Community notes April 4th

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 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 all were well fed, they rested and drank some porter and lemonade, sang songs, recited poetry and danced.

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 but there are people who have to be fed and watered. Local businesses that have been forced to close were offering take-away food for those who wished to avail of their services. Strick social distancing was in operation as per the health guide-lines and the response to this initiative was outstanding.

Delivery Arrangements

Since the introduction of the new guidelines by the government there has been a major change. Our senior residents, especially those over seventy are mandated to cocoon. While that measure may be uncomfortable and may not sit well with many who like a stroll around the village each day, the reality is that cocooning is best practice at the moment, no matter how unacceptable. 

There is a large group of local volunteers ready, willing and able to do the needful for anyone whose movements are restricted. This group is spearheaded by Helen Crowley (086)6066872; Eamonn Barry (086)8518335 and Sheila Mc Carthy (086)8375555. If anyone that is requested to remain indoors needs anything from Foley’s Centra (023)8846839 such as groceries, newspapers- especially The Southern Star, all they need do is ring in their order, contact any of the above and delivery is guaranteed. Harrington’s Pharmacy is also open. Medical supplies can be had by ringing the pharmacy at (023)8846261 and delivery operates in the same manner.

So, to reiterate, there is no need for rambling. Stay indoors if requested. It is for your own good and the greater good. It won’t always be like this. We need the wisdom of our senior people to shape the minds of the younger generation into the future. We will prevail but it has to be a team effort. Up us.

Molaga Tidy Towns

Before the coronavirus, a new map of the area was put in place beside the public toilets. This map, commissioned by the local tidy towns group was drawn by Clonakilty sign designer and painter, Tomas Tuipear. A list of local businesses is featured as well as all places of interest in the greater village area. It was erected in position by local expert joiner, Jeremiah Hurley. It has received much favourable comment and it is hoped that it will enhance the experience of visitors to our village. It is lit up at night so that it can be of use 24/7. The old map was in position for over thirty years and it certainly served its purpose with distinction.