The Goleen & District Community Council
Due to the Covid19 the Goleen & District Community Social Centre has been closed. Normally, it meets every Monday 11am-4pm Lunch 1pm. Meals should be booked by 11am the previous Saturday. Contact: 086 2725506. The Goleen Community Centre is currently closed except for provision of Meals-on-Wheels with support from the HSE and Cork County Council.
PLEASE NOTE OUR CHANGE OF ADDRESS:
To contact the GDCC Newsletter please call 087 992 8581 or send an email to: Newsletter@gdcc.ie
Goleen Festival 2019 was held on August 10th & 18th with activities for all around the village and surrounding area
Goleen Cottage Market Saturday 10th Aug 2pm – 5pm (Facebook)
Route2Crook is on Sunday Aug 11th details can be found HERE.
For more events and Program: Check out the Goleen Festival Page
The Community Council Lotto has been in place since August 2002
Most of you will have played at some stage over that time. We are, of course aware that we are not reaching all of you and we are now hoping
to make it easier for everyone to buy their tickets. Along with selling in the local pubs and shops, in future, it will be possible to purchase 4 week/ 13 week/ 26 week or 52 week blocks of tickets
We feel this might be a more suitable option for those who don’t call to the village venues on a regular basis, or don’t want the inconvenience of writing out tickets every week. For more info on options for buying your lotto tickets or to register your interest, contact Bob on: 087-968-5344 or Tom on: 086-356-7771 and we can discuss your options and payment methods
If you’re reading this in the Newsletter online, chances are you may not be living in the Goleen area. Don’t feel left out as we have not forgotten you! There is also a dedicated email address, you can write to us at: goleenlotto@gmail.co
We can organize any combination of ticket sales so please get in touch, we appreciate your support now, or in the future and we’ll be delighted to see you the next time you visit us in Goleen.
Be assured that all proceeds from the Lotto are used locally,
for ongoing projects such as maintenance of the Community Centre
and the pitch, the very popular Meals on Wheels service and the Monday Social Centre, the important job of strimming and the upkeep of our graveyards and the annual cutting of the hedges, an absolute necessity for road safety.
We also provide Christmas trees for the village, and beautiful hanging baskets and flower barrels in the summer months, along with our very popular summer festival. Lotto funds also go towards loan repayments for land that has been recently purchased for future projects.
We would like to thank you for supporting the Lotto all through the years and we wish you luck, but remember – if you’re not in you can’t win!
Dear friends from near and far, from days of old, and of recent times.
I write as the 40th Anniversary of the Whiddy Island (M V Betelgeuse) Disaster approaches on 08th January 2019 in Bantry, Co Cork, Ireland. My father died in the Disaster.
Christmas is a hard time for seafarers and our rescue services that protect them, and their families. I ask that you please take 5 minutes to read this message.
The Betelgeuse Disaster is the leading example of the failure to implement regulation as it was the Cornerstone of the IMO – SOLAS1974 – that was lying on Government shelves so it is hugely important as the Disaster is a stark reminder of what happens if we do not act. It is also one of the saddest stories of a tragedy at this time of the year, and in any event, where so many people died far from home.
At this exact time 40 years ago the crew of the MV Betelgeuse were on their way, in tough conditions, from the Arabian Gulf with a large cargo of crude oil. Unfortunately, despite bravely battling the elements, upon arrival in Bantry Bay everything went wrong – on the ship, and at the Whiddy Island Oil Terminal and the entire crew of 42 French nationals, 7 local Irish nationals, and an English surveyor, who had only just boarded the vessel, tragically died. Sadly too a Dutch diver lost his life in the Removal of Wreck Operation, performed by Smit Tak, the most complex at that time in history. 51 people in total perished. All safety systems failed.
If you have time look at this video. (it is only 25minutes) from last year on Ireland’s National broadcasting network RTE.
However, despite this tragedy, much good has come out of the terrible disaster and the regulation to prevent explosions that had been agreed years earlier (SOLAS 1974) was implemented throughout the world. And further work has taken place which is explained in my below email, and attached letter to the Confederation of European Shipmasters Associations, who are attending, as are the International Chamber of Shipping, Ireland’s Maritime Institutions, Ireland’s Rescue Services including Irish Coastguard and several RNLI Station Representatives, RNLI HQ, and many others, including Company, NGO, and State representatives from across the world. The families take great solace in these positive developments in best practice and regulatory implementation, and in highlighting the importance of these issues and of our rescue services on 08th January, in a positive celebration of these brave people who sacrificed so much which influenced safety for thousands of others. A talk given recently in Vladivostok is attached which explains some of the recent regulatory developments.
The message from this Commemoration is simple:
use best practice, implement regulation, to protect our seafarers and protect our environment so as not to have our precious emergency services unnecessarily called out.
