Community notes March 28th

Covid 19 -Coronavirus

While some may be fed up with all the information being issued on the airwaves and through social media about covid 19, I’m afraid that you are due no respite any time soon. The advice is to hang in there and be sensible and do what is asked of you by the experts. While none of us like being told what do at the best of times, these certainly are not the best of times. We are now navigating through unchartered waters and nobody has a magic wand to banish this deadly virus from our planet.

We have to place our trust in The World Health Organisation and more locally in our own HSE and Government Departments to guide us all through best practice at this trying time. While the behaviour of many on Sunday last was stupid and selfish, none the less one could sympathise with those who took to the coast line to get out of the house after a week of cabin fever. However, these are extraordinary times and we all have to play our part for the greater good of our locality, our neighbours and our country. Selfish interests have to be put in the back burner for the present no matter how unpleasant that may be.

Last Sunday the situation in Timoleague and Courtmacsherry was not as one would have expected given the advice and warnings from those in authority. Parking was at a premium and resembled a fine week-end in the summer. Many seemed to be on the one wavelength and decided to head out and do some walking along the Timoleague - Courtmacsherry Railway Walkway. Given the numbers this did not stack up as a well thought out idea.

 We are lucky in this country that we do not live in a country such as India where it is virtually impossible to go anywhere without bumping into others due to its density of population. I accompanied by my better half, headed out to Butlerstown to do a loop walk on Sunday last. As we headed out towards Dunworley we had that most beautiful part of the world to our own, gazing out over Dunworley Bay at full tide. The only distraction from absorbing the breath- taking vista was the noise of some lawnmowers and the lowing of cows in fields of lush grass. We met about a half a dozen people along our walk, they on one side of the road and we on the other. One doesn’t have to head for the popular spots at this time to get some recreation and fresh air. Think and plan out your destination and you will be doing everyone a service. 

I heard a learned professor of medicine on the radio recently and he had some stark words of warning for people at this time. We each have to imagine that we have the virus and act accordingly, he remarked. We are like a team and every team is only as good as its weakest link. We can’t afford any weak link at present. We are playing for Ireland. I bet you never thought that you would play for Ireland some day. Now is our time. As we put on the jersey, we need to wear it with pride. That goes without saying. At the end of the day we need to look in the mirror and ask the hard question. Did I do my best today for the cause? Truthful answers only, please. Apologies to all those players that I have asked that same question of, down through the years. They must be blue in the face from it at this stage, but it has never been as relevant as it is now.

After that rant, keep you distance and stay safe.

GAA Affairs

While there is no sport on the playing fields at present with a blanket ban on all intercounty and local activity, the news from on high at local level here in Carbery is that the no championship games in football or hurling will go ahead in April or May. This is in line with a directive from the Cork County Board. Target dates are now set for June 27^th/28^th. but that is dependant on the Leaving Certificate exam and the up to date position with regard to covid 19. When the picture becomes clearer, the Carbery board will consult with clubs with regard to the format that the championship will take with regard to the junior hurling and football championships.

The new championship format due to be introduced in 2021 will not now begin until 2022.

Argideen Rangers club facilities at Our Lady’s Well Community Grounds are closed due to the guidelines issued. 

Weekly lotto enthusiasts are asked to bear with us in these pressing times. We are not going away. The lotto will resume when it is safe to do so.

Local Initiatives

In these unprecedented times, the resolve of people never ceases to amaze. In our Irish tradition, the co-operative spirit was always evident and the Irish word “Meitheal” was frequently used especially in rural areas during busy times especially when harvest time came around. Those were the days before the advent of modern machinery and all the locals in a townland helped each other at threshing time. It was a great social gathering and the whole community joined in. When one neighbour had his work complete, the group moved on to the next to repeat the same work. All helped out, the men doing the hard, physical work, the women engaged in the catering end of affairs and the children having their own little jobs to do. At evening time when the work was done and they were well fed, they all rested and drank some porter and lemonade and sang songs and recited poetry. 

While nothing stays the same and time moves on, that old, noble tradition is now being embraced by a younger generation. There may not be corn to be threshed and stooked, there are people who have to be fed and watered. Local businesses, some of whom have been forced to close are now offering take-away food for those who wish to avail of their services. Strick social distancing is in operation as per the health guide-lines and last week-end the response to this initiative was outstanding. These local businesses deserve our support, now more than ever. If you feel the need for some tasty take-away food, why not contact Monk’s Lane, Dillon’s Restaurant, Foley’s Centra or Pad Joe’s and all your needs will be catered for. A ring ahead to place your order would be advised as you will be given a time at which to call to collect your order. Bon appetite.

Timoleague Post Office and Harrington’s Pharmacy are also open for business.