Mundy, the man who made ‘Galway Girl’ into a massive hit, plays the Village Arts Centre, Kilworth on this Saturday, June 18 where he will be supported by none other than East Cork’s Nicole Maguire.
‘Galway Girl’ was recorded as an encore and went on to become the best selling single and most downloaded song 2 years in a row in Ireland.
His 4th studio album, Strawberry Blood, followed in 2009 and saw Mundy touring Ireland, Australia and the UK once more.
‘Shuffle’ was released in 2011 and featured his versions of songs by greats like Tom Waits, Lucinda Williams, John Prine, Paul Simon and Gillian Welch, to name a few.
NICOLE MAGUIRE
Nicole Maguire has been busy getting ready for the release of the new album. Just home from the US where she sold out two of her shows, she released a new single just last month!
Nicole says she would really love to see you all in Kilworth for the Mundy gig.
Promising to be a great night, tickets can be had from The Avondhu office, Fermoy (025-32227); Cotter’s Bar, Kilworth (025-27109 after 5pm); Hyland’s Bookshop, Mitchelstown (025-24528) or call 087-6492514.
Being in the priesthood isn’t a popularity contest, however, some priests enjoy a special relationship with their parishioners.
One such cleric is Fr. Aquin Casey, a native of Inniscarra who has resided in Fermoy for the last 12 years.
Following on from last Friday night’s Mass, celebrating his silver jubilee as a priest, it was no surprise that those in attendance accepted an invitation from Fr. Aquin to join him and his family for a social function in Corrin Event Centre.
Reflecting the personality of the individual concerned, formalities were kept to a minimum as townspeople availed of this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of Fr. Aquin to parish life in Fermoy.
Approachable, sincere and conscientious in his priestly duties, the respect he is held in was clear for all to see.
See this week’s print & digital edition for full report & more pictures
Despite the damp and dreary weather, a large crowd of people made their way to Glanworth on Sunday to pay a fitting tribute to the men and women of 1916, as the garden of remembrance was unveiled in the village.
Speaking on behalf of Glanworth Community Council, Pauline O’Dwyer welcomed everyone on the day, saying that it was a momentous occasion for Glanworth and she thanked everyone who contributed in any way to the centenary celebration.
Mass was celebrated by Fr Michael Corkery who also blessed and opened the remembrance garden and Glanworth Choir added a special touch to the ceremony.
In her speech, she thanked Cllr Frank O’Flynn, Cllr Ian Doyle, chairman of the Fermoy Municipal District, Deputy Kevin O’Keeffe who laid the wreath at the garden …
Five classes who enrolled in Ballyhooly National School during the years 1970 to 1975 were back together in Ballyhooly Community Centre last Saturday night for a well organised and thoroughly enjoyable reunion.
The 70s may not be in the mists of time, however, Ireland has changed dramatically in the interim and those fresh faced boys and girls who walked through the doors of the ‘old school’ 45 years ago have all gone on to lead fruitful and productive lives.
In keeping with the occasion, it was the past and not the present or future that dominated discussion at last Saturday’s get together.
The revamped community centre which is a short distance from the site of the old national school was delightfully presented for visitors. Having settled in and enjoyed a glass of wine…
The weather was far from ideal for last Sunday’s ConnaBride Vintage Rally. Nevertheless, it was all systems go in Dan Gallagher’s field for this well organised annual event.
Vintage enthusiasts are hardy by nature and those displaying a range of tractors, cars, bikes and stationary engines weren’t put off by the inclement weather.
While the event programme was curtailed a little, there was still plenty to do and see at a rally where proceeds will be divided between Curraglass National School and Pieta House.
A wreath laying ceremony took place in Killeagh on Thursday, June 16 to commemorate the lives of three locals who stood in the ‘Bearna Baoghal’ for Ireland when it was needed.
The names of Robert, Eilís and Gobnait Brown are inscribed on a gravestone erected by their friends in the Republican movement in 1968.
The family were active since the 1916 period and maintained their loyalty to the Republic right through the Civil War until they died.
