News for Tuesday 11th December 2018 Congratulations are extended to Sean and Bevena O’Leary on the birth of their son Benjamin Alexander, a baby brother for Charlotte. Congratulations are extended to Fionnuala Harrington and David Radford on the birth of their son Evan James, a brother for Louisa and Shane. The Bere Island Projects Group office will close on Friday 21st December 2018 and will reopen on Monday 7th January 2019.
A new passenger ferry contract has been awarded to Bere Island for 5yrs and there will be changes to Murphy’s ferry times LEAVING the PONTOON from 1st January 2019.
10am changes to 10.30am
1pm changes to 1.30pm
3pm changes to 3.30pm
5pm changes to 5.30pm
If you have any questions or comments on these changes please email the office on bereisle@eircom.net or call 02775099. All other ferry times remain the same. These changes come into effect on 1st January 2019.
News for Tuesday 4th December 2018 The Bere Island Christmas Meal will take place in the Hotel on Saturday 15th December, the cost is €25 per person. Contact 75018 to book. Bere Island Community Radio – a meeting will be held on Wednesday 5th December at 7pm in the Community Centre to discuss programming content for Bere Island Community Radio. All are welcome to attend. Santa will visit the Community Centre, Bere Island on Sunday 9th December at 2pm.
News for Tuesday 27th November 2018 The Bere Island Projects Group workplan for 2019 is currently displayed on the wall of the Community Centre. Individuals and island groups are invited to view the plan and leave suggestions by close of business on Wednesday 28th November. A scrap car collection will take place on Bere Island this week. If you have a car/cars to get rid of, call 087 091 3754 to arrange collection. The Bere Island Christmas Meal will take place in the Hotel on Saturday 15th December, the cost is €25 per person. Contact 75018 to book. Santa will visit the Community Centre, Bere Island on Sunday 9th December at 2pm.
News for Tuesday 20th November 2018 A scrap car collection will take place on Bere Island the week beginning 26th November. If you have a car/cars to get rid of, call 087 091 3754 to arrange collection. The Bere Island Christmas Meal will take place in the Hotel on Saturday 15th December, the cost is €25 per person. Contact 75018 to book. Bere Island Projects Group will shortly be renovating the kitchen in the community centre. The old kitchen units are for sale. To put in a bid for them please contact x75099 with your offer by this Friday 23rd November.
News for Tuesday 12th November Bere Island Projects Group will hold their AGM on Wednesday 14th November at 7.30pm in the Community Centre. All are welcome to attend. A scrap car collection will take place on Bere Island the week beginning 26th November. Call 087 0913754.
News for Tuesday 6th November Bere Island Projects Group will hold an event to mark the Centenary of the end of the Great War, and the opening of phase one of the redevelopment of Lonehort Battery on Sunday 11th November 2018 at 11.00am at Lonehort Battery. All are welcome to attend. Sympathy is extended to the family of Margaret Sullivan (nee Quinlan) of Greenane, Bere Island who passed away in Phibsborough, Dublin recently. The Active Retirement Group are having a shopping trip to Cork on Monday 12th November. To book a place contact Tim on 75099.
Congratulations are extended to Rebecca Torrance, Swansea and Sean Crowley, Castletownbere who announced their engagement recently. Both Sean’s mother (Sarah Crowley nee Murphy) and Rebecca’s grandfather (Barry Sidley) are from Bere Island.
News for Tuesday 18th September Bere Island Projects Group will be publishing the annual Christmas Newsletter for 2018. News of engagements, weddings, birthday, anniversaries, graduations, special birthdays etc are all welcome. We are also looking for stories of Christmases on Bere Island in days gone-by and stores on island life in general. The deadline for all items is Friday 19th October. Items can be emailed to Helen at bereconservation@gmail.com or dropped into the Projects Group Office. The Active Retirement Group will have a lunch in the Hotel on Thursday 27th September at 1pm. The group will also have an outing to the Beara Coast Hotel on Thursday 4th October. To book contact Tim on 027 75099. As part of Cork Culture Night, ‘Art on Bere’ takes place at the Heritage Centre this Friday 21st September from 5pm to 8pm.
