Discover Duhallow Issue 164

Cycling Fever Is Coming To Duhallow

Rás Tailteann Stage 2 To Finish in Banteer

On Thursday 21st May, Stage 2 of this year’s Rás Tailteann will finish in Banteer. This is a great honour for Banteer considering its deep affiliation and history with the race itself.

The Rás is an international cycle race that has been held in Ireland since 1953. It attracts the top Irish amateur riders and offers them to chance to compete against top riders from overseas. The race is run over 5 days and this year will cover 785kms.

Stage 2 promises to be a gruelling stage with the riders covering 182.9kms on the day. The stage starts in Rathmore before heading to Kenmare, Caha Pass, Glengarriff, Gougane Gap before finishing in Banteer. Over the years Banteer men have

occupied the Top 4 positions overall in the Rás: Dillon Corkery 1st 2023 Paidi O’Brien 2nd 2007, Mick Cahill 3rd 1973 Eddie Dunbar 4th 2016. Cycling has a long tradition in Banteer dating back to 1964, when a group of local men including Mick Cahill, Mick Duggan, John O’Sullivan, and Dermot McCarthy came together to form Banteer Cycling Club.

The club had great success over the years but 1973 stands out when Mick Cahill came 1st in Rás Mumhan, 1st in the 100 Mile Road Championships and came 3rd in the Rás.Throughout the 1970s, local cyclists Denis O’Connell and Con Moylan also took part in the Rás.

Duhallow News

Lily Corcoran was one of the many that received her First Holy Communion in St. Patrick’s Church, Millstreet on the day.

Lily is pictured left with her parents Paddy and Jackie, and her brothers Tim and John, and right with Canon John Fitzgerald.

LEFT: Children from Cullen N.S. gave a thumbs up to their First Holy Communion Day at The Church Of The Nativity, Cullen.

ABOVE: Children from Cloghoula N.S. enjoyed their First Holy Communion Day in Ballydaly Church.

Duhallow News

CONT’D FROM COVER

Another local cyclist Richie Cahill took part in 9 Rás over the late 90’s and 00’s and was part of the Kerry team that won the county team prize in 2004. Paidi O’Brien fought a great battle in the 2007 Rás and finished 2nd overall, just 17 seconds behind the overall winner and future multiple world Time-Trial champion Tony Martin from Germany. Paidi took part in 8 Rás from 2004 and on his last one in 2018 it passed through Banteer village. The wheel has definitely come full circle as the stage finish will be close to Paidi’s childhood home this year.

In 2016, Banteer man Eddie Dunbar took part in his only Rás as part of the Irish team. At just 19 years of age, Eddie took a magnificent win on Stage 7 into Baltinglass and went on to finish 4th overall. Following the Rás, Eddie went on to a pro cycling career and in 2024 he won 2 stages of the Vuelta a España.

Eddie is now riding with the Pinarello Q36.5 pro cycling team. Great excitement and drama filled the race in 2023 when Dillon Corkery claimed overall victory in the race.

Following his win on Stage 4, Dillon was in 7th overall going into the final stage. Managing to get away with others from the main bunch he crossed the finish line with enough time to spare to snatch the yellow jersey and the overall win. A homecoming parade followed in Banteer when Dillon brought the yellow jersey and the George Plant Memorial Cup home.

Dillon has been a great ambassador for both the Rás and cycling in general, promoting the sport at every opportunity. He is now a professional cyclist with Team Picnic-PostNL.

Cycling remains very popular locally with the Kanturk O’Leary Stone club lead by Dan Curtin keeping the sport

going and where young local cyclists get their start. In last year’s Rás, another local man Barry Meade took part for the first time with the club. And so, the Banteer tradition with the Rás continues.

The stage finish in Banteer on the 21st of May promises to give the Rás a huge welcome and will be a memorable one for the area. It will be a day not to be missed in Banteer.

Duhallow News

Cullen Pipe Band Hit The Right Notes

With Successful Fundraiser

Cullen Pipe Band had a tremendously successful fundraiser and cake sale on Sunday, May 3rd.

