Community notes Dec 3rd

Tidy Towns Report Contd.

The adjudicator’s report on Timoleague continues:

Green Spaces and Landscaping: “The maintenance and improvement of existing open space areas such as the Railway Park have been included under this category together with floral displays, bulb planting and the establishment of the biodiversity garden.

 The adjudicator called to the Railway Park and admired the outstanding level of maintenance and presentation. The use of railway sleepers as a boundary treatment, to enclose seating areas and to provide a structure for park signage, provided a significant connection to the site’s railway past. The signs providing information on the Timoleague Railway were excellently produced. The wonderful views across the site, towards the Argideen river and Courtmacsherry Bay were enjoyed. The use of recycled plastic seating in the park was also

positively noted.

The area of open space located in the vicinity of the Centra Shop has not yet been fully developed. Perhaps in the future, this area might be developed as a ‘Village Park’ for Timoleague, with provision of additional tree planting, pathways, recreational/sport facilities and seating etc.

Nature and Biodiversity in your Locality:  A special project under this category this year includes the erection of ceramic plaques depicting the 13 bird species found around the nearby shoreline and bay. They are beautifully designed and informative for walkers

in the area. A range of very interesting and innovative biodiversity projects in conjunction with the local school, are also included under this category.

St. Molaga is known as the ‘patron Saint of beekeepers’ and is reputed to have been responsible for introducing the honey bee into Ireland. In view of Timoleague’s direct historic association with the Saint, perhaps a project in relation the conservation of bee species or the native Irish honeybee might be considered for next year

under this category? The erection of a piece of sculpture at a prominent location in the village highlighting the loca lassociation with St.Molaga and Bees might be a worthwhile project to consider for the future.

 The biodiversity garden was visited and the facilities provided for the local school children were positively noted here. A concrete block wall has been erected at the entrance near the garden and perhaps this can be replaced with a stone wall, in due course.

 It is good to note that working in collaboration with the National School, Playschool and wider community,

you will now be taking part in the Pollinator Award (2022). We wish you the best of luck with this very worthwhile endeavour!

 The committee will be aware that the New All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP) 2021-2025 has now been launched and it is particularly concerning that one third of bee species in Ireland are now threatened with extinction.As well as this Plan, useful guideline documents are now available to Tidy Towns committees to increase the numbers of pollinators in your local area, including guides which are specific to local communities, farmers, councils,transport corridors, sports clubs, businesses etc. Different ‘How to Guides’ are also available showing how to establish pollinator friendly planting schemes, pollinator friendly roundabouts, use of ‘Managed for Wildlife’ signage etc.”

Sean Hales Centenary Commemoration

A Sean Hales Centenary Commemorationweek-end will be held on Friday Dec. 9^th to Sun. Dec. 11^th. The late Brigadier General and TD was a native of Knocknacurra and was actively involved in the War of Independence. One of his first engagements was as commanding office on the attack on Timoleague RIC Barracks at Main Street in February 1920. In December he was back in Timoleague once more for the destruction of Timoleague House and Castle where members of the Essex Regiment were stationed.He fought at Crossbarry in March 1921 and in June of that year he led a party of volunteers who kidnapped Lord Bandon from his home at Castle Bernard.They also destroyed the stately home.

After the truce he was elected to Dail Eireann in 1921.He spoke passionately during the Treaty Debate which was passed by 64 votes to 57. This in turn led to the dreaded Civil War. Sean was re-elected to the Dail in 1922 as a pro-treaty Sinn Fein TD for the Cork Mid, North, South East and West Constituencies.During the summer of 1922,Brigadier General Sean Hales oversaw National troops as they regained control of West Cork towns and villages. (to be continued)

On Friday night, Dec. 9^th at The Munster Arms Hotel, a lecture on the life of Sean Hales will be delivered by Liz Gillis, noted historian and author of a book on The Hales Brothers. Liz will be joined by Gabriel Doherty of The Department of History at UCC. This event begins at 8pm.

On Saturday there will be a prayer service at Sean Hales grave at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Innishannon at 2pm with mass at 6.30pm at the parish church.

On Sunday there will be an anniversary mass at Ballinadee at 10am followed by a ceremony at The Sean Hales Monument at Bank Place, Bandon at 2pm. with full military presence and an address by a keynote speaker.