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Beara News from South West Ireland
The news is produced and collaborated by John Murphy and Beara tourism

 

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Congratulations:

Congratulations to Jennifer Power of Rossmacowen, Castletownbere who recently graduated with an honours degree of Bachelor of Pharmacy from U.C.C.

Congratulation to Nora Harrington of Kilcathrine point Eyeries who celebrated her 90th birthday during the week. Also to Ted Bawn of Bereisland he celebrated his 100th birthday during the week.

Congratulations to John O’Shea of Urhan and Ka Spilanne of Cork who got married recently.

Congratulations.
To Declan Lynch Trafask Adrigole and Eleanor O’Sullivan Garnish who got married over the weekend

Congratulation to Hilda Regan and Paudie Bernie O’Sullivan of Cahermore Allihies on the birth of their baby boy Satanta Eoin.

Congratulations to John Brennan CTB and Jimmy McCarthy Glengarriff who were awarded a gold medal in the Special Olympics national games which held in Limerick over the week. They were both competiting in the motor activities training programme.

Congratulation to Stephen McCarthy Finaha CTB and Martin power Kilmacowen Eyeries who celebrated their 21st the weekend.also to Eileen Harrington Adrogole who celebrated her 90th birthday during the week.

We wish Mai Murphy, Black rock, terrace, CTB, a very happy birthday.

Congratulations to John & Patricia O’Donoghue of Adrigole who were the April winners of the Beara community school parents association monthly draw. Also congratulation to Lissie cleminson Eyeries who celebrated her 21st birthday over the weekend.

Kevin O’Sullivan Castle Martys and Elaine O’Sullivan Rossmacowen CTB on the birth of their second child a son Daniel Jack.
Also congratulationa Neil and Eileen O’Donovan Kilmacowen Eyeries on the birth of their baby girl. Congratulation to Jenny O’Neill Filane CTB who celebrated her 21st over the weekend.

Deirdre O’Driscoll CTB celebrated her 21st over the weekend. Also congratulations to Kevin Nolan Droum CTB and Jill O’Reilly of Cork on their resent engagement.

Congratulations:
To Neill Murphy and Patrick Sheehan both of Cahirkeem Eyeries who celebrated their 21st birthdays recently.
To Jossie Harringtion Foildearg CTB who celebrated her 60th birthday over the weekend. Also to Kathleen O’Shea Diseart CTB who celebrated her 90th birthday on Saturday. Congratulations to Michael Dugan healy pass road Lauragh who celebrated his 70th birthday recently.

Congratulations to Fiona and Gerry O’Neill Garnish on the birth of their first child a baby boy.
Congratulations to Aine Harringtion O’Sullivan CTB and Skibbereen who celebrated her 50th birthday on Friday.
Congratulations to Megan Hegarty Filane CTB who celebrated her 18th birthday over the weekend.
Also Congratulations to Karen Power Shanagort CTB who celebrated her 21st birthday on Saturday.

Congratulations to Connie and Eileen O’Sullivan Rossmacowen who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary recently. Also to Sandra and DJ O’Shea on the birth of their baby girl during the week Abby Danielle.

Congratulations to Mary Regan west end CTB who celebrated her 90th birthday recently. Also congratulations to Anne Marie O’Neill and Barry Cody Eyeries on the birth of their first child a baby girl.

Congratulations twins Olivia and Stephen Hanifen CTB who celebrated their 21st birthday over the weekend.
Also Fr.John Murphy formally of east end CTB now stationed in Manchister who celebrated his 90th birthday on Saturday

Congratulations.
Congratulations to Damien Sheehan CTB who had his passing out parade as a member of the Garda siochana in Templemore on Thursday.
Congratulations to Alan Darb O’Sullivan who celebrated his 21st on Saturday night.

Draw

Congratulations to Tim and Ann marie O’Sullivan Crooha Adrigole who were the March winners of the Beara community school parents association montly draw.

Congratulations to Frank and Bernie O’Shea Urhan who won €1000 in the Beara community school parents association montly draw for the month of January.

 

 

July

The Beara Tourist Development have expressed satisfaction with last Friday nights Tracks and Trails programme on R.T.E. which featured walks on the Beara Way. Full marks to the production team who did an excellent job in portraying the Allihies, Garnish and Dursey Island in all its splendour. For anyone who hasn’t visited the Beara Penninsula this programme would certainally encourage you to do so.

To conclude this week I would like to congratulate Kathleen Gra O’Shea of Inward Ardgroom who celebrated her 70th Birthday over the weekend.
Congratulations to Deirdre Lehane and Alan O’Neill both from Castletownbere who got married recently.

Fresh Beara lobster in the cable car fresh Beara lobster
Pictures from the RTÉ tv programme Tracks and Trails
Beara Way Beara Way

 

Pub Quiz

In the preliminary rounds of the pub quiz which forms part of the CTB festival O’Donoghues defeated breens which meens they travel to sea view baron Thursday night. In the other first round tie the hole in the wall overcame o’shea which set them up with an away tieto the miibrook bar on Friday night at 9pm.

Flead ceol na mumhan which will be held in kenmare this year promises to be an exciting event. Proceedings get underway on Wednesday with set dancing workshop in the blackwater tavern on Thursday their will be a 50th anniversary tribute to sean o’shea which will include performances by brian Finnegan, riobard o’dwyer and Bernie o’sullivan in the Carnegie hall. The comprtitions get into full swing on Friday and on Sunday there will be an open air ceili in the squard with kilfernora ceili band from 3-6pm.

Caha
The caha centre Adrigole will be holding summer camps in Adrigole from 19th to 23rd july and from the 19th to 23rd august booking forms are available from the caha centre.

Launch
The launch of John Eagle's book “ Irelands lighthouses A Photo Essay ” will take place in Kinsale bookshop on Thursday at 1pm. The book will be launched by Tom Macsweeney.

