Two men were constantly at the wheel to steer her. Nothing found on board as to where she was bound. Her name is the Americina of St. John’s, New Brunswick. (Could the name be a spelling mistake? Could she have been the Americana?)

Cannibalism in Milltown

- Kerry Evening Post, 31 December, 1873

On St. Stephen’s night some cousins from Callinafercy, after wetting the Wran, got into an argument about land and one cousin knocked another cousin down. Not content on making a striking impression on his head he actually bit off a piece of the cousin’s lip.

Fortunately for the injured man he had plenty lip to spare or his beauty would have been destroyed. The comfort of St Stephen’s Night was sadly altered by a visit from Constable Coyle and party and the alleged lip-eater was deposited in Milltown barracks.

The lipless man is under the care of Dr. James Hannafin of Milltown. This is the second time that Constable Coyle has had to manage cannibals. Once in the town of Killorglin he had a portion of a bearded lip that had been bitten off someone and was now preserved in spirits. If the constable succeeds in preserving lip no: 2 he can say that now he has the essence of tulips (two lips).

(Cringe! Seems that the writer of this piece was enjoying the New Year’s Eve celebrations.)

Beannachtaí na Nollaig

West Kerry Agricultural Show would like to wish a very Happy Christmas to all our members, exhibitors, sponsors, judges and loyal supporters.

Díseart Christmas Market

Dear Dingle people, you did it again! What an amazing magical Christmas Market this was!...

An enormous THANK YOU! to everyone involved: vendors, musicians, visitors, bakers, coffee-makers, wash-uppers, West-Kerry Live, rafflesellers and Dingle businesses who donated the gorgeous prizes.

A special thanks to everyone in the Díseart, who were so welcoming, supportive, who created a lantern-lit garden, shifted furniture and cleaned rooms! Father Fenton was surely smiling down on us, as this was his vision and wish: the Díseart as a place for the people with the people of Corca Dhuibhne...

AND we collected €2,500 for the homeless!!

Go raibh míle maith agaibh!! See you next year

- Uta, Betsie, Tonnie

á t h n a g C e i s t B o i r d

C o r n P h e i g í M i s t é a l

I o n a d a n B h l a s c a o i d

7 : 0 0

D é D o m h n a i g h 2 9 ú

Duaiseanna agus crannchur iontach ar an oíche Beir leat do dheoch féin!

Le bord a chur in áirithint

Dírigh do cheamara ar an gcód qr thíos nó

Seol téacs chuig 0874151673

Brabús ag dul i dtreo Chomharchumann Dhún Chaoin agus aos óg an pharóiste. Díolfar ticéid crannchur roimh ré chomh maith.

Dingle Notes

Richie Williams

EVENTS. The CHRISTMAS DAY SWIMS are are scheduled to start at different times for a number of places around the Peninsula with details available from local contact personnel.

LÁ AN DREOILIN or WRAN'S DAY as it is affectionately known in Dingle will see the 4 main WREN GROUPS take to the streets from 12 midday for several hours before retiring to their local headquarters in different parts of town. They travel slowly through every street collecting funds on the way for various local and national charities. Everybody welcome to join in the fun.

The ANNUAL NEW YEAR'S EVE FIREWORKS DISPLAY from Dingle Pier is scheduled to start at 8p.m.(weather permitting). Again everybody welcome to celebrate the occasion with a blast of light as the earlier starting time should be more family friendly this year. A voluntary collection will be held at exit points after the display to help cover some of the costs of the event.

Support in needed with stewarding and at collection points so if available please contact 0868641340 in advance for details.

The DINGLE FIFE AND DRUM BAND hope to parade through the streets on the Evening of January 6th to celebrate NOLLAIG MÓR NA mBAN as their traditional New Year's Eve Parade will not take place again this year due to safety concerns with such large gatherings.

TEMPERANCE HALL . Following long awaited renovations the Temperance Hall in Upper Main Street is due to reopen as a Community Facility early in the New Year. To get an idea of the likely demand for use of the facility groups or individuals from the parish who would like to book a time slot are requested to contact the parish Office at 0669151208.

ELECTIONS. Congratulations to the 5 people who were recently chosen to represent our county in the 34th Dail. Lets hope they can get on with the task of forming a stable Government as soon as possible and steer Ireland to continued steady progress in the uncertain times ahead internationally.

Congratulations also to all the civil minded citizens who were brave enough to contest the elections on behalf of parties or as individuals with a wide range of different objectives and

ideals. Well done everybody and I hope you stay active in your local communities and parties in the years ahead.

SHOP LOCAL. We appeal to our readers to make every effort to SHOP LOCAL and support local outlets, producers, services and goods. Shopping Local helps in a big way to ensure continued employment for so many local people as the media report that many smaller outlets are going out of business around the country. We should not allow our area to lose any outlets and can with a little forethought help to keep the Dingle Peninsula a progressive place with employment opportunities for all who wish to live and work here. Yes every Euro spent here is worth at least treble that amount to the local economy.

Of course VOUCHERS are now regarded as a most acceptable gift for all age groups especially if the giver is unsure or unable to find a suitable gift to purchase.

READERS SUGGESTIONS. The Business

Chamber wish to hear our readers views, ideas , suggestions or involvement in how our town and area should progress in the year ahead. We are aware that a good number of people have got involved in different business outlets and services as opportunities arose in the past while and wish to explore and incorporate all positive suggestions in our plan for 2025 and beyond. Email risteardmacliam@gmail.com or phone 086-8641340 or contact any Chamber member. íle buíochas.

NEW YEAR GREETINGS. This time of year can be a rather lonely time for many so we urge our readers ti look in on a neighbour or family member or friend who you might have noticed a bit out of sorts recently. Contact can be a big comfort to many people so do reach out to someone else when the opportunity arises.

BEANNACHTAÍ AN LINBH ÍOSA ORAIBH GO LÉIR AN NOLLAIG SEO AGUS SONAS IS SLÁINTE SAN ATHBHLIAN.

The Dingle Bookshop

Jason Mattu peruses his favourite magazine under the watchful eye of the Sphinx

Photos by Mossy Donegan on

The Phoenix - Delivered from Destruction

Ted Creedon

Much has been reported since the news broke that Dingle’s Phoenix Cinema has been rescued from potential destruction thanks to the intervention of its new owners Cillian Murphy and Yvonne McGuinness. Most of the storylines are virtually identical in content while a few are off the mark. The focus of this article is on the first 60 years of the cinema’s existence.

It cannot be stated with certainty where the Phoenix fits in relation to the beginnings of cinema in Ireland. One thing is sure, 115 years ago this week the first cinema in Ireland, showing fictional silent films, was established by the writer James Joyce in Mary Street, Dublin. It was named the Volta Picture Theatre and it opened on December 20, 1909. Let’s just have a look at the geography around Dykegate Lane before the cinema was built. Between the 1840s and 1890s there was a mill on what became the cinema site, according to the first Ordnance Survey. The survey also records a tannery on the same side of Dykegate Lane as the mill and shows a Post Office where the Moriarty and Bambury offices used to be.

The 1888 to 1915 survey records a sawmill on what would become the cinema site and also a smithy in the general area of where the tannery had been. The Post Office had been moved by then. The sawmill may be the one referred to in the Kerry Weekly Reporter of August 27, 1910. The paper records the death of Mr. Peter Houlihan of Dingle, ‘a pioneer of commerce’ while on holiday in Scotland. It also states that Mr. Houlihan had recently ‘put up a sawmill and timber yard’.

The Houlihan family came originally from Leataoibh Meanách, according to Veronica Houlihan. Along with the sawmill the yard had a threshing machine and the Houlihans also produced ice which was cut into large blocks before being transported to the pier for the fishermen by local carrier Tommy Flahive, on his flat cart, Veronica recalled.

There were three Houlihan brothers involved in the family business, namely John, James and Peter. The first two were better known as Johnny and Jimmy.

Johnny was Veronica’s grandfather. The brothers married two O’Connor sisters from Cloghane - both were teachers. Johnny married Ellen and Jimmy married Lucy. Between them they had ten children – nine boys and a girl named Peg - Johnny’s daughter.

Towards the end of the First World War the brothers decided to meet the growing nationwide demand for cinemas. So, they built one on the site of the sawmill and opened it to the public in 1919 (date unknown).

There are various reports of the cinema being destroyed by a devastating and extensive fire in 1921. It is also claimed that the cinema was not destroyed but that the fire was confined to a shed at the rear of the building.

The Kerry People ran a story 103 years ago on July 9, 1921 under the heading; Picture House and Mills Destroyed.

‘On Tuesday afternoon an alarming fire broke out at the rear of the premises of Messers Houlihan, Dingle. So rapidly did the flames spread that it was found impossible to cope with them and the entire premises, including picture house was completely destroyed’.

Perhaps the sawmill had been relocated to a different area of the site. The reference to ‘Picture House’, in capital letters, begs the question –what was the name of the cinema when it first opened in 1919? Many people of advanced years around Dingle were asked that question in recent days but could not recall a name before the Phoenix.

However, an article on the cinema by John O’Connor of The Wood, published in West Kerry Live in January 2019, under the heading Phoenix Paradiso, states ‘In July 1921 the Dingle Picture House…’. It’s quite possible that this was the name because ‘Picture House’ was generic in cinema names throughout the country in those early years. There were at least three cinemas named ‘Picture House’ in Dublin in at that time. There was another in Gilford, Co. Down which was later deconstructed and is now in the Ulster Folk Museum a few kilometres from Belfast.

The Dingle cinema was rebuilt and continued to be powered by electricity generated by a millwheel in the Mall River but later converted to diesel power. Johnny and Jimmy owned the stretch of the river that bordered their site, according to Veronica. By the 1920s the enterprising brothers had introduced electricity to homes, businesses and street lighting in the town.

As time went on people were buying more and more electrical goods. This led to a disastrous fire at the Houlihan’s premises in 1938, according to Veronica. ‘The demand for electricity became so great that the generators just couldn’t cope and a fire broke out which caused serious damage to the cinema’.

Then began the rebuild and refurbishment which included the renaming of the cinema as the Phoenix. It might surprise readers to know that the refurbishment included a connection to Lord Ventry’s home at Burnham House.

An Italian immigrant named Edigio Rocca specialised in creative tiling. He was the grandfather of former model and Miss Ireland winner Michelle Rocca. Edigio was hired by Lord Ventry to create a terrazzo floor in Burnham House. The Houlihans heard of the work and invited him to install a terrazzo floor on the entrance area of the cinema which he did. He also designed the iconic image of a phoenix, in mosaic, on the floor.

Jimmy Houlihan and his family lived in what is now Paddy Bawn Brosnan’s pub on Strand Street. Edigio designed and installed a large letter ‘H’, possibly in mosaic, for the floor of the pub which is no longer visible but may still be under the pub’s newer floor.

Meanwhile, the Houlihan brothers installed a maple floor, imported from Canada, in the main area of the cinema and the building’s art deco façade was created at this time. The cinema was multifunctional. Apart from films twice a week it also operated as a dance hall, concert hall and was made available to the community for a multiplicity of social and fundraising events throughout the years.

Pat Griffin (95) used to live near the cinema in Dykegate Lane. ‘It cost nine pence to get in and it stayed at that price for a long time’. Accord-

The Picture House in the Ulster Folk Museum near Belfast.

Edigio Rocca's Phoenix bird creation in mosaic on the cinema floor.

ing to Pat, the businessman John A. Moore had ten acres of land in the townland of Cullenagh. ‘I bought the land from John and he bought the cinema from the Houlihans with the proceeds. That was around the mid-fifties’, he recalled.

That approximate period of purchase by John A. Moore ties in with this item from the Kerryman dated October 22, 1955. A variety concert was staged in the Phoenix that week in aid of the Dingle St. V de Paul Society. When it ended the Parish Priest, Canon Lyne, thanked the proprietor of the cinema, Mr. A. J. Moore whom he said was ‘as generous as his predecessor, Mr. James Houlihan, in giving the Cinema for the concert’. Noel Brosnan, who lives in The Gárraí, is looking forward to celebrating his 92nd birthday on New Year’s Eve. He has many clear and amusing memories of the Phoenix. ‘There were pictures two nights a week – on Thursdays and Sundays. The Thursdays were mostly cowboy pictures. It cost nine pence to get in. We didn’t have much money so we collected jam jars during the week to make up the price of a ticket. When John Moore took over from the Houlihans there was a film every night and I was hooked!’ Noel declared.

‘I’ll never forget a film called Carnegie Hall. It was all about opera and the crowd hated the opera singer Lily Pons. There was murder in the cinema with people shouting and generally making a racket. Then some fella in the audience started singing but after a few minutes of that the crowd began shouting ‘We want Lily - we want Lily!’, it was hilarious!’ Noel said. Dee Walsh from Green Street is in her 90th year and remembers being in Sister Kevin’s class as was her sister Margaret. ‘Sister Kevin was great for organising dances in the cinema but they were mainly at night with all the parents and friends attending. Margaret and I used to cry because we were too young to go’ she recalled.

‘Because we lived near the cinema we used to find out from the projectionist Mikey Callaghan what pictures were coming before they were advertised. The earliest picture that I remember seeing was Little Women. I also remember a play called The Message of Fatima. That story of the miracle at Fatima and the children, Lucia dos Santos, Jacinta and Francisco Marto, was kind of new at the time. My brother James, my sister Laurena and my best friend Pat Gibbons had parts in it and I was in the choir’, Dee remembered.

