GOLEEN & DISTRICT NOTES 05/05/08

Skibbereen School Sports
Lissagriffin National School was well represented at the Skibbereen School Sports by 7 year old James Kelly. The annual event is open to students from all schools in the Rosscarbery to Goleen region. James Kelly came second in the first round of the 80 meters to qualify for the final where he once again put in another fast time to claim the silver medal in the Under 9 event. Immediately after the final James Kelly entered the Under 9 Ball Throwing event. The ground was still wet after the rain and some of the athletes struggled with the slippery conditions, James threw from a standing position and on his second attempt reached 5.73 meters and this proved to be long enough to take the gold medal.

Local School win West Cork title
Lissagriffin NS won the West Cork Mixed Primary Schools Table Tennis Title for the first time. The team consisting of Eoghan Sheehan, Mairead Supple and James Kelly beat Bantry Gael Scoil in the final to end Coppeen NS's run of five years as West Cork Champions.

GOLEEN & DISTRICT NOTES w/c 17/02/08

Death
The Death took place of Liam O Driscoll Lissacaha in St Gabriels hospital Schull on Sunday morning last.. Liam had fought a brave battle after a long illness in the last few years. His comment would be when speaking to his friends "no surrender". His passing has left his family, neighbours and numerous friends greatly saddened. Sympathy is extended to them on their loss.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL 17/02/08
It was down to business for the community council at last week’s monthly meeting. It had been a hectic two previous weeks since the AGM with all sub committees meeting and electing their chairperson and secretary for reporting at monthly meetings. The Chairperson of the services sub committee is Sue Hill and secretary Michael Collins. They discussed the Cork County Development plan. All Cork County councillors had been contacted and a number of them had been met to pass on the concerns that amendments will have to be made to the county development if the people of the Mizen peninsula are to see a population rise in the next 10 years. The Cork county council amenity grant funding was got this year. It amounts to 2500.00 which the Goleen Community council must now match to draw the funding down. We would like to thank the Cork County councillors for their help in this matter. The burnt out car in Dunlough has been catching many the eye of the locals and holiday makers alike. The council will be notified immediately about this burnt out eyesore. "Council Houses why hasn’t it happened?" The community council will put on whatever pressure it takes to get this work started soon. A recap on where we are at in relation to water, sewage, and car parking in the village ,Ballyrisode, and Barley Cove. A new graveyard, public toilets, traffic calming in Lowertown and many more problems were discussed on the night. The Lotto and fundraising sub committee Chairman is Denis O Neill, the secretary is Ellen Scully. Fundraising is going to be a big issue for the new community council with many bills coming in from the building of the community centre yet to be paid. The lotto will start at 10.30 sharp on Saturday nights from now on. This is good news for the pub owners and for all the sellers out there. And anyone interested in buying tickets can do so by asking your local community councillor or a direct debit service can also be set up for anyone who wants it. The festival sub committee chairman is Eamon Sheehan and Secretary is Geraldine Camier; with the bands not booked yet a lot of catching up will have to be done but this committee are already at it and are looking at retaining some of the old but successful events while new ideas are also being looked into for this event that’s gaining more and more popularity each year. The Community field Committee chairman Tom Jermyn and secretary is Owen Kelly. Owen gave a very detailed report on their sub committees meeting and a way forward for the new centre and playing field. A number of new ideas were discussed and acted upon immediately with a meeting organised for the weekend with the youth in the area. Other ideas are being looked in to at present and a progress report will be had for the next meeting. The Community Council Chairman thanked all for the efforts they had made in the past two weeks with some attending 7 meetings in that time to insure the sub committees were in place and reports were ready for the monthly meeting. It shows great commitment out there. One community councillor even flying from Cape Town South Africa on Sunday evening to be in Goleen at his community council meeting on Monday night.. If any one has any ideas whether it is the festival, services, the field, lotto and fundraising please contact the chairman of these committees or any of the community councillors in their area.

LOTTO
There was no winner of this weeks lotto numbers 12,15,28 lucky dip winners 40 euros Donna Hayes Goleen, 20 euros Peggy Dempsey Schull, 20 euros Fr Joe Connemara Galway, 20 euros S. O Connell Little island. Next weeks venue D O Sullivan jackpot 850.00

GOLEEN AND DISTRICT NOTES W/C 4/2/08

NEW COMMUNITY COUNCIL TAKES OVER
It was AGM time again for the Goleen and District Community Council on Monday night last the 28th of January in the Community Centre in Goleen. Geraldine Camier Secretary gave a run down on the year’s happenings. The completion of the community centre was a great achievement she said. Also the publication of the Next Parish America was a great success on the 9th of November. Work has been done on public lighting, road improvements, pier repairs, development plan, water and sewage, and the shuttle bus during the summer which served areas from Dunbeacon Lowertown and all areas through to Crookhaven,; and continues to bring people to the cinema, Bingo, Mass, and the Community Centre. Other problems still remaining are public toilets graveyard space, car parking, though some progress has being made on these issues. The Festival was a great success although the weather could be better as with the local lotto everything hangs on our volunteers, who are our unsung heroes of our community. The Dinner dance was yet again a great success and in conclusion she said that there could be hard economic times ahead. The Treasurer Ellen Scully gave a detailed report on the incoming and outgoings for the financial year. Following that report Community Council chairman Paul O Sullivan said that this was his 6th and final report. He spoke of the great work done by the subcommittees in drawing down grants from all sources, in getting all jobs done such as public lighting, broadband, rural workers scheme, and rural transport which he urged more people to use. He spoke of our successful lotto and festival and he said our jewel of the crown is the community centre. He welcomed our 6 new community councillors and wished them the best. After this Paul answered questions on the recent elections and the recent vote in favour of giving all organisations who use the community centre a two year licence. After this the AGM concluded. A short meeting of the new Community Council took place followed by the election of officers which was presided over by Michael MCcarthy Peace Commissioner. Elected Chairman of the new Community Council was Michael Collins, vice Chairman Vikki Evans, Secretary Geraldine Camier, assistant Secretary Caroline Sheehan, Treasurer Ellen Scully, assistant treasurer Denis O Neill and PRO Pat McCarthy. Michael Collins thanked those present for their support and said that we must continue the good work that has been done for the past 6 years. He spoke highly of his fellow officers and promised to work closely with them and all the community councillors. He welcomed all the new community councillors who were recently elected and stated it was great to see such strong interest in the Goleen community council. The Chairman stated that his fellow community councillors like himself must leave all other organisations they represent outside the door when they come to community council meetings as the people had elected them to do. New sub committees were set in place immediately. Each subcommittee will have a chairperson and a secretary in place for reporting at the monthly meetings. There will be the Lotto and Fundraising sub committee, The Festival sub committee, The Community Field and centre Committee, and the Services Sub committee. Also a Manager was appointed on the night for responsibility of the community centre. A number of issues were discussed following the election of officers and were put on the agenda for the following meeting. The Goleen and District Community Council would like to thank all those who helped out in the recent successful elections, the number of community councillors who spent many hours preparing the process and carrying it out, and those outside the community council who offered and helped out with the process in any way. The name of the new Community councillors are as follows from Toor and Barleycove are Owen Kelly and Bernie Sheehan, from Crookhaven and Ballyvogue Tom Notter and Caroline Sheehan, Goleen Geraldine Camier and Vikki Evans, from Gorthduv and Dunkelly Pat MCcarthy, and Ellen Scully, Enaughter and Ballydevlin Eamon Sheehan and Sue Hill, Toormore and Dunmanus Tom Jermyn and David Venus, Cashelane and Ardravinna Denis O Neill and Tim Barnett, Lowertown and Gunpoint Michael Collins and Joe Croke.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Congratulations to Peggy Sheehan Ballyvogue Goleen who celebrated her 70th birthday in style over the weekend with all her neighbours and friends in the Harbour View hotel Schull. Also congratulations to Denis Ward Colleras who celebrated his 90th birthday with family and friends over the weekend.

