Community notes Jan 18th

Medjugorje Pilgrimage

Gerald Madden has organised a 7-day pilgrimage to Medjugorje in May. A flight will depart Cork airport on Saturday, May 24^th. An early booking will guarantee a better price. There will also be a social programme organised as well as a full pilgrimage itinerary. Further information can be had by contacting Gerald at (086) 3666514.

The Late Humphrey Coleman

There was deep sorry felt locally at the death of Humphrey Coleman of Cregane. Humphrey always joked that his birthday was very easy to remember – “all the threes” (3/3/’33). He was born in Tiernanean, Lislevane of farming stock. On his marriage to Paddie O’Neill of Bandon, the young couple lived in Courtmacsherry before moving into their newly build house on a site purchased from the late Dick Smith at the water’s edge at Cregane in the early sixties. He joined the newly established Artificial Insemination Department and gave a lifetime of loyal service to the farming community of the Ibane Peninsula from his base in the creamery yard at Mill Street. All the employees were given a car for their work and some - not Humphrey, it should be noted, fancied themselves as rally drivers long before The West-Cork Rally came into being.

Humphrey was a man of the soil and his large garden was used to the maximum. He prided himself in growing vegetables and potatoes with carrots being a speciality. He supplied all the local butcher shops and even ventured to Bandon and Cork with his produce in a trailer at the back of the car. He also had a keen interest in beekeeping and had many hives in the back garden. On his retirement he continued to serve the farmers of the area by doing milk recording.

He was involved in many local organisations and gave of his time willingly for the betterment of the local community. He took a great interest in the GAA and this was further enhanced by the involvement of his son Michael with successful Timoleague Underage, Abbeymahon  and Argideen Rangers hurling teams which heralded a “re-birth” of the local club. He had a passionate interest in Timoleague Tidy Towns. He was one of the leading lights in the clearing of the old lagoon and duck pond which is located across the road from his house. This led to the establishment of the walkway from Timoleague to Courtmacsherry along the old railway line between the estuary and the public road. It has become a major tourist attraction and is now one of the busiest walkways in the country. He was justifiably proud of that project that has become so popular with the walking fraternity and in latter years was able to view with satisfaction the vast number of walkers using the facility from his front room window. The Tidy Towns Bazaar was a popular fundraising vehicle for many years in Timoleague and Humphrey was a permanent fixture at the vegetable stall at The Community Hall. His was always sold out early such was the demand for his produce. He derived much satisfaction from the continued success of Timoleague in the National Tidy Towns Competition. Humphrey paved the way for this award-winning run.

The esteem in which he was held was demonstrated by the vast numbers who attended his funeral. Sympathy was extended to his wife Paddie, his daughters and son, Maura, Michael, Oonagh and Claire and their extended families. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.