Having finished in the lead after the 2nd round of Cork County Council Anti Litter Challenge, Macroom will have to wait until September for the final result at the Awards Night in County Hall. Meanwhile, planting of the bed at the Kilnaguteen/ Masseytown Road junction was completed, as well as the beds at O’Connor Park and at the end of Barrack Lane. Further planting was carried at the entrance to the Town Park and this area is now complete. Roses have been used for a lot of the recent planting and hopefully these will give extended periods of flowering and will spread out to cover the beds in time. Litter picking is well under control with volunteers out on a regular basis. While the grass growth is slowing down due to the heat, the demands of watering the flowers have increased. As we are in the height of the tourist season, everybody is encouraged to do what they can to maintain the town’s good appearance, and to take little initiatives like picking litter and not expect some other volunteers to do it. The Bridge on the Coachford Road was cleaned by volunteers last weekend. Tidy Towns volunteers meet each Saturday morning in the square at 9 am. More volunteers are always welcome.
Macroom Flower and Garden Club Annual Outing to Carlow took place recently. The weather was ideal,. Itinerary included morning coffee and retail therapy at Arboretum Home & Garden Centre, Leighlinbridge. Altamont Gardens at Ballon was on the afternoon programme . Altamont which is referred to as the jewel in Ireland’s gardening crown, and recognised as one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland, looked stunning. The gravel path leading to the house and gardens was in full bloom. Members enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the wonderful herbaceous border and exotic shrubs leading to a beautiful lake surrounded by rare trees. The café and plant sales were visited and roses and unusual plants were purchased for members to enjoy in their own gardens. The next stop was to a private garden near Tullow where a 200 year old chestnut tree greeted you at the front entrance. The house was adorned with some fabulous climbing roses leading to a superb walled garden and pond. As evening approached it was on to Hotel Minella for dinner which completed a wonderful day in the Carlow area.
Just before dawn on Friday 1st June, busloads of very excited Cub Scouts and their leaders from Macroom set off for Wales on the very first Lee Valley Scout County International Cub Camp. They were joined by Ballincollig and Cloghroe Scout Groups who all made the journey to Silvercross Scout Campsite in Wales. Months of preparation, planning, phone calls, emails & meetings had gone into organising the camp. It could not have happened without the dedication and commitment of the Cub Leaders.
On arrival at Silver Cross, the Cubs and their leaders set up the campsite and met their companions for the weekend, 46thKingswood Scouts from Bristol. They had a lovely evening exploring the campsite and making new friends. The weather was very kind to them so on Saturday they spent the day on the beach taking part in games and activities and going for a paddle. On Saturday evening there was a fantastic campfire on site. Lots of favourite campfire songs were sung and new songs were learnt. Sunday was another very busy day. The leaders were up bright and early to get breakfast started. Each morning over 200 pancakes were cooked and sausages and rashers also featured on the menu. They spent the day at Oakwood Theme Park and had great fun on the roller coasters, paddle boats, water slides etc. Monday was their last day, so after breakfast (and when the Cubs had finished washing up) it was time to strike camp. The Scout rule is to leave no trace and the Cubs worked very hard to make sure that the campsite was clean and tidy and that they left nothing behind except their thanks.
All too soon it was time to leave Silver cross and set off on the journey home. Very tired but very happy Cubs arrived home to their parents. They had had an amazing weekend with lots of new experiences and challenges and have memories that will stay with them for life. All of their hard work and planning paid off and the Lee Valley International Cub Camp was a resounding success. Thank you to each and every one of the leaders for giving so freely of their time. Well done, well done, very well done.
A section of the huge crowd that took part in the 9th Daniel Kingston 5k memorial run in Macroom ©Lee Valley Outlook
It was another glorious evening in Macroom for the ninth Daniel Kingston 5km memorial run/walk. It was a great sight to behold looking at all the participants gather through the streets of Macroom before the race. There was most definitely a carnival atmosphere about and the local Comhaltas musicians certainly added to this terrific mood. This year 620 took to the streets to play their role in this now annual community event. Mark Walsh of Lee Vale A.C. took first place home in an impressive 15:51 minutes. The first female to finish was Karina Murphy in 19:37 minutes. The local community has been immense again this year , getting behind this fundraiser . The support of volunteers, sponsors, Gardaí , Council, local businesses and race participants is greatly appreciated by the Kingston family. The goal of the event is to raise funds for Cork Arc Cancer support house while at the same time remembering Daniel Kingston, a local young man, taken in his prime to Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2009. The funds raised from the night are currently being finalised but the overall fund is well on its way to €250,000 thanks to the generosity of so many over the years.
The Summer Stars reading scheme is about to begin so be sure to enquire at the desk about signing your children up for it so they can take part. This a great way to encourage them to continue reading after the school year has ended – they sign up, collect their reading card, and write the names of the books they read over the summer on their reading card so they can collect their Summer Stars certificate and maybe a few goodies at the end of the Summer.The library is still exhibiting a collection of wonderful pencil-based drawings by local artist Ann Mechelinck-O’Sullivan titled ‘Back To Basics.’ These drawings are available for purchase, and a list of prices is available to view in the library so be sure to take a look the next time you visit us.Several members of our Ciorcal Cainte group were honoured with an invitation to visit Áras an Uachtaráin on June 25th. We hope they had a fantastic time and we can’t wait to hear all about their day in Dublin. The Purlies Knitting Group will be meeting on July 5th at 11.30am. New members always welcome. The Bridge Club will get together on July 11th at 10am. New members are always welcome to join them too. The library will have an earlier closing time on Tuesdays throughout the summer. The new closing time is now 5.30pm until it resumes its regular Tuesday opening hours on the 4th September.
Congratulations to Cope Foundation Macroom who recently welcomed – and officially ‘launched’ - their beautiful new vehicle for the people supported there. The vehicle was purchased after a tremendous local fundraising effort that is testament to the community spirit and goodwill in the Macroom area. What started out as a 'dream' of staff - who then went and started fundraising themselves - the new vehicle really is a community effort that would not have been possible without the generous support of Laochra Óg Hurling & Camogie Club (whose Poc Fada in memory of the late Shane Murphy raised money for Cope Foundation); Macroom Credit Union (who made a generous Christmas contribution to the project); Danone Nutricia, fundraising committees of Macroom and Ballinagree and lots of other very kind families and individuals.
On the day, Gerard, who is supported by Cope Foundation Macroom, thanked everyone for their support in helping them get the new vehicle, which will make a big difference to the lives of the people supported in the Centre in Dan Corkery Place. Fr. John Keane kindly blessed the vehicle and wished everyone plenty years of safe and happy motoring! Cope Foundation would like to thank everyone for getting behind this and helping to make the dream a reality. Happy motoring to all in Macroom!
Macroom Senior Citizens Annual Summer Outing is scheduled for Wednesday July 4th with The Kingdom as the destination. Leaving Macroom in the morning, Tralee will be the first stop, after which it’s on to Dingle. The homeward journey will come via Killarney where there will be an evening meal at the Plaza Hotel in the town centre. The total cost is €35 per person and those intending to travel are requested to have their names in to Evelyn Mungovan by June 29th.
India Meets Ireland Peadar Ó Riada and Wajahat Khan will perform Continuing Traditions with Mick O’Brien, Oisín Morrisson and supporting Indian musicians in new compositions at the Ionad Cultúrtha in Baile Mhúirne at 8p.m. on July 8. Tickets €20 from 026 45733.
Kilmurry Museum Events. The story of the unfree Irish - Cork to Barbados, by historian Jim Murphy, Passage West. June 29th 8pm .
Spike island day trip bus departing Kilmurry August 18th at 10am; returning 5.30pm . Includes bus boat guided tour and light refreshments in the Commodore. Children €20 adults €30. Booking required. Contact Karen 0878325417 or Ellen 0851470058.