GOLEEN ICA
The Goleen ICA will hold there guild meeting on the 13th in the parish hall Goleen. Guest speaker will be Nora Kingston speaking on interior design . Also there will be a painting weekend on the 15th to the 17th of February

DEATH The death took place in St Josephs hospital Bantry of Freda Allen from Toormore Goleen. Freda’s passing brings great sadness to her many friends. She is survived by her sons, daughters, family and friends.

GOLEEN AND DISTRICT NOTES 21/01/08

DEATH
The Death of Marie Supple cast great sadness over the peninsula in the past week. Marie had fought a brave battle for many years with her health since her birth. There was no stone unturned by her family in their effort to give Marie a quality life. Even though that Marie’s passing is heartbreaking and tragic for them, they may have some consolation that no one could have done more for Marie than they have done over the years. Sincere sympathy is extended to Tim, Margaret, and Michael, relatives and friends.

ICA
On Saturday January the 26th there will be a patchwork workshop in the parish hall with Eleanor Calnan for guild members who are interested in doing the guild patchwork competition. This will run from 10.30 to 3pm. There will be a painting weekend in the hall on February the 15th 16th and 17th places are limited so book early with Sheila on 35649. Best of luck to the charades teams taking part in the ICA West Cork Charades in Dunmanway on Monday night next January the 28th

GOLEEN COMMUNITY COUNCIL
At the recent meeting of the Goleen and District Community Council the public draft of the county development plan was discussed. It was stated that if this is adopted by the Cork County Council it will be disastrous for the local peninsulas with little or nothing planned for these areas, only scenic routes. There are up to 800 hundred pages in this draft which can be obtained from the county hall in Cork but it makes for grim reading with little or nothing positive to benefit this area. Page after page of scenic routes for this region that must be protected, Maps showing sac and all sorts of preservations for the Mizen peninsula. The Goleen parish comes in for little or no mention in this 800 hundred page draft. Schull barely comes up for mention and the following lines are indicative of what lies in store for us if this is not rejected by our councillors. It recognises the importance of the role to be played by Clonakilty as the West Cork strategic employment centre to promote its development as a major centre of employment and population, where there is a high standard access to educational and cultural facilities. To recognise the importance of the strategic transport improvement corridor to the development of Clonakilty, the overall economic potential of the west strategic planning area and the facilitation of a balanced economic strategy for the county as a whole; to establish an appropriate balance in the spatial distribution of future population growth so that Bantry, Castletownbere, Dunmanway and Skibbereen can accelerate their rate of growth broadly in line with the North and West Cork strategic plan, and to achieve a critical mass of population to enable them to maximise their potential to attract new investment in employment, services and public transport. Where in this does it mention the Mizen Peninsula or neighbouring Peninsulas? Are we to attract any investment in employment services and public transport? All it states is that it intends to protect and enhance the natural and built heritage assets of Bantry, Castletownbere and Schull from inappropriate development: to facilitate the development of the towns as principle Tourist Attractions. So it looks like these people who have the future of West Cork in their hands want to make sure that the future of the Mizen Peninsula is Tourism in July and August. And after that like the hedgehogs down here we will have to hibernate for the remaining 10 months. If any one thinks that this is the way forward for population growth they would seriously want to come down here to see the real world. The Community Council will be making every effort over the next few weeks to let it be known that this draft can not be accepted in its current form. It is simply selling us down the drain.

GOLEEN GAA
The Goleen GAA club held its AGM on the 19th of January. Officers elected were President Richie Barry, Chairman Joseph Notter, Vice Chairman Eamon Sheehan, Secretary Thomas Notter, Assistant Secretary Donal O Driscoll, Treasurer John Cullinane, P.R.O Dermot Sheehan, registrar Liz Barry. Executive Committee Members Pat Kennedy, Tim Murnane, Kieran Sheehan, Pat Moynihan, and Kieran O Sullivan. Players representative Brian Clarke. Annual Subscription four types of membership of the club - FULL MEMBERSHIP must be over 18years of age who will have full voting rights to take part in the administrative affairs of the club or GAA. Players will have Insurance cover in respect of any injury at any match or training session arranged by the club. Membership fee was set at 40 euros for 2008. YOUTH MEMBERSHIP. Having not reached the age of 18 will not have any voting right. But players will have insurance cover in respect of any injury at any match or any training session arranged by the club membership fee was set at 20 euros for 2008. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP. Must be over 18 years of age who will have full voting right to take part in the administrative affairs of the club or GAA. Having rendered exceptional service to the club shall be exempt from paying the clubs annual fee. SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP. Must be over 18 years of age who does not seek any voting rights or take part in the administration of the club in any way but would wish to support the club and have access to match tickets and be entered in any members draw may hold from time to time. Membership fee was set at 40 euros. Closing date for membership will be the 31st of March 2008. Only members of Goleen GAA club will have access to enter county tickets EG Munster and All Ireland football and hurling tickets, Players pay your membership as soon as possible to avoid any insurance difficulties which may arrise where membership may be in question. Full details to Club registrrar Liz Barry on 028 35251. Teams to be entered for 2008 Minor u- 21 and Junior b football. Timmy Sheehan will manage the minors with Kieran Sheehan in charge the under 21 and junior b squads with the freedom to pick there own selectors. Thomas and Eamon will represent the club at the West Cork board meeting. Further information contact club secretary Thomas Notter on 028 35691 or 086 3567771

LOTTO
There was no winner of this weeks lotto numbers 5-6-21 lucky dip winners 40 euros Jean Collins Kealfadda, 20 euros Alan o Reilly Cloughanakileen, 20 euros Eimear Sheehan Letter ,and 20 euros Hannah McAuliffE, Letter.

GOLEEN AND DISTRICT W/C 6/01/08

DINNER DANCE A GREAT SUCCESS
A great success is the way to sum up this year’s Goleen and District Community Council Dinner dance, which took place in the Harbour View Hotel Schull last Saturday night, where up to 220 people attended from all over the Mizen Peninsula. This year the Community Council were delighted to co fund with the Goleen GAA the cost of the dinner dance tickets for the Goleen Minor team who won the West Cork Championship Final recently. Chairman of the Community Council Paul O ‘Sullivan welcomed all who were with us on the night. He spoke of the work that the Community Council had accomplished in recent times, our community centre, rural transport, broadband, and even bend straightening. just to name but a few of the achievements. To achieve as much as we have done he said there have been many a heated debate and many good times. Paul said that some members were retiring and wished the incoming Community Council the best in the future and he hoped they will get the great support that the outgoing Community Council have got from the public. Paul welcomed the special guest on the night Arran O Driscoll of West Cork Leader who is in charge of the running of the rural workers scheme. This scheme he said has got great work done in the parish over the past few years . Arran spoke highly of the way the Rural Workers Scheme is working in Goleen with every worker putting in the hours and getting some great work done in all areas. She said she looks forward to working with the Community Council in the coming year. Eamon Sheehan spoke on behalf of the Goleen GAA club and welcomed Andrew O Sullivan captain of the Cork under 21 all Ireland winning team. Andrew presented medals to the Goleen Minor winning team who won the West Cork Championship Final recently and to their manager Tim Sheehan . Following this a presentation was made by the remaining members of the Goleen and District Community Council to the retiring members of the community council who were Maureen Newman, Paul O Sullivan, Denis Downey, Joe Hurley, Anthony O Callaghan, and Con O Driscoll. After this Colum Cronin played out hours of enjoyable music with over 100 people on the dance floor at times soaking up the great atmosphere of a very enjoyable night for all who attended.

RURAL TRANSPORT
The West Cork Rural Transport continues to provide a great service to the Community over the past few months both on Tuesdays and Fridays going from Goleen to Bantry and on Thursday night it continues to bring people from the Mizen Peninsula to Goleen for Bingo night. This service is going very well as many are availing of its service on Friday nights leaving Bantry at 6 o clock via Ballydehob, Schull to Goleen Community Center for Table Tennis training, leaving Goleen at 7 o clock via Toormore, Lowertown, Schull, Ballydehob taking people to the Cinema in Bantry from there it brings people to bingo in Durrus and then back to Goleen to collect and bring people to cards from there its brings back those training table tennis then on to Bantry brings back the Cinema people in time when the cards ends to take home the card people. This is a very busy night by any standards. On Saturday night it’s a mass service for those who avail of it. So there is something for everyone with the evening rural bus service. If you would like to travel in this bus at these times you can do so by ringing 027 52727 and book your seat.

