Castleisland Parish News 2013 2 Parish News 2013

Editorial Fr Dan O’Riordan Welcome to the first edition we wish you and yours every of “Castleisland Parish News”. joy, happiness and the Blessing Sincere thanks to all our con- of God. tributors, our editor, parish We invite you and your staff and all who helped to Christmas visitors to join us in put it together. any of our three Churches in Castleisland is a busy place celebrating the Birth of Christ. with lots of valuable commu- We look forward to our Par- nity activities. What we have ish Mission at the end of Feb- included is just a sample of the ruary. It should be an enjoy- work done by individuals and able and memorable event for groups in our Parish. all the Community. As we approach Christmas, “Working on my own” By Fr Dan O’Riordan P.P. Parish staff here has undergone training and provide a wonder- I am often asked what it is like ful service to the Parish. The working on my own since Fa- Parish and Finance Councils are ther Michael Moynihan went a great support in the adminis- to Glengarriff as Parish Priest tration of the Parish and all the in 2012. It is a difficult question other ministries also are a pow- to answer as there are so many erful example of lay people and different aspects to it. It is the priests working together. That first time in forty five years of is what the Church is meant to priesthood that I am working be, so the shortage of priests has without the presence of other given it a great impetus. There is priests with me in a full-time no other way of functioning as a capacity. parish. Firstly it is a huge change for We are blessed to have the help me and for the people of Cas- of two “Retired” priests Father whereby the five parishes can the pastoral area provide cover tleisland. Almost all of the par- Sean Horgan and Canon Denis help and support each other for emergencies on 24/7 basis ishes in the diocese, apart from O’Mahony, who are happy to more in the years ahead. There There are also signs of hope for and , are in this help out. The four priests from have been some other changes the future. We now have three situation of having just one full the neighbouring parishes in the too that must be acknowledged. students studying for the priest- time priest. So we are not unique Pastoral Area help with week- The monthly visits on the First hood in Kerry Diocese and five in facing this challenge. We can day Masses and funerals and Fridays are now replaced by candidates are preparing to be- learn from one another in how they have taken on chaplaincy Ministers of the Eucharist or come deacons. to cope with the change. The se- and Board of Management roles family members. It is my hope With the grace of God and by cret has to be greater teamwork in our schools. This means that to be able to visit the elderly and greater cooperation we can face within the parish and coopera- they are less available in their the housebound in our Parish a whatever challenges the future tion with surrounding parishes. own parishes and the number of couple of times a year, if request- brings. It does not mean “Working on Masses have had to be reduced ed to do so. On those occasions Change is difficult but it can your own” in all those parishes. I am ex- I would aim to spend more time sometimes bring out the best in The Parish Office is now the tremely grateful for their help, with people than previously, everybody. nerve centre of the Parish where flexibility, and friendship. when all visits had to be done in Gúim Beannachtaí na Nollag most of the parish activities are Our Area Pastoral Coun- one or two days agus na h-athbhliana oraibh go planned and carried out. The cil continues to develop ways Don’t forget the five priests in leír. Castleisland Parish News 2013 3 What it means to me to be a Eucharistic Minister By James Brosnan good and bad. One thing I’ve learned is indeed God does James Brosnan I became a Eucharistic Minis- work in mysterious way and ter in late May 2013. I am glad gives us all our trials and cross- that I became a Minister as I es to bear but by putting a little find it very fulfilling despite a faith in him he will guide you few nerves the first few times. out of some dark alleys in life. I used to bring home Holy As the story goes in Footprints Communion to my late father when the man asks “why Lord Francie and to see how much did you desert me when there it meant to him in his latter was only one set of footprints days to receive the Holy Eu- in the sand in hard times” the charist and what peace it gave Lord answers “those were the him is something that I will times I carried you”. always remember. I once read I enjoy being a minister and a passage called Footprints and thank Father Dan for asking it had a huge influence on me me to become a Minister and I and my life. That little story plan to give out Holy Commu- explained a lot of things in life nion for many years to come. that can happen and also how you would deal with things Programme of Masses Useful Numbers for Christmas 2013 Castleisland Parish Office...... 066-7141241 Castleisland Parish Church (Open Monday to Friday 10.00am to 2.00pm) Christmas Eve: 7.00pm Mass Msgr Dan O’Riordan...... 087 948 6350 and 9.00pm Mass (Castleisland) The 7.00pm Mass will be broadcast on Radio Kerry. Canon Eoin Mangan...... 087 240 1201 To listen live on line use () www.radiokerry.ie click on live Fr Anthony O’Sullivan...... 087 246 1749 (Brosna) Christmas Day: 11.30am Mass

Fr Pat Crean-Lynch...... 087 670 9491 Cordal Church () Christmas Eve: 12 Midnight Mass Christmas Day: 9.30am Mass Fr Nicholas Flynn...... 087 967 3521 (Killeentierna) Scartaglen Church Accord Tralee...... 0667120194/7122280 Christmas Eve: 8.30pm Mass Accord Killarney...... 064 6632644 Christmas Day: 10.30am Mass Office of civil registration...... 064 6632251 or www.civilregistrationservice.ie Fr Dan and staff would like to wish St Vincent de Paul...... 087 9775643 Bernard Tangney – Funeral Director...... 087 6868191 each one of you a very happy and Michael Daly – Funeral Director...... 066 -7147022 holy Christmas and New Year 4 Castleisland Parish News 2013 30 years in Sudan 1983 – 2013 South Sudan Journey into the unknown By Fr Niall Geaney the warmth of our welcome nary. It was a mobile ministry they greatly appreciated. 98% from the pastor, Sylvestro soon as the shifting from line often voted in favour of separation Fr Niall Geaney, Castleisland raised our drooping spirits. As forced us to relocate. Initially from the north. Subsequent- describes working as a Mis- one of our locals remarked, based in Torit, we first moved ly, the world’s newest state, the sionary in South Sudan. He “our people may have emp- to Juba, before finally ending Republic of South Sudan came has also worked in Uganda ty hands but they have warm up in northern Uganda in a into being on July 9th 2011. and Nigeria and is now based hearts.” refugee camp. It was a time of No longer does power come in Kenya. His colleague Fr Another thing we did not re- both great blessings and sad- from the barrel of a gun. Tim Galvin (Brosna) is still alise was that Sudan’s second ness – truly “the best of times Two generations of young based in South Sudan. civil war had already started and the worst of times.” While people have totally missed out Just over thirty years ago, a few months earlier. This I witnessed many acts of cruel- on education, and still struggle the Bishop of Torit Diocese war was to last nearly twen- ty, I also witnessed wonderful at a personal level to deal with in south-eastern Sudan invit- ty-three years, and resulted in acts of bravery and kindness, the trauma of lives scarred by ed our Society to help in the the deaths of almost two mil- when ordinary people helped war and brutality. And yet reconstruction of his diocese. lion people. Up to four mil- each other, often at great risk on these shoulders falls the All of south Sudan was still re- lion more were displaced from to themselves. responsibility of building the covering from the destruction their homes, and forced to flee Indeed, one of the many nation. The discovery of vast of the First Civil War, which into internal exile or across great blessings of Africa is the quantities of oil in South Sudan had lasted from 1955 to 1972. the border into neighbouring generous way that refugees is perhaps a mixed blessing. So six of us, St Patrick’s mis- countries. are welcomed in neighbour- It has the potential to bring sionaries, arrived at the Ken- For the first couple of years ing countries. This is shown great wealth to people who ya-Sudan border in mid-Au- the war seemed far away as we in the welcome that refugees have been amongst the worlds gust 1983. With two Land set about our task of helping to from Somalia and elsewhere poorest. But experience else- Cruisers we had departed from rebuild our diocese. This was receive today in gigantic camps where in Africa shows that this Nairobi on the first leg of a a period of stability and hope, in northern Kenya, the coun- often fails to materialise. This one thousand kilometre jour- when great things seemed pos- try where I now live. Perhaps oil could also be the fuel of re- ney some days before. Some- sible. However, the war grad- the affluent Western world has newed discord between South one had decided that it would ually edged closer until even- something to learn here in the Sudan and Sudan, as it must be a good idea that we should tually our town of Torit was way it welcomes or fails to wel- travel, for the present, by pipe- celebrate the feast of the As- overrun. Bishop Taban (mis- come the helpless stranger. line through the north to reach sumption in our new mission sionary of Africa), was car- the coast for export. in Sudan. Unfortunately, no- ried off into captivity for some The Republic of South The future is far from certain, body had realised that it was months. The rebels told the Sudan: and yet there is hope in the fac- the middle of the rainy season. bishop: “you have helped our Eventually, Sudan’s Second es of the people. The memory Flooded rivers disappearing enemy. You have given them Civil War came to an end in of war strengthens the will for bridges and the dreaded black food.” 2005. In this weary land the peace. The work of reconcil- cotton soil, which is so sticky It was useless for the bish- people were weary of war. A iations continues. St Patrick’s and slippery, took their toll on op to explain that the task of a long series of negotiations Missionaries, who have shared our vehicles and ourselves. We Christian is to feed the hungry, between the two sides, held the pain of war with this peo- did indeed celebrate the feast, especially the starving women in Kenya, culminated in the ple, join them now in peace knee deep in mud. After two and children. It brought out signing of the Comprehensive building. A hunger for educa- nights sleeping on the open the reality of the Africa prov- Peace Agreement. The peace tion now replaces a hunger for road, we eventually arrived at erb, “when elephants fight, it is has been fragile at times, but food. Let us all pray for a fu- the Catholic Mission in Kapo- the grass which suffers.” it has continued to the present. ture of peace where people can eta. Tired, hungry and dishev- I spent thirteen adventurous In January 2011 people were reach their full potential and elled, we felt more than slightly years in Sudan, mainly as Rec- given their chance to decide work in harmony. the worse for wear. However, tor of St Mary’s Junior Semi- their future, a privilege which Castleisland Parish News 2013 5 40 Years of Soccer and Friendship

