Community notes Oct 14th
October 23, 2023
Timoleague Strike Gold
Timoleague Tidy Towns Association were awarded a gold medal at the National Tidy Towns Awards Ceremony at Croke Park on Friday last. Last year Timoleague received a silver medal and fingers were crossed that an increase in marks might put the village in a strong position to retain silver or move up the ranks to challenge for gold. The atmosphere was fever pitch as the results of the various special awards were being shown on screen. In the County Commended Awards list, Timoleague was listed for Cork West. This list is made up of places that have increased their marks substantially since last year. Hint one. We had moved up the pecking order. We dared to dream. After the announcement of the bronze and silver medal winners, there was no mention of Timoleague. That didn’t matter. We now knew that we would be among the list of gold winners and sure enough, there we were in royal company, among places that we were a little envious of over the years.
We had reached the summit. Dreams can come true. The biggest shock of all was the marks that Timoleague were awarded, an incredible 372, up 14 on last year’s total. In order to put this achievement into prospective, Timoleague are just 4 marks behind Abbeyleix, this year’s overall winner.
And to make it an incredible morning for the village, Timoleague National School were also declared the South-West and Mid-West Regional winners in the national school’s section. A rising tide they say lifts all boats!
The chairperson of Timoleague Tidy Towns, Valerie Burns was present at Croke Park and was in jubilant mood after the results were announced. Also present were Sean O’Donovan and Edward Mc Sweeney. School principal, Mrs. Norma Harte also attended together with 3 pupils, Nyah Burns from 6th. class, Conor Burns of 3rd. class and Saoirse Burns from 2nd class. All present were justifiably proud in what was a historic day in the life of our little hamlet.
All of this success would not have been achieved without the enormous input of the local community and organisations who are always ready, willing and able to do their bit so that Timoleague is now nationally recognised as one of Ireland’s tidiest villages. We must also spare a thought for former stalwarts who lead the charge when it was not as fashionable or rewarding to be involved in Tidy Towns. It is true to say that we, the present generation are standing on the shoulders of community giants who have gone before us. They are no doubt toasting this success from Heaven’s Tidiest Village.
A welcoming party comprising of local committee members were on hand at The Cross when the standard bearers from Croke Park arrived back that night. A bon fire was blazing and all present who were understandably in jubilant mood, raised a glass to celebrate the historic achievement and bask in the enormous “feel good” factor associated with the win.
GAA Lottery Draw
There was no winner of the Argideen Rangers GAA lottery jackpot of €6,950 when the draw was held last Sunday night at Charlie Madden's Bar. The numbers drawn were 9, 18, 19 and 29. Lucky dip winners of €30 each were won by; Patrick O'Driscoll, Abbeymahon; Alan O' Leary, Carhue; Val & Stuart Burns, Ballycatten; David and Mary Madden, Main St. and Richard Smith.
Next week’s draw will take place at The Brewery Bar on Sunday night at 9pm when the jackpot on offer will be €7,250. Tickets at €2 each or 3 for €5 can be bought at Foley’s Centra, Timoleague Post-Office, Pad Joe’s Bar, Monk’s Lane, Charlie Madden’s Bar, The Brewery Bar or from any club officer. Supporters of the draw are also asked to avail of modern technology by using the club’s on-line link by visiting www.smartlotto.ie where one can avail of the user-friendly website. There is also a link to this site on the club website.
Fun Table Quiz
Timoleague Educational Garden presents a Fun Table Quiz -Biodiversity Themed on Friday night next, Oct. 13th. at Charlie Madden’s Bar. Tables of 4 at €10 per person. There will be prizes for the winners and also a prize for the best team name. Further information can be had by contacting Susan at (086) 3451175 or Val at (089) 4900287.