LOTTO
Its off to a good start for 2008 as the Lotto was won on Sunday night last by Laura O Driscoll of the Lakelands Goleen with numbers 9-10-18. Well done Laura a deserved winner of the 850 euro jackpot. The Lotto this weekend is in the Lobstor Pot Goleen and the jackpot will be 700.00

GOLEEN AND DISTRICT W/C 26/08/07

MICHAEL GOGGIN’S WIN PUTS GOLEEN ON MAP
On Saturday evening last in Tregaron in Wales Michael Goggin, Cloughanakileen, Goleen rode the horse named Only Still to a famous victory. Watched by viewers on sky TV and on S4C all over the world Michael ran a great race to pull off a remarkable victory and in doing so put Goleen and West Cork on the world stage. His horse was back from 10 to one to 8 to one and must have made a lot of money for the westerners. For a change so many smiling faces all round this week in Goleen. Well done to Michael and his family who put in huge time and effort in the past number of years to the world of horse racing and have many awards won to prove their commitment.

GOLEEN COMMUNITY CENTRE
It was history in the making as the Goleen GAA club hosted the South West Under 21 c Hurling Final in Goleen and the Junior A Football Championship Semi Final in The Community Centre playing pitch on Sunday last. It was a great honour for the club to host both games on a beautiful day for both hurling and football to be played. Eamon Sheehan had all stewards in place and insured that all ran smooth for the day on the playing pitch. In the first match the under 21 c Hurling final with Gabriel rangers playing Saint Colums the game was a tough encounter with both sides giving it their all. But Gabriels pulled away to a great victory in the end. In the second match Mhuintir bhaire played Tadgh MacCarthaigh. The Mhuintir Bhaire side played well throughout and ended up deserved winners and are now through to the final. Well done to all involved.

SCHULL INSHORE RESCUE FUNDRAISER WINNERS
On Saturday evening last in the Harbour View Hotel Schull the Schull Community Inshore Rescue Service held their fundraising draw. A large crowd attended and waited in anticipation to see would they be the winner of the 1st prize the beautiful Subaru Forester or any of the other two prizes. Well the Subaru has made its way to Gloun in Schull as John Carey won the first prize and this smashing car. Congratulations to Kevin and Catherine Kellehar on winning the second prize of one thousand Euros.

DEATH
The Death took place recently of Jerry O Mahoney, Crookhaven, Goleen. Jerry’s passing was met with great sadness by his family and his many friends who enjoyed his company down through the years. The large attendance at his funeral was a true testament of how well thought of he was in this area. Sincere sympathy is extended to his wife, family, and many friends.
The Death took place in Marymount Hospital in Cork of Denis Cotter formely of Barnatoconane Goleen. Sympathy is extended to his family and friends.

LOTTO MANIA
There was a time if you only picked three numbers in your sleep you would win the Goleen and District Community Council lotto. With wins week after week but now with only the same three numbers to pick out of 28 its amazing that it hasn’t being won week after week for the past 21 weeks which has the jackpot up to 4 thousand euros. So get out there, pick the right numbers, and this mouth watering prize money could be yours. Winners of the Lucky dip the past two weeks have been €40 Mary Barry, Toormore, €20 Carmel Supple, Gortnacarriga, €20 Patricia Ross, Ardravinna, and €20 Louise Daly. This week’s numbers 15, 25,28. €40 Tess Leycock ,Cloughanakileen, €20 Brian O’ Leary, Cork, €20 Willie Glackin, Dublin, €20 D Newman, Crookhaven. Next week’s venue is Emma’s , Crookhaven.

GOLEEN AND DISTRICT W/C 20/8/07

LOWERTOWN SMASH FOUR BEYOND O’ MEARAS TO TAKE FESTIVAL SOCCER FINAL
After two weeks of playing some brilliant soccer under all weather conditions Lowertown ran out winners of this year’s festival soccer beating O’Meara’s by four goals to two in an extra time thriller. The game swung both ways with Lowertown scoring two in the first half but O’Meara’s, who had to see off the challenges of O ‘Sullivans of Crookhaven and the Lobster Pot Bar to get to the final, were hungry to win this tournament. They made their way back with two well taken goals to leave it 2 goals each at full time. On a wet evening both sides prepared for extra time but the more hungrier side started to take command with two smashing goals in the first period of extra time. The Lowertown side, who had beaten the Fastnet Bar and the Rosies of Ballydehob, held off all pressure to pull off a memorable victory. The team with 5 O ‘Callaghans playing Dominic, Kieran, Dan, Jer, John, Brian O’ Donovan, Shane Sullivan, Kevin O ‘Sullivan, David Barnet, Michael Collins and Manager Bernard O ‘Sullivan celebrated there victory until the small hours of the morning. This was just one of many events during the festival. As the week progressed the Art Work shop and art Exhibition continuing daily, with under 13 parish league, and pub talent competitions drawing out the crowds during the week. All leading to the main weekend of the festival with Fancy dress competitions, disco, music in the street, The announcement of Lord Mayor on Friday night due to the bad weather took place in the Parish Hall. The winner of the Lord mayor of Goleen contest for 2007 was Declan Hodnett. We are now seeking a sponsor of a Mercedes for Declan’s busy year in office. On to Saturday, where a historical walk by Pat MCcarthy had a large tournout. Then there was judging of the art competitions and on from that was the ever popular children’s sports. This was followed by street entertainment. All leading to the big event of the day a large crowd filled the streets of Goleen to see who would be this year’s winner who was Siobhain Quinn from Kealfadda representing O’ Mearas bar Goleen. On Sunday the main event of the day was the peddle carting competition for under 6, 8, 10, and 12s. The damp conditions did not turn the crowd away as they came in high numbers to see all the races. As this was ongoing the pig roasting and BBQ were ongoing, which was a great attraction for all as the evening got damper and damper. The question was, could the tug o war competition competitions go ahead but nothing could dampen the spirits of those who made the effort to come and the large crowds spilled out of the bars to see just three teams pull. One from Lissigriffin, one from Rathoora, and one team from different areas pulled. With the conditions at the eastern end extremely slippery it looked like the toss of a coin could win this competition but the Rathoora side ran out convincing winners beating the Lissigriffin side. After this, it was more music in the street and this drew to a close this year’s successful festival. The Goleen and District Community Council would like to thank all the volunteers for helping in any way over the past 8 days. You may have cleaned the streets, or stewarded the roadside, or prepared the food and may have not seeing anything going on, but without you there can not be a festival so well done to the unsung heroes of all events.

GOLEEN AND DISTRICT NOTES 23/7/07

COMMUNITY COUNCIL CALL FOR FUNDING FOR COASTAL COMMUNITY WATCH
At the recent meeting of the Goleen and District Community Council a call was made for funding from Government for the set up of coastal Community Watch Groups along our coastline following the recent Drugs haul . It’s obvious that there are not enough Garda resources to man the west Cork coastline and extra resources don’t look like being allocated so if this government is in any way serious in tackling this issue they must immediately put funding in place for training of local people to set up local Community Coastal watch groups. The relevant departments will be contacted to see what resources are available in the setting up of these groups. Their response will be made known to the public and also the departments will be urged to provide a helicopter service based in West Cork to service the West Cork peninsulas. This helicopter service could cover all emergency needs along our coastline and elsewhere if required. It is no good giving lip service to these problems. Those guarding our seas are only chasing fishermen trying to make criminals of them while the real criminals at sea are waving at them while sailing our coastline. So action must be taken by the people on the ground to protect the people of this state.