Exhibition
An exhibition of paintings by local artists Anne Wilison and Tim Goulding will be launched at the Allihies copper mines museum on Friday evening at 7pm the exhibition will run from july 17th to august 3rd

The Beara Way will feature on RTÉ One on Friday 16th July on a new programme called Tracks and Trails. The programme will be 30 minutes long and was filmed between Allihies and Dursey. Numerous locals were interviewed for the programme including Connie Murphy of the Beara Historical Society, Tadgh O’ Sullivan of the Allihies Mines Co-op and Pat O Neill postman for Dursey Island as well as many more locals. Beara Tourism put a strong submission into Failte Ireland to highlight the Beara Way. The filming took place in May and two celebrity chefs Kevin Thornton and Derek Clark appear in this new documentary. Two highlights of the show will be Kevin and Derek inside in the cable car with 10 sheep and these two famous chefs having a barbecue in Dursey Island after purchasing fish from Timmy Murphy in Garnish. The filming would not have taken place without the cooperation of Allihies Mines Co-op, the Beara Historical Society, Beara Tourism and West Cork Community Partnership and Cork County Council. This marketing TV programme is part of Beara Tourism’s marketing plan to promote the Beara Peninsula.

Beara Business Directory

The Beara Business & Social Directory 2010/2011 has been released. With the aerial cover shot of Castletownbere taken by Beara photographer John Eagle the brochure is nicely presented and gives a handy reference to businesses on the Beara Peninsula

5-7-10
The preliminary rounds of the CTB pub quiz which forms part of the festival gets underway this week. On Thursday evening Breens have home advantage against their neighbours O’Donoghues and on Friday O’Sheas take on the hole in the wall in O’Sheas.

DRAW:
Congratulation to Michael and Geraldine O’Sullivan Cappaleigh Adrigole who were the June winners of the Beara community school parents association draw for the month of June.

The news was produced and collaborated by John Murphy and Beara tourism.

28-6-10
There was a large turnout in Jimmys bar Allihies on Friday for the launch of the centenary cd by “Castra Shell” Pat Higging and Tommy Hodges. The music and lyrics are absolutely fantastic and can be purchased in shops locally others who feature on the cd were Dan Sweeney, Echie Krupp, Niol Sweeney, Tim Goulding, Mariead Kelly, Deirdre Ni Dhonnchadha and Joe Thoma. Noel Kelly chairman of the Allihies centenary sports committee said this is the first in a series of events organised to commeerate the occasion.

Cycle:
The cork to CTB charity cycle was held on Saturday attracted a great deal of attention.
The beneficiaries of the fundraisers were St.Josephs hospital CTB palliative care unit and Dzogehen Beara spiritual care centre. Well done to all the cyclists and a sincere thank you to everyone who gave so generously.

Irish Nights:
The irish nights organised by the Glengarriff comhaltas kicks off their summer season on Wednesday evening in the Eccles hotel Glengarriff at 9pm, and will continue every Wednesday during the summer season. It will feature local dancers ,musicians and singers, followed by ceili and old time dancing, please note that under 16’s must accompanied by an adult at all times.

Exhibition:
An exhibition of paintings by local artists Barbra Nolan and Alex Scade will be on display from June 26th-July 13th.

June

21-6-10.
At a special ceremony in Schull during the week the Beara peninsula was awarded the first green coast award. The award was presented by the Cork County Council in association with an Taisce. Mr Donal Kelly who accepted the award on behalf of the Lehanmore community co.op said the award would increase the tourism profile of the area, and would attract increased numbers to its scenic landscape and beaches.

Cast a spell
The official launch of the Allihies festival centenary year single “cast a spell” performed by Pat Higgins and featuring Tommy Hodges will be held in Jimmys bar Allihies at 9.30pm.

Cycle
On Saturday next the Cork to CTB, city scenery charity cycle will be held. The charities to benefit from the event will be Dzogchen Beara and St. Joseph's hospital palliative care unit CTB. The cyclist will arrive at St. Joseph's hospital CTB at 4.30pm. anyone wishing to join the cyclists on the last 9km to Dzogchen Beara are free to do so.

14-6-10
After the second round judging in the Cork County anti litter league CTB maintain their lead at the top of the leader board with five points clear of their nearest rivals. With just one more adjudication to go Mr Barry Harrington chairman of CTB tidy towns has called on everyone to be extra vigalent.in the five years the competition has been in operation CTB has never been outside the top two places in the county.

Procession
There was a large tune out for yesterdays annual corpus Christy procession in CTB. A lot of effort was put into organising the event and it showed. The town was decorated with bunting and flowers and was without doubt one of the best processions in recent years.

A camera was found in the Deshert area of CTB on Saturday last the looser can recover same by phoning 70207

John Eagle Photo.com

The Ronan Ross and Sarah David heading for Mauritania in Africa June 11th to try and make a living there. Hopefully better than being tied up at Castletownbere pier all Summer due to lack of fishing quotas.They are seen here passing Ardnakinna lighthouse on Bere Island at the harbour's mouth. Pic: John Eagle

May

31-5-10

Loss
The tragic death of five year old Aisling Sullivan of Bere Island as a result of an accident at her home has cast a gloom over the Beara peninsula and especially the island community of Bere Island. What should have been a wonderful weekend for Bere Island with the arrival of the President Mary McAleese to officially open the heritage centre and the country and western weekend which was planned for the island was cancelled. To Aisling's parents Jack and Ann their children Sean, Kieran, Liam and Aidan family and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy at their great loss.
The annual sponsored cycle in aid of friends forever child care CTB which was scheduled for next weekend was postponed as a mark of respect as has a number of other events.

Litter league
After the first round adjudicating in the county litter league CTB are in the top spot with a mark of 95 out of 100. Mr Barry Harrington chairman of the CTB tidy towns has called on everyone’s support to ensure that the town maintains its position in the upcoming adjudications.