By Fr David Lupton “The year was 1973 when I from St. Roberts in Man- first took two soccer teams chester to Castleisland Par- ish. Since then the yearly exchange has somehow con- tinued. Many lasting friend- ships have been formed and much pleasure has been shared”. Canon David Lupton wrote in the September edi- tion of the St. James the Less Parish Magazine. Over the forty years, boys Fr David Lupton from the Castleisland Soccer Club under the leadership of ous hospitably of Fr. Lupton, Georgie was presented with Papal Georgie O’Callaghan, his as- his family and parishioners of Blessing to mark 40 years of work. sistants and some of the par- Rawtenstall, Rossendale, Lan- ents have enjoyed the gener- cashire. A New Stained Glass window in Castleisland Parish Church – the work of Palmer Brothers

Glynn Palmer of Palmers Glynn’s philosophy is that at Our Lady of Lourdes Church phens & St Johns in Castleis- stained glass has worked as these pieces of art should be in Scartaglen. All leaded win- land, which would still blend in a stained glass artist for over conserved where possible at dows were removed and restored with the existing lower panels. twenty five years. Working for all times as they are such a big in the workshop, then secured The Pelican-in-her-Piety and a glass company in England he part of any church’s history. It back in with new storm glazing. the ascending dove were at the quickly established them as a is a great honour to be able to This has made a great difference forefront of Glynn’s first drawing reputable company which of- repaint broken or missing piec- to the church. for the project. The depiction of fered a wide range of glass de- es of an original stained glass Cordal church also had all the pelican picking her breast to sign, modern and traditional. nurture her young is an allegor- In 2007 having strong family ical one. In earlier times when connections in Kerry, Glynn and literacy was limited this image his family relocated to the area. would have been interpreted as Since his arrival Glynn and his Jesus sacrificial love and resur- brother Richard have been very rection, and also a symbol of the fortunate in being involved in Eucharist. As the congregation several major restoration proj- file back down the church after ects. One of the largest was being receiving Holy Communion, it the restoration of Brosna Parish would be that image they would Church. Smaller projects then in see. Glynn felt it was perfect and numerous churches including, started the painting process. The The Holy Cross Church in Ken- end result is fabulous. mare, St Mary’s in Camp, Sacred The Bell Tower had a make- Heart Church Milltown, and also over and is also back to its for- and Mount-Collins to mer glory, having the boarded name just a few. Currently Glynn up windows replaced by leaded is working on restoration and a ones to match the rest of the new piece for Church. church, as were a few more small He also has a talent for teach- panel. “It’s like stepping back in storm glazing replaced. And the windows. All of this adds to the ing and has taken classes for time and you can learn so much angel windows to the rear of the overall beauty of the church ”It West Limerick Resources in from these seasoned artists” says church were restored to their has been a real pleasure working Mount Collins and Abbeyfeale. Glynn “you can also get a real former glory, assuring that they for the parish” says Glynn “Great Glass painting being his passion, feel for the different styles that will last for the next generations. people make a great parish and he really appreciates the exper- can date back eleven centuries”. Glynn was asked to commis- I can’t give enough thanks to Fr. tise of the old master artists. Glynn has carried out numer- sion, design and manufacture Dan and Noreen. And I hope The work of many great artists ous works at the churches in something with a touch of co- you all enjoy the windows for are still in countless churches Castleisland parish. There was a lour, which would go into the generations to come.” www. around today. full restoration job undertaken windows at the front of St Ste- palmer-conservation.com 6 Castleisland Parish News 2013 Archbishop Redmond Prendiville: A famous Cordal man – Archbishop at 35

By Monica Prendiville all relations. His life reflected the lives of so many of our Clergy, Archbishop Redmond Pren- and all of those who have ded- diville was born in 1900 at the icated their lives to their flocks. “Wood”, Glenlarhan and he was Early this year, the Prendiville the youngest child of Johanna Family donated the Arch Bish- and Garret Prendiville. He was op’s Chalice to the Immaculate the baby of a very large family Conception Church in Cordal. of fourteen children. The link with him will now be Kilmurry National School forever. was his introduction to educa- Fr Dan O’Riordan PP, Cas- tion. He studied at St. Brendan’s tleisland, said that receiving his College, Killarney and went to personal chalice was a great joy All Hallows in 1918 to begin not only for his family but for the his priestly studies. He was or- churches and setting a structure he played with Kerry in the All whole parish. dained in Wexford and travelled for his priests and people ,at a Ireland final in1924. He listened “Archbishop Prendiville was a to Perth, Australia in 1925.His time when the church was in its to as many GAA matches as pos- famous Cordal man and when sister, Mother Laurence O.P. and infancy in West Australia. He sible. He got so excited when his we have Mass here from now on five brothers had settled in Perth was always striving to have a for- home teams Kerry were playing. we will have a personal link with at that time. He was appoint- ward looking team to help him It has been said during one of him through his own chalice. ed Bishop of Perth in 1933 and in this challenging work. these matches he kicked the ta- Thanks to those who decided ArchBishopin1935. He loved his family and they ble and one day he split the table that Cordal would be the most Over the years many of his pa- were very proud of him, and he that he sat at with his old friend, appropriate place to have his rishioners visited his birthplace himself had the reputation of be- Eugene Cantillon, who was a chalice. and all agreed that the Archbish- ing a very humble man. He had shoemaker in Castleisland. It was a journey that took 45 op was dedicated to building up a great sense of humor and was Bishop “Mundy” died in 1968 years and we are delighted to the church in Perth, establishing very proud of the fact that he and his passing left a void in the h a v e i t ”. parishes, building schools and was “man of the Match” when lives of nieces and nephews and Castleisland Parish News 2013 7 Corpus Christi Procession 2013

By Maryanne Breen Road residents, they were out One of the highlights of the with paint brushes, putting shape procession was the Communion Reading through the mass leaflet to the gardens, hedges etc. children singing along with the earlier this year I noticed where On the night the place looked choir.Fr. Dan expressed his de- Fr. Dan asked for some area to amazing, with altars set up out- light to bring the Blessed Sacra- host the procession. I discussed side every home and business. ment out among the community it with a few neighbours and Men women and children were .The whole event was spiritually all thought it would be a lovely helping out in setting up the main uplifting and a public profession idea. I approached the sacristan altar at the venue which was kind- of faith. I will look forward to tak- and made our application. ly provided by Denis Divane .I ing part next year D.V. and would A short while later we found am glad to say there was a great encourage all areas to experience out we were accepted!!! Once the community spirit felt on the night the delight. news came through to the Killar- with so many neighbours taking Mile buiochas do gach duine a Maryanne Breen ney Rd., Cahernard and Link an active part. chabraigh agus a ghlach pairt.

