Community notes Aug 31st

Fundraising Event for The Green:

The Green Fundraising Committee in association with Monk’s Lane are pleased to announce that they are hosting a fundraising event at Monk’s Lanre on Friday, September 20^th. Tickets are €90 per person and a limited number are available on a first come, first served basis. There will also be an auction on the night. Those in attendance are asked to wear some green clothing to add to the atmosphere on the night. Those who wish to support this novel event are asked to book on line as soon as possible. A link is available on Facebook on The Timoleague Notice Board, Timoleague Tidy Towns or Argideen Rangers Facebook pages. Early booking is advised.

A little background informationon The Green might be appropriate asthe restoration project is making the headlines since this very worthwhile initiative was announced. The area known locally as The Green occupies a most strategic position in Timoleague. It togetherwith a farm building which were used for housing pigs was put up for auction by Andrew Collins of Abbey Street in the early 1970’s. At the time there was a strong and active Macra na Feirme club in the area. Some far-seeing young club members decided that the village needed a hall and that this site would be a perfect location. Leading officers, Pat Hayes, Dermott O’Driscoll, Micheal O’Mahony, Liam Barry and Peter Long along with others, championed the idea but they had a major difficulty securing the necessary finance from the banks. Peter who worked with local farmer Jackie Deasy of Barryshall told his employer of their plans. He saw merit in it and was all in favour and promised to go guarantor for the club. A public auction was held with Matt O’Sullivan of Clonakilty as auctioneer. It was thought that £1,700 would buy the property. However, as many an auction pans out, the knock down price was £2,700. Jackie paid up and the building together with The Green was bought. Heads were put together and a newly formed community group came up with a novel idea of raising funds and so began The Timoleague Harvest Festival. The first festival was staged from the 24^th. of August to the 2^nd. of September 1973. Tom Kiernan, well known Irish and Lions rugby international, who was a frequent visitor to Courtmacsherry did the honours of officially opening the festival.

The Green prior to its purchase was prone to tidal flooding. In fact, there was a pond in the middle of it and swans often made it their home. During Winter when there might be severe frost, the water would freeze and local youngsters who fancied themselves as champion ice-skaters would spend hours in playful abandon on the frozen surface. Health and safety were a non-issue back then.

Now The Green is to undergo a much-needed face-lift. It is to be drained and the ground surface is to be raised. The perimeter is to be landscaped and the playarea upgraded so that it can be used throughout the year regardless of the weather conditions. This is a most positive project and is deserving of the support of the entire community. We in Timoleague are fortunate to have such a facility in our midst within the boundary of our historic monastic village.