>SCHULL SHOW
The Annual Schull Agricultural show takes place on Sunday next the 29th July. Last year’s show went beyond all expectations with the large turnout. So this year the committee have even a bigger and better Show on offer. Tere is something to attract the young and old and amongst the many events happening on the day are the many classes representing strong horse breeding traditions in county Cork, Featuring classes from ponies through to hunters brood mares, Connemaras and of course the feathered cobs all will be competing for a variety of cups and prizes from our very generous sponsors. This year there is a new qualifier backed by the West Cork horse breeders cooperative society a progeny (mare /foal) championship. The show will again this year stage the celtic ross irish draft foal championship qualifier . There will be three driving classes open driving, road cart and junior whip. There will be loads of stimulation for gardeners and would be gardeners. And this year for the all the pet lovers in our midst there will be rare fowl, sheep, miniature horses and young farm animals. For dog lovers the fund dog show takes place and this is sure to be a big attraction. The famous Sliabh Luachra Musicians will be back again this year with Bertie Moran to get the feet tapping. With Vintage Machinery, a hog roast, and the hugely popular Schull country market there is something for all at the Schull Agriculture show and you may never know but you may even meet Barney again this year as he may well put in an appearance once again. So the Schull Show Committee look forward to seeing you from noon onwards on this Sunday in the Schull town park grounds .

MIZEN MACRA VINTAGE RUN
On this Saturday the 28th the Mizen Macra are holding a vintage tractor run in aid of the West Cork branch of MS Society and Schull inshore lifeboat. The run will be starting at 9 am from the Altar church Toormore and will be going through Durrus, Bantry, Drimoleague, Skibbereen, Ballydehob, Schull and ending at the Altar church. For further information please contact Bernard O Sullivan on 086 1947835 or Damien Jermyn on 086 8052636.

GOLEEN COMMUNITY PLAYSCHOOL
The Goleen Community playschool are holding a cake sale in the playschool on this Sunday 29th after 12 o ‘clock mass. All donations of home baking would be appreciated.

LOTTO MANIA
As lotto mania hit’s the country there is no difference in Goleen as the jackpot this week will be a whopping 3 thousand euros.Just pick the 3 right numbers and it could be yours. This weeks results were 14, 15, 28. No winner. Lucky dip winners 40 euros Mary Hayes Shountallig, 20 euros Doreen O ‘Driscoll, Castlemehigan 20 euros Marie Johnson Cashelane, and 20 euros Michael O’ Donovan Ballydevlin. GOLEEN+DISTRICT W/C 11/07/04

DEATH
The Death took place at her residance Seafort Schull recently of Mary O’ Mahoney. Mary helped run her family farm down through the years with her family. She will be sadly missed by her husband, sons, and daughter, family neighbours, and friends.

MIZEN MACRA
The Mizen Macra Na Feirme are holding a vintage Tractor run on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday 17th and 18th of July in aid of the West Cork Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland. The Vintage Tractor Convoy will leave the Altar Church in Toormore at 9.00 am on Saturday and travel to Innishannon via Dunmanway. On Sunday 18th they will leave Innishannon and return to the Altar Church at approximately 6.30 pm via Clonakilty. Please support the drivers en route. Contact 028/28205.or 086/8364678 for more details.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL
At the recent Goleen and District Community Council meeting held at the Parish Hall in Goleen the following was discussed. an application was made for more lotto funding for this coming year and it was turned down. a big disappointment to all. The Festival was discussed at length as we are now only a month away from the biggest weekend in the Goleen Calendar [the 13th,14th,15th, of August]. Arrangements are being made for someone to open our festival and with plenty of music and all kinds of activities arranged which will be revealed over the next couple of weeks. The Community Field was discussed and the work is ongoing and is beginning to take shape. All drains have being done and rock broke and used as filling and large amounts of earth in the field are now being levelled and the ground is ready for ploughing.

LOTTO
The Goleen and District Community Council Lotto has been running now for some time and in this much time there have been numerous jackpot winners. This has happened again. In the past 2 weeks is there a luckier lotto in West Cork? or can we now say that it may be the luckiest lotto in Ireland? Lucky it may be but it remains being brilliantly well supported by the people and as the proceeds from the lotto goes back into the Community it is little wonder that its so well supported. These past weeks’ winners have been continued supporters of the lotto and it is them and all of you out there that will continue to get things done in your Community. The winner 2 weeks ago was Bridget Whooley, Goleen. Well done Bridget and this week’s lucky winner was Marie Murnane, Rathoora well done to Marie. Next week’s jackpot if we’re not broke will be 500Euros and the venue will be O’Sullivan’s, Crookhaven

GOLEEN AND DISTRICT W/C 26/05/07

JUBILATION IN GOLEEN AS PJ is BACK IN DAIL EIREANN
There were scenes of major ecstatic jubilation in Goleen and West Cork as news spread from the count centre in Clonakilty on Friday night that Goleen based P J Sheehan had won back his seat in Dail Eireann which was snatched from him 5 years ago. This was the most dramatic victory of all in Ireland as Paddy, a most remarkable man with the nearest parish west of him being New York ,polled a huge 7 thousand 7 hundred and thirty nine first preferences votes. A true testament of the huge work he has done for the people of West Cork in his political career. Friday was a long day for many. The reports from radio were strange to say the least at 10 0 clock with an hour of papers counted they had Paddy in serious trouble as the eastern boxes were being opened. At 11 o’clock the media were writing Paddy’s political end. At 12 they started to open the boxes of the western end of the constituency and the true picture was beginning to be revealed. At one o’clock a reporter interviewing said that it looks like Christy O’Sullivan will head the poll, Jim O’Keefe will be second, with Denis O’Donovan to take the third seat or maybe Paddy Sheehan might. But this reporter was quickly interrupted by one analyst when he said that I think you are wrong. I read it that Paddy Sheehan will take the second seat in Cork South west and they could be a scrap for the third. The mobiles were hopping all day as it was difficult for anyone to get some work done. At five o’clock a Fianna Fail analyst said on national radio of all the victories in Ireland the sweetest will be in Collins’ land in West Cork as Fianna Fail will retain its two seats there. But even the stones on the roadside knew that this analyst was going to have egg on his face as it was beginning to become very clear that Fine Gael would rule supreme in West Cork once again. There were huge celebrations all over West Cork as the count ended and Paddy Sheehan was elected to represent the people of West Cork leaving one reporter stating that Paddy Sheehan has put Goleen back on the map once again. But for the thousands that voted for Paddy many of them are not voting because he was a Fine Gael man, it’s because he has always been a man of the people. His feet have always being on the ground working with the people. He doesn’t get too much media attention. He doesn’t look for it because he is too busy looking after his constituents dealing with their problems. Ask his canvassers over the past 3 to 4 weeks about the huge welcome they got whether it be in Skibbereen, Dunmanway, Drimoleague, Bantry, Beara Peninsuala, Kilcrohane, Durrus, or the Mizen Peninsula, or any of the areas they canvassed. The welcome was incredible. This gave them a true picture that Paddy was looking good for a seat in Dail Eireann once again.The celebration in the villages of West Cork was clearly visible as Paddy made his way through the towns to make his way home to Goleen on friday night. People standing at their doors in the towns to cheer him on as the large cortege made its way west. But once he made Schull they could take no more and the only way to stop this unstoppable man was to erect a fence of pallets which he could not go through. There were dramatic scenes at the Harbour View Hotel in Schull as a large crowd had gathered to celebrate. Paddy spent some time there. After this he made his way up town to the Bunratty Inn Schull where his friends and a large crowd had gathered. From there it was on to Goleen where bomb fires were lit all the way into the village, where a large crowd had gathered in great anticipation of his arrival. He was boarded outside the village in the Ritchie Barry Pope Mobile or PJ Mobile and entered Goleen with scenes of sheer jubilation with young and old shouting and cheering at the top of their voices. When eventually there was order restored Paddy gave a speech and spoke of his delight to be able to represent the people of West Cork in Dail Eireann once again. He said that it did not matter to him who you were or what politics you were but if you had a problem come to him and he would do everything to help you. He summed up by saying that there was free drink for all in the 4 pubs in Goleen and for all to enjoy themselves which was greeted with huge cheers. This was the mother of all parties in Goleen as the town was on fire with delight until the morning on what was an incredible day for West Cork and for Paddy Sheehan, his family, friends, and his thousands of supporters.

