Community notes Dec 25th

Railway Park

A most enjoyable event took place at The Railway Park in Timoleague on Sunday afternoon last. Four illustrative panels outlining the history of the railway in Timoleague were unveiled. Timoleague Tidy Towns received grant funding from Cork County Council for this project. A sub committee consisting of Helen Crowley and Edward Mc Sweeney undertook the research. Photographs were kindly supplied by Donal O’Donovan of Bandon and Maurice McCarthy of Clonakilty, two railway enthusiasts who have a great gra for the Ballinascarthy, Timoleague and Courtmacsherry line.

The erection of the panels on railway sleepers was done by local man, Ger Mc Carthy and all were cloud in their praise of his attention to detail with their placement. Technical assistance was rendered by committee man Michael Bean, while Sean O’Donovan and Edward Mc Sweeney were also on hand. Welcome refreshments were provided by Helen Crowley while the work was being undertaken on Saturday last.

Tidy Towns chairman Donal Barry addressed the gathering on Sunday afternoon at the official dedication. He outlined the history of the concept from beginning to end and thanked all who were responsible for bringing the project to fruition. Edward spoke of the rich history of the railway and remarked that it was indeed fitting that some present had direct family links with the railway in Timoleague dating back to its establishment. The first train came into the station on the 20^th. of December 1890 and the railway played an important part in the development of Timoleague over the years. The network was closed on Good Friday 1961 which happened to fall on the 1^st of April.

Donal O’Donovan did the honours of cutting the ribbon to officially unveil the panels. It was indeed fitting that he should do so as his late father Donie, a Timoleague native worked all his life on the railway and had an encyclopaedic knowledge of its history.A beautiful picture of Donie in full railway uniform is on one of the panels and many of his stories are also included.

Patrick Hennessy of Kilmalooda was also present and he sang “Roll Along Saint Molaga, Roll Along”, a song composed by Mick O’Flynn of Tullymurrihy, affectionately known as Mick, The Poet. Percy French’s composition of “Are You Right There Michael, Are You Right” is probably known by a wider audience but the lyrics of both songs have a lot in common, depicting the somewhat laid-back attitude to life back in the steam age.

When all the official duties were preformed, all retired back to Charlie Madden’s Bar where hostess Sheila Walton, Tidy Towns Secretary, had refreshments on hand.

Mass Times At Christmas

Masses over the Christmas period will be in Timoleague as follows: Christmas Eve mass will be at 7.30pm and on Christmas Day at 11.30am. and on Sunday (St. Stephen’s Day) at 11.30am.

There will be mass at Clogagh on Christmas Eve at 6pm and on Christmas Day ay 10am. and on Sunday (St. Stephen’s Day) at 10am.

Seasons Greetings

I would like to wish all readers of The Southern Star a happy and joyous Christmas but especially those who are dedicated followers of The Timoleague Notes. Nollaig Shonna.