Work is underway on the Mealagh Valley Community Memorial and Sensory Garden adjacent to the the Community Centre. The work began in late November, with the repair of the two existing boundary walls and the construction of a new bed on the South side. Plans for bare-root planting are being finalised, and further work will resume in the Spring. Anybody who is interested in joining the construction or planting work would be most welcome! If you’re interested in helping please contact us.
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December 17th, Kitchen update:
Things are really moving now, the units are in along with the dishwasher and the cooker…..
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We wish you a safe, healthy and a Happy Christmas from the Mealagh Valley community centre – thanks to everyone for your support in 2021. Its really appreciated and it all makes a difference.
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Congratulations to all our winners
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We are not being idle here in the hall during the pandemic, we are currently upgrading the kitchen to HACCP approved……
More photos to follow as work progresses…….
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A very successful Charity Bingo night held last June in memory of the late John Connolly RIP. It was a very successful night with €1,830 raised for the Irish Red Cross.
This night would not have been so successful without the kind generosity of all our sponsors and the committee and staff of the Mealagh Valley Community Hall would like to extend their heartfelt thanks.
Le gach deá ghuí or deá mhéin,
Mealagh Valley Community Centre.
An interview with John prior to his passing.
The Bingo Caller:
How long have you been calling bingo?
I have been calling Bingo for 37 Years Approximately.
How did you start being a bingo caller? I used to play Bingo on some Sunday nights at Bantry Boys Club. The two people who called it at that time asked me one night if I would call it. I did for two Sunday nights in their presence. On the second night they said to me “You are doing a good job”. After that they vanished and I am doing the calling ever since. Thank God those people now Husband & Wife are still with us and living and working locally.
Clickity Click 66, Downing Street number 10, Two Little Ducks, and of course Two Fat People (you being the polite person you are say rather than offend anyone) are just a few of the sayings to go with the numbers . Where did these originate from? Did you make them up or did you have to learn them? I think they made be very old sayings, you learn them as you go.
Any funny story that a bingo player would relate to? The only funny story that I remember is that a chap at a certain Bingo checked on two lines. Two Lines must be on the same panel in the same box, but this chap had two lines alright but in two separate boxes. I had a good person who coped on to this and explained to this Guy although he knew he was wrong and I have never seen him at Bingo since.
Where else have you called Bingo? I have called Bingo in Bantry Boys Club, Mealagh Valley Hall, Collins Bar, Kealkil and at different venues when the Four Valleys have Monthly Social Days out. I have called it in a few faraway places when an emergency arose because the resident caller was either unavailable or sick on the evening.
I know that you do Bingo on voluntary bases; you have helped raise thousands of euros for various charities? How does this make you feel? I have always called Bingo on a voluntary basis where thousands of Euros are raised for so many good causes. I never asked for any personal thanks but my wish is, if, Please God I do live in to old age and I need help I would appreciate it being there for me.. God willing all of us who do voluntary work will be able to do so for many years to come.
John, thank you for answering my questions and helping raise much needed funds for so many good causes. Well done John.
John Connolly, May he Rest in Peace
Life From My Perch
Interesting little blog here from one of our members:
https://lifefrommyperch.wordpress.com/
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Dance, Dance wherever you may be……………
The Mealagh Valley Dancing Club proved to be very popular on Monday nights in the hall at 8.30pm, where there was old time dancing and ceili dancing, taught by Vincent Crowley. This was a fun way of getting some valuable exercise in a safe environment. There was a small weekly donation that went to the upkeep of the hall. A big thank you to Vincent Crowley for organising and giving up his time.
