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.
Semi Final vs Bunratty United on Sunday May 27th in Goleen at 2pm.
Mizen AFC who defeated Dunmanway Town to advance to the semi-final of the Parkway Hotel/Maybury Coaches Cup
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.
The Goleen Easter Egg Hunt was held at the Community Centre on Saturday and it gave us the first real opportunity to show people the new Community Garden. To be honest there is not a lot to see at the moment, the weather has not been really suitable for gardening, cold and wet mostly, but we were lucky to have a lovely sunny day.
We put a couple of tables down at the bottom of the garden near the fence and I got some pots, compost and various bulbs and sunflower seeds for some of the Egg Hunters to have a go at planting. We now have 40 pots with bulbs planted which I hope will give a bit of colour to the garden in the summer. The kids and some parents put their names on the pots so they will be able to see their contribution and hopefully feel like part of the garden. We also have a load of sunflowers planted, as a kid I loved these bright sunny flowers towering over head and turning to face the sun. One French lady told me that they are called Tournesols (Sun turned) in France, how very appropriate.
On the other table we set up some painting gear, brushes, paints, water etc and invited our visitors to paint some rocks. The table got messier and messier as the day wore on but we do have a lovely new colourful rock garden.
I was delighted we had so many volunteers to help out including teenagers who were great in encouraging the planting and painting.
A rare quiet moment as the Egg Hunter watched a movie
We put up a few of the new “Adopt a Pots,” and they provided some colour sat on the fence. We have 42 pots adopted so far and it is very encouraging and a bit overwhelming to see so much support from local businesses, shops, pubs, restaurants as well as local individuals, summer residents and even those now living abroad and reconnecting all helping and sharing with us in this new project.
The Celtic spiral design I cut into the turf attracted a lot of interest and the kids loved running round it. Seeing the kids interact with the design make me think we need a few more ideas in the garden to get kids to explore, a textured path might be an idea. We will also need to leave a space for the kids to roll down the hill which seemed a very popular activity with the younger ones.
The garden is a very new project but I was so delighted to see it being used and the sounds of laughter were very rewarding, seating is also going to be an important challenge so parents can sit and chat while the kids explore.
Bulb planting, fun for all the family
I haven’t managed to get the potatoes into the vegetable part of the garden yet as there have been a few frosts at night but I will take the plunge this week as the potatoes are well chitted at this point and really need to get under ground.
So thank you to all those who helped with the sowing and painting and to all the families that used the garden, I am feeling very confident that we will continue to Grow The Community together.
7:10pm View around Barleycove this evening after doing walk through the dunes met few rabbits about the place not many just a few…
Forecast says rain on way and looking at this you would have to say that they are spot on with prediction let’s hope it moves swiftly past us…
Must say this was yet another beautiful day be out and about not hint shower anytime at all roads very busy good see so many around enjoying fine weather…
7:16pm Here we are looking out over bay towards Mizen Head and sea so calm looking don’t think they be much bad weather ahead…
Love view you get from here as you look down on beach and when furze bushes blossom later in year then that make for real nice picture…
Great see Munster beat Toulon reach semi – final of European Cup listened on radio here by beach great game and good commentator sure twas like watching on TV listening to him…
7:24pm Looking at sun right there you would have to say it’s very sunken and sad looking sure sign that rain not far away…
7:37pm You really begin feel night chill in air this time evening sure not long more now and another day ends and good day it was no matter what you were doing..
Fine moonlit night outside but real cold nip in air temp only 2.5c with breeze from an Easterly direction would think they be frost later if things stay like this… Off now watch Match of Day on BBC so that’s all its bye for now and goodnite from here
Hiya 2all my friends… I would like wish you all very Happy St Patricks Day, it’s nearly 2am, fine calm clear starry night outside temp at 7c.
I got my weekly Irelands Own magazine, it’s a great read, lots nice stories, some true and others like fiction in way. Good see Kitty The Hare back, she always has a funny story, not forgetting Miss Flanagan best detective around, she always get problems sorted and lots St Patrick memories and Cassidy Says looking back on his memories, always interesting is he and whole lot other stuff also like I say tis great read week not same without it.
Really looking forward to having a few ice creams in morning as you can break your Lent on this special day, might have bit Chocolate and few bags crisp, also doing great so far never any day had a big urge to break our Lenten fast.
Good to see that our Cafe in Goleen has re-opened again for season and we wish Sara – Jane and Colin well, it’s a great addition to have something like this when people visit the place.
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
Looking forward to Rugby and seeing us beat England at home to win Grand Slam, last time we done this was in 1948 so it’s about time we won again, that’s to beat England in last game series to win outright and I hope Nemo win All Ireland Club Football Final also, then that would make it perfect day but anyway whatever happens we looking forwards to them anyway.