Their lives were marked by unselfish loyalty to Ireland and love of Irish culture and in particular the language.
Grandnephew Jim O’Leary, laid a wreath in a ceremony accompanied by the national flag, some poetry readings and the singing of Amhrán na bhFiann.
Those who oversee the organisation and planning of Charleville Show have further enhanced their reputation by hosting yet another spectacular event.
Run over two days, Charleville Show is highly regarded by exhibitors. Those who operated trade stalls last weekend were delighted with footfall and customer feedback.
All manner of businesses ranging from food production to software development were represented. It was an occasion for established firms to link up with the country’s entrepreneurs – all eager to promote their wares.
Charleville Show has its roots in being a showcase for livestock and farming produce and some outstanding specimens were on display last Saturday and Sunday.
Always keen to broaden its appeal, the show has a strong ‘family’ dimension and there was plenty for your typical family to do and see.
North Cork Classical Music is delighted to announce that the Hydra Quintet will perform a concert on Sunday, July 24 at 6.30pm in St Colman’s Church, Farahy (the Bowenscourt church near Mitchelstown).
Please note time – tickets available from Jane at 022-26257 or Liam on 025-24258.
This is a very accomplished young Irish quintet who will play a string quartet by Shostakovich and clarinet quintets by Mozart and Brahms.
These five promising Irish musicians who are currently pursuing their studies in colleges in Ireland, the United Kingdom and mainland Europe, are all awarding-winning students and have achieved considerable success in their chosen instruments.
Collectively, they are known as the Hydra Quintet.
The group comprises of Sophie Creaner (clarinet), Brendan Garde (violin), Eoin Ducrot (violin), Ed Creedon (viola) and Aoife Burke (cello).
Tickets (€15) now available from The Avondhu office, Fermoy (025-32227), from Cotter’s Bar, Kilworth, Hyland’s Books Mitchelstown or from either of the numbers at the top of this report.
The highly anticipated Hillfest in Kildorrery kicked off with a flying start on Thursday last as the Mahon Point Shopping Centre Ladies Night in the Old Creamery Yard sold out days in advance of the show.
The event attracted people of all ages, from pre-teens right up to ladies of more mature years and the show proved a hit across the generations.
Stylist Dee Kelly Morgan added a flair and panache to the night, which was unrivalled and gave great advice on styles, fashion trends and things to look out for.
Sobe Brown Hair Styling Salon from Cork City were on hand to transform the hair for the models, while Pamela Morrissey also gave some tips on hair styling and how to take care of your hair.
One of the biggest dates on the vintage calendar – the All-Ireland Ferguson Heritage Vintage Rally takes place at the car boot sale site in Castletownroche on Sunday 17th July.
Always a great family day out, the expectation is that this very successful event will once again attract patrons from all over Munster and beyond.
The rally has vintage at its core, but the day is about much more than engines and machinery.
Other important aspects of the rally include: family entertainment, amusements, helicopter rides, farming demonstrations, trade displays, food stalls, poultry pens, pets’ corner and much more.
Castletown’ is car boot capital
Sunday week’s extravaganza runs in tandem with the regular and consistently popular car boot sale in Castletownroche.
Considered by many to be the original and the best, Castletownroche car boot sale has outlived many others and continues to thrive.
A paradise for bargain hunters, the car boot sale has a dedicated and committed following.
Members of Fermoy Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann kicked off their series of summer concerts with a show in Adair Hall, Fermoy last Monday evening.
The good news for lovers of Irish music is that these talented performers will be in situ for the next six weeks or so.
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Musicians performing at last Monday night's seisiun in Adair Hall, Fermoy. (John Ahern)
FEAR A TI: Gaelgeoir and primary school teacher, Nelius de Roiste, who was on MC duty at last Monday night's seisiun. (John Ahern)
Supporting last Monday night's Comhaltas seisiun in Adair Hall, Fermoy were, l-r: Sheila Bermingham, Betty Kennedy and Eleanor Canning. (John Ahern)
Some of those who helped out at last Monday night's Comhaltas seisiun in Adair Hall, Fermoy, l-r: Annemarie Quane, Monica O'Brien, Ann Daly, Liz Wilkinson and Kay Ryan. (John Ahern)
Eileen and Noel Bracken from Mitchelstown enjoying last Monday night's Comhaltas seisiun in Adair Hall, Fermoy. (John Ahern)
While Monday night’s show wasn’t a sell out, the expectation is that demand for tickets will increase in the week ahead.