The event received generous support from local businesses; Murphy’s Pharmacy and Supervalu

Boherbue, Centra and Londis Rathmore, Reens Pharmacy, Supervalu and Colemans Centra Millstreet. The local Cullen people came out in great numbers to enjoy the event. The committee wishes to thank everyone for their

support and particularly for all the volunteers that made the event such a success. All proceeds go towards the running of the band.

You can see some of the staff and happy attendees of the event down below.

Duhallow News

Brogeen Bridge Club had a set of games in the Kanturk Rugby Club recently.

At the Bridge Club event; Anne Maria Bourke and Abbie Buckley. Patsy Walsh, President. Sheila Kelleher and Mary Gayer.

A great turnout for The Donoughmore Active Retired Group Tea Dance, held in Donoughmore.

Day Of The Regions

Day Of The Regions

Day of the Regions is a communityfocused umbrella project funded through the LEADER Programme, designed to support local communities in bringing people together through events, celebrations, cultural activities and local initiatives across the IRD Duhallow region. The initiative aims to make it easier and more affordable for communities to organise inclusive events that strengthen community spirit, celebrate local identity and encourage participation at a local level.

Through the project, community groups can access practical event supports for a small rental contribution, including the hire of marquees, gazebos, tables and chairs. These resources can greatly assist local committees in hosting outdoor gatherings, family fun days,

heritage celebrations, festivals, community launches, social events and cultural activities without the significant upfront costs often associated with organising events.

In addition to equipment hire, the Day of the Regions Project can also provide small pots of funding to assist groups with event-related costs such as refreshments, entertainment, printing and signage. This support helps reduce financial barriers for volunteer-led organisations and encourages communities to develop creative and engaging events that appeal to all ages.

The initiative recognises the enormous contribution made by community volunteers throughout the region and seeks to empower local groups to continue creating vibrant, welcoming and connected

communities. By supporting grassroots activities, the project also helps foster social inclusion, community pride and local engagement while encouraging people to come together and celebrate what makes their area unique.

The Day of the Regions Project is funded through the LEADER Programme and administered locally by IRD Duhallow.

Community groups interested in learning more about the fund or enquiring about supports available for upcoming events can contact Louise Bourke at louise.bourke@ irdduhallow.com.

Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainable Development Goals 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

By LOUISE BOURKE

Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) focuses on building resilient infrastructure, supporting sustainable enterprise, and fostering innovation. In a rural context, this is about ensuring that communities, businesses, and individuals have the tools and supports needed to grow, adapt, and remain competitive.

For IRD Duhallow, SDG 9 is embedded across all areas of work through an integrated model of enterprise support, skills development, and community investment. Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is central, with programmes such as SICAP and LEADER, alongside business mentoring and networking initiatives, enabling entrepreneurs to start, scale, and future-proof their businesses. Our Skillnet places a strong emphasis on driving innovation, building leadership capacity, and supporting the adoption of AI and other cutting-edge skills.

A defining feature of IRD Duhallow’s approach is its ability to develop innovative, locally driven solutions in response to identified needs. This is evidenced through the delivery of over 34 different funding programmes, each tailored to address specific economic and social challenges within the region. From employment supports and training initiatives to environmental and community development projects, this diverse programme base reflects a responsive and adaptive organisation that continuously evolves to meet emerging demands.

Innovation is not limited to enterprise. It is also reflected

in how IRD Duhallow supports community development. The Rylane Community Centre project, funded under the Community Centres Investment Fund (CCIF), is a strong example.

This development goes beyond traditional infrastructure—it creates a modern, multi-functional space that can support training, enterprise activity, and community engagement. Such projects demonstrate how strategic investment in infrastructure can unlock new opportunities and strengthen rural resilience.

Community programmes also play a vital role in driving innovation. Initiatives such as Social Farming, Tús, and the Rural Social Scheme provide pathways for individuals to build skills, test new ideas, and engage in meaningful work. These programmes often act as catalysts for personal and community development, supporting inclusion while contributing to the local economy.

