Local Notes: Kilkelly Kilmovee book is launch at Ireland West Airport

Banada

Sustainable Railroads

Almost two centuries ago the British government saw the advantages and importance of a network of railway lines spanning the country. At the time they were not concerned with the advancement of industry or the welfare of those they governed but rather with mobility of their army in times of insurrection. They saw the advantage of getting troops and equipment quickly to flash points. The lines went from north to south and east to west servicing their requirements. As decades and centuries passed towns grew and businessmen saw the advantages of transporting goods by rail transport. It was far better than two barges on the canals or horse wagons on the roads and business prospered by rail. An order placed for a few tons of this or that could be delivered next day across the country slow and all as the speed of the steam engine in far off days. The two great wars caused problems for the engines were driven by steam generated by coal. Coal went scarce and turf was substituted and the engines laboured when they met inclines.

After the wars were over a new era came into prominence. It was the motor car, diesel engine and truck. They gave a choice and independence to the commuter and merchant. Better roads were built, bigger cars and lorries appeared, and transport moved away from the trains. For years the trains and railroads have been in the doldrums despite introduction of new diesel engines carriages and freight wagons. The old infrastructure as lines and stations have been there for two hundred years and now the circle is almost complete. Native Governments have allowed lines to close where while across in the EU lines and rolling stock have been modernised and electrified.

Now the writing is on the wall and the fossil fuel era must go. Government must take notice and put money into modernising the lines as well as electrifying them. It will become the cheapest and most efficient mode of transport for goods in the state. Multinationals who bring industries to this country will recognise this when setting up business. All this change is being forced upon us. The superpowers have raised the world temperature to a height that has upset nature. We know this when a storm levels cities and towns, showers become deluges which sweep away villages and forest fires rage and burns thousands of acres countryside. We in Ireland have had little to do with what has caused all this. It’s no use blaming our cows for what has happened worldwide, but we are in the worldwide boat and must play our part in lowering emissions. We must say good bye to the fossil fuel era and climb the sustainable energy ladder. The conversion of the railroads to power by electricity must come quickly. It will make great changes. It will take thousands of lorries off the roads, lower pollution and reduce heat output. Future governments may not like this as it will mean fall off in revenue road taxes, licences from the lorries. It is time to get started, modernise the tracks, electrify the engines and pave way to lessen air pollution from fossil fuelled engines.

Hibernia

That was the old name for Ireland. The Romans came to Britian colonized it, as best they could from the South to Hadrian’s wall in the North on the border with Scotland. Here they paused and ventured no further. They realised that way up north there were tribesmen who would give trouble and so they built a great wall across the country from sea to sea. They also knew that there existed a land to the west and that they called Hibernia, the land of sleep. There is some evidence of their presence in and around Limerick. They never invaded or came in numbers to Hibernia or Ireland for they regarded this island as a land to hibernate or sleep in. They were partly right for in winter darkness covers the land for two thirds of the length of the day.

Imagine what it was like in the countryside in Ireland two hundred years ago when people were left groping around in the dark for sixteen hours except on a moonlight light. There was great fear of the dark as people then imagined pukas and spirits prowled in the sally gardens.

Stories of Ghosts and spirits were believed and nobody except the brave ventured beyond closed doors at night. The Seanachie sat by the fireside, told and repeated ghost stories night after night terrifying the life out of all who listened including children, grown men and women.

The only light of the time was that from the turf fires that burnt on the hearth. When they were raked at night to preserve coals for the following day, all was pitch black until morning came. Nowadays the darkness has been dispelled as electric lights the countryside. Fear of the dark and ghosts is practically gone and you might say night has been changed into day and that the Roman name Hibernia does not apply.

War in the Mid East

At present it rages on. Thee are no winners in any war for all on all sides are losers. Both sides lose family and friends leaving lasting feelings of loss. The vacant seats round the tables at Christmas are silent reminders of the wages of war. Terrible crimes have been committed which never can or will be considered justified. Yet war continues dragging in innocents who want no part of it but nevertheless suffer. Now there is a crisis in Gaza where millions of people are made homeless, put out on the road without food, shelter and water. It is past time to start thinking of their plight and render help. Those people who have suffered from the atrocities of a terror group must suffer no longer and a cease fire be made mandatory for both sides. A state has been laid to waste, caused by the actions of a few. It is late but there is still time for talks, to make plans for the future and build a democratic state.

Gurteen

Culfadda Walk for Hospice

The total amount raised for 2023 is €10,600. The total raised between 1993 and 2023 is €335,141. On behalf of Culfadda Walk organisers and helpers and North West Hospice sincere thanks is extended to everyone who helped, walked and donated. Well done to the organisers - it is a very worthy cause.

The late Liam Allen

The death has taken place in London on November 1 of Liam Allen father of Paul, Knocknaskeagh, Gurteen. Sincere sympathy is extended to Paul, his mother Bridie, brother Edward and family. May he rest in peace.

Died in Australia

The death has taken place in Australia of Tommy Kearns, Perth, and late of Emlaghfad and London, on October 30. He was a well known singer and promoter of Irish culture in Perth. Tommy was predeceased by his brothers Peter (Ballymote) and John William and sisters Margaret Gallagher and Mai Kearns of Killavill and Gurteen. He is survived by his wife Kathleen and daughters Jackie, Pauline, Ursula, Helena, Dympna and son Kieran, grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, relatives and many friends. There will be a Memorial Mass for Tommy at a later date. May he rest in peace.

The late Liz Dwyer

The death took place suddenly on Sunday, October 29, of Liz Dwyer (nee Carty), The Plains, Boyle. Liz was an aunt of Liz Flanagan, Killaraght. Sincere sympathy is extended to her husband Jimmy, her sister Mary McKeon, brothers Bertie, John Joe, Timmy and Gerry and their families. May she rest in peace.

Bingo

Bingo is held in Gurteen Hall every Friday night at 8pm. There is a jackpot of €2300 in forty six calls or less. The lotto raffle jackpot is €900 and there is also a 50/50 split. Support is greatly appreciated.

Eastern Harps 50/50

The Eastern Harps 50/50 draw on Monday night with a record jackpot of €1123 was won by Cian Higgins, Ballinafad. The club is appreciative of all the support.

Gurteen Celtic

The Gurteen Celtic jackpot was not won on Sunday night last and the numbers drawn were 5, 20, 21 and 22 and the winner of the €50 was Helen Mulligan, Emlaghfad. The jackpot will be €6,500 next week and the draw will be held in the Roisin Dubh, Gurteen.

Gospel concert

Patrick Feeney and band will perform a Gospel concert in Gurteen Church on Sunday night, November 26, at 8pm. Concert organisers Coleman Music Centre have tickets for sale - contact 071 9182599 or www.colemanirishmusic.com.

Fundraising concert at Knock Basilica

A Christmas Spectacular takes place at Knock Basilica on Friday, December 1, with ‘An Evening of Songs of Faith, Hope, Love and Christmas’ featuring Margo, Philomena Begley, Donna Taggart, John McNicholl and Marc Roberts. Also featuring Una Nolan and Schola Cantorum Basilicae.

Tickets cost €30 and are available from Mary McNicholas in Victim Assistance Head Office. This special event will raise funds for Victim Assistance, supporting victims of crime and trauma victims in Ireland. Door open at 6.30pm and the show begins at 8pm. More information from Victim Assistance head office, Kiltimagh. Tel 094 9000 251/1800 277 477.

Living Well Programme

The Living Well programme is for adults 18 years and over. It is suitable for those who are living with one or more long term health conditions and for those caring with someone with a long-term health condition. This is an online course and there are still a few place available. For more information contact Fiona on 087 7185615.

Pieta House

Pieta House provides a professional one-to-one therapeutic service to people who are in suicidal distress, those who engage in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide. All of these services are provided free of charge and no referral is needed. Call the 24-hour crisis Helpline on free phone 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444.