Noreen Curran lives on Green Street and she was born on St. Patricks Day 1937. ‘Jimmy Houlihan was very interested in filming. He had a movie camera and recorded all sorts of events of interest happening in the area such as the Blessing of the Boats’.

‘The first film I remember seeing in the Phoenix was The Wizard of Oz. My brother Michael’s first film was The Hound of the Baskervilles. He had nightmares for several nights afterwards! It used to cost one shilling for the downstairs seats and two shillings for the balcony. The downstairs area was known as The Gods – normally it’s the other way around in cinemas and theatres. I’ll always remember lads shouting at the screen ‘Look out behind you!' when somebody or something was sneaking up on one of the characters’, Noreen laughed.

The well-known Dingle auctioneer and cinema owner John A. Moore passed the cinema on to his son John G. Moore, also an auctioneer (date unknown). John sold the Phoenix to Michael Francie O’Sullivan in 1978 and he undertook a complete overhaul of the cinema.

John O’Connor has written an impressive account, in the above-named article, of all the improvements undertaken by Michael Francie which included the most modern projection and sound equipment on the market. The cinema reopened in 1980. Michael, his daughter Kathleen and sons Francis and Seán spent much of their lives working there. The Phoenix closed during the Covid pandemic in 2021 and there were real fears for its future.

The Times newspaper declared that the closure ‘marked the end of another single-screen cinema’. That was somewhat premature. A dedicated and enthusiastic ‘Save the Phoenix’ group took up the challenge of rescuing the cinema and achieved that goal last month.

Looking back, it seems to have been predestined that three people, who were regular patrons of the Phoenix at different periods of its life namely John Moore, Michael O’Sullivan and Cillian Murphy, would eventually purchase the cinema (Not forgetting Yvonne McGuinness!).

An article in an issue of this publication last March ran the headline ‘Michael Francie would have been proud’ in reference to Cillian Murphy’s Oscar win for Oppenheimer. Michael would have been ‘over the moon’ today to hear that an Oscar-winning actor from Cork and his artist wife had bought the Phoenix and secured the venue for future generations.

the Dingle Film Festival in 2010.

This article is limited to 2000 words and, unfortunately, some collected stories and material had to be omitted. Capturing the history of the Phoenix is akin to skipping a stone across a river. It only touches the surface in spots while the greater story remains hidden beneath. There must be thousands of people, young and old, not only in Kerry but throughout the country and abroad with special memories of the Phoenix. Memories and photos that would easily fill a book.

Sincere thanks to all contributors to this article, in particular Veronica Houlihan, Avondale, and John O’Connor, The Wood, who regularly submits items of historical interest to The Kerry Magazine.

Cillain Murphy chatting with Michael Francie O'Sullivan outside the Phoenix cinema during

Photo: Ted Creedon

Phoenix Poster 1977

Camp Notes

Brigid O'Connor

CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM

This year's Christmas Day swim will take place at 12.00 noon at the beach, Garrahies Gap in Camp. This is always a fun event for the whole family and even if you are not dipping, you are welcome to join in for a warm drink and snacks and to cheer the swimmers on. Spectators add to the enjoyment of the event and it's also a great opportunity to meet neighbours and friends! The tide will be high this year so it will be a lot easier to get wet. This year our nominated charity is Recovery Haven and your support for the great work they do in supporting families affected by cancer would be greatly appreciated. Donation buckets will be available on the day and you will also be able to make a donation via Revolut. We look forward to seeing you for some Christmas cheer!

FUNDRAISER - ANNE'S COFFEE BAR

Coffee for Cancer supporting Katie Foley's Fundraiser in Anne's Coffee Bar, Camp on Sunday 22nd December at 11.00 am. Christmas Carol singalong in front of the pub for about 40 minutes, for passers by! Wear Pink to show your support. A perfect way to spread joy and make a difference this Christmas Season. See you there!

CHRISTMAS DINNER

Camp Seniors enjoyed a delicious Christmas dinner on Thursday followed by lovely traditional music and song. Compliments to O'Dwyers Chef Mike Smith, our Camp Master Chef. Thanks to Mary Moran and her team who organised the entire day, Milo, Pat and Tom, our musicians, Fr. Eamonn Mulvihill who celebrated Mass and Pastor Willa, Church of Ireland Kilgobbin and to all who attended on the day. Always a wonderful enjoyable day in the Old School Camp!

CAMP UNITED

A great night was had by all in O'Neills, The Railway Tavern Bar, on Saturday night for our annual christmas party. Winners of the draw cards were as follows :

1st : €300 cash Éabha Dolan

2nd : €200 Hotel Ireland Voucher Liam O Regan

3rd. : Freezer ready lamb Ger Savage Christmas hamper Nora Crean

Congratulations to everyone !

A big thank you to the O'Neill family for hosting a great night with fabulous food and entertainment.

Thanks to Thomas O'Connor for the music, Tom Griffin for once again donating a lamb, to anyone who gave a spot prize and Brendan Kennelly who kindly sponsors our draw cards every year.

The club really appreciates everyone's kind and generous support !!

CHAMPION DANCER

Congratulations to Caoimhe Cawley, Meemascorthy, Camp who came 2nd in the Oireachtes

Rince Na Mumhan. She was placed 1st in her set Dance and qualified for the world Irish Dancing Championships 2025. Well done Caoimhe and good luck in the world championships in 2025.

WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER

Michael Kennedy Inch won first prize in the IFA Calendar competition 2025 with his photo of cattle overlooking Inch Strand on a lovely sunny day. A complementary copy of this Calendar is included with The Farmers Journal Newspaper these weeks. Michael's photo certainly captures the beauty of Inch Strand on a July day. Congratulations Michael and well done. Indeed what a wonderful gift you have, Michael, an artistic eye for the beauty in creation. See Michael Kennedy Facebook page for more photos. Michael has also had success on the Radio Kerry Saturday Supplement, photography slot when his winning photos were chosen more than once by Professional Photographer, Dominic Walsh and displayed on Radio Kerry facebook page.

An Café Liteartha

Siopa Leabhar an Daingin ó 1979

Aoibhinn beatha an scoláire bhíos ag déanamh a léighinn; is follas díbh, a dhaoine, gurab dó is aoibhne an Éirinn.

An

Café

Liteartha

Famous Dingle Bookshop and Café since 1979

SHOP LOCAL/DINE LOCAL

Shop local for Christmas, Dine in your local Restaurant and Cafe. In this way you will help Keep local jobs and you are supporting the local community.

ANNASCAUL PARISH

Christmas Masses in Annascaul Parish. Christmas Eve: St Mary’, Camp at 6.15pm

Sacred Heart, Annascaul : 7.30pm

Christmas Day: St Joseph’s, Inch at 10am.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Beannachtaí na Nollag oraibh go léir.

Looking After Ourselves at Christmas

Emily McCullagh

Christmas is almost upon us now and many folks are busy with preparation for the big day. Excitement is mounting for our younger ones with the prospect of Santa’s nocturnal visit throughout the county. Flight plans for Santa and the team have been cleared and packing is underway. December can also be a month that is difficult. As the darkness intensifies, and the daylight is in short supply we can feel the loss of it and with this can often come grief. It can be hard to get the jobs done on the neverending list of things to do when you feel this way. For some of us the day itself does not hold joy, for one reason or another, and it can bring up feelings of loneliness and loss. For others, it can be a day to survive amongst people that we don’t usually spend time with, and who sometimes can leave us feeling bad about ourselves and life. For most people the day itself is a bit of a mixed bag, balancing expectations with reality. Whatever it means to you, is ok, as the glossy Christmas we see in shops and on screens does not have the gnarly bumps that we all are familiar with! If you feel the pull of grief, be kind to yourself. If you can, give yourself a little bit of time out to be with those feelings as they are, without trying to change them.

If you will be on your own for the day, plan some nice things to do, like films you want to watch, or buy a good book to read, and tasty food that will be a treat for you, no matter whether it is traditional or not. Is there anyone you would like to organise a phone call with in advance? Have a think about what will make the day a treat for you. It doesn’t need to fit anyone else’s description of Christmas; it just needs to suit you.

If you will find the day stressful due to challenging family relationships, you can have a think about how much time together is manageable, and then take breaks, go for a walk, or factor in time to step out to make a phone call to a close friend. Simple things like feeling your feet on the ground, coming back to your breath and staying with it will help you stay present and grounded. Notice the good moments when they happen. Whatever feelings Christmas brings up in you, good, bad or indifferent, the path of least resistance comes when we honour ourselves and what is true for us at this time and be kind to ourselves and those around us. As we journey into the solstice days, and Christmas day beyond, we are in the very darkest time of the year. As we come through this time, the sun light will start to ever so slowly re-emerge. I can’t say there’ll be a grand stretch in the evenings, but rest assured that human kindness will shine out if you look for it.

Samaritans: 116 123

50808 Anonymous 24/7 Text Support Line

Emily McCullagh is working with Shine in Kerry. Supporting people affected by mental ill health.

JEFF’S PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Roof Cleaning & Repairs, Driveway Cleaning & Repairs, Patio and footpaths - cleaned & sealed, hedge trimming, power washing, gutter repairs and general garden & property maintenance. Call Jeff on 087

Ranganna Oíche - Eanáir 2025

Night Classes - January 2025

Griangrafadóireacht/Photography 8wk €140

Spáinnis/Spanish 8wk €140

Iodáilis/Italian 8wk €140

Amhráin ós na Scannáin/Songs from the Films 8wk €140

Fraincís / French 8 wk €140

Gaeilge/ Irish

Garchabhair/First Aid Pilates (Clinical)

Safe Pass

Dingle Bridge Club

Bridge Beginner Classes

Wednesdays, From Jan 15 @19.30

6 x 2 hour sessions - €50

Ionad Pobail, Ceann Trá

A series of Bridge Beginner bridge classes, run by Dingle Bridge Club, will commence in January 2025. Those interested are invited to register now, just text or WhatsApp your name and number to either Monica ag 087-2302555 nó Alan ag 087-8173398

Fáilte roimis chách

Buíochas ó Coiste Halla na Feothanaí

Ba mhaith linn buíochas a ghabháil le gach daoine a thug tacaíocht don Biongó Mór ar mhaithe le Kerry Cork Link Health Bus agus Halla na Feothanaí. Dos na Urraitheoirí ar fad, An Skellig Hotel, Moran's Garage, Fitzgerald's Centra, Corca Dhuibhne Beo, Garvey's Supervalu, Páud Kavanagh - Feothanach, Brendan O'Connell, Sheehy's Spar agus don coiste a chabhairigh ar an oíche- Súsan, Bríd, Bosco, Curnaí, Tom agus éinne eile a chabhraigh linn. Nollaig Shona díobh go léir.

Dingle Brownie Unit were delighted to have Deirdre Henley, President Irish Girl Guides in attendance at our recent enrolment to present our new Brownie members with their badges. The Dingle Brownie Unit meet once a week and there are lots of activities and games for the girls to enjoy while embracing the philosophy of the Irish Girl Guide movement.

Photo: Dingle Brownie unit and leaders Siubhan Terry, Carol Manning, Helen Heaton and Magda Kopec.

Maidin Chaife Tigh Tábhairne Uí Shúilleabháin

Bailíodh €2410.00 ar son Ospís Chiarraí ag an Maidin Chaife i dTigh Tábhairne Uí Shúilleabháin, Garraí na dTor, le déanaí. Míle buíochas le gach éinne a chabhraigh in aon slí ar an lá. Bhí sár-mhaidin ann- idir comhluadar, cadráil, cístí is caife!

Ar scáth a chéile. Lios Póil Abú!

Scéalta ón bPobalscoil

Caid na mbuachaillí

Comórtas Uí Shúilleabháin.

Tar éis 3 chluiche sa chómrats seo bhain foireann sinsir na mbuachaillí an Sciath Uí Shúilleabháin amach in aghaidh an Scoil Idirmheánach Cill Orglan ar an 20ú Samhain in Abha na Scáil. Corn Uí Mhuirí.

Tar éis dhá thaispeántas iontach a thabhairt le bua in aghaidh Meánscoil na Toirbrithe Baile an Mhuilinn ar an 27ú Samhain, bhí ár bhfoireann shinsir cáilithe don bhabhta réamh cheathrú cheannais. Thugamar aghaidh ar De La Salle Maigh Chromtha i CLG na Crócaigh ar an 11ú Nollaig. Tar éis caith fiachmhar bhí an lá againne le phointe amháin. PCD 1-12 Maigh Chromtha 0-14.