A key element of IRD Duhallow’s work under SDG 9 is its role as an advocate and voice for the region. By engaging

with communities, businesses, and stakeholders, the organisation identifies local needs and actively lobbies for appropriate supports and investment. This ensures that rural perspectives are represented in policy and funding decisions, and that solutions are grounded in real, on-the-ground challenges. Infrastructure—both physical and digital—underpins all of this activity. Through targeted investment and a strong focus on digital skills, IRD Duhallow ensures that the region is connected, capable, and ready to embrace future opportunities.

Through this holistic and innovative approach, IRD Duhallow is actively delivering on SDG 9— building resilient communities, supporting enterprise, and shaping a sustainable future for the Duhallow region.

Gig Guide

Bands appearing for open air dancing in 2026 at Laharn Cross, Lombardstown, Mallow (P51N726)

At the Crossroads Dancing 8-10pm Admission Free

Sunday, 31st May Gerome Coakley & Lee Sound

S Sunday, 7th June Eddie Lee

Sunday, 14th June Martin Kearney & Derry Kennedy

Sunday, 21st June Pat Daly

Sunday, 28th June Denis, Christy & Marino Sound

Sunday, 5th July Ger Healy – Singing Jarvey

S Sunday, 12th July Patrick Triggs

S Sunday, 19th July C&M Sound

S Sunday, 26th July Springbox Band

S Sunday, 2nd Aug Glen Flynn

S Sunday, 9th Aug Liam Cantillon

Sunday, 16th Aug TimJoe & Anne

S Sunday, 23rd Aug Billy O’ Brien

Sunday, 30th Aug Peter Lane

Sunday, 6th Sept Ger Donoghue, Valencia Island

If weather is unfavourable, dancing will be in Laharn Heritage Centre, P51FK44 (Approx 1KM from Laharn Cross)

COME AND SUPPORT US TO HELP KEEP THIS TRADITION ALIVE!! For further information please contact: Mary P (087) 690 40 86 or Sheila (087) 9187222

Gig Guide

What’s On In Duhallow

Kanturk

Weekly Newmarket

CYMS Hall

Newmarket Bridge Club

An Chultúrlann

Writers’ Circle

Time: 7:30pm

2nd Wednesday of Every Month

Share your stories, get inspired, and connect with fellow writers.For details, contact 087 640 6705

Rambling House

Time: 8pm

2nd Saturday of Every Month

An evening of traditional storytelling, music, and craic!

Newmarket Dementia Café

Time: 11am – 1pm

1st Thursday of each month. A welcoming place for people with dementia, their family and friends.

Social Dancing

Time: 9pm

Last Friday of Every Month –Dance the night away and meet new people!

Gneeveguilla

SHARE THE BUCKET

Time: 8:30PM, Every Friday Evening

Cost: Tickets €2 each or 3 for €5

Tickets: Are available at Teach Fáilte and can be bought online at https:// tinyurl.com/y2ade5om or in local businesses where you see the Green Share the bucket

Mushera Platform Dancing

May 17th Ballinagree Village

June 24th St John’s Night Mushera

July 26th Mushera

August 23rd Mushera

September 20th Balinagree village

Time: Every Tuesday at 7.30pm All members and newcomers are welcome. Contact Eugene on 086 3247041 for more information.

Taekwando

Time: Mondays at 5pm. Contact Niall on 0831106501 for more information.

Art & Drama Summer Camp with Mike and Bríd

Time: 29th of June to the 3rdof

July 10am to 1pm daily Price: €75 per child

The camp is suitable for 1st to 6th class children.Contact Mike on 0874124741 to book a place.

Julie Nolan School of Irish Dancing

Time: Every Tuesday classes from 4.15 to 7.30. Contact Julie on 086 3516386 for more information.

Catherine O'Reilly Exercise Class

Time: Tuesdays from 10 to 11am

Contact Catherine on 087 6800280 to book your place.

Better Balance Staying Fit For The Future

Time: Tuesdays 11am to 12. with Cork Sports Initiative. Contact Catherine 087 6800280 to book your place.

