Welcome to the Bere Island News for 2005.......

County Sound Report 20th December - Bere Island    

County Sound Report 12th December - Bere Island    

County Sound Report 6th December - Bere Island    

County Sound Report 28th November - Bere Island    

County Sound Report 21st November - Bere Island    

County Sound Report 14th November - Bere Island    

County Sound Report 7th November - Bere Island    

County Sound Report 1st November - Bere Island    

County Sound Report 25th October - Bere Island  

County Sound Report 18th October - Bere Island    

County Sound Report 11th October - Bere Island    

County Sound Report 4th October - Bere Island    

County Sound Report 27th September - Bere Island    

·        On Friday next a group of 52 people from Bere Island will be travelling to Clare Island, Co. Mayo for this years All Ireland Inter Island ’s Football Tournament. We wish both the ladies and men the very best of luck in this year’s competition.  

·        Yoga classes will commence in October if there is sufficient interest. If you are interested in taking part or for more details contact the Projects Group Office on 75099  

·        The Bere Island GAA in conjunction with the Beara Board are organising a fundraiser “Night at the Dogs” at Curraheen Park , Greyhound Stadium, Cork on Thursday 13th October. Entry tickets cost EUR 10 and can be purchased in Murphy’s Shop or from members of the Bere Island GAA. Please support the Bere Island club even if you can’t make it on the night, your ticket will be entered into a draw for a one week sun holiday for two people.   

County Sound Report 20th September - Bere Island    

·        On Saturday next September 24th Bere Island will meet Glengarriff in the final of the Beara Championship. This match is fixed to take place in Adrigole at 4:30pm so please come along and support the club. Best of luck to the Bere Island team.  The Bere Island GAA in conjunction with the Beara Board are organising a fundraiser “Night at the Dogs” at Curraheen Park , Greyhound Stadium, Cork on Thursday 13th October. Entry tickets cost EUR 10 and can be purchased in Murphy’s Shop or from members of the Bere Island GAA. Please support the club even if you can’t make it on the night, your ticket will be entered into a draw for a one week sun holiday for two people.   

County Sound Report 13th of September - Bere Island    

·        Congratulations to the Bere Island GAA team who won the Beara League Final in Adrigole last week. They beat Glengarriff by one point, in what was a very exciting game. The final score was Bere Island 1-13 and Glengarriff 1-12. Well done to all. On Saturday the 24th of September the same two teams will take part in the Beara Championship final in Adrigole at 4.30. Please come along and support your team. This has been a very busy year for GAA on Bere Island and will finish up at the Inter Island football tournament which will be held on Clare Island on the 30th of September, where the men’s team are defending the title that they won last year and our ladies team, who dominated the Islands competition for a number of years are set to make their mark again. Best of luck to everyone involved.  

·        Bere Island Heritage weekend was held last weekend the 9th to the 11th of September and was a great success. It was a celebration for National water day and National Heritage week. This weekend was part funded by the arts council under its small festivals and events programme. Friday night started with a presentation of a new EU project, called ISLA. Then various speakers from the Community spoke about projects that are been undertaken on the Island as part of the Conservation Plan. There was also an art exhibition in the Community centre, featuring pieces by a number of local artists. Friday night finished up with music by a local musician in Dessies. Saturday started with a seaside walk for children with Dr. Susan Steele from BIM and finished with art classes with Yolanda Solari in the Community Centre, all the children fully participated in the walk and the arts and crafts and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. On Saturday afternoon there was a talk and slideshow held in the Centre by Ted Sullivan, Bere Island and Connie Murphy of Castletownbere on Bere Islands rich Archaeological past, which was a great success. The night finished up with story telling and song by Teddy Black, which went down well with the audience. We would like to thank everyone who helped organise the event, especially Rita Kearney, to all the speakers at the different events and to all those who participated in the weekend. We hope you enjoyed the weekend.  

·        Happy Birthday to Orla Carroll, Greenane who celebrated her Birthday on Sunday.  