Tabhairfaimid aghaidh anois ar Droichead na Bandan ar an 15ú Eanáir Fé 15 & 17

Ní raibh an t-ádh ag foirne PCD fé 15 nó 17 earraí airgid a bhucaint. I Mí Dheireadh Fómhair thug an fhoireann fé 17 PCD aghaidh ar Coláiste na Sceilge. Bhumar ar Cathair Saidhbín ach ní raibh ár lá againne seachtain ina dhiaidh i gcoinne Baile an Mhuilinn. Ar an 25ú samhain Bhí an t-ádh dearg ag an foireann fé 15 fanacht thar oiche sa Ghaillimh roimh dul ar turas go dtí an Ionad bharr feabhas i Maigh Eo ait inár d´imir siad dhá cluiche

Cispheil

Bhí an-taspaintais óna fhoireann cispheil i mbliana cé nár éirigh leo buachaint. Go n-eirí le bliana haon agus dó anois leis na chluichaí atá le tachtacht

Goncalo Ferreira, Ardteistiméaracht Fheidhmeach Comhgháirdeachas le Goncalo Ferreira, dalta Ardteist Fheidhmeach, 2024, a fuair torthaí den ardscoth ina chuid scrúdaithe anuraidh, de réir dealramh ceann de na torthaí is airde sa réigiún. Beidh searmanas bronnta ar siúl in Áth Luain, Co. na hIarmhí, i mí Eanair chun an éacht seo a chomóradh – bronnfar Gradam Náisiúnta Feargal Quinn ó Chumann na hArdteistiméireachta Feidhmí ar Goncalo. Comhgháirdeas mór leis.

Sceim Aitheantais mar Scoil Gaeltachta

Táimid ar mhuin na muice sa scoil anois go bhfuaireamar aitheantas ón Roinn Oideachais mar Scoil Gaeltachta. Bhaineamar amach gach critéir theangabhunaithe i gcigireacht le déanaí agus bronnadh plaic aoibhinn ar bhaill dár gCoiste Gaelainne, Tom Ó Neachtain agus Niamh Ní Domhnaill thar ceann na scoile. Tá sí ar crochadh anois ar an bhfalla lasmuigh dár scoil. “Nár lagfaí choíche sinn!”

Six passionate hillwalkers and dedicated members of Dingle Coast Guard recently presented a cheque for €15,820 to the Kerry Hospice. The team—Karen Nicolson, Ursula Vickers, Niall Flannery, Patrick Sheehy, Maurice O’Halloran, and Mark Murphy raised the money by climbing the highest mountains in each of Ireland’s four provinces within just over 27 hours. Reflecting on the experience, Karen Nicolson shared, “It was an incredible experience, both physically and emotionally. Knowing we were raising money for such a worthy cause made every step worthwhile. The generosity of those who donated kept us motivated throughout.”

Maurice O’Halloran added, “Over €15,800 was raised, and we cannot thank everyone enough for their kindness and support. Every euro will go directly to Kerry Hospice to help continue their amazing work.”

Adding to the fundraiser’s success, local artist Ben Dearnley (pictured right with Karen Nicholson) donated his sculpture, Light Within, which was purchased by a local businessman and gifted to Kerry Hospice. The artwork is now permanently displayed at the Kerry Palliative Care Unit, serving as a lasting symbol of hope and compassion for all who visit.

Main Photo (L-R): Karen Nicolson, Maurice O’Halloran, Mark Murphy , Patrick Sheehy, Maura Sullivan, Ursula O'Connell (both Kerry Hospice Foundation), Ursula Vickers, Dora McCarthy (Kerry Hospice Foundation). Missing from the photo is Niall Flannery who was also part of the team.

Castlegregory Notes

Castlegregory Youth Club wishes to acknowledge the grant of €1500 awarded to them for two new concrete entrances with safety rails at the West End Hall Castlegregory from the Local Enhancement Fund, Community Arts and Culture Department of Kerry County Council.

Castlegregory Tidy Towns: If you would like to join our weekly volunteering activities we usually meet every Saturday at 10:00am at the Castlegregory Playground unless otherwise stated. Please check the side of the little library there for any updates each week.

CE Scheme Vacancy: The role will be to assist in the kitchen and include assisting the cook when and as required, deep kitchen cleaning, venue prep/ set-up for the weekly dinner and assisting with the delivery of

the entertainment programme. Contact: castleactiveretired@gmail. com 085 43 2251.

Rambling House: Friday 27th of December at 7.30

Whist: Every Thursday evening in the Clubrooms from 8pm. Newcomers and Learners welcome.

Results

11/12/24: Ladies:1st Kathleen Hennessy 2nd: Anne Kavanagh Intervals:Sandra Hoffman, Anne Windle Gents: 1st:Maeve Herlihy 2nd

Martin Courtney Intervals:Thomas Maunsell, John McEnery Mystery: Brid Baker

12/12/24: Ladies: 1st Joan Cantillon 2nd Edward Hennessy Intervals: Kathleen Hennessy, Catherine Lyons Gents: 1st Martin Courtney 2nd John McEnery Intervals:Mike Rohan, Maeve Herlihy Mystery: Nora Walsh

Your Complete Guide to Cooking the Traditional Christmas

Mark Murphy Dingle Cookery School

Christmas dinner is special and especially this year with the year we all have just had.

Each year I keep this guide very similar, I hope it will help everyone from experienced cooks to someone who never has cooked the Christmas dinner before.

Try not let the task of cooking it daunt you, even if it is your first time cooking it or if you feel that you are not a great cook.

Two pieces of advice that will help you really enjoy cooking on the day are to

1) make a list and plan everything and

2) on the day focus on the hour before serving (magic hour).

So, the following guide will help your break down each job to be done and will take the stress out of cooking it and putting it all together.

MAKE A PLAN

Every year I still take out a notebook and write down all the jobs to be done, and what ingredients are needed. Then try to give yourself some idea of when each job will be done. Please note, the timeline at the end of this guide will help you with all of this.

THE MAGIC HOUR

One of the greatest pieces of advice to help bring it all together and get it to the table all hot, and on time, is to have the turkey out of the oven for at least an hour before you serve it. Once the turkey is out of the oven cover it with foil and keep it in a warm place in the kitchen. Not only will this time allow the turkey to be so juicy but it will give you a magic hour or so to finish everything off; finish the ham, potatoes, roast vegetables and sauces.

The Turkey

Before you start, make sure you have a large tray, which is big enough for the turkey, and ensure the tray (and the turkey) fits in the oven. It is worth buying a temperature probe to test if the turkey is done.

Know the exact weight of the turkey (your butcher will help here).

Before cooking, make sure the turkey comes to room temperature, this means having it out of the fridge at least two hours before you want to cook it.

To stuff or not stuff the turkey

People always have different views on the stuffing, whether to stuff the bird or to make stuffing and leave it out. My advice would be to cook the stuffing separately to ensure that there are no uncooked juices of the turkey in the stuffing and I always find that when I keep the stuffing separate I can adjust the seasoning more easily.

Cooking Times for the Turkey

I have had a look at several charts and cooking times but I think below is the most straightforward guide to follow, providing you with perfect results:

(for an unstuffed turkey)

Calculate 20 minutes per kg + 100 minutes.

For example, 5.5 kg turkey = 110 minutes + 100 minutes = 210 mins (3.5 hours)

Cooking the Turkey

Ingredients

1 turkey

2 onions, roughly chopped

2 carrots, roughly chopped

1 bulb of garlic, split in half plenty of herbs such as thyme, sage & rosemary olive oil

salt and pepper

Method

Preheat the oven to 180ºC (fan)

Add the onions, carrots, garlic and herbs to a tray, drizzle a little oil over them.

Season the turkey with salt and pepper all over and make sure to season the inside too. Drizzle some olive over the turkey and use your hands to rub it all over.

Place the turkey on the vegetables. Place the tray inside the oven and cook to the times as listed above.

How to know if the turkey is done

To test if it’s done, make sure the juices run clear when you pierce the thigh where it meets the body and if you have a temperature probe use it to check if the temperature reaches 75ºC. If not, put it back in the oven for another 20 mins, then test again. The next step is one of the most important steps to prevent your turkey from drying out.

Once you are happy that the turkey is done take it out. Wrap it in tin foil

and leave it in a warm place for at least an hour or so (Magic hour). This will give you plenty of time to get everything else finished off.

Once the turkey is out, turn the oven to 210ºC to finish all of the rest of the food.

The Ham

You can cook the ham the day before and glaze it on Christmas day if you prefer.

To cook the ham

Ingredients

1 ham (smoked or unsmoked)

Method

Place the ham in cold water and bring to the boil. Change the water and repeat, then turn down to a simmer.

Allow 50 minutes per kg or 20 minutes per lb.

Once it is done, remove it from the water and allow it to cool a little.

If you are doing this the day before make sure you cool down the ham as quickly as possible to get it in to the fridge.

Honey, Mustard Glaze

This can be made the day before if you prefer.

Ingredients

5 tbsp. dark brown sugar, plus extra to sprinkle finely grated zest of ½ orange 20ml balsamic vinegar 20ml water

2 tbsp. English mustard handful of cloves

Method

Mix all of the ingredients except the mustard together to a thick paste. Bring this carefully to the boil to allow the sugar to dissolve. Lower the heat and simmer for a few minutes until you have a dark syrupy glaze. Keep stirring to make sure that the glaze doesn’t burn.

To Glaze the Ham

Place the ham on a tray, to make a criss-cross/diamond pattern on the ham, use a sharp knife to lightly score it, only cutting into the fat and not the meat underneath. Brush the ham with the mustard. Place a clove in each diamond and pour the glaze over the ham.

Put this in a hot oven, 210°C, and bake for about 30 minutes.

The Best Roast Potatoes

Ingredients

1.5kg-2kg large Maris piper or rooster potatoes, peeled and quartered (this can be done the day before, if so leave them in a bucket of cold water)

2 garlic cloves

Small bunch of rosemary and thyme 150g-200g goose fat or duck fat

salt and black pepper

Method

Preheat the oven to 190°C.

Boil a large pot of salted water and add the potatoes, then cook for around 15 minutes. They should be half-cooked at this stage. Drain them and leave them in the colander for a few minutes to remove as much moisture as possible.

Put an empty roasting tray in the oven and leave it there for about 10 minutes, remove and add the goose or duck fat. Put this back in the oven for a few minutes (this will help the finished potatoes to crispy).

Carefully remove the tray from the oven and add the potatoes and garlic. Season with some sea salt and pepper. Return the tray to the oven. Cook for about 25 minutes and then shake the tray and add the herbs. Cook for another 20 minutes or so.

Once ready to serve place them in a large bowl and season well with salt and pepper.

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Toasted

Hazelnuts

Ingredients

1 large bag of Brussels sprouts

200g bacon(rashers) cut into small strips

1 tbsp. sherry vinegar

2 tbsp. hazelnuts, toasted & crushed rapeseed oil

salt and pepper

Method

Prepare the sprouts by taking off any loose or yellow leaves, then cut them in half and use a small knife to pierce the stem (this helps them cook evenly).

Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil, then add the sprouts (if you

Christmas Dinner -the turkey and all the trimmings!

have a smaller pot you may have to do this in two stages). Cook in the boiling water for about 2-3 minutes. When you pierce them with a knife you should feel little resistance with the knife. Once cooked, strain them.

NB If you are preparing this the day before add the cooked sprouts to a bucket of cold water for about 5-10 minutes. Once cool place them in a container with a lid in the fridge until needed.

If you are doing these on Christmas Day carry on to the next step.

Heat a large pan over medium heat, once hot add a little oil and then the bacon, allow this to brown for about 2 minutes now add the sprouts. Fry them for over a high heat for 2-3 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper, to serve add the roast hazelnuts.

Roast Parsnip and Carrots with Local Honey and Thyme

Ingredients

600g carrots, peeled and halved

600g small parsnips, peeled and halved

3 tbsp. olive oil

bunch of thyme, leaves picked

2 tbsp. local honey

2 tsp. lemon juice parsley, chopped

Method

Add the carrots to a large pot of boiling salted water and cook them for about 8 minutes.

Repeat this process with the parsnips.

NB You can do this the day before or in the morning, if so once the 8 minutes is up, add them to a bucket of cold water, leave them here for about 10 minutes. Strain them and keep in a container with a lid in the fridge.

When ready to continue

To roast them preheat the oven to 210°C.

Place the carrots and parsnips in a large roasting tin with the thyme and salt and pepper, and drizzle with oil.

Roast them in the oven for 25 minutes, tossing occasionally in the oil during cooking, until tender and golden. Add the honey and lemon juice to the tray and return it to the

oven. You might want to shake it after 2 minutes or so to allow the honey to coat the vegetables evenly. Cook for another 5 minutes or so.

To serve season and add parsley.

Red Cabbage Braised in Cider

You can do this anytime 4 days before Christmas Day and just needs to be reheated on the day.

Ingredients

1 head of red cabbage, sliced very finely

2 apples, cored and sliced

1 red onion, sliced

2 tbsp. cider vinegar

1 tbsp. rich dark brown sugar

handful sultanas

400-500ml cider (dry cider works best)

salt and pepper

Method

Add all of the ingredients to a large pot.

Pour in the cider until it comes about ¾ way on the red cabbage, cover the cabbage with some parchment paper and cook very slowly for 2 hours. Make sure to stir it every now and then to ensure it is not sticking to the bottom of the pot, add a little water if it is too dry. Season with salt and pepper.

Thyme, Lemon & Pine Nut Stuffing

This can be made the day before and reheated on the day.

Ingredients

100g butter

one large onion, diced

a few sprigs of fresh thyme leaves picked

400g breadcrumbs

100g pine nuts, toasted

1 lemon, zested and juiced

salt and pepper

Method

In large pan add some of the butter and cook the onions slowly without colour for 4 5 minutes. Add the herbs, the remaining butter and the breadcrumbs. Ideally you want to keep the mixture moist. Add in the pine nuts and the lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper.