Music Lessons With John

Time: Thursdays Upstairs in hall. Contact 0872322751 to book

Kanturk Ladies Social Soccer

Time: Wednesdays from 8-9pm Venue: Gurteenard, Kanturk For all ladies 16 years and upwards. Fun, Excersise, Friendship Any queries text Laura at 807 468 1407

Edel

Quinn Hall

Tuesdays

Dancing with Dan: 8 - 10pm. All welcome

Foróige Youth Club: 7- 8.30pm in the Foróige room located at the front of the hall. Young People aged 12-17yrs. New members welcome. Contact 087-2065296

Thursdays

Taekwondo: 6-8pm. New members Welcome.

Sundays

Christian Worship Service: 11am Fountain Gate Christian Church

Temperance Hall

Tuesdays

Kanturk Fly Fishing Club 7 - 9pm. New members welcome.

Wednesdays

Kanturk Flower Club: Meet the first Wednesday of every month at 8pm.

Pilates

Monday, Tuesday & Friday Mornings

KDCC Annual General Meeting 2026

Kanturk and District Community Council held it’s AGM on Monday night April 20th 2026. The 5 re-elected committee members were: Noreen Barry, Donal Mannix, Betty Kiely, Aine O’ Leary and Kate Rusinov. Donal Mannix and Kate Rusinov were appointed as the new company directors and Noreen Barry as the new company secretary.

The committee officer positions weren’t announced on the night, the newly elected committee members are to meet to appoint these.

Grow Mental Health

Meeting in Kanturk

Time: Every Monday at 2pm (Except Bank Holidays)

Venue: Linn Gorm Hall, Kanturk, P51 YC57

Grow is a 12 Step Support Programme for any person coping,and living with stress, anxiety, depression, or any issue in your life, creating worry and concern. The Meetings are small in numbers, free to attend, relaxed, confidential, friendly and anonymous.

Banteer

Banteer Ladies Social Soccer

Time: Every Tuesday 8pm-9pm Venue: Banteer Indoor Astroturf

For all ladies 16+. Fun, Exercise and Friendship. Any queries Text Laura: 087 468 1407

Banteer Underage Soccer Camp

Time: Wed 22nd, Thurs 23rd and Fri 24th July

Millstreet

Clara Loop

IRD Duhallow are currently undertaking improvement works to The Clara Loop. We will endeavour to keep the trail open at all times. We ask all walkers to take caution and personal responsibility for your own safety. If you need any further info please call 029 60633

Castlemagner

Bealtaine Evening Cabaret

The Castlemagner Sinsir Club is delighted to present its Bealtaine Evening Cabaret on Friday, May 22 at 8pm, as part of the annual Bealtaine Festival.

Tureencahill Community Centre Weekly Schedule

Monday:

Yoga 6.45–7.45pm & 8–9pm (Contact Denise: 086 8901234)

Tuesday: Sean Nós Dance (Adults) 7–8pm, 6-week block (Contact Kieran: 085 1731073)

Wednesday: Bridge 1–4pm, Kids Kickboxing 4.30–5.30pm (Maurz: 089 4010475) Kids Set Dancing 6–7pm (Marie: 083 0045432)

Thursday: Monthly Pop-Up Gaeltacht Contact (086 3159744)

Friday:

Active Retired 12.30–2pm Yoga 7–8pm & 8.15–9.15pm (Men only)

(Contact Denise: 086 8901234) Enquiries: 085 8771949 tureencahillcg@gmail.com

Dance Classes with Norella

Time: Every Wednesday @ 8.15pm Venue: Ballydesmond Community Centre.

Admission: €10 pay as you go. Learn to dance the jive, waltz, quickstep, line dancing and more. Great exercise, good fun. No partner needed.

Knocknagree

KNOCKNAGREE LADIES FOOTBALL CLUB

New players from Age 4 to Adult are welcome to our club. There is training available to all ages on Wednesday nights in Knocknagree GAA Pitch. We offer structured training and game time for all players. Please check out our Social Media pages for up to date information on our club which is updated weekly. or please contact our Club Chairperson Catherine on 083 3498778

For Parents

Donoughmore

Parent and Toddler Group

Donoughmore Community Hall Stuake, Co. Cork, P32 FP49

Monday 9.30 - 11.30

Millstreet

Parent and Toddler Group

GAA Hall, Millstreet, Co. Cork

P51V577 Monday 9.30am-12pm Newtownshandrum

Parent and Toddler Group

Community Hall, Newtownshandrum, Charleville. Friday 10am-11am

Newmarket Breastfeeding Support Group

Time: 11.00am to 12.00pm. Venue: Castlecourt, Newmarket, Co. Cork.