That’s all again wish you all very happy St Patricks day and hope you have great weekend
There have been many attempts to better organise tourism in this area, tourism is a major employer and we all need jobs but what the Mizen Peninsular has to offer is a rare commodity that is not easily summed up with glossy brochures. West Cork is A Place Apart which is a clever way of saying the usual rules may not apply here. Things are slow to change; trends and fashions have little impact to an area steeped in traditional ways. You often hear of West Cork time, things do take a little longer when you stop and chat with your neighbours, friends and visitors.
Part of the charm of this unique corner of Ireland is things move a little slower; you need time to appreciate the scenery, to watch the sunset and listen to the birds. Visitors regularly return, some have been returning their whole lives and some have never left. In a world full of hi tech and virtual experience the Mizen offers an alternative. Real adventures on sea and land, witnessing a whale breaking the surface or a chough swirling across the skyline, the waves breaking over the sand or even just sharing a wonderful lunch with friends, the Mizen offers time and a connection with life that is ever so precious.
Three local Facebook sites, Goleen, Ballydehob and Schull have got together to try and help those who need a bit of little Mizen magic in their lives. Discover Mizen Peninsula hopes to enable those who spend time in the virtual world discover what we have plenty of……..
Great see its raining outside this gives hopes to little birds of better day ahead God love em many won’t see morning saw lots them dead around area and driving on road had stop many times poor cratereens could hardly get out way. Nature can be thing of and so cruel at other times I gave out lots brown bread in yard for Robins and Wagtails that be in houses twas not much but we hope twill save a few of them…
11am This view across lake towards home on what’s fine day here good thaw all about as temp at 3c…
Often cycled or walked here years ago post letter long before we ever had car and its nice see this post box still in use up present day…
Enough here for now as we continue on our journey east to Goleen roads in perfect condition did not freeze anytime overnight from what I can see…
A new subject for one of Liam’s on line jigsaw puzzles
This beauty just outside village no doubt some child got great fun doing this hope they cherish memory I remember doing very same thing here at home twas either 1982 – 83 anyway he is now puzzle…
Beach car park like never before and snow covered mountains only add to beauty around here on this day.
Drove the ring from Goleen via Caravan Park could not believe how little snow on other side mountain just shows it must have sunny morning this was around 12:30pm you get no sunshine here till after 10am…
Barleycove really hope its many years before we see any more snow around here Farmers have been finding it difficult milk cows parlours frozen but good news I hear is that milk lorries be around Monday for milk collection really hope for them all goes good…
My neighbour’s holiday homes basking in snow, house on left sold recently did not meet them yet suppose twill be another few months…
2:23pm Mountains looking real pretty and thaw going well on lower ground temp then was 5c just for few hours middle of day…
4:30pm spotted this fellow as we drove home from town they’re all over the place, beautiful looking bird. It is a Lapwing they must come from really cold country for only time you ever see them around West Cork is in weather like this. Another local name I often heard these birds called is PHILIPEENS might not have it spelt right but that’s what it sounds like anyway. If you surprise these birds they have most amazing screeching sound, in saying that they hardly ever stop making noise for sure no need to be told if they around.
Twas in garden beside shed, this fellow was looking picture of health wish I could say this about local birds poor cratereens many them have died it’s sad see but good few nice healthy birds here at home they shelter in outhouses bless em.
5:20pm this view sunset this evening not great but this was it and by way it was raining also what difference a day makes…
7:30pm Temp now 4c we on Lotto duty later so that’s all its bye for now and goodnite from here
Thanks to Helen Tilson for letting us post her beautiful photographs of our snowy days on the Mizen, hope you enjoy, keep warm and check your neighbours.
Bitter cold outside with stiff breeze from East temp -3c its so cold was going fry rashers but the gas pipe after freezing now that is cold… Hope everyone heeds warnings and stay off roads from 4pm onwards as this time Storm Emma is due its dangerous storm so heed warnings and stay safe above all don’t risk life some innocent person if you get in trouble
Woke this morning at 7:10am had peep out window did not see much snow on Letter Hill so did not get out see sunrise stayed where we were suppose its safest place be in weather like this…
On our way east Goleen this evening around 6pm temp only -1c twas not much higher any part day while out for walk in beach lots frozen snow about place….
6:35pm Snowing well here for past 45 minutes or so few snow showers early morning but twas good for rest day…
Denny’s Pub looking well in snow love yellow colour really stands out in this kind weather and moon shines brightly also….