The entire ‘seisiún’ experience, which includes music, song, dance and story telling comes highly recommended.
The atmosphere is relaxed throughout, there’s a ‘cupan tae’ at the interval and the evening is compered by Comhaltas veteran and Tournafulla native, Nelius de Róiste.
The show also benefits from the expertise of musical director Clodagh Lawton, and dancing co-ordinator, Rebecca Saich.
Tickets are reasonably priced at €10 for adults with U18s being admitted for just €2. Telephone 086-3898162 for further details.
There was tremendous excitement in T.J. Goodtymes last Sunday night where contestants and their supporters gathered to see who would be crowned Rose of Fermoy 2016.
After a comprehensive adjudication process, Elena Balakina was declared the winner. Elena, represented Cheers Bar, Fermoy – who also supplied the winner last year.
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Timmy Flynn presenting a bouquet of flowers to this year's Rose of Fermoy, Cheers Bar representative, Elena Balakina following last Sunday night's adjudication in T.G. Goodtymes, also present are competition judges, Michelle Troy and Yvonne Walsh along with proprietor of T.J. Goodtymes, Kevin Corcoran. (John Ahern)
Stephen McCarthy and Bridget Bonner from Annie's Restaurant, Fermoy enjoying last Sunday's night's Rose of Fermoy competition in T.J. Goodtymes. (John Ahern)
Rose of Fermoy winner 2016, Elena Balakina, representing Cheers Bar, Fermoy, pictured with her boyfriend, Richard Whealey and proprietor of T.J. Goodtymes, Kevin Corcoran, following last Sunday night's adjudication. (John Ahern)
Rose of Fermoy winner, Elena Balakina, representing Cheers Bar, Fermoy (second right) pictured with runner up, Herlihy's Centra, Fermoy, representative, Debbie McDonagh (right), SG1's, Stephanie Fitzgerald, who came third and Kevin Corcoran of T.J. Goodtymes. (John Ahern)
Excitement was fever pitch in T.J. Goodtymes last Sunday night which hosted the crowning of the Rose of Fermoy 2016. (John Ahern)
The runners up spot was filled by, Debbie McDonagh (Herlihy’s Centra, Fermoy) with third prize going to Stephanie Fitzgerald (SG 1).
All of these talented young ladies really enjoyed the ‘Rose’ experience and were very well looked after by festival organisers.
Much of last weekend’s festivities centred around T.J. Goodtymes which also hosted a beach party on Saturday night.
Well supported cannon ball run
The cannon ball charity run also took place on Sunday evening last with proceeds going to St. Joseph’s National School, Fermoy. This event was really well supported.
The first 3 balls to reach the bottom of Kevin Barry Hill were, first, Ger ‘Woody’ Toher; second, Sinead Cahill and third, Shannon Corcoran – thanks to everyone who subscribed to this important fundraiser.
Thanks
As with previous years, a lot of planning and organisation went into festival 2016. A special word of thanks is due to the festival committee who ensured everything ran smoothly, secondly, the backing of local businesses must be acknowledged.
Finally, thanks to Fermoy’s newest business, Cork Meat Company, for coming on board as one of the main sponsors.
Thankfully, we’re getting a taste of some real summer weather and with so many people in holiday mode, what better time to have a summer festival.
Proprietor of The Abbey Tavern in Castlelyons, Shane Hogan decided to go down this route last weekend – as a result his establishment was a hive of activity as patrons, ate, drank and were very merry.
The festival evening took place last Saturday and under instructions to arrive at the venue hungry, a fine crowd turned up to see what was on menu. They weren’t disappointed as a very substantial pig was produced for consumption.