Festival
The competition for Ireland’s strongest man for the converted Finn McCool trophy which will be held in CTB on Saturday next has certainly captured the imagination. The event which is being organised by the institute of martial arts and fitness CTB includes six different disciplines with proceedings getting under way at 1pm Saturday. On Sunday the CTB development association continue the festivities with raft race, pig on the pole, pillow fight and kayak races. The RNLI will also have their open day at the pier. Another big draw at the weekend will be John Kenny with the live performance in the Beacon night club CTB at 9pm on Friday night.

Co-Action
Best wishes to John brennan co.action Beara who will be competiting in the national special Olympics in Limerick from 9th to 13th June.

Grave yard

On Thursday morning at 9.50am the law enforcement Special Olympics torch run will be in Bantry.

The Eyeries parish will celebrate their annual mass at Gortnabullige next Friday evening at 8pm.

Customs
Over the weekend a French customs vessel “ Jacques Oudait Fourmentin” along with the Irish customs vessels “ Faire” arrived in the port of CTB this was the first visit of the French customs vessel to Ireland. The main objective of the mission was to foster close working relations between the French and the Irish maritime customs services, as both services share a common responsibility for maritime policing on the western periphery of the Ell external frontier.

Lotto.
Congratulations to Derry Murphy Droum CTB who was the sole winner of the RNLI co action lotto jackpot which is worth € 6,500. The draw for this weeks lotto is € 1,500 will be held in O’Neills bar Allihies on Wednesday night.

Café.
The Beara youth development project Foraige have recently acquired a premises at bauail point CTB which will become a meeting place for the youth in the area. Currently they are seeking volunteers to man the premises. Anyone who would like to help out should get in contact with Gwen O’Donovan.

The news was produced and collaborated by John Murphy and Beara tourism.

World premiere of Aidan Dooley’s new one man show

O ‘Sullivan Beara - The last Gaelic Chieftain

Aidan Dooley is bringing his new show to Gougane Barra this summer.
His previous work TOM CREAN – ANTARCTIC EXPLORER is a worldwide success. A tale of an Irish hero forgotten for decades.
Aidan awakens again another hero in our midst.
O‘Sullivan Beare, is a great hero of our Gaelic traditions. He represents the pivotal changes of life in Ireland prior to the last major change in our governance. The only Chieftain never to surrender!

We all know and have heard the name now let this new theatre show bring him to life!
For more on this please click here

Art Sale


38 MOLESWORTH STREET, DUBLIN 2, IRELAND
01 676 2888 fax 01 676 2880 info@whytes.ie whytes.ie

EXCELLENCE & RARITY PRESENTED AT WHYTE’S IMPORTANT IRISH ART 31 MAY, 2010

Whyte’s Important Irish Art auction on Monday 31 May will be the most highly anticipated art auction of 2010, presenting an exceptional selection of outstanding works from the collection of the late Jim O’Driscoll SC. A passionate patron of the arts with superior taste, O’Driscoll was a staunch supporter of avant-garde Irish art for over four decades and his sizeable collection reflects not only a gifted and discerning eye for quality but it traces the developing trends in Irish art through a very personal journey.

Among the highlights from the O’Driscoll Collection are paintings by Gerard Dillon, Nano Reid, Charles Tyrrell, Tony O’Malley, Brian Bourke, Patrick Scott, Louis le Brocquy, William Crozier and John Shinnors with sculptural works from Brian King and Conor Fallon to name but a few. Many of the works included were previously loaned to galleries and institutions for retrospective and important exhibitions both in the public and private realm and are therefore of the utmost importance within the contemporary tradition of Irish painting. Others were purchased directly from the artists by Jim O’Driscoll who became a personal friend of many of them. O’Driscoll’s strong ties with county Cork are also evident in his choice of works. Emerging as well as established artists and galleries from the rebel county benefited greatly from his patronage which supported local growth and development in the sector.

O’Driscoll’s Gerard Dillon, Magic In The Sky [Lot 3, estimated at €20,000-€30,000] is a particularly significant and variously recorded work which was exhibited at the Irish Exhibition of Living Art in 1968 and the artist’s Retrospective at the Municipal Gallery of Modern Art, Dublin in 1973. Dr. Riann Coulter, curator of the ‘Nano Reid and Gerard Dillon’ exhibition this year, underpins this work’s importance noting that it represents perhaps the only image where both artist and alter ego (Pierrot) appear together. She interprets Magic In The Sky as a visual record of Dillon’s acceptance of his own mortality as well as being a superior example from the artist’s series of imaginative paintings executed in the 1960s. A similar example from this series can be found in Self-Portrait with Pierrot and Nude in the National Gallery of Ireland. Important works by Dillon’s contemporary Nano Reid include, Pub at Night and Taking Home the Fish [Lots 1 and 4 respectively, both estimated at €5,000-€7,000] both variously exhibited from 1950s to 1990s.

Of the contemporary artists championed by Jim O’Driscoll, Tony O’Malley, John Shinnors, Charles Tyrrell and William Crozier dominate in this sale with substantial works representative of their respective styles. Spectral Garden, Bahamas, 1987 [Lot 43, estimated at €25,000-€35,000] is one of several works by O’Malley and is charged with typical buoyancy and light characteristic of his Bahamian palette. A personal friend of the artist O’Driscoll regularly visited O’Malley’s his home and studio in Kilkenny to select works for his collection. Both Tony and Jane O’Malley are well represented in this sale with several works spanning both their careers.
William Crozier’s Dark Barn, 1988 [Lot 45, estimated at €20,000-€30,000] demonstrates the artist’s earlier preoccupation with specific motifs and is inspired by the distinctive tradition of barn building in Hampshire. The artist’s love of Cork, like that of his patron, is reflected in various other works in the sale all of which are marked out by Crozier’s distinctive use of colour and line.
The chiaroscuro genius of John Shinnors is evidenced in White Kite, Scarecrow and Cattle, 1998 [Lot 44, estimated at €20,000-€30,000]. One of six works by the artist from the O’Driscoll collection, this large canvas formed part of the ‘John Shinnors Selected Exhibition’ at the Lavitt Gallery in Cork in 1998. This painting was used for the promotional material for the exhibition which included a select cross section of work from the artist’s foremost contemporaries; Brian Bourke, Martin Gale and Louis le Brocquy among others.
Charles Tyrrell and Jim O’Driscoll’s mutual love of Cork is reflected in his powerful Slow Turn, 1987 [Lot 23, estimated at €12,000-€15,000]. Three years prior to the execution of this work Tyrrell relocated to Allihies on the Beara Peninsula where the dramatic coast and exposure to the elements impacted greatly on his work. Slow Turn is one of a series of large, square-formatted paintings first exhibited at the Douglas Hyde Gallery in Dublin in 1987. This body of work from the artist’s oeuvre has been described by Dorothy Walker as “…the finest from that period.”