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| Mealagh’s Winding Stream |
| It rises in the mountain side a little rippling rill With crystal water gushing forth, its flowing banks to fill, Those banks beneath the traveller’s feet, enriched with verdure green reflecting Sol’s pure dazzling rays by Mealagh’s winding stream.Through wild Coomleigh it flows along, enriched by waters green, That flows from Mullach Meise down in streamlets sharp and keen, Through the shady groves of Inchiclough, ‘twould make your heart serene and rushes down by Donemark a seaward gushing stream.As by those verdant banks I strayed one Autumn evening fair, I spied beneath a shady bower a maiden rich and rare And now and then upon her cheeks a sparkling tear would gleam Just like a pearl undefiled by Mealagh’s winding Stream. I said young lady may i ask what causes your tears to flow He scorned to dwell within the land where freedom’s burning ray ******************************************************************************* |
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Also on a Wednesday night Ceili & Set dancing Classes with Olive will keep you on your toes, at the cost of only €5 per adult per night, it’s the best value for keeping fit. A great way to meet new people and practise your steps. Ceili and Set dancing for beginners and advanced. Classes will resume on Wednesday the 27th of September at 8.30pm. For more information, you can contact Olive on 087-9874013, also keep an eye on our Facebook page for more information. Jiving classes start on October 19th, Contact Olive for further information.
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What is Permaculture?
Permaculture is a set of design techniques that can be applied to every area of human activity. Underpinning these is the idea that it is possible for humans to meet our own needs from the Earth and essential to leave the place better than we found it. This can provide meaningful work for billions of people. West Cork is a
good place to begin realigning the global economy to this end.
We are only as good as the community we are a part of. We look forward to meeting our neighbours.
Thanks for reading, John and Tracy
Contact: John Baker, Phone; 0857298393,
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Dromclough National School started back on September 1st and already the fun and activities have begun in abundance. The children were taken to the local pond with Stephanie O’Toole to learn about pond life, GAA coaching with John Paul, 5th & 6th class were taken to Schull to participate in an orienteering event for West Cork primary schools. As well as the children being very busy with Arts & Crafts, and learning the Tin Whistle. They also have drama sessions with Amy O’Sullivan after midterm. Rugby and a fit for life Athletic programme which will run for 10 wks.
Dromclough NS have been selected to take part in Board Bia food Dudes Healthy eating programme again, which has been very successful in the past and the children love it.
The school will be holding a Lenrec clothes collection on Tuesday November the 7th so time for a good clear out of any old clothes, shoes, blankets, curtains etc that you may not want…these can be dropped in a black bag to the school in the morning before 10am please.
Upcoming events, talks, which might be of interest to you will be advertised on our school noticed board by the entrance or our Facebook page.
The school is actively seeking new enrolments and would welcome new entrants at any time.
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Mealagh Valley Community Alert Group held their A.G.M. in the Mealagh Hall on Tuesday April 4th. It was well attended. Present on the evening were Sgt. Ian O Callaghan, Crime Prevention Officer for West Cork & Garda Geraldine Doyle, Bantry Garda Station who is The Community Garda for the Mealagh Valley Area. Chairman Sean Bishop opened the Meeting and welcomed all present and thanked them for coming along on a very fine evening weather-wise. Secretary Mary McSweeney & Treasurer John Connolly gave their respective reports. Sgt. O’Callaghan & Garda Doyle addressed the Meeting on all aspects of Crime, Safety, Drugs, Road Safety & Farm Accidents etc., etc.
A lively question & answer session followed.
The Election of Officers for 2017 was chaired by Sgt. O’ Callaghan and resulted as follows.
Chairperson………….. Sean Bishop.
Vice-Chairperson……….. Finbarr O Sullivan.
Secretary………………….Mary Mc Sweeney.
Treasurer ………………..John Connolly (RIP)
Anyone over the age of 65 Years and live alone can apply for A Personal Monitored Alarm System and should contact any Group Officer for help. A booklet is available to each household where you can keep all relevant information in regard to your personal property. This document is a must for the farming community. Following the meeting a presentation was made to Garda Doyle from our group to thank her for her commitment to our valley during the years and to wish her & husband Sean every good wish & long life following their marriage in December 2016.
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Christmas Holly
A very successful fundraiser on behalf of the Mealagh Valley Community Centre took place in Bantry in the lead up to last Christmas with lots of people giving donations in return for bunches of holly. We would like to thank everyone who supported this event and this novel fundraiser would not have been possible were it not for the voluntary time and effort given by Martin O’Mahoney of Lahadene, Bantry. We would like to sincerely thank Martin for his efforts and the huge sum raised of €2,200 which goes towards the ongoing running costs of the hall.