Cross at the top of St. Stephen & Glebe Lodge, St. John Church. Castleisland A 24-hour service, it can sup- ed from plays in Scartaglin and port 10 people with learning Castleisland, as well as from the disabilities on a full-time basis Christmas Mile Walk, and indi- and has a further bed for re- vidual donations from members spite needs. The service doesn’t of the community. stop there. Over the last couple Gillian says it is the unique of years we have also provid- Kerry Parent and Friends ethos ed end of life support through that makes working for the orga- home care teams and that is nization such a joy. It is the fact what distinguishes us from that we are very connected with other services, Manager Gillian the families that’s so important. I Kenny states. feel we are very open to change Glebe Lodge was opened in in a compassionate way and not 2002 after the specific needs of like a business, and we don’t stop the aging population was iden- when a person gets sick or goes tified and Gillian says it has the to hospital - that’s when we up overwhelming support of the our game and increase our spe- entire community. The site was cialized services. donated by the Geaney family I would like to thank the ded- and we have received donations icated staff of the Glebe Lodge from a variety of sources includ- team, for their continued sup- ing, The Castleisland Races, Cas- port and understanding of the tleisland Triathlon and Annual people we support in Glebe Sales of Work organized by the Lodge. branch. We have also benefit- 8 Castleisland Parish News 2013 Castleisland Day Care Centre

Castleisland Day Care Centre only about providing services. It such as music, cards, bingo, exer- eas of Castleisland, Scartaglen, has been serving the Castleis- is more about mental and phys- cises, quizzes as well as medical Knocknagoshel, Brosna, , land area since 2002 by offering ical well-being through good services. Currans and Ballymacelligott. a wide range of activities and company, with the opportunity Anyone over the age of 65 can Enquiries may be made to services including social, hot to chat and catch up with your attend the day centre and ap- Marcella @ 066 7143865 lunches, physiotherapy, nurs- neighbours. proved transport can be arranged For more information on Cas- ing, chiropody, occupational Castleisland Day Care Cen- from your home provided you tleisland Day Care Centre why therapy, mental health aware- tre usually starts after 10.00a.m. are in a designated bus route. not visit our website www.castle- ness, hairdressing and laundry. with home time around 4.00p.m. Castleisland Day Care Centre islanddaycare.com However the day centre is not The day is filled with activities welcomes referrals from the ar-

From left- Monica Prendiville, Mary Daly, Agnes Twomey, Sr Maureen CD Launch at Castleisland Day Care Centre . Helen Pembroke, Dan Col- Kane, John Pender, Joan Fitzgerald, Dan Lucey, Mary O’ Connell, Timmy lins Michael McAuliffe, Pauline Cronin, Hugh Brosnan, Vincent Cronin O’ Mahony, Marie Hartnett, Pat O’Mahony, Peg Hogan, and Joan Walsh. John Breen, Steve Keyes, James Lyons and Michael Daly. The Parish Mission 22nd to 28th February 2014

By Fr Brian Nolan CSsR a Mission Planning Group who will work to prepare and pres- Redemptorists in Ireland have ent the Mission. been preaching Parish Missions Parish Missions today give for over 150 years. We do this a community the opportunity work following the tradition of to reflect and renew their com- the founder of the Redemptor- mitment as followers of Christ. ists St. Alphonsus Liguori and It provides a chance for anyone following Jesus’ command – go interested to become involved in into all the world and proclaim the Mission. No one is excluded the good news to all creation from the preparation process. (Mark 16:15). The Year of Faith Fr. Brian Nolan, a Redempto- has seen an increase in Parish- rist from Limerick will lead us es requesting Missions in their in our preparations for our Mis- parish. Our way of conducting sion in Castleisland. Fr. Nolan Parish Missions has evolved has a background in Electronic over the last 150 years. Today Engineering, an area he studied the approach to preparing for and worked in before joining the a Parish Mission is very much Redemptorists in the year 2000. in collaboration with local cler- Ordained four years next De- gy, the Parish Pastoral Council cember, preaching Parish Mis- and other interested people. sions is his full time ministry as Fr Brian Nolan The first step is to put in place a Redemptorist. Castleisland Parish News 2013 9 The Big Break: The move to third level

By Aoife Breen lege from the very beginning, ‘critical thinking’. There was no Aoife Breen but the reality is that I did feel more learning off and reproduc- I had made it through the lonely for the first few weeks; I ing information when neces- dreaded leaving cert and got missed home, my family and sary. I began to question the va- my points for my course. All my friends. You really need to lidity of the leaving cert and all of a sudden the focus shifted make an effort if you want to the hype surrounding it. Does from the world of school and make new friends and be happy this life-defining exam really exams to college orientation in your new venture. The best prepare us for life in the big bad days, finding accommodation way to do this, I found was by world? As I am only beginning and stressed about moving joining clubs and societies in the my college life, I can’t really of- away from home. There was no college. For example I joined the fer advice but I do know that the more mention about the leav- Irish society, not alone to im- transition can be hard and it is ing cert, homework, points or prove my Irish but to make new really vital that you choose a col- CAO offers and the feeling was friends and we have great cra- lege and a course that you really sensational. College life here I ic on a Monday evening in the want and will be interested in. come!! ‘seomra Caidrimh’, in Mary I. I am well settled in by now; I did my best to stay calm and There will always be something I have made many new friends kept telling myself that many that you are interested in, so just and am enjoying the college at- people had made this transition go for it. mosphere and the nightlife in before me so it couldn’t be that The transition to college from Limerick city. That’s not to say hard. There were mixed emo- spoon fed, we would protest be- secondary school is one of the that I don’t relish a home cooked tions on the first day; excitement cause of all the work we had to hardest, yet rewarding transi- meal on a Friday evening. There about starting a new life, fear of do, but believe me, college is a tions that I have made so far. The were tears at the start of the year being lonely and anxiety about whole different ball game. There whole point of doing the leaving because I wanted to go home, surviving without ‘mammy’s is no one to wake you up in the cert and working hard was to get but by the end of this year I’m home cooked meals’. morning, no one to tell you to me to where I am now. I thought certain that there will be tears College is not what I had ex- go and study or make you go to that as I was going to become a because I won’t want to leave. pected or imagined it to be. I lectures and no one to tell you teacher then my course was go- The very best of luck to the was thrown in the deep end. exactly what to learn. It was all ing to be much like school, but leaving cert class of 2014 and Last year when teachers kept up to me. oh no! On the first day I was remember there IS life after the telling us that we were being We all expect to love col- introduced to this concept of leaving cert. Help and Support for those who are bereaved

By Jean Horgan the kettle always on the boil. Jean Horgan “We share or don’t, depending The Méala Bereavement group on how we feel. We cry or laugh. was founded by Denis Robin- We remember our loved ones. It son in 2011. It meets regularly can be raw at times but can be in the N.E.K.D. building at Cra- part of healing. We are all human geens, Castleisland. The group and going through an emotion has grown from strength to which we all thought at some strength and they wish to let the stage “not me – not us”, but now Community know that no one i t i s”. needs to be alone. “We are there Jean Horgan Secretary of the for each other and we assure the group says “I find people shy away public that all our meetings are from the very word Bereavement, held in total confidence”. It was I did once”! funded by North and East Kerry Don’t be put off, come in your Development, the family sup- own time we all know when we port agency. are ready, often we laugh or smile They meet in comfortable sur- as we remember the person we roundings and they have built up loved so much. an impressive library of books to Change and healing comes borrow or browse through. Pic- with time and support. tures donated by their own mem- It does happen, our slogan is bers adorn the walls and the set- “No man or woman is an island” ting is calm and welcoming with even in Castleisland!! 10 Castleisland Parish News 2013 First Holy Communion – My Experience

By Nora Fealey

On Saturday 12th October 2013 at the 6.15pm Mass, Fr. Dan welcomed the children and their families for the Do this in Mem- ory programme for 2014. As I sat with my family in the Church that evening, my thoughts wan- dered back to time last year and the beautiful memories we have from that special occasion of enrolling a child for First Holy Communion. Receiving the Sacrament in the Kilmurry National School First Holy Communion Class 2013. Church has changed dramatical- ly over the last number of years. family a sense of confidence and Of course for many it a day for pray it will continue in the years Where once it was a case of turn- ease within their Church and helps style and celebration, once we re- ahead. ing up on the morning of the Holy them to relax and enjoy this special member the cause of the celebra- The work the teachers do in pre- Communion and hoping the chil- day in their lives. This also gives an tion. To see my child receiving the paring these children for First Holy dren knew what they were doing. opportunity for members in the Sacrament of Holy Communion Communion is invaluable and Nowadays it’s an eight months Community to come forward and was a very special day for my fam- should always be appreciated, but programme which has incorpo- become Ministers of the Eucharist ily. I believe it a very special gift to there is only so much the teachers rated all the families as well as and Ministers of the Word in our receive and it’s was not only a gift can do. It is a work of cooperation the schools into the Church. It in- Churches. for one day, but a gift for the rest involving parents, families, schools volves the children as well as their The month of May for many for my child’s and his friends’ lives. and parish. siblings at special Masses taking brings to mind the month of Our In this Parish, we are lucky to The development of faith of our place once a month in all three Lady, for others it’s the start of the have the First Holy Communion children depends very much on Churches. Family members are long hot summer days ahead, but ceremonies taking place in all the family itself and it should al- welcome to take part, from reading for myself and sixty five families three Churches, as many of these ways be nurtured, encouraged and the Word of the God, to Prayers of this year in the Castleisland Parish children would have received the supported. Best wishes to those the Faithful, to bringing up the area it only meant one thing... The Sacrament of Baptism in their lo- preparing for the First Holy Com- gifts. This gives the child and the First Holy Communion. cal Church. We can only hope and munion in 2014. What parents can do to hand on the faith