The sounds of clicking needles echo through the area as preparations continues for this year’s festival Yarn Bomb.
The planning and design of the project is headed by the talented Laura Burke Hurley, Trish Fleming and Sheila Lonergan, together they have inspired young and not so young to become involved.
Action from a previous Kilworth Festival.
This year they will have an area dedicated to 1916, so don’t forget to visit the village and see this wonderful colourful display.
The committee need a bit of help in putting the Yarn Bomb together so if you can spare some time please come along and help. The times and dates are …. 1 this Saturday, 23rd July 11am-2pm in Heaphy Grove (Coach Rd) 2 for assembly of Yarn Bomb, meet in the Square at 11am- 2pm and again at 6pm and 3 final touches on Saturday, 30th July from 10am.”Everyone is welcome and we hope that you will take part in this great project, we need ladders to reach the trees etc”, a spokesperson told The Avondhu.
The festival line up will be in The Avondhu newspaper next week so you can check out the full week of events.
The festival begins with the Fancy Dress parade on Sunday, 31st July from 7 pm in the square, everyone is welcome to take part so let your imagination and humour loose, it’s a great evening with music free in the square from 8pm with Eistigh.
The forest challenge on Monday promises to provide a great family day out and as the week progresses Kilworth will have lots to entertain you.
So whether you are a runner, knitter, singer, dart thrower, mini Olympian, puzzle solver, bingo player, Elsa lover … you will all find something at this year’s Kilworth Festival.
The festival committee wish in advance to thank all the volunteers and a special thanks to their sponsors who again have been incredible with their generosity.
Please note the Show “A Cracker of a Night” is SOLD OUT, they still have places in the Mini Olympics (reg only event) and can also take a few more teams in the forest challenge event .
For all those taking part in the 5K run and the “Fair in the Square” they have the added bonus that the person who wins overall race will win a week’s accommodation in Feureventura … all the more reason to take part in this great race, which begins and ends to the cheers from the festival crowds (reg on the day from 12.45, race at 2.30pm).
Deuces Wild will provide the evening entertainment in a free open air concert as well as all the fun for all the family from 1.30pm
For more details check out Kilworth Festival Facebook page or telephone 025-27972. To be associated with next week’s Kilworth Festival feature on The Avondhu telephone 025-24451 or email sales@avondhupress.ie
Crown forces will engage Irish Volunteers and members of the Irish Citizens’ Army in a set piece battle as part of this weekend’s festival programme in Conna.
The 1916 themed re-enactment is scheduled for 2.30pm on Sunday 31st July in Conna Community Sports Field. Readers are also reminded that the fancy dress parade takes place on Sunday evening at 7pm.
Good to go
All is in readiness for what promises to be a busy and enjoyable bank holiday weekend in Conna. The festival gets under way on this Friday evening (29th July) with a 5k run.
This event is being held in conjunction with St. Catherine’s AC and has an entry fee of €10 per runner. Registration from 6.30pm in Conna Community Centre – further race details from Frank on 087-6192070.
Items are still being accepted for Saturday night’s auction.
Sunday will be a hectic day in the community field with lots of family entertainment laid on.
There’s music nightly and the public are encouraged to support the various events.
Organisers wish to thank Cavanagh’s of Fermoy for their kind sponsorship of the transport for the festival.
This year, the Indiependence Music & Arts Festival will be bigger and better than ever before, catering to a record crowd of 10,000 at their Deer Farm site.
This journalist has been going to Indie for the past four years and thought it would be a good idea to share some of the nuggets of wisdom that have been gleaned from the experience thus far.
I have enjoyed the festival, both as a camper and as someone who has walked up and down to the site from Mitchelstown town, so here are a few tips and titbits.
AS SOMEONE NOT CAMPING
If you are living locally and plan to travel up and down to the festival site over the course of the weekend, here are a few tips.
Even though you are not camping, wear wellies – boots or hiking boots might do you for day one, but once that muck sticks and builds up, you will need something higher with a strong resistance to water.