Vintage Road Run with a difference on Sunday July 22nd to the historical sites of Rebel Cork including Béal na Bláth, Kilmichael Ambush and Inchigeela. Run is open to all vintage and classic vehicles. Registration begins at museum from 10.30am with departure at 11.30am and interesting twists throughout the day. Further details from Siobhan at 086 1767295 (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or http://kilmurrymuseum.ie/
Ealú Lua The Lee Valley Adventure Race on Loch Allua was run for the first time in Inchigeelagh last September (2017). Full proceeds from the event - €800 - were recently donated to Marymount Hospice. Ealú Lua takes place on and around beautiful Loch Allua, between Ballingeary and Inchigeelagh, on the River Lee. Registration for this year's event (Sat 15th Sept) is now open and details and training/tips can be found on the Ealú Lua Adventure Race facebook page.
The Adoration Chapel in Macroom has been re-opened after temporary closure during the building of the parish offices in the church yard at St Colman’s Church. The Blessed Sacrament was transferred to a temporary chapel in the former Convent of Mercy during the building but was brought back in procession to the Adoration Chapel in the church yard where, for over 40 years, perpetual adoration has been in place in Macroom.
In an exciting and close final, all the girls worked so hard and then dug deep to get the vital scores to secure victory. Full-time score: Éire Óg 2-7 Nemo Rangers 1-5. Well done girls!-
Kilmurry GAA 5K Fun Run took place on 13th June in Kilmurry Village. On a wet and windy evening, 275 people braved the elements and completed the course. A huge thanks to the Gardaí and Kilmurry GAA for stewarding the event in a safe and efficient manner. Thanks to our sponsors Ross Oil and Danone for their continued support for the run, now in its 6th year and to the people who provided refreshments. Also thanks to the runners and walkers who came out and supported the event. The 1st Male runner home was Joe Cunningham and 1st Female was Margaret Murphy.
Toastmasters Following a very successful year in the Lee Valley Toastmasters, which saw the numbers grow and the club being chartered, a very brief AGM was held before the meeting. Clare O’Leary was elected president for 2018. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month in the Castle Hotel @ 8pm. New members are always welcome. Lee Valley take a break in July for the summer months and start back in September. Moira O’Brien stays on in committee as treasurer.
June 17. Jackpot €2,500. Numbers drawn 3, 16, and 31. €50 John Hickey, Millstreet. €20 each: Kevin & Carol Healy, Horsemount. Cotter Family, Leades. Marie Corkery, Drombeg. John Twomey, Rusheen.
‭The 9th annual Liz Lucey Memorial Vintage Run, Walk and Cycle in aid of Marymount Hospice will take place on July 8th in Inchigeela. Great routes have been organised, allowing participants view the local scenery. This event includes an open tractor run, vintage/classic car run, cyclists, walkers and motorcycles.
Registration for tractors, cars and motorcycles is at 11.30am sharp at Inchigeela Hall. This year we have 3 cycle routes - 20km, 35km and 75km. Registration for the 20km and 35km will be at 11.30am and the 75km route starts at 09.00am. This year, the Valley Wheelers Cycling Club is supporting the Liz Lucey Memorial Cycle. The 75km route will be the VWCC spin for that weekend. Registration for walkers will take place at Inchigeela GAA Pitch at 1pm, with scenic walks for all levels from beginners to well seasoned walkers.
Refreshments will be served, followed by a monster raffle with some fabulous prizes to be won including afternoon tea for 2 at Bantry House and Gardens, signed cookbooks from Neven Maguire and Donal Skehan, Family passes for Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park. The day will end with a trad session at Creedon’s Hotel Inchigeela from 6pm. This is a great day for all the family! Your support would be very much appreciated for this worthy cause and we look forward to welcoming old and new faces to this year’s event. For more information look out for posters and keep an eye out on FACEBOOK for further updates.
Tugadh cuireadh do Bhanna Cheoil Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh chuig Cóisir sa Gháirdin ar an Aoine, 29ú Meithimh. Ballingeary Pipe Band were on hand to pipe the President and Mrs. Higgins to the Ionad Cultúrtha i mBaile Mhúirne for the launch of ‘Fianna Éireann’, a new composition by Peadar Ó Riada and the late Monsignor Ó Fiannachta in March. The President was delighted to meet and chat, as Gaeilge, with the ten year old drum major, Páidí Ó hAragáin. The band , which is currently celebrating its 90th birthday, was delighted and honoured to receive this well-timed invitation. Buíon Píobairí Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh had suffered a drop in numbers and interest up to four years ago, when an inspirational teacher, Con Houlihan from Cuilinn Uí Chaoimh, took them in hand. He has revitalised the group, training the pipers and drummers and putting 'slacht ' on their repertoire and presentation. They are currently practicing a new tune composed for them by Peadar Ó Riada - Máirseáil Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh.
The school year 2017/ 2018 will go into the annals of Rylane National School. It was a year of firsts on many fronts. For the first time in the history of the school, there are five fulltime teachers – four mainstream and a Special Education Teacher. In October 2017 we welcomed Joan O’Brien to our staff and the children throughout the school have truly benefited from the smaller class sizes. For the first time we have four fully equipped classrooms. Also in October the school football team, coached by teacher Caitríona O’Connell, brought back the coveted Sciath na Scol Football trophy – it was a long time coming, as 2004 was the last time we held that trophy. Inspired by this success we fielded a hurling team for the first time and Rylane hurlers brought back the Sciath na Scol Hurling trophy.
Well done to our athletes who competed in Cork City Sports and did us all proud again this year – as we handed back the two trophies for the Best Overall Girls’ trophy and the Best Overall Boys’ trophy. Our soccer team also reached the final in Turner’s Cross.
At Christmas the whole-school production of the musical ‘The Lion King’ was a roaring success and the children presented most of the proceeds to local girl, Kim O’Sullivan and the Special Olympic Team in St. Paul’s School Cope Foundation. We are all proud of Kim who recently competed in the Special Olympics where she won two gold medals.
On May 12th eleven children celebrated their First Holy Communion and well done to teacher, Jerh O’Sullivan, for putting in so much effort and who always prepares the children so well. The children have participated in many activities throughout the year – Primary Debating Ireland competition, chess leagues, speech and drama, swimming, Irish dancing and even bird watching under the direction of Calvin Jones of the Heritage in Schools Scheme. Gráinne Murphy, Deputy Principal, teaches French to the senior classes in preparation for secondary school. We are fortunate on many fronts – for a supportive Board of Management working in a voluntary capacity; for outstanding parents and in particular, parents’ association members who generously give of their time and expertise and for teachers and staff who are devoted to helping the children achieve what they are capable of and discovering their unique gifts.
It is said that it takes a village to rear a child and we are fortunate as a school that the community in Rylane village recently purchased a community park from the O’Sullivan family where school children will get to enjoy recreational activities for many years.
Muinefliuch NS, winners of ‘Best Garden for Fun and Play’ in the Muintir na Tire gardening competition ©An Scoil
Munster Hurling final Cork v Clare: Clondrohid will be represented at this eagerly awaited Munster Final. Lauren O’Brien will play for Cork (Primary Go Games ) at half time and also participate in a guard of honour for the Senior Hurlers on July 1. She will be representing Clondrohid N.S. Lauren is the 2nd Camogie player to represent the school as Róisín Murphy had the honour last year. Lauren plays Camogie with Laochra Óg Hurling and Camogie Club, Football with Naomh Abán and Soccer with Macroom. Well done Lauren; enjoy every minute of it.
Muinefliuch NS: Congrats on being placed in the top 12 in the Muintir na Tíre School Gardening Competition. They were awarded Best Garden for Fun and Play.. Well done to everyone who worked hard to get this far. A special word of thanks to Regina for all her effort.
CCM Active Retired: The monthly coffee morning in Community Hall is Wed July 11 around 10am All are welcome.
