Joy at All-Ireland Scór victory
PRIZES don't come any bigger than national titles and Millstreet had reason to be jubilant on their All Ireland Scór na nOg triumph in Athlone on Saturday night.
Taking outright honours at instrumental music, team members Donal Linehan, Alanna Barry, Kelly Murphy, James Linehan and Cian Dennehy didn't just live up to expectation with their performance but exceeded it with a spectacular flourish and enjoyed by the capacity attendance.
In doing so, Millstreet added another glorious chapter into its history books after a brilliant recital in a hotly contested showpiece decider. After coming through divisional and county paths, Millstreet delivered on their promise to collect a Munster title for the first time last month. That allowed Millstreet enter new ground on representing club, county and province in an All Ireland final.
A fitting celebration greeted those associated with the Millstreet win at a reception on Monday night. Freezing conditions failed to deter a large attendance from assembling on the Mallow approach road before Millstreet Pipe Band led a parade from Colemans to Millstreet GAA Community Hall.
Joining the festivities were near neighbours Boherbue whose set dancers claimed a first time All Ireland title. The latest successes maintain a vibrant run of successes by both Duhallow clubs over recent years culminating in national accolades.
MC Jerry Doody, Junior Club Chairman Fr Paddy O'Byrne, Millstreet Juvenile Vice Chairman Con Linehan and Community School teacher Derry Morley paid tribute to the all conquering team. Millstreet Community Council Chairman Noel Buckley added the team members from Millstreet and Boherbue were a credit to their families, club and community.
Speakers applauded the Millstreet and Boherbue groups for harnessing the cultural talent on parade and ensuring the traditions of music and dance was alive and well amongst a new generation.
There was a special salute for Millstreet team coaches Jayme and Conor Linehan who along with their dad James are the mainstay behind traditional music in Millstreet over the years.
The heroes and heroines of the weekend duly displayed their talents, both the Millstreet instrumental music and Boherbue Set dancers delivered outstanding performances for the admiring public.
HORSE FAIR: Millstreet will come to a standstill on Sunday for its Annual Spring Horse Fair. Despite the passage of time with modern trends surfacing, the hosting has lost none of its crowd pulling appeal for patrons young and old drawn from all over the province.
Millstreet Horse Fair maintains its glamour as a social occasion and an outlet to renew acquaintances with friends. Crowds and attractions have steadily risen over recent years with reservations expressed by gardaí and the local authority to growing difficulties.
A number of restrictions will again be put in place with the aim of providing safety measures that will alleviate potential accidents and reduce traffic chaos that had become a growing hinderance not only on fair day but also on the previous days.
The equine stock continue to come and though the standards are reduced compared to decades ago, their promises to be much wheeling and dealing in an exchange of cobs, ponies to donkeys. Adding to the occasion are all the trappings of the fair incorporating an assortment of stalls and street traders plying the trade.
SCÓR NA bPAISTÍ: The Duhallow Scór na bPaistí finals take in the Edel Quinn Hall, Kanturk on Sunday at 1pm.
Millstreet hosted a semi-final to the Duhallow Scór na bPaistí in the presence of a large attendance. Faring well at instrumental music were Killian Linehan, Ava Barry, Cathal Crowley, Patrick Dineen and Danny Buckley. Likewise enjoying success were a Ballad Group of Bridelle Cronin, Billy Cronin and Siobhan Cronin. At question time a Millstreet football team of Killian Linehan, Alan Murphy and Patrick Dineen are joined by a Millstreet hurling trio of Cathal Crowley, Danny Buckley and Darren Kiely.
Also advancing are Sarah Dennehy and Biily Cronin in solo singing. Millstreet continued on their successful ways at recitation per recitation with Chloe Collins. Continuing on an individual theme are James Linehan and Denise Healy in solo music.
SENIOR SCÓR: Millstreet enjoyed success at the County Senior Scór Finals hosted in the Eire Og GAA Pavillion, Ovens last Sunday night. A question time team of Jerry Doody, Pat Sheehan and John Tarrant retained their county title. Millstreet added a runner up position in the novelty act per a trio of Geraldine Dennehy, James Linehan and Jerry Doody.
