Community notes September 12th

School Re-Opened

Timoleague National School has re-opened along with all other schools in the state after a long period of closure due to the covid -19 virus. The 183 pupils along with a staff of 14 have reported no problems since their return. It is indeed pleasing to hear that and also it is like old times as the laughter and chatter of the happy pupils dominates the atmosphere during break time in the school yard and in The Green.

Procedures have been put in place for everyone’s safety and it is full steam ahead for the entire school community. They are wished well in these uncertain times but the locals in this neck of the woods are a resilient race. Keep safe everyone.

Sean Lehane RIP

The death of Sean Lehane of Castle Upper has removed from our midst, a member of one of the old established families of the area. Sean had a keen interest in history and he was rightly proud of his family’s long association with the farm at Castle Upper. He often reminded those in conversation with him that the Lehanes originally came to Timoleague from Kealkil, well over 100 years ago. His mother was widowed in her early years and was left to rear six children. She moved to Timoleague and gained employment as a dairywoman. She secured a tenancy on land at Castle Upper and later acquired the farm from The Land Commission. Sean took over the family farm and those who are familiar with the house and farm yard will know full well Sean’s meticulous attention to detail. He kept it spotless – not an easy task in any farm yard!

He married Eileen O’Sullivan of Butlerstown in 1971 and their pride and joy, Jason was born three years later. Sean was a model farmer and he had a particular interest in the continental breed of cattle, Charolais and Simmentals especially. He was a firm believer in doing all his own improvements on the farm. He did however engage his good friend Ned Ahern when there was building work to be done. There was Sean, Ned and the mixer for many years. Jason also had a great interest in farming and on leaving school, joined Sean in running the farm. Sean and Eily suffered a severe blow when Jason was tragically killed in a car accident in 1994. Despite this inexplicable loss they both had great faith and great friends which helped them through their grief.

The simple pleasures in life, like a sing- song – The Bould Thady Quill was one of his favourites and a game of cards became part and parcel of their lives as the years went on. They played cards when John Galvin, Brendan and Joan O’Sullivan and Grace Sheehan were their hosts. Sean had his own stool in the same corner and John Joe and Eily Sexton, Teddy Crowley, Norah Coomey, Paddy and Eily O’Flynn and David Hayes among others would play contentedly, most of the time! These were serious players and any slack play was frowned upon.

Sean was a devoted husband and when Eily was unwell, he adapted naturally to the housekeeping duties and helped nurse her back to health. In his later years when his health began to fail, the roles were reversed. She cared for him to the end in the comfort of their own home.

Due to the government restrictions, his funeral was greatly curtailed. His neighbours, friends and relatives unable to join the family in Timoleague Parish Church, lined the road from his residence and mingled within the church yard and graveyard, observing social distancing, as he was laid to rest in St. Molaga’s Graveyard. Ar dheis De go raibh se.

Ibane Ladies

We have an action- packed month of fixtures ahead for the club!  Keep an eye on our facebook page for results and progress on these.  Some exciting fixtures coming up folks!

- U14 fixture versus Dohenys on Monday 7th September @ 6:30 in Barryroe

- U14 fixture versus Valley Rovers on Wednesday 16th @ 18:30 in

Valley Rovers

- U12 fixture versus Clonakilty on Friday, September 11th at 6:45 in Timoleague

- LGFA Junior County Championship versus Shamrocks- Sunday 13th September at 4pm in Shanbally

- Minor fixture versus Beara on Sunday 20th September @ 11:30 in Timoleague.