JERRY CAREY MEMORIAL WALK SOCIAL
On Friday night 8th June in the parish hall Goleen the handover of the proceeds of the Jerry Carey Memorial walk, which took place recently, will take place. A night of great entertainment will take place and all who walked and who would like to be there on the night are more than welcome to attend. The Jerry Carey walk committee would like to thank all those who have help with them in the running of this year’s event and look forward to meeting you in Goleen on the 8th of June.

CASTLEPOINT PIER LIGHT
There was great delight locally as a public light was erected at Castlepoint pier last week. This was a combined effort with part funding from the Cork County Council, the Goleen and District Community Council Lotto funds, and many local people’s personal donations all joined together to get the public light at this pier. Many people had expressed how dangerous it was in the night for boat owners as the pier was very dark and it was a scramble to make your way from the boat to the pier. We would like to thank Ted Murphy of the Cork County Council who was most helpful in his advice and his cooperation in working with the local Community. Also to Justin Cremin of the ESB who gave his expert advice and as always gave us his full cooperation in the erection of this light; and a big thank you to all in the local community who co- funded this project to bring it to a successful conclusion, proving that if we all will work together we can get things done.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL
On Sunday next the Goleen and District Community Council invite you to their open day of the new Community Centre. Now don’t get it wrong this is not the opening of the Community Centre but an open day where some of the local organizations, services, goods and products that are available in the locality will be on display. There will be entertainment for both children and adults. All are welcome.

GOLEEN AND DISTRICT NOTES W/C 22/05/07

MIZEN HEAD FARMERS FURY
There is an air of anger in the Mizen Peninsula as farmers are now getting their responses from the department of Environment to their objection of the inclusion of a special Protection Area on their lands . In a letter sent by the Department of Environment to a landowner it stated that under the EU birds and Habitats directive, Ireland is obliged to offer SPA the highest level of protection. Following completion of the internal NPWS assessment of the objection, it is determined that the area subject of the objection is integral to the spa and cannot therefore be excluded from the site. Accordingly, the objection is deemed unsuccessful. The letter continues to state that if you were not happy with this decision that you could appeal it to the Nature Conservation Designations appeals advisory Board. This out come is going to anger farmers from the Sheep’s Head through to the Toe Head peninsula as these areas are also included in this spa. But what really angers landowners is that no consultation took place between the land owners and the Department since they received the land owner’s objections. Many are now seriously asking questions as to who owns the land they are working on, is it the department or those who own the farms? There has been no proper form of consultation with landowners on this issue. The Goleen IFA have done everything that is possible to get answers for their farmers. They have looked for a number of answers to questions which need to be addressed before they could recommend to their farmers on a way forward but to date they have got no answers. It is obvious that there are no answers, but only to force these SPA areas on the farmers. Can something be done? Yet the farmers ask will the IFA nationally take this issue up at the highest level or are they going to be silent on the matter. Also other farm groups why are you not coming to the aid of the peninsula farmers? If groups like ye are not going to stand up for the farmer who can. It is an insult to farmers to have forced on them a Special Protection Area instructing them to protect wildlife as they have loved and protected wildlife doing so all of their lives. In an interview with farmers in Castleisland mart on Radio One recently it was remarked that it was only the elderly that were at the Mart on the day. Farmers spoke openly one after one about the major apathy out there in farming today. One of the main reasons they said, was it was over regulated. This has been acknowledged in these notes time after time in relation to the problems that are facing farmers. Some would rather paint a picture that everything is going great and there are no problems out there; but they are those who are out of touch with the grassroots of farming. On the farm plastic collection issue for the Mizen, farmers brace yourself for the long haul as you will be making the 60 mile round trip to Skibbereen to have your farm plastic collected. This collection which will be free of charge will take place on Monday and Tuesday the 11th and 12th in Skibbereen mart yard. Collection will take place in Bantry on the 18th and 19th at Powers waste recycling area in Dunbittern. These dates are subject to change, so check locally for details closer to the date. A major cause for concern for farmers recently is the falling price for cattle in the factory. As there is only a limited number of cattle accepted every week this is causing a major headache for the farmer as there is cattle in feed lots been fed silage and on the other hand the same farmer is cutting this years silage.

SCHULL ANGLING CLUB
The Schull Sea Angling O’Regans Challenge will take place on 3rd June. Sponsors Michael O’Regan. FOR ALL YOU INFORMATION CONTACT Dave on 027 50848 or 086 0668384 before 9pm Thursday preceding the competition date.

GOLEEN AND DISTRICT NOTES W/C 13/05/07

OPENING OF NEW HOTEL A HUGE BOOST TO PENINSULA
Last weekend the Harbour View Hotel Schull opened its doors for business to the public for the first time. This opening is an incredible story from two remarkable Goleen men, Dennie and Jerry Cullinane from Coorlacka Goleen. They left Ireland many years ago like many of their to work in America but returned home to purchase and construct one of the most exciting developments in this peninsula in decades. No one could have imagined the obstacles they have had to climb to in the past number of years with this development. Many would have thrown their hat and walked away but Dennie and Jerry persevered as they had a goal in mind and that was to create jobs for the community while constructing the hotel, which they did, and also jobs for the people of the locality in the hotel when opened. Over the past few years Schull like its neighbouring villages has seen its fair share of closures, no filling station, pub closures, shop closures. The list is endless but these two men have literally cast a net out to save a peninsula which has been slowly slipping away from the Irish map. This community must in turn support this hotel in every way possible for the sake of employment locally and at least in some way to thank those who have given it there very best to give us, the public, a facility to be enjoyed for decades to come. With 30 en suite rooms, fantastic leisure centre and spa, restaurant and bar catering for all events it’s a must for all to see and enjoy.

HOLY COMMUNIONS
Congratulations to all the children in Schull and Goleen and Ovens who made their first Holy Communions on Saturday and Sunday last. On Saturday children from the Goleen parish who received their First Holy Communion in Schull were Sinead Barnett Lowertown, Aisling O’Donovan Leamcon, Bradley O’Regan Castlepoint, and Jason Whitley Toormore. Congratulations is extended also to Cathal Mullins, Ovens, who received his first Holy Communion on Saturday last. And to those children from Goleen and Lissigriffin schools; 10 in total, who made their first Holy Communion on Sunday. They were from Goleen School : Tadgh Cullinane Kilbrown, Cliodhna Cullinane Goleen, Brid Kennedy Dunmanus, Michelle Murnane Rathoora, Mark O’Reilly Goleen and from Lissigriffin school James O’Driscoll Lissigriffin, Ellen O’Driscoll Barleycove, Katie O’Sullivan Crookhaven, Padraig Reidy Barleycove, and Catherine Sheehan Cloughanakileen.

FUNDRAISER
A huge thanks to all those who took part in the recent fundraising event at the Fastnet Bar, Goleen on Sunday 29th April 2007 for Schull Community Hospital. A special thanks to the musicians both young and old, ICA dancers, singers,ticket sellers, those who contributed raffle prizes, and everyone who came along and made the evening a huge success A total sum of 650.00 was raised. This is one of a number of successful fundraisers held in the Fastnet Bar recently for various organisations and thanks is extended to Martin and Bridget Whooley and all who have helped to make them a success.

ELECTION 2007
With less than a week away from polling day these are amongst the many questions that are being asked to the politicians by people from this peninsula. No permanent area Engineer appointed to Schull. When will there be an appointment made as no decisions are being made at present until an area engineer is appointed that will work with community groups in the area. Water/ Sewage in Goleen and Schull, when is anything going to happen. Long awaited council houses in Goleen, when are they going ahead if ever. Planning permissions for our people in this region and why are they being continuously turned down. Is there any hope of the Schull Hospital Extention going ahead. No graveyard space for the dead in Goleen. National School in Schull, overcrowded more portacabins being purchased instead of funding for extra rooms being made available. Some class sizes now are near 40 in this school. No public toilets in Goleen. Major car parking issues in Ballydehob, Schull, Goleen, Ballyrisode, Crookhaven, and Barleycove all to be resolved .Fishermen and the crisis that is being imposed on them. Farmer’s problems rising with inspection after inspection on their farms. Rural publicans and what is being done to protect there livelihoods, These are just a small number of problems that come up meeting after meeting for the past number of years and can no longer be ignored. All we can ask you politicians is to sit up and take notice.

