A RECOGNITON for total commitment and excellence in community, sport, culture and enhancing the life of others is evident on the selection of the Millstreet People of the Year Awards.

Friday, 12 March, in the Wallis Arms Hotel, will present an opportunity for Millstreet to honour people valued and appreciated not only by their own community but beyond.

The categories and recipients are Hall of Fame, Fr. Paddy O'Byrne; Service to Youth, Youth Club Leaders; Cultural Award James Linehan; Achievement Award, Stephen O'Riordan; Service to the Community, Eily Buckley and Unsung Hero, Moira O'Keeffe from Cullen.

Allowing the awards to go ahead are all important sponsors and this year's kind donors are K & L Transport, Super Valu Supermarket, Michael O'Sullivan Electrical, Dennehy Haulage, Alps Electric, and Millstreet Credit Union.

Tickets for the special function on Friday, March 12, are available from Millstreet Community Council members.

HORSE FAIR: Neither the recession nor one or two showers failed to dampen the spirits at last Sunday's Millstreet Horse Fair. In doing so, the hosting maintained a long standing tradition in the North Cork town with patrons from all walks of life from near and afar continuing a custom dating back many generations.

To counter the swell of crowds and attractions over recent years, a number of restrictions were again in place with the aim of providing safety measures that alleviated potential accidents and reduced traffic chaos that had become a growing hinderance not only on fair day but also on the previous days. An embargo haulted casual traders from erecting stalls prior to Sunday while horses were allocated the former Fair Field Car park away from the traditional Pound Hill base.

Apart from the odd shower, the weather was kind to allow large numbers from venturing outdoors and descend on Millstreet. Those in their tender years came in support out of a sense of curiosity and their elders enliven a sense of nostalgia in a staging maintaining a magical appeal.

The fair once upon a time provided horses for the armies of Europe and closer to home, Guinness Brewery availed of equine stock to draw their popular stout all over the country.

And for the Millstreet March Fair in days of old, many farmers of the region found the ideal opportunity to seek farm labourers for the year ahead thus adding to the significance of the hosting.

And all the trappings of the modern day horse fair were again present with the streets a flow with stalls of every conceivable nature. A throng of street traders dotted the Town Square and Main Street, vendors indicating a roaring trade from the latest CDs to a mobile phone.

The passage of time has failed to knock the staging of horse fair day in Millstreet and the indications are the Fair will continue for some time.

ST PATRICK'S DAY PARADE: The Annual St Patrick's Day parade will take place in Millstreet Town on Wednesday, March 17 commencing at 5pm. Over the years, the late afternoon start has allowed large numbers frequent the Millstreet staging. Prizes will be awarded in the following categories Cultural, Youth, School, Commercial, Best Float and Best Window display.

SCÓR NA bPAISTÍ: Millstreet enjoyed success at the Duhallow Scór na bPaistí finals on a hosting in the Edel Quinn Hall, Kanturk last Sunday.

Taking outright honours were a novelty act team of Darren Kiely, Stefan Healy, Sarah Dennehy, Megan Murphy, Bridelle Cronin, Nell Burke, James Cronin and Shane Hickey. James Linehan added a win in solo music.

Faring well at instrumental music were third placed Killian Linehan, Ava Barry, Cathal Crowley, Patrick Dineen and Danny Buckley. Securing runner up place at Ballad Group were Bridelle Cronin, Patrick Dineen, Billy Cronin and Siobhan Cronin. Billy Cronin earned joint third position in solo singng. Competing at question time a Millstreet football team of Killian Linehan, Alan Murphy and Patrick Dineen were joined by a Millstreet hurling trio of Cathal Crowley, Danny Buckley and Darren Kiely.

Also competing were Sarah Dennehy in solo singing and Chloe Collins at recitation. The Millstreet Novelty Act goes forward to the county semi final in Rossmore on this Friday night.

GAA: The 2010 U21 Football Championship began on a positive note on Millstreet securing a narrow but deserved 1-7 to 0-9 win over Kanturk in the opening round played in Millstreet.

For long stages, a sharper Millstreet looked the more complete side, their passing, teamwork and workrate commendable. Holding a two point interval advantage, Millstreet doubled their advantage upon the resumption.

However, Kanturk summoned a brave comeback and came ever so close to forcing the game into extra time. Millstreet's game demanded a brand of defiance and they had it in abundance during the closing stages to swing matters.

Millstreet held the early supremacy and their dominance was founded on the positive play of Barry O'Reilly, John Buckley, Mark Ellis, Michael Vaughan and Eric Hickey. Kanturk kept in touch yet Millstreet constructed a 1-3 to 0-4 advantage thanks to a cracking goal from Mark Ellis.

Millstreet resumed the second half brightest from additional points to Vaughan and Ellis. Kanturk refused to be ruffled, Millstreet thankful to 'keeper Denny Twomey on producing a fine save. The visitors made headway to reduce the deficit and it resulted in a tense and exciting finale.

As Kanturk powered forward at every opportunity in search of further scores, Millstreet held their nerve and a breakaway attack yielded John Buckley an excellent point.

Millstreet lined out as Denny Twomey, Andrew Crean, Barry O'Reilly, David McCaul, J Buckley, Brian G Murphy, Conor Lane, Dean Desmond, Mark Ellis, Jamie Kelleher, Michael Murphy, Michael Vaughan , Eric Hickey, Darren Murphy, Kieran Sheehan. Subs. Donough Tarrant, Andrew Creedon, Pa Rohan.

MILLSTREET MISCELLANY: The Aubane Historical Society has 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 re-opens 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/ 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 info@millstreetcountrypark.