Community Notes Feb 12th
February 08, 2022
100 Years Ago
Capt. Cecil Henry Fox had a distinguished naval career during World War 1. At the beginning of the war, he was the officer commanding The Amphion which was blown up by a German mine. He was knocked unconscious during the explosion but miraculously regained consciousness minutes before the ship went down. After that lucky escape he was appointed to the command of a new light cruiser The Undaunted .and during his command of that ship he performed one of the finest feats of the war. With the help of a few destroyers he brought four German torpedo craft to action off the Dutch coast in October 1914 and sank them all, thus avenging The Amphion. He was also responsible for the sinking of the German mine-layer Konigin Luise while in command of The Faulkner.
He suffered from his nerve shattering experiences during the war, especially his close brush with death during the sinking of The Amphion. He was appointed as commanding officer at the naval base at Davenport and was later decorated for his naval exploits, being promoted to the position of Rear- Admiral.
While the war was raging, he married Eleanora Isabel (Nora) Summerville of Trevor Square, Knightsbridge in a quiet ceremony at St. Paul’s in March 1916. A daughter, Eleanora Patricia (Patsy) Cecil was born two years later.She in later life married Edward Perceval John Westby and they settled in Timoleague. (to be continued)
Active Retirement Group
The restrictions imposed as a result of covid resulted in many groups not functioning as before. One such group was the Timoleague Active Retirement Club. A core group of some 25 to 30 members looked forward to meeting up each second Thursday at the West Wing of the Community Hall, above the Play School. Now that the restrictions have eased, they are back in business. They have their first get together on Thursday Feb.10th and there are many who are rejoicing at meeting up with old friends and neighbours once more. The organising committee of Michael and Pauline Bean together with Marie Norton will be on hand to welcome everybody back after the long break. Guest speakers are booked and outings are planned and no meeting is concluded without a sing song and a cuppa. Please note that the venue is changed from the Community Hall to The Canon Fleming Hall due to the increase in popularity of the Play School. Members and prospective members are asked to assemble at 2.30pm at The Canon Fleming Hall on Thursday. The next meeting will be held on Thursday Feb. 24th. A cead mile failte awaits all.
Trip to Leopardstown
Some twenty local equine supporters of Da Capo Glory left Timoleague on Saturday morning bound for Leopardstown. They hit the south Dublin racecourse to support the Padraig Butler trained horse in the bumper. This prestigious race is a key indicator as to the outcome of the equivalent race at the Cheltenham festival of racing in March each year. Willie Mullins and Gordan Elliott have dominated the Irish race over the last few years with horses such as Kilcruit, Appreciate It, Envoi Allen and Blackbow all in the winner’s enclosure. Despite his odds he was not without a chance. As all seven runners rounded the final bend they were grouped together in the straight as they galloped for the winning post. Facile Vega, the mount of Patrick Mullins hit the front and try as they might none of the others were able to mount a challenge. Another success for the Mullins family and the horse is now 10/11 for the Festival Bumper.That gives an indication of the class field in the race and as the father of the trainer said afterwards, “Beidh lá eile”. All those in the bus agreed that there will be many other and better days.