BEACH CLEAN WEEK
National Beach clean week took place recently with local people and the rural social workers playing an active part. Arran O’Driscoll of West Cork Leader with the full team of rural workers coordinated the clean up in conjunction with the Cork County Council in this peninsula. Coastline in Ballydehob, Cadogan strand, Schull Pier, Colla, Crewe, South Lowertown, Toormore, Ballyrisode, Goleen, Barleycove and Crookhaven were all cleaned up with many bags of rubbish found. These have all been taken away by the Cork County Council. Well done to all concerned.

Lotto
There was no winner of this week’s lotto numbers. Lucky dip winners were 40.00 and 20 euros to Joanne Carrigmanus House 20 euros to Mary a Downey Colleras, and 20 Euros to Orla O’Driscoll. Next week’s venue is Emma’s Crookhaven and the Jackpot is 1450.00

GOLEEN AND DISTRICT NOTES W/C 6/5/07

Public Meeting
On Tuesday night 15th May in the parish hall Goleen the West Cork Community Partnership wish to invite interested members of the community in the Mizen Peninsula to a public consultation on future partnership services for the Mizen Peninsula 2008-2013 . West Cork Community Partnership has delivered the local development programme in Bantry since 1996. In this time a wide range of services have been delivered such as development of child care facilities, community development, employment& enterprise services, agriculture, adult education, equality initiatives, youth work, rural transport, elder care and caring Peninsula. The programme will be extended to include the Mizen peninsula from 2008. At this time we wish to meet with members of the community to discuss social issues affecting the Mizen peninsula and the solutions required to address these issues. The outcome of these public consultations will be the development of action plans for services to the peninsula for the period 2008-2013.

Jerry Carey Memorial walk
The Jerry Carey Memorial 25 mile walk took place on Sunday last. This year’s walk was in aid of a dedicated learning support room in the Schull Community College. Up to one hundred people took part in this year’s walk starting at 10.30 outside the West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen. Making its way west looking at very grey skies the walkers were cared for all day long by the hard working stewards. Pat McCarthy, organiser, asked all to observe a minute silence outside the Abbey Graveyard in Skibbereen in memory of Jerry Carey, who is buried there, and also for the late Michael Goddard, who helped steward the walk in previous years and died recently. From there the walkers faced damp conditions but it didn’t dampen their spirits as they walked towards Ballydehob in a fast pace. There they were treated to a huge layout sponsored by Barry O’Brien of the Irish Whip. They then left for Schull as the day worsened with heavy spells of rain but again this did not deter the walkers as there were always fresh supplies available sponsored kindly by Jeremy Brosnan of Schull and Camiers of Goleen and ably distributed by Kenny Oats, who used his van for the day for the cause. The walkers had another break in Martin Healy’s in the Bunratty Schull where they sponsored the lovely layout for the walkers. The walkers got ready for the final 10 miles as the day started to improve. The sun shone out as they came to Toormore as the walkers made their way to the final leg of the walk on into Goleen where there was a huge layout awaiting them in Dennie O’Meara’s, of food and drink sponsored by Dennie, to make a happy end to a successful day. The organisers would like to thank all those who helped out in any way during the day, the stewards who kept the walkers safe all day on the road, those who provided their goods in some way or another, and to those who made the effort and done the walk. A special word of thanks must go to the Irish Red Cross who travelled down from Cork to help us on the day, and to the Guards who helped along the way during the day. The organisers will start collecting the sponsorship cards next week so please have them ready when they will call for them. There will be a social in the parish hall Goleen to hand over the proceeds on Friday night 8th June and all will be welcome.

Community Council
At the recent meeting of the Goleen and District Community Council a number of issues were discussed on the night. High on the agenda was the fact that no there is no Area Engineer in Schull at present, which is hugely critical for this region. How was this allowed to happen was the question on everyones lips. Surely an immediate replacement should be appointed when some one vacates such an important position. It is widely known that it is already costing the Mizen Peninsula the fact that there is no Engineer in place so an immediate response is being sought from the Council, our Td’s and Councillors in relation to this matter. The Community were glad to see the new signposts being put up by the council it was noted. The Bantry Rural Transport was discussed. This has ran successfully over the past number of years. A request for new routes is being considered by the rural transport group at present. Preparations for the Summer Festival are to start soon as time is slipping. But most bands are already booked for our festival immediately after last year. Work on the community centre is ongoing. Table tennis classes have started recently. Outside timber seats are being purchased and erected and are being sponsored by various people. The next monthly meeting of the Goleen and District Community Council will take place on May 14th.

Schull Sea Angling Club
The Schull Sea Angling Club held the Peter Stam Memorial Cup on 6th May. 1st Eddie Clarke, 2nd Bill Daveidson with a specimen greater spotted dogfish. 3rd John O’Connor. On 20th May it’s the Blue Thunder Trophy, sponsor Ian O’Driscoll. Contact David Mullins on 027 50848 0r 086 0668384 before 9.30 pm Thursday preceding that competition.

LOTTO
There was no jackpot winner of this week’s lotto. Numbers 17.19.22 Lucky dip winners 40 Euros Ener Spillatt Crookhaven, 20 Euros Vincent O’Donovan c/o Lobstor Pot, 20 Euros Denis O’Sullivan Schull and 20 Euros Josie O’Donovan Dunbeacon. Next week’s venue D, O’Sullivan. Jackpot 1300.00.

GOLEEN AND DISTRICT W/C 23/04/07

GOLEEN COMMUNITY ALERT
On Monday last the Goleen Community Alert held a meeting to introduce the Caring Peninsuala project. Coordinator Margaret Rowley. Chairman Pat MCcarthy introduced Margaret, who told all present the workings of the Caring Peninsuala project, the visitations to those in the community and the great success it’s been to date in other areas in West Cork. Margaret has already begun the visitations in the locality and has been warmly received by every one she has called on to date . The Caring Peninsuala Project seems set be a huge winner in the Mizen Peninsuala as it has such a wide range of issues it can deal with and help people. The Community Alert groups in Goleen, Schull and Ballydehob areas will be working with Margaret, going with her to introduce Margaret to everyone on her first trip. After this Margaret visits all of the people at a prearranged time with them. If anyone would like to make contact with Margaret they can do so by ringing 086 2144410 or 028 27948

MEMORIAL WALK
The Jerry Carey Memorial walk from Skibereen to Goleen will take place this year on Sunday 6th May. This year’s walk is in aid of a dedicated learning support room at the Schull Community College. Anyone interested in walking or in helping out in any way can do so by contacting the organisers. Telephone numbers Michael Collins 086 3174606, Pat Mccarthy 028 35795, Eamon Sheehan O86 8163878 or Dennie O’Meara 028 35146.

GOLEEN ICA
The annual outing of the Goleen ICA will take place on 3rd May to Middleton .The bus will be leaving Goleen at 9.30 sharp. There are still some seats available. Anyone interested in travelling contact 35494, or 35649 or 35149 immediately. Agreat day of events are lined up and the cost will be 35 euros for members and 40 euros for non members.

SCHULL SEA ANGLING CLUB
Angling starts on 6th May for the Peter Stam Memorial Cup sponsored by Irene Stam Glenbrook Lodge. Anyone interested contact David Mullins on 027 50848 or 086 0668384 before 9.30pm Thursday preceding the competition. On May 20th it will be the Blue Thunder Trophy, sponsor Ian O’Driscoll c/o Blue Thunder Charters. More events will be continuing during the months ahead and will be advertised preceding every event.

GOLEEN TABLE TENNIS
Table tennis classes continue and are a great success in the community centre to date. The schedule for anyone that may be interested will be Sunday 10.00am to 12.00pm.and Monday 3.30 to 5.30 also Fridays 7.00pm - 9.00pm

DEATH
The death took place in St Gabriels Hospital Schull of Paddy O’Donovan Balteen Goleen.Sympathy is extended to Paddy’s family and friends

LOTTO
There was no winner of this weeks lotto. Numbers 2, 13,16. Lucky dip winners will be 40 euros Tess Laycock 20 euros Brendan Goggin 20 euros Sean O’Leary and 20 euros Denis O’Neill. Next week’s jackpot is one thousand euros and the draw will be held in the Lobstor Pot.