Development Group: Thanks to everyone who is helping to keep our village clean and tidy, a special word of thanks to those who are watering during this hot spell. All areas (The Bridge and adjoining road, the Church, Spar Shop, Priest’s wall, the Tubs etc near school, Graveyard, , the 3 circular beds on the roads entering the village, the 2 Beds up by the pitch, the flower tubs, through the village Curra Glen and The Terrace, and all the dwellings through the village that have beautiful well kept gardens with loads of colour. etc) are all looking exceptionally well at the moment, but this does not happen without a lot of hard work. Anyone willing to give a small hand is most welcome. Keep up the good work aiming to have a clean, tidy, and litter free village.
GAA : Well done to the U6s who played away to Macroom in their first match of the season a week ago. Across both teams, all players showed off the skills they have learned and demonstrated great sportsmanship across 3 great games. Many thanks to Macroom for the game, to parents for much needed transport and support and to the players for giving their all in a very energetic morning's football. We look forward to the return fixture in a couple of weeks! Clondrohid U12s were out again in the league at home against in form Canovee. The game began with Canovee on the attack immediately and hit the post with a cracking shot. Clondrohid weathered the storm and tagged on a few early scores. Clondrohid midfield were well on top and started to set up very well worked scores. The half finished with a goal following a scramble in the goalmouth. Half time score was 1-6 to 0-0 to Clondrohid. As expected, Canovee started the half with determination and got two early points to close the gap slightly. Our lads settled and replied with two quick fire points of their own. Following a period of stalemate, Clondrohid turned on the style and added some cracking points and two very well taken goals to finish on a convincing winning score line of 3-11 to 0-4. Well done on a great performance and thank you to the coaches and parents who stayed to support.
Litter Challenge. Inchigeela did very well again this year in the litter challenge organised and supported by Cork Co Council. The village gained 4th place in its category, going up two places since last year. The challenge is to keep streets and roads litter free over a six week period and then the winners of each group go into a county final. Well done to all involved in the pickups and to house holders and businesses who kept their areas litter free. The next challenge ahead for us all is the 2018 Tidy Towns Competition. Last year’s results in the adjudication were very respectable indeed, so lets all work towards even better ones in 2018.
2018 Daniel Corkery Summer School. The popular week with something for everyone begins on Sunday evening at 8.00pm with a good Inchigeela welcome. This year’s theme is the Boole girls, the daughters of the famous Cork Mathematician. Among the events for the week will be a music night by the famous Lux Musicae .There will be lectures , watercolour painting classes, an art exhibition, workshops and a Historic Charabanc Tour. More details in the next issue and look out for posters. More info and bookings from Creedon’s hotel 026 49012
Erinn O’Connell from Aghabullogue will represent Cork in the 45th Rose of Tralee contest in the Kingdom in August. . Erinn is sponsored by the Blarney Castle Hotel, where she worked part -time for many years while in University. Currently working as a general and children's nurse in Cork University Hospital, Erinn was crowned the Cork Rose at a selection event held in the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs recently. In the very first interview of the night, Erinn performed a beautiful rendition of Imelda May's 'Big Bad Handsome Man' as her 'party piece'. She admits to having a strong musical background, growing up with music as a big part of her life.
As well as music, Erinn plays a big role in her local camogie club, both playing and coaching underage teams in Aghabullogue. She enjoys watching the younger teams develop through sport and loves the social aspect also.
Entering the competition back in March, she never would have imagined how positive this experience would be, meeting the most amazing people and having the best experience with all the contestants. Erinn is looking forward to the upcoming event in Tralee and is very grateful for the opportunity. We look forward to supporting the new Cork Rose, Erinn O’Connell, all the way to the Dome!
Cloughdubh NS captain, Aoife Lehane and vice captain, Clodagh Collins with the Roinn DC6 trophies following their win at the Allianz Sciath na Scol finals at Páirc Uí Rinn. © Mike English
Members of Donoughmore Macra attended the Muskerry Macra AGM at the beginning of June with 8 members taking up positions on the top table. Best of luck to them in the year ahead. Donoughmore were delighted to win Regional Club of the Year and are now through to the national semi finals of the Club of the Year interviews. Congratulations to our PROs Aoibhinn Murphy and Marie Wallace who also won the regional PRO award. Members from Donoughmore took part in the regional round of dairy stockjudging which was held on Seamus and James Crowley's farm. Congratulations to Aoibhinn Murphy who won the U23 competition and to Alan Twomey who won the Senior competition. Best of luck to both members as they travel to Meath on July 4th to take part in the National stockjudging competition. The club AGM is taking place on Friday June 29th at 9pm in Pat Barry's Bar Donoughmore. All are welcome to attend.
Iarla Ó Lionaird and Steve Cooney enthral the audience at Glengarriff Church during the Jim Dowling Uilleann Pipes and Trad Festival ©Lee Valley Outlook
The Iarla Ó Lionáird/ Steve Cooney recital in Glengariff Church at the conclusion of the Jim Dowling Uilleann Pipes and Trad Festival was an uplifting experience. The festival brought hundreds of music lovers to the beautiful West Cork town during an untypical Irish heat wave and everyone went away uplifted.
In deference to the venue, Iarla opened his programme with Mary’s lament, Och, Ochón agu Ochón Ó, followed by Tomás Rua Ó Súilleabháin’s Míle Buíochas Leatsa. Fáinne Geal an Lae never sounded so good as when sung by Iarla, with magical accompaniment by Steve Cooney. Cooney can make his guitar speak different languages and here it also became a harp and other instruments. Mo Chailín Donn Deas, Tabhair Dom do Lámh agus Go dté tú a mhúirnín slán introduced romance to the evening. The bilingual Hide and Go Seek introduced mischief and a lighter note to proceedings, as did Far, Far Away. Casadh an tSúgain, The Lament for Black Finn and Tá Dhá Gabhairín Buí Agam brought a delightful evening to a satisfactory conclusion. Iarla gave a fascinating insight into his choice of material, its sources and collectors and his beautiful Cúil Aodha Irish made everything even better and the evening was both entertaining and educational.
‘Continuing Traditions’ is an exciting new musical ensemble formed by the world renowned musicians Ustad Wajahat Khan of India and Peadar Ó Riada of Ireland. Based in London and Cork respectively, both artists are among the most leading and revered performers and composers of their respective genres of Indian classical music and Irish traditional music, with an established worldwide reputation. They are also sons of legendary fathers (Ustad Imrat Khan and Sean Ó Riada) and continuing a family tradition of musicianship and composition which have greatly influenced the music of the current generation.
The ensemble comprises of six distinguished master musicians playing traditional instruments and percussion from Indian classical music and Irish traditional music). This will be followed by collaboratory compositions jointly composed by Wajahat Khan and Peadar Ó Riada. Thus the maestros explore and bond their cultural heritage of musical traditions that evolved in their respective families for many generations in India and Ireland, by fusing together their musical expertise and spirituality and bringing them into the 21st century, through their unique musical collaboration.
Macroom Castle has been the focal point, and, for centuries, up to 1921, the symbol of British power and ascendancy in Macroom. In many ways, the town developed and revolved around the Castle. In spite of its complex history, its burning in 1922, and the demolition of most of its structure, some of the building remains in service. Richard and Hugh Burke run a car valeting business in a part of the Castle that once housed stables, garages and the back entrance area. Having often passed but never been inside, Richard allowed me to take some photographs, and chatted informatively about the Castle and his family’s connection to it.
The Castle was probably first built in the 12th century by the O’Flynns; the Irish for Muskerry is ‘Múscraí Uí Fhloinn’. They were ousted by the McCarthys who held possession until the middle of the 17th century. In 1650, the Cromwellian general, Lord Broghill, defeated a Confederation army and subsequently hanged Bishop McEgan in Carrigadrohid. William Penn’s family was later granted the Castle. At the Restoration of the monarchy, possession reverted to the McCarthys. Because of their loyalty to King James, the Castle was confiscated and subsequently sold. Following various owners – The Hollow Blade Company, the Bernards and the Hedges Eyres - the Castle finally belonged to Olive White, Bantry, who later became Lady Ardilaun. The Castle was finally burnt in 1922 by the anti-treaty forces when retreating from Cork city. Erskine Childers and the writer, Frank O’Connor, took part. In 1924 the Castle Demesne was sold to a group of local business people, to be held in trust for the use and benefit of the people of Macroom.