If you have made this the day before, place it in tin foil and place in the oven for about 10-15 minutes (do this while the potatoes are cooking).

Gravy

Ingredients

1 onion, finely diced

1 carrot, finely diced

1 clove of garlic

bunch of chopped herbs

pinch of flour - use gluten-free if you can’t have gluten

100ml red wine

500ml stock - use the juice from the turkey tray

salt and pepper

Method

Once the turkey has been cooked and you have removed it from the tray, skim off the excess fat from the roasting tray. Put the tray on the hob over a low heat and add the diced onion, garlic, herbs and the diced carrot to the existing vegetables that were there while the turkey was cooking. Add the red wine and cook it until it has reduced by half. Make sure to scrape the tray to help remove all the bits. Stir in a pinch of flour and add about 500ml of stock. Cook it for about 10-15 minutes, I usually strain it into a pot so it can be warmed and seasoned with salt and pepper when needed. Once you are ready to serve the meal heat the gravy and pour it in to a warm gravy boat.

Homemade Cranberry and Spiced Orange Sauce

This can be made anytime in week before Christmas and kept in the fridge

Ingredients

100ml ruby port

100g fresh cranberries

75g brown sugar

finely grated zest and juice of 1 orange

½ cinnamon stick

1-star anise

Method

Place all the ingredients in a pot and cook over medium heat for about ten minutes. Make sure that there is some liquid still in the pot so that the sauce does not burn, if it is drying out

add a little water or a little orange juice.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if required. Remove the cinnamon and star anise and place the sauce in a blender and blend until it is the consistency required. Place this in a jar and keep in the fridge for up to one week.

Your Complete Timeline To Help You Organise

Your Timing:

CHRISTMAS EVE:

• Make the red cabbage - you can even have this done two days before Christmas eve if you want.

• Cook the ham and remove it from the water and score it

• Have the ingredients ready for the glaze

• Peel the potatoes and keep them in water

• Peel the carrots and parsnips and keep them in water

• Make the stuffing

• Make the cranberry sauce

ON CHRISTMAS DAY:

• Bring the turkey to room temperature

• Cook the turkey

• Prepare the sprouts

• When the turkey is done allow it to rest for one hour or more

• Once the turkey is out of the oven, turn the heat up and return the ham to the oven to glaze

• This ‘turkey resting time’ will allow you to cook the vegetables, including the potatoes.

• Now would be a good time to get the gravy sorted and use this time to finish the sprouts and heat the stuffing.

At this stage everything should be ready to serve. Be proud and enjoy.

Bain taitneamh as!!!

Happy Christmas and Happy New Year

Nollaig Shona agus Ath Bhliain Faoi Mhaise

Aladdin Christmas Panto

Three Short

Gearóid Farrelly

New Film Club screenings in association with Kerry International Film Festival - including Swing Bout, Tarraac, La Chimera and more...

Notaí an ClochánBréanainn

Halla Le Chéile

Dé Luain / Monday:-

10.30am . Grúpa do thuismitheoirí agus leanaí óige – Various subjects covered. Relaxed morning. Tea / Caife served ( by Donation)

7.30pm. An Tinteán Ceoil - Music, song, stories, poetry and dance.

Dé Máirt / Tuesday

12.30pm Béile an Pharóiste – Community Lunch. Contact Halla le Chéile to book your space (Bus available)

7.30pm. ICA

Dé Chéadaoin / Wednesday

10.30am Grúpa Oidhreachta / Heritage Group

Nollaig Shona dhaoibh, Bain sult as Happy Christmas and New Year

óige – Supporting the use of Irish within the family

6.30pm. Ranganna Chess

Déardaoin / Thursday

7.30pm. Rince Seite - Set Dancing and social dancing

Dé hAoine / Friday . Le Chéile na n-Óg

Spás Oifige le ligean ar cíos. Office space to let Tuilleadh eolais www.cflt.ie/office-hotdesks-to-let/ nó glaoch a chuir orainn ar 066 713813

Local Link Bus Service:

Route 273 departs from Brandon to Tralee twice daily. 10.15am & 4pm. Booking not required.

No service on Christmas Day.

R49 departs Brandon Point @ 9.10am Monday and Wednesday.

Thuilleadh eolas https://www.locallinkkerry.ie

Nótaí Eaglaise / Church Notes

Aifrinn na Nollag / Christmas Masses Christmas Day Mass @10 am in St. Brendan’s Cloghane.

Aifreann Lá Nollag ar a 10 a chloig Séipéal Naomh Bréanainn, Clochán.

Mass in Castlegregory, Christmas Eve at 8pm. Caisleán Uí Ghriaire Aifreann Oiche Nollag ar 8 a chlog.

Mass Christmas morning at 11.30 am. Aifreann Lá Nollag ar a 11.30 r.n

CFLT has prepared a submission to the public consultation on the future development of Páirc Nsaisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí. The submission can be viewed at Halla Le Chéile and Siopa an Pobal. Please sign and show your support . Community support will carry additional Ba mhaith le Comharchumann Forbartha an Leith Triúigh Teo. buíochas a ghabháil lenár bpobal agus lenár cuairteoirí ar fad as a dtacaíocht leanúnach i rith na bliana.

Dingle Business Chamber

Reasons to SHOP LOCAL at Christmas!

• Personal service and helpful advice.

• Fresh, local produce assured.

• Easy parking.

• A great choice of goods at competitive prices.

• A wide range of outlets (food, crafts, commodities etc for home, work, pleasure or gifts).

• Reduces carbon footprint significantly.

• Most outlets open all year round. (Remember Covid lock down).

• Support continuity of employment locally (for family members, relatives, neighbours, students). -- Every €10 spend is worth €25 benefit to local economy.

• Déan gnó trí Ghaeilge i do cheantar féin.

• Local outlets support local events. (Sponsorship).

• Rates collected from local outlets help pay for local authority services.

Míle Buíochas ó Chumann Lucht Gnó Daingean Uí Chuis.

POITIGÉIR UÍ GHRUAGÁIN

GROGAN’S PHARMACY

Christmas Opening Hours /Uaireanta Oscailte na Nollag

Christmas Eve/Oíche Nollag 9am – 2pm

Christmas Day/Lá Nollag closed/dúnta

Wren's Day/Lá an Dreoilín closed/dúnta

27th Friday/Dé hAoine 11am – 3pm

28th Saturday/Dé Sathairn 10am – 5pm

29th Sunday Dé Domhnaigh closed/dúnta

30th Monday/Dé Luain 10am – 5pm

31st New Years Eve 10am – 4pm

1st New Year’s Day closed/dúnta

2nd Thursday/Deardaoin 9am – 6.30 pm

3rd Friday/Dé hAoine 9am – 6.30 pm

Feargal Mac Amhlaoibh

(1943-2023)

Agus sinn ag druidim le bliain um dtaca seo anuraidh ó fuair Feargal cuireadh na Nollag, is mian linn, muintir Fheargail, ár mbuíochas ó chroí a roinnt leo siúd ar fad a thug tacaíocht thar na bearta dúinn in am an ghátair. Beimid fé chomaoin go deo lenár gcomharsain, ár gclann agus ár gcairde a sheas linn sna laethanta deacra san, agus as an dtacaíocht atá fachta againn uatha tríd na bliana ar fad. Do chabhraigh gach téacs, nóta, cárta is litir a bhí roinnte linn, leis an dtacaíocht grámhar croíúil a bhí léirithe iontu.

Buíochas dóibh siúd des na baill fóirne, in Ospidéal na hOllscoile Chiarraí agus in Ospidéal Bon Secours i dTrá Lí, a bhí díograiseach ina gcúram chuige.

Ba mhaith linn buíochas a ghabháil le Dónal Ó Conchúir, adhlachóir, as a chúram a dhéanamh i slí chomh tuisceanach cneasta sin. Buíochas ó chroí leis an Athair Ó Cadhla, a bhí chomh cabhrach agus a léigh aifreann álainn d’Fheargal. Agus cuimhnímid ar an Athair Mac Ginneá a sheas leis, beannacht Dé leis.

Buíochas ar leith le muintir Pharóiste Dhún Chaoin agus Comharchumann Dhún Chaoin a d’oibrigh chomh dian chun an deis a thabhairt dúinn Feargal a thórramh ina thigh fhéin i mBaile na Rátha. Buíochas chomh maith le Comharchumann Chorca Dhuibhne as ucht an bus pobail a chur ar fáil dúinn agus le muintir Thigh Khruger as a gcabhair ar fad le linn na laethanta san.

Dos na ceoltoirí ar fad a sheinn agus a chan sa tsáipéal agus sa reilig chun Feargal a chur chun suain, d’ardaigh bhúr gceol a anam chun na bhflaitheas agus d’ardaigh sé ár gcroíthe agus iad briste. Coimeádaíg an tine lasta.

We, the family of the late Feargal Mac Amhlaoibh, wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who gave us such wonderful practical and emotional support during Feargal’s last illness, his wake and funeral, and for all the past year since he was taken from us. We will never forget your kindness and generosity.

The Christmas day swim at Bín Bán 1994. Buíochas le John Fenton

Teens Talk Trash Workshop at

LilyMais

As part of Design & Craft Council Ireland’s Irish Design Week 2024, a number of students from Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne attended a “Teens Talk Trash” workshop at LilyMais on Dingle Marina, exploring the Circular Economy and its impact on the fashion industry.

The students heard from Frances Fogarty & Feargal Ó Cinnéide, the owners of LilyMais, about the unsustainability of the fashion industry in its current form and why the current linear approach to design has ultimately failed. Feargal led a discussion around some frightening statistics he shared with the students:

• The fashion industry is the third largest global polluter (10%, increasing) behind Oil & Gas (12%, decreasing) and Agriculture (11% decreasing). Experts predict that fashion will become the number one polluter by 2030.

• 85% of all textiles end up in landfill or are burned

• 35% of all plastic microfibers in the ocean come from synthetic materials in clothing

• 100 billion pieces of clothing are produced each year, doubled since 2000

• Clothing utilisation – the average number of times a garment is worn – has decreased by 45% compared to 15 years ago

• 50% of all fashion items produced are disposed of in under 12-months

• 1% of material used to produce clothing is recycled into new clothing.

The group heard that the use of a circular approach – and circular-bydesign in particular – ultimately forms the basis for effecting change in the fashion industry. “It is unrealistic to expect shoppers to stop shopping and fashionistas to stop wanting and wearing fashion” according to Frances Fogarty, LilyMais designer. “But what is realistic is for the fashion industry to rethink how it designs and manufactures its products so that the fabric that is used can be reused in a circular approach”.

The workshop also saw the students hand-paint their own piece of wearable art – a swim-poncho that had been handmade by Frances using upcycled cotton towels. The photo shows students collecting their finished product in time for their planned Christmas swim!

News From Dingle Hub

West Kerry Dairy Farmers SEC

The West Kerry Dairy Farmers SEC solar PV installations are now well underway, thanks to Solar Beo, our local PV installers.

We are also expanding our work to include the dry stock and sheep farming sectors, offering tailored solutions for their energy needs. If you’re interested in installing solar PV panels on your home or farm buildings, don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity! This is a very good deal brokered locally with attractive grants in place to make the switch to solar even more affordable.

For more information, contact Dinny Galvin, Agricultural Liaison at the Dingle Hub:

Phone: 086 6095081 Email: dinny@dinglehub.com

Corca Dhuibhne Tourism & Hospitality SEC

We were delighted to launch the T&H SEC Energy Master Plan in October 2024. To view a copy of the full EMP online (Gaeilge agus Bearla) please follow the link: https://dinglehub.com/projects/sustainability/ tourism/

Tommy and Martin O'Connor and Michael Ferriter from Castlegregory at the top of Mount Brandon during the early 70's.

An mbeadh fonn ort Tús Maith a chur leis an Bhliain Nua?

B’fhéidir go mbeadh fonn ort Cuairt Bhaile a chur in áirithint.

Is slí deas spraoiúil é chun deis eile cainte a thabhairt dod’ leanbh.

Tréimhse 12 seachtaine a bhíonn i gceist

Bí i dteagmháil le hOrlaith ag orlaith@cfcd.ie má tá breis eolais uait

Would you like to make a good start with Irish in the New Year?

Tús Maith is here to help you do that! Even those who are raising their children with Irish need support.

It’s important to have many different sources from which you acquire language and a Home Visit is a really pleasant way to give your child the opportunity of another source. We try to hone in on wherever the families’ strengths and interests lie and do so as Gaeilge.

We offer home visits for a period of 12 weeks to assist you in your efforts.

If you are interested please get in touch with Orlaith at orlaith@cfcd.ie

Some feedback from parents who’ve had a home visit…

“The home visits helped to strengthen the use of Irish in the Home. We would love more sessions as it’s a great support just at the right time.”

“We would love longer and more sessions! The hour goes way too fast.”

“It was wonderful. 10/10”

Aiseolas ó thuismitheoirí

“Is mór an chabhair í an scéim Tús Maith chun cúrsaí teangan a láidriú age baile agus an Ghaelainn a chur chun cinn i measc na leanaí. Bhíomar ana shásta leis an scéim agus chabhraigh sé linn go mór. Bheimís ag moladh breis seisiúin a chur ar fáil mar is tacaíocht iontach é ag an am ceart nuair atá na leanaí óg.”