GOLEEN AND DISTRICT NOTES W/C 15/04/2007

SKIBBEREEN TO GOLEEN MEMORIAL WALK
On Sunday the 6th May the Annual Jerry Carey Memorial 25 mile walk takes place from Skibbereen to Goleen. This year’s walk is in aid of a Dedicated Learning Support Room at the Schull Community College. At present there is no proper Learning support room in the college and it is the wish of the parents council to raise funds to build a suitable room for the students. The full proceeds of the Jerry Carey Memorial walk will go towards this project this year. The walk takes place on Sunday 6th May starting outside the West Cork Hotel Skibbereen at 10.30. Anyone interested in walking on the day or helping out in any way please contact the following Michael Collins on 086 3174606, Pat Mccarthy 028 35795, Dennie O’ Meara 028 35146 or Eamon Sheehan 086 8163878

DEATH

The death took place in England of Patrick O‘Driscoll formerly of Schull. Sympathy is extended to his family and many friends. The death took place in England of Martha Newman, nee Roycroft, late of Mount Gabriel Schull Sympathy is extended to her family. The untimely death took place in Dublin of Tim Murphy late of Harbour View Schull. Tim’s death at such a young age has shocked the local Community. Sincere sympathy is extended to his mother, brothers, sisters, family and friends

YOUTH 2000
Youth 2000 mass will take place on Saturday 21st April in the Sacred Heart Church Durrus at 8pm. Light Refreshments will be served afterwards. All welcome. Youth 2000 are a group of young people leading other young people back to the heart of the church.

ICA
The Annual outing is on Thursday 3rd May going to Middleton, where there will be a lunch and a tour of the distillery, then on to Mahon Point for some shopping and then on to the Viaduct for Dinner. Price for members 35 euros, non members 40 euros. Bus will leave Goleen at 9.30 am sharp. Anyone interested in going contact Mary Sheehan 35494, Sheila Lucey 35649, or Noreen Hurley 35149 as soon as possible.

LOTTO br> There was no winner of the Lotto Jackpot. Numbers 6, 18, 26. Lucky dip winners 40 euros Eoin Goggin Colleras, 20 euros D Hegarthy, 20 euros Andrew Jepson, and 20 Euros John Prout. Next week’s venue is O ‘Meara’s Goleen and the jackpot is 850.00.

GOLEEN AND DISTRICT NOTES W/C 10/04/07

DISMAY LOCALLY AS AREA ENGINEER DEPARTS
To say that there is dismay in the Mizen Peninsula over the departure of the local area Engineer is nothing short of an understatement it was stated at Monday night’s meeting of the Goleen and District Community Council . When news of his departure was put about over the last few weeks it was thought that it was some kind of an early fools day joke being played on the people of the Mizen Peninsuala. Only a matter of months since the appointment to the Schull office this position now lays empty. Many serious decisions for this region can not be dealt with when there is no local area engineer. A number of honest and straight questions are being asked by a number of community groups in this region and honest straight answers are immediately needed as to why an area engineer was not contracted for a reasonable period of time to get to know the area and work with the local people, Has the department plans to close the local area office? And has this closure started with the departure of the Area Engineer, And if not, is there going to be an immediate replacement of an area engineer for the Schull office to prove that there are no plans to close down this local office.? This is just another serious blow to the Mizen Peninsula. We can’t be expected to sit around for the next few months for minds to be made up. We urgently need an engineer to be appointed to the Schull Office immediately without delay as it will be detrimental to this region if this does not happen. Immediate meetings will be sought with political candidates in the forthcoming elections to seek some answers to this new crisis which this region finds itself in.

CARING PENINSULAS TO BEGIN IN MIZEN AREA
West Cork Community Partnership which delivers targeted social inclusion projects in West Cork is to extend their Caring Peninsulas service to include the Mizen Area. The Caring Peninsulas service is the first of its kind in Ireland, and is tackling one of the most pervasive and invisible problems in modern life, "loneliness". Caring Peninsulas will help and support those who live in isolation in the Community by providing a visitation and telephone service. Community Alert groups and key local people will help identify individuals, who are then approached in a friendly and understanding manner and encouraged to participate in the project. A member of the Community Alert group will then introduce the Caring Peninsulas care visitor to the client. The care visitor will then provide information on entitlements, maintenance grants and rural transport. It will also assist with form filling and provide contact names and telephone numbers for home help and other home needs. The Caring Peninsula service will offer a daily phone call to people who are living alone in isolated or disadvantaged circumstances. This phone call service ensures everyone in the community has access to daily contact outside the home. It also supports clients to address important issues in their lives. West Cork Community Partnership has appointed Margaret Rowley as the care visitor for the Mizen area and Margaret can be contacted at (086) 2144410 or 028 27948 if you would like to arrange a visit or if you would like more information about the service.

CEILE SOCIAL
There will be a social held in the parish hall Goleen to celebrate a very successful year of dancing classes in Goleen. They have now ended another season of their classes and will hold their social on the 20th of April starting at 10 o clock All are welcome.


SCHULL SHOW AGM
On Thursday night next the 19th at 8.30 in the Bunratty Inn the Schull Show Committee will hold their AGM. All are welcome to attend.

LOTTO
It’s gone again. Congratulations to Alice O Driscoll Pier Road Schull, who won the jackpot of 700 hundred euros with numbers 12, 14, 24. So it’s back to the drawing board for the Community Council whose jackpot this week is 700 euros.



GOLEEN AND DISTRICT NOTES W/C 1/ 4 /07

LOWERTOWN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
And then there was light. The Lowertown Development Association successfully drew down Leader funding for lighting of their Replica Village project. These lights were switched on last Saturday night and are very effective. Many thanks to all involved. Also The Lowertown Development Association members would like to thank all who contributed generously over the past few months to their hugely successful fundraiser in aid of their replica village project. This was the first time that this group has done fundraising of this type and were astounded by the response by both locals and holidaymakers, as they proved that they truly are as proud of our heritage as we are. In the next few weeks a list of all who contributed will be published on our notice boards.

Community Council
At the recent meeting of the Goleen and District Community Council which was the first Community Council meeting to take place in the new Community Centre a number of issues were discussed. The Community Council have finalised their review of the county development plan and the issues to be addressed and have made there submission. This has taking a lot of time but it had to be done carefully as the future of the Goleen parish is very dependant on a proper detailed response being made. Also there was a first for the parish as the Lowertown Electoral area made a submission to the Cork County Development for the first time in its history clearly outlining a way forward for this and neighbouring parishes. Water and Sewage are issues of great concern for Goleen and some progress was reported at this meeting in relation to Goleen water. Also in the past month a submission was made to the committee of the rural transport on ways to making what is a great service even a little better if that’s possible. This is being considered at present by the department. The Community Council are still pressing on all in relation to the Council Houses for Goleen and the delays that are being experienced as its now seems to be going on forever. It seems that it is the Department of Environment who are now delaying the final decision which is most frustrating. It’s no wonder that the population has fallen in this region when delay after delay has been ongoing in this issue. Also the issue of a graveyard for Goleen is something that this Community Council would like to see progress immediately and are pressing the Cork County Council to make it a priority for them immediately. The West Cork Community Partnership group will be launching their Equality for women programme in Goleen in the near future if enough people show an interest. A social inclusion programme is working its way in the Mizen Peninsuala with the Caring Peninsula project starting in the next few weeks, which will be a great help to all who can benefit from it. The Community Council website www.goleen .info was discussed. The best way forward is to create a weekly interest in it looking weekly and reading the local news. The Floor in the Community Centre is complete and has a fantastic layout with many sports being able to be played there. Sseating, and electrical goods are now being bought for the centre. A letter of thank you was agreed to the Hall Committee and especially to Jimmy Downey for being most helpful and courteous to the Goleen Community Council in the past 9 years for the use of the parish hall, which no doubt will be needed again from time to time.

Lissigriffin School

Congratulations to the 6th class in Lissigriffin National School ,who recently did a 24 hour fast for Trocaire and they raised 960.00 Euros. Well done to Heather O Leary, Siobhan O Driscoll, Roisin Reidy, Ciara Sheehan, Eimear Sheehan, and Lily Little.

