The Annual Christmas Day Swim

The annual Christmas Day swim took place as usual at the Golf Links beach this year. The weather was crisp but wonderful for the time of year. The swimmers were generously sponsored and all proceeds go to defray the costs of the senior citizens party. Well done to everybody who braved the Atlantic.

Click the pictures to see some more.

Wedding of Elaine & Seán

Local man Seán Moran, son of Jackie and Noreen, married the love of his life Elaine Corkery on November 10th in the church of St Joseph The Worker in Gros Islet in the island of St Lucia.
Elaine, from the townland of Tullig in Killorglin is the daughter of Margaret and Timmy Corkerry and works as a nurse in Tralee General Hospital.
Seán and Elaine will reside at their new home in Murreigh.
We welcome Elaine to our community and wish her and Seán a long life of wedded bliss.

Engagement

Ian Galvin & Julie Mingione

Congratulations to Ian Galvin, Spunkane and Julie Mimgione, Bayside, New York who have announced their engagement and intend to tie the nuptial knot in Long Island , New York on August 3rd 2007.
Julie and Ian visited Waterville in August 2004 and stayed for a number of weeks.
Julie teaches English and Religion while Ian works with the Navillus Construction Company.

Another Birthday Milestone

To the surprise of the guest of honour himself a special birthday party was organised for our esteemed colleague Eugene Dennehy at the Villa Maria Hotel on Saturday night Nov 11th. Eugene has reached the age that seems to attract a certain amount of attention and many of his work mates and former neighbours travelled to Waterville to be part of the occasion.
Brother Tim travelled from the "Big Apple" and had to lay low for some hours to protect the element of surprise. A wonderful night was had by all and Eugene assured us he is already looking forward to the next party in fifty years time!
Click the pics to see some more.

Tech Amergin Re-Opens (Oct 2006)

There was a great air of celebration on Friday evening last for the official opening of the newly refurbished Tech Amergin. Minister John O’Donoghue was on hand to officially launch the project. The state of the art facility includes workshops for art, pottery, ceramics, photography etc as well as a fine exhibition space and a very flexible performance space with retractable seating. It was standing room only as people crammed into the theatre to witness the official ceremonies. Fiona de Buis, director of the centre, paid tribute to all the people involved in the project from architect Albert Walsh, quantity surveyor Leonard Moran and building contractor Brendan Mangan. Local poet Paddy Bushe read a new poem, in both Irish and English, written especially for the evening. After the ministers warm congratulations there was a fantastic night of singing from many of South Kerry’s finest vocalists including Tim Dennehy, Sean Garvey, Clare Horgan and Roisin Ni Rian. Once the official concert finished everyone moved into the main hallway of the building and a great singsong started and went on into the small hours of the morning.

The official proceedings continued over the weekend with workshops in photography, landscape painting, raku firing of pottery, singing etc. That evening saw a wonderful theatre performance of Stones in his Pockets by Belgrade based group Madhouse theatre Company. There was much local interest in this as one of the performers is the son of Michael and Mary Kelly from Ballinskelligs. Finally on Sunday there was a guided walk and a lecture on the archaeology of the hills of South Kerry, and another performance of Stones in his Pockets.

The new centre is a fantastic new asset to the locality and will give local people the chance to further their education and interests through the various courses that are taking place, and also provides the village with a state of the art new theatre which can be used for all sorts of purposes from theatre, to concerts, to dance, film and lectures. (Click the pics to see more)

Wedding Annniversary (August)

A special congratulations to John and Margaret Curran of Toor Waterville who celebrated their fortieth wedding anniversary on August third. Margaret Coffey, originally from the Cappamore area of county Limerick, met John Curran in Gloucester in 1963 and they tied the knot in Lohar church on the third of August 1966 with the reception in the Muckross House Hotel Killarney. The happy couple returned to live in Gloucester where Carmel and Mike were born.
After the untimely death of John’s mother in February 1974 the family returned to Toor where Claire and Catherine were born.
John suffered an unfortunate accident in April 1974 which left him a quadriplegic but in spite of the challenges this poses he has managed to write two books “Just My Luck” and “Tides of Change” while Margaret is a highly regarded portrait and landscape artist.
John also celebrates his sixty fifth birthday on Friday August eleventh and shares his birthday with Claire who celebrates her thirtieth.
All in our community extend our warmest best wishes to a very special couple.