By Mary O’Connell to our lives in all the things we do dren along the way. Instilling a for our children and in the way in sense of appreciation for what What can we do as parents do to which we do them. they have and not always looking develop the Faith? It’s not just It is simple things like calling for something else. To make them about having them bless them- them in the morning, preparing aware that there are people in the selves as they pass a church or lunch, wishing them well as they world some even closer to home graveyard, saying their prayers leave for school. It’s being there who are having a more difficult morning and night and going to for them to help them with their time. Mass every week. homework, reassure them when In passing on the faith one of Faith is not just to be called things don’t go their way, hu- the most important lessons is the on to help one pass an exam or mouring them, dealing with their the decisions we make may not importance of treating others as to help one make a correct deci- bad moods, dropping them to always be what they want. The you would like to be treated. By sion; it is for Life- it should come their games, having their friends commitment we consistently give always treating everyone- family through in how we live our lives. around. to our role as parents, dealing children and friends with hon- Society has changed in many It’s putting our children first at with sickness whether it is short- esty fairness and respect we are ways. I feel the biggest respon- all times and making sacrifices for term or long term all help give laying out a template for how our sibility that falls on us as parents them. From a young age it is our them the values needed to lead a children should conduct them- is to instil excellent morals and role to introduce them to God via good life. selves. If we succeed in passing character in our children. I think daily prayers and to reinforce the These are all things which we on these simple lessons we have it’s what we do for our children role of faith as they grow up. Hop- as parents do every day without gone a long way towards prepar- on an on-going basis that helps to ing they know that we are always even thinking about it. There are ing our children for their lives nurture them. We bring our faith concerned for them even though many lessons we teach our chil- ahead. Castleisland Parish News 2013 11 Poems Reflection on Pastoral Ministry Course

By Peter Howarth My Lord You are my Lord, you are my Saviour, You came to Earth to set us free So here I am, your humble servant, I will always follow Thee.

You are my guide in every footstep, I have no fear when I’m with you, L to R Marie O’Callaghan, Noreen O’Sullivan, Nora Fealey, Sheila Your love has burst the chains of evil, McSweeney and Carmel Ward. Perfect love so kind and true. By Sheila McSweeney and this was quiet interesting, I sing my praise to God the Father, but I suppose as in human na- I sing my praise to God the Son, I did the Pastoral Ministry ture I would wonder why some I sing my praises to the Spirit, course in 2011/ 2012 with two people who are very good suf- Holy Trinity in One. other parishioners. When I fer so much and go through did it I was hoping to learn so much pain even dying. something that I would be Self-awareness is very import- The Warmth of His Love able to bring back to our Par- ant and I have learned from I live in the warmth of His love, ish. It was quiet different to this course how important it is A love that will grow every day, what I expected but I really to be more open with my faith He holds out His palm, enjoyed it. We had a bril- and it is great to have some- And I find peace and calm, liant team giving the course thing to believe in. We must His love for me will never fade away; and every guest speaker was respond to people the way we And I sing my song to the memory better than the one before. I find them in our lives and in That Jesus left his throne for you and me, thought we should have been this way God is in us. I learned He gave us the bread and poured out wine more time to discuss some in our meeting we should use To share eternity. subjects especially Baptism as the Ten Commandments as I felt it is such an important our basic recipe to find God in Lord, speak to my heart, lead the way, Sacrament and I don’t think it us and others. Say words I must add to my prayer gets the attention it deserves. We are the community To help spread your truth By this I mean preparation. It called by God. We were part And the joy of your love, seems anyone can have a child of his plan and must look at A love that’s free for everyone to share; Baptised without any prepa- what unites us with others. And He leads me on ration, just book it and turn God is everywhere in troubles Through my pilgrimage up on the day. I wonder is it and joys. This links us back Winding through a faith to be explored; a decision some parents make through the Church in past I’ll sing out my praise through all my days for their children, but is it al- times. The most important To Jesus Christ the Lord. ways right? Here is an oppor- thing I’ve learned is that we tunity being missed out, and are still learning. I feel at times Lyrics © Peter Howarth, Castleisland, Co. Kerry. it would be good if there was we should all be like children, All rights reserved. a group set up to help first loving, forgiving and not read- www.poemstoenjoy.com time parents, get their views ing too much into what people [email protected] and hopefully help them pre- do and say, and maybe there 066 7142696 / 087 7938 742 pare. would be less anger and threats We discussed images of God in the world. 12 Castleisland Parish News 2013 Memories of being an altar boy

By Timothy Murphy to rung manually, and the An- every week-day morning at Once a month we had the con- gelus Bell was rung every day at 7.30am. Just before I started my fraternity prayers, on Tuesday I served as an altar server in 8.0am, 12 noon, and 6.0pm. If term as a server the Mass was nights for the men, and Thurs- the Parish Church in Castleis- there was a death in the parish, at 7.0am. We also had church day nights for the women. land during the mid and late the bell would be rung right after devotions every week. Every On the first Friday of each 1950’s. At that time altar serv- the angelus - two rings of the bell Thursday evening we had the month special prayers were re- ers, as well as being trained in for a man and one ring of the bell Holy Hour. Every Friday eve- cited, and people in the parish their duties, had to learn how for a woman. That was the social ning we had the Novena to the would make a special effort to to say the responses for the media communications method Sacred Heart, and every Sunday ‘do the First Fridays’. On one Mass in the Latin language. At of the day. evening we had the Novena to occasion there was a funeral the time, when the priest was Then there was daily Mass Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. Mass for a man from the parish celebrating the Mass, he stood and I remember it being said at on the altar with his back to the time, even though he lived the congregation, and all the Timothy Murphy a considerable distance outside prayers were said in Latin. The the town and had to travel to people had no idea as to what the church by pony and trap and was being said the Mass was at 7.00am, he never There were altar rails, with missed the ‘First Friday’ in about gates in the centre, across the 40 years front of the altar and the com- During the period of Lent ev- municants would go up and ery Friday evening we had the kneel to receive the Eucharist Stations of the Cross. The priest from the priest, each one indi- would start at the first station, vidually – there were no Eucha- and travel around to every pic- ristic ministers. It took a long ture and say a prayer at each time to distribute it to everyone. one. On Holy Thursday evening, There was no Vigil Mass, same as now, the Eucharist was but we had three Masses on removed from the tabernacle each Sunday morning, 8.00am, on the high altar and placed in 9.30am and 11.30am. The rule the tabernacle on the altar of re- of the Church at the time was pose on one of the side altars. At that to receive the Eucharis- one time there was a procession tic one had to be ‘fasting from from the high altar, all around midnight from the night before’. the outside of the interior of the That was not too difficult for the church, to the side altar, and the first two Masses, but for the last priest carrying the ciborium was Mass, nearly every week, some- accompanied by four men from one fainted or got sick during the the parish that covered him with Mass. The fasting was too long, a canopy. It was my privilege for particularly for people who trav- a number of years to be one of elled in from the country side. the men who carried the canopy. Altar servers were always on While this procession was taking the lookout for funerals and place, great reverence was shown weddings. During school time by everyone in the church and we were always left out from there was always dead silence, class to go down to the church to until one year a young child, serve at the Mass. As well as get- who was a family relation, said ting off school there was always to his mother in a rather loud a ‘thank-you’ payment given to voice, “Mammy, is that Timothy the server Murphy carrying the flag”. There was no electronic ring- That is the way things were ing of the church bell so it had done in those days. Castleisland Parish News 2013 13