ICA
The April Meeting is on Wednesday the 11th at 8.30 in the parish hall.There will be a talk on Grardening by Lowertown based Joe Croke. Congratulations to the dancers who have qualified for the All Ireland, which is on the 14th of April in Roscrea. We wish them the best of luck.

Table Tennis
Regular Table tennis sessions in the Community Centre Goleen will start on Sunday April 15th from 1.00pm to 3.00pm. Everyone whatever there age or ability is welcome. The first session is free and thereafter the cost is 3 euros per person.

Starting Monday April 16th there will be an eight week introductory course for National Schools Pupils 5-8 years from 3.30 pm-4.30pm and 9-13 year olds from 4.30 to 5.30. Cost 35 euros including ITTA affiliation. Pre booking essential. Call Owen Kelly 028- 35371 or Richard Gostyn 028- 35282 for more information.

Every Friday night , commencing April 20th from 7pm to 9pm there will be an open session. Cost 3 euros per session plus a once off 10 euros for ITTA affiliation. Please come and have a go.

MONDAY	5-8 YEAR OLDS	3.30 - 4.30	€ 3
	8- 13 YEAR OLDS	4.30 - 5.30	€ 3
FRIDAY	ALL AGES	7.00 - 9.00	€ 3
SUNDAY	ALL AGES	1.00 - 3.00	€ 3

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GOLEEN AND DISTRICT NOTES W/C 19/03/07

SCHULL IFA NEWS
Not very good news for farmers in the Mizen Peninsuala is the best way to describe the I F A executive meeting last week in Dunmanway when it was mostly negative news for farmers on many fronths. The compensation deal for farmers that many saw celebrated in the media prior to Christmas in relation to the farm walkways seems to be up in smoke if the Ministers comments are anything to go by after a recent visit to the Sheeps head Peninsuala the Minister is truly kicking farmers in the teeth as he is saying quiet clearly that the farmer will now get no once off payment or payment per meter in relation to these walkways, The next bit of bad news on the night was that there will be silage plastic collection taking place this year but for the farmers of this peninsuala you have to take it to Skibbereen this is an outrage we are paying a levy on the Plastic when buying and now we will have to take it on a 60 mile round trip to have it be taking away but it does not end at that because if you don’t get rid of all the plastic off your yard this year next year all farmers are going to be charged by weight for collection so you pay the levy next year when buying and you pay a weight payment when getting rid of it. The question asked to the IFA on the night was why cant Derryconnell Dump site be used for plastic collection for farmers from this area for two chosen days as is being offered to other areas the IFA said that the council stated that Derryconnell is too small but surely that cant make any since as this has being one of the governments great success stories for this area a super dump as lorries make there way from all over West Cork to dump there rubbish here and surely they can find some room to accomadate the local farmers. A letter sent to the West Cork IFA in February from the Schull IFA branch asking how could a letter proporting to be on behalf of the west cork IFA be sent to the Minister Eamon O Cuiv when many of its branchs were not notified at all of its contents. The Schull branch viewed this as a very serious matter because it could be very damaging to the IFA in general as the IFA leader Padriag Walsh had a completely different view as to what was written in this letter but thank fully Padraig Walsh view point was taking on board when the minister made his decision and the views made on this letter were not taking serious. The worry is that the West Cork IFA are going down a very dangerous road by not notifying branchs and properly discussing and voting on issues in a fair democratic manner as it used to do at there Monthly meetings. Another bit of bad news was that reps payments are being delayed for 3 months due to staff shortages the question asked on the night was how many other workers could wait for three months for there wages in any job in the country not many more would stand for it and shouldn’t.. And finally to rub salt into the ever widening farmers wounds was the governments invitation to Peter Mandelson to visit Dublin a strong protest was organised on the night at the Dunmanway meeting but has since being cancelled as Mandelson is now not coming to Ireland.

ICA
Well done to all who took part in the Irish night which was held in Caheragh and congratulations to the winners solo singing 1st Ann Jones 2nd Sheila Lucey. Poetry 1st Mairead Levis, 2 hand dances Winnie o Brien ,Joan Notter, Catherine McCarthy, and Michelle McCarthy. Half Sets 1st Liz Barry, Mairead Levis, Winnie O Brien, and Emily Nolan. Full set 1st Joan Notter, Michelle McCarthy, Liz Barry, Noelle Roycroft, Catherine McCarthy, Emily Nolan, Mairead Levis and Winnie O Brien. Ballad group 1st Mary Coughlan, Sheila Lucey, Betty Johnson, Emily Nolan.

DEATH NOTICE
The Death took place in our lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda of BR Philip Hegarthy DE LA SALLE provincialate Howth Road Dublin, and formely of Lissacaha Schull. Br Philip is survived by his brother Michael, Relatives and friends sympathy is extended to his family and friends.

GAA NEWS
Goleen under 21s were beaten in the 1st rounds of the championship by st Columns on St Patricks Day how ever we look forward to the minors warriors avenging the loss. The under 12 football will start there league campaign on Monday the 26th check locally for further details. The under 16 s will be playing in the community centre pitch on S unday the 25th at 11.30 versus Glengarriffee.

WEST CORK RALLY
Many in Lowertown area thought that the West Cork Rally cars had taken the wrong direction and ended up in this area last weekend. As at approx 2.30 am a mile west of Lowertown Church on Friday night last a car was doing what is commonly known as wheelies around the road many residents heard this going on and what is a most worrieng trend recently as can be seen on many roads in the area. Who are the children that are doing this and if they have not the sense to use cars the way there supposed to be used these children should be wrapped up in there beds at that hour of the night.

LOTTO
No winner of the lotto jackpot numbers 17,22,25 lucky dips winners 40 euros Phyllis O Reilly Goleen 20 euros each Tara O Sullivan Goleen, Denis Downey Carrigmanus, and Donie Desmond next weeks draw to be held in the Lobstor pot bar and the jackpot will a massive 1750

GOLEEN & DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL APPLICATION FOR COUNTY and GROUP BROADBAND SCHEME April 2005

Location

Goleen & District Community Council spans the Mizen Peninsula incorporating the District Electoral Divisions of Crookhaven, Goleen, Toormore, Dunmanus, Dunbeacon and Lowertown. Goleen village, the focal point, is situated 14 miles from the village of Schull and over 80 miles from Cork City. One of the peripheral peninsulas along the West Cork coastline, it is endowed with spectacular scenery, but also has had to combat the inherent problems of such areas - poor land, residue effects of emigration, limited employment opportunities and a decline in the primary sectors such as agriculture and fishing. Goleen Parish from Lowertown west to Mizen Head, south to Crookhaven and north to Dunbeacon is one of the most unspoilt parts of Ireland (see Map attached). This is a vibrant, growing, lively community, which is attracting more residents and keeping young people at home.

Mission

The mission of Goleen & District Community Council is to ensure that the various needs of the community, the farmer, the tourism providers, the visitors and the environment are developed harmoniously.

Customer Base

In our submission to the Cork County Council draft development plan one of our statements was: 'Broadband access is essential'. We welcome the opportunity given to us by the County Broadband Scheme. This is the catalyst needed to bring our community as close to the world as any other place. It will encourage settlement and development. With wireless broadband and distance working, employment opportunities do not have to be rooted in the area. The main advantage we have in the modern world is a safe and healthy environment for children. Broadband brings instant connection to the world and it will encourage more people to settle here.

Goleen District has assimilated over 806 holiday, second and letting homes west of a line from Dunmanus to Toormore. Many of these houses are owned by people who work through the Internet and will able to stay longer if they have broadband connection. There are residents from many parts of the world too and their income is derived from distance working using the Internet. Many of these are working in design with graphics and will benefit from broadband.

Local people too will benefit from broadband connection. Most homes in the parish have a computer. Children are used to using the computer in national and secondary school. Farmers and small business have computers for their everyday business.

Contact: Michael Collins, Services Sub-Committee, Goleen & District Community Council, Lowertown, Goleen, West Cork Tel: 086-3174606