Community notes Aug 23rd

Harvest Festival

Timoleague Festival was officially opened by local councillor John Michael Foley on Sunday night last. Prior to the official opening there was the Fancy Dress Parade through the street of the village led by the Blarney Brass Band. This year there was an impressive entry for the parade and as the floats past by they were greeted enthusiastically by the large crowd. On the podium at the village centre, chairperson of the festival, Valda Smith welcomed everyone to Timoleague and all the dignitaries who spoke made mention of community and we in Timoleague are blessed with a great sense of community spirit.

Earlier in the evening, there was a most beautiful summer concert at The Church of the Ascension featuring The Munster Mix Chorus from Bandon, The Ballinspittle Comhaltas under 12 Group, recent winners at the All-Ireland Fleadh in Wexford. Vocalist, Ann-Marie O’Brien of Butlerstown gave a wonderful rendition of songs from well-known musicals.

On Friday night A Timoleague Supper Session was held at The Community Hall. This was a first for Timoleague and it was an outstanding success. The hall was beautifully decorated and it look amazing – some remarked that there was no need to refurbish it as it looked stunning! It proved to be a wonderful community evening where neighbours and friends ate and drank socially, further enhancing the area’s great community spirit. The sub-committee that took on the organising of this event deserve great thanks.

As part of Barryroe Co-Op’s centenary celebrations, there was a talk on its history at The Community Hall on Monday night. A packed hall listened attentively to speakers Philip O’Regan, Donal Whooley and Edward Mc Sweeney as they outlined the history of the creamery with particular emphasis on the Timoleague branch and how it enhanced the area both economically and socially. Capable master of ceremonies, John O’Brien, chairman of Barryroe Co-Op saw to it that the event ran like clockwork.

This Week-End

There is a wonderful mix of events planned for the closing week-end of the festival. Mike Denver will sing at The Parish Church on Thursday night.

There is a Street Food Festival on Friday night where stall holders will showcase their food products. This has become a feature of the festival over the past few years and all are eagerly looking forward to it. The ever-popular local band, The Monks will play on the street later in the night.

On Saturday the final of The Kieran Cullinane Cup will be played at The Community Sports Field at Our Lady’s Well. Nutritionist, Dr. Sinead O’Donovan will give a talk “Gut to Glow” in The Educational Garden. There will be an afternoon of Children’s Activities and a Dance Explosion Workshop at the Community Grounds. Highlight of the night will be Music on the Street, featuring the iconic Cork band, The Frank and Walters’.

On Sunday morning, Birdwatch Ireland, West-Cork will give a talk at The Educational Garden and later conduct a bird watching session on the nearby mudflats.

A dog show will take place at The Railway Park in the afternoon and this never fails to entertain. Pa Fitz, who needs no introduction to patrons of the festival will play on the street on Sunday night.

Mc Fadden’s Funfair are in The Village Green during the week and on Monday night they are offering a cut price night to their many customers.