As you know, in varying ways, we have worked closely together over the past number of years, be it in the sporting arena helping our youth, in the arena of friendship helping with British- Irish relations to underpin a sacrosanct friendship between close neighbours, and working together with friends further afield across the world, in the business world helping to promote better standards to protect and promote our industries, and in the international regulatory world. At all times our work in these areas has been built on the keystone of local and world society – having faith in the humanity of those around us. We have as a result of that approach achieved a lot together that we can be proud of.
I write to you today to ask of you this: to try and make an effort to come to Bantry on 08th January for 1100 Mass and/ or make a donation to one of the charities listed below – just a small one to help our cherished seafarers and our cherished rescue services, the Angels on the Horizon in our time of need.
One of our family members during our life will in some shape manner of form have to rely on our rescue services, and we all rely on our seafarers who are out there as we enjoy our Christmas period. Although my father died our rescue services did the best they could in atrocious circumstances, and my family & I will be eternally grateful for those efforts, including helping to find my father’s body 8 months after the Disaster so we had a grave to visit.
Friends of Bantry General Hospital.
Bantry Hospital and its staff had a huge burden to deal with on the night of the Disaster and afterwards as the bodies that were recovered were taken there. The hospital relies on voluntary donations to support its wonderful services to the community. As we enjoy Christmas I do not have to explain to you how hard our hospital staff are working.
Bank: Allied Irish Banks plc, Bantry, Co. Cork.
Name: The Friends Of Bantry General Hospital Ltd.
IBAN: IE49 AIBK 9360 1404 5000 53
BIC: AIBKIE2D
The RNLI, the Angels on the Horizon, then and now. Here is the link.
The international Seafarer Organisations that do so much good.
You will have your own organisations of choice close to you too. If you can make a donation please use reference ‘Betelgeuse’ and also let me know if you so wish so I can relay it to the families.
Thank you and hopefully you can come to Bantry on 08th January for Mass at 1100 to acknowledge the lives that were lost and the importance of best practice and regulatory implementation, and to show respect for our seafarers and rescue services. An important safety award is being presented to a National Maritime College of Ireland Cadet.
If your organisation would like to have a Wreath placed at the Monument please let me know.
I have included my family’s Christmas card for this year remembering those who died, which shows the backdrop of Whiddy Island in Bantry Bay. Terrible tragedy should not happen amidst such beauty, or anywhere else, and it is within our control to make sure it does not. We have worked very hard to try and achieve that goal in recent years.
I am happy for you to circulate this email with my contact details within your organisations and further afield (including at this time to family members and friends) to relay these important messages as a reminder and education of how important it is to act in time and respect our rescue services and seafarers.
As I say below the world can be a wonderful place all around us- if that is what we want it to be, if we turn negativity into positivity, learning from the lessons of history.
As the great Irish politician, Edmund Burke, famously said “Those who do not know history’s mistakes are doomed to repeat them”
Best wishes and have a wonderful and safe Christmas and New Year
Together we will always make a difference.
Ní neart go cur le chéile
Michael Kingston
Sod It Blog
On last Wednesday evening outside Norma’s Corner House Bar in Goleen the Irish Tricolour and the US Star Spangled Banner hung side by side as inside a warm welcome was being made for a Delegation from the Government of Maine led by Commissioner for Economics Ms Denise Garland.
Earlier a very important agreement had been signed between Co Cork and the State of Maine at County Hall. Here in Goleen two communities met to celebrate the ancient bond between neighbours an ocean apart. We proudly call ourselves the last Parish before America and on this evening two neighbours Goleen and Maine came together with the hospitality we in West Cork are so proud of.
There is a closeness brought about through our collective histories and Michael Kingston Director of the Irish Cultural Centre in London and Special Advisor on Shipping, a son of this Parish and force behind this coming together addressed a full house of smiling faces behind the bar of his Aunt’s Pub. There were eloquent stories told from both sides of the water of emigration and the past, ambitions for the future and hopes of closer ties between us all, songs were sung, poems read, toasts held and friends made long into the evening. It was a truly very special night and so generously hosted.
The Goleen Summer Festival is delighted to announce that Singer/Songwriter and Story Teller Catherine Cunningham will open this year’s festival with a special concert at the Barleycove Hotel on Thursday 9th August at 8.30pm. Catherine is originally from Athea in West Limerick, she developed her sound while travelling in North America and finally returned to Ireland and discovered the delights of West Cork where she is now based.
She has been described as being as unpredictable as the roads she has travelled, her songs twist and unravel through the most unexpected of landscapes, to paint pictures and stories full of longing, humour and power. Mischievious and highly irreverent, her performances are intimate affairs, where the audience is regaled with songs and stories of the road.
Catherine will be performing material from her new show and 4th album “Bothering the Dead.”
Tickets will be available on the door or pre-booked from your local Community Councillor (€12)
Mizen AFC 3 Bunratty United 2 (Aet)
Gerald O’Callaghan and Darren O’Donovan were the hero’s last Sunday week, firing Mizen to an extra time victory over local rivals Bunratty in the semi final of the Parkway Cup. As always, Pat Moynihan had the pitch at the Goleen Community Centre looking better then Croke Park. David Farrell, David O’Leary, Sean Sheehan and Peter Sheehan excelled in midfield.