Facilitated by PHN. Just drop in or phone 02961500. Breastfeeding mums and expectant mums are welcome.

Freemount Social Dancing

Time: Sundays 3 to 5:30pm

Venue: Freemount Community Centre P56 P893

Admission: €10

Strictly Adults only. Refreshments will be served. For more information: 083 458 9222

Set Dancing in Aubane

Venue: Aubane Community Centre P51 EP49

Time: Every Monday at 9pm

your

‘New Dawn Fades’ - Bealtaine 2026 Launches with

By LENORA KELLY

The IRD Duhallow Annual Dawn Mass saw the gathering of many members from throughout the community at the source of the Blackwater. The 1st of May was a calm and dry early summer morning, with clear skies and the sun rising gently over the landscape as Mass commenced, creating a peaceful and reflective atmosphere for all in attendance.

The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Tom Looney, whose thoughtful words added to the spiritual significance of the occasion. Fr. Looney also blessed water during the ceremony, and everyone who attended received a bottle to take home. To conclude the ceremony Dr. Jim O’Sullivan shared a poem about the Mass Rock priest, written by Fr. Seán Quinlan. The poem reflected the hardships and resilience of faith in earlier times and

was warmly received by the congregation.

Beautiful music was provided by Laura Dunlea, adding greatly to the atmosphere of the morning, while the gentle sound of birdsong from the surrounding countryside acted as a natural accompaniment throughout the ceremony. The event once again highlighted the strong sense of community and tradition that the annual Dawn Mass represents across the Duhallow region.

Following the Mass, the congregation enjoyed tea, coffee, and freshly baked scones provided by DCFS and their fantastic staff, giving attendees an opportunity to gather together and enjoy conversation in the early morning sunshine.

IRD Duhallow wishes to sincerely thank everyone who joined us and

all those who helped organise the event. Special thanks are extended to Fr. Tom Looney for celebrating the Mass, Laura Dunlea for the beautiful music, Dr. Jim O’Sullivan for sharing the poem, and Leo Fitzgerald for streaming the Mass online for those who could not attend in person. The full Mass ceremony can be found on YouTube under the title Dawn Mass at Source of The Blackwater Link to video:

https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ftE-2weTJB4&t=5s

All Photos by Tadhg Curtin

with the Dawn Mass at the Source of the Blackwater

More Than Just Sports Drinks: Why Electrolytes Matter During Busy Times

By MAIREAD O’KEEFFE New Leaf Health Store

When people hear the word “electrolytes,” they often think of runners, gym sessions, or sports recovery. But in reality, electrolytes can be helpful for many of us during busy or demanding times—especially during exam season.

At this time of year across North Cork, students are preparing for Junior Cert, Leaving Cert, and college exams, while many adults are juggling long days, busy schedules, and more time outdoors in the warmer weather. Stress, skipped meals, extra caffeine, and simply not drinking enough water can all leave us feeling tired, foggy, or headachy.

Electrolytes help support hydration and maintain the balance of important minerals like magnesium, potassium, sodium, and calcium in the body. When hydration is off, concentration and energy can suffer too.

We often recommend simple habits first: keeping a water bottle nearby, eating regular nourishing meals, and getting enough rest where possible. Adding an electrolyte powder or tablet to water can also be a useful support, particularly for students studying long hours or anyone feeling run down in the heat.

Magnesium can be another gentle support during stressful periods, helping with relaxation and tiredness, while good nutrition remains the foundation. A

nourishing smoothie, extra protein, or a greens blend like Terranova Life Drink can help support energy levels when routines become hectic.