Thereafter, the Castle ruins became a playground, a handball alley, a climbing challenge, a’ secret’ place for young smokers, a meeting place and a backdrop for photographs. Time took its toll and in 1967, for safety reasons, most of the remaining structure was demolished. Burkes occupy the extant portion of the Castle and the old Castle wall separates them from McEgan Vocational College.
Hugh and Richard Burke run a very successful and busy car valeting business since 1990. They inherited the premises from their parents Cal and Josephine (Phenie) Burke. Phenie’s name came about because her older sister Vera, when a toddler, was unable to say ‘Josephine’ and called her ‘Phenie’ instead. The name stuck. Vera’s and Phenie’s parents were Hugh Weston and May O’Donovan. Hugh was from Farnborough, Hampshire, England, about 34 miles southwest of London, and home to the famous Farnborough Air Show. Hugh was a mechanic and came to Ireland in 1919 with the British army. His job was to service the Crossley tenders used by the Auxiliaries in the War of Independence. Crossley tenders transported the British soldiers to Kilmichael and were part of Collins’s entourage at Béal na mBláth. May was from Fermoy and Hugh met her when stationed there. Romance blossomed and they were married. After Indepedence, part of the Castle came under the ownership of Dickie Williams, then owner of the Castle Hotel. The Westons settled in Macroom and Hugh worked for Dickie for a period. Later, Hugh bought what became the Castle Garage and now the Burkes’ premises. They operated the Castle Garage until the 1970s. Petrol pumps still stand on the side walk. They are beautifully maintained and have become landmarks of the town. Hugh was a very genial man. He never had any difficulty in town, most probably because of his affability, his excellence at his work and he kept out of pubs. A keen card-player, he frequented the Young Men’s in the Town Hall where cards were played on Saturday and Sunday nights. He was a member of the successful Macroom Rugby team of the 1920s.
Vera Weston was involved in the account and office side of the business. Phenie worked as a chemist’s assistant in Kerins’s pharmacy for many years. She married Cal Burke, brother of Seamus, and uncle of Paddy Murphy and Joan Quinn. Richard and Hugh are Phenie’s and Cal’s two boys.
After the Castle Garage closed, the site housed Seanie Murphy’s and Pat Healy’s lorries. Among their cargoes were lorry-loads of pigs. Up to the 1970s/1980s, many farmers raised pigs; local pig-buyers bought the animals on the farm and the trucks transported them from farm-to-factories. For the farmer’s family, the pigs represented a cash bonus and paid for once-off items like communions, confirmations and especially, family weddings.
Richard thinks it a pity that what remains of the Castle could not be put to better tourism use. Imagine if the place were fitted out with a visitor centre and craft shops, what an attraction it could be. In the pre-2008 boom, some interest was shown, along with a suggestion that an alternative workplace would be provided for the car valeting; but the recession put paid to that idea. Richard also surmised that the Castle Arch was not the main and official entrance. When Robert Hedge Eyre re-built the Castle about 1850, he in fact, rather added a mansion to the rear of the castle. The building faced south and all the gardens and lawns were set in that directions and it seems logical to Richard that the main approach would be from the Sleaveen Road/ High Street side. There were stables, servicing the Castle, on High Street and this would support his contention.
It is great to see what remains of the Castle is still in service, but, as Richard stated, the potential of the site should be recognised, developed and exploited. One of the hopes of the By-pass is that we will have more visitors to the town, and that they will remain longer. What better attraction could we have than a refurbished portion of the Castle, with its rich history, in the heart of the town, with a museum, visitor centre, cafes and craft shops as a major drawing card?
The Burkes are to be commended for preserving and using the Castle which forms an integral part of the history of Macroom. Thanks to them and to Paul Lynch for their co-operation with this article.
Piece of Rebel Priest’s Tunic. John Francis O’Connor was born 1883 in County Cork into a devoutly Catholic family. He entered the Capuchin novitiate 1899 and received the religious name of Dominic. In response to a call from Cardinal Michael Logue, Archbishop of Armagh, Fr. Dominic volunteered for chaplaincy work with British forces during the First World War. He resigned his post in 1917 and returned to Ireland where he was appointed to the Capuchin community at Holy Trinity, Cork. Fr. Dominic who was already a fervent Nationalist and a keen supported of the Gaelic League and its ideals was a notable presence in the Volunteers’ activities against the conscription menace. It was during this time that he was appointed chaplain to the Cork Brigade of IRA Volunteers by Tomas MacCurtain. He would be the first to appear at the MacCurtain home in Blackpool, Cork, on the morning of 20 March 1920 after the Sinn Féin Lord Mayor had been murdered.
“I want you to bear witness that I die as a Soldier of the Irish Republic” – Terence MacSwiney’s last words, to Fr. Dominic
When MacCurtain’s successor, as Lord Mayor and as Commander of the Cork No.1 Brigade, Terence MacSwiney was on his hunger strike in Brixton, Fr. Dominic gave daily communion to the Lord Mayor and said Mass in his cell twice weekly. When MacSwiney finally did succumb after 73 long days, Fr. Dominic saw to it that MacSwiney was laid out in his Volunteer uniform to honour his dying words - but also made sure that underneath his soldier’s tunic his dear friend was robed in the habit of St. Francis.
Fr. Dominic was arrested soon after by the British authorities and after enduring torture at the hand of British Officers, he was sentenced to five years penal servitude, to be served in an English prison. Although released within a year under the general amnesty after the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, he continued his previous position as Chaplain to the IRA. During the War of Independence, as Chaplain to the Volunteers, he ignored his Bishop’s (Bishop Daniel Cohalan of Cork) threat of excommunication of those Volunteers who were involved in ambushes or murder; Fr. Dominic regarded his men as fighting a just cause.
When the Four Courts, located only a few hundred yards from the Church Street Friary of the Capuchin Fathers, was besieged by National Army forces at the outset of the Civil War, Fr. Dominic (assisted by fellow Corkman and Capuchin, Fr. Albert Bibby) provided spiritual comfort, assisted in the evacuation of the wounded, and later facilitated the surrender of the defeated garrison. Later on, he ministered to both sides during the Civil War. His support here of the Anti-Treatyites Forces undoubtedly led to a further worsening in his relationship with his Bishop who had interdicted reception of the sacraments by the ‘irregulars’ and their supporters; never mind setting him against the Free State.
On 26 November 1922 the decision, undoubtedly influenced by the prevailing circumstances as outlined above, was made by the Provincial Definitory of the Capuchin Order to have Fr. Dominic transferred to the Province’s Mission in Bend, Oregon, USA. In August 1935 he sustained serious injuries in a car accident from which he never fully recovered. He died on 17 Oct. 1935 and was buried in Bend, Oregon in a non-Catholic cemetery.
For 23 years he remained buried there, in exile even in death, until his last wish was granted when his remains (along with those of fellow exiled Capuchin Fr. Albert Bibby OFM Cap.) were repatriated to Ireland with the organisation and funding of his former Congregationalists in the Old IRA. He was buried in Rochestown Capuchin Fathers Cemetery in Cork on 14 June 1958, sixty years ago this month, alongside Fr. Albert.
In his later years in Oregon, a place where he was fondly remembered, he had taken steps to become a United States citizen but could not see it through to its completion due to his love for his country.
We are proud to have on display in Independence Museum Kilmurry a piece of the habit worn by Fr. Dominic while ministering to his friend Terence MacSwiney during his long ordeal in Brixton Prison.
We will be pleased to publish your favourite poem in Irish or English in future editions of the Lee Valley Outlook. Email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., post to Killarney Road, Macroom or telephone 02641891. Even if you cannot remember all the words of the poem, we will source them if at all possible. If contributors so wish, we will add their name as selector.