Ronan Kennedy’s safe hands at the high ball and the defensive quartet of Paudie Reidy, James Scully, Daniel O’Callaghan and Andy McCarthy denied Bunratty’s impressive forward line to very few clear cut chances but despite this, twice Mizen found themselves behind, but Darren equalized on both occasions after being assisted by Gerald and Captain Patrick Scully! And, roles reversed, in the second half of extra time, Darren assisted Gerald and deservedly sent Mizen through.
Thanks to all our sponsors, especially The Lobster Pot Bar who sponsored the fixture.
Semi Final vs Bunratty United on Sunday May 27th in Goleen at 2pm.
Dunmanway Town ‘A’ 0 Mizen AFC 1
Ger O’Callaghan had a few near misses before he hit the target but when he did, the only goal of the game in the 62ndminute, not alone produced a knockout blow but also a surprise result. In this Parkway Hotel/Maybury Coaches Cup quarterfinal the First Division side showed scant respect for their Premier opponents who may have played some excellent football but for all that might well have suffered an even bigger defeat. With sheer persistence allied to no little skill Mizen once again raised their game when the occasion demanded but wasting a few clear cut scoring opportunities they had to wait for a while before delivering the mortal blow.
The goal when it came was simply executed in a move where a throw in from Drinagh Rangers import Andy McCarthy was flicked on by Patrick Scully to where Ger O’Callaghan lurked and this time the finish was clinical. They had to rebuff periods of prolonged pressure from the losers thereafter but all the while showed that they had the ability to create an opening just as they did in the very early stages of an excellent contest. Ger O’Callaghan was again the player involved as he ghosted in from the left flank only to be denied by agile Town ‘keeper David Mawe. The play anywhere losers’ veteran was once more to display his versatility in a position that’s inbred in his DNA and one save in the closing half produced one of the highlights of the game.
Long before that we had seen most of the play flow in the direction of the Mizen goal but surprisingly capable ‘keeper Ronan Kennedy hadn’t a whole lot to do. In fact his first real save of note came in the opening attack of the resumption when a Jamie Carroll free-kick tested him, (a little). Try as they might Town failed to adorn excellent approach play with a goal earlier on when aided by the cold breeze. The Mizen defence was resolute with Daniel O’Callaghan making sure they kept their ‘shape’ while James Scully was the first to pass his defenders test with an early goal saving tackle. One by one the rest all did their bit while together they formed an impenetrable bond to keep their citadel from being breached. During a protracted period of Town pressure Barry O’Donovan headed over while the losers’ also served up a plethora of corners and Stephen Collins almost got in on the end of a splendid Tim Healy delivery.
All that and more when David Farrell was at his best for the besieged winners who had the combative David O’Leary, Andy McCarthy and Patrick Scully also to the fore. Neither were the Sheehan’s, Peter, on the left wing and Sean on the right flank shirking their responsibilities during this time of need. Paudie Scully was solid rather than spectacular as he played his role in a team effort that was praiseworthy. Town’s attempt to stay in the reckoning was just as laudable with Pa McCarthy partnering Stephen O’Donovan in the spine of a defence where John Healy mixed up his codes at one stage. Nearing the end of the half a Mizen break, from a Ronan Kennedy clearance sent Ger O’Callaghan clear only for the striker’s lobbed effort to carry just over. In the final piece of the opening half action a strong Tim Healy surge had Daniel O’Callaghan on his toes to keep it scoreless at the break.
The third quarter was possibly Mizens’ best as they strode forward confidently in pursuit of a goal. This almost came early on when a powerful Patrick Scully surge ended with a delivery that Seán Sheehan very nearly connected withat the far post. Then a Town defensive mix-up allowed the winners through for a goal only for it to be disallowed for offside while a John Healy intervention was followed by a fantastic David Mawe save that denied Ger O’Callaghan an almost certain goal. As events transpired these were but stays of execution given that the Mizen winner arrived soon after. When it did it was enthusiastically greeted by the underdogsbut time was still on the loser’s side in their efforts to get an equaliser. Try as they did Town failed to get on terms and in fact Mizen was the team who continued to threaten on the break. Ten minutes from the end Peter Sheehan did have to clear a Town corner off the line at one end while Seán Sheehan fired over at the other. That and lots more as the contest drew to a close with a reshuffled losers giving it everything in a bid to force extra time, but it was not to be.
Dunmanway Town; D Mawe, R Coakley, J Healy, S O’Donovan, P McCarthy, T Healy, J Carroll, C O’Donovan, C Daly, S Collins, B O’Donovan. Sub D Ring.
Mizen AFC; R Kennedy, J Scully, D O’Callaghan, P Downey, D Farrell, S Sheehan, P Scully, A McCarthy, D O’Leary, P Sheehan, G O’Callaghan.
Subs Andrew O’Connor, John Supple, Brian Clarke, Chris Kennedy.
Referee; A McDermott, WCL.