Avoid big head pieces or seriously elaborate hats – you don’t want to be the one who is blocking the view for the gig.
Bring a raincoat and a long sleeved top – layering is a good idea, so if it’s hot, you can get rid of layers or layer up if its chilly.
Leave the handbag at home, you can put your essentials in your pockets and there is no point in ladies bringing make-up, as you won’t be re-applying, there are no lights in the portaloos.
Bring a packet of tissues and a small thing of alcohol gel, that way you are sorted if the toilets run out of those essentials as the festival wears on.
Be minimal with your make-up and go for a look that will last from day to night ladies.
Charge your phone fully right before leaving.
If you and your group get split up, have a meeting place and time arranged.
Pack suncream and sun glasses, just in case the rain decides to slip away and the sun comes out to play.
AS SOMEONE CAMPING
Bring an airbed, you can get them for anywhere between €15 and upwards into the hundreds, but would get a decent one for around €30 and it should provide some small comfort for the weekend.
For the airbed, you will need a battery operated pump, the foot pump will simply drive you crazy.
Bring black bags and put them around everything that you are leaving in the tent during the day, as it will keep them dry if it rains and also makes it harder for people to see what is in the tent.
Ladies, be sure to pack facial wipes and maybe toner, as you will struggle to feel and look fresh the day after the night before.
Likewise, be sure to bring plenty of bottled water to stay hydrated and healthy snacks to keep you going when you are not near the food providers in the main site area.
Pack your outfits wisely and remember that it is very difficult to put on things like tight jeans or tights in the confined space of a tent, also pack minimally, but bring pyjamas and a good outfit base that you can work with a variety of tops/T-shirts with to change it up.
Ladies, keep the jewellery if you are opting for it, simple and just go for something a little bohemian and festival-ly like nice earrings or a statement neck piece.
Bring your phone charger, as Vodafone will have charging points and if you go into the town many of the pubs and restaurants will have charging points set up.
I would highly recommend checking out the local boutiques, doing a bit of shopping and going to eat in the town – you will also catch the musical trail and busking festival, which is taking place across the town during the weekend.
Finally, for those camping and those travelling to and from the site, enjoy the gigs, take plenty of pictures, stay safe and indulge in what Mitchelstown and Indiependence have to offer.
The 2 day August Family Fun Festival at Cork Racecourse, Mallow will see a race run in honour of the racecourse’s late chairman, former Minister for Agriculture Joe Walsh, on Monday, August 1st, while the gate money raised on Tuesday, August 2nd will go towards the Injured Jockeys Fund and the Mercy Hospital Foundation.
“Mums and dads looking for ways to entertain the kids during the summer holidays will be delighted to hear that kids go free for our 2 days of fabulous family fun, with a rodeo bull, bouncing castles and a giant slide as well as our own racecourse playground to keep them busy for hours”, says Mary Kelly, sales and marketing manager.
But Mary notes, “There is a serious side to our 2 day event as we pay tribute to the late Joe Walsh who played a huge role in the development of Cork Racecourse, Mallow into the top class facility it is today and we are very grateful for his passion, dedication, vision and leadership during his time as chairman of Cork Racecourse, Mallow from 2006 to 2014. It is with great pride that we honour his memory as we welcome his family and friends as guests of Cork Racecourse, Mallow on Monday, August 1st ”.
Then Tuesday, August 2nd sees the racecourse host its 3rd annual Charity Day, with all proceeds raised at the gate divided between the Injured Jockeys Fund and Cork’s Mercy Hospital Foundation. Entry will be a minimum charge of €10 per person, with children 14 and under free.
Course manager Andrew Hogan says, “Racing is a fast and exhilarating sport for those taking part and for spectators, but jockeys take huge risks every time they race. We know more than most the difference the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund can make to the life of injured jockeys”.
The Mercy Hospital Foundation says the money raised will go towards the on-going development of a Cancer CARE Centre near the 347 bed Mercy University Hospital, which treats over 100,000 patients each year from the Cork, Kerry and Waterford regions, with work due to start in January 2017.