Sometimes the smallest habits—drinking more water, taking proper breaks, getting outside for fresh air—can make the biggest difference

Millstreet Moments

The final Gramophone presentation of this season took place in Boherbue on Thursday, 7th May. It was Eithne O’Keeffe of Boherbue (standing, 4th from left) who shared a magnificent programme of music and song.

Providing such a professional service at Millstreet’s Green Glens during one of two breaks in the prestigious Rally of the Lakes. Two Service Stops were located at Green Glens on Saturday, 2nd May.

A special greeting from the pilot of the splendid Helicopter as it arrived for the Rally of the Lakes service stop in Green Glens.

Photos by Seán Radley

Paragliding from the summit of Clara Mountain, Millstreet.

Members of the Casey Clan - from Ireland and from the USA were very impressed to experience the spectacular atmosphere of the Rally of the Lakes at Green Glensduring their guided tour of the Millstreet area.

As the Helicopter left Millstreet it passed close to Clara Mountain from which there must have been such a glorious panoramic view of the countryside.

Students photographed with MEP Billy Kelleher, Cllr. Gobnait Moynihan and Michael Healy-Rae. T.D. plus staff members of Millstreet Community School. The morning session involved a Q & A with the Students regarding “Climate Change”.

Millstreet Moments

Dedicated Transition Year Students enthusiastically practising for the upcoming “Dancing Queen - the Musical” which is scheduled to take place at Millstreet Community School on Thursday and Friday, 14th and 15th May with a special morning performance for Primary Schools on Wednesday, 13th May.

Enjoying the special First Holy Communion reception at Millstreet GAA Community Hall on Sunday, 10th May.

Pictured at the superb “This is Your Life” presentation in honour of Michael Fitzgerald at An Cultúrlann, Newmarket on Friday, 8th May 2026. From left: Leo Fitzgerald, MC Hugh O’Brien, Michael Fitzgerald and Michael Junior, grand daughter Shannon.

LEFT: Musician supreme, Liam O’Connor, was one of the special guests honouring Michael.

RIGHT: Special Guests, Family and Friends honouring Michael. Well done Michael, a most deserving accolade for the wonderful work and services you have provided the region over the years

Malin to Mizen Charity Cycle 2026

In May 2026, a group of cyclists from Kiskeam, County Cork and parts of County Kerry will be cycling the length of Ireland to raise funds for Children’s Health Ireland in Crumlin and Marymount University Hospital & Hospice in Cork.

Liam O’Connor, Daire Murphy, 12 other cyclists and support crew will set off from Malin Head on Thursday 28th May and arrive in Mizen Head on Sunday 31st May, covering 620km over the 4 days.

Liam’s involvement in this charity fundraiser is the result of his daughter’s experience at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) in Crumlin. In 2022, when Emily was 4 years old, she was diagnosed with an Atrial Septal Defect. In order to repair the hole in her heart, she underwent open heart surgery at CHI. The exceptional care that Emily received from the dedicated staff in the Children’s Heart Centre was truly amazing throughout her stay. The combined efforts of all of the staff provided remarkable support, not only for Emily herself, but also for her Parents, Anita and Liam. Emily’s family are extremely grateful for the care and support she received. Thankfully, she has fully recovered and is now fit and healthy.

Daire’s Dad, Fergus, passed away in Marymount on March 13th 2025, from a rare aggressive form of appendix cancer. Daire said that the Murphy family were blown away by the exceptional care Fergus received while in Marymount Hospice and how his final days were made as comfortable as possible. “We can’t compliment the staff enough and we will be forever grateful to them as a family for the love and support they showed to us and the compassion, care and empathy they showed to Dad. As a family

we would like to give back to them to support the wide range of services they provide”, continued Daire.

All of the funds raised will be split equally between Children’s Health Ireland in Crumlin and Marymount University Hospital & Hospice in Cork. The cyclists have been out on the roads training since early in the year, despite some bad weather conditions for cycling! The preparations will continue in the coming weeks before they make the journey to Donegal to start the challenge.

