Weekly News Update 2023

Monday 6th March

Beara Historical Society
The Beara Historical Society will hold their next talk on Tuesday March 7th at 8.00pm, in Twomeys Lounge, Castletownbere.  Historian Kieran Doyle will speak on Understanding Commemoration and the Revolutionary Period in Cork 1914 to 1923.  Kieran works as a teacher in Bandon and is a regular contributor of historical articles to periodicals and journals and has also lectured to the West Cork History Festival.  All are welcome to attend and a donation of €5 will be requested from non-members.

Beara AC
Beara AC training continues on Mondays and Wednesdays for adults, meeting at Dinish Island at 6.30pm, details are sent on the Beara AC WhatsApp group on the day. These sessions are suited to all levels of fitness and ability, and newcomers are welcome.  Underage training is held every Friday at Castletownbere Community School from 5.00pm to 6.30pm.   

Berehaven Golf Club
To round off the St Patrick’s weekend celebrations, Berehaven Golf Club is holding a Green Party evening on Saturday March 18th.  Everyone is invited to wear green to mark the occasion and the evening will start at 5.00pm with the Ireland v England Rugby Six Nations match on the big screen.  From 7.30pm there will be live Irish folk and trad music.  Tickets are €20 per person with children free, with a welcome cocktail for and finger food will be served along with prizes for the best costumes.  All proceeds will go to support Berehaven Golf Club Junior’s Programme.  For tickets text 083 8511112 or enquire at the Club House.

Beara West Family Resource Centre
Wednesday March 8th is International Women’s Day, and the Beara West Family Resource Centre will host an event to celebrate this at Café Pictic, Castletownbere at 7.00pm. Sinéad Moore, a local health coach, and herbalist, will speak on the night and will give tips for leading a healthier life. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. Refreshments will be provided and there is a suggested donation of €5 per person. Space is limited and booking is essential by contacting the centre on 027 70998 or texting Natalie at 083 113 5077. 

On Thursday March 23rd the centre will host an evening talk for parents – Supporting an Anxious Child, at 7.30pm in the hall at Scoil na Chroí Ro Naofa.  Caitríona Ní Liatháin, a play therapist and psychotherapist based in Bantry, will give a talk providing parents and guardians with techniques and methods to support children with anxious behaviours. There will also be an opportunity to ask Caitríona questions. This talk is open to all parents/guardians in the Beara area. To book a seat please contact 027 70998.

Monday 27th February

Bantry and District Cardiac Support Group
The Bantry and District Cardiac Support Group will hold their next monthly meeting on Tuesday February the 28th at 8.00pm in the Christian Fellowship Building, Bantry.  This month’s meeting will be the group’s AGM.  Following the election of officers there will be a group discussion to plan the year’s activities.  All those in the Bantry and Beara areas who have suffered a cardiac event, have cardiac related concerns and their family members are welcome to attend.

SVP Beara
St. Vincent de Paul Beara have vacancies for people who qualify under the Rural Social Scheme for paid positions in their shop in Castletownbere. An active herd number or fishing licence in the family is required in order to apply.  These are paid positions with flexible hours.  For further information contact SVP Beara on 083 356 1132 or Arran O’Driscoll on 086 841 2539.

Beara West Family Resource Centre
Wednesday March the 8th is International Women’s Day, and the centre will host an event to celebrate this at Café Pictic, Castletownbere at 7.00pm. Sinéad Moore, a local health coach, and herbalist, will speak on the night and will give tips for leading a healthier life. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. Refreshments will be provided and there is a suggested donation of €5 per person. Space is limited and booking is essential by contacting the centre on 027 70998 or texting Natalie at 083 113 5077. 

Monday 20th February

Garnish GAA Fundraiser
Garnish GAA Club will hold a fundraising walkathon starting 1pm on Saturday February 25th, and is inviting club members  and the wider community to walk the club grounds every hour. The walking will continue throughout the night followed by a walk from the Castletownbere Community Hospital to the  pitch in Cahermore on the morning of Sunday February 26th.  The walk from the hospital will leave at 10.30am.  All money raised will be split between the club and the Community Hospital.  For further information and to make a donation see  www.garnishgaa.ie  

SVP Beara
St. Vincent de Paul Beara have vacancies for people who qualify under the Rural Social Scheme for paid positions in their shop in Castletownbere. An active herd number or fishing licence in the family is required in order to apply.  These are paid positions with flexible hours.  For further information contact SVP Beara on 083 356 1132 or Arran O’Driscoll on 086 841 2539.

Beara AC  
Beara AC club hold adult training on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 6.30pm in Dinish Island and underage training will be held at Castletownbere Community School on Fridays from 5.00pm to 6.30pm. For further details see the Beara AC Facebook page.

Monday 13th February

Castletownbere Development Association
The Castletownbere Development Association is hoping to hold a multi-national festival day on the June Bank Holiday weekend.   The group would like to hear from people of all nationalities living in Beara to help then with ideas to showcase food and crafts from their countries. Anyone who would like to contribute is asked to contact the CDA via their Facebook page.

Beara Ladies Medal Presentation  
Beara Ladies will hold a medal presentation evening for their 2020 and 2021 seasons on Friday February17that the Berehaven Golf Club.  There will be finger food and a disco and all are welcome. 

Dark Sky Ireland
Dark Sky Ireland works towards combating light pollution of the night skies which will benefit both people and wildlife.  The Group are working with the CPRE, the countryside charity in the UK and organising a Star Count in the UK and across Ireland during February. 