Serving the Church

By Saoirse Murphy and gregation. I think it would be My name is Mark O’ Dono- was nervous as I was afraid I Mark O’Donoghue of great benefit to any young ghue and I’m currently a reader might read the wrong sentence student. I served both Bishop in Castleisland Parish Church. or mispronounce the words. My name is Saoirse Murphy Bill Murphy for confirmation Before I became a reader I was When our new bishop, Bishop and I started altar serving in and Bishop Ray Browne when an altar server. I started altar Ray Browne came to say Mass the parish of Castleisland in he visited the Parish earlier this serving when I was about nine one Saturday night at the end 2009. It was a great privilege year which I felt was a great years old. At first, I was very of August, I read and all of to serve Mon. Dan O’Riordan, honour. nervous when I saw all people the nerves vanished. I grew in Fr. Moynihan and Canon O’ I would like to thank Mon. O in the church. As time went confidence and now it is like Mahony. Riordan, Canon O Mahony, Fr. on I became more confident. reading a story for the English I felt it was a great way to Moynihan and I would like to I served at three confirma- teacher at school. I feel really keep me interested in the Mass. say a special thank you to Joan tions with Bishop Bill Murphy confident now and I’m proud It made me a lot more confi- in the sacristy who always pro- who also confirmed me last to represent myself and my dent as a person serving the vided us with guidance and en- year. By then I decided to try family in the parish. priest in front of a large con- couragement. my hand at reading. Again I

Niall Mellon Project John Flaherty

By John Flaherty ditions that people live in make to be cancelled due to a terrorist you appreciate what we have at attack to shopping centre nearby. In 2008 I saw Niall Mellon on home. It will take years to house However local volunteers out the Late Late show explaining all the people that live in shacks there went ahead and completed about his work in South Africa. but every little helps. They are the school. Hopefully we will be I got interested and decided to very proud people and are mak- going to South Africa in March volunteer. ing a great effort to educate their to build a school in a poor sub- Over 2000 people participat- children and help them to over- urb of Capetown. ed in that Blitz we worked in come the dire poverty they find To participate in this kind of Kyleshia in Capetown where themselves in. To work out there work would not be possible for over one million people in the for that week is hard but reward- me without the most generous area live in shacks. It is a life ing. support from the community of changing experience to witness People from all walks of life Cordal, Scartaglen and Castleis- the joy in people when at the end including students agree that it land which I have received over of a week’s work they receive the is a worthwhile project. Nairobi, the years. This is my sixth time key to their new home. The con- Kenya was on for this fall but had travelling to Africa. 14 Castleisland Parish News 2013 Parish Finance Council by Brid Wrenn, Secretary

tary in attendance) ments made available to parish- on their contributions personally Bríd Wrenn Fr. Dan O’Riordan ioners? as the tax relief will now be re- Siobhan Kearney A. Yes, The Finance Committee funded to the parish. Jackie Reidy produce a summary statement on Parishioners can now sign the Marie McCarthy the finances of the parish each approved form to cover qualify- Liz Galwey year, this statement is made avail- ing donations over a 5 year period able to all parishioners. using the new CHY3 “enduring” Q. How often do the Committee form, giving the parish permis- meet? Q. Is there a change in tax relief sion to claim a tax refund on do- A. The Committee meets 4 times on donations to charities from nations of €250.00 or more during a year to review the parish finan- 01st January 2013? the period covered by the form. Q. What is the function of the cial statements for each quarter. A. Yes, from the 1st January 2013 To sum up all tax relief on con- Parish Finance Committee? tax relief on all donations made tributions from parishioners over A. The Parish Finance Commit- Q. What happens at a typical Fi- to the parish through the weekly €250.00 for the year ended 31st tee advises and assists the Parish nance Committee Meeting? envelope collection will change as December2013 whether they are Priest in all areas pertaining to the A. At each meeting the financial follows: self-employed or PAYE workers financial management of parochi- statements for each quarter are The tax refund for contribu- will now go to the parish. al assets and finances. compared with the same period tions over €250.00 from all parish- for the previous year, any substan- ioners regardless of their tax status Q. What were the Parish Ac- Q. How many members does the tial differences are discussed in i.e. (PAYE or Self-employed) will counts like for 2012? committee consist of? detail. now go to the parish in all cases at A. The Finances of the Parish are A. The committee consists of 8 All upcoming parish capital a blended rate of 31%. in a healthy state. In 2012 the in- members as follows: projects are presented to the com- Self-employed parishioners come was 286,442.00 euro and the John Pender (Chairman) mittee for approval. who contribute through the expenditure was 236,282.00 euro. Bríd Wrenn (Secretary) weekly envelope collection will no The 2013 figures will be published Noreen O’Sullivan (Parish Secre- Q. Are the Parish financial state- longer be able to claim tax relief in March 2014.

By Moira Hughes, Scartaglen Reader Just like other lay people in the Parish who hold different roles within the Parish communi- ty, as a Mass reader I was en- at trusted with sharing the word of God. Personally I was lucky to have wonderful people at home and in school during Mass my youth who guided me to become part of the Church community. Reading was the medium through which I felt was most beneficial for me. Being a Minister of the Word has helped me to focus on the Teen Spirit Old and New Testament and to reflect on its message for me as By Ailish Walsh to come together and sing and a member of the Church Com- express their faith through mu- munity in today’s world. I can The youth of Castleisland wel- sic. While the project did not self reflect on Jesus message comed and embraced the sen- go further that these three in- and reassess my outlook on sation that is Teen Spirit to our toductory sessions last year it life. Rather than being a pas- Parish this year. They enjoyed is hoped that this year the proj- sive member of my community, three introductory sessions ect will continue and blossom. I feel that I have now an active with Noel O’Sullivan to the Volunteers from the communi- role in my Parish which helps phenonemon that is Teen Spir- ty are needed to help support me to spread the message of it. Teen Spirit offers the youth the project. For further infor- Moira Hughes God in a real and meaningful of the parish who are interest- mation please contact the Par- way. ed in music an opportuinity ish Office. Castleisland Parish News 2013 15 Parish Office “at your service!”

By Noreen O’Sullivan have seen in the Parish? The parish office is the centre of 1. How long have you been Sec- communication with the com- retary of Castleisland Parish munity, the amount of people Office? coming into the office has in- The first Castleisland parish office creased immensely over the opened in November 2008 and I years, to book a Mass, Baptism was delighted and honoured to or Wedding. To buy a Mass card, have got the new job (role) as Par- Christmas Mass bouquets or our ish Secretary. new Christmas Cards. The parish office is there to be 2. What does your job entail? used-it is the parishioners’ office. My job varies from day to day. No two days are the same I have 4. What is the best thing about contact with people in times of your job? joy like Baptism, First Holy Com- Working with Fr Dan, my work munion, Confirmation and Wed- colleagues and the priests of the dings. I also have contact with deanery, meeting and greeting of people with deep loss and sorrow all parishioners. I love my Job and in their lives in times of a funeral am very happy in it. and other human loss. I do all the administration in- Noreen O’Sullivan, Fr. Dan O’Riordan and Francis Brennan. 5. Have you any message for all cluding the weekly newsletter for our parishioners? the Parish. Providing Church Certificates. the Diocese of Kerry. I would like to wish all parishio- Booking of Masses and espe- Preparing annual box of enve- Reclaiming from Revenue tax ner peace, joy and happiness now cially this time of year when our lopes for the Parish. relief for donations from parish- and always and to thank them for Mass diary opens for the coming Preparation of all accounts for ioners their kindness. year. Finance Council meeting every I am the face and telephone quarter, annual accounts for ac- 3. Since the Parish Office opened Parish office open Monday to Fri- voice of the Parish. countant and annual returns to what is the greatest change you day 10am - 2pm. Tel: 066 7141241 Transition year students from Castleisland community college and Ceiliúradh na Nóg 2013

By Justin Bennett the liturgies of the word in their local parish church during the Ceiliúradh na Nóg which takes Lenten period. place within the Kerry Dio- Ceiliúradh mixes Faith, Fun cese is an annual Post Primary and Information over the course Schools, daylong celebration of the day. The students give of ‘faith’. This year Ceiliúradh and listen to presentations from took place during the month a mix of schools, they attend of March in the Brandon hotel seminars and workshops. Fur- in Tralee under the auspices of thermore the day included in- Bishop Bill Murphy, the former terviews and discussions with Bishop of Kerry and Mrs. Ed- Radio Kerry Presenter Wesshie wina Gottstein the Post Prima- centred on ‘The Year of Faith’ strating their faith connections Fogarty and a keynote seminar ry Diocesan Advisor. and the participating schools between the community of the on ‘suicide’ given by Joan Free- Ceiliúradh invites second- demonstrated their faith links school and the wider communi- man the founder of Pieta House. ary schools within the Diocese with their parishes. Transition ty of Castleisland Parish. The T.Y Overall the day was energetic, to demonstrate through pre- year students from Castleisland students were actively involved vibrant and enjoyable and a true sentation and discussion each Community College made a in: Peer Ministry, Mentoring, celebration of Adolescent Faith individual schools’ links with huge contribution to the success preparing in-school Masses, the in the County. their parish. This year’s theme of Ceiliúradh 2013 by demon- school choir and participating in 16 Castleisland Parish News 2013

