Community notes Aug 26th

Festival Begins

The 50^th annual Timoleague Harvest Festival was officially opened on Sunday night last. The weather was kind, no doubt the prayers to Our Lady did not go unheeded. The highlight of the night was the Fancy Dress Parade. This most popular event never fails to attract an audience and on Sunday night last, local good judges of attendance capacity commented that the crowds were up on former years. Fancy Dress director, Kevin Collins, like his late father before him, did an amount of work behind the scenes to get a record number of contestants to participate.

At the official opening at the village centre, festival chairman, Sean Deasy welcomed all. He outlined the special significance of this year’s event and thanked those who spearheaded the fledgling event all those years ago. He especially mentioned Noelle Harrington and Pat Hayes who were both on the podium. Noelle was the first secretary and Pat was one of the officers of MacranaFeirme whose brainchild it was to purchase the old piggery and Village Green (then a waste area with a large pond in the centre). Pat was called on to speak and, in his address, he outlined the story behind the purchase of the building and land. More on that fascinating story later. Sean thanked everyone who helped to establish the festival which has gone from strength to strength and is now firmly enshrined as one of the main social events in West-Cork.

Sean then introduced the National President of MacranaFeirme, Limerick woman Elaine Houlihan. Elaine spoke of the vibrant community spirit which was so very evident since her arrival. She outlined the ethos of MacranaFeirme and highlighted the foresight of the members of Timoleague Macra who were to the fore back in 1973. She hoped that Macra would be re-established in Timoleague as there was always a great need for young community leaders to step up and lead from the front for the betterment of their own place.

Sean made a presentation to Elaine and thanked her for attending -her third official function that day! It never ceases to amaze how history has an awful habit of repeating itself and that is exactly what happened at Timoleague on Sunday night last. Back in 1973 at the first festival, the guest of honour was legendary rugby personality, the late Tom Kiernan. On the night Tom had a momentary lapse in concentration, which never happened on the field of play with the number 15 on his back, I might add! He actually forgot to declare the festival officially open at the end of his address. Wind on 50 years and the same thing happens. Sean Deasy, himself a former Macra officer, noticed the error and both he and Elaine skilfully made light of the omission. Elaine rose once more and publicly declared Timoleague Festival officially open to tumultuous applause.

Photographic Exhibition

On Thursday night last there was a reception at The Community Hall for all the locals as a gesture of thanks from the organisers. Those in attendance were treated a montage of photographic images of Timoleague incorporating the social, sporting and commercial life of the village since the early 1900’s. All were captivated by photographs on display, some of personalities long gone but not forgotten. Others say images that they thought never existed and were pleasantly surprised. An undertaking such as this could not have happened without an input from a number of people who have a passionate interest in the preservation of a photographic social history of their own locality. Special thanks are due to Pat and Mary Hayes; Micheal and Phyllis O’Mahony; Gearoid Holland; Bertie Smith; Donal Whooley; Joe Murphy; Liam Barry; Mary G Freyne; Norma Harte and Emmett Harrington.

The organisation and arrangement of the exhibition was overseen by Sheila Mc Carthy and a big thank you is due to Michael Mc Carthy of Auto Installations Ltd. who sponsored the printing and photocopying of material on view.

Such was the interest in the exhibition that there was a repeat showing on Monday night last and it attracted a great crowd once more.

Gospel Choir

The Church of The Ascension was packed to capacity for a recital by The White Horse Gospel Choir from Ballincollig on Monday night last. This musical event was especially appropriate in such a beautiful ecclesiastical setting.

Kieran Cullinane Cup

Well done to the Argideen Rangers U12 hurlers who won the Kieran Cullinane Cup last Saturday in Timoleague after a 3-08 to 2-02 win over Sam Maguires of Dunmanway. Declan Cullinane presented the cup to his grand- daughter and captain, Nyah Burns, on behalf of the Cullinane family before players and supporters had some well- earned refreshments. Some more pictures of the event can be viewed at this link. 

Festival Attractions

The closing week-end of the festival will feature an outdoor food market event featuring a number of local artisan food producers on Friday night. Bingo will be held in the hall and “The Monks” will entertain in the street later

On Saturday there will be an afternoon of Children’s Activities featuring a DJ in Our Lady’s Well Community Grounds beginning at 3pm. Pat Fitz will provide music on the street later that night.

On Sunday afternoon there will be a dog show at Abbeyside starting at 3pm.

 Mc Fadden’s Funfair will have a sensory afternoon beginning at 3pm. Highlight of the night will be The Children’s Fancy Dress which will begin at 7pm. Music on the street will be by “Up to 90”

On Monday to bring the festival to a close, Mc Fadden’s Funfair are offering a cut price night for rides only.