Mary Kelly says, “As a sporting venue we realise how important it is to have good hospitals on hand in case of any injury occurring and we hope that people come along on Tuesday August 2nd, to enjoy all the fun of a day at the races, while helping local charities too”. First race on Monday August 1st is at 2.20pm and 5.55pm on Tuesday August 2nd with free shuttle buses running to the course from Mallow Train Station and the town centre.
Knockadea Community Club are getting ready to hold their second 6k Fun Run and Walk.
Following the success of last year’s run which raised over €3,000 for Bru Columbanus Hospital, the group have decided to organise a similar event on Friday, August 12th, with proceeds going to the Cope Foundation and Special Friends, Mitchelstown.
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These youngsters keenly awaiting the Knockadea 6K run/walk. (Picture: Ger Buckley)
Members of Knockadea Community & Sports Club looking forward to their 6K run/walk. (Picture: Ger Buckley)
Special Friends is a voluntary group which was set up 10 years ago to support parents of children with special needs.
It has since flourished into a registered charity with over 20 members between the ages of three and 23 across The Avondhu area.
The group provide activities and clubs for these families, such as gym classes, horse riding and are hoping to provide gymnastics, starting in September.
They also provide SNAs for pre-school children and PAs for school going children.
Registration for the run/walk will be taking place at 6.30pm in the clubhouse, with the walk beginning at 7pm. Entry costs €10 per person and €20 per family.
Refreshments will be served after the run, and donations of home baking would be appreciated.
The 5th Blackwater International Poetry Festival took place in Castletownroche last weekend.
This prestigious event attracted poets from Ireland, Europe and the United States. Run over 4 days, activities centred around a number of comfortable venues in the village, namely: The Spinning Wheel, The Castle Arms, The Rockforest Bar and Castletownroche Community Centre.
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Pictured at last Saturday night's reading in The Spinning Wheel, Castletownroche were, l-r: Kay Kinghammer, Margo Barry, Majella Murphy, Ann Lie David and James Hyde. (John Ahern)
Some of the poets who attended last weekend's Blackwater International Poetry Festival, pictured at a reading in The Spinning Wheel, Castletownroche. (John Ahern)
Readings in the aforementioned venues generated lively reaction with visiting poets using the festival as a sounding board for new material.
Fringe activities included, the poetry bus, a children’s poetry workshop and a crash course on the Irish language.
On Sunday evening, there was a Skype link up with Dallas, Texas.
Gene and Margo Barry are credited with establishing the festival and undoubtedly their energy and enthusiasm have been critical to its ongoing success.
They are however, quick to admit, that hosting an event on this scale wouldn’t be possible without venues, sponsorship, the support of locals and a huge amount of goodwill – all of which are forthcoming.
The majority of those who visited Castletownroche last weekend were doing so for the first time and their festival experience proved overwhelmingly positive – in a very encouraging development all expressed a desire to return to this north Cork venue in the not too distant future.
There are extended families and then there are the Wheelers from Coolalisheen, Kilworth.
At the head of this family and very much the mother figure is, Peg Wheeler, nee Kenny, from Macroney in Kilworth who celebrated her 90th birthday in The Firgrove Hotel, Mitchelstown last Saturday evening.
And what a party it was as Peg’s 15 children, many nieces and nephews, grandchildren (numbering 48) and great-grandchildren (54 at the last count), cousins, relatives and next of kin joined forces to wish this youthful looking woman continued good health for the future.
Caring, minding, watching out for and overseeing family matters are the dominant themes in Peg’s long life.
With her children: Bridie, Marian, Helen, Rita, Martina, Kevin, John, Brendan, Rosemary, Ann, Josie, Pat (better known as Dooley), Mossie, Christy and Gerard to care for, dull moments and ‘down time’ were few and far between for Peg and her late husband, Christy Wheeler – a talented all round tradesman, who spent several years employed by Harry Hamilton of Macroney Castle.
Nicole Maguire has been busy getting ready for the release of the new album. Just home from the US where she sold out two of her shows, she released a new single just last month!