The Route:

Day 1: Malin Head, Donegal to Enniskillen, Fermanagh (150km)

Day 2: Enniskillen, Fermanagh to Birr, Offaly (173km)

Day 3: Birr, Offaly to Kiskeam, Cork (161km)

Day 4: Kiskeam, Cork to Mizen Head, Cork (136km)

Liam said all the team were looking forward to the challenge, and they are very grateful for all the support they have received and the generous donations to the online fundraiser. If anyone would like any further information about this event they can contact Daire on 0871436717 or Liam on 0877727439. “We would be very grateful for any support we can get, either through donations, joining in for a leg of the cycle, or cheering us on from the side of the road”, continued Liam.

Support Crew: Anita Sherlock O’Connor, John

Communicating Europe Is Celebrated in Millstreet C.S.

In 2025 IRD Duhallow was delighted to be awarded funding under the Department of Foreign Affairs Communicating Europe Initiative. As party of this project Scoil Mhuire Kanturk, Coláiste Treasa Kanturk, Boherbue Comprehensive, Millstreet Community School, St Mary’s Macroom and Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra in Rathmore participated in activities that highlight how EU policies impact locally and individually. Each workshop delivered by Dr. Brendan O’Keeffe, was specifically designed to involve every student in a bespoke learning experience, covering the national, local, and regional impacts of Ireland’s EU membership.

Following on from these workshops, on the 8th of May, MEP Kathleen Funchion visited Millstreet Community School and was greeted by Deputy Principal Frances Moynihan and TY Coordinator Shane Guerin, along with the 2025-2026 Transition Year Group. The timing of the visit could not have been more apt, with Europe Day falling on Saturday the 9th of May. On this day in 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman delivered a historic speech and plan for deeper cooperation in Europe. This became known as the Schuman Declaration

and it laid the foundations for the European Union we know today. Ms. Funchion delivered a very informative presentation to the very attentive group of TY students present, enabling them to develop a greater understanding of how European policies influence both Ireland and their local communities. The group also heard about the wide range of educational, travel and career opportunities available within the EU. Students enthusiastically took the opportunity to ask insightful and meaningful questions, further enhancing their knowledge of the role of an MEP and the functions of the European Parliament. Ms. Funchion spoke to the group about her own career trajectory, her academic background and the ratio of females in national and EU politics.

Deputy Principal of MCS Ms. Frances Moynihan also addressed the group describing how Millstreet Community School was built in 1973, coinciding with the year that Ireland joined the EEC. Ms. Moynihan described the array of languages spoken by students attending the school. She also spoke of the value that exists in diversity and the inclusive welcome that has been provided by the school to students from around the globe.

CEO of IRD Duhallow Maura Walsh spoke to the group about the impact of over five decades of Irish membership of the European Union, identifying local projects in the Millstreet area that were bought to fruition with the support of EU funds. For over three decades IRD Duhallow has been delivering European funding programmes in the Duhallow area including six successive LEADER programmes, SICAP and a number of other initiatives. Since 1991 an array of initiatives benefiting and developing the local rural area have been undertaken, addressing economic, social and environmental concerns.

As this current Communicating Europe Initiative draws to a close, IRD Duhallow would sincerely like to thank all participating students for their wholehearted engagement and active involvement with the Communicating Europe Initiative. We also thank teachers Katie Cahill Scoil Mhuire Kanturk, Anne Marie Griffin Coláiste Treasa, Cora Dunne Boherbue Comprehensive, Shane Guerin Millstreet Community School, Miriam O’Regan Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra and their respective colleagues for their support in delivering the workshops.

Crossword sponsored by Duhallow Community Food Services

Across

1. Perspicacious (9)

6. Egg-shaped object (5)

7. Vacuous (5)

9. The night before (3)

10. Display of bad temper (7)

11. Get (7)

14. Large antelope (3)

16. Musical drama (5)

17. Melodies (5)

18. Rife (9)

Down

1. Range (5)

2. Monstrous (9)

3. Trainee (5)

4. Vegetable (5)

5. Cherished desire (5)

8. Hubris (9)

11. Fragrance (5)

12. Picture (5)

13. Minor actor in a crowd scene (5)

15. Distressed (5)

Solution: Issue 163, May 1st 2026

Complete the crossword and post with your name and contact details to:

Discover Duhallow Puzzle Competition, James O’Keeffe Institute Newmarket, Co. Cork

Or simply scan completed puzzle or take a snap with your phone email to discoverduhallow@irdduhallow.com

Terms & Conditions:

Deadline for submissions is noon on Friday, May 22nd, 2026.