A contemporary work from Louis le Brocquy’s oeuvre can be found in Being, 1998 [Lot 25, estimated at €18,000-€25,000]. This chapter in his career was born out of a previous concern with the human condition which manifested itself in his Presence Series dating from 1956 to 1966. Shown at his ‘Human Images’ exhibition in the Taylor Galleries in 1998, this delicate work represents the artist at his best in the medium of watercolour. His use of colour, or indeed its absence, imbues the work with an ethereal quality that is gentle and understated.

In addition to the O’Driscoll Collection, superior works from private collectors and estates include the exciting discovery of a Paul Henry oil painting, made during Whyte’s Belfast valuation day in January. Turn of the Road, 1941, [Lot 130, estimated at €60,000-€80,000] was previously “untraced or unidentified” by Henry expert Dr. S.B. Kennedy. It was seen publicly only once before at the Combridge Gallery in autumn that year, when Henry’s works were received with acclaim. Thankfully this very significant example from the artist’s oeuvre has resurfaced and has provided Dr. Kennedy the opportunity to expertly critique it for Whyte’s sale. Henry’s unique reading of the West is of utmost importance not just for its inherent beauty but for what it represents; a defined view of the Irish landscape which has lasted and whose enduring appeal continues to be felt today.

A rare early work by le Brocquy, can be found in Tinker Children at a Fair, 1946 [Lot 121, estimated at €30,000-€40,000] a lively, engaging watercolour with all the characteristics of his earlier style and particular interest in the Travelling community. This was a fortunate purchase by the present owner during the bank strike of 1978. Because of the strike the James Adam saleroom cancelled an art auction and this was one of several paintings sold by private treaty at reasonable prices as a result.

Among the other artists which will feature strongly in the auction include Daniel O’Neill, Jack B. Yeats, Mainie Jellett, Basil Ivan Rákóczi, Harry Kernoff, Francis Bacon, George Campbell, Seán Keating, Norah McGuinness, Patrick Scott, Cecil King, Seán McSweeney, Neil Shawcross, Michael Mulcahy, Hughie O’Donoghue, Robert Ballagh, Basil Blackshaw, Edward Delaney, Patrick Graham, Richard Kingston, John Cronin, Ciarán Lennon, Martin Gale, Markey Robinson, Ivan Sutton and Kenneth Webb.

Viewing for the 31 May auction will take place in The Clyde Rooms, RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin on Friday (6pm-8pm), Saturday, Sunday and Monday 29-31 May from 10am-6pm daily. The auction will commence at 6pm on Monday 31 May.
A superbly produced and expertly researched catalogue will be available prior to these sales by post (€15 to Ireland and Britain, €20 elsewhere) or free online at www.whytes.ie
ENDS
Further information from Ian Whyte, Sarah Gates, or Adelle Hughes – Tel: (01) 676 2888 or 087 2323214. [Please note: High resolution colour or b&w scans can be supplied on CD as JPEG or TIFF format files in either RGB or CMYK mode. Please indicate which ones you want, the format and mode required, the address and contact and we will deliver].

17-5-10
The long saga with regards to the proposed new sewage scheme for CTB has moved a stage closer. In recent weeks the CTB community association were informed that the site for the treatment plant is to be Droum south. When preliminary planning is completed the design and layout will then commence. It is estimated this should take two years. It is estimated hoped this should take two years. It is hoped work would begin in 2012.
At recent meeting with the harbour users and the department of the marine it was announced that finances had been secured for the immediate appointment of a harbour master in CTB and that a comprehensive clean up of CTB pier will be completed by mid June.

Communion:
On Saturday last it was the first holy communion day of Eyeries and Allihies parishes. The 29th May is the date of the communion day in Adrigole.

Litter:
The county anti litter league has commenced. Mr Barry Harrington chairman of the CTB tidy towns has called on every ones cooperation in this matter. Commercial premises are please asked to insure that there is a cigarette butt receptacle outside their premises.

10/5/10

The Cork County anti litter challenge for 2010 which is organised by the Cork county council will get under way Thursday next. Last year Castletownbere came second in category A and will be hoping to go one better in the coming year. Mr Barry Harrington chairman of the CTB tidy towns committee has called on the whole community to get involved to create awareness and rid the area of the scourge of litter.

Strongman:
Details of Ireland strongest man competition which will be held in CTB on Saturday June 5th were announced during the week. The events will include an artic lorry pull, a tree log lift, Hercules hold, an axel lift, stones of strength lifted on to standing barrels with weights ranging from 85 to 150 kilograms all 5 stone to be lifted in 90 seconds, and the wheelbarrow medley. The winner will receive the coveted Finn McCool trophy the biggest achievement in the sport of strongman this county has to offer. The event is organised by the institute of martial arts and fitness Castletownbere.

April

Beara Ladies

Beara Ladies, click here to read report

21 April 2010

Castletownbere RNLI gets go-ahead for new lifeboat station

Castletownbere RNLI have been granted planning permission to build a permanent lifeboat station in the town which will significantly cut the launch times for lifeboat callouts and provide a safe and secure location for dealing with casualties.

 

The announcement was made during a visit of architect Gordon J. Philip and RNLI Divisional Inspector Martyn Smith to the proposed site of the new lifeboat station in Castletownbere, County Cork.  The station is being built on reclaimed land, which was given to the charity by the Irish Government.  The cost of building the station will be in the region of €600,000 and will include crew changing facilities, meeting and training rooms and a workshop.  There will also be a lifeboat shop where members of the public can purchase lifeboat souvenirs.

 

All materials to be used in the building are being sourced from Irish suppliers and the station has been designed to the highest standards.  Work is scheduled to begin in September 2010 and due to be completed in thirty weeks.

The station has been operating out of temporary facilities on Dinish Island and it has meant that the lifeboat crew, who are largely based in the town, have had to travel to there and then reach the lifeboat by boarding boat.  The new arrangement will see them assemble at the station on the quayside and board the lifeboat directly from a pontoon, which will cut launch times by up to five minutes.

 

Commenting on plans for the new lifeboat station Brian O’Driscoll, Coxswain with Castletownbere RNLI said, “This lifeboat station will make a huge difference to the crew.  We expect to be able to cut around five minutes off our lifeboat launching time, which will mean a faster response time to emergencies.  Paul Stevens, Deputy Second Coxswain added that “with the lifeboat being directly accessible from the pier we will be able to land casualties ashore, allowing us to handle serious situations with sensitivity and privacy.”

 

Scottish architect Gordon J. Philip has already designed seven RNLI lifeboat stations but Castletownbere will be his first in Ireland.   Gordon who is from a fishing family is a former RNLI volunteer with Macduff RNLI, having spent four decades involved as lifeboat crew and station management.  He is very aware of the need for the lifeboat crew to have proper facilities and for the station to be an important and aesthetically pleasing part of the community it is housed in.  Gordon said, “I want this lifeboat station to be a landmark in the town for all the right reasons.  We will be building on land that didn’t even exist last year and giving the lifeboat crew of the Annette Hutton a sheltered and secure home at the front of this beautiful town.”

 

At the formal opening of the RNLI lifeboat college in Poole in 2004 Queen Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh met the Castletownbere crew members and departed the College on Castletownbere’s lifeboat Annette Hutton. 

 

RNLI media contacts

For information contact Paul Stevens Castletownbere Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer Paul Stevens tel: 086 6015110 or Niamh Stephenson RNLI Media Relations tel: 087 1254 124 or email Niamh_Stephenson@rnli.org.uk

The RNLI online

For more information on the RNLI please visit www.rnli.ie News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.ie/press.

 

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the Ireland and the UK. The RNLI operates over 230 lifeboat stations with 43 in Ireland. The RNLI is independent of the Coast Guard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 137,000 lives. The RNLI is a charity registered in England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

 

Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland and registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736)

 

New arrivals on Beara islands

Dursey Bere island
Dursey Island Bere Island
Basking Sharks
and in swimming around in Dursey Sound we have Basking Sharks, lots of them

19-4-10
ESB:
We would like to take this opportunity to wish Francis Lehane CTB a happy retirement. Francis who was in charge of the ESB operations in the Beara region for the last 40 years recently stepped down. For outstanding service above and beyond the call of duty a sincere thank you from everyone in Beara.

Parachute:
Congratulations to Claire Harringtion of Ballydonegan Allihies who successfully completed a 10,000 foot parachute jump in the irish parachute club in co.Offaly in a fundraising venture for co-action Beara and the Allihies sport Claires brother Donal hopes to raise more monies with a sponsored head shave on May 1st.

Volcanic ash:
Due to the recent volcanic ash fiasco which has grounded aircrafts all over Europe the long awaited concert involving concertina player Sean O’Dwyer and sneer seanachai balt which was to go ahead in the Kenmare centre has been cancelled.

 

13th April:
Sherwin manning has decided to produce 5 television programs each 25minutes long on famous walks in Ireland. This production is co- funded by Failte Ireland and will be shown on RTE later in 2010. The company has decided to film the first production in Allihies/Garnish area showing the Beara way walking route and the Allihies mines heritage trail. The production will also include the Allihies copper mines museum co-op, have a great effort into getting this production and it is hoped that this walking series will bring additional walkers to the Beara peninsula in the future.

Gorse:
The CTB fire brigade was called out yesterday to deal with a serious gorse fire in the district area of CTB. It was late into the night before the blaze was brought under control.

Daffodil:
In the recent daffodil day collection in CTB the amount raised was € 3,500. A sincere thank you to everyone who gave so generously.

Walk:
A charity walk from Glengarriff CTB has been organised for Saturday 24th April in aid of the chemotherapy unit at cork university hospital and ST.Josephs palliative care unit CTB. Sponsorship cards are available and all donations greatly appreciated.
Anyone interested in participating in the walk are please asked to contact Sandra Barry Sheehan.

Toast masters:
Beara toastmasters took part in the west Cork toastmasters speechand evaluation contests in Innishannon last Friday night. Congratulations to Mathew Higgins who was second in the evaluation contest.

Fair deal:
An information evening will be held in the forge night club on Tuesday 20th April on the fair deal scheme it concerns how the HSE use your land and family home to pay for elderly care. The event is organised and sponsored by Maria O’Sullivan solicitor CTB.

 

The news is produced and collaborated by John Murphy and Beara tourism.

Cancer Charity Sponsored Walk from Glengarriff to Castletownbere on Sat. April 24th in aid of the Chemotheraphy Department C.U.H. and St. Josephs Pallative Care Unit Castletownbere.

 
All donations greatly Apperciated.
 
Anyone interested in participating or require further information please contact Sandra (Barry) Sheehan on 086 - 1065920.

'New Mountain Rescue Search Dog for Beara'
Pauliina Kauppila from Cahermore, Beara, and her dog Koiru recently qualified as a Search Dog team with SARDA, the Search and Rescue Dog Association. Pauliina, who is originally from Finland, is a member of Castletownbere Coast Guard unit and the Red Cross. Passing the SARDA assessment was the culmination of over three years training on the mountains of Kerry, Dublin/Wicklow, Connemara and of course Hungry Hill.

Rescue Dog

l-r: Koiru the coastguard rescue dog, Pauliina Kauppila, Martin Sullivan (Officer in Charge Coastguard) Noel Murphy who assisted with Koiru's training.

The assessment took place last weekend in the Comeragh Mountains and involved three continuous days searching under the scrutiny of international search and rescue dog handlers from Scotland, England and Wales. Both dog and handler passed with flying colours. Pauliina and Koiru are now part of the 999 emergency callout system and can be tasked to respond to searches by the Gardaí, Coast Guard, Civil Defence and Mountain Rescue teams. We wish them both well for the future.

Promoting The Beara Way

Memorial

At the Official Unveiling of the Memorial to Those Lost at Sea, l-r Barry Linnane (Sculpture) Margaret Downey and Noel ó Murchú Dept of Agriculture and Fisheries

29-3-10
On Sunday next their will be an unveiling ceremony of the memorial sculptured by barry linnane at Denish island CTB to commemorate all those from the area who lost their lives at sea. Proceedings got underway at 2.30pm The project was initiated by mna na mara CTB.

March

St. Patrick's Day Parade in Castletownbere

22-3-10
Over the weekend broadband was switched on in Allihies and Adrigole regions of Beara. This project was enabled as a result of par funding by Beara tourism the Caha centre and the Allihies co-op. At present over 75 percent of the Beara peninsula is covered with broadband and according to a spokesperson for Beara tourism it is hoped the remaining areas will be covered by the end of the year.

St.Patricks day:
There was a big turn out for the parade in Castletownbere on Wednesday last. There was a real carnival atmosphere and proved a welcome distraction especially in these recessionary times.

Walk:
The Castletownbere GAA will be holding their annual sponsored walk on Easter Sunday. The proceeds from this years walk will be going towards purchasing a defibrillator for the club.

Unveiling:
On Easter Sunday at 2.30pm a memorial sculpture on Dinish island CTB in remembrance of all those lost at sea will be unveiled. This project was initiated by mná na mara CTB.

Paddys Day

For more pictures click here

The previewing of Neil Jordons latest movie Ondine staring Colin Farrell which was screened in the cinamobile in CTB on Wed andc Thursday last caused quite a stir. With the entire movie filmed in CTB and many locals involved as extras it was inevitable that intrest in the film would be keen. The film went on general release on Friday. Beara tourism have expressed satisfaction with the film and are hopeful that the scenery in the film will entice visitors to the Beara peninsula in the year ahead.

The CTB development association have put together an interesting programme of events to coinside with this years St.Patricks day parade in CTB on Wednesday. There will be live music by over the taps on stage in the square from 2pm. All floats and participants are asked to assemble at 2.20pm with the parade starting at 3pm led out by piper Dermot Milner after the parade entertainment will continue in the square which will include an exhibition of celtic dancing by scoil rince carney.

AGM:
The CTB development assoc held their AGM during the week and elected the following committee chairman--- Donal Kelly vice chairman----Michael Downey secretary---- Kathleen twomey Treasurer---- Trish Power Assistant----- Darren Lynch Development officer---- Noel Murphy and pro Noel Forde.

Film:
The caha centre film club continues on Friday with the showing of Black Ballon which will be screened in Harrington coffee shop Ardgroom.

Monday 1st March.
The moment everybody in Castletownbere has been waiting for has finally arrived with the launch of Neill Jordans film Ondine staring Colin Farrell which was filmed in Castletownbere in the summer of 2008. A preview was shown in Bantry cinma last Saturday. The cinemobile which comes to Castletownbere this week will also preview showings on Wednesday and Thursday unfortunately all tickets have been sold out. The good news however is that the film will be shown nationwide as and from Friday next. The rugged scenic landscape of the Beara peninsula has been captured in the film which is good news for tourism in the area with many locals also featuring as extras in the film interest at local level has been at fever pitch.

The news is produced and collaborated by John Murphy and Beara tourism.

BEARA LADIES FOOTBALL

The Beara Ladies Football club would like to thank everyone who supported our recent fundraising draw. The following were the lucky winners of tickets to see “Ondine” in Castletownbere:-

 1.      Leanne Harrington, Derrivore, Eyeries

2.                    Pauline Harrington, Eyeries

3.                       John O’Connor, c/o Beara Community School

4.                     Gemma Hunt, Bere Island

5.             David O’Sullivan-Greene, Filane

6.                    Ann Black, Seapoint Lodge

7.                      Mary Power, Coulaghard

8.           Paudie B. O’Sullivan, Cahermore

9.        Vincent O’Sullivan, Castletownbere

10.         Peggy Harrington, Goulane, Eyeries

11.           John O’Shea, Ardgroom Post Office

12.                      Mary T. O’Sullivan, Allihies

13.                        Kevin O’Neill, Allihies

14.                 Mary O’Sullivan, Allihies

15.               Donagh O’Connor, Droum

16.       Cathy Harrington, Jack Patrick’s

17.              Donal Healy, Finaha

18.              John O’Donoghue, Eyeries

19.       Pauline O’Sullivan, Faha, Adrigole

20.              Owen Owenie O’Sullivan

21        John Joe O’Sullivan, Faha, Adrigole

22.              Joe Rua, Ballydonegan

23.              Matt Padwick, Garranes

24.              Aoife Murphy, Cahirkeem

25.              Marie Carey, Adrigole.

 Well done to the Beara ladies Soccer team who secured a place in the cup final by virtue of a 1-nil win over Knockavilla on Sunday. Ciara Murphy was the goal-scorer.