News for Tuesday 9th July Sympathy is extended to the family of the late Jimmy O’Sullivan (Bawn) Rerrin, Bere Island who passed away on Sunday July 8th at Castletownbere Community Hospital. The Bere Island Midsummer Run takes place this Saturday July 14th starting at the GAA Pitch Rerrin. The 5k race starts at 1pm and the 10k at 1.10pm. Entry fee for both races is €20 and €5 for the underage fun run (10-14yr olds) and for walkers. Swim Week runs from 16th-21st July, with registration taking place on Monday 16th July at 10.30am in Bere Island Lodge. To book contact Edel on 027 75988. The first of the 2018 Children’s Summer Camp runs this week on 10th,11th and 12th July at the GAA Pitch, Rerrin. The camps are for children aged 6+, the price is €5 per child, per day or €12 for a family of three per day. The West Cork Fit Up Theatre Festival will perform Charolais written and performed by Non Stapleton on Saturday 21st July at 8pm at the Lecture Theatre Rerrin. A ferry will leave the pontoon at 7pm and return after the performance. Tickets are available on the door, priced €15, €12.50 concessions or €40 a family ticket.
News for Tuesday 26th June 2018 Sympathy is extended to the family of Helen Murphy of Ballinkilla, Bere Island who passed away peacefully on Saturday June 24th at Castletownbere Community Hospital. The Bere Island GAA Col Camp will take place from 23rd-27th July. Registration is now open, and can be done at www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie/booking/online/ Swim week will take place on Bere Island from 16th-21st July. For further details contact Edel on 027 75988.
News for Tuesday 19th June 2018 Congratulations to all students in the Bere Island Taekwon Do Club who all received ther yellow belts over the weekend. Taekwondo grading took place over the weekend at the Heritage Centre, with the club’s instructor Paul Moore and Master Wheatley and Phillip Wheatley and Mary Weiss who all travelled from Dublin to carry out the gradings. For a full list of all events taking place on Bere Island over the next few months, see www.bereisland.net A reminder that online booking is now open for the Midsummer Run taking place on Saturday 14th July. To book click here. The Bere Island GAA Col Camp will take place from 23rd-27th July. Registration is now open, and can be done at www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie/booking/online/ Tidy Towns adjudicators will be visiting the island over the coming weeks and we would ask everyone to help keep our island tidy and free from litter. Bere Island has won the Tidy Island award for the past 10 years, and we’re hoping to make it 11 in a row!
News for Tuesday 29th May 2018 There was great excitement to see Bere Island featured on the Daniel & Majella B&B Roadtrip. To view the programme click on the link: https://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/daniel-and-majellas-bb-road-trip-30004576/10882709/ The Bere Island Active Retirement Group undertook a visit to Dursey Island last week. The group had tea and sandwiches in Rosarie O’Neill’s home, and had a tour of the island by Hartnetts mini bus before taking the cable car back to the mainland and having lunch in Allihies. Well done to the Bere Island soccer team who were runners up in the West Cork Islands soccer tournament which took place on Cape Clear last Saturday. Summer timetables start on both Bere Island ferries this Friday 1st June.
News Tuesday 22nd May 2018 Bere Island was delighted to host a visit from the cruise ship MS Hanseatic last Friday May 18th. Over 170 of the ship’s passengers visited the island for a number of planned activities which included bus tours, cycling, a soda bread demonstration and a traditional music session in Desy’s Bar. Tune into RTE1 Television at 8.30pm on Tuesday May 22nd to see Bere Island Lodge feature on Daniel and Majella’s B&B Roadtrip. The Active Retirement Group will have an outing to Dursey Island on Wednesday May 23rd. To book a place contact Tim on 75099. The Lehanmore music group will be visiting Bere Island this weekend, playing in the Hotel on Friday May 25th and in Desy’s Bar on Saturday May 26th. All local musicians, singers and cancers are welcome to come along and join in.
News Tuesday 15th May 2018
Tune in to RTE 1 at 8:30pm on Tuesday next 22nd May when Bere Island Lodge will feature on Daniel & Majella’s B&B Roadtrip.
The Active Retirement Group will have an outing to Dursey Island on Wednesday 23rd May. Contact 75099 to book a place.
The West Cork Islands Community Council will hold their AGM on Dursey Island on Monday next 21st May at 12:30pm. Everyone is welcome to come along.
News for Tuesday 1st May
The Active Retirement Group will have an outing to Dursey Island on Wednesday May 23rd. To book a place contact Tim on 75099.
The West Cork Islands Community Council will hold their AGM on Monday May 21st at 12.30pm on Dursey Island. All are welcome to attend.
We wish all the very best to the children of St Michael’s National School Bere Island who will make their confirmation this Thursday on the island. Textile artist Liz Flatman will be on Bere Island from 14th -18th May holding workshops in basic weaving techniques, knitting and crochet. The first class will take place on Monday 14th May at 7pm in the Heritage Centre. Call 75099 or email bereconservation@gmail.com for more details.