·        The New Theatre, Dublin and the Bere Island Theatre Troupe present “The Tailor and Ansty” by Eric Cross and directed by Nuala Hayes at the Lecture Theatre, Rerrin, Bere Island on Friday the 7th at 8pm and Saturday the 8th  at 4pm of October. Doors will close 10 minutes before show starts. This is a ticket only show and tickets are available from Helen Riddell on 086 3946282 or Sue at Anam Cara on 027 74441. Tickets are limited to 120 per performance.  

·        The National Ploughing Championships are coming to Cork at the end of the month. A bus is being organised to take people from Bere Island to the event, which is being held in East Cork on Wednesday the 28th of September. If anyone wants to put their name in, or for more details, contact Maria Sullivan on 0861628344, Tony O Leary on 027 75197, or Rita Sullivan on 086 4085665.

County Sound Report 6th September - Bere Island    

·        In celebration of Heritage Week and National Water Day Bere Island is hosting a number of events between 9th and 11th September. The weekend starts on Friday night at 8pm in the community centre. Highlights of the weekend include a presentation and discussion on a new European-funded island conservation project, walks and talks focusing on island natural and human life, children’s activities, an exhibition of fine arts and photography workshop etc. – all based on the theme of celebrating island life and heritage.  It is really worthwhile for anyone interested in island life – past and present! Everyone welcome.  

·        A small group of Bere Island Women will hold a coffee morning and healing session at the community centre during the month of October. Dates and times to be advertised closer to the time.  

·        Do you want to learn how to animate a short story, record your own sounds/ songs, see your own film on the internet, make contact with people who live in similar islands in Ireland and Europe … and most important have lots of fun???? Well if you do The Animation Workshop Denmark will carry out workshops from 19th – 23rd September on Bere Island . A minimum fee of EUR 20 per person. Please book before Friday next 9th September as places are limited. Contact John/ Bernie on 75099 or Sinead on 0876946150 to make a booking or for more details. 

County Sound Report 30th August - Bere Island    

·        Any items to be included in the next edition of the Bere Island newsletter should be dropped into the Projects Group Office before 5pm today.  

·        Wishing Aidan Sullivan, Liam Sullivan, Dean Harrington and Tiernan Mooney all the best as they start at St Michael’s National School this week. This comes from their friends at the crèche and Pre-school.  

·        In celebration of Heritage Week and National Water Day Bere Island is hosting a number of events between 9th and 11th September.  Highlights include a presentation and discussion on a new European-funded island conservation project, walks and talks focusing on island natural and human life, children’s activities, an exhibition of fine arts, photography workshop, a theatre performance etc. – all based on the theme of celebrating island life and heritage.  It is really worthwhile for anyone interested in island life – past and present!  

·        Do you want to learn how to animate a short story, record your own sounds/ songs, see your own film on the internet, make contact with people who live in similar islands in Ireland and Europe … and most important have lots of fun???? Well if you do The Animation Workshop Denmark will carry out workshops from 19th – 23rd September on Bere Island . A minimum fee of EUR 20 per person. Please book before 10th September as places are limited. Contact John/ Bernie on 75099 or Sinead on 0876946150 to make a booking or for more details.  

·        Tenders are wanted to erect a concrete retaining wall at the extended car park at Oileáin na gCaorach. Contractors must submit the following with their tender:  

1.      A current Tax Clearance Cert/ C2

2.      Insurance cover indemnifying Cork County Council to the value of EUR 6.35 million

Closing date for receipt of tenders is 5pm Monday 5th September. For further details contact:
Bere Island Projects Group Ltd, Community Centre, Bere Island, Beara, Co. Cork
Tel: 027 75099 or email bereisle@eircom.net  

·        Birthday greetings to Aisling Sullivan, The Strand who celebrates her 1st birthday this week.

County Sound Report 23rd August - Bere Island    

·        Heritage Week will be held from 4th to 11th September on Bere Island . Walks and talks will be held over the 9th, 10th and 11th. More details to follow.     

·        The Irish Insurance Federation has announced a discounted motor insurance scheme for offshore islands. This discount came into effect on Monday 15th August. Companies who offer this discount include Hibernian, AXA, Allianz, Quinn–Direct & Royal & Sun Alliance. For more information contact your insurance company.  