First correct entry drawn will win a €20 voucher, valid for three months from date of issue, to be redeemed for food at the Duhallow Community Food Services. No cash alternative. Winner will be named in subsequent issue of Discover Duhallow. One entry per person. No correspondence will be entered into. Voucher to be collected from Duhallow Community Food Services, Newmarket.

Congratulations to Marcella Dillon, Banteer who wins a €20 voucher for Duhallow Community Food Services!

Saint Elena Guerra –Apostle of The Holy Spirit

By TOM DENNEHY

As we journey towards Pentecost which we celebrate this year on May 24th, we can look for inspiration to one great saint who gave her life promoting devotion to The Holy Spirit.

She was Saint Elena Guerra, an Italian Nun, who dedicated her life to urging Catholics to rediscover The Holy Spirit whom she called the “forgotten person” of The Trinity.

She was born into a wealthy aristocratic family in Lucca in 1835 and was one of six children. In her childhood she was known to be talented but timid in nature. She first worked with the Vincentians caring for the poor and the sick. She was struck down with illness in 1853 and as a result was unable to leave her home for eight years. During this time she studied Scripture and the lives of the saints. In 1866 she established a lay association dedicated to the education of girls, under the patronage of the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and the patroness of Lucca, St. Zita. One of her students was St.Gemma Galgani who took great inspiration from her teachings.

During a spiritual retreat in 1872, Elena had a mystical experience that would define her charism. While praying before the Blessed Sacrament, she felt a living presence of The Holy Spirit which filled her with light and love. In that moment, she understood that her mission was to promote a renewed devotion to The Holy Spirit, reminding the faithful that the advocate promised by Jesus continues to act today with the same force as Pentecost. This revelation was imprinted on

her soul so intensely that from then on Elena never ceased to write and speak about The Holy Spirit whom she called the divine forgotten one.

With this certainty in her heart, Elena gathered a group of women who shared her educational ideal and her devotion to The Holy Spirit. Together they began to live in community dedicating themselves to prayer and teaching. This was the seed which would later become the congregation of the Oblate of the Holy Spirit. The Charism of this community was defined from the start to promote devotion to The Holy Spirit and form young women in the Catholic faith so that they would become agents of renewal in the world.

St. Elena was convinced that the Church needed to rediscover the presence and action of The Holy Spirit to experience genuine renewal. She began to write letters to numerous bishops and committed lay people, urging them to promote devotion to The Holy Spirit. Her writings reminded readers of the centrality of The Holy Spirit in Christian life and the need to invoke Him constantly for the renewal of the Church and the world. We must not forget that she wrote that the Church was born at Pentecost and only through The Holy Spirit can it remain young and

fruitful.

Her correspondence with Pope Leo XIII:

St. Elena wrote 12 letters to Pope Leo XIII between 1885 and 1903 urging him to encourage all Catholics to call upon The Holy Spirit in prayer. The Pope heeded her request and published three documents on The Holy Spirit leading up to Pentecost in 1895 and he published his encyclical on The Holy Spirit in 1897 and declared the year 1991 as a year devoted to The Holy Spirit. During her correspondence with the Pope, she composed prayers, including a Holy Spirit Chaplet and a nine day novena.

Pope John XX111 and St. Elena were closely linked through their shared devotion to The Holy Spirit and he viewed her work as essential to the spiritual renewal of the Church. He beatified her on April 26, 1959 officially giving her the title “Apostle of The Holy Spirit.”

The late Pope Francis who was constantly calling on every parish to host Life in The Holy Spirit seminars canonized St. Elena on October 20, 2024.

St. Elena died on Holy Saturday April 11, 1914. Her tomb is located in Lucca. The Oblate sisters of The Holy Spirit, founded by her, continue her mission today in Italy, Cameron, Canada, the Philippines and Rwanda.

Prayer to The Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

We celebrate her feast day on May 23rd.