“Bhí gach rud go hiontach i mbliana! 10/10”

“Ba bhreá linn séisúin níos faide. Imíonn an uair a chloig ana thapaidh.

Buíochas ó chroí leis na héinne ar an bhfoireann a thug cabhair le h-ócáid Sainti a dhéanamh draíochtúil ar fad i mbliana, go háirithe Veronique Gerber a mhaisigh agus gan dabht Saintí a bhí chomh fial flathúil lena chuid ama!

Buíochas libhse pobal Chorca Dhuibhne, a bhog amach agus stoirm Darragh ag séideadh ar dalladh!

Tobar Dhuibhne - West Kerry Language Plan - Info & News

Oíche na Réalta sa Bhéaloideas le Séan Mac an tSíthigh bhí ar siúl againn i Séipéal Dhún Chaoin tráthnóna Dé Luain Bhí tráthnóna aoibhinn againn thiar i nDún Chaoin Dé Luain. Roinn Séan Mac an tSíthigh scéalta agus eolais maidir leis na réalta sa bhéaloideas linn. Bhí scéalta gleoite aige maidir leis an tslí a úsáidtí na réalta fadó le tuiscint a fháil ar an aimsir, am agus treo. Thug sé stór focal nua dúinn chun cur síos a dhéanamh ar na réaltíní as Gaoluinn agus míniú ar bhunús na bhfocail chomh maith.

Imeachtaí Thobar Dhuibhne / Tobar Dhuibhne’s events

• Babhta Cuileachtan sa bheár bheag i dTigh Kruger gach Luan @ 12in

• Ciorcal Comhrá - gach Céadaoin ag a 11:00 in Áras Bhréanainn, Baile an Fheirtéaraigh. Fáilte roimh chách // all welcome.

• Tae & Plé gach Déardaoin @ 12:00 i Benner’s le Dúchas an Daingin

Barry le Garda Síochána Chiarraí ag seoladh bileog na Nollaig Tá bileog dhátheangach seolta ag Garda Síochána Chiarraí maidir le Cosc ar Choireacht agus Sábháilteacht Baile le linn na Nollag. Beidh na bileoga seo á dtabhairt amach sa phobal i gcaitheamh na Nollag.

Bhíomar ana-shásta a bheith ag plé leo agus iad ag cuir seirbhísí Gaoluinne ar fáil.

Bronnadh Gaisce na Gaeltachta ar Tom agus Ruairí lasmuith do Phobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne

Comhgairdeas ó chroí le Ruairí Ó hÓgáin agus Tom Ó Neachtain a bhronnamar Gaisce na Gaeltachta orthu inné fé scáth chomhartha aitheantais “Scoil Ghaeltachta,” as ucht a gcuid oibre ar aon na Gaolainne i 2023/24

Deiseanna / Job opportunities

Bíonn éagsúlacht iontach le postanna agus Gaelainn mar chuid dóibh, seo daoibh cúpla post dóibh siúd a bhfuil deis uaibh (tuilleadh ar www. peig.ie):

• Oifigeach Tacaíochta Taighde Oscailte - Acadamh Ríoga na hÉireann

• Riarthóirí agus Éascaitheoirí - Gaelchultúr

• Ambasadóir Cultúrtha - Údarás na Gaeltachta

Tomhais na coicíse

Cím é is ní chím é, Cím ar an bhfalla é, Siúlann sé sa ghairdín, Agus an drúcht ní scaipeann sé.

Cuir freagra chugainn @tobardhuibhne ar Instagram, ar WhatsApp (087 376 9538) nó ar r-phost!

Freagra an eagráin seo chaite:

Níor tháinig an freagra ceart isteach chughainn go fóill mar sinn tabharfaimid seans eile díobh!

Ba mhaith linn anseo i dTobar Dhuibhne Nollaig mhór mhaith agus athbhliain fé shéan agus fé mhaise a ghuí oraibh ar fad

Tá súil againn go mbeidh Santaí go maith!

Gaelainn Labhartha, Pobal Nasctha

Bí ag caint linne, Tobar Dhuibhne. Táimid ar Facebook, Twitter, TikTok & Instagram. Cad é do Phlean Teanga féin?

Ríomhphost: pleanteanga@cfcd.ie

Suíomh Idirlín: www.tobardhuibhne.ie

LinkTree (nascanna): https://linktr.ee/TobarDhuibhne0000

Glaoigh ar 066 9156 100 (3 do Thobar Dhuibhne), nó 087 376 9538 do Bharry Ó Siochrú nó 087 377 9337 d’Éibhín Ní Shlattara

• Cleaning & Fixing PVC Gutters, Fascia & Soffits

• Roof repairs / New roofs

• Chimney Repairs & plastering

• Velux Windows

• General Carpentry

• Storm damages

• Painting services

• Extensions & Pergolas

Inch Notes

Congrats to local photographer Michael Kennedy who was selected as the winning image of the 2025 calendar with his photo “Cattle Overlooking Inch Strand”.

Christmas Bingo Night will be held on Thursday 19th December at Inch Community Centre at 7:30pm. Fun for the whole family! Raffle on the night with lots of prizes to be won. Refreshments will be served at half time. Books are €10, Jackpot sheet €2, Raffle tickets 3 for €5.

Merry Christmas Coffee Morning will take place on Sunday 22nd December at 10:30am at Inch Community Centre.

Inch Community Council’s Annual General Meeting and Coffee Morning will take place on Sunday 19th January from 10:30am at the Inch Community Centre.

Events at Inch Community Centre:

Yoga with Mélanie: Mondays 7-8pm and Thursday 6-7pm, book in advance via WhatsApp +33 659 286 354.

Bingo nights on the following Thursdays at 7:30pm: 19th Dec and 2nd Jan.

Coffee Mornings on the following Sundays at 10:30am (after mass): 22nd Dec (Christmas Coffee Morning), 19th Jan (AGM).

Senior citizen community lunches on at 1pm every fortnight on the following Tuesdays: 14th January and 28th January. All are welcome. Other regular notices:

Upcoming mass times for St Joseph’s church Inch at 10am on alternate Sundays: 22nd Dec, 5th Jan.

The Kerry Mobile Library Service will be parked opposite Foley’s Bar Inch from 12:25pm – 1pm on Fridays 29th Nov and 13th Dec.

Practice your Irish at the weekly Comhra at Foley’s Bar Inch on Wednesdays at 10:30am. All levels welcome.

The 276 Bus Service from Killarney to Dingle will be passing Inch Church daily at 9:53, 15:28 and 18:53, and Inch Beach daily at 9:55, 15:30 and 18:55. The service from Dingle to Killarney will be passing Inch Beach daily at 7:45, 12:20 and 16:50, and Inch Church daily at 7:47,12:22 and 16:52.

If you would like to add something to the Inch Community notes, please contact Jenny and Mélanie: inchcommunityevents@gmail.com.

Annascaul / Inch Friends of Kerry Hospice.

Earlier this year Gary Percival and his customers organised an ABBA night in the South Pole Inn in aid of Kerry Hospice Foundation. They raised €3,000 on the night. Recently they presented the cheque to local members of Annascaul / Inch Friends of Kerry Hospice. Thanks Gary and his team.

Our annual coffee morning raised €1,952 back in September, thanks to all who came out to support the event again this year.

Wishing everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas and best wishes for 2025.

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What we offer:

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What we offer:

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Based in Castlegregory, Tralee, Co. Kerry 085 1755362

Based in Castlegregory, Tralee, Co. Kerry

Based in Castlegregory, Tralee, Co. Kerry

Christmas Message

Fr.

Michael Moynihan

Dear Parishioners,

In our Gospel last weekend, (Luke 3:10-18), we hear John the Baptist telling the people of the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Many people asked John the same question. What must we do? It is a very focused question. The people wanted to be ready. John gave very solid advice that has relevance in our own time. Firstly, as followers of God, we are called to share what we possess with others, especially with those who lack the basic necessities of life. Secondly, God commands that each person be treated with respect. And thirdly, we are encouraged to be content with what we have, to avoid taking what belongs to others and to live in the ways of the Lord. What must we do as we prepare for Christmas? The advertisements we listen to are telling us that we must buy lots of stuff. We go along with this to a certain extent though, deep down, we know that this is not what preparing for Christmas is all about. Taking some time out of the busyness to spend some time with those we love or to help those less fortunate will help. Spending time in prayer helps us connect with God who came to tell us of Gods love for the world. In West Kerry Live this week there is a list of Christmas Masses in the four Parishes of the Corcha Dhuibhne Pastoral Area. You and your family are welcome to attend. Even if you have not been to Mass for a while you are welcome. The Church belongs to us all. What must we do? It is through prayer that we discover the answer. It is with courage that we set about making the answer a part of our lives at Christmas and beyond.

Happy Christmas to you and your loved ones. Christmas is about family: our immediate family and the family of God. By God’s family, I’m not just referring to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. I’m referring to you and me! We are part of God’s family, sons and daughters of God the Father. Throughout the world there are signs of strife, division and conflict. Not everybody is treated as a brother or sister or family. God’s sons and daughters can drift away from our heavenly Father and from each other.

In this Christmas season, we celebrate God who wanted to do something about that family strife and division. From his very own heart, God sent his Son, Jesus Christ to enter into our world. He didn’t come in some inaccessible palace of a worldly king. In that cave that served as an animal stable, he came in order to bring his healing, unity, and richness of life.

I invite you all to take an active part of God’s family in the life of the parish. We each bring our gifts and enrich each other. That’s why God the Son came to us in Jesus, so that he can walk with us on our journey, where we will find healing and peace – both with God and with one another.

Thank you to all for your continued support of the Parish and it's Priests. I am grateful for those many signs of appreciation. May our gift-giving to one another lead to our appreciation of the greatest gift of all, the gift of each other and of salvation in Jesus Christ, the newborn King.

Yours in Christ,

Fr Michael

Christmas Masses / Aifrinntí na Nollag

ANNASCAUL PARISH

Church of the Sacred Heart, Annascaul

Christmas Eve – 7.30pm;

St Mary’s Church, Camp Christmas Eve – 6.15pm.

St Joseph’s Church, Inch

Christmas Day – 10.00am.

Parish Office – 066-9157103.

Confessions:

Sacred Heart Church: After the 7.30pm Mass on Saturday December 21st.

PARÓISTE AN FHEIRTÉARAIGH

Naomh Gobnait, Dún Chaoin

Oíche Nollag – 5.00i.n.

Séipéal na Carraige

Oíche Nollag – 7.00i.n.

Lá Nollag – 11.15r.n.

Naomh Uinseann, Baile an Fheirtéaraigh

Oíche Nollag – 8.30i.n.

Lá Nollag – 10.00r.n. Oifig – 066-9156131.

CASTLEGREGORY PARISH

St Brendan’s, Clochán Christmas Day – 10.00am.

St Mary’s, Castlegregory

Christmas Eve – 8.00pm. Christmas Day – 11.30am. Parish Office – 066-7139145.

DINGLE PARISH

St Mary’s, Dingle

Christmas Eve – 6.30pm.

Christmas Day – 11.30am.

Séipéal Naomh Eoin Baiste, Lios Póil

Christmas Eve – 8.00pm.

Christmas Day – 10.00am.

Séipéal Naomh Caitlín, Fionn Trá

Oíche Nollag – 5.00i.n. Office: 066-9151208.

Confessions / Faoistiní

St Mary’s Church: Saturday December 21st: 2.30pm – 4.00pm.

Crib at St Mary's Church, Dingle - proceeds from the Parish Cribs this year will go towards Cara Project, Kenya.

Nollaig Shona agus Bliain Nua Fé Mhaise Dhaoibh go léir

Cad é mar bhliain a bhí againn! Ár mbuíochas libhse ar fad a bhí páirteach sna himeachtaí, sa Tae & Plé, sna siúlóidí agus sna ceardlainn. Ár mbuíochas leis na ngnóanna ar fad a thacaigh linn agus a bhain úsáid as na tacaíochtaí agus an Ghaelainn á chur chun cinn agaibh i bhur gcuid oibre na haon lá beo. Le pobal an bhaile agus leis na héinne a bhí linn i mbliana agus buíochas speisialta le Coiste Dhúchas an Daingin as an tacaíocht agus an cabhair go léir i mbliana. Táimid ag súil go mór le leanúint leis an obair i 2025! Go mbeirimid beo ar an am seo aríst.

What a wonderful year! A huge thank you to all the people that were involved in any way, with our events, conversational groups, walks and workshops Thank you to all the wonderful businesses that supported us and made use of the services while promoting the use of Irish in your businesses on a daily basis. The local community and everyone that was with us this year. A special thank you to Dúchas an Daingin’s wonderful committee, for their support and assistance throughout the year.

We are looking forward to working with you all again next year.

Dúchas an Daingin & Coiste

Imeachtaí na Nollag

Ní díomhaoin in aon chur atáimid agus an Nollaig ag bualadh linn. Ba mhaith linn buíochas mór a ghabháil do Ann agus Sinéad ó Cháis as ucht Ceardlann Fleasc na Nollag a reáchtáil dúinn sa Díseart. Tráthnóna speisialta ea ba é agus bhaineamar ana thaitneamh as.