By Sr. Lelia Boyle, Presentation Convent, Castleisland Sr Lelia Boyle deep Sr Lelia has been in Presentation Convent, Castleisland since in reflection. 1945 Photo: John Reidy On February 11th 1966 the new Castleisland Presentation Pri- mary School was officially opened. A concert took place for a week and Sr. Vianney’s 1st Class boys did a sketch called “When I’m a man, I’ll be a …….if I can” and it fascinated everyone there. The next day while Sr. Leila was at Private Prayer in the Nun’s Chapel, which is situated at the top right hand side of Castleis- land Parish Church, the thought struck her… “Wouldn’t it be nice if there was something similar for girls”? The lines from “When I’m a woman” came to her there and she wrote them down. It is based on a Thank You Prayer to God. When I’m a Woman I’ll be a Saint if I can, I’ll rise each morning bright and happy And with courage and conviction face each day.

I’ll let my heart expand with love And thank my Creator from above, I’ll open my soul to God’s healing grace And draw down upon me His loving gaze. I’ll let my eyes rest on all wonders bright And thank my God for the gift of sight, I’ll keep my ears attuned to every sound And give thanks for the song of birds all around.

For His glory I’ll use my feet and hands And take His message to foreign lands. My tongue I’ll use for the gift of speech Welcome to And in prayer many blessings I’ll beseech. And when in Church I’m in the crowd, I’ll join with them in prayer aloud. And when outside I’m in the group Castleisland I’ll see in each person the Holy Spirit And whether in kitchen, office or store, I’ll raise my heart to God and love Him more. Parish Mission The clock on the shelf shall be my guide, To unite with Masses the worldwide. And when each day I’ve time to spare I’ll read the Bible and meditate on His share. Mother help me to be thrifty, pure and wise, 22nd - 28th Before I take on the obligation of marriage ties And when in the Sanctuary that day I kneel For my partner the truest love I’ll feel. February 2014 In love and compassion and unity I’ll try to keep my sense of dignity I’ll keep my motto each day unfurled And try to make this place a better world. Parish Office Pride in my person Pride in my home Pride in my school 066 7141241 Pride in my town Pride in my country. Castleisland Parish News 2013 17 Responding to the Lord’s Call: From Castleisland to Maynooth Sean Jones (25) is a seminarian for the Diocese of Kerry. He is currently in formation for Priestly Ministry in St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth.

It is true to say that powerful in the prayerful surrounds of St. of Kerry in Maynooth, and with emotions are often felt and ex- Stephen and St. John’s Church, God’s help and presence in my perienced when one returns to alongside Mons. Dan O’ Riordan. life, I will be ordained in a few the places their families origi- It was truly a blessed experience short years, and with God’s grace, nated from. For me, Tullig and to meet the people of the parish, and the gentle movement of the Cordal create within me a sense and to make connections with Holy Spirit, help pass on the faith, of belonging and identity, as it is those who knew my grandpar- in the way I had experienced it here that the roots of my fami- ents, and shared many life expe- back in Kerry Diocese. ly took place, grew, developed riences with them. To the Faithful in Castleisland and flourished to be the great My parents (Eileen and Jimmy) Parish and beyond, send up your people they were, and are today. moved from Castleisland in the prayers that the good Lord will My grandparents lived in these late 1980’s to the rural parish of continue to call men of faith and picturesque and beautiful plac- Moyvane. Life in Moyvane gives Sean Jones prayer to the Priesthood. es, Sean and Mary O’ Sullivan in each one who experiences it a To those who feel the call of Tullig, and Bertie and Mary B taste of how a village can give so been blessed with so many holy the Lord in their hearts, Do Not Jones in Cordal. much in the building up of a per- priests over the years, and for me Be Afraid … I pray that the Je- At the beginning of August son, in education and culture and had placed the seeds of vocation sus, your brother, will give you a I had the privilege of serving Faith. in my heart by the way they lived generous heart and a courageous at the anniversary mass of my Faith has always taken a cen- the Gospel message. Presently I spirit to answer …Here I am Lord grandparents, Sean and Mary, tral place in my life. Moyvane has am a seminarian for the Diocese …I have come to do your Will. Scala retreat Scala’s Background In 1988 Redemptorist and lay people first came together to serve the needs of young people in Cork. The project is shaped by two pastoral commitments: the need to bring young people to the heart of the church; and the promotion of a greater role for lay people in ministry. In 2011 Scala found its perma- nent home in Blackrock, Cork.

Castle Island Retreat days with Scala 2012/2013 Last year members of the Scala Youth Ministry team had the great pleasure of coming to Castleisland to facilitate retreats for the Transi- tion Year and 5th Year students of Scala team members: Natalia Hyde (Retreats Co-ordinator), Veronika Huckova and Christian Hennes with TY Castleisland Community College and 5th Year students from Castleisland Community School and students from 1st to 6th Year in St. Joseph’s Presentation School. ities, meditation, prayer and group understanding of the modern Scala is delighted to be invited Later in the year the Scala team work, exploring questions of val- world. It is a day of fun and re- back to Castleisland for the up- travelled once again to Castleis- ues and image of God. laxation allowing young people coming Redemptorist mission in land to deliver a retreat for 5th year Through retreat work, Scala en- to gain a deeper understanding of February 2014 to facilitate a re- students at St. Patrick’s School. courages young people to reflect, themselves, their peers and their treat with the young people of the The days included games, activ- step back and realise a spiritual God. parish. 18 Castleisland Parish News 2013 Sixty years of Singing in

Tom Horan Church By Tom Horan it required one person always to Sr Rita had taken charge. She wish would be to come down work the bellows. like those that came before her amongst the congregation and My earliest recollection of the I joined the choir in the mid put a lot of work into ensuring get all of them to sing with us church choir goes back when I fiftys when the late Sr Columb- the success of the choir. In the especially during those wonder- was a young boy going to Mass iere was in charge. She was no year 2000 she felt it was time to ful seasons of Christmas, Easter with my Parents. I was taken stranger to me as I had known hand over the responsibility of and the months of May and June. by the beautiful singing and her through the Pioneer associ- being in charge and at the time That would be something special music. ation of which she was the direc- I thought we had lost the link if it could be achieved. Many years later I discovered tor. with the Presentation Sisters but There is a social side to the that the Presentation Sisters had In the early sixties during thankfully Sr Maureen remained choir also. The Parish Priest a very big input into the choir renovation to the church they and sings with us to this present would treat us to a meal in a ho- and a lot of credit must go to built a new organ gallery over day. tel or an outing. The Presenta- them for getting people trained the entrance door. The or- For the next eleven years the tion Sisters would have a party to sing the hymns. Many of them gan was moved down from its management was taken over for us in their Convent and each were gifted musicians and one old position and the bellows by Helen Tangney Lyons who of us would have to do our party of them would play the Organ. were changed to electricity (or worked diligently and patiently piece. We had the late Sr Baptist and worked by). I have a vivid mem- for all the members to ensure It might be of interest to know Sr Loyola whom I did not know ory of one Christmas before it that all the high standards set the personnel of the choir over very well, were very much in- was completed all choir mem- by those before her were main- the years. Amongst the ladies volved. bers along with Sr Columbiere tained. In 2011 she retired and were, Teachers, Shop owners, In the early years the organ occupied two seats in the centre the task then fell to Ailish Walsh Office workers, Nurses, School gallery was positioned over the of the church and sang the sea- who succeeded in the increasing pupils and many housewives, upper entrance door. The sis- son hymns including the Adeste. the membership to over thir- amongst the men we had a Doc- ters had access to it from their We lost Sr Columbiere to an ty but alas the number of men tor, a Veterinary Surgeon, many prayer room. Inside the Church untimely death in 1967 but tak- is disappointing with only five teachers from all schools, build- door was a circular steel stair- ing over from her was Sr Marce- members. We owe a debt of grat- ing contractors , two Garda Sar- case which lead upto the gal- liena and later by Sr Rupert and itude to all those who take on the gent’s, two Farmers and many lery. Space was limited there as the late Sr Olivia. responsibility of being in charge office workers. the organ took up a lot of room. I retired from the choir in of a choir. Over the years much I hope I have given some in- Air had to be pumped into the 1972 but never lost interest in it. praise has been showered on the sight into what the choir was like pipes for sound and as a result I re-joined in 1988 at that time beautiful singing and music. My in my day. Castleisland Parish News 2013 19 The Bishop’s Ordination – a special day