·        Submissions are now sought for the next edition of the Bere Island newsletter. Please drop in any items of interest to the Projects Group Office on or before Friday next 26th August or email bereisle@eirom.net  

·        Do you want to learn how to animate a short story, record your own sounds/ songs, see your own film on the internet, make contact with people who live in similar islands in Ireland and Europe … and most important have lots of fun???? Well if you do The Animation Workshop Denmark will carry out workshops from 19th – 23rd September on Bere Island . A minimum fee of EUR 20 per person. Please book before 10th September as places are limited. Contact John/ Bernie on 75099 or Sinead on 0876946150 to make a booking or for more details.  

·        Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann is currently recruiting a Manager to further the development process on the islands. Applicants will have appropriate 3rd level qualifications although relevant experience in development work may compensate. He/she will also have a good knowledge of the local development structures and State agencies in general. A good knowledge of island issues is also desirable. He/ she will have excellent written and spoken command of the Irish and English language as well as very good communication, administrative and computer skills. He /she must be a car owner and have a full driving licence. It is expected that the position will be based in Inis Óirr although alternative working arrangements will be considered if the applicant is from another island. A two year contract to include a probationary period of 6 months will be available to the successful candidate and a salary of between EUR 40,000 – 44,000 will be offered. Send CV’s before 31st August by email if possible to mairead@oileain.ie or by post to The Chairperson, Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, Inis Óirr, Aran Islands, Co. Galway . Further information is available from the head office of Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann on 099 – 75096    

·        Belated birthday greetings to Lawrence O’ Rourke, Cloughland and Dellannah Harrington, Rerrin who celebrated their birthdays recently.  

County Sound Report 16th August - Bere Island    

·        Thank you to everyone who supported the raffle held over the Bere Island Festival. A total of EUR 831 was raised and will be donated to the RNLI.  

·        Do you want to learn how to animate a short story, record your own sounds/ songs, see your own film on the internet, make contact with people who live in similar islands in Ireland and Europe … and most important have lots of fun???? Well if you do The Animation Workshop Denmark will carry out workshops from 19th – 23rd September on Bere Island . A minimum fee of EUR 20 per person. Please book before 10th September as places are limited. Contact John/ Bernie on 75099 or Sinead on 0876946150 to make a booking or for more details.  

·        The Irish Insurance Federation has announced a discounted motor insurance scheme for offshore islands. This discount came into effect yesterday 15th August. Companies who offer this discount include Hibernian, AXA, Allianz, Quinn–Direct & Royal & Sun Alliance. For more information contact your insurance company.  

·        The annual celebration of mass at the Holy Year Cross on August Bank Holiday Sunday was again a joyous occasion. Over 300 people made their way to the summit where Fr Joe Harrington, a native of Bere Island celebrated the Mass. He was assisted by Fr Sean O’ Shea. A special word of thanks to Oliver and his crew and Michael Crowley who built a shelter that will be used every year.  

·        Submissions are now sought for the next edition of the Bere Island newsletter. Please drop in any items of interest to the Projects Group Office on or before Friday 26th August or email bereisle@eirom.net  

·        As you are all probably aware the recycling centre at Oileáin na gCaorach is up and running and is being used to its capacity. Items for recycling include plastic, cardboard, paper, food tins, bottles and cans. (Please see posters for more detailed description) Unfortunately the system is not working as well as expected with a lot of items not for recycling being put into bins. So please read the signs at the centre and don’t leave any refuse at the site. In the event of the bins being full please take your recyclables home until they are emptied and do not leave them at the bring site. If this service is abused it will result in the loss of this valuable service to the island.    

County Sound Report 2nd August - Bere Island    

·        The annual Bere Island Festival takes place next weekend from the 5th to the 7th of August. The weekend is packed full of entertainment to suit both young and old. The Friday will start with children’s sports in the Rec and followed by a kiddies disco in the community centre. The Bere Island biathlon will follow and that night we will have the first ever Island vision song contest. On Saturday there will be various water sport activities in Rerrin Village including swimming, canoeing, slippery pole, raft race and laser clay shooting, on Saturday night there will be music by Murphy’s Men. On Sunday there will be activities in the village incl.a5 a-side soccer tournament, tug of war, bouncing castle, bungee run and at 5 in the evening we will have the Basher Bacon puppet theatre road show. There will be music again on the night to bring the festival to a close. So if you are looking for a good weekend in August, come on down to Bere Island  

·        A table quiz will be held in Dessie’s Bar on tomorrow Wednesday 3rd August at 9pm sharp. Tables will cost EUR 20 and should consist of 4 (no more). Proceeds are in aid of Bere Island Community Childcare Group. Please support.   