Chomh maith le sin tháinig grúpa againn le chéile i James Longs i gcóir bricfeast na Nollag - leithscéal deas dúinn suí síos agus béile breá a bheith

againn le chéile roim Nollaig. Beidh orainn é a dhéanamh aríst!

Siúlóid Staire idir Dhá Nollaig

Tá siúlóid staire á eagrú againn timpeall Daingean Uí Chúis Dé Sathairn, an 28ú Nollag. S’é Mícheál Ó Conchúir a bheidh á stiúradh, agus tá fáilte roimh chách. Ná bí díomhaoin idir dhá Nollaig, cuir oraibh bhur broga siúil agus bígí linn!

Beidh an siúlóid ag tosnú ar a 12:00i.n agus buailfimid lena chéile ag Barr an tSráid Mhóir taobh amuigh do Halla na Measartha (Temperance Hall, in aice leis an gComhar Creidmheasa).

Is féidir clárú don imeacht seo ar https://linktr.ee/duchasandaingin nó teachtaireacht a sheoladh chugainn ar 0877004884

Frásaí & Nathanna Úsáideach

Useful Phrases & Terms

Bain triail astu sa ar na meáin an tseachtain seo! Why not try some of these on your posts this week!

- Nollaig Shona!

- Gurb amhlaidh dhuit!

- Athbhliain faoi shéan is faoi mhaise daoibh

- An bhliain nua a cheiliúradh

- Cá mbeidh an gabhar á róstadh anocht?

-Beidh an saol agus a mháthair ann

- Táim féin chun fanacht inti

- Merry Christmas

- The same to you

- Happy New Year!

-To ring in the New Year

- Where’s the party tonight?

-Everyone will be there

- I’ll stay at home for myself

An féidir linn cabhrú leatsa?

Can we help you?

Bí i dteagmháil linn:

Rút Ní Mhurchú

Fón: 087 7004 884

Rphost: optduchasandaingin@gmail.com

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: Dúchas an Daingin Linktree: Dúchas an Daingin

Hope Guatemala: 20 Years a Growing

Eddy Dieckmann

For 20 years, we have been working to improve the living conditions of indigenous people in Guatemala. Over these two decades, through your donations, we have been able to implement significant aid in several communities. Renovating schools, providing meals for malnourished children, rebuilding after natural disasters, constructing water tanks, and much more.

Our focus will continue to be in the areas of nutrition, education, and health.

Therefore, Hope Guatemala and Nuevo Dia (Germany) have covered the costs of building four health centres.

The provision of medication and medical supplies is also guaranteed.

This benefits around 8,000 people, including many malnourished and sick children, as well as pregnant women.

Education is the key to sustainable change. Only through education can the cycle of poverty and oppression be broken. With our help, children and young people are given the opportunity to attend school, receive vocational training, or pursue higher education.

Since 2013, we have been funding two daily meals for up to 50 children at the Health and Nutrition Center CERNE in Chimaltenango. Their parents are day laborers who live in great poverty, dependent on large landowners. They are not adequately compensated for their hard work on the plantations, so they do not have enough to feed their families. Almost 50% of the children are chronically malnourished. Madre Pily, one of the co-founders of CERNE, and Dr. Edwin Rojas, the doctor, take care of every child in need that is brought to them. Pregnant and sick plantation workers also receive help here.

We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks on behalf of the children for your support.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hopeguatemala Bank details:

BANK : AIB Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland

ACCOUNT : Hope Guatemala

ACCOUNT NUMBER : 05986062

IBAN : IE50 AIBK 9362 8605 9860 62

BIC/SWIFT : AIBKIE2D

West Kerry Tractor Run: Buíochas ó Chroí

We would like express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who took part in the West Kerry Tractor Run again this year. We were once again overwhelmed by the turnout, the kind words, well wishes and of course the incredibly generous donations.

Many thanks to the management and staff of the Marina Inn, John Liston, Nigel Collins and An Garda Síochána for their continued help and support. Thanks also to all those involved with The Kerryman, The Kerry’s Eye, Raidió na Gaeltachta, Radio Kerry and West Kerry Live who helped to spread the word about the event and most importantly, about the work our chosen charities, the ILFA and Friends of WKCH.

Special thanks to all the volunteers who give up their time to help register participants, collect donations and steward the route – ní neart go cur le chéile.

Donations to date have surpassed an incredible €16,500. The monies will be divided equally between the ILFA and Friends of WKCH in the New Year so there is still time to donate via the GoFundMe account (west_kerry_tractor_run) or directly into the credit union account (IE72TRRI99101630680211).

Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh go léir - The West Kerry Tractor Run Committee

The View from the Chair

Nollaig Shona

Nollaig shona agus athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh go léir. Through your wonderful support for me in this year’s Local Election 2024, I was honoured to become Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council. I thank you for your support and I want to wish you and your family a very happy Christmas and prosperous new year. Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.

Kerry GAA Fundraising Committee

Congratulations to Caroline Danaher, winner of €10,000 in the Kerry, 10K for €10 draw, in aid of Kerry Teams Training Fund. Thanks to all those who contributed and all those who wear the Green & Gold. Very happy to be part of the Fundraising Committee. Thanks to Christy, Paudie, Aileen and the rest of the Coiste for all their great work. Chiarraí abú go deo!

Reflections & Projections 2024

I had the privilege of addressing the Kerry Community Integration Forum & Kerry Local Authority Integration Team as part of, Reflections & Projections 2024 - Building bridges of understanding and pathways of opportunity to a more inclusive community. I took the opportunity to thank them for their great work. Go raibh míle maith agaibhNí neart go cur le chéile.

Ukrainian Irish Christmas Concert

Privileged to represent Kerry County Council as Cathaoirleach at a great evening in Siamsa Tíre for a Ukrainian Irish Christmas Concert organised by NEWKD with our wonderful Kerry Rose, Emer Dineen as host. Music, dance and song, everything that makes us feel good about this world. Go mbeirimid beo ar an am seo arís, Nollaig Shona daoibh.

Dráma na Nollag Scoil Naomh Eirc

Bhí an t-ádh orm a bheith ag Dráma na Nollag Scoil Naomh Eirc i Halla na Feothanaí. Ardaíodh sé do chroí gach bliain. Ar fheabhas ar fad, seó iontach ag na leanaí go léir. Bail ó dhia oraibh go léir, leanaí, tuismitheoirí agus múinteoirí, maith sibh.

Extending Public Conveniences opening times

Very happy to have secured extended opening hours to remain open year-round in 2025 for the following Public Conveniences - Ceann Trá, Inch, Cromane, Tralee Greenway (KDL Car Park), Ardfert. This was provided through our KCC Budget negotiations of which I was very happy to support and pass.

Community Support Fund 2025

Very happy to have launched Kerry County Councils, Community Support Fund 2025 at Ionad an Bhlascaoid last Friday, 13th December 2024 with CEO Martin O’Donoghue and Director of Services, Niamh O’Sullivan.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Monday 20th January, 2025 and application forms are available for completion online.

KCC December Meeting

Bhíomar i hIonaid an Bhlascaoid, Dún Chaoin le haghaidh ár cruinniú Nollaig, Comhairle Contae Chiarraí. Go raibh míle maith agaibh as an fáilte ag an hIonaid ó Lorcáin Ó Cinnéide agus an fhoireann iontach ann. Nollaig shona agus athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh go léir – 13ú Nollaig 2024

We were at the Blasket Centre, Dún Chaoin last Friday, 13th December 2024 for our Kerry County Council Christmas meeting. Thank you very much. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.

The skies over Ceann Sléibhe will be kept open on Christmas Eve to allow Santa unobstructed travel to all areas of the County. Thanks to Councillor John O’Donoghue for raising this very important issue, that as I was “perhaps the ‘Western most’ Mayor in Europe, all our constituents further inland would appreciate reassurance from the Mayor that the skies over Ceann Sléibhe will be kept open on Christmas Eve to allow Santa unobstructed travel to all areas of the County. Thank you.’

I requested that this be done and was given assurances from Kerry County Council that this will be given the highest priority and the skies over Ceann Sléibhe will be kept open on Christmas Eve to allow Santa unobstructed travel to all areas of the County.

Co-option

to Kerry County Council

Congratulations to Tommy Cahill who was selected by Fianna Fáil members to be co-opted to fill the seat on Kerry County Council, left vacant from the recent election of his father Michael Cahill TD to Dáil Éireann in the 2024 General Election to the 34th Dáil. Thanks to Aindrias Moynihan TD for chairing the meeting on Friday, 13th December 2024.

Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society

Honoured to officially launch the Kerry Magazine 2024 as well as the 2024 Journal of the Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society. Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society play a very important role in preserving and promoting the heritage and history of our county. We are fortunate in our wonderful county to possess a rich and diverse heritage and history which feeds into the wider national story. It is a precious asset and we are deeply indebted to the Council members and volunteers of the Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society in that regard. Congratulations to Tony Bergin and all those involved in bringing the annual Journal to the public this year. Maith sibh go léir!

Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD.

Comhairleoir Breandán Fitzgerald - Ag obair le An tAire Norma Foley TD, Michael Cahill TD, An Seanadóir Mark Daly, An Seanadóir Ned O’Sullivan, Billy Kelleher MEP & Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP.

Mike Graham: A Dingle GAA Connection and the Tailteann Games 1924

Against the backdrop of the First World War and the national political upheaval of the 1916 Rising, the War of Independence and the Civil War, led to an early twentieth century revival of all aspects of Irish culture. Renewed interest in the Gaelic language, literature, music, dance, drama, history, art and sports. In keeping with such interests national political parties and organisations proposed an international festival celebrating Irish identity in the world to be held in 1922.The festival was named the Aonach Tailteann in the spirit the ancient fair of Tailte, in Co. Meath with the mythical Celtic queen Maebh as its emblem. Invitations were sent across the globe inviting people to attend and participate in a myriad of activities and sports. The games aimed to showcase Ireland on the world stage. However, the intervening Irish civil war led to a postponement and the games were rescheduled for August 1924 under the auspices of the pro treaty Free State Government led by W.T. Cosgrave.

The Tailteann games celebration was the first major cultural event of the new Irish Free State. Specifically, sporting elements involved Gaelic football, organised around a four provinces competition. One challenge emerged relating to participation and representation of Munster at the Gaelic football Tailteann Games final at Croke Park planned for 10th August 1924. Some of the Kerry football players were still incarcerated in prison because of civil war activities, a source of contention by antitreaty supporters. Consequently, players were urged to boycott participation in the games. Following numerous meetings and much cajoling a Munster team was selected. Finally, the team selected to wear the Munster jersey were mostly from Kerry as seen in the Table. Although the list is incomplete, further work may unearth more details.

Munster football team, Tailteann Games Final 1924

Name Club / County

D. Hurley Killarney

Phil Sullivan Tousist

T. Kelliher unknown

Eamonn Ó Sullivan Firies

Bob Stack Newtown F.C.

Mundy Prenderville Castleisland

Mike. Graham Dingle

Tom Graham Dingle

Con Brosnan Newtownsandes

James Bailey Ballymacelligott

E. Keyes Limerick

P.Colleran Cork

J. Gardiner Clare

J. Gillick Clare

J.J. Scanlon Clare

Mike and Tom Graham, identical twins aged 22 years were members of the Dingle GAA club and were local fishermen. They were the only representatives from West Kerry on the Munster panel. The Grahams played for the Dingle Shamrocks which was one of three local Dingle GAA teams. For many years the brothers travelled to play matches across the county and often went by fishing boat to the Iveragh Peninsula for games. The Leinster team selection included many football stars from Kildare and Dublin including L. Stanley, The Synott brothers and The Mc Donnell brothers.

The final drew a crowd of 20,000 at Croke Park, described as a thrilling game for spectators, show casing what was best about Irish sport. The Munster team lined out in a green jersey with the emblem of a shamrock. Mike Graham, wearing his number 10 jersey, scored the only goal of the game. Munster won the game with the final score 1-5 to 0.7. Mike recalled being presented with his Tailteann Games medal by non-other than a much revered old Fenian patriot, John Devoy of Kildare and New York who had returned to Ireland especially for the games.

Mike played football at county and club level. He won three Junior all Ireland medals in 1924, 1928 and 1930, playing with many of the legendary Kerry players of that era. Mike continued to play football for the Dingle

club and was honoured to be captain in 1929 and chairperson in 1934. Mike was a long time active committee member and was instrumental in developing the foundations of Dingle GAA. Today, 100 years after the first Tailteann games the spirit lives on and continues to flourish at the Dingle club.

Dingle Ábu.

and

Sources available

include Dingle GAA club website, The Kerryman Archives, Paul Rouse, The Examiner Acknowledgment to Weeshie Fogarty

Mike Graham wearing Munster jersey for Tailteann Games, 1924.

Mike Graham's Tailteann Games medal

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Comhghairdeachas le rinceoirí óga Chorca Dhuibhne ó Scoil Rince Rinceoirí na Ríochta, a ghlac páirt in Oireachtas Rince na Mumhan le déanaí. D'eirígh thar barr leo agus thángadar abhaile le corn is ualach boinn na Mumhan. Cháiligh Oisín Madeley d'Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne a bheidh ar siúl i mBaile Átha Cliath um Cháisc 2025. Ar aghaidh leis an rince! Clé go deas: Éabha Ní Ainiféin, Sadhbh Madeley, Mairéad Ní Dhubhaigh, Lia Nic Gearailt, Oisín Madeley. In easnamh ón ngrianghraf: Ellie Ní Mhainín.