News for Tuesday 24th April
Congratulations are extended to Donie and Eileen Crowley, Derrycreeveen who celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary over the weekend.
The Active Retirement Group will hold their next coffee morning this Wednesday 25th April at 11am in the Community Centre.
Textile artist Liz Flatman will be on Bere Island from 14th -18th May holding workshops in basic weaving techniques, knitting and crochet. The first class will take place on Monday 14th May at 7pm in the Heritage Centre. Call 75099 or email bereconservation@gmail.com for more details. A Safeguarding Level 2 Course will be on April 28th from 2pm to 5pm in the Bere Island Community Centre. You must have Level 1 completed already. The cost is €20 per person. To book contact 027 75099. (NB for anyone travelling in from the mainland the ferry leaves Castletownbere at 1.30pm and returns at 6pm. A bus will meet the ferry and will be running to the centre. Cost of ferry and bus is €10 to be paid to the ferry company directly).
News for Tuesday 17th April
Comhdháil Oileán na hÉireann (the Irish Islands Federation) will hold their AGM on Wed 18th and Thurs 19th April on Sherkin Island. All islanders are welcome to attend.
Bere Island GAA Club are holding a fundraising table quiz on Friday April 20th at 8pm at the Blackrock National Hurling Club, Cork City. Admission is €40 for a table of four, and there will be cash prizes for first, second and third places as well as a number of spot prizes.
Liz Flatman, a textile artist and fashion designer will be based on Bere Island for a week in May, working on a project with Bere Island National School and also holding classes in simple weaving techniques for adults. If anyone would like put their name down for classes please contact 027 75099.
The Bere Island Active Retirement Group will hold their next coffee morning on Wednesday 25th April from 11am – 12.30pm in the community centre, all are welcome to attend. The group are also planning an outing to Dursey Island on Wednesday 23rd May. For details contact Tim on 027 75099.
News for Tuesday 10th April
Liz Flatman, a textile artist and fashion designer will be based on Bere Island for a week in May, working on a project with Bere Island National School and also holding classes in simple weaving techniques for adults. If anyone is interested in taking the classes, Liz will be here this Wednesday 11th April from 1.30pm in the Heritage Centre to outline what will be involved. If you are unable to attend on Wednesday but are interested in the classes please contact Helen at bereconservation@gmail.com
The ferry Ikom K is currently undergoing her annual service, and a foot passenger service only is now in place from the Pontoon to Rerrin until further notice. For any queries contact www.murphysferry.com
The Bere Island Active Retirement Group will hold a coffee morning this Wednesday 11th April from 11am – 12.30pm in the community centre, all are welcome to attend.
Comhdháil Oileán na hÉireann (the Irish Islands Federation) will hold their AGM on Wed 18th and Thurs 19th April on Sherkin Island. All islanders are welcome to attend.
Bere Island GAA Club are holding a fundraising table quiz on Friday April 20th at 8pm at the Blackrock National Hurling Club, Cork City. Admission is €40 for a table of four, and there will be cash prizes for first, second and third places as well as a number of spot prizes.
News for Tuesday 13th March The 2018 Bere Island Easter Meditation Retreat will be held from Sunday March 25th to Sunday April 1st. The retreat will be led by Fr Laurence Freeman and will include regular mediation periods, talks by Fr Laurence, the Easter liturgies with the island people and time for reading, walks and solitude. For further details and bookings contact theresa@wccm.org The Active Retirement Group will hold a coffee morning on Wednesday March 14th at 11am in the Community Centre. We wish best of luck to St Michael’s National School with their entry for the Castletownbere St Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday. The Beara Lifelong Learning Festival will run from 19th – 26th March with a number of events taking place on Bere Island. For further details see www.bereisland.net
News for Tuesday 6th March 2018
The 2018 Bere Island Easter Meditation Retreat will be held from Sunday March 25th to Sunday April 1st. The retreat will be led by Fr Laurence Freeman and will include regular mediation periods, talks by Fr Laurence, the Easter liturgies with the island people and time for reading, walks and solitude. For further details and bookings contact theresa@wccm.org
The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht have asked BIPG to hold a public consultation regarding the ferry services to Bere Island. A public meeting will be held on Friday 9th March at 7pm in the Community Centre. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The Beara Lifelong Learning Festival 2018 will run from Monday 19th – Monday 26th March. For a full list of events taking place on Bere Island click on this link
News for Tuesday 20th February 2018
The 2018 Bere Island Easter Meditation Retreat will be held from Sunday March 25th to Sunday April 1st. The retreat will be led by Fr Laurence Freeman and will include regular mediation periods, talks by Fr Laurence, the Easter liturgies with the island people and time for reading, walks and solitude. For further details and bookings contact theresa@wccm.org
The Spring Bere Island Newsletter will be issued shortly. If you have anything you would like included please drop it into the office or email to berniebipg@gmail.com on or before Friday next March 2nd.
