Christian Aid – The Coffee Day on 16th May at Albert and Lily Shorten’s was another success, raising money (a good €1000) and awareness for Christian Aid.
Baptism On May 20th at St Bartholomew’s Kinneigh we welcomed Jack Christopher, son of Susan and Ian Eady of Enniskeane; and on June 10th at Christ Church, Kilmeen we welcomed Rowan Shanah, daughter of Kimberley and William Hurd of Ballingurteen. Both were happy occasions.
The Friends of St Mary’s Desertserges.
The site of St Mary’s is extremely ancient; the name from Diseart Searghusa – Hermitage of Saint Searges, who was supposed to have been a disciple of St Colman or Mocolmog of Kinneigh. Prior to the 1100’s Desertserges was one of seven parishes in the ancient Diocese of Kinneigh. In 1199 it was included in the newly reorganised Diocese of Cork. A list of named clergy goes back to 1591. The present building was built about the year 1805 at the cost of £553 16/- 11d. – a lot of money in those days.
The grave yard is of particular importance. In it are burials belonging to both the Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland communities. Much of the graveyard is taken up by famine graves – unmarked, a sad reminder of Ireland’s darker times.
The tower
now needs restoration Ivy is
growing thickly inside (visible at the top); pigeons are using it as a breeding
loft; the bell hanging is unstable and there is dangerous stonework. The tower
roof has partially collapsed and the pinnacles need attention. Major work now
has to be done to ensure the safety and future of this important, historical
place and we need to raise at least €65,000.
We have called the fund rising scheme The Friends of St Mary’s Desertserges
and hope that indeed this fine old church will find lot’s of friends. We
are appealing to the community at large – for although St Mary’s is used in turn
by the Union on a Sunday and we can have good numbers in the congregation on
occasions; the actual number of active Church of Ireland people living
locally isn’t exactly huge!
The Bring and Buy at Farranthomas on 8th June was in aid of St Mary’s – and we had a splendid turn out and made lots of money which was a marvellous start to the fund raising. Thanks go to Lily Shorten and ALL who put so much effort into this worthwhile evening.
Events planned include:-
10 July – Coffee morning at Kinneigh House (The Old Rectory), near Kinneigh Church.
11 August – Fun Day at Ballymoney Hall, Ballineen.
4 November – Tea Dance at BEDA Hall, Ballineen
We are looking into arranging:-
Flower Festival – September 2008
Quiz Night, Race Night, Concerts, Heritage talk on the history of the church and townland, conducted educational walk through the woods at Manche, Ballineen and the list will grow as we progress towards our goal.
Please look out for posters notifying you of the events. We are not just in the business of fund raising but giving the parish a bit of a social programme and lots of fun as well. Please help in whatever way you are able. The fund treasurer is Graham Garland, Castleview, Derrymeeleen, Ballineen, Co. Cork. Please make cheques payable to “Friends of St. Mary’s Desertserges”
School News
Ballymoney had a lovely school trip to Stephen Pearce pottery at Shanagarry, a picnic on Garryvoe Beach and Bowling at Blackpool in Cork.
Desertserges made an epic and adventurous journey to and around Millstreet Country Park. Both trips were excellent. Thank you to all who made it all possible.
At Ballymoney School, staff changes are afoot. Ms Hamida Pall is moving on – we thank her for all she has done and given to the school during her short time with us, and wish her well for the future. Ms Lisa Hawkins will continue but as Mainstream Class Teacher. She has been an absolutely brilliant principal taking over confidently when Ms Sharon Wolfe left us last autumn. We regret but understand she is standing down for personal reasons. I am however very pleased to announce our new principal - Ms Shireen Rountree from Co Wicklow, who is coming to live at Lissarda. She is a talented teacher, good at sport, and understands the importance of smaller schools in the community. Do welcome her as she settles in.
Summer Joy Club Week at Dunmanway The club will take place in Cox’s Hall, Sackville Street, Dunmanway, Monday 13th to Friday 17th August 2007 from 10am to 12.15pm. The theme this year for the club is “Wastewatchers" - Come along and explore the wonders of life. Think about how God transforms lives and how we must help to transform our surroundings. Forms from the Rector.
We all wish Keith Ross speedy recovery after his tractor accident. We remember all who are sick or need our prayers and thoughts in any way.
Ernest Buttimer passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on 15th June (earlier this morning as I write these notes.) He had fought bravely against becoming invalided after amputations on both legs at the knee. He was active to the last, working in his shed at his carpentry the day before he died. His cheerful attitude to life will always be remembered. Our thoughts are with Ada and the family.
We wish Canon Patrick and Lorna Hewitt all best wishes from being our neighbours to the west (Dunmanway) to now being our neighbours to the east (Bandon.) A toll is now in place outside the rectory Ballineen, for those travelling too frequently between the two aforementioned places!
Holy Baptism
May 20th In St Bartholomew’s Church, Kinneigh - Jack Christopher, son of Susan and Ian Eady.
June 10th In Christ Church, Kilmeen – Rowan Shanah, daughter of Kimberley and William Hurd
Christian Burial
June 17th In Christ Church, Kilmeen, Churchyard – Thomas Ernest Buttimer