Buying a property from a receiver can be stressful. In this situation, the warning “caveat emptor” or “buyer beware” is very important. Although appointed by the bank, the receiver acts as agent of the borrower. The bank will have suffered a loss on the property and will want to dispose of it as soon as possible to minimise that loss. The bank will want to sell the property as it stands and will not want to incur any expense if they can avoid it. The receiver has a duty to obtain the best price possible. A ‘normal’ vendor will have a duty to provide information about the property in relation to such matters as boundaries, disputes, planning etc. A receiver can exclude many of these items from the Contract for Sale.
Instruct a solicitor who is experienced in conveyancing and has a good reputation. Choose a solicitor who has been recommended to you by family, friends or a business advisor. Remember, this may be the biggest financial decision of your life so the decision as to whom you should engage to act as your solicitor is a serious one. Also remember that this is a service, not a product, and service levels can vary dramatically from firm to firm.
Arm yourself with as much local knowledge as possible. Talk to the residents in the housing estate. Call to the neighbours. Make contact with the representative for the management company. Find out if there are any issues with the property. It is always a good idea to speak with those living in the area to gain an understanding of the history of the property and the locality.
Before you close the sale, arrange a final viewing to inspect the property one last time to ensure nothing has materially changed with the property; there is vacant possession; there is no rubbish in the property etc.
Prepare a budget. List out all of the costs and expenses that buying the property will entail. Your solicitor will help you with this process. You will have legal fees and outlays, valuation fees, survey fees, life assurance premiums, building insurance, etc. If you address these issues in advance, then there will be no nasty financial surprises awaiting you as the transaction progresses. You will inevitably have increased expenses associated with buying a property in negative equity, so it is best to find out about any additional costs as early as possible.
Be realistic about the closing date. In the event that you are financing the acquisition through a lending institution, then all of these qualifications and limitations listed in the contract must be brought to your lender’s attention and their agreement sought and obtained in writing prior to the signing the contract. This can take a few weeks.
Check the position in relation to access to the property. Is the property abutting a public road? Does the property require access over a neighbour’s land? Is there a right of way in place? Are there any disputes with neighbours? What are the rights and obligations in relation to the right of way? Who maintains the right of way?
Instruct a competent engineer or architect to visit the relevant planning department, inspect the planning register, talk to the planning officials and ensure that there are no outstanding planning permission or building regulation problems of which they are aware.
Make enquiries with the management company. The major difficulty for buyers of repossessed houses or apartments in managed estates is that the receiver’s solicitor will usually not have up to date information from the management company. This information concerns the service charges for the management of the common areas, green areas, lifts, sinking funds etc. but most importantly, in the case of apartments, the insurance on the apartment block. Your solicitor will insist that this necessary information be supplied. If you require a mortgage to complete the purchase of an apartment, no bank will lend to you unless the position of the management company and in particular, the block insurance policy, is in order. Any arrears of service charges will have to be paid by the bank out of the proceeds of sale before a change of ownership will be noted by the management company. Your solicitor will ensure that you do not have to pay the service charges, which should have been paid by the owner.
Check the position in relation to utilities. If the property has not been occupied for some time it may well be the case that the ESB and water is disconnected. Substantial reconnection fees could be payable.
Undoubtedly, distressed properties offer value. All major banks in Ireland have indicated that they still have a significant number of properties which they will dispose of through a receiver. However, they also pose risks for the unwary, risks that at the very least could come home to roost if you seek to sell the property at some point in the future. Making yourself aware of the pitfalls and carrying out effective due diligence with your solicitor, prior to signing on the dotted line could prevent you from making a costly mistake.
Karen Walsh, specialises in conveyancing and is a solicitor practicing in Walsh & Partners, Solicitors and Commissioners for Oaths, 17, South Mall, Cork. Tel: 021-4270200 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Web: www.walshandpartners.ie
Disclaimer: While every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information contained in this article, Solicitor Karen Walsh does not accept responsibility for errors or omissions howsoever arising, and you should seek legal advice in relation to your particular circumstances at the earliest possible time.
Cork moved to the top of Group 2 of the Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship with a decisive win over Dublin at Páirc Uí Rinn. Dublin were very competitive in the first half and trailed by just three points approaching half time but a Linda Collins goal, after good work by the excellent Orla Cronin three minutes into injury time, made it 2-6 to 1-3 and it was all Cork after the resumption.
Katrina Mackey got the champions rolling with a score straight from the throw-in. Amy O’Connor, after having a shot cleared off the line moments before, and Gemma O’Connor also found the target. Emma Flanagan and Siobhán Kehoe settled David Herity’s team but Mackey rocketed a shot to the Dublin net to open a four-point gap. Still, the visitors seemed unflappable and Orla Began’s goal had them in touch, before Collins hit that crucial major before the break.
It got worse for Dublin as a Cronin shot dropped in for a goal soon after the restart, while Aoife Murray made an excellent save at the other end. Ashling Thompson, Cronin, Pamela Mackey, Chloe Sigerson and the eye-catching Lauren Homan all struck points as Cork drove forward in waves. All-Ireland hero, Julia White added goal number four and though Began rustled the Cork net with a powerful drive from a free three minutes before the end of normal time, this one was over long before the end. Daragh Ó Conchúir
Cork regained the TG4 Munster Ladies senior football title at CIT on June 23 as Saoirse Noonan enjoyed a dream senior championship debut. After a poor first half, the Rebels scored four goals after the break, to dethrone old rivals and 2017 winners, Kerry. Captain Ciara O’Sullivan notched up two goals; Noonan bagged a brace after coming on at half-time, and dual star, Hannah Looney, netted a penalty. Kerry started much the brighter of the two sides and went in front through Amy Foley with three minutes gone. A great ball from Aisling Hutchings set up Doireann O’Sullivan for the equaliser a minute later. Foley got her second to put Kerry back in front but Cork took the lead in the eighth minute when Eilis Lynch fouled Ciara O’Sullivan and Hannah Looney slotted home the resultant penalty. Lorraine Scanlan pointed from a free for Kerry and they were back in front. A good move, involving Andrea Murphy and Foley, set up Sarah Houlihan for their opening goal. She added a point from a free as Kerry led 1-4 to 1-1. Cork responded in style, with points from Hutchings, and two Áine O’Sullivan points to reduce the deficit. But two frees from Houlihan, and a late goal from Foley saw the reigning champions lead by 2-6 to 1-5 at half-time.
Strong words at half-time saw a far different Cork side after the break, with an early goal from Ciara O’Sullivan putting them level and from here on, it was all Cork. With 35 minutes gone, O’Sullivan was fouled and Noonan, a Republic of Ireland soccer international, stepped up to coolly slot home the penalty, to make it 3-6 to 2-6. With 40 minutes gone it was over as a contest when Ciara got her second goal, as Cork were now dominating all over the pitch, with player of the match, Melissa Duggan, outstanding in defence for them. Orla Finn and Aine O’Sullivan tacked on points, with Houlihan and Dineen replying for Kerry. Two from Noonan made it 4-12 to 2-9, with six minutes to go. Kate O’Sullivan pulled a point back for Kerry, but Cork’s fifth goal put the icing on the cake for the Rebels as they cruised to victory in the end, claiming a first Munster crown since 2016. Both counties will now head for the revamped qualifiers and Kerry’s group 1 opponents will be Tipperary and TG4 Ulster champions Donegal. For Cork, it’s a three-team group 2 alongside Ulster counties Armagh and Monaghan.
There is little or no club activity at present due to the Cork hurlers and footballers being involved at various levels in the Munster championships.
Round Three (16 teams) qualifiers to date: St Finbarrs, Castlehaven, Valley Rovers, St Nicholas, Carbery Rangers, Nemo Rangers, Bishopstown, O’Donovan Rossa, BALLINCOLLIG, CIT, Duhallow and the five winners of the Rd Two games.