·        Arts & Crafts session will begin again this week at the Bere Island Community Childcare Group. For more information or to make a booking contact Lorraine on 086 3907022.  

·        Birthday greetings to Pat O’ Sullivan, Rerrin who celebrated his birthday last week. 

County Sound Report 26th July - Bere Island    

·        Thanks you to everyone who voted at the Bere Island Projects Group and Ferry Monitoring Committee elections held on Wednesday last. Those elected to BIPG are:

1.      Deirdre McGuinness, Cloughland

2.      Jack Sullivan, The Strand

3.      John Harrington, Derrycreeveen

4.      Mary Ryan, Greenane  

Those elected to the Ferry Monitoring Committee are:

1.      Jack Sullivan, The Strand

2.      Sylvana O’ Sullivan, Rerrin  

·        Bere Island Projects Group Ltd were due to hold their AGM on Thursday night but was postponed and will now be held on Thursday next 28th July at 8pm. We apologise for any inconvenience. Everyone welcome  

·        The annual Bere Island Festival takes place from the 5th to the 7th of August. The weekend is packed full of entertainment to suit both young and old. The Friday will start with children’s sports in the Rec and followed by a kiddies disco in the community centre. The Bere Island biathlon will follow and that night we will have the first ever Island vision song contest. On Saturday there will be various water sport activities in Rerrin Village including swimming, canoeing, slippery pole, raft race and laser clay shooting, on Saturday night there will be music by Murphy’s Men. On Sunday there will be activities in the village incl.a5 a-side soccer tournament, tug of war, bouncing castle, bungee run and at 5 in the evening we will have the Basher Bacon puppet theatre road show. There will be music again on the night to bring the festival to a close. So if you are looking for a good weekend in August, come on down to Bere Island  

·        The Annual Mass at the Holy Year Cross will take place on Sunday next 31st July at 1:30pm. Mass will be celebrated by Fr Joe Harrington SJB and we look forward to seeing a lot of Beara people participating in the ceremony. Ferry leaves Castletownbere at 12:30pm. Cars can be driven to the Cross.  

·        The waste collection service is now operating weekly until the end of August. It will revert back to the first and third Monday of the month in September. Stickers are on sale at the Projects Group Office and from Murphy’s Shop and cost EUR 5 each.  

·        Bere Island Community Childcare Group will not be holding any Arts & Crafts sessions this week.  

·        A table quiz will be held in Dessie’s Bar on Wednesday 3rd August at 9pm sharp. Tables will cost EUR 20 and should consist of 4 (no more). Proceeds are in aid of Bere Island Community Childcare Group. Please support.   

·        Belated birthday greetings to Brendan Murphy, Rerrin who celebrated a special birthday recently and Mary Orpen, Derrycreeveen who celebrated her birthday last week. Birthday greetings also to John Walsh, Ballinakilla who celebrates his birthday around now.

County Sound Report 19th July - Bere Island  

·        The annual Bere Island Festival takes place from the 5th to the 7th of August. The weekend is packed full of entertainment to suit both young and old. The Friday will start with children’s sports in the Rec followed by a kiddies disco in the community centre. The Bere Island biathlon will follow and that night we will have the first ever Island vision song contest. On Saturday there will be various water sport activities in Rerrin Village including swimming, canoeing, slippery pole, raft race and laser clay shooting, Saturday night there will be music by Murphy’s Men. On Sunday there will be activities in the village incl.a5 a-side soccer tournament, tug of war, bouncing castle, bunjee run and at 5 in the evening we will have the Basher Bacon puppet theatre road show. There will be music again on the night to bring the festival to a close. So if you are looking for a good weekend in August, come on down to Bere Island. 