It's All In The Mind

WHAT CAN MINDFULNESS DO FOR ME?

Orla Smyth

I'm delighted to be back with a little re-mind-er, in this time leading up to Christmas, to slow down and pause for just this minute - take a mindful moment!

Let's have a look at what mindfulness is and why do we need it in our lives? One definition is : the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are, what we‘re doing and how we‘re feeling without being overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.

So why does this matter to me, how can it help me? It matters because when we get carried away by the demands of daily living - busy getting there,doing this, achieving that- it reminds us of the simple fact that, no matter how challenging things are, we are here, right now, wondrously alive!

With practice ,we can learn to be fully present and engaged in the moment without judging anything, welcoming with a gentle curiosity whatever is being experienced, whether perceived as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, without pushing it away or wanting more. This moment of pause gives us the freedom to choose the wisest response to our current situation.

According to the Oxford Mindfulness Centre, practicing mindfulness can help

-understand your emotions better

-cope better with difficult thoughts

-feel calmer

-boost your attention and concentration

-improve your relationships

Up to date studies have shown that mindfulness-based approaches can significantly reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Mindfulness has been practiced for thousands of years and is often associated with the Eastern traditions of Buddhism, meditation, yoga etc but in reality, mindfulness has been used in all world cultures and traditions in the form of prayer, contemplation and spiritual seeking since the awakening of man. It transcends time and culture, it is secular, non denominational and it is this self awareness that defines us as uniquely human beings.

In this neck of the woods, mid winter is a time of year when, traditionally we eke out some time from our busy lives to change gear, slow down and reflect on what matters to us, on what we really care about- we invoke the spirit of love, joy and goodwill to all, and take a step back from our own needs and desires to see the bigger picture. This seasonal reset is crucially important for our mental health and general well being.

We associate Christmas time with home, family, rest, warmth, food, board games, long walks in the winter sunshine...peace, ease and togetherness. Of course, this is not a reality for many but it does reflect the general spirit of the season.

Yet these days, in the current spiritual vacuum, it's more about paying homage to the god of consumerism and materialism and paradoxically Christmas has become a source of stress and anxiety for many.

Maybe this will be the year to buck the trend and get back to the heartwarming basics. We can choose the unsophisticated simplicity of giving the gift of our full loving presence to each other and in the process, beneath all the bluster and the posturing, the distractions and expectations we reveal the pure gold that lies just beneath the surface of each one of us. In the lead up to Christmas, use mindfulness to notice when the pace speeds up, when you are stuck on the treadmill of shopping, spending, planning, worrying , organizing... simply choose to step off

Return to yourself

Beneath the surface of everything

There is an inner sanctuary

Remember the entrance door to the sanctuary is inside of you

-Rumi

Orla Smyth - certified teacher of Mindfulness Based Stress Relief (MBSR) and Dot B. -mindful awareness for children / orlasmyth67@gmail.com

Noel Spillane Painting & Decorating Service

If I Stab the Page Hard Enough, Will the Right Words Come?

I need to write this by the deadline I need to get this in the mail

But when I reach for the right words I lose my grip and fail

So I resign myself and sigh And screw up another inky page

If there’s a book in everyone Mine is hiding in its cage

- Artwork and words by Laurence Jones.

Ceol Beo /

Bréannainn - Cloghane

Brandon

Monday 23rd December

7.30 Halla le Chéile - Tinteán Ceoil

Monday 30th December

7.30 Halla le Chéile - Tinteán Ceoil

Dingle-Daingean Uí Chúis

Thursday 19th December

9.00 Neligan's - Open Session

9.00 Curran's Bar - Trad & Folk with Billy and Luke

9.00 Bob Griffin’s - Jeremy Spencer & Matt Griffin

9.30 Courthouse Pub - Teresa Horgan & Gerry O'Beirne

Friday 20th December

9.00 Bob Griffin’s - Brady Elliott

9.30 McCarthy's Bar - Rock & Soul with De-Vices

9.30 Dingle Pub - Paulie O'Brien

9.30 O'Flaherty's - Open session

9.30 Courthouse Pub - Greta Curtin & Tommy O'Sullivan

9.30 Neligan's - Open Session

Saturday 21st December

9.30 Dingle Pub - Hightide

9.30 Courthouse Pub - Eoin Duignan & Tommy O'Sullivan

9.30 O'Flaherty's - Open session

9.30 Neligan's - Open Session

10.00 Paul Geaney’s - Liam Evans

Sunday 22nd December

6.00 Marina Inn - Open session with Tom and Caroline

9.30 Dingle Pub - Dreams of Freedom

9.30 Courthouse Pub - Jeremy Spencer & Tommy O'Sullivan

Monday 23rd December

6.00 Curran's Bar - Open Trad session

8.00 Bob Griffin’s - Open mic session

9.00 O'Flaherty's - Open session

9.30 Dingle Pub - Out the Gap

9.30 Neligan's - Set Dancing

9.30 Kennedy's - Open Night

9.30 Courthouse Pub - Caroline Keane & Pals

Tuesday 24th December

5 -6 O'Flaherty's - Session

Thursday 26th December

9.00 Curran's Bar - Trad & Folk with Billy and Luke

9.00 Neligan's - Open Session

9.30 Dingle Pub - The Galavanters

9.30 Courthouse Pub - Teresa Horgan & Gerry O'Beirne

10.00 Paul Geaney’s - Stefan Gleeson

Friday 27th December

7.30 Dingle Pub - The Bare Minimum

9.00 Bob Griffin’s - Brady Elliott

9.15 John Benny Moriarty's - Eilis Kennedy (Vocals & Flute) Jeremy Spencer ( Fiddle ) & Matt Griffin (Guitar)

9.30 McCarthy's Bar - Rock & Soul with De-Vices

9.30 Courthouse Pub - Greta Curtin & Tommy O'Sullivan

9.30 Neligan's - Open Session

10.00 Dingle Pub - The Bare Minimum

10.00 Paul Geaney’s - Liam Evans

Saturday 28th December

7.30 Dingle Pub - Full Shilling

9.30 O'Flaherty's - Open session

9.30 Neligan's - Open Session

9.30 Courthouse Pub - Eoin Duignan & Tommy O'Sullivan

10.00 Paul Geaney’s - Live Music

10.00 Dingle Pub - Full Shilling

Sunday 29th December

6.00 Marina Inn - Open session with Tom and Caroline

6.00 Bob Griffin’s - Pilgrim sessions

9.30 Dingle Pub - Rocking Jimmy

9.30 Courthouse Pub - Jeremy Spencer & Tommy O'Sullivan

9.30 Paul Geaney’s - Liam Evans

Monday 30th December

6.00 Curran's Bar - Open Trad session

6.30 Dingle Pub - Dreams of Freedom

8.00 Bob Griffin’s - Open mic session

9.30 Kennedy's - Open Night

9.30 Neligan's - Set Dancing

9.30 Dingle Pub - Hightide

9.30 Courthouse Pub - Caroline Keane & Pals

10.00 Paul Geaney’s - Jack Fitz &

Cillian Hickey

Tuesday 31st December

6.30 Dingle Pub - Out the Gap

6.30-8.30 Foxy John's - Trad session

9.00 O'Flaherty's - Open session with Fergus & Friends

9.00 Dingle Pub - Ballads/Trad

9.00 Neligan's - Open Session

9.30 Courthouse Pub -Aoife & Deirdre Granville

9.30 Paul Geaney’s - Stefan Gleeson

10.30 Dingle Pub - Hightide

Weds 1st January

4.30 Dingle Pub - Up in Smoke

9.00 O'Flaherty's - Session

7.00 Dingle Pub - Out the Gap

9.00 Dingle Pub - Ballads/Trad

9.15 John Benny Moriarty's - Eilis Kennedy (Vocals & whistle) Theresa Horgan( Flute & Vocals) & Gerry O'Beirne (Guitars & Vocals)

9.30 Courthouse Pub - Tom Delany & Tommy O'Sullivan

10.00 Dingle Pub - The Bare Minimum

Thursday 2nd January

9.00 Neligan's - Open Session

9.00 Bob Griffin’s - Jeremy Spencer & Matt Griffin

9.30 Courthouse Pub - Teresa Horgan & Gerry O'Beirne

9.30 Dingle Pub - Seán Kelliher

Ba mhaith le Scoil an Fheirtéaraigh buíochas a ghabháil le gach duine a tháinig chuig an mBiongó ar an 28 Samhain. Táimid faoi chomaoin ag na gnóthaí áitiúla agus ag na tuismitheoirí ar fad a thug duais dúinn. Bhailíomar €2,500 agus rachaidh an t-airgead seo go mór chun sochair na leanaí. Is mór againn bhur dtacaíocht. Guímid Nollaig mhór mhaith oraibh agus Athbhliain fé shéan agus faoi mhaise daoibh go léir.

We wish all our customers a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi Mhaise dár gcustaiméirí ar fad

Thank you all for supporting local Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine

Michael Healy Rae T.D

Your Independent voice in the Dáil

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas & a Prosperous New Year

Beannachtaí na Nollag agus

Athbhliain fé mhaise dhaoibh go léir

Trasna

5Comóraḋlesearmanas(9)

6Beırtfaoıċeaṫaır(5)

7Cıallḟocaıl(3)

9Caoraóg(3)

10Áıt,láṫaır(5)

12Saġramadaċanrudaḋéantaígaċlá(9)

Síos

1Tréıṁsídeseaċtlá(9)

2Orgánnahéısteaċta(5)

3Áıtḋaıngeanṡáḃáılte,gomınıcılogaınmneaċa(3)

4Anoısısarís(9)

8Aonadbunúsaċdelıtreaċasascríoḃ(5)

11‘Níféıdırḃeıṫagfeadaílısag…mıne.’(3)

Comórtas Crosfhocail

Duais le Buachaint: Dearbhán ón gCafé Liteartha Buaiteoir na coicíse seo caite:

Cáit Ó Beaglaoich, Bóthar Countess Cill Airne

Jimín Mháire Thaidhg le Pádraig Ó Siochfhradha

`An Seabhac' maisithe ag

Andrew Whitson foilsithe ag

An tSnáthaid Mhór

`Os cionn céad bliain ó céadfhoilsíodh Jimín Mháire Thaidhg, tugann an t-eagrán maisithe seo léargas úr ar an leabhar is aitheanta i gcorpas litríocht Ghaeilge na n-óg. Leagan glanta agus giorraithe de Jimín Mháire Thaidhg a léigh glúine de pháistí scoile Éireannacha, ar baineadh tagairtí don chleamhnas, do chaidrimh idir dhaoine fásta agus don bhás amach as. Filleann an t-eagrán seo ar an mbuntéacs agus tugann sé cuntas níos grinne agus níos greannmhaire ar nósanna agus ar chultúr na Gaeltachta ag tús an fichiú haois.'. - An tSnáthaid Mhór

An Café Liteartha

Bóthar an Dadhgaide, Daingean Uí Chúis

Siopa Leabhar an Daingin ó 1979

Ó Mhárthain

Breandán Mac Gearailt

‘Sea tá an bhliain ag tarrac ar an Nollaig. Gan dabht sí ocáid comórtha an Linbh Íosa í agus bíonn an saol mór ag dul chun faoistine agus comaoine.

Braitheann an duine saor sásta seabhrach. Blianta ó shoin bhíodh na mílte ag teacht abhaile ó Shasana, tagann beagán anois ach beagán ‘sea é.

Bíonn ceol, amhráin agus dreoilíní ag baint sólás as an bhFéile. Is mó dreoilín go mbíonn suas le leath chéad agus trí fichid ball ann. Bíonn dreoilíní an lae inniu ceolmhar agus amhráin ag sileadh leo go mór mhór an dream óg. Baineann an pobal agus gach tigh a dtéann siad anshásamh as an ndreoilín.

Sean Nua Scéal sean chaite? Ní fada go mbeidh rialtas againn, cé nach bhfuil sé fós ann agus é seo á scríobh agam. Tá airgead acu agus cinnte beidh tithe agus raidhse geallúint á gcomhlíonadh, ach cuimhnigh go bhféadfadh Trump scata comhlacht a thabhairt ‘abhaile’. Abhar caisliúirigh.

Bhuaileas le cailín óg Gaeltachta agus clann uirthi. Ní bheadh ar a cumas an t-airgead mór damanta ar thigh príobháideach a bheith aici. Chuir sí ceist ar oifigeach caoi sa Chomhairle cathain a fhéadfadh sí tigh comhairle contae a fháil. ’Fiche bliain’ ar sé. Cén saghas cainte í sin le cailín óg pósta ón nGaeltacht. Nách diail an misneach a bhí sé ag cur ar an gcailín bocht, ach má thagann na tithe atá geallta ba chóir go mbeadh scéal eile againn.

Athrú saoil

N’fheadar conas mar atá an saol tréis athrú chómh mór i gcás brúidiúlachta. Is beag duine a shiúlódh ina aonar ar shráid i mBleá Cliath. Tá daoine á marú beagnach gach lá. Tá páirteanna do chathracha agus bailte móra go bhfuil sé baolach siúl ar an sráid. Ní mór staidéar fónta a dhéanamh agus beartais a chur i bhfeidhm a éileódh go gceapaidh cladhairí a suaimhneas. Bás.