The next Active Retirement Group outing will take place on Tuesday 6th March to Mealagh Valley. There will be a meal followed by music and bingo. For more information or to book a place contact Tim on 75099.
The Women’s World Day of Prayer 2018 has been cancelled.
News for Tuesday 20th February 2018
The Bere Island Active Retirement Group will meet on Wednesday 21st February at 11am in the Hotel for bingo followed by soup and sandwiches. To book contact Tim on 75099. The 2018 Bere Island Easter Meditation Retreat will be held from Sunday March 25th to Sunday April 1st. The retreat will be led by Fr Laurence Freeman and will include regular mediation periods, talks by Fr Laurence, the Easter liturgies with the island people and time for reading, walks and solitude. For further details and bookings contact theresa@wccm.org
The Women’s World Day of Prayer 2018 will take place on Thursday March 1st at St Michael’s Church Bere Island. The service starts at 7.30pm and a ferry will leave from Castletownbere (opposite SuperValu) at 6.30pm. There will be refreshments in the adjacent community centre after the church service and a ferry will return to Castletownbere after the event. Bus transport will be available to and from the ferry and church.
News for Tuesday 13th February 2018
The Bere Island Active Retirement Group will have an outing to the Meelagh Valley for a meal, music and bingo on Tuesday 6th March. Contact 75099 to book.
The 2018 Women’s World Day of Prayer will take place on Thursday 1st March at St Michael’s Church, Bere Island. The service starts at 7.30pm and a ferry will leave from Castletownbere (opposite SuperValu) at 6.30pm. There will be refreshments in the adjacent community centre after the church service and a ferry will return to Castletownbere following the service. Bus transport will be available to and from the ferry and church.
The 2018 Bere Island Easter Meditation Retreat will be held from Sunday March 25th to Sunday April 1st. The retreat which is led by Fr Laurence Freeman includes regular meditation periods, talks by Fr Laurence, the Easter liturgies with the island people and time for reading, walks and solitude. To book and for further details contact Theresa at theresa@wccm.org
News for Tuesday 6th February 2018
The Bere Island Active Retirement Group will have an outing to Bantry this Thursday 8th February. The rural transport bus will travel out on the 830am ferry. On Wednesday 14th February the group will meet for soup and sandwiches in the Hotel, Bere Island. To book a place on the bus trip or the lunch contact Tim on 75099.
The next rubbish collection will take place on Tuesday 13th February.
News for Tuesday 23rd January 2018
Yoga classes with Mo Day will start on 1st February from 7.00pm to 8.30pm in the Community Centre and run for 4 weeks. Booking is essential, the cost is €40 for 4 classes which must be paid by Mon 29th January. For information contact 027 75099.
Bere Island Projects Group are currently undertaking work at Lonehort Battery to enable it to be opened for public access. To enable Bere Island residents to have a preview of this work Lonehort will be open for islanders to visit on Thursday 25th January from 12pm to 3pm.
The after-school club runs ever Monday from 3pm to 5pm in the Community Centre. The parent and toddler group is on every Thursday from 10.30am to 1.230pm at the Community Centre.
News for Tuesday 16th January
The Active Retirement Group will meet for a coffee morning and a chat this Wednesday 17th January at 11am, all are welcome to attend.
Yoga classes with Mo Day will start on 1st February from 7.00pm to 8.30pm in the Community Centre and run for 4 weeks. The cost is €40 for 4 classes, booking is essential on 75099.
A Jewellery crafting class will take place on Thursday 18th January at 7pm in the Community Centre. To book contact 75099.
News for Tuesday 9th January 2018
We wish everyone a very Happy New Year, and look forward to seeing you on Bere Island in 2018!
The after school club is now back every Monday from 3pm to 5pm in the Community Centre.
The Parent and Toddler Group meet from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Thursdays in the Community Centre. Taekwon Do classes have now resumed following the Christmas holidays. Classes are held in the Heritage Centre on Mondays and Thursdays, junior classes at 7pm and adult classes at 8pm. Beginners are welcome and the classes are open to those takin