·        MS Ireland would like to thank everyone who contributed to the recent church gate collection, which raised € 313. It is very much appreciated. 

·        Bere Island Projects Group elections are on this Wednesday from 4.30 to 9pm. We have 6 people nominated for 4 positions, also we are holding elections for the ferry monitoring, with 5 people nominated for 2 positions. So please come along and vote and have your say on the day. 

·        The waste collection service will operate weekly from next Monday 25th of July until the end of August. It will revert back to twice a month from September. 

·        Bere Island Projects Group Ltd will hold their AGM on this Thursday 21st July at 8pm in the community centre. Everyone is welcome to come along. Guest speaker is Mary Lavelle, Project Officer for the Southern Islands under the National Rural Development Programme. (Islands leader programme) Mary will give a brief report of the grants available to islanders.  

·        A reminder that Arts and Crafts sessions have commenced again at the Bere Island Community Childcare Group. For more details contact Lorraine on 086 3907022.

County Sound Report 12th July - Bere Island  

·         The community of Bere Island were saddened this week to learn of the death of Brendan Murphy. Brendan was a well-respected member of the community and in GAA circles in Bere Island, Beara and Cork. He was president of the Bere Island and Beara Board and played for Cork in 1945. Sympathy is extended to his family, relatives and many friends.  

·         There was great shock last week when the news broke of the fire at the Hotel on Bere Island. Two units of the Castletownbere Fire Brigade and the water tanker from Bantry attended the scene and with the help of local people, managed to save the bar and the shop, but the house was completely destroyed. It highlighted how vulnerable Island communities are to fire and even with the quick response of the fire brigade the lack of an adequate water supply and fire hydrants is a major problem that will have to be dealt with.                                                            

·         Bere Island Projects Group Ltd will hold their AGM on Thursday 21st July at 8pm in the community centre. Everyone is welcome to come along. Guest speaker is Mary Lavelle, Project Officer for the Southern Islands under the National Rural Development Programme. (islands leader programme) Mary will give a brief report of the grants available to islanders.
As with last year 4 new members will be elected onto the committee by election. Those nominated for election are:

1.      Brenda Elphick, Greenane

2.      Deirdre McGuinness, Cloughland

3.      Jack Sullivan, The Strand

4.      John Harrington, Derrycreeveen

5.      Mary Ryan, Greenane

6.      Robert Falconbridge, Derrycreeveen 

The elections will be held on Wednesday 20th July from 4:30 – 9pm in the community centre. If you do not receive a voting card before Friday 15th July please contact Bernie/ John on 75099. Those elected will be announced at the AGM.  

·         The following nominations have been received for the ferry monitoring committee:

1.      Deirdre McGuinness, Cloughland,

2.      Sylvana O’ Sullivan, Rerrin

3.      Robert Falconbridge, Derrycreeveen

4.      Jackie Sullivan, Ballinakilla

5.      Jack Sullivan, The Strand

As there is only two places to fill an election will be held alongside BIPG’s election on Wednesday 20th from 4:30 – 9pm in the community centre. Voting cards will be available on the day. 

·         A reminder that Arts and Crafts & Sports sessions have commenced again at the Bere Island Community Childcare Group. For more details contact Lorraine on 086 3907022.

·         A church gate collection will be held on Sunday next 17th July in aid for Multiple Sclerosis. Please support.   

County Sound Report 5th July - Bere Island  

·        Bere Island Projects Group Ltd will hold their AGM on Thursday 21st July at 8pm in the community centre. Everyone is welcome to come along. Guest speaker is Mary Lavelle, Project Officer for the Southern Islands under the National Rural Development Programme. (islands leader programme) Mary will give a brief report of the grants available to islanders.
As with last year 4 new members will be elected onto the committee by election. Those nominated for election are:

1.      Brenda Elphick, Greenane

2.      Deirdre McGuinness, Cloughland

3.      Jack Sullivan, The Strand

4.      John Harrington, Derrycreeveen

5.      Mary Ryan, Greenane

6.      Robert Falconbridge, Derrycreeveen

 

The elections will be held on Wednesday 20th July from 4:30 – 9pm in the community centre. If you do not receive a voting card before Friday 15th July please contact Bernie/ John on 75099. Those elected will be announced at the AGM.  