Fuair an t-Athair Séamus Mac Ginnea (19462025) ó Leataoibh Mor bás le déanaí. Fear ciúin stuama eolach macánta naofa. Bhí meas againn go léir air. Is mo staidéir agus cúnamh mar shagart déanta aige, fear gur dheas leat bualadh leis.

Maireann a dheartháracha Tomás agus Mícheál, nianna, neachtanna agus gaolta eile. Bhí a thuistí Bríd agus Pádraig básaithe roimhis.

uaisceart Mhaigh Eó bás le déanaí. Phós sé

Caitlín Ní Mhainnín ó Bhaile an Fhiadhnaigh i Meiriceá, ina dhiaidh sin tréis dóibh teacht ar ais go hÉirinn thánadar abhaile go baile an Fhiadhnaigh mar ar chaith sé a shaol i dteanta a chéile agus a chlann.

Méala mór a bhás dá chéile Caitlín, dá chlann mhac Mícheál, JJ agus Noel, a iníon Caitríona, a dheirfiúr Máire ar an bhfód dúchais, a gharchlann, gaolta agus slua cairde.

Fear lán do dhea-thréithe oibre b’ea Criostóir. Níl aon amhras ach go raibh sé deaslámhach. An-oibrí b’ea é; dá mbeadh mórán le déanamh aige, bhíodh sé éirithe lua ar maidin agus b’sheo leis ag péinteáil, siúnéireacht 7rl. Bhí sé lán do scéalta seóigh agus bhreá leat a bheith ina fhochair. D’fhéach sé ar an dtaobh geal don saol. Fear mór spóirt go mór mhór caid. Fear suáilceach cuideachtúil. Thóg sé féin agus Caitlín clann sár thréitheach ciallmhar.

I bhFlaitheas na Glóire a anam cneasta lonrach. Fuair Máire Uí Mhóráin Ní Dhonchú ó Baile na nGall agus Cluain Lára An Chláir bás le déanaí. Bhí a céile Seán agus páiste óg Caroline básaithe roimpi, trócaire ortha. Méala mór a bás dá clann Jacqueline, Liam, Seán, agus Sarah, garchlann, gaolta agus cairde.

Beannacht Dé lena hanam.

Ceol sa Dorchadas

chíonn tú Trump ag déanamh gaisce, ag tóch gás agus aoile sa talamh!

Tá na cogaí ag treisiú leis an mí-ádh. An mbeidh leigheas ar an bhfadhb seo na cruinne? Déarfainn go dtiocfaidh saineolaithe ar leigheas luath nó déanach, ach tá súil agam nach ró dhéanach a tiocfaidh sé.

Ag Ardú

Focal maith fós don bhfeirmeoir, óir tá an- irgead ar uain, mairt agus bainne. Gach ádh ortha. Eolas

• Túgann an gnáth fhear 3,350 uair a chloig á bhearradh féin nó 139 lá go leith i rith a shaoil.

• Seachtó fén gcéad don smuit a bhíonn sa tigh tagann sé ó chraiceann feóite.

• Gach óispidéal i Singapore úsáideann siad clúdíní (nappies) fé gach othar.

• ‘Sé An Léamar an t-aon ainmhí go bhfuil súile gorma aige mar atá ag an nduine.

• Abbey Road, an LP deireannach a dhein na Beatles.

• Bhí Elvis Presley 230pt. meáchana ach a bhfuair sé bás.

• Theip Elvis a scrúdú ceoil ar scoil.

• Níl aon incinn ag an gcrasóg mara! (starfish).

Solar Systems

Tom Kennedy

Solar..panels or tubes, what's the difference? Well they both provide hot water when heated by the sun’s energy, thus saving you energy, be it oil, gas or electricity.

Bhí Gabor Peli ag stiúradh ceolfhoireann agus Cór (suas le caoga + ) i Séipéal Naomh Uinsinn ar an mBuailtín Dé Domhnaigh ar cheolchoirm tráthnóna nuair a theip ar an solas thart ar 4.30, sa tséipéal agus sa pharóiste. Bhí an aimsir ciúin. Cad a déarfá, ambasa ach gur chuadar go léir go raibh fón póca acu i muinín soillsiú go lonnmhar ar an gceolfhoireann, an cór agus an stiúrthóir agus lean an ceolchoirm ar aghaidh.Tá Gabor tar éis ceolfhoireann agus cór a oiliúint i dtreo go bhfuil siad tofa ar fad. Ní raibh aon teas ann ach oiread ach bhog an sár cheol, na hamhránaithe cumasacha agus an stiúrú éifeachtach croí gach éinne. Ní raibh aon chlabhsán le clos ach a mhalairt. Bhí an ócáid tofa. Tá sar obair déanta ag Gabor ó tháinigh sé ‘n dúthaigh seo. Bhí an aibhléis imithe dtí a naoi a chlog i bparóiste an Fheirtéirigh ach níor tharla aon bhriseadh thuas againne i Mharthain.

A solar system will save up to 70% of your annual hot water bill. When it comes to tubes versus panels, the tubes are marginally more efficient than panels, but realistically the difference is small, especially when we have had such a great spell of sunshine.

There is another "solar system" known in the trade as "Thermodynamic" this is a solar panel that works in the dark. Yes with no sunshine, you ask how!

Baol sa chruinne

Well the answer is simple really, it's not a solar panel it's a heat pump. The way it works is a panel is fitted to your roof which is connected to a unit and cylinder in your hot press. This is a compressor similar to what's found in a fridge, this unit pumps a refrigerant gas into the panel where it heats due to the fact that the gas has a very low boiling point of about -25 Celsius so this hot gas comes back into the unit, where the gas is compressed to make it hotter, the heat is then transferred to create heat. However, this unit is dependant on electricity to operate so while saving money on heating hot water it does so at a cost.

Is baolach gur deineadh slad ar an bPáirtí Glas sa toghchán. Rud amháin tá agus bhíodar ag comhairliú do dhaoine athruithe a dhéanamh ar a saol mar mura ndéanfar is in oilceas a bheidh an aimsir ag dul. M’fhéidir nár theastaigh ón bpobal an scéal seo a chlos. Tá cuid dos na baill

Take for example a typical family home with 3 to 5 occupants, costs on average about €1,500 to €2,000 per year to heat, of which about a 1/4 to 1/3 of this is hot water, so a typical hot water bill for a family of 5 is somewhere in the region of €450 to €650 a year.

A solar system for a family of 5 can cost anything from €4,000 to €5,500 supplied and fitted, giving them a yearly saving of approx €350 to €500 and when you take into account the rising cost of energy, a system can pay for itself in 5 to 10 years.

Gúim Nollaig shona, shólasach, cleachtúil, sásta, dhuit a léitheoir, dod chuid gaolta agus docháirde. Go dtuga Dia párdún duit más gá. Bain sásamh as an bhFéile.

your heating system up to date Extra Grants available from SEAI & Electric Ireland Does your Oil/Gas Boiler need servicing Reg. Gas installer Get your heating system into shape and improve efficiency

ACROSS

1. Make thread, by twisting

4. Feature

9. Period of British rule in India

11. Regret

12. Floating platform

15. Aimless traveller

17. Lubricated

19. In the past

20. S. American river

21. Adhesive

24. Dine

26. Sloping platforms

27. Actors, Shepard, Worthington, Neill …

29. Many of

32. Installs bullets

35. By what means

36. Potato species, _____ Piper

38. (And 1 down) character played by A. Sim, G. C. Scott, P. Stewart (forename)

41. Gratis

42. Decay

43. Affirmative reply

44. Begins

45. Stories

DOWN

1. (And 38 across) character played by A Sim, G. C. Scott, P. Stewart (surname)

2. Force an unpleasant experience upon

3. Unrefined

5. Baking powder

6. Actor, played Robin Hood in 1938, _____ Flynn

7. Signal

8. Curt

10. A ghost in A Christmas Carol (5, 6)

13. Which we breathe

14. √100

16. Breakfast favourite

18. Portals

22. America (abbr.)

23. Holy song

25. Lots of activity

27. Acted (in)

28. Shell fish

29. Looks at, lecherously

30. 8th Greek letter

31. Offspring

33. Clumsy, dim-witted person

34. Expire

36. Proceeded to

39. Computer program that performs automated tasks

40. ___ is the Rose

completed crossword to West/Mid Kerry Live, Goat Street, Dingle Prize €40 Voucher for Danno’s Restaurant & Bar Winner of the Crossword 440 is DingleHelen Griffin, Ballinasteenig, Lispole

Property to let / Tithe ar cíos

CLASSIFIEDS -

Room rental in Ballyhea, just 5 minutes from Dingle town. Looking for someone to manage Airbnb rooms for extra pay. dinglerental1@gmail.com

Ensuite room to rent in Dingle town. 086-1210038

Double room for rent in new house in Dingle town until March, (AA energy rated). 086-1688007

Ensuite Room for rent in large house in Bally ferriter. Contact room4rentdingle2024@gmail.com for more information. (Female only) For Sale/Le Díol

Young dog. Also a young puppy. 087-7950942

Treadmill for sale, as new. 087-6201511

60 bales of good quality hay. 087-9274491

2 bamboo armchairs, as new. Also 1,000 litre Kingspan diesel tanks. 0879647699

Services / Seirbhisí

Man Friday - Handyman for all those small jobs that nobody gets around to doing. 087-6353325

Native Irish speaker, fully qualified Irish teacher available to teach Irish. Please email Maria at: marianimhurchu@gmail.com

Chimney sweeping service. Clean and efficient. Call Paul on 083-1727571. Frank McGowan-Sports and Physical Therapy. Sports, Deep Tissue, Remedial and Relaxation Massage. Lower Main St, Dingle Town Centre. Monday to Friday. 9 am-2 pm. Call, Text or Whats App 0857338601 for an appointment. Regina Sheehy - Kinesiology and Food Intolerance Testing. Treating all forms of digestive issues, fatigue, candida, fungal issues, stress, food intolerances, recurrent infections. Clinics in Dingle (Tuesday and Thursday) Tralee (Wednesday and Saturday) Evening appointments available. Ph: 0860820224 www.reginasheehy.com

Plumber specialising in boiler breakdown, servicing and commissioning. Complete range of plumbing services. Call John 086-3165714

Affordable Tree Surgeons-Trees topped beside roadways, houses and sheds, hedges trimmed. All toppings and shavings removed. Fully insured. Free quotation - Call Michael 085-8487812

West Kerry Gardening services - lawn cutting, sand/gravel delivered, landscaping, power washing etc. Call Seán 087-6336082

Experienced bookkeeper seeks local employment. Call 086-3717633. South West Recycling Services: scrap cars, vans jeeps, tractors, buses, lorries all wanted. Also buy copper tanks, brass copper piping, lead, batteries, alloy wheels. Everything considered.. Top prices paid. Call Frank 087-2311971

Plumber available specialising in small jobs from Dunquin to Castlegregory. Call: 083-4179641

Civil Celebrant available for wedding ceremonies, baby naming and funerals. Contact Eithne Griffin 086-6066835 www.yourdayyourwaycelebrant.com

Garden Services in Kerry: Lawn mowing, strimming, vertical pruning, tree surgery. Reasonable rates. Ring 0838268371

Experienced cleaner/ keyholder based in Dingle available for holiday homes etc 087-6256533

Septic Tank emptying, bio - cycle tanks desludged, cleaned & checked. Toilets - drains unblocked. Gearóid Mac Gearailt. 087-9504713 / 087-2390018

Oil Boiler Servicing, Oil fired boilers and cookers. Servicing and repairs. Emergency call out service available. James Greaney 087-3440493

Does your septic tank need to be emptied- we will get to you within a day. Cuir Glaoch/ Call Diarmuid Ó Beaglaoi 087 2969846 0r 066 9155446

Vehicle Computer Diagnostic Service / Mobile Service. Cars, Jeeps, Vans, Pickups. Call 087-3440493

Septic Tank Services, emptying, wash down, repairs, new tanks andpercolation areas constructed in line with planning. over 25yrs service in Dingle Ph. Pat Hanafin 086 2241064 / 066 9151682 . beenbawn@yahoo.com

Situations Vacant / Postanna

Dingle Heating and Plumbing apprenticeship position available. 085-1621950

Wanted / Ag Teastáil

Urgently seeking long term accommodation in or around dingle /ventry / anascaul for a working family of 5 . Children aged 8-18. Any help much appreciated. Contact 085 127 6161

Cleaner needed for occasional cleaning of private holiday home near Ballyferriter; about 6 times per year; excellent rates. 083 2051596

Land wanted to rent or lease, Castlegregory or surrounding area. Whatsapp,

text or call 087-7690830

Wanted _ 2/3 bedroom house to rent longterm -ARP Programme €800 Tax free per month call 083-0812860

Wanted Room to Rent Dingle area - ARP programme €800 per month tax free call 083-0812860

Looking for a log splitter. 066-9157145

Other / Eile

Double glazed teak French Doors and frame. Free. Excellent condition. Ventry area. 087 6753131

Insulated storage facility available - call Ted Browne Tool Hire & Tyre Centre on 087 2342599 for details

Storage space available. Suitable for camper van / classis car etc. email: polaoghaire@yahoo.com

Dry secure storage unit for rent. Lispole area. 087-2820062