It’s amazing this picture taken without flash on even though it was snowing well you cannot see it but snowing well it was trust me…
This view with flash on this shows perfectly what conditions were like pure winter and Storm Emma arrives about 4pm tomorrow up from Bay Biscay well somewhere around there anyway let’s hope she don’t stay long with us…
This place where we shop everyday sure you be surprised when you enter how much stuff inside as all shelves stocked neat and tidy and its open all hours that’s beauty of having place like this..
Night air begins fall over place and as you can see most people at home little traffic on road sure with temp at -2.5c its at home we all should be
Roads around here in perfect condition all day around Goleen but very bad from Skibbereen east sure Goleen – Cork bus which leav’es at 7:50am could only get as far as Clonakilty he had return back Goleen got back around just after 12pm he said things real bad from Clon onwards… Fair play to driver for making effort to travel he could do no more and all CIE Bus routes cancelled till Friday at least…
Often calls in here great place pass some spare time lots interesting things see and lots good reading about local history also here you can rent room for Wi-Fi its handy for doing important stuff while on holidays…
Temp when taking these pictures were only -2.5c it did not feel that cold but at same time when we going home at 6::45pm the snow had frozen on windscreen had put on heater before we could travel…
7:05pm Nearly home and lucky get there as road by Jimmy Downey’s getting dangerous car was slipping bit going uphill no doubt but if this continues till morning things be real bad…
That’s it another day ends and happy we are get inside besides fire put car into shed for night in case we wake early for view sunrise this way no delay as car be frost free well that’s plan anyway..
9:45pm Stopped snowing at moment but yard outside looks real pretty with moonshine on all snow about place its nearly bright as day anyway enough that so its bye for now and goodnite from here
4:45pm This view over Barleycove on what was cold evening after our walk in beach myself and Brandy like 2 little orphans no one else about place…
Looking at sky with all clouds was thinking about not going out Mizen it did not last long this thought so off we headed for Mizen Head…
5:15pm Just arrived here and liked what we saw on this beautiful evening very cold but nice and dry also…
5:37pm Few lads from Poland after arriving get view sunset also few them first time here and blown away with view we could not understand each other much but we got enough know what they were trying say…
Few these people live in Bantry and they brought their buddies from Poland out on visit while holidaying with us on Ireland. Brandy getting bit hassle but spell after this they got on mighty. Would like thank them for pictures and wish them well its good meet people from other parts world…
5:44pm Frozen with cold temp only 2.5c but as sunset still piece away shall get few other views place…
Brow Head in background and you can see Marconi Tower where we got sunrise from other….
Storm clouds move in from east it’s not good looking but with clouds overhead like this it can make for pretty picture you can often see this happen just before sunset. Moon rising over place not long now till twill be Full Moon March 2nd and if winds continue from easterly direction they lots serious flooding in low lying places as an easterly wind always blow in big tides…
Crookhaven looking fab in evenings sunshine and Stony Beach where we often got nice views of sunsets. Love the colour as sun nears end of day it’s just beautiful and see the night shadows take over its great way spend some precious moments…
View towards home and mountain in background is called Knocknamoderee some day we hope climb top this mountain looking at size of it might take sandwich and flask tea also help us…
Honestly these storm clouds getting better by minute for sure must be snowing under them it been so cold here but anyway back Mizen get last few views sunset.
6:10pm Last peep of sun here for another day and blessed we were to have had such beautiful day and be able get out and about to enjoy it all…
6:18pm Closer and closer the clouds get and we now begin wonder about snow but right now all we think about is Stations of cross that begin in church at 7pm….
9:23pm Snow Shower has arrived in Goleen its great see this now we begin think about views in morning…
Had confessions this evening after stations cross told priest twas 8-9yrs since last in confession box told him I had not much say only that we had bad thoughts about neighbours from time to time he was kinda surprised and gave us few Hail Marys and Our Fathers to say and we feel much better now that we done that might go again next Tuesday…
Hard keep camera lens clean from flakes snow sure they fall over place no sense direction but we done best we could. Brandy fast asleep in car no worries there twud be great to have mind like Dog don’t think nothing ever stress them out…
At prayers this evening we had 24 people I was 3rd youngest nice see few younger people than myself it gives hope for future…
9:34pm Another day done and it’s been good to us but really most of all looking forwards to views in morning….
Part of the charm of this unique corner of Ireland is things move a little slower; you need time to appreciate the scenery, to watch the sunset and listen to the birds. Visitors regularly return, some have been returning their whole lives and some have never left. In a world full of hi tech and virtual experience the Mizen offers an alternative. Real adventures on sea and land, witnessing a whale breaking the surface or a chough swirling across the skyline, the waves breaking over the sand or even just sharing a wonderful lunch with friends, the Mizen offers time and a connection with life that is ever so precious.