Round Three qualifiers to date: St Vincent’s, Nemo Rangers, Bandon, ÉIRE ÓG, Newmarket, Fermoy, St Michaels, NAOMH ABÁN, three winners of Rd Two games, MACROOM and two others.
Macroom were deserving winners of this ‘last chance saloon’ game in the county premier football champion ship at a very warm and sunny Páirc Ui Chuana in Cill na Martra. Macroom got on top from the start, driving the pace of the game, putting points on the board and totally frustrating Béal Átha scoring efforts. Macroom led by 1-4 to nil after twenty minutes, held a nine point lead after their second goal in the 33rd minute and contained the Béal Átha challenge for the rest of the hour. The Béal Átha goal came in the dying seconds of the game and there were no complaints about the justice of this result. It was Macroom’s first championship victory over their divisional rivals in three outings and they had displayed a hunger to reverse the recent results trend which Béal Átha did not match on this occasion.
Macroom started with a point from Fintan Goold straight after the throw-in, and they pushed up aggressively on the opposition all over the field. David Goold pointed a free from the 45metre line in the 11th minute and a minute later, a Tony Dineen high ball into the Béal Átha goalmouth was allowed bounce over the bar. Béal Átha were missing scorable chances from play and from frees (ten wides in all in the half) and in the 17th minute, Fintan Goold won a kick out from the Béal Átha goal before setting up Ethan O’Gorman for a sweet point. Three minutes later David Horgan lobbed another high ball into the goalmouth, Macroom’s Ethan O’Gorman contested with two defenders, the ball spilled loose and Rory Buckley following up, slammed the leather to the net. Trailing by 1-4 to nil and missing chances, Béal Átha were in a difficult place but Donagh Seartan put a score on the board at last and his brother Liam pointed a free to make it 1-4 to 0-2 at the break. Macroom had lost Tony Dineen to injury and Béal Átha introduced Andy Ó Coinceannain into their attack just before the break.
Aided by the wind, Béal Átha would have hoped for a good start to the second half, instead it was Macroom who struck immediately for a point from Andrew Hegarty and when Donagh Seartan replied, Hegarty again set up by Alan Quinn, pointed to open up a six point gap which became nine in the 33rd minute when David Goold’s cross from the left wing was collected by Olan Murphy and from close range the substitute billowed the Béal Átha net. The Ballingeary men cut into the Macroom lead with points from Donagh Seartan and two from Andy Ó Coinceannain frees but David Horgan’s point for Macroom left the town side in front by 2-7 to 0-6 at the three quarter stage. Macroom were playing well enough to stay in control in the intense heat and could have added to their tally to guarantee success. Béal Átha finished on the offensive, Andy Ó Coinceannain pointed a free as the game went into injury time and repeated the exercise to reduce the margin to five points. In the 54th minute a Beál Átha ‘45’ from the boot of Donagh Seartan was flicked on to the net by Ó Coinceannain in a crowded goalmouth but time was up and Macroom deservedly advance.
Round Three Qualifiers: Knocknagree, St Finbarrs, Adrigole, Millstreet, AGHABULLOGUE, CILL na MARTRA, Kildorrery, Youghal, Grenagh, Mitchelstown, Rockchapel and winners of five Rd two games.
Muskerry champions Donoughmore won a thrilling county semi final by a single point. Donoughmore were on top early on, led by 0-5 to nil in the tenth minute but then conceded a goal and needed a late goal to lead by 1-7 to 1-3 at the break. Kildorrery had drawn level by the 48th minute at 1-9 each, then went ahead by a point.
Donoughmore then drew l and took a one point lead only to be brought back to equality two minutes from time. The winning point came a minute later earning the Muskerry men a spot in the county final.
Muskerry GAA/Auld Triangle Sports Award winner for May, Mark Verling, Cloughdubh, receiving the award from Eileen O'Flynn, Auld Triangle, surrounded by family, friends, club members and Muskerry GAA officials at the awards dinner. © Mike English
The Cill na Martra second team are through to the third round of the Ross Oil Mid Cork junior A football championship after their comfortable victory over Blarney at a sunny Coachford. Both sides had played well in defeat in the opening round but Blarney will be disappointed with their overall display here, lack of effort was not in question but they did not have the football skills of the western side.
Cill na Martra were dominant from the start and their strong running game had the opposition always in trouble. The forceful Mike Ó Deasúna, had the first point of the game in the 5th minute for the winners, Damian Ó hUrdail added a point, Blarney replied with a 7th minute point from Seán Crowley but did not score again for twenty minutes. Cill na Martra points from Ó hUrdail, two from Ó Deasuna, one from a free, and Maidhchí Ó Duinnin, had the Gaeltacht men comfortably in control before Joe Jordan’s point for Blarney but in injury time, Liam Ó Loinsigh the Cill na Martra corner forward fired the ball to the net to give his side a 1-6 to 0-2 interval lead which fairly reflected the play up to that.
The resumption brought no improvement in Blarney’s fortunes. Mike Ó Deasúna and Nollaig Ó Loinsigh had early points for the western side and when Joe Jordan had his second point for Blarney in the 37th minute, Ó Deasúna quickly replied from a free. In the 43rd minute Chris Ó Meachair ran through the Blarney defence and his smashing goal settled the outcome with Cill na Martra leading now by 2-9 to 0-3.
Blarney, to their credit, battled on and got a boost with a goal from a well taken Conor Hogan penalty in the 48thminute. Only three minutes later however Cill na Martra had a goal in reply, Pádraig Ó Críodáin setting up Liam Ó Loinsigh who took his chance well. Blarney then had four points on the trot, McEvoy, Hogan, Crowley and Philpott the scorers, a reward for their continuing efforts, but Cill na Martra finished with a flourish, Mike Ó Deasúna’s point followed by a late, late goal from Maidhchi Ó Duinnín.
Aghinagh, Ballincollig, Canovee, Cill na Martra, Clondrohid, Donoughmore, Iveleary, Kilmurry, Éire Óg, are already in the 3rd round draw and will be joined by the winners of the Dripsey/ Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh and Kilmichael/Inniscarra 2nd round ties.
Round 3 qualifiers to date: Iveleary, Cloughduv, Ballinora and Blarney; to be joined by winners from round two games.
Kilmichael, last year’s beaten finalist, are through to the third round of the MJK OILS Mid Cork junior hurling championship after their hard earned win over Ballincollig in a thrilling second round tie at Cloughduv. The win was somewhat over shadowed by concern for the outcome of an injury to Cork senior footballer Peter Kelleher who was injured in a fall after 13 minute and was carried from the pitch on a stretcher. The Kilmichael man had been in devastating form up to the time of his injury and had already 1-3 to his credit at that stage when Kilmichael led by 2-5 to 1-4. The Kilmichael lead was down to a goal by half time but the winners raised it to six points ten minutes into the second half and can thank their goalkeeper Stephen O’Leary for a wonderful save from a Gearóid O’Donoghue rocket for being in that position. Thereafter Ballincollig hit six points in a row to draw level by the 50th minute at 1-18 to Kilmichael’s 2-15 and the advantage was with the tiwn twam at this stage.
The last ten minutes provided fabulous entertainment as Kilmichael battled back from the brink to rescue their season. Brendan Cotter fired over a point to put them back in front in the 52nd minute and eight minute later his brother Conor scored a point from a free behind his own ‘65’ to double the advantage as the game went into injury time. Conor Cotter, set up by Shane Prendeville, then hit a superb goal for Kilmichael but Ballincollig hit back with two points from their ace forward Rory O’Doherty to leave only a goal between the teams. Time was up however and Kilmichael deservedly won through, overcoming the loss of their star player and showing wonderful reserves of sheer determination when it seemed that they were on the way out of the competition.