·        The following nominations have been received for the ferry monitoring committee:

1.      Deirdre McGuinness, Cloughland,

2.      Sylvana O’ Sullivan, Rerrin

3.      Robert Falconbridge, Derrycreeveen

4.      Jackie Sullivan, Ballinakilla

5.      Jack Sullivan, The Strand

As there is only two places to fill an election will be held alongside BIPG’s election on Wednesday 20th from 4:30 – 9pm in the community centre. Voting cards will be available on the day.   

·        A reminder that Arts and Crafts sessions have commenced again at the Bere Island Community Childcare Group. For more details contact Lorraine on 086 3907022.  

·        A reminder for anyone wishing to use the Rural Transport service this Friday to pre book a seat before Thursday 3pm. Bookings can be made by contacting the Projects Group Office on 75099 or West Cork Rural Transport on 52727.   

·        Welcome home to Michael Harrington, Derrycreeveen who arrived home from the States last week.  

·        Birthday greetings to Ted Harrington, Derrycreeveen who celebrated his 95th birthday on Wednesday last and Marian Harrington, Ardagh who celebrates her 60th birthday today. Greetings also to Dan McCarthy, Ardagh and Tony O’ Leary, Greenane who also celebrate their birthdays around now.

County Sound Report 28th June - Bere Island  

·        Bere Island Projects Group Ltd will hold their AGM on Thursday 21st July at 8pm in the community centre. Everyone is welcome to come along. As with last year new members will be elected onto the committee by election. Nomination forms have been posted to every household on the island and you should receive them in the next day or two. If you do not receive one please contact Bernie/ John on 75099 before Friday evening. Nominees for election will be advertised next week and voting cards posted to every household. The elections will be held on Wednesday 20th July from 4:30 – 9pm in the community centre. For more information contact john/ Bernie on 75099.  

·        Nominations are still open for the two Bere Island reps for the ferry monitoring committee. The closing date for written nominations is 5pm Monday 4th July. Nominees will be advertised and an election held the same day as BIPG’s elections Wednesday 20th July from 4:30 – 9pm in the community centre. Voting cards will be available on the day. For more information contact the Projects Group Office on 75099.       

·        The horticulture course will continue this Saturday 2nd July at 10am at Theresa Halls.  

·        Bere Island Community Childcare Group will begin their Arts & Crafts sessions again next week. Monday 4th July 8 years and over welcome from 9am – 12 noon, Wednesday 6th July 8 years and under welcome 9am – 12 noon, Friday 8th July 8 years and over welcome from 9am – 12 noon.  

·        A reminder for anyone wishing to use the Rural Transport service this Friday to pre book a seat before Thursday 3pm. Bookings can be made by contacting the Projects Group Office on 75099 or West Cork Rural Transport on 52727.   

·        To end this week we would like to wish Mrs Deirdre O’ Donoghue on of our national school teachers every best wish as she leaves for a year abroad working with children. 

County Sound Report 21st June - Bere Island  

·        The Active Retirement Group will meet with Trudi Healy Potter again this Thursday 23rd June at 10am in St Michael’s National School. If you need a lift please contact either John/ Bernie on 75099.  

·        A reminder that articles, photos etc are welcome for the Bere Island Newsletter and should be given to the Projects Group Office before tomorrow Wednesday 22nd June.  

·        The horticulture course will take place this Saturday 25th June at 10am at Theresa Halls.  

·        A reminder for anyone wishing to use the Rural Transport service this Friday to pre book a seat before Thursday 3pm. Bookings can be made by contacting the Projects Group Office on 75099 or West Cork Rural Transport on 52727.   

·        Birthday greetings to Michael Crowley, Rerrin, Dean Harrington, Derrycreeveen and Pauline Hanley, Ardagh who celebrate their birthdays around now.  

County Sound Report 14th June - Bere Island  

·        The Active Retirement Group will meet again on Thursday next 16th June at 11am in St Michael’s National School. Trudi Healy Potter will talk to the group about new activities they can carry out. This will be followed by dinner at the Hotel. Price EUR 10 per person. If you have n