Welcome to JJ Hurley's weekly column keeping you up to date with local events, news, and happenings in Kinsale and the surrounding areas.
Regatta Makes Generous Donation To Kinsale RNLI
The race director of the Kinsale Annual Regatta Five Mile Road Race, Jeremiah Callanan,flanked by the Chairman of the Kinsale Regatta Ted McNamara and Charles Henderson presented a cheque to Hetty Walsh, who is the deputy launch authority at the Kinsale RNLI Station. Describing the sum of €1,200 as a very generous donation, Hetty also remarked on the close relationship between the Regatta and the RNLI. With the annual raft race, organised by the voluntary life-saving organisation, now an integral part of the regatta’s programme - over the August weekend. In addition, the boat house swings open its doors on the bank holiday Monday, an event which always attracts a large audience. On a more serious note, Hetty also emphasised the important role the station plays in protecting those on the water, with the local lifeboat responding to over 25 shouts annually.
Ballinhassig Ladies Celebrate
On Saturday night last in the Oriel House in Ballincollig, Ballinhassig ladies were celebrating their success on the pitch in 2019. In what was a historic night, with the team from the South County Parish picking up their first football medals. In addition, also on hand to receive their deserved rewards for their success on the camoige field were the minor team. A surprise on the night was a special presentation to the U18 coach, Patrick Lucy, who was presented with a jersey signed by the entire U18 panel.
International Lawyer Praises Riverstick Youths
Maritime Lawyer Michael Kingston, who recently was part of court proceedings in the United State to ensure that the Titanic remains off limits to a company seeking to remove a wireless set from the doomed liner, cited Riverstick Foroige Club as part of his defence. Having initially come into contact with the club in 2015, following completion of the group’s project on the Lusitania, the Goleen born lawyer has referred to their project as an example of how young people identified with the human tragedy of this ship’s sinking in 1915 - as opposed to the mechanics of its sinking. Therefore, he suggested, if after 100 years, young people in Ireland still focused on the human tragedy of the Lusitania, the same consideration should be extended to the Titanic, and designate the wreck as a maritime grave.
Kinsale Pirate Gets Her Own Novel
The publishers of The Walking Dead are to produce a comic book series about the life of Anne Bonny, an 18th-century pirate from Kinsale in Cork.
Belgooly Set To Recall The Glory Of 50 Years Ago
In late April 1970, Kinsale Vocational School overcame Ballingeary in the final of the county championship on a scoreline of 1-11 to 1-02. Now to mark the occasion. Jimmy O’Dwyerand Robbie O’Leary have organised a commemorative evening in the Huntsman Bar, Belgooly on April 25th at 8pm. The evening promises to relive those exciting days, when Kinsale overcame some of the county’s top teams, including Coachford and Ballyvourney on the way to the final. With representatives from Ballinhassig, Belgooly, Ballymartle, Kinsale, Valley Rovers and Courcey Rovers on the team, the Kinsale outfit, captained by Leo Carroll, contained some of the finest footballers of the South County at that time. Anyone seeking more information on the upcoming celebration should contact Jimmy O’Dwyer 086 2784808 or Robbie O'Leary on 086 2523796
Carrigdhoun GAA Round Up
After a number of weekends when fixtures had to be cancelled due to the weather, the Carrigdhoun GAA Division got their programme back up and running at the weekend. The results are as follows: Under 21 B Football Championship: Ballinhassig 1-10 Diarmuid O'Murchú 1-6 Valley Rovers 2-13 Tracton 2-4. Junior A Football League: Shamrocks 0-12 Ballymartle 0-4 Courcey Rovers 2-7 Belgooly 1-9 Tracton 2-11 Crosshaven 1-7 and Ballinhassig 2-14 Valley Rovers 2-8.
Ballinhassig Annual Entertainment Set To Return
From Friday March 13th to Monday March 16th the Annual Ballinhassig entertainment show: Carry on Regardless returns to the Marian Hall. Made up primarily of a local cast, the annual event has an almost cult like status, not just with the residents in Ballinhassig, but also with those from outside the Parish. Written and directed by the talented Shelia Coleman, the production team has also employed the musical talents of Mairead Scully, with Ciara Fitzgerald putting the dancers through their paces. Getting underway each night at 8pm, with tickets very reasonably priced at €12.50 for adults and €5 for children. Tickets are expected to go quickly, so contact 087 2688174 at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.
Former Health Centre Makes 50k
In a recent auction of property, owned by the HSE in West Cork, the former health centre at Ballinhassig was sold for €50,000. The auction was held in the Celtic Ross Hotel, under the watchful eye of Hodnett Forde Property Services.
Ballinhassig Bridge Club
The weekly game of bridge in Ballinhassig continues to attract a large number of participants from all over the South County. Last week’s results are as follows:1st Anna Sliney and Ann Hayes, 2nd Mary Cumminsand Ena Spillane, 3rd Mary Cotter and Cally O'Donovan, 4th Mags Flynn and Mary Wycherley, 5th Frances O'Halloran & Noelle O'Learyand 6th Margaret McCarthy and Betty Carey.
Social Dance
The next installment of the popular social dance in Ballinhassig will take place on Friday March 6th in the Marian Hall, with dancers taking to the floor from 9.45pm, under the melodic sounds of Patrick O’Sullivan
Clonakilty Choo Choo Recalled In Tracton
Inspired by the rich local heritage of West Cork, The Clonakilty Choo Choo is a new one man show, a comedy and part historical documentary about the West Cork line. Including archive film footage of the Railway, together with model trains and figurines from the 1950’s, performed by actor and director, Donie Walsh,supported by ASM Megan Ni Shearraigh. This touching and humorous production will appeal to old and young alike. It takes to the Ink Well Theatre on Saturday, March 7th at 8pm
Young People Sought To Help With Pilgrimage
The Diocese of Cork and Ross are inviting young adult helpers (aged 18-25) from the south east Cork area to join the Diocese pilgrimage to Lourdes from 12th to 17 June. Bishop Fintan Gavin will lead the pilgrimage which will consist of 100 sick people, 150 helpers and 200 pilgrims. Over the past ten years since this group was formed the young adult helpers have excelled in their attention to the sick pilgrims and they always acknowledge that they receive more than they give. The first group travelled in 2011 and since then over 350 young adults have taken up this challenge including those from the parishes of Tracton Abbey, Carrigaline, Rochestown, Kinsale, Ballinhassig, Riverstick, Belgooly, Innishannon, Douglas, Ballinspittle, Crosshaven, Monkstown and Passage West. If you are interested in knowing more about going to Lourdes as a young adult helper please contact Fr Charlie Kiely on 021 4537474.