By Paddy Flynn believe it would be impossible By D.J. Fealey the full Cathedral, I quickly real- for someone not to be moved ised that a large number of them On the 21st of July of 2013, I by the whole occasion. D.J and When I was asked would I like seemed old and there was only a was given the great privilege I were probably some of the to attend Fr. Ray Browne’s Ordi- few young priests among them. of attending the new Bishop’s youngest members there. nation, I thought why not. I had The ceremony itself was very in- ordination as a representative The Mass also showed me never being to an Ordination teresting and I didn’t think it was of the youth of our parish. July something very special. It before and I didn’t know quite either long or boring. 21st was a glorious summer’s showed me how the Kerry peo- what to expect. What greeted us At the end of the ordination day so hot in fact that the con- ple and people of Ireland still, that July day at St. Mary’s Ca- Bishop Ray’s family was invited gregation had to be looked af- despite everything, have a large thedral in Killarney was inter- forward to congratulate him and ter for fear of anyone fainting devoted group of Catholic fol- esting. For starters people had one of his sisters gave him a hug. by helpers and the Red Cross lowers. It may not be as strong formed an orderly queue out- This to me shows that he may be who provided water and so on. as once before but those at the side the door of the Cathedral, the Bishop of Kerry, and leader of The church and surrounding Mass there to support a new part and this was something I had our Catholic faith in the county, area was a hive of activity. There of Kerry’s religious future and never seen before. It was a bit but behind it all his is also some- were people talking, moving for their new Bishop painted an like going to a concert, you had body’s brother. and readying themselves for the amiable picture and a great fu- to have a ticket to get in. I would like to wish Bishop all-important Mass to begin. ture for Catholicism in Ireland. As the procession of Priests Ray all the best in his new job and The Mass began with the Cathe- The Bishop of Kerry has a vital and Bishops got under way in a Happy Christmas. dral Choir and ‘Kerry School of part to play in Kerry like every- Music Choir’ singing beautiful one else. music. The Mass unfolded with After the ceremony Fr Dan Paddy Flynn an almost never-ending proces- introduced us to the Papal Nun- & D.J. Fealey sion of members of the Catho- cio, Archbishop Charles Browne. lic hierarchy as they formally That will also be a memory for came in. life. The Mass had something of Here’s to a great future for great spirituality for both D.J our religious shepherd, our new Fealey another young parishio- Bishop Ray Browne and the Peo- ner of Castleisland, and me. Of ple of the Diocese of Kerry. course this was the same feeling for everyone else attending as I Bishop Ray Browne’s first visit to Castleisland

L to R front row: Carmel O’Connell, Noreen O’Sullivan, Fr Dan O’Rior- dan, Bishop Ray Browne and Mary Walsh. Back row L to R Eileen Fly- nn, Aoife O’Leary, Ailish Walsh, James O’Leary, Marie O’Leary, Siobhan O’Donoghue, Marie Nelligan, Mark O’Donoghue, Jack Shanahan, Marti- L to R Joan Walsh, Fr Dan O’Riordan, Bishop Ray Browne and Siobhan na O’Donoghue, Mary McGaley and Tim McCarthy. Kearney. 20 Castleisland Parish News 2013 A Helping Hand for Will you those who need it volunteer to be By Liz Galwey The Castleisland Branch of the society of St. Vincent de Paul ap- peals to all parishioners to remem- ber the less well off and be gener- a Volunteer? ous in their contributions and also to remind parishioners that by By Jack Shanahan donating unwanted good quality Chairperson of Castleis- clothing/footwear etc to our shop land Pastoral Council you are also helping the society. The society also provides a How many times do you “meals on wheels” service from hear the phrase, “I’d love Liz Galwey Tuesday through Thursday. More to do that but I haven’t got information on this service may be the time”. Yet, in today’s St. Vincent de Paul. had by phoning 0667142234. pressurised world I believe The Society of St. Vincent de Paul it is ever more important was established in the Castleis- that you share some of that land area in the 1950’s. The orga- Castleisland Family Resource precious commodity. The nization itself is worldwide. Centre. country is fully of voluntary Throughout the year hundreds In 2009 the local branch of St. organisations. Sports clubs, of people are helped through dif- Vincent de Paul opened a Fami- charities, tidy towns, self- ficult times, some may only need ly Resource Centre. The Centre help groups all depend on once off assistance, others need is located behind the Church St. volunteers. They do not run assistance on an ongoing basis. All building and comprises of a pre- themselves. cases are dealt with in total con- school and computer/meeting In all cases, the commit- fidence. Recent times have been room. To date, many have ben- ment is as little or large as particularly difficult for many peo- efited from courses which have you can make. Pick some- ple and the local branch reminds been run. thing that you care about. people that they can be contacted MABS (Money Advice and For instance, in my case, in confidence at 0879775643 Budgeting Service) is available on raising money for Kerry Hos- The Castleisland branch is ex- Thursday mornings in the cen- pice was an easy choice. The tremely concerned about people tre. Appointments may be made change that it has made, and who are experiencing difficulty for by phoning MABS in Tralee continues to improve on, is the first time and realise that for 0761072190 genuinely inspirational for all most people the thought of con- Bright Beginnings pre-school that come in contact with it. tacting St. Vincent de Paul is not is now well established, children Another important voluntary one they want to consider but the from two years and nine months organisation is the Church. society is encouraging people not and up to five years may attend. In an era of rapid change, it is to leave it go until it is too late and The Pre-school can be contact- ever more important that the not to be embarrassed. ed on 066 7163815 or for any en- parishioners help run their The society is committed to pro- quiries in relation to the Resource own parish. Volunteering is tecting the privacy and dignity of Centre courses please phone 087 not always easy, but it is defi- Jack Shanahan those who seek assistance. 7553066 nitely rewarding. The Holy Trinity Prayer Group The Holy Trinity Prayer Nowadays the group has ap- also pray for the many requests and loyal friends through Group in Castleisland was proximately 30 members (both we receive each week. We read the prayer group and we sup- started in the Presentation men and women) who come the bible and try to apply the port each other any way we Convent by Sister Basil over from all around the county and message to our everyday lives. can. The meeting is open to 30 years ago. She started the West Limerick. The prayer Occasionally we invite guest everyone and new members group with a number of local meeting is held every Wednes- speakers to the meeting and we are always welcome. For fur- people and they met every day night in St Brigid’s Room organise seminars on healing ther information ring Tom at week to pray for their own at 8 o clock (opposite St John’s depression, addiction, suicide 0667142300 or 0874112002 needs and those of the com- school hall). At the meeting and relationships. munity. we pray for each other and we We have all made very good Castleisland Parish News 2013 21

us, enfolds us, and embraces us, thing, especially through prayer, never leaves us”. to prepare our hearts to receive The Year of Faith “Opening the door of the him and welcome him. heart” is another image that Pope Francis points to our By Fr. Jim O’Connell Apostles: “God opened the door comes in here. When God opens need of God’s grace and encour- of faith to the Gentiles” (Acts. the door of faith, he opens the ages us: “to open the door s of 14.27). We find some deep in- door of the heart of Jesus, who our hearts to Jesus as the dis- sights here. First of all, it is God stands at the door of the heart ciples on the road to Emmaus who opens the door of Faith. The and knocks: “Look, I am at the did, asking him to stay with us disciples knew that faith is God’s door, knocking; if you hear my so that we may pass through the gift and they were merely instru- voice and open the door, I will door of faith... and then go out to ments in God’s hands when they come in and eat with you and announce it. Faith presumes that preached in the name of Jesus. you with me” (Rev.3.20). we decide to be with the Lord, Secondly, God takes the ini- You may have seen Homan to live with him and share this tiative in reaching out to the Hunt’s painting of Jesus stand- with our brothers and sisters... Gentiles. Nobody is excluded or ing at a door knocking and the We need to keep our gaze fixed Fr Jim O’Connell beyond God’s reach. door has no door-handle on the upon Jesus; in him all the an- The Gentiles became believers outside. When this was pointed guish and all the longing of the in Jesus. They were able to cross out to the artist, he said the door human heart finds fulfilment... Fr. Jim O’Connell from Scarta- the threshold into a new world is the door of the heart and its Faith makes us fruitful because glen is a Millhill Missionary and a new way of life. They came opens from the inside. This is a it expands our hearts in hope Priest. Here he reflects on the to see Jesus as the Way to the very interesting painting, but and enables us to give life-giving year for Faith. Father, as the gate of the sheep- it does not tell the whole story. w i t n e s s”. The Celebration of the “Year of fold- so that anyone who enters While we can try to be ready This is our call to mission and Faith” came to a close on Sunday by him is saved (Jn.10:9). Their to open when Jesus knocks, we missionary activity-to be life – 24th November 2013.One of the faith in Jesus drew them into the need God’s grace-the gift of giving witnesses that will help images used during the year was “Father’s Love that on the cross faith-to be able to open the door. open the “Door of Faith” for oth- the “Door of Faith”. That phrase opened wide its arms to embrace Left to ourselves, we cannot ers. takes us back to the Acts of the everyone-a love that now clothes manage it. But we can do some- CHILDREN’S COLOURING CORNER 22 Castleisland Parish News 2013