Those who would like to take part are asked to look to the sky on a clear night between 17th-24th February, and count the number of stars you can see within the four corners of the Orion constellation.  Further details on how to take part are available at www.cpre.org.uk/starcount

Castletownbere Coast Guard
Castletownbere Coast Guard Team are currently recruiting new members.  For further details contact the officer in charge Leo O’Shea on 086 8501812.

Beara Film Fest
The closing date for submissions to the 2023 Beara Film Fest is 5.00pm on Friday February 24th 2023.  Local aspiring directors both established and student alike are encouraged to submit their films.  The director must be living in or from Cork, and the short film must be filmed in County Cork.  Films should be a maximum of twenty-five minutes and in the English language or if filmed in Irish or a European language films should be subtitled. For further details on submission, and the format to film in see www.bearafilmfest.ie or the Beara Film Fest Facebook page.

Beara GAA
Beara GAA are hosting an injury prevention and nutrition workshop on Saturday February the 18th at 2.00pm in the sports hall in Castletownbere. The workshop will be given by Alan Devane and Andrew Fitzgerald.  Alan Devane is a strength and conditioning coach  and Andrew Fitzgerald is a qualified physical therapist who focuses on helping GAA players improve their bodies resilience and durability.  The workshop is open to all players, both male and female for all ages and grades in Beara, and is also open to coaches for all the male and female teams in Beara . The workshop is free of charge to the players and coaches from Beara. For anyone who wishes to attend, can they please contact their club secretary for details. 

Monday 23rd January

Computer Classes
Bere Island Projects Group will be holding a number of classes over the coming weeks.   Art Classes with Brian Boss, Yoga with Trudi McQuaid and computer classes for all levels.  For further details and to book contact 027 75099.

Fit For The Future
Staying Fit for the Future/Better Balance Better Bones is taking registrations for classes returning to an in-person format in Castletownbere at Pam’s Studio at the Daybreak/Circle K premises. Classes will be at 7PM on Wednesdays. It is a 10 week session starting on January the 25th and the cost is €60. The programme involves fun exercises aimed at improving balance and maintaining muscle strength and bone density, and it is open to all adults who can walk unaided.  Registration is through Cork Sports Partnership, either online or by phone on 086 127 6863 or 086 140 9225. 

Beara West Family Resource Centre
MABS, the Money Advice and Budgeting Service will be at the Beara West Family Resource Centre on Friday January 27th from 10.30am. MABS is the State’s free money advice service, helping people to manage and avoid getting into debt. For more information, phone 0818 072 450.   

On Friday February 10th older people in the community are invited to come along to the Beara Community Spring Gathering from 12.30pm at Berehaven Golf Club. There will be a three-course meal, live music and a raffle. The cost is €10 per head and transport to and from the venue is available on request.  Places should be booked by January 31st by contacting Julie at the Caha Centre at 027 60909 or Moira at  the Beara West Family Resource Centre at 027 70998. 

Singing for the Brain music sessions will resume in the centre from February. This national initiative brings together a friendly and supportive social group in a casual environment to enjoy company, songs and music.  

Monday 16th January

Leadership for Life Programme
A Leadership for Life Programme for Young Islanders will empower island youth with leadership capabilities to reach their full potential which will allow them to learn, practice and develop the core skills they will need in their future life.  The programme is run by Foroige and is Ireland’s only evidence-based accredited Youth Leadership programme for under 18 year olds.  For futher details contact 01 6301560 or see www.foroige.ie

Castletownbere Coast Guard
Castletownbere Coast Guard Team are currently recruiting new members.  Those interested must have a reasonable level of fitness and be prepared to undertake regular training to reach the level of competence needed to be an effective member of the team. You should also live within 16 miles or 20 minutes of the station.  For further details contact the officer in charge Leo O’Shea at oiccastletownberecgu@ircg.gov.ie

Computer Classes
Bere Island Projects Group will hold computer classes for all levels starting on Thursday January the 19th from 2.00pm to 3.00pm at the community centre.  The classes are open to everyone. For further information contact 027 75099.

Beara Education Training Board
The Beara Education Training Board has a number of courses starting at their premises at the North Road, Castletownbere including Irish, English for speakers of other languages, art, technology, sewing, food and nutrition, budgeting and gardening.   For further information and to book a place contact Maggie on 086 0850300.   

Castletownbere Youth Theatre
The new term of Castletownbere Youth Theatre has now resumed.  Classes are on Wednesdays, at the Beara Bay Hall and take place at the following times.  Ages 10-12 5.45pm to 7.00pm, ages 12 plus 7.00pm to 8.45pm.

Tour De Beara
Registration is now open for the 2023 Tour de Beara cycle race which will take place on September 9th 2023.  For further details and to register see www.tourdebeara.ie

News Archive 2022

Monday 12th December 2022

Beara Historical Society
The Beara Historical Society is hosting the launch of Ted O’Sullivan’s new book ‘Bere Island Internment Camp 1921, Nora O Neill’s Autograph Book’ on Monday December12th at 8.00pm at  Twomey’s Lounge, Castletownbere.  Nora O’Neill who was captain of the Castletownbere company of Cumann na mBan. In the course of their time in the camp as many as forty of the internees signed Nora’s autograph book. The book features short biographical sketches of each autograph writer, along with a biographical sketch of Nora O’Neill.  The book is on sale at the Bere Island Heritage Centre, Murphys Shop and venues in Beara.   

Christmas Newsletter
The Bere Island Christmas Newsletter is now on sale from Murphy’s Shop Rerrin and Supervalu Castletownbere, priced 5 euro. This year’s front cover was designed by the children of St Michael’s National School, Bere Island.  Newsletters from parishes throughout Beara including Allihies, Castletownbere Eyeries and Tuosist are also on sale through the peninsