Beara Tourism

February 1st

Byzantium, the new Neil Jordan directed sci fi film starring Saoirse Ronan (Hanna), Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace 007) and Jonny Lee Miller (Trainspotting) is currently being filmed here in Beara

Saoirse Ronan


The Mare's Tail in Adrigole (left) and the Sea Arches near Allihies where filming is taking place for the new Neil Jordan vampire movie 'Byzantium'

January 31st

BYZANTIUM FILMS LTD
FILM EXTRAS
OPEN
CASTING
Beacon Nite Club, Castletownbere
Wednesday 1st February 2012
14.00pm- 18.00pm
To be Film Extras for Period scenes in a Neil Jordan
feature film being shot in the Beara area between the
dates
2nd-7th February 2012
Looking for Men 18 years old and over.
Fishing knowledge an advantage but not necessary.
Girls between 16 years old – 25 years old are also
welcome.
Contact: byzantiumextras@hotmail.com

It’s that time of the year to celebrate three of the church’s Feast Days. This coming Wednesday, February 1st, will be St Bridget’s Day, which was traditionally regarded as the first welcome day of Spring but many anxious weather watchers, farmers, sailors and gardeners still regard Candlemas Day, which falls on this Thursday, as a harbinger of days to come as outlined in this very old snippet of weather lore: ‘If Candlemas Day dawns dry and bright, winter will remain in flight; if the day breaks dull with rain, winter will be on the wane.’ Friday February 3rd is the Feast of St Blaise and the traditional Blessing of Throats ceremony will take place after masses. These annual ceremonies, incorporating the blessing of throats, go back to St Blaise who ministered as Bishop of Sebestea in the State of Armenia, around the fourth century. On a pastoral visit to one of his outlying settlements in his diocese, he was captured by Pagan bandits, cruelly tortured and sentenced to death by stoning. En route to his appointed place of execution, he was approached by a distraught mother whose only child was slowly choking to death with a fish bone lodged firmly in his throat, as it defied all efforts to remove it. St Blaise prayed over him and laid his hands on him, whereupon the young child immediately coughed up the piece of bone. Devotion to the martyr has continued for over 16 centuries since that fateful day.
St Brigid’s Cross has aptly been described as symbolic of the deep, simple faith of the Irish. Formed, as a rule, of green rushes gathered on January 31st (eve of the Feast of the saint) and temporarily deposited outside the door of the homestead, the four arms are centrally interlocked and the rushes of each arm are bound with thread. After the evening meal on the day stated, the eldest girl of the family steps outside the house, and, having taken up the rushes already left there, knocks at the door, crying in Gaelic: ‘Go upon your knees. Let the door be opened. Let St Brigid in.’ When admitted, the family assist her in the making of the crosses. The emblems are worn on the Feast.

Dursey Island
Cork County Council has agreed that Dursey Island farmers can use the cable car, this one time, for transporting their cattle to the mainland so that they can be housed until March. A condition of REPS is that cattle are housed from December 1st until March 15th every year and must be housed during any prolonged spell of wet weather at other times of the year.

Health talk
The Caha Centre, Adrigole, will host a Men’s Health Talk on ‘Male Cancers’ given by Tess Chambers, a nurse from the Marie Keating Foundation on Monday January 30th at 8pm. Please come along and become more aware of cancer prevention. Men from all areas are invited to attend. This talk is free of charge.

Red Cross
Berehaven Red Cross covers Castletownbere, Rossmacowen, Bere Island, Eyeries, Ardgroom and Urhan. Its AGM will be held in Eyeries football pitch meeting rooms on Wednesday February 1st.

Beara GAA
At the recent AGM, the following officers were elected: president Riobard O’Dwyer, chair Ml Jo O’Sullivan, vice chair Terence O’Shea, secretary Finbarr Harrington, assistant secretary Donal O’Sullivan, treasurer Danny Crowley and John O’Sullivan, development officer James O’Shea and culture officer Richard Murphy. The first board meeting will be held in Twomey’s Lounge Bar on Wednesday February 1st at 8pm.

Cardiac Support Group
The monthly meeting and AGM of the Bantry Cardiac Support Group will take place in the New Primary Care Health Centre in the Maritime Hotel, Bantry, on Tuesday January 31st at 8pm. The meeting is open to and welcomes people who have had a cardiac event such as a heart attack, had angina, had angioplasty with or without stents inserted, or had cardiac surgery (by-pass surgery, mitral valve surgery, etc.). For information please contact, Catherine Cahalane on 086 7871552 .

January 24th

The new Neil Jordan movie 'Byzantium' on vampires will be shooting scenes on the Beara Peninsula over the next 3 weeks, locations include Adrigole, and the Allihies area. Up to 150 people will arrive in Beara to shoot the scenes. Up to 7 films have been shot on the Beara Peninsula over the past few years

January 23rd

Friday Nights at Eyeries 2011

Working with Actionaid to raise money to build a girls’ school in rural Uganda

An evening with Steve White
of
Music and With
Jazz, blues, gospel and the American song book

Friday 27th January

Anam Cara Writer’s and Artist’s Retreat. Eyeries
Starting at 8.30pm Donation €10

January 14th

Good to see John O'Sullivan from Kilcatherine on the Graham Norton Show Friday night, telling a story from the infamous red chair about Madonna who was the main guest

CASTLETOWNBERE has many of the problems associated with towns of its size throughout County Cork. It also has some problems, while not unique are, particular to Castletownbere and arise perversely from the town’s success in achieving a sustained population growth. There are now limited employment opportunities for young people educated locally. In the past they relied on agriculture and fishing related employment, now this sector is in decline.
The town is also having difficulty coping with the current traffic levels, which was very noticeable during the past months when cars had to park nearly a mile from the town. The by-pass, so often talked about over many years, must be brought up to date if the town is not to come to a standstill. We are also in urgent need of more off-street parking; there are several patches of waste ground in the neighbourhood which could be turned into car parks. In the light of recent controversy surrounding traffic and parking problems in the town, yet another parking problem has again been brought to our attention – that of cars parking on footpaths. Because of some inconsiderate motorists, elderly people and mothers with prams or young children have to walk around the cars, often risking their lives on the town’s busy streets. It is past time people realised that footpaths are for pedestrians not cars and that the parking of cars on the pavements can endanger lives. The thing that unites people is belief in the town’s potential as a great place to live, work, shop and enjoy their leisure time. The key word here is ‘potential’. For a variety of reasons Castletown has not been able to fulfil that potential. Various concern groups tend to perceive the town’s problems from their own vantage points. This can be positive as only by pooling these perspectives can a thorough overview of where the town needs to focus corrective attention be assembled.
Another problem results from the siting of an exceptionally large number of stands from which their owners trade in all kinds of merchandise. The stands converge on the water tables at each side of the street, with the result that parking for shoppers is seriously limited as all the marked car parking places on the Square are occupied by the stands. Those who must of necessity park on the street are definitely preventing the ordinary flow of traffic. Hence, on the town’s two busiest days, fair days and Fridays, movement is seriously affected. A continuation of the present chaotic conditions is unfair to our local business proprietors, who are already burdened with high overheads. Castletownbere is experiencing a traffic boom right now, with vans and lorries getting bigger and bigger. The traffic situation at East End is also a cause for serious concern, especially at the entrance to the pier area where indiscriminate parking is a problem for the huge fish containers getting access to the fish being landed by Spanish fishing vessels.

Fair days
Last Thursday, the 5th, was monthly fair day in Castletownbere. This first Thursday in each month is still known as ‘fair day’, although for many years now no animals of any kind are offered for sale. This December fair was in the past known as the Big Fair of Christmas when the people from the surrounding areas used to come to town to do their Christmas shopping. They now go to Cork, London, or even New York to do their Christmas shopping. The January fair was known as the Women’s Fiar.

Rubbish
As one travels throughout the parish, the unauthorised dumping of rubbish in certain parts has become very noticeable and more so over the Christmas period. There is no occasion for this indiscriminate act as all areas are now covered by an excellent refuse collection. Local people whose areas have been affected intend to become more vigilant and with the help of the Tidy Towns members who will be visiting these areas in the coming weeks, they intend to stamp out this practice.

New arrival
Congratulations to Darren and Bernie Harrington, Rossmacowen and Maynooth, on the birth of a 10lb baby boy Luke, grandson of Barry and Mary, Scart, Rossmacowen and Martha and the late Jacky Joyce, Strangeforth, Williamstown, Co Galway.

Recent death
The death occurred recently at St Joseph’s Hospital, Castletownbere of Michael McDonnel, Droum South, Castletownbere. A native of Ballina, Co Mayo, Michael spent a long number of years in London where he met and married his late wife Julia O’Neill who was a native of Castletownbere. On reaching retirement age, they returned to live at South Droum, near Julia’s home place and where Michael became well known and popular as a good neighbour. Large crowds of sympathisers paid their last respects to Michael at Harrington’s Funeral Home and again at the Requiem Mass and funeral testifying to the esteem in which he was held in the locality. Burial took place at Droum Cemetery. He is survived by daughters Annette, Marian and Geraldine, son Vincent, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, nephews, nieces and relatives to whom sympathy was extended.

Competition winner
Congratulations to Cian O’Shea, who was the winner in the recent AIB Youth Competition, Castletownbere. Cian is a pupil, at Beara Community Schools.

Lehanmore Centre
All activities resume again in the Lehanmore Community Centre following the Christmas break, with 31 card drive on Sunday, spinning classes on Monday, music on Tuesday and bingo on Wednesday. All are welcome. Enquiries to 73911.

The Bere Island Heritage Centre is planning a major exhibition for 2012 on the subject of emigration from the island from the mid 1800s onwards.

Descendants of Bere Islanders are spread across the world. We would like to feature as many personal stories as possible and would love to hear your family history and stories of your ancestors’ journey to a new life.
If you would like to share your family’s story with us or loan any items which can be displayed in the exhibition, please contact me at this email or on 027 75956.
Regards
Helen Riddell

The Bere Island Heritage Centre would like to thank everyone who supported our table quiz in the Hotel on Friday 30th December, the night was a huge success.

Weekly classes have resumed: Guitar lessons on Monday nights at 8pm, Meditation on Wednesdays at 7pm and Irish Dancing for children on Fridays at 4.30pm.

The World Community for Christian Meditation will be holding a 10 day retreat from the 1st March and the annual Holy Week retreat from the 1st April, bookings through Theresa Hobbs.

Helen is currently working on a major new exciting exhibition on the theme of emigration from Bere Island, more details to follow!

We would like to welcome our new student from the Netherlands Lisanne who will be with us for the next 15 weeks.

We wish you all a Happy New Year and we are looking forward to another successful year as we head into our 3rd year of being open.

The Heritage Centre Team: Theresa, Helen & Tomasz.

Drilling platform Jakup stationed in Castletownbere harbour for the past few weeks, being used by Quinn Piling which is putting markers for the harbour into the entrance

drilling

This drilling rig has been working in the entrance to Castletownbere harbour for much of the Winter. Some have been wondering if they found oil, but none has been forthcoming so far. It belongs to Quinn Drilling and is putting in markers for the harbour

The Mill Cove Awards
(incl. the Beara Arts Exhibition)
7th to 29th April 2012
Entries close 10th March 2012
Entry form attached

Millcove

A painting, a limited edition print, a photographic work, a sculpture or ceramic work may be submitted for selection for the exhibition. Submissions are by digital images (CD or email) or photos

December 20th

Vampires coming to Beara

Over the next few months Neil Jordan new film Byzantium will be be part film on the Beara Peninsula.

Vampire
Byzantium’, an adaptation of ‘The Vampire Stories’, a play written by Moira Buffini is the latest film to be directed by Irish director Neil Jordan (Breakfast on Pluto, Ondine) and is currently shooting in the Hastings, South England, before moving to Ireland’s Ardmore Studios and Beara Peninsula .
The anticipated film stars Irish actress Saoirse Ronan (Hanna, The Lovely Bones) as Eleanor, Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace, Clash of The Titans) as Eleanor’s mother, Clara, and follows the mother and daughter vampire duo that make a deadly pact. Hope the film goes well.

December 19th

Titanic

The Coastal Communities along the West Cork Coastline are planning a centenary commemoration of the titanic passing along the West Cork coastline. The Titanic left Cobh at 2.30p.m. on the 11th of April 1912. Fires will be lit along the headlands of West Cork to commemorate the time the ship passed each headland. Folklore has passed down through the generations of the fantastic sight of the ship steaming at 21knots along the coastline. Numerous events will be organised along the coastline to remember this maritime tragedy.
4 Beara Committees Beara Tourism, Allihies Co-op, Lehanmore Co-op and Bere Island Projects will light fires on the headlands in Bere Island, Cahermore, Lehanmore and Dursey on the 11th of April 2012.

We expect ships will travel along the coast from Cobh to Dursey. Anyone who wishes to help or have ideas for this event we would appreciate their contribution

Website: titanicwestcoast

December 18th

An article appeared in the Southern Star by Castletownbere Development Association concerning a meeting by numerous committees on the Beara Peninsula with the HSC. The meeting was concerning the ambulance service for the Beara Peninsula. During the meeting the HSC outlined some positive changes to the ambulance service in West Cork. The vast majority of their plans are not agreed with the ambulance staff. Beara Tourism have serious concerns about the HSC proposals for the Beara Peninsula and do not believe the new arrangements will enhance the service on the peninsula.

December 11th 2011

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The Marine Institute Ship Celtic Explorer visiting Castletownbere during her first visit to the new deep water berth at Dinish Island during the first weekend of December. Her First Mate is Basil Murphy who is from Castletownbere comes from a well known sea faring family

l-r: First Mate Basil Murphy, Tadgh O'Sullivan, Allihies Co-op, Paul O'Shea, Leanmore Co-op, Derry O'Donovan, Castletownbere Pilot and Councillor Jerry O'Sullivan

l-r First Mate Basil Murphy, Tadgh O'Sullivan, Pat O'Neill, Paul O'Shea, Derry O'Donovan, Jerry O'Sullivan and John Murphy Beara Tourism

December 2nd 2011

Tim Goulding

Tim Goulding, his wife Georgina and Dave Spathaky at the opening of Tim's exhibition at Loop de Loop on prints of his work during the 70s and 80s

Anam Cara in Eyeries December 7th A Special Treat

And it's free! Gerry Galvin, known as the first gourmet chef of Ireland and now a published poet and novelist, is going to read from and launch his debut novel. Entitled Killer a la Carte, this great read "is the story of James Livingstone Gall, London food critic and serial killer. Behind a façade of pedantry, and foodie one-upmanship James is a dangerous psychopath. The story traces James’ perversely romantic association with heiress Claudia Catalano, whose hotels’ tycoon father was having an affair with James’ mother Grace, at the time of his suspicious death. Claudia holds Grace responsible, desires revenge but is also attracted to James. Their headlong, murderous progression is at the heart of the narrative."
Come along for an evening of fine literature, good wine, and tasty morsels (without any input from
James Livingstone Gall...)

Cormac Boydell

Cormac Boydell Show December 11 2011

November 19th 2011

Michael Orpen bringing a sheep in from Bere Island

Premiere of Japanese movie Tamatama, filmed in and around Eyeries, was shown in Eyeries Village Hall on Sunday 20th

Tamatama

The Director and Producer flew over from Japan especially for the showing. In the picture l-r Producer Satooshi, Rieko, Mayomi the Director, Naomi, Peter Conway the location manager and Coleman O'Sullivan who organised the showing of the movie in Eyeries and helped arrange things for the filming

SUPPORT RALLY & PUBLIC MEETING
SATURDAY 26 NOVEMBER AT 12.30PM
IN SKIBBEREEN
TO RETAIN WEST CORK AMBULANCE SERVICES
AT CURRENT LEVELS
and
KEEP BANTRY HOSPITAL MINOR INJURIES
ASSESSMENT UNIT OPEN
ASSEMBLE AT: HURLEY’S GARAGE END
OF BY- PASS ROAD
…BE THERE - THIS AFFECTS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY...

Squirrel

A PDG Squirrel helicopter on the pad at Castletownbere. It was airlifting a new tower to Roancarrig lighthouse which will replace the present one. Picture by taken by John Eagle

Massive find of silver found off the Beara Coast. The sunken treasure is said to be worth 155 million euros, resting inside a ship on the sea floor. For full story please click here

Japanese film in Eyeries Hall

Tamatama

The first Irish showing of the Japanese film Tamatama will be shown in the Eyeries Hall on Sunday 20th, at 6pm and 8pm.
Tamatama was filmed in and around Eyeries in the Summer of 2011, with up to 60 local people involved.
The film will be free to the public, donations will be accepted for the victims of the tsunami in Japan and local Beara charity. The showing of the film is being organised by Eyeries Festival Committee with the assistance of Beara Tourism. The film producer is flying in especially for the event. All welcome.
For further information please contact
Colman O’Sullivan at 086 2208743
The film is suitable for all ages

September 23rd

Eyeries Tidy Silver Medal, click here

September 16th

Over the summer months the Aoi Yu’s new movie “Tamatama was filmed on the Beara Peninsula.
It is scheduled to open in theaters on October 15

The movie, which was shot entirely on location on the beara peninsula in Ireland, is the first feature-length film by commercial and music video director Komatsu Mayumi.

Filming in Eyeries

http://www.houseofjapan.com/movies/aoi-yu-stars-in-tamatama

September 9th

Castletownbere Tidy Towns results, please click here

One of the events organised by the Beara Historical Society for this year’s National Heritage Week was a talk on murdered Lord Mayor of Cork Tomas MacCurtain by his granddaughter and biographer Fionnuala MacCurtain. Ms MacCurtain, who travelled from Cork with her son Ross, delivered a fascinating family history of her much-loved grandfather and his wife Elizabeth. She had on display on the night interesting items of family mementos and memorabilia relating to the patriot.
She said that Tomas MacCurtain had two great passions in his life – his family and his country, and that he and his wife were a very religious couple with a deep love of Ireland, its traditions and culture. Born in Burnfort in 1884, MacCurtain joined the newly formed Conradh na Gaeilge at a young age, and later became a member of the IRB. After the 1916 Rising he spent two years in English prisons, and after release, was elected Lord Mayor of Cork in 1920. Seven weeks later, on March 20th, he was murdered by disguised members of the RIC in front of his wife and family on his 36th birthday.
A Coroner’s Inquest later found the RIC guilty of wilful murder. Ms MacCurtain said that he had previously received threats that he would be shot if another policeman was murdered. However, when this happened the Lord Mayor had contacted the hospital enquiring as to the welfare of the shot policeman and also had offered his condolances to his family on his death. ‘Hardly the actions of a murderer,’ commented the speaker, and she added that it was her belief that the policeman was shot by a splinter IRA group of which there was a number operating at the time. MacCurtain’s murder, followed soon after by the death of his close friend Terence McSwiney, focused international attention to the Irish cause around the world.
After the talk Ms MacCurtain signed copies of her books Remember it’s for Ireland – A Family Memoir of Tomas MacCurtain and Irish Heroes for Children – The Story of Tomas MacCurtain for members of the audience. She also made a presentation of her book for Castletownbere library to librarian Dorothy Brophy, and a portrait of her grandfather to the Beara Historical Society. In turn, a presentation was made to her from the society in appreciation of her outstanding talk to an appreciative audience. Prior to her talk Ms MacCurtain had, at the request of the Beara Historical Society, laid a wreath at the monument in The Square to the members of the Beara Battalion of the Old IRA. Next week we will report on the second event organised for Heritage Week, the visits to the old mills at Brandy Hall and Inches.

Beara photographer John Eagle realised a life time ambition recently when with Bere Island Seasafri he went through the tunnel in the Bull Rock. The rock, which can be seen from Allihies and Dursey, has a lighthouse and two heli-pads on it. Going through the tunnel is an exciting experience but should only be attempted with a skilled boat helmsman such as those at Seafari

Family carers
West Cork Carers Support Group will hold its AGM on Wednesday September 14th at 12 noon at the office on Bridge Street, Bantry. All are welcome to attend.
The West Cork Carers Support Group is running a six-week pilates exercise course for family carers starting on Wednesday September 14th in the New You Studio, The Courtyard, Barrack Street, Bantry. The course will run every Wednesday night from 7.45pm to 8.45pm for six weeks. Pilates is a great exercise workout for people of all ages and any level of fitness. After a pilates class every muscle will be stretched, toned and massaged and you will leave feeling mentally and physically relaxed and energised. Places are limited. To avoid disappointment, book early by calling the West Cork Carers Support Group on 027-53848.
The West Cork Carers Support Group is hosting a one-day training course for family carers in hand massage and manicure led by an Irish Red Cross volunteer this Saturday September 10th. The training will take place from 10am to 4pm at the Family Resource Centre in Dunmanway. There is a subsidised fee of €30 for the day which includes lunch. There are just a few places left and booking is essential.

Heritage Centre
The Bere Island Heritage Centre will be hosting a watercolour workshop with Jenni White on September 3rd and 4th, call 027 75956 for details.
There will be a ten-day Christian Meditation Retreat from September 14th to 24th with Fr Laurence Freeman OSB; booking for this retreat is essential through Theresa Hobbs at biheritage@gmail.com or 027 75956, details at www.wccm.org.

Roan Harrington
Poignant scenes were witnessed in Allihies on Wednesday of last week, both in St Michael’s Church and again in the nearby cemetery, during the Requiem Mass and burial of eight-year-old Roan Harrington of Ballydonegan, Allihies, who fell from his bicycle on the roadway near his home shortly after 5pm on August 28th, and was pronounced dead on route to Bantry Hospital. He was found by an English couple who were holidaying in the area. Roan was supposed to have started his first day in second class at Cahermore NS on Monday. Tears were flowing both in the packed church and at the burial where all the pupils of Cahermore NS were given a day off to attend their friend’s funeral.
His principal described him, saying: ‘He was involved in everything. He was always good fun, loved animals and being outdoors.’ Sympathy was extended to his mother Margaret Harrington, his father Angel Hose, otherwise known as Sesso, Villanueva, and brothers Euan 12 and Oran 10.

Late Kathleen O’Shea
The death took place last week at Cork Regional Hospital, of Mrs Kathleen O’Shea, Diesert, Castletownbere. Nee Conroy, the late Mrs O’Shea who was in her early 90s, was a native of Knockoura, and a member of a very old established family and is the last of a family of 13, with three sets of twins. Her husband, Michael, who was a local postman, died over fifty years ago leaving Kathleen to raise six young children on her own. She also buried twin boys Stephen and Patrick. She proved herself to be a really lovely person in every sense of the word and she was widely known for her loving kindness, hospitality and great sense of humour and was a lady truly endowed with many admirable traits of character and a wonderful neighbour. When the very sad news of her death broke it cast a deep gloom of profound sorrow throughout the parish as well as in neighbouring parishes. To her sorrowing sons Michael, John, Denis and Tony, daughters Mary, Margaret and Catherine, grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nieces and nephews, relatives and friends, deepest sympathy was extended on their very sad bereavement. A huge concourse of sympathisers attended the removal of remains from Harrington’s Funeral Home, to the Church of the Sacred Heart and the funeral took place to Droum Cemetery, following Requiem Mass on Sunday.

Caha Centre
September can feel somewhat like the start of a new year, and everyone at the Caha Family Resource Centre, Ardgroom, is really enthusiastic and getting ready to deliver services. There are a number of new programmes on offer as well as the continuation of groups, activities, individual support and resources that are already being taken up by members of the community. Their most recent newsletter gives information on many of these. The newsletter is available throughout the area, or alternatively contact the centre to request a copy.
This year The Caha Centre is organising activities and events around Positive Ageing Week which runs from September 30th to October 8th. To raise awareness of positive ageing the Caha Centre will run a Beara-wide photographic competition depicting ‘Positive Ageing’. Entrants are asked to think creatively about what they regard as positive ageing. Photographs will be judged by Beara Camera Club and the Brennan Brothers. The Caha Centre thanked both SuperValu Castletownbere and SuperValu Kenmare for each providing a prize of a €50 shopping voucher. Photographs must be originals and closing date is Friday September 23rd at 5pm.
If you cannot attend any of the programmed events, participate by sending us ‘poems, thoughts, art, sayings or tips’ on all things positive. While there is no prize for these they will be displayed at the centre’s Bingo sessions along with painting by Jan.
On September 26th the Caha Centre will be the venue for a ‘Being Well’ course. The course will be facilitated by the Health Promotion Department of the HSE. Some of the topics covered will be: healthy eating, getting active, stress and relaxation.This six-week course is available subject to sufficient numbers. Contact 087-9144427 for further details.
Aerobics start on Thursday September 15th at 7.30pm, €50 for 6 weeks, subject to numbers. Contact Imelda 087 3912607.

September 6th

The Beara Way has been promoted very well in the last few years, especially by RTE programme called Tracks and Trails, which was co-funded by Failte Ireland, The Department of the Environment, and The National Trails Office with the assistance of Beara Tourism. Due to the success of this programme, the National Trails Office fitted counters on the stile in the Dursey Sound Area. The counters were in place for 125 days and were read in the middle of August.

As a result, the National Trails Office informed Beara Tourism that 28,570 people crossed the stile. This figure was one of the highest recorded in the country and shows the value of the Beara Way and the Dursey Cable Car as tourist attractions. Failte Ireland estimates that every visitor to an area spends an average of €80.00 per day, which means that the income to West Cork and the South Kerry area of this section of the Beara Way is an estimated €2,285,600.

Walking is one of the growth areas in tourism in the country and promoting this and the ten other sections of the Beara Way is part of Cork County Council, Failte Ireland, West Cork Community Partnership and Beara Tourism's policy.

Over the last 18 months, Beara Tourism has promoted the Beara Way by:

Producing the Beara Way Booklet and the Beara Way Brochure.
Up-dating ten strategically-placed map boards.
Assisting Failte Ireland in the production of the Tracks and Trails Programme, which has now been shown twice on RTE .
Assisting an international film company in filming in March showing the Beara Way, a film that will be shown on television in over 20 countries.
Promoting the featuring of The Walking Route in the Summer Edition of the Waiting Room magazine in an Irish Times feature last week, and in German travel magazines later on this year.

September 5th

MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Ireland put together a cycle to raise funds for the One and Only MS Respite Centre which is based in Dublin. The cycle took place on Saturday August 20th and, blessed with fine weather, it went superbly. Francis Brennan (The Park Hotel, Kenmare) acted as Master of Ceremonies at 8.30am on Saturday morning as the cycle commenced at The Square, Kenmare. The route took in Kenmare, Lauragh, Ardgroom, Eyeries, Allihies, Castletownbere, Adrigole, Healy Pass, Lauragh, Kenmare.
This was a tough cycle and thankfully everyone arrived at the top of the Healy Pass and back into Kenmare without incident. Some of the cyclists taking part were travelling from Dublin, Wicklow, Laois, Limerick and of course parts of Kerry. The group raised in excess of €8,000 and would welcome further donations to help reach their target of €12,000. Donations can be made online at www.mscharitycycle.com or direct to Nora O’Sullivan Looney, Post Mistress, Killorglin Post Office, Killorglin, Co Kerry.
The group thanked all their supporters; SuperValu/Centra in Castletownbere and the Post Office in Ardgroom in particular. It is proposed to make this cycle an annual event.

Carers’ support
The West Cork Carers Support Group is hosting a one-day training course for family carers in hand massage and manicure led by an Irish Red Cross Volunteer on Saturday September 10th. The training will take place from 10am to 4pm at the Family Resource Centre in Dunmanway. There is a subsidised fee of €30 for the day which includes lunch. There are just a few places left and booking is essential. For more information or to book call 027 53848.

Recent wedding
Congratulations to Fiona Harrington, Cahermeelaboe, and Joseph O’Sullivan, Cahirkeem, who were married in St Michael’s Church, Allihies, on August 13th.

90th birthday
Congratulations were extended to Michael O’Shea, Cahergariff, Castletownbere, who celebrated his 90th birthday recently with a party for family and friends. Michael is well known in Castletownbere following his long employment as a tradesman with Cork County Council in the area. In his younger days he was a noted footballer with Town GAA Club.

Late Vincent Downey
It was with sadness and regret that his many friends in Bere Island and Beara learned of the death of Vincent Downey, Cloughland, Bere Island, at St Joseph’s Hospital, Castletownbere. Vincent worked in England and settled in Margate, Kent, for many years before returning to retire on his native island. Predeceased by his brothers John, James, Raymond and Frank he is survived by his brother Christopher and sister Mary, nephews, nieces and relations, to whom sympathy is extended. There was a large and representative attendance at the removal on Saturday and again at the Requiem Mass in St Michael’s Church; burial was in the adjoining cemetery.

Toddler group
Beara Parent and Toddler Group will recommence on Tuesday next, September 6th, in Friends Forever Playschool (behind the sports hall) from 10.30 to 12.30. This is a great opportunity for parents and children alike to meet up with others, have a chat and enjoy the social interaction. Everyone welcome.

Heritage centre
The Bere Island Heritage Centre will be hosting a watercolour workshop with Jenni White on September 3rd and 4th – call 027 75956 for details.
There will be a ten-day Christian Meditation Retreat from September 14th to the 24th with Fr Laurence Freeman OSB. Booking for this retreat is essential through Theresa Hobbs at biheritage@gmail.com or 027 75956, details at www.wccm.org

August 31st

Exhibition of new paintings by Bill Griffin opening at the Sarah Walker Gallery in Castletownbere September 3rd to 15th. Click here for more

August 29th

Carers’ support
West Cork Carers Support Group will hold its AGM on Wednesday September 14th at 12 noon at their office on Bridge Street, Bantry. All are welcome to attend.
West Cork Carers Support Group is running an eight-week course entitled ‘Effective Communication for Better Relationships’ for family carers. This course explores effective communication in an informal, fun and interactive way. Based on respect for both oneself and the other, it seeks to help participants to build self-esteem and assertiveness, to improve their communication and to enhance the quality, both of their life and of their relationships. The course starts on Tuesday October 8th and will run for eight consecutive Tuesday mornings from 10am until 12.30pm, at the Grace Centre in Clonakilty. This is a Social and Health Education Project (SHEP) course and the fee is €50 for eight weeks. In order for the WCCSG to know there is sufficient interest to run this course, booking is essential by Friday September 2nd. To book or for more information, please call West Cork Carers Support Group on 027-53848.

Following the meeting on August 6th in various locations on Beara with Sean Gallagher, an independent candidate to the presidency of Ireland famous for being on Dragons’ Den, a new initiative to inspire creativity in the Beara peninsula is being launched.
Indeed, it was amazing on the day to find out how many small businesses actually exist on the peninsula and there is huge enthusiasm and energy on their part as to the future. Many others have also expressed a desire to start their own business or cottage industry and there is a lot of talent around just waiting to find a way to express itself.
Finbarr O’Shea of Glenview Green Energy Co Ltd in Adrigole is now in the process of scheduling regular evening meetings during the winter in order to give all businesses in the area an opportunity to exchange ideas and offer each other support, for example with case studies to illustrate how difficulties were overcome and to contribute ideas. This will also benefit anyone intending to start their own business.
This initiative is looking for ideas and creative solutions as to how to develop the whole of Beara and create a future for children here and would like to hear from everyone – from local cottage industries to larger businesses, and in all possible areas, from arts and crafts to education, from farming and fishing to tourism and any other fields of activity.
Anybody interested in joining this think tank or in participating in the meetings should contact Finbarr O’Shea (Adrigole area) at info@glenviewheating.ie or John Walsh (Bere Island) at bereisle@eircom.net or Tadhg O’Sullivan (Allihies area) at tados1@hotmail.com.
Sean Gallagher’s motivating message was: ‘The future is not something that happens to us but something we make happen.’

For the 15th year in a row the Beara Outreach Group of the Chernobyl Children’s Project International invited a group of children from Belarus to Beara for the month of July. Four of the group had been here before but the remainder of the group had never been anywhere before. And what an introduction to a foreign country with the sea, mountains, sheep, cows – all things they had never seen before. All this coupled with the welcoming open arms of our Beara host families.
The month got off to a very shaky start when a last minute hitch with the Foroige bus left Patricia Daly and her trusty bus driver, Eileen O’Sullivan, standing in the Square in Castletownbere with no bus and the children arriving at Shannon at 5pm. There was panic until Eileen spotted that one of O’Donoghue’s buses was in the Square. Mossie O’Donoghue was in Bantry but Marney gave Patricia his mobile number. She phoned, practically in tears, but he immediately agreed to lend them the bus and on top of that O’Donoghue’s had volunteered to sponsor the fuel for the two trips to Shannon and the planned trip to Killarney, so many thanks went to Foroige who made the bus available for the Killarney trip and the return journey to Shannon.
After this nerve-wracking start the rest of the month went really well. It really was a holiday of a lifetime for the children while at the same time helping to build up their immune systems against the dangerously high levels of radiation which still prevail in their country.
On the first week of their visit all the children attended a fantastically well-run summer camp by the Caha Centre in Ardgroom.
Week two saw their annual visit to Marianne Klopp in Ardgroom Pottery with a party sponsored by the Ardgroom Women’s Group and then on Thursday they all had a trip to the Chocolate Factory in Bunnane, Kenmare, to see how Lorge Chocolate is made. At the end of week two, some of the children changed to their second two-week families while others remained with their host families for the month.
On July 20th, they all piled into the Foroige bus when, once again, Eileen picked her way over bumps and hollows to Killarney, all the time concerned as to how the children were feeling.
In Killarney the group visited the Gleneagle Hotel for a swim; this was followed by lunch at McDonald’s, a visit to the Killarney playground and the day was rounded off going to see the latest Harry Potter movie. That weekend the host families dipped in and out of the Eyeries Festival which was jam packed with entertainment for all ages.
Sunday the 24th saw the annual mass which this year took place at Cahermore. This mass is always really special with the children bringing up their gifts at the start of mass, the group’s translator, Galena, reading the readings of the day and three of the children reading the Prayers of the Faithful in English when they prayed for all the victims of the explosion at Chernobyl 25 years ago, their guardians in Belarus, their host families and all the people of Beara who helped bring them to Ireland.
The final week started with a heart-thumping ride on Seán Harrington’s Seafari followed by a party in Kay Breen’s Lobster Bar in Castletownbere. Wednesday saw the final get-together in O’Neill’s Bar, Allihies, when all children were given a photo album for their treasured photos of their visit to Beara, a bag of sweets donated by Hallisseys in Kenmare to share with their friends in Belarus, their beautifully fired and glazed pottery pieces and, for the new children, a travel bag on wheels to be packed with clothes and gifts they received while here – they arrive with nothing. Following the party in O’Neill’s, everyone went back to Castletownbere to be entertained by the Gerbola Circus.
On Friday July 29th the group nearly needed an hovercraft to float out of the Square in Castletownbere on all the tears that were being shed. As usual, due to Eileen Comba’s expert driving, there was no travel sickness and all arrived safely in Shannon . It is always a sad parting but an email from Galena said that all children were met by drivers or buses to take them to their various villages.
Many thanks were extended to Adrianne, Margaret and all at McCarthy’s Bar for the huge bag of fruit every week, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the children. Dermot Murphy volunteered a beautiful room in his Hostel in Filane for the second two weeks of Galena ’s visit and supplied her with a cooked dinner each day. Shellfish-de-la-Mer sponsored a pair of shoes in Wisemans for each child and there were many others who contributed in various way towards making this visit possible. Thanks also went to the host families who welcome these children into their homes.
To help fund this trip there is an annual church gate collection at the end of the year. However, donations are always welcome to an account in AIB, Castletownbere: acc no 01664036 sort code 93-62-78.

August 13th

CASTLETOWNBERE Festival of the Sea has now concluded for another year. A very full and varied programme took place during the week and there was a great atmosphere in the town, which helped lift everyone’s spirits. The Development Association thanked all who contributed to the success of the festival through their sponsorship or participation in events and also those who organised events.
The following are the results of the net mending (the junior event didn’t take place because of lack of entries which imdocates that young people are no longer interested in fishing as a career): The senior event, in which the skipper or a crew member from each boat battle it out for the Swan Net-Gundry Cup for the winning boat and the shield awarded to the winning member; 1st Denis Whelan, 2nd Jason Sheehan; 3rd Danny O’Boyle. The Betty O’Shea Perpetual Trophy for Wire Splicing was won by Sean Power, Noel O’Sullivan was second and Peter Lynch, Howth, was third. The Line Throwing Competition for the Twomey Perpetual Trophy was won by Noel (Owen) O’Sullivan, with Noel Murphy second and Brendan Dudley third.

Allihies Festival
Allihies Festival opened last Monday with many events and street music throughout the week. The highlight should be the annual sports day on Monday next, l5th, in the Sliabh with the horse racing commencing at 3pm. See ad below and posters for details.

Ladies’ Group
Allihies Ladies’ Group are holding a cake sale in the Sliabh on August 15th to coincide with the races. Support would be appreciated.

RNLI collection
The Irish Lifeboats held their annual flag day and collection in Castletownbere on the August bank holiday Monday when the annual regatta was on. The amount collected was not as large as in other years. As well as the collection, the lifeboat committee were given proceeds from the golf classic at the Berehaven Golf Club. The entrance fees to the various Fishermen’s Skills Competitions, which were held recently, also go to the fund. The lifeboat service has given sterling service to anyone in distress at sea, since it was founded in 1824.
The institute is funded solely by public subscriptions and, to enable them to continue the excellent work they depend on the generosity of everyone. The crews of the lifeboats are all volunteers and lifeboats at Castletownbere, Baltimore and Valentia have always been to the fore when called upon for assistance.

Fancy dress parade
The festival fancy dress parade was led by a wonderful display of art created over the month of July at workshops led by Sean O Laoghaire. Lehanemore summer camp’s huge fish swam it's way through the town with it's belly full of children, followed by CoAction’s Celtic Kitten Fish, close on its tail was a monster fish, followed by two huge star fish.
Under 5 Contestants, were Samuel Power as A Little Monster, Michael James Sullivan- Kelly as A Lion, Nicola Downey as a Sea Princess, Ciara Kelly as Snow White, Emilie Angles as A Senorita, Frank O’Sullivan as Superman, Caoimhe O’Shea as Cheryl Cole, Jamie O’Brien as A Pirate, Lydia Harrington as Supergirl, Setanta O’Shea as A Bat, Isolde O Shea as A Fairy. For home made creativity, being topical and entertaining, the winners were: 1st Darra Murphy as Darren Clark, 2nd Caoimhe Whelan as The Queen, 3rd Ciara Murphy as Katie Taylor.
Under 9 contestants were Hayley VandenBerg as Bell, Pearse Downey as Green Power Ranger, Kyah Gonnelly as A Belly Dancer, Callum Harrington as A Soldier, Olivia Harrington as A Witch and Aidan Harrington as A Pirate. The winners were: 1st Sarah Kelly as Imelda May, 2nd Donagh Murphy as Rory MciIroy, 3rd Mickey Orpen as Bob Barrack,
The groups were Ailbhe and Muireann Lynch as Spanish Senioritas, Abbie and Conall Kane with Lauryn and Evelyn as The Royals Riches to Rags; Reo, Orla and Ciara were the Pyjama Group, Hannah and Mollie were Captain Hook and Tinkerbelle, Connor and Pierce were Soccer Boys, Tyler and Cole Harrington-Sullivan were Postman Pat and Jess, Eve and Lilly were Darren Clarke, AnnMarie, Susan, Michelle, Rebecca, Sorcha and Charly O Neill were The Bridesmaids, Cloe and Julie Orpen were Rás Cyclists. The winners were Kate, Peter, Joe and Shay Gilsenan, dressed as The Greek Bail Out, and runners-up were Sheana and Martie Orpen as Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge.

Summer camp
The Caha Centre are holding an additional three-day summer camp in Adrigole on August 17th, 18th and 19th, from 10am to 2pm daily. Brochures and further information available from 027-6090

Table quiz
Beara Ladies Football Club are holding a table quiz in Jimmy's Bar, Allihies, on this Friday, 12th, at 8pm in aid of club funds.

Also see Glengarriff page for Tim Goulding's exhibition opening, click here

August 9th

On the 6th of August the Spanish state tug Sebastian de Ocampo arrived in Castletownbere with an injured crewman from the Spanish tuna fleet fishing off the south west of Ireland. The ship is 41m in length with a draught 5.2m. The injured crewman was looked after by Southdoc and the ship returned to sea on Sunday morning.

Sebastian

The National Trails Office which is part of the Sports Council installed counters on the stile by Dursey Sound on the Beara Way. The counter was installed on the 15th April and information was downloaded on 27th June. The counter recorded 11,864 people crossed the stile in that period. Beara Tourism were delighted with the results and it shows how popular the Beara Way is, and especially the section by the Dursey Sound overlooking the cable car and Dursey Island.

August 8th

A performance of Alice in Wonderland is to be performed in Derreen Gardens, click here for more

August 5th

THERE was a large congregation present at the Centenary Mass and ceremony on Saturday last, 30th, in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Castletownbere, which was celebrated by Bishop Bill Murphy of Kerry. Other priests on the altar were Canon Gearóid Walsh, PP; Canon Patrick Sheehan, retired; Fr Sean O’Shea, retired, and Fr Martin Sheehan, Adm, Lauragh, while Fr Joe Harrington, SDB, gave the homily. Also present were Canon Paul Willoughby and Miss Maud Levis, Church of Ireland. The singing by the choir was most impressive and devotional.
The Mass ended with a parish 100th anniversary prayer, read by Mairéad Murphy:
‘Lord, Gatherer of all good memories, here in this sacred place of The Sacred Heart Church, Castletownbere. We have come to celebrate a history to gather the memories of many decades. Lord, you have been a companion for each one: every grandfather and grandmother, every student and teacher, every single person, every priest, and religious, every father and mother, brother and sister.
‘You have been the Breath of Life - for everyone who has birthed a child, wedded a lover, or buried a dear one. You have sown the deep seeds of faith in the waters of countless baptisms, kept alive a parish for a hundred years, through the fidelity of those who prayed here, and the generosity of those who served here.
‘While our world is weary and worn with pain, may we take hope and find courage in what we celebrate the strong faith of our ancestors, the friendship of neighbours and relatives, the generous leadership of pastors, the goodness of each one willing to reach out and be there in a time of need. We thank you, Gracious God, for our faith and for this place of worship and community.
‘May we leave here f1lled with hope, knowing that the people of Beara believe in your constant Presence, accept your Grace, share your Love and celebrate your Life with one another. Amen.’

Festival of the Sea
People came from the four corners for the hugely-popular annual Castletownbere Regatta and Festival of the Sea last weekend. The town was a hive of activity as young and old savoured the competitions, but above all the craic associated with this August celebration.
The festival once again confirmed the Beara maritime town as one of Ireland’s most popular boating festivals. The first of the vast armada of boats honed in on Castletownbere from early in the Monday afternoon. A boat race started from the pier at noon and a few hours later they made for a spectacular and colourful sight as they rowed into the inner harbour.
One of the organisers said: ‘We put an awful lot of work into this year’s festival because we know how important it is to Castletownbere. This is one of the events that sustains the tourism industry here in Beara and it’s because of the hard work and enthusiasm of everyone involved that the Festival has grown in stature. It’s one of Ireland’s most unique festivals. It’s based around the whole maritime experience, but there is plenty activity on dry land. The pubs are bustling with people from different parts of the country and beyond swapping stories about boats. And all the time there is music and craic to be had by everyone.’ On Sunday and Monday, huge crowds turned out for the boat races.
The beautiful sunshine over the parts of the weekend, added to the enjoyment of the huge crowds who thronged the town each day and evening. There was a huge entry in the Children’s Fancy Dress Parade, which was held at 2.30pm on Saturday. This was sponsored by Berehaven Credit Union. Later in the afternoon, the ever-popular Fishermen’s Skills competition was held on the Square and, as in other years, attracted huge crowds. On Sunday, the highlight was the annual Fishermen’s Mass and blessing of the boats, which was held at the pier at 12 noon. Also on Sunday, the popular Bonny Baby Competition sponsored by Tina’s Boutique and the Best Dressed Dog Competition sponsored by Brian Murphy (vet) were held on the square. The open air entertainment there over the weekend attracted teenagers and adults alike. Open air dancing on a special platform in front of Twomey’s Ivy Bar proved a huge success and attracted large crowds to take part in and watching the set dancing.
The highlight of the festival was the annual regatta organised by the Castletownbere Rowing Club on the bank holiday Monday in beautiful sunshine.

Rowing success
Castletownbere Rowing Club had another great weekend of winning to add to their 2011 achievements. Sunday last saw the club, along with all the Kerry clubs, travel down south to Ahakista on the north shore of Dunmanus Bay with every single crew they had. The day began miserably weatherwise but ended in glorious sunshine and many a smile as The Town swept the board taking seven first places and three seconds. The coveted ‘Club of the Day’ plaque was also presented to John and Dan, the cornerstones of the club.
Monday morning saw only the Kerry clubs return the favour and travel back over the border once again to Cork shores to Castletownbere. Following the Fisherman's Mass and boat blessing, the day’s events began with the novice boys and girls.
Hoping the weather would hold, the Town once again put every crew to sea. With even three crews alone in the boys’ novice race, the club entered all of its twelve races of the day, rising through the ranks to the exciting ‘return race’ of the senior men. With Castletownbere against the might of all the Kerry crews, battles were fought, sweat was poured and many a new friend made. The Cork-Kerry Rowing Association's main aim has always been to foster friendship through sport and encourage regionalised areas to broaden boundaries. The Town Rowing Club thanked all those who travelled to West Cork from Kerry for a second day and helped make the Castletownbere Regatta and the town’s festival a great success. Next on the agenda is the All-Ireland Coastal Rowing Championshipss in Kilrane, Co Wexford, on Saturday 20th,where the senior crews will take on the cream of the Irish crop and hope to remain victorious.

Fishermen’s Mass
The sunshine on Monday brought out one of the largest crowds ever for the annual Fishermen’s Open Air Mass and blessing of the fishing fleet, which was held at the pier at 12 noon. The boats tied up at the pier were all dressed with flags and bunting and this added to the colourful scene. Mass was celebrated by Canon Gearóid Walsh, PP, Castletownbere, assisted by Fr Sean O’Shea. Also present was Rev Powers, Church of England. Appropriate hymns were rendered by the Castletownbere Choir and the fishermen and their families assisted with the readings and bringing of gifts to the altar. The proceedings were well organised by the local branch of Mná na Mara. Following the Mass, the blessing of the fleet took place. The group with members of Mná na Mara, then boarded the local lifeboat and proceeded to the western entrance to the harbour where, after prayers by the clergymen, a wreath was thrown into the sea in memory of loved ones who were lost at sea. It was a very sombre and beautiful moment. These events were sponsored by Mná na Mara, Castletownbere, who thanked all who helped to make the events a success.

Extended hours
Dursey cable car will have extended opening hours for the next few weeks. Arrangements have been made for the cable car to remain open throughout the day on weekdays for the next six weeks on a pilot basis. The service will now operate continuously between 9am and 5pm weekdays – maximum six passengers per trip. There is a midday break in service on Saturday and two breaks on Sunday. Revised opening hours between now and Friday, September 2nd, are: Monday to Friday, 09.00 to 17.00 and 1900 to 2000; Saturday, 09.00 to 11.00, 14.30 to 17.00 and 19.00 to 20.00; Sunday: 09.00 to 10.30, 13.00 to 14.30, 16.00 to 17.00 and 19.00 to 20.00.

Berehaven Red Cross
Berehaven Red Cross are most grateful to Sue Booth-Forbes, Jennifer Russell, Godrey Offord, Noralene O’Dwyer and all in Anam Cara for their generous contribution towards the purchase of defibrillators. The money presented came from the donations given at the Friday night activities held in the centre over the winter months. Thanks went to all who walked in and donated to the sponsored walk on Saturday, July 16th. A number of defibrillators are in place in the Beara area, but if the proper use is to be made of this excellent facility, it is necessary for more individuals to be trained in their use. Training will be provided in the autumn for all who are interested in learning how to use a defibrillator.

Family Festival
The Garnish Family Festival will be closing this weekend. One of the highlights of the festival will be the talent show on Friday 5th at 9.15pm , which is an annual event that always attracts a large audience and talent by the bucket-load. Up and coming band D Chancers, who will be performing in the community centre on Sunday night. were among the winners of last year’s talent show. All ages and talents are welcome and anticipated, as are locals and visitors alike. The talent show will be preceded by a fancy dress competition at 9pm, again for all ages. Saturday 6th will see a family fun evening, starting at 6pm, with races and novelty events for all ages, as well as a dog show. The festival will culminate on Sunday 7th with the thrilling Garnish car trials for the coveted ‘West Cork Driver of the Year’ award, at 4 p.m. The top 12 drivers will run-off against the clock and as always there will be first and second prize for best-decorated car. D Chancers will be on stage at 9 pm. There will be a bar open throughout with bar extension. Fast food and other refreshments will also be available.

July 31st

Michael Harrington of Kilcatherine near Eyeries and Suzann Leahy of Bantry who were married July 30th at St. Finbarr's Church in Bantry

July 30th

The concert from the Youth Orchestra from Wil in Switzerland received several standing ovations in the Church of the Sacred Heart last Tuesday. The audience was simply delighted with the performance. Thanks went to Canon Gearoid Walsh for facilitating this event. The collection taken up as a contribution to the Church Restoration Fund came to €935.
The Castletownbere Festival of the Sea opens on Saturday – see posters around town for details. A great week is promised with lots of music and fun for people of all ages. Castletownbere looks forward to welcoming many visitors for this great summer celebration.
At 3pm it’s the official opening of the festival with MC Teddy Black. At 3pm there will be net mending, splicing and line throwing in the Square (sponsored by Swan Net Gundry, Twomey’s Bar and Betty O’Shea). At 3pm there’s children’s entertainment in the Square.
On Monday 1st at 1pm sharp, Castletownbere’s annual regatta will be held. Races begin at the head of the pier and categories include men, women, U14, U16, junior, minor and senior gig race (organised by the boat club).
The Annual Fishermen’s Mass will be held on Monday August 1st, at 12 noon in the Auction Hall on the Main Pier, Castletownbere. There will be a blessing of all boats in the harbour including the gigs directly after mass and the RNLI Lifeboat will bring members of Mna na Mara to the harbour’s mouth to lay a wreath in memory of all those lost at sea. All are very welcome.

Church centenary
Bishop Bill Murphy will come to celebrate the Vigil Mass at 7.30pm on this Saturday, July 30th, to mark the Centenary of the Church of the Sacred Heart, Castletownbere. In marking this historic moment in the life of the parish, we are in many respects honouring the memory of our ancestors whose sacrifices provided us with this church as a place of worship to God. Afterwards everybody is invited to share in the light refreshments being served in halls Scoil an Chroi Ro Naofa. It is then that the Bishop will launch the centenery book; it has been compiled specially to mark this historic occasion and includes accounts and photography of various moments and personalities associated with the Church and parish during the past 100 years, with particular emphasis on the missionary endeavour that had their roots here. It will then be on sale for €10 per copy.

Historical outing
The July outing to the Adrigole area, organised by Beara Historical Society on Sunday 17th, again attracted a large number of people. The weather was ideal and the group from Castletownbere met up with another group at the starting point, in Kilmacowen. Here Connie Murphy welcomed everyone and introduced the local guides for the day – Joe Harrington and Joe Kelly. The first stop was Kilmacowen where one of the highest standing stones in Beara is situated. The second stop was at a stone circle in the same area and then on nearby Gowlane where a Wedge Grave was examined. The group then moved to Cahervart, where they were told the story of the monastic settlement. Chairman of the Historical Society, Connie Murphy thanked the two Joes for a most interesting and informative afternoon, which lasted over three hours.

Bere Island news
On Sunday July 31st at 1.30pm the annual mass will be celebrated at the Holy Year Cross. It is hoped that many Beara people will participate at the ceremony. The ferry leaves Castletownbere at 12.30pm.
Bere Island GAA club will hold a monster draw to raise funds for the shortfall that is left after developing the pitch and clubhouse. Tickets can be bought from Murphy’s shop, Murphy’s ferry, The Hotel, Lawrence Cove Lodge and from club members. Bernard Hallahan won the GAA lotto jackpot of €1,340. Next draw will take place in Dessie’s this Friday.
The Bere Island regatta will start on August 2nd and run until Monday the 8th. As usual a full line-up of events will be held to suit all ages. The second camp runs in August from Tuesday 9th until Thursday 11th at the GAA pitch at Rerrin village, from 12pm to 4pm each day. Activities include various sports, arts and crafts, nature and shoreline walks and other fun activities. Cost is €5 per child per day, with discounts for three children or more. Organisers are also looking for volunteers. Contact Bere Island Projects Groups at 027 75099.
On Thursday July 28th, a children’s summer camp will run for ages four to 12 at the GAA pitch, 12pm to 4pm, €5 per day per child, to include arts and crafts, sports and nature walks. Contact 027 75099.
A Play on Words presents O’Sullivan Beara: The Last Gaelic Chieftain, starring Aidan Dooley, at 8pm at The Lecture Theatre, hosted by the Bere Island Theatre Troupe on Tuesday August 2nd.

Late Helen Power
It was with deep regret and sadness, that her family and many friends in Beara learned of the unexpected death of Helen Power of Ballard, Millcove, Castletownbere, at the age of 31. Helen was daughter of Maureen and the late Don Power, Millcove, a well-known family throughout Beara. After reposing at her home on Thursday, her remains were removed to the Church of the Sacred Heart on Friday morning where mass to celebrate her life was celebrated by Canon Gearoid Walsh PP assisted by Fr Jim Lenihan Adm, Allihies, in a packed church.
During the mass, readings were by Helen’s friends Amy and John, and Prayers for the Faithful by her sister-in-law Bernice, cousin Gavin, niece Olivia, cousin Nicole, cousin Anna and sister Jean. Offertory of the Gifts were by Helen’s mother and godmother. The Reflection ‘Death is Nothing At All’ was read by Catherine. Following the mass, there was a huge gathering for the funeral to Droum Cemetery. Helen is survived by her mother Maureen, brother William, sisters Anne Marie, Catherine and Jean, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, and a large number of relations and friends, to whom sympathy is extended.

Garnish Festival
The Garnish Family Festival will run this year from Friday July 29th to Sunday August 7th, with activities to suit all ages and tastes. Aidan Dooley’s acclaimed play O’Sullivan Beara: The Last Gaelic Chieftain will take place on Friday 29th at 8pm. All proceeds will go to the Horizon Project Friendly visiting service for older people. This will be followed by a family treasure hunt on Saturday August 30th.
Beara Historical Society will have a walk and talk about local archaeologically and historically significant events and features on Sunday 31st, followed by screening of local documentaries. Eckie Krupp will perform with Garnish Sound on Tuesday night, 2nd. There will be a bumper bingo bonanza on Wednesday night 3rd. Thursday 4th will be a Poker Night.
There will be a fancy dress competition and talent show on Friday 5th. Saturday August 6th will be a family fun evening, with races and novelty events for all ages, as well as a dog show. The festival will culminate on Sunday 5th with the thrilling Garnish car trials.

July 27th

Festival of the Sea is about to start/ For full details please click here

Allihies events please click here

For Bere Island events please click here

July 22nd

Sharon Shannon performing live on stage in Eyeries Village Hall with Eileen O'Driscoll from Kilcatherine at the Eyeries Festival, which Sharon opened earlier in the evening. Pictures: John Eagle

Please click on the above image of click here to see Eileen playing with Sharon

For more pictures of Eyeries Festival please click here

PROCESSING FISH

Irish ports may benefit from a welcome jobs boost, following meetings between agriculture minster Simon Coveney, Bord Iascaigh Mhara [bim] and the French organisations representing 850 fishing vessels. BIM estimate that for every extra vessel landing its catch here for processing , an average of five jobs will be recreated . Total fishing opportunities in the water around Ireland are valued at 1.2 billion. The Irish fleet’s share of this is 18 percent in volume terms, worth some €200 million . A high proportion of this fish is being caught by French vessels and Ireland could benefit greatly if French vessels landed an increased percentage of their catch in Ireland .The French business groups were very impressed by the port facilities they visited .They responded favourably to the suggestion that they could make huge savings on fuel by processing their catches in Ireland rather than racing back to France with each fresh load .Mr Coveney said The French visitors left with a very clear Massage that Irish ports are open for business .They know that they can grade and process their catch here rather than heading back to France .They were very interested in this concept , and they want to develop mutually beneficial relationships with us. As we speak there are 350 trawlers in Irish waters today. Many of those are French. We want them to use Irish ports and Irish services, and I am hopeful that we can do real business with them. Our first priority is to ensure that the Irish fleet gets a strong share of the catch from Irish waters ,but we also want to also add to the volume of the fish landed around here .Around 1.2m tonnes of are caught here each year ,but only 240,000tons are landed in Irish ports. That is not good enough. The food harvest 2020 strategy shows that shared resourced through strategic initiatives, including other member states, will be central to economic development and today’s talks are a prime example of how this might work ,Local fishermen seem to think that the minister is suffering from déjà vu, as some years back a huge effort was made to process all fish landed here before shipping to Spain and France . Grants were made available and an instructor on processing the fish was employed , as well as over a dozen women Employed to do the work ,The processing of the fish here in Castletownbere never worked .Why it didn’t was never

Explained.

GRAVEYARD MASSES

Graveyard masses will be celebrated at two of Castletownbere’s graveyards In the coming weeks;Finines old graveyard [below the road] on Thursday july the 22nd And at Droum on august 5th .Both masses will be at 730pm.Cemetery masses in Allihies parish,Cluin cemetery on Tuesday july 26th at 8pm and Cathermore on Wednesday

July 27th at 8pm.

PRIESTS ON THE MOVE

The continuing fall in the number of priests has resulted in a further clustering. Of resources in the neighbouring parishes in the Kerry diocese and a cut back. In the number of Beara priests.Fr Eamonn Mulvihill who has been the parish priest. In Eyeries for the past ten and a half years,is moving to Spa,near Listowel ,Co Kerry, and will not be replaced by another pp but Fr Jim Lenihan presently administratorin Allihies which means the Allihies parish will be without any priest . The three priests left in Beara will have to service the churches of Castletownbere,Rossmacowen and Bere Island, Allihies, Cathermore,Adrigole,Eyeries and Ardgroom.This is the first Time in several hundred years that Allihies and Eyeries are left without a parish priest. It means that the four parishes in the Beara deanery with eight churches will be with only Only one canon,Castletownbere ,one parish priest Adrigole and one administrator Eyeries. Parishioners are waiting to see the effects of these changes.Following the 10am Mass at Cathermore church on Sunday last , Paddy Sheehan from Garnish who is a very witty speaker thanked Fr Jim and spoke of his time in the parish and Mary PO’Sullivan from Ballydonegan Alliies, presented Fr Jim with a gift from the parishioners.

The Annual Fisherman's Mass will now be held on Regatta Monday, 1st August, at 12 noon in the Auction Hall on the Main Pier, there will be a blessing of all boats in the harbour including the gigs directly after Mass and the RNLI Lifeboat will bring members of Mna na Mara to the harbours mouth to lay a wreath in memory of all those lost at sea. All are very welcome.

July 20th

Lovely article written about Eyeries, please click here to read

Eyeries Festival coming up this weekend

July 18th

Circus Gerbola

Circus Gerbola will present their new show Musica in Dinish Island from the 25th to 27th July

Show Times

Mon 25th @ 7.30 p.m. only

Tue 26th @ 4.30 p.m. & 7.30 p.m.

Wed 27th @ 5.00 p.m. only.

On Tuesday July 19th a 50-piece youth orchestra from Switzerland will play at Sacred Heart Church Castletownbere at 8.30 p.m.. This should be a very special evening of musical entertainment. A collection will be held on the night to help raise funds for the proposed renovation project for Sacred Hearth Church .

Red Cross

Berehaven Red Cross extended thanks to all who contributed to the recent collection.

Recent Death

It was with deep regret that his many relatives and friends in Beara learned of the death of former County Surgeon for Donegal, Joseph Hanley, who was laid to rest in his adopted Letterkenny. A native of Castletownbere, he was a highly distinguished physician and for many years was based at Letterkenny General Hospital .

Garnish Festival

The 31st annual Garnish Family Festival kicks off on Friday July 29th and will continue until Sunday August 7th, when the popular car rally will be staged. For further details, see posters.

Festival of the Sea

The annual Festival of the Sea will begin in Castletownbere on Friday 29th July and continue until Sunday 7th August. See posters for further details of events.

Please click here to enlarge above pic

An open competition for Amateur Photographers to find the images

that best represents the fun and community spirit found at the

Eyeries, Castletownbere, Bere Island , Garnish and Allihies Summer Festivals.

Eyeries Family Festival - 22thJuly To 25th July 2011

Castletownbere Festival of the Sea - 29th July To 07th August 2011

Bere Island Festival - 2nd August to 7th August 2011

Garnish Family Festival - 5th August To 7th August 2011

Allihies Festival - 10th August To 15th August 2011

Overall Prize awarded for best image in 2 categories Adult (Over 16 years) and Youth (Under 16 Years).

Prizes also for best images from each festival in both categories.

How to Enter:

Take a photograph that best represents Fun and Community Spirit at any one of Beara`s Summer Festivals.

Print your photo minimum size 8" X 10" (20 × 25 cm) and on the back in block capitals print your Name, Address,Telephone no, Category (Adult over 16 or Youth under 16)

and which festival the photo represents.

Submit your image by post or hand to:

Beara Festivals Photo Challenge, C/O Niall Duffy, Berehaven Pharmacy, Main Street, Castletownbere, Beara, Co Cork .

Closing Date: 31st August 2011.

In submitting photographs to this competition the entrant grants to the relevant Beara Festival Committees the right to use, reproduce, adopt, distribute,publish and publicly display the photographs that are the subject of this competition for any purpose in relation to the promotion of future festivals.

More info at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=171155629613711
--
Niall Duffy

Press, PR and Commercial Photographer

Main Street, Castletownbere, Beara, West Cork.
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July 17th