It was pretty painful for the massive Cork support in the 27,674 attendance to watch Kerry take Cork asunder in the Munster Final in the new Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The margin of defeat was huge and reflected the gulf in standards between the teams at present. Cork got a great start but from an early stage Kerry showed why they are reckoned to be the main threat to Dublin retaining the All Ireland title this year. The contest was decided by half time, 1-11 to 2-1, and it’s Galway next for Kerry in the new Super 8 championship format as they eased to a sixth consecutive Munster SFC title, their eighth in nine years. Cork must play a team emerging from the qualifiers 3rd round and given the quality of some of these it will now take a favourable draw and an improved performance for Cork to reach the Super 8 stage and on the evidence of this display one might wonder are they ready for it.
Cork had a goal in the second minute when Ruairí Deane parted to Jamie O’Sullivan who palmed the ball home. Kerry reacted quickly with a point and in the fifth minute went in front with a Stephen O’Brien goal, the
Cork defence opened up effortlessly, an ominous sign of what was to come. Cork came back with another goal in the ninth minute as Deane again put the ball across with Mark Collins connecting. Luke Connolly added a classy point a minute later but Cork did not score for the remainder of the half - a full 28 minutes - as Kerry clicked into gear and had transformed a two-point deficit into a one-point lead by the 16th minute and were seven points up in the 35th minute as Kerry had their ninth point without reply.
Rory Deane was very harshly black carded in additional time, Cork introduced substitutes in an effort to get into the game but the second half saw a continuation of Kerry dominance.
Cork were simply disappointing, lacking even the ability to retain possession and deliver a proper pass, and the future holds many challenges for Cork.
Cork staged a fine comeback to defeat Waterford at Thurles and so qualify for the Munster Final and a battle with Clare, a repeat of last year’s decider won by Cork. They were 0-15 to 0-11 behind at the interval, but backed by the wind in the second half, the concession of a goal was cancelled out by Seamus Harnedy’s 67th minute strike and Cork finished well.
Cork were second best for most of the first half playing against the breeze. Patrick Horgan did open the scoring and the Cork full-forward line all registered points inside the opening 12 minutes, but they missed too many opportunities in front of goal. As their wide count rose Waterford took their chances up the other end and the sides were level on four occasions in opening quarter before points from Austin Gleeson and Jake Dillon put Waterford in charge and they held a 0-15 to 0-11 interval lead.
Cork had the ideal start to the second-half when Cooper pointed from distance inside the opening minute. Mark Coleman’s wonderful sideline brought the deficit back to 0-16 to 0-15, and Horgan levelled proceedings in the 53rd minute. Tommy Ryan’s rocket of a shot rifled past Nash into the Cork net, and Waterford were three points clear with 15 minutes remaining. Cork fought back again and Harnedy crashed home a goal in the 67th minute, before there were seven minutes of injury-time which gave time for Cooper to draw Cork level before Horgan pushed them in front and they held on.
Unfortunately for Cork, a 15-point win over Waterford in Thurles was not enough to enable them reach the Munster MHC final as Limerick beat Clare and they now face Tipperary in the decider.
Cork can be proud of their effort, though. Having fallen behind to a 10th-minute goal for Waterford, they responded well through Jack Cahalane, Shane Barrett and Darragh Flynn before a goal from captain Shane Barrett had them 1-4 to 1-1 front and by half-time their lead was 1-9 to 1-2. The advantage was extended further as Pádraig Power and Cahalane had points early in the second half, while Waterford lost of Sam Fitzgerald to two yellow cards. Cork continued to push with points from Barrett, Cahalane and corner-back Cian McCarthy and in the 52ndminute Cormac O’Brien’s dropping free wasn’t dealt with by the Waterford defence, Cahalane’s goal effort was blocked, but Power was able to convert the rebound. Waterford responded with points and sub Oisín O’Gorman netted just after his introduction to reduce the gap to nine again. Three Cork points did make it 12 once more and Barrett got his second goal right at the end, but events elsewhere meant that the win wouldn’t be sufficient.
Cork had a comfortable victory in the quarter-final of the EirGrid Munster U20 football championship at Páirc Uí Rinn.
Ahead by eight points at the break, 0-11 to 0-3, they maintained that same advantage to the three-quarter mark and pulled away in the closing stages kicking 1-5 without reply.
It was a point apiece early on, but a run of unanswered points from Matthew Bradley, Tadhg Corkery and Damien Gore opened up a 0-4 to 0-1 lead. Tipperary had plenty of possession and they trailed 0-3 to 0-5 on 20 minutes. However, that was to be their final score of the half as Cork closed out impressively kicking six points within an eight-minute spell, Chris Óg Jones and Bradley sharing nine first-half points between them.
The visitors started the second-half strongly and got the margin was down to six, 0-13 to 0-7. But, that was as good as it got for the Premier County.
Cork recovered from a slow start to overcome Clare at Páirc Uí Rinn on Friday evening and book a place in the Eirgrid Munster U20FC final.
The Rebels took a while to find their feet as early goal chances were missed and Clare led by 0-6 to 0-2 after 16 minutes. Chris Óg Jones pointed for Cork, he then added a goal, profiting from Tadhg Corkery’s pass to jink through the Clare defence and slot home. He and Matthew Bradley were on target as they moved two ahead but Clare levelled again. Jones ensured Cork led at half-time though and he had three more points with Colm Barrett getting two as they moved clear in the second half.
By the 53rd minute, they were 1-15 to 0-10 in front, but Clare found a late surge and went close to goals twice before a late goal brought Clare to within four, but Cork never looked like being denied a place in the final against Kerry.
Cork booked their place in the final of the Bord Gáis Energy Munster U21 Hurling Championship as they surged past Waterford in the final quarter at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
With five players who had featured in this year’s senior provincial championship against none for Waterford, the Rebels were heavily fancied but they were subjected to a strong challenge from their visitors, who seized the initiative thanks to a ninth-minute goal. That made 1-2 to 0-2 for Waterford, who had the wind behind them, and they were five ahead after Andrew Casey and Neil Montgomery had points. While Declan Dalton’s frees brought Cork back closer to Waterford, the lead was still a goal, 1-8 to 0-8, at half-time and Lucey and Darragh Lyons had early second-half points for the Déise. However, Cork were much improved and five points in seven minutes had them level at 0-13 to 1-10, with sub Daire Connery impressing while Darragh Fitzgibbon and Billy Hennessy were also to the fore.
Waterford moved in front again and sub Iarlaith Daly replied when Jack O’Connor and Kingston levelled again, but it was the last time they were to lead. When Fitzgibbon tied matters once more, another senior star, Mark Coleman, put Cork in front for the first time and they got stronger as the end neared. They will face Tipperary at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in the final on July 4.
The week to June 24 has shown unprecedented success for our small club, with three league wins recorded at U-12, U-14 and Junior levels. Our U-16 ladies can make it four, as they play Bishopstown in September for the Mid-Cork U-16 league title. This success is a great boost to the club, to the players, their mentors, the support staff and to all the committee members who worked tirelessly to give our younger players great role models and a will to succeed. It also serves to raise the profile of the club and has resulted in an increase in membership.
Macroom U14 ladies topped off a sensational season with a League Final win over Shamrocks June 17th. This top of the league clash proved to be a hard fought game with neither side holding anything back. Under the watchful eyes of mentors, Michael Cahill, Martin O'Brien and Ted Kelleher, the Macroom ladies started well. Both sides fought hard and when the referee blew the half-time whistle, Macroom were ahead 5-0 to Shamrocks 0-2. In the second half, Shamrocks fought back, scoring 2-2, but our ladies added 3-4 to their tally and became the new Mid-Cork champions on 8-4 to 2-6 scoreline. It’s great to see the u14s finally get the league win that had eluded them for so long. The traditional victory parade was a fitting tribute to their success.