Birthday Boy (August 06)

From Baton Rouge To Waterville (July 06)

It was marvellous to see our old friend and former player Patie O'Sullivan from Inchees, home from Baton Rouge in the state of Louisiana for a well deserved vacation with his wife Jenny, son Patrick and daughter Emily. It was especially wonderful to see Patie looking so well as he suffered from a serious illness some time ago but is now fully recovered and the picture of good health.
When Patie resided in Waterville he was well known as a session musician in the loal circuit with his friends Bernie Moran, Joe Curran and many others.
Pati showed he has lost none of his old style and panache with his numerous guest appearances while here. Indeed on Tuesday evening there was a top class session in the Villa Maria organised by Patie's former musician pals and the music and song was vintage quality.
Most of Patie's friends and relations were present and it certainly was a night to remember.

Patie was a regular member of the Scór ballad group before going to the US. He renewed his friendship with the other members of the group and entertained the appreciative audience with a few of their favourite numbers.( Click the pics to see more)

Tragedy At Mountain Stage

Oliver Walsh 1975--2006

Monday 17th July began with the bright freshness of another wonderful summer’s morning but shortly after 7:30 a dark cloud of tragedy hovered over the Walsh family of Caherbarna and the whole parish of Dromid.

Oliver Walsh (31) along with his brother Jonathon were on their way to work at Killorglin when a collision occurred with a tractor and trailer of turf at Mountain Stage, near Glenbeigh. Ollie lost his life instantly while Jonathon suffered a hip dislocation.
Having been a prominent player with Waterville, Oliver emigrated to the US in ’96, leaving a huge void in our club, to follow his dreams. He worked hard to realise his ambition of owning his own business. He returned to Ireland in recent years and purchased a number of trucks and his company "Woodside Haulage" was thriving. He was about to move in to his new house in Killorglin in the coming days.
He made many friends while in the US and this was reflected in the huge numbers who travelled to pay their final respects to someone they loved, respected and cherished.
Ollie’s short life had a profound effect on all those it touched and though he is now gone his influence will remain forever with everyone who were fortunate enough to have known him. We extend our sincere sympathy to Ollie's family. He will be sorely missed.

Fr Danny Broderick Celebrates 25

A pleaant function was held in the Waterville Inn on Friday the seventh of July to mark local parish priest Fr. Danny Broderick's twenty five years of priesthood.
Fr. Danny, a native of Firies, has been in the parish for the past five years and manages to serve the needs of his parishioners on his own, which is no mean achievement when one considers the size of the parish.
Members of Danny's family travelled to Waterville for the occasion to wish him well and be part of the celebrations.

Former parish Fr. Pat Griffin travelled from his home in Glenbeigh to wish his colleague and friend well.
We also extend our congratulations to Fr. Broderick and wish him well for the future.

Click the pictures to see more

Waterville GAA Golf Classic (May 29th 2006)

On Saturday 29 th April the Waterville G.A.A. Club’s fund raising golf classic took place in the new, sun-drenched Sceilig Bay Golf Course, just outside the village. The hard working sub committee has been working tirelessly for the past few months to make sure the occasion was a success. Their efforts were well and truly rewarded with an entry of more than fifty teams from various parts of the country. The day was a terrific success and later on that evening prizes were presented at a special function in the renowned Waterville Lake Hotel, overlooking the majestic Loch Currane

Cork were well represented as seen on the left

A special word of thanks to all who sponsored holes, to everyone who supported the event, to the many helpers who gave their time freely, to the main sponsor Caprice Developments but especially to Haulie O'Shea for providing the outstanding facilities of both hotel and golf course.

Click the pictures to see mor

Local Man Weds In New Jersey (Saturday 22nd April 2006)

Local man Denis Cross of Beenbane tied the knot with the love of his life Karen Rice in the town of Toms River in the state of New Jersey, USA on Saturday April 22nd 2006. Denis is the son of Peggy and the late John Cross.
A good number of friends and relations travelled from Waterville, New York and Chicago for the happy occasion. The ceremony was presided over by uncle of the bride Fr. Paul Wierichs assisted by Fr. Danny Broderick and Fr. Joseph Jones, the local pastor. Maid of honour was Ms. Katie Rice, sister of the bride. Best man was Denis' college friend and Corkman Donal Drew.
The reception was held in the beautiful Brielle House Hotel on the coast a few miles away. We wish good luck to the newly weds. Click the pictures below to see some more.

