Community notes April 11th

Another Week Down

Another week has passed and the covid- 19 virus continues to take lives not only in Ireland but throughout the world. While the restrictions on movement have certainly controlled its impact, somewhat, the death toll is still frightening high. The results of the curfew will become apparent in the days and weeks to come.

People have taken heed of the restrictions on the whole – there will be always some who will do their own thing no matter what. Timoleague village is quiet and at times deserted. A number of parked cars give evidence of life. Even the dogs seem to be obeying Leo! I am reminded of the words of Oliver Goldsmith in his epic, The Deserted Village when he compares the village in his adulthood with that of his youth. “Dear lovely bowers of innocence and ease, Seats of my youth, when every sport could please, how often have I loitered o’er thy green, where humble happiness endeared each scene.” Now he sees:” Sweet smiling village, loveliest of the lawn, thy sports are fled and all thy charms withdrawn, but now the sounds of population fail, no cheerful murmurs fluctuate in the gale.” I have made no mention of the parson or the village schoolmaster, perhaps I may do so in the future.

While the streets may look deserted, a dedicated body of local volunteers go about their daily tasks quietly and unknown to many. It is they who see to it that those are cocooned are never short of supplies and are fortified with reassuring words of local affairs to help them through the day. Again, to reiterate, this voluntary service is available to all within the greater Timoleague area. All that is required is to make contact with any of the three co-ordinators Sheila Mc Carthy at (086) 8375555; Eamonn Barry at (086)8518335 or Helen Crowley at (086)6066872. They will see to it that any requests that people may have will be dealt with promptly and with discretion.

Acts of Kindness

While there are many who are going away beyond the limit in relation to helping those in their localities, local well-known restaurant Monk’s Lane supplied hot dinners to over eighty people last week-end. Many in the village, Cregane, Abbeymahon, Ahafore, Lettercollum, Ardmore, Killavarrig, Clogagh, Skeaf, Kilshinehan and Maryborough enjoyed this pleasant surprise. These were delivered to the door by local voluntary couriers. Michelle, Gavin and staff are thanked most sincerely for this generous gesture.

Bereavements

While it is not pleasant to read out the death notices at the best of times and so sad if it is of someone who was known to you, the death notices now under the present circumstances are heart-breaking to read. We in Ireland are good at funerals and with grieving. Our tradition of community at times of sadness is a great help to those who are grieving for loved ones. How often do we hear “He/She got a great send off.”

This very important part of the grieving process is sadly no longer possible due to the present restrictions. This became a reality for me last week as my wife’s uncle, Fr. Fachtna Staunton MHF died in Dublin. Having consulted with the powers that be as to best practice, we drove to the capital. I am no stranger to that road but the journey on this occasion resembled nothing that I had experienced before. The absence of cars and the abundance of trucks was noteworthy. We made Dublin in double quick time. We journeyed to Mount Jerome Crematorium at Harold’s Cross. There were only ten family members present as per the guidelines, suitably positioned, throughout the private ceremony. Fr. Fachtna came from a large family with his surviving sisters and brother unable to be present due to cocooning. This was especially heart-breaking for them. Countless nieces and nephews were also unable to be present. There was no Mill Hill priest at the ceremony as their community in Orwell Road is in lock down. The ceremony was conducted with great dignity by his two nieces, Mary Mc Sweeney and Ann Whooley, with prayers of the faithful by other family members. They all did him proud. An illuminated scene behind the coffin of water flowing through an ivy clad stone bridge reminded us all of Inchybridge. He would have liked that as he knew the place well.

A half hour slot was allocated for the ceremony. It was busy at Mount Jerome on Thursday morning last. As we arrived another family exited the chapel. When we came out another funeral arrived. The coffin was accompanied by three undertakers with no family members present. There were some photographers nearby who were recording and photographing the proceedings for those unable to be present.. As we mingled and chatted from a distance all remarked how sad it was to have no family present.

No doubt those scenes are replicated sadly not only throughout Ireland but also around the world. Strange times indeed. 

Players Keeping their Eye In

As all sporting activity has ground to a halt and playing facilities are under lock and key, the under- age players both male and female of Argideen, Ibane and Kilbrittain/Timoleague camogie are being encouraged by their mentors to practice their skills on their own. All players are being kept informed by phone and What’s App of a great variety of skills in both football and hurling being demonstrated by intercounty players. These are all easy to follow and the young players are extremely determined to be just as good as their idols in relation to the execution of the skills of the game. Keep up the practice and before long you will all be able to show off your new found touches to your proud mentors on the pitch.