The triumphant Millstreet team progresses to a Munster semi final scheduled for Millstreet GAA Community Hall on Sunday, March 7. TAEKWON DO CLUB Congratulations to the Millstreet Taekwon Do Club members who have qualified to be members of the ITF Ireland Team to travel to Korea for the World Championships in Taekwon Do next August.
Club member Diarmuid McSweeney from Ballyvourney holds the distinction of being the only person in the country to have qualified for every event at the World Championships. Through hard work and immense dedication he has qualified for the categories of individual Sparring, team Sparring, Breaking, and Special Technique in both team and individual sections.
The versatile Connie Vaughan from Knocknagree qualified for individual Sparring and Team Sparring, Team Power Breaking and Team Special Technique Board Breaking. Connie has achieved so much in a short time, considering that she isn't that long training, she is an excellent example to the younger students. Connie is also involved with the club in UCC.
Every success extended to the Millstreet Taekwon Do Club members in their preparation for the World Championships.
PILATE CLASSES: Pilates Classes commence in the Wallis Arms Hotel starting Tuesday, March 2 from 8.30 to 9.30pm for a six week duration. Contact Siobhan for Booking on 087 9224665. COFFEE MORNING: A Coffee Morning in aid of the Millstreet Church Restoration Fund, Haiti and Baby Jacob Fund takes place on Friday, February 26 in Millstreet GAA Hall between 9am and 2pm.
LIFE TIME CRUISE: JMG Travel in conjunction with Active Retirement Ireland are offering a magical sunny Iberia and Morocco 2011 Cruise direct from Ireland, departing from Dublin Port on Sunday May 1 2011. It will cruise from Dublin Port to La Coruna, Oporto, Casablanca, Lisbon, Bilbao and La Verdon, and return to Dublin Port on Thursday May 12 with bus transfers from most local areas
Booking early is very essential in order to secure the cabin of patron's choice and in particular the Balcony Cabins which will enable one to experience the wonderful sunrises, sunsets, the starry skies at night, and of course the beautiful landscapes on the approach of the different Countries all from the private balcony of patrons.
Information and booking forms can be obtained from Charlie Drake at 029 / 78017 or 086 / 8403914.
MILLSTREET MISCELLANY: The Aubane Historical Society have released a new publication. The third in a series of collections of historical items which contain some very interesting historical items on Millstreet's past. It is dedicated to Sean Radley in recognition of his services to Millstreet, and is currently available in local shops. The launch of the publication will take place in the Aubane Community Centre.
PIGRIMAGE: A Pilgrimage to Medjugorje operates from Cork on June 26 for seven days and returning on July 3. The cost of €599 including full board in excellent accommodation across from Church. Pilgrimage Leader is Tom Dennehy and Spiritual Director Fr. Sean Tucker. Further details can be obtained from (029)76159.
COUNTRY PARK: Millstreet Country Park is reopens for its 15th season on Sunday March 14. The picturesque Country Park has something for everyone this season. Fantastic venue for that family day out! Great family fun guaranteed with special events scheduled each and every Bank Holiday Weekend during 2010.
Guided tours with competitive group rates, lunch menus and discounts are available.
Pre School and School Tour bookings are now been taken. The on-site café/restaurant have been recently accredited by Good Food Ireland. A true culinary experience awaits patrons with a new revised exciting menus. Confirmation or First Holy Communions are catered, each ommunion/ Confirmation child is free. A Special thanks to LTV2 and all the team for both fantastic programs broadcasted from Millstreet Country Park. Congratulations to the lucky prize winners from the LTV2 TV text competition.
All Seasonal Tickets are now due for renewal. Seasonal Tickets are available to all visitors and are fantastic value at only €60.
Millstreet Country Park is open daily from 10am – 7pm. For further information, contact Joanie today 029 70810 or email infor@millstreetcountrypark.com