Community notes June 15th
June 26, 2024
Local Election Success:
John Michael Foley of Timoleague was elected to Cork County Council for the Bandon – Kinsale electoral area on Sunday evening last at the count centre at Clonakilty. When the polling clerk announced the result, a victorious cheer went up from the large group of supporters who were present for the historic occasion. John Michael’s victory was all the more remarkable as he was contesting the election for the first time and he was limited to the coastal area at the western end of the electoral division. The people of the locality strongly endorsed John Michael as they wanted a local man to represent them at the seat of power at County Hall. He received votes in every box in every polling booth which was testament to his popularity among the electorate. The response that he received from the area designated to him by the party was enormous and he and his team are especially thankful to the voters of Barryroe, Counrtmacsherry, Ring, Darrara, Clogagh, Kilbrittain, Ballinspittle and his native Timoleague who ensured that he would be among the six candidates elected for the area.
When the ballot boxes were opened at Mallow on Saturday, the tally figures gave very positive indications that he would secure a seat, but until the actual counting is complete, there is no absolute certainty. The strength of his performance can be gauged by he being the third candidate elected after two independents who were free to canvass the entire electoral area. At a homecoming event at Timoleague on Sunday night, the justifiably proud, newly elected Fine Gael councillor spoke emotionally when thanking, his wife Denise and young family who were hugely supportive and rowed in behind him over the past few weeks. He thanked his large hard- working team who put in such a professional campaign and lastly but by no means least, the electorate who gave him a resounding endorsement. He finished by adding “the real work begins now representing all the people of Bandon-Kinsale”. He is wished well in his new political career as he takes over from retiring councillor John O’Sullivan, who delivered hugely to the area during his long tenure.
Fundraising Launch:
Improvement work on The Green at Timoleague is due to commence after the festival. This long-awaited work will ensure that the area will be fit for purpose on a year round basis. The proceeds of this year’s Harvest Festival will all go towards this project. Grant aid has also been awarded by Cork County Council but there will be a short fall.
An official fundraising launch will take place on Sunday next, June 16th. with a photographic exhibition, coffee morning and raffle in Timoleague Community Hall from 12 noon to 2pm. The last photographic exhibition aroused great interest and many expressed the desire for a similar event into the future. An appeal is now being made to all for local photos with a Timoleague connection to be sent to Sheila Mc Carthy or Cathal Dineen so that they can be part of the exhibition. All originals will be scanned and returned to their owners immediately. The project is deserving of your support and will be of enormous benefit to the entire community. See you at The Hall on Sunday morning.
Golden Jubilee:
Our local priest Fr. John Kingston is celebrating the Golden Jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood this year. He will celebrate a mass to mark the happy occasion for his parishioners and friends at The Church of the Nativity of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Timoleague on Thursday June 27th. There will be refreshments after mass in The Community Hall where people can meet up and chat while enjoying a cuppa and some nice savouries.An open invitation is extended to all to mark Fr. John’s historic half century of priesthood.