Team:- Laura O’Sullivan, Caitriona Murphy, Helen Murphy, Marie Murphy, Ann Marie Roberti, Fiona O’Sullivan, Claire Power, Bernadette O’Sullivan, Karen O’Sullivan, Ciara Murphy, Christine O’Sullivan, Sabrina Murphy, Carol Hurley, Sharon Martin-Sullivan and Geraldine O’Sullivan

 

RTE

At the Premiere of 'Ondine' RTÉ presenter John Murray, Tim Desmond and Noreen Collins the Manager of the Cinemobile

Premiere

At the first official showing of Ondine

February

Bazaar:
Welldone to the sixth class pupilsof scoil an croi ro naofa national school CTB who raised € 2000.00 in a recent bazaar the proceeds of which will go to make a wish foundation. To assist them in making the wishes of terminally ill children come true.

Trees:
National tree week will be held from March7th to13th Cork Co.Council in conjunction with the national tree council of Ireland will be giving batches of native tree saplings to local community groups and schools in west Cork on a first come first served basis. The closing date of receipt of requests is Friday next at 4pm.

Local Worlds

At the Local Worlds book launch in Twomeys Bar Monday 22nd are l-r: John Kinns, Connie Murphy, Billy O'Brien (the author) and Gerdie Harrington

Beara Ladies Football
Fundraising Draw

Win Tickets to see

“ONDINE”
in
Castletownbere
on

Thursday 4th March 2010

Entry to draw €5 per line – Cards on sale locally or contact:-

Margaret Power 70177
Anne Murphy 087-9653494
Helen Murphy 086-8782050

or any member of the committee

Refreshments will be served on the night
in Beara Community School

15th February.
The Irish film Ondine which was directed by Neil Jordan and was filmed on the Beara peninsula in 2008 is due for public release in early march. The film will be premiered in Dublin at the end of February. For his part in the film Colin Farrell has been nominated for best actor in RTE 7th annual film and television awards. The people of Beara excited with the prospect of seeing the completed film on the big screen, and the producers of the film have informed Beara tourism that the landscape and scenery in the film is breathtaking.

 

Fish

 The Crew of the MFV Ger O Dee Castletownbere, landed a very rare Mediterranean Moray eel, Muraena Helena  while fishing 25mile West of the Blaskets in 80 fathom of water.  This eel weighed in at 2kg's and 120cm's in Length.  They also captured a fine 7.5Lbs Male lobster.
The Moray eel as it is commonly know is essentially warm-water fish. Plentiful in the  Mediterranean and around Spain & Portugal.  The first reported landing of this species in Ireland was by Brendan O Flaherty MFV Newgrange while fishing 32km's off Mine Head in 1997.  At that stage only 14 landings had been reported in NW Europe.  This capture may be further evidence of the ever increasing water temperature surrounding our coast. The eel was frozen and will be sent to the National Museum of Ireland.
The Marine Institute would like to thank the Skipper and crew of the Ger O Dee.
Pictured from Left to right. Tobi Rapp (Marine institute), William Power (skipper), Sean D O' Sullivan, Steven Hanaffin, Lucas Juknevieius (crew), Sean O ' Connor (Marine Institute).

1st February.

During the past week Eircom has informed Beara tourism development association that broadband has been turned on in Glengarriff. This is welcome news for Glengarriff which had their exchange upgraded in recent times. The focus of attention now shifts to the Allihies and Adrigole areas. It is hoped that broadband will be up and running in those areas within two months.

Congratulations to Mary Healy Casey of Glengarriff formally of Dursey island and Timothy Kelly Pullincha Eyeries who received gold pins for 50 years total abstinence at the Beara pioneer annual dinner dance which was held in the Berehaven golf club on Friday night.

The Bere Island Heritage Centre would like to thank everyone who attended the coffee morning organized by the Bere Island Meditation group on Wednesday last.  A huge €1750 was raised for helping the people of Haiti, well done to everyone involved

25-1-10:
The recent snow and ice has left its mark on the landscape with many secondary roads cut up badly resulting in numerous potholes. Motorists are please asked to exercise due care when travelling on these roads.

Camera club:
The Beara camera club are currently offering photography courses to suit everyone from beginners to experienced armatures. Each course comprises of six weekly evening workshops of 1 and a half hour duration further information can be got by contacting Sue Money her phone number is 73331.

 

 

Ondine movie

Colin Farrell

First public showing of Ondine was in Castletownbere on 3rd and 4th March.

Star couple in spotlight at Ondine premiere
Irish Independent - Ken Sweeney - ‎3 hours ago‎
"It's gorgeous to be back in Dublin and premiere what is a very Irish film with familiar themes with regards to folklore and mythology," he said at the ...
Starring Colin Farrell, Alicja Bachleda, Alison Barry, Tony Curran, Emil ... Irish Times
Colin Farrell and Alicja Bachleda: Dublin Darlings The Gossip Girls (blog)
Colin Farrell premieres Ondine in Dublin Accidental Sexiness (blog)

Ondine trailer

Click to pic watch trailer

The Irish film ‘Ondine’ which was  produced on the Beara Peninsula in the summer of ‘08 was released to the cinemas in Ireland, England and the US in March of this year.  The leading role in the film is played by Colin Farrell and directed by Neil Jordan who also has a holiday home in the Beara peninsula.  The story line is based on a simple fisherman, trawling off the Beara coast line, who catches a beautiful and mysterious woman in his nets (Alicja Bachleda), who appears to be dead, but miraculously comes back to life before his eyes.  The film is a mix of myth and fantasy within the life of a fishing community. Many of the extras played in the film are Castletownbere locals. The film was shot in Pulleen harbour three miles west of Castletownbere town, with more scenes in Castletownbere town, Berehaven harbour and Bere Island.  Colin Farrell is nominated for ‘Best Actor in a Lead Role in Film’ in the  RTE 7th Annual Irish Film and Television Awards for his role in ‘Ondine’.  People of the Beara Peninsula are very excited to see the completed film on the big screen, and the producers of the film have informed Beara Tourism that the landscape and scenery seen in the film is breathtaking.

 

 

 

Eyeries

Eyeries Village, above, saw a dusting of snow in January

Xmas swim

Christmas swim at Eyeries Strand. Fundraising event to improve road access to this lovely and underused strand. Contact Coleman O'Sullivan on 02774902 for full information

Fundraiser:
Recently Sandra Regan O’Shea presented a cheque for € 2,170. to the matron of St. Josephs hospital palliative care which was the proceeds of a recent coffee morning. A sincere thank you to everyone who supported this worthy cause.