The New Line… Digging up Church Street

By Muírís Breathnach had a knitting machine and pro- an Armagh man, who fascinated Cross to the western side of duced jumpers and cardigans to many a small boy as they watched Church Street and start at what Going down Church Street to- order. Bill O Keefe had a jewellery him use a cut-throat razor so deft- many of the senior residents of day, one is struck by the variety shop next to Kerins. Guard Shea, ly and so precisely! the street called Bob Finn’s corner, of small individual businesses, whose wife only died only some Maurice Kerin was next. He was and there stood Murphy’s Pub- veterinary surgeons, doctors, months ago, and family came an excellent gardener and also had lic House. Next at number 3 was solicitor, architect, chiropodist next. The local butcher Bill Har- a hackney car. One of his more Dolly O’Neill’s house , which later sports injury therapist auction- rington lived and worked where interesting fares was the Depart- became the second chip shop in eer, taxi driver, baby shop hair- Island Flowers is today. Beside ment of Education inspector who the street run by Theresa Mac- dresser and motor factors, fast Bill Harrington was Danny Shee- wished to go to Glountane to con- Gillicuddy and her brother Mi- food outlet, charity shop and hy’s grocery shop, where many a front Patrick O’Keeffe about his chael- affectionately known to all iron fabrication works. penny ice cream was bought. But non-attendance in school! in later years as Ard Rí an Oileáin. Turn the clock back 60 years to Danny Sheehy was a hugely im- Tom Heffernan and his fam- Tommy Casey- a tailor- and his the 1950s and walk down Church portant in recording events live ily were next until they moved sister Cissie were next. Tommy for Street- or as it was known by many in Castleisland in that era. He was to Mallow when Tom joined the many years collected at all Masses in town then, the New Line and its a photographer and through his Irish Sugar Company. He was suc- on Sunday at the church gate, ir- residents New Liners. This was a photographs, which can be found ceeded by Tim and Abbie Prendi- respective of weather and no hol- reference to the new road to Cork in many a house in the locality, has ville- both of whom were parish idays! built by the famous engineer Rich- left a record of families, carnivals, clerks for close on 50 years. Then we come to two of the ard Griffith in the mid-19th cen- every important occasion for de- The last occupant of the eastern most famous residents of the tury. cades. side of Church Street was Miss street. Where Ann Maire’s Hair But even in the 50’s Church Phil O Connor was next and O’Mahoney, who was succeeded Salon is now, dwelt Thady Don- Street was a centre of small in- again had a small grocery shop, by Dr. Noel Collins and family un- ovan , his wife and Catherine his dustry and Mick Brosnan and his where his daughter now has her til they moved to Adare. sister. Thady wrote one of the first family had a chip shop and sold Sports Injury clinic. Next was Next, where part of Presenta- historic accounts of Castleisland ice cream cones, Mick also drove a Miss Moriarty, who kept lodgers tion Secondary School now stands and its environs- A History of East hackney car and this was the seed and played a mean game of 31 in was a field owned and cultivated Kerry, now sadly out of print. He that grew into Brosnan’s Bus Com- her next door neighbours- Barrys. by its owners the nuns. The cows was a mild mannered, quiet spo- pany today Next to them Jo Kerins Hughes lived next to the Barry grazed there , and potatoes and ken man, who was respected by – a Tipperary woman- married to family. Billy Hughes, affectionate- oats were grown there as part of Church St. native Vincent Kerins, ly known as “Billy the barber”, was the convent’s self-sufficiency. – Continued on next page Castleisland Parish News 2013 23

– Continued from previous page bicycle shop- selling and repairing 29 Church Street was Herlihy’s Kerry in 1913 and1915 bikes. He also had a garage and 2 shop, where you buy your grocer- The Corr family were in no.35. all. petrol pumps graced the footpath ies and where teachers and chil- Dick Corr was another member But Mrs Donovan was a differ- in front of the shop. Another son dren bought all their schoolbooks of an Garda Siochana and lived in ent kettle of fish. To everybody of Da’s- Sonny – lived in the house copies and pencils. Church Street, until his retirement on the street, Mrs Donovan was a at the other side of the garage. At no. 33, Eily and Julia Sheehy in the late 50’s, when the fami- source of fear. Sonny had a lorry and carried on sold groceries, but more impor- ly moved to County Mayo. Dr. The Cronin family was next to a haulage business as his son John tantly to every child, who attend- Donal Geaney then bought the Donovans. Mick Cronin was a does today ed the Presentation school across property and opened his practice shoemaker and the Cronins lived The Parish Hall was next, with the street and attended Mass on there and lived “over the shop” till in Church Street until they moved its billiard room downstairs and Sundays, it was the sweet shop, he moved to Powell’s Road. to the Latin Quarter in the 1960s. meeting room upstairs. Eamon where the window was filled with Across from the church was Their house was bought by Miss De Valera climbed the narrow tempting delights that one could the Nuns’ Field where children Mai Collins from Scartaglen, who stairs one night to visit Canon Da- purchase if one had an old penny played, when not playing ball and opened another small grocery vid O’Connor, who was chairing a or even a halfpenny! marbles and other games on the shop and also kept lodgers. meeting of the Parish Hall com- The Kerins and McGaleys lived street almost devoid of traffic in Nolans were next- Denny and mittee and couldn’t be disturbed in 33 Church Street. Nell Kerins those long ago days. his wife Kitty née Barry and their to be told that the President of Ire- and her sister Daisy McGaley were Though much has changed in family. Kitty Nolan trained as a land would like a chat with him. midwives , who delivered many a Church Street, little has changed. confectioner in Thompsons of At the back of St Mary’s was the child in town and country in their It is still a thriving centre of busi- Cork- a firm noted for the quality mecca for basketball and was the time before maternity hospitals ness today as it was 60 years ago. of their products. For many years original home of St Mary’s Basket- became the norm. Daisy’s hus- The family names may be differ- Kitty baked and sold confection- ball Club band Jack McGaley a member ent, but the people remain similar, ery in her little shop. Next to St. Mary’s Hall was the of the Volunteers, and like Billy hardworking friendly and above Denny Nolan’s father, or Da, home of the McElligott family for Hughes had northern roots and all the best of neighbours. Long as he was called by all, lived next some years. Originally it was the worked in the Court service in may it continue! door, where his grandson Jeremi- Imperial Hotel locally known as Tralee for many years. He won 2 ah and family live today. He had a Johnny Fitz’s Hotel. All Ireland Junior medals with MB Copyright Repairs & Renewals

Some of the works to the • New location for Pieta in the Churches in Castleisland Par- Church grounds ish made possible by the con- • Landscaping tributions of Parishioners in • Church Rewiring with new recent years. light fittings • New Baptistery Castleisland Church • Repairs to roof of Sacristy • New Parish Office opened • Tiling of Entrances and Toi- • Insulation of Ceiling lets. • New fire Alarm and emergen- • Repainting of Church Official opening of Parish Office November 2008. cy lighting system • New stained glass window at Scartaglen Church the rear of the Church External • Spire and outside of the • Cleaning of roof and repair of Church ,cleaning and repairs flat roof • Upgrading the security and • Landscaping and upgrading amplification for the Choir of Car park gallery • Painting exterior walls • New Organ • Health and Safety work • Substantial repair work and cleaning of the floor Internal • New Prayer room at the En- • Repainting walls, ceiling and trance to the Church seating • Repair to railing and gates • Provision of new Prayer room at the rear of the Church Cordal Church • New carpeting throughout • New boiler • New heating system • Extensive work to Stained • Provision of new toilet glass windows • Stained glass windows re- • New sign paired and restored The work of Dan O’Donoghue.