On June 20th, Macroom U-12s became the new Mid-Cork U-12B2 League Champions, defeating Grenagh 5-10 to 1-5 win away. Mentors James Duggan and Chris Donovan had prepared their team well. Macroom attacked and took the lead straight away with a great goal. A rock solid defence allowed the Macroom girls to attack with great confidence and, by half-time, they led 4-6 to 1-3. There was some very skilful play in the second half, with great individual performances from the Macroom ladies. Final score Macroom 5-10 Grenagh 1-5.
June 18th saw Macroom Juniors played a friendly against Dripsey and the visitors gave us a great game. At half time Macroom led 1-6 to 0-3 and the final score was 2-16 to 2-6. June 22nd saw Macroom Junior Ladies played Na Piarsaigh in the Division 10 Cork LGFA League final. Macroom's Junior team, together with just a few months, had trained extremely hard under the supervision of coaches Martin O'Brien and Michael Cahill Macroom were first to score, taking the lead within minutes and showed their dominance in both defence and attack from the outset. They led 6-13 to 0-3 at halftime. Their dominance continued in the second half and Macroom were the new League Champions with a final score of 9-17 to 1-5. The match was refereed in exemplary fashion by Mr Joe Larkin from Ballinora GAA. Cork LGFA Secretary Marian Crowley presented the cup to Macroom Captain Irene O'Callaghan. The Macroom team returned home for the traditional winners victory parade and were treated to refreshments in the Castle Hotel where the celebrations continued for the rest of the evening.
Macroom Ladies Football Club is delighted to host one of the upcoming Cork Ladies Football Development Summer Camps in Tom Creedon Park. This camp will be coached by some of the top Cork Senior and Minor ladies team members. It will be a 4 day camp, running from Monday July 16th through to Thursday July 19th from 10am to 2pm. The fee is €45 which is payable on the day and each girl will receive a purple training jersey on completion of the camp. Bookings can be made by completing the online application form. Further information contact Orlagh Farmer on 086-3509870.
Headlines: Macroom beat Béal Átha ‘n Ghaorthaidh in the Premier Intermediate Championship. John Ryan refereed the Munster Minor Final between Kerry and Clare and was ably assisted by umpires, Conor Buttimer, Christy Murphy, Mikey O’Brien and Tim McCarthy, and David Murnane was linesman. U-14s Mark Hunt (Football) and Brian Healy (Hurling) represent Cork. Christy McCarthy Cup a great success. U-12 As record league win over Aghada. Daniel Kingston Run was strongly supported by the club.
Christy McCarthy Cup: 80 children participated. Teams of 8 competed in round robins and in the final, Euan Molyneux’s team prevailed. Tom McCarthy, Christy’s son, presented the Cup.
U-14s: played Canovee in a challenge match. Despite missing many, Macroom gave a gutsy display and led 4-2 to 1-6 at the break. After a closely contested second half, the final score was Macroom 8-5(29), Canovee 6-13(31). Mark Hunt scored 3-2.
U-12s: Macroom played Aghada in A and B league games. Macroom As played very well and won 4-8 to 1-6 and the Bs were beaten 7-8 to 0-7. Parents treated the Aghada and Macroom players and supporters to tea/coffee/minerals, sandwiches and goodies to complete a very pleasant morning. Gratitude is due to Concubhar, Diarmuid and all who helped to make it a special occasion.
U-11s: Macroom played Mallow in two matches and were evenly contested, with Macroom edging one and Mallow the other. Phase 1 of the league has now finished with Macroom playing a number of big clubs. Their record is W2, D3, L1.
Laochra Óg u9 boys played 2 10 a side games, with 3 of the Bandon players making up our team. Laochra Óg were down by a few goals at half time in the first match but the 2nd half was a very competitive game. In 2nd game the boys put in a commanding performance and won well with lots of scores .
Well done to our u11 camogie team who played Enniskeane in the Muskerry league. It was a great game from the start with little between the sides but Enniskeane won. A lot of praise on the sideline for our team who are improving with every game.
Our boys came from a point behind in the closing minutes to secure a place in the quarter final. There were some epic performances all throughout the field as our boys took control in the opening half and held a decent half time advantage. 3-4 to 0-4. Sam Maguires upped their game in the second period and chipped away at the lead and they got the scores that put them one point to the good and time running out. Laochra Óg held their nerve and finished strongly getting the final two scores to earn a well deserved win.
Laochra Óg U15 Camogie team was missing 8 of our oldest players for our third Muskerry league match which was close through out, with Ballincollig staying in front all the way and winning 1_06 to 4 points. Laochra Óg put in a very strong performance defending well and unlucky on occasions not to get more scores. Score of the game was Caoimhe Murphy scoring a superb point on the run starting from midfield and putting it over the bar off her right shoulder. Well done to all the girls.
Laochra Óg u8 boys had a blitz in Cloughduv, playing Newcestown and Aghabullogue and winning both games.
Macroom A Cork Schoolboys league u12 champions 2017/18 with coaches Darrin Ring and James Neville. © Darragh Deasy.
U12 League Champions. The U12A boys team were crowned league champions,following a fantastic campaign. A total of 14 games were played throughout the season, with Macroom winning 13 of them. The title was wrapped up a number of weeks ago and the trophy was presented after their final fixture, a 3-1 away win over Leeds. Ger Hurley from the Cork Schoolboys’ league, presented the cup and this sparked great celebrations from the deserving champions. An outstanding year from all squad members who were moulded into an excellent group by dedicated coaches, Darrin Ring and James Neville. The parents also played an important role, giving tremendous support all year.
Annual Volunteers’ Night: Murray's Bar was the venue for the Macroom FC Annual Volunteers Night, held recently. This evening is especially designed to thank the many people who offer their free time to run the club. Also, alongside many volunteers is a family who facilitate the giving of time and this is readily recognised by Macroom FC and all partners are absolutely welcome. Without volunteerism the club simply would cease to exist and it is hugely important to appreciate this effort by all. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity for club members who would have varying roles within the club to meet up and have a chat in a social setting. The event was once again a fantastic success as the large attendance enjoyed a great night. Wonderful catering was provided by Kate and Sheila Lynch and Macroom FC would like to thank them for this amazing spread of food. Many thanks also to Denis and Tina Murray and the staff of Murray's Bar for hosting such an important event in the club's yearly calendar.
June 9 – 10 Mike Shine's Captain's Prize Results 1st Brendan Cregan(16) 41pts; 2nd Pat Curran(14) 41pts; 3rd Kevin O'Keeffe(14) 40pts; Best Gross Pádraig O'Connor(0) 34pts; 4th Jim O'Neill(22) 40pts
June 14 - American Golf Qualifier: 1st P Lynch(22) 39pts. Open Singles 16/17 June: 1st D O'Sullivan(19) 41 pts. 2nd B Oldham(16) 39pts. 3rd P Barry Murphy(23) 39pts. Best Gross K Sheehan(2) 37pts. Senior G O'Flynn (24) 38pts.
19 June Seniors Scramble, 1st, Jimmy Nolan, 10; Philip Cooper, 18; Michael Collins, 18, Robert P. O'Hea, 25, 53.9
21 June Seniors Open 1st, Noel Fuller, 20, 42pts. Cat A, Leo Goold, 9, 38pts, Cat B, Jerry Mc Kenna, 19, 40pts Cat C, Eugene O'Sullivan, 22, 35pts
23&24-Jun, Open Singles, First, Conor McCarthy, 15, 44pts, Second, Michael Shine, 11, 43pts Gross, Padraig O'Connor, scr, 37pts Senior, Dan O'Connor, 19, 40pts
Fixtures: 26 June Club Seniors Scramble; 28 June American Golf Open Singles; 30 June/01 July Club Singles.
Macroom Lady Golfers who won the Munster Cup in 1941: Miss Noreen McSweeney (Mescall's' and later Mrs Collins, Railway View);Mrs Rose Horgan (Firville) and Miss Marie Cronin (later Mrs O'Leary, Kinsale). ©
A quick unboxing of a giveaway price I won from andycdgreen. Two 6m ethernet ethernet cables. One pink and one orange. Thanks again!