Beara Tourism Secretary’s Report 09

Tourist Office

The Tourist Office in Castletownbere is now opened over 200 days of the year; it is staffed by RSS staff with the assistance of CE Schemes. The staff deal with general enquires including table car times, ferries, attractions on the Peninsula, cycle hire, taxis and buses, but most off all enquires about the Beara Way and where to walk.

The Beara Way

A major upgrade of the Beara Way has taken place over the last 2 years, this work was done in partnership with Cork County Council, Kerry County Council, The Heritage Council and RSS Staff provided by West Cork Community Partnership. Over 20 bridges were installed, 200 stiles, 15 information boards, 30 plaques and numerous other upgrades were carried out along the track. A new Beara Way booklet has been produced with the text from Dermot Sommers and the maps are from the OSI. Numerous loop-walking routes were developed including the Lonehart Battery loop in conjunction with Beara Island Projects Group. This loop covers military fortifications in the east end in Bere Island and plans are in place to open the Lone Hart Battery to the public on a phase basis over the next 2 or 3 years. Failte Ireland has decided that the Beara Way will be of one of five routes in Ireland to reach international standard over the next two years, and will be promoted by much higher level by all State Departments.

Allihies Mine Heritage Trail

Cork County Council in conjunction with Beara Tourism and Allihies Mines Heritage Centre developed a heritage trail around the old mining sites in the Allihies Valley. This trail starts at the mining centre in Allihies and covers a distance of 6 miles around the village.

Walks Scheme

Minister O Cuiv, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, set up an advisory body to look at developing walking routes in the county and also to deal with farmers worries concerning walking routes. The advisory group is made up of numerous State Departments and farming bodies. The IFA nominated Neilie O Leary as the IFA representative on the board. Walking Routes Ireland delegates was Jim O Sullivan. Discussions were ongoing for over 18 months but in the Autumn of 2008 a deal was struck, which meant that all farmers who allowed walking routes to pass through their property which were of National importance could apply to join the Walks Scheme. Of the 1,100 farmers who were paid nationally 420 are paid on the Beara Way, which yields an income of € 2,500,000, to the Peninsula for the next five years. West Cork did well from this scheme as the farmers on the Sheeps Head, and the Beara Way received up to 65% of the national funds. Great praise must be given to Neilie O Leary and Jim O Sullivan in negotiating a deal which has finally resolved the outstanding issues which farmers had concerning walking routes. The payments are made to the farmers by West Cork Community Partnership, South Kerry Partnership, and the Islands Leader Company.

RSS Staff

Great work has been done by the RSS staff including upgrading the Beara Way, trimming grass in graveyards, Tidy Towns work, Tourist Office work, Berehaven Amenity Park work, Sports Hall work, assisting with road widening and shore line clean ups. Many thanks to West Cork Community Partnership for their staff, especially Arran O Driscoll as Manager of the Scheme and Michael O Neill as supervisor.

Marketing

We produced a new Ring of Beara Brochure to encourage people to visit the entire Peninsula; these brochures are available in the Tourist Office. We have updated our website with numerous maps of walking routs and other attractions along the Peninsula. We part funded a promotion by Failte Ireland of West Cork, which ran over the summer of 2009. We also part funded the new Beara Way booklet, which describes in detail the different sections of the Beara Way.

Broadband coming to Glengarriff, Allihies and Adrigole.
Over the last 3 years broadband has been turned on in Castletownbere, Bere Island and Eyeries. There are over 8 hundred households and businesses with broadband on the peninsula. Some businesses have up to 7 mbits with a choice of 5 different service providers. These exchanges in Castletownbere and Bere Island were enabled by Eircom with a contribution by Beara tourism in conjunction with Bere Island project and Urhan community council. The Glengarriff exchange will be turned on after Christmas. Beara tourism in partnership with Allihies coop is part funding the roll out of broadband in Allihies and Adrigole. These exchanges will be turned on in the spring of 2010. The last areas in Cork side of the peninsula are Ardgroom and Garnish. Beara tourism and the Caha centre has requested Eircom to cost them, it is hoped funds can be sourced for these exchanges early next year. This is very good news for the Beara region as many parts of Cork and Kerry are still waiting for broadband.

Berehaven Harbour

Beara Tourism has received support from Cork County Council in promoting Berehaven Harbour as a destination for Cruise Liners. The Harbour section of the Department of Agriculture have stated that the new pier in Dinish will be available for small cruise liners in 2011, but no marketing policy can be put in place for that occasion until we speak to the new Harbour Master whom will replace Captain Peter Murphy who retired in the last few weeks. We wish Peter all the best in his retirement but are waiting to discuss this proposal with the new Harbour Master, when he is appointed. We are also looking at a deep-water berth for cruise liners in Berehaven Harbour. Feasibility on this will be carried out on this in 2010, and we wish to thank Billy Horgan Cork County Council Executive Engineer for his assistance on this matter. The Department of Agriculture has carried out a business plan for the five fishery harbours including Killybegs and Castletownbere. Under their plan for Castletownbere, the market opportunities they see available are visiting cruise liners, servicing oil rigs and encouraging in shipping and visiting fishing boats. We totally support the Departments plan in using the port to its maximum ability.

The following community groups on the Peninsula have worked well together. Beara Tourism wish to thank these groups for their cooperation over the last year: Bere Island Projects, Allihies Coop the Caha Centre, Urhan Community Council, Castletownbere Development, Glengarriff Tourism, Castletownbere and Eyeries Tidy Towns, Berehaven Golf course , Beara Sports Hall Committee and Scoil Phobail Bhéarra,

Last of all we wish to thank the Church of Ireland where their tourist office is located, and we hope to start phase 1 of the Church of Ireland Building refurbishment in 2010