Presentation To St. Finians School

Over the past few months the Parents Committtee of St, Finian's School raised €5,000 to help defray the expenses of providing a basketball court for the school. Numerous events including Quiz Nights and Bingo were organised by the industrious organisers. Well done to all concerned.

Silver Jubilee (April 7th 2006)

Local business people Sheila and Denis O'Carroll celebrated their silver wedding anniversary on Friday 7th April 2006.
The evening began with dinner in the world renowned Huntsman Restaurant where family and close friends gathered. Later on the party moved to home ground in the Lobster Bar and Restaurant. To the surprise of Denis and Sheila numerous patrons and well wishers awaited anxiously for the arrival of the guests of honour .

With plenty of good food, a plentiful supply of various beverages and top class music the revelry went on 'till late.
We wish Denis and Sheila good health for the future. Click the pictures to see some more.

Birthday Boys (March 24th)

Many family members and friends gathered in the Villa Maria on Friday evening (March 24th) to celebrate the fortieth birthday of the highly regarded Haulie O'Dwyer. Mary Carmel made sure the preparations were kept hush hush and when the guest of honour arrived he was greeted to the strains of "Happy Birthday To You" and much cheering and clapping. It was evident by Haulie's reaction that the whole affair was indeed a huge surprise.
To add to the evening it was discovered that Denis O'Dwyer was also celebrating a significant birthday but will have to wait another ten years to match Haulie's.
Haulie's brothers John, Robbie, Carl and dad Micko sang their party pieces and Helena Boyle did her piece for brother Denis O'Dwyer.
Entertainment was provided by Paddy and Rose who were also celebrating thirty five years playing music in the Villa. Nourishment and good food was provided by Gerard & Deirdre and a great night was had by all.

The annual senior citizens Christmas party took place on Sunday 15th of January 2006 in the Bay View Hotel. The proceedings started with mass which was celebrated by Fr, Danny Broderick and afterwards old friends met up and chatted about times past.
After a "hot toddy" or two for those so inclined dinner was served to more than seventy five guests.
Above is Mary O'Shea (93) who was presented with a prize as the most senior guest at the party.
MC for the occasion, Micheál Donnelly, Scariff made sure everyone was well looked after.

After the meal tables were pushed to the sides and Paddy and Rose provided their usual musical entertainment which kept the dance floor filled with willing dancers for the remainder of the afternoon.

Long-standing members of the organising committee, Noreen Moran and Mary Carmel O'Dwyer have decided to retire and hand over their responsibilities to new members.

A big thanks to all who fund raised for this most important event in the social calendar of our area, especially those who took part in the Christmas Day swim, the committee who organised the event and those who prepared and served the food. Click the photos to see more.

The now annual Married Men V the Married Women football match took place at the footall field on New Year's Day. This was a great spectacle last year with many heroes of past times making a return to the game and showing that they hadn't lost their skills, though the odd few pounds here and there slowed down one or two.
This year's encounter proved to be even more entertaining and again drew a large body of supporters who thoroughly enjoyed the "action" .

The fun game was contested in the appropriate spirit though referee Eugene Dennehy had to show the red card on more than one occasion.
Admission was €5 and all proceeds went towards the rowing club, which is doing trojan work and adding another welcome dimension to the sporting life of the locality.
These are badly needed funds as the GAA club and the rowing club are combining their efforts to build a new facility at the field which will comprise a boat house, dressing rooms and gym etc.

There are huge costs involved in this venture any if any of our friends around the world would like to lend their support it would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to contact the Webmaster for further details.

Top left is the mayor, His Excellency Seáinín O'Sullivan along with the mayoress Her Highness, Sheila Ann Fogarty who presented the Best Players Award to the best male and female player of the match.
Our appreciation to Fogarty's Centra and Paul O'Sullivan Construction for sponsoring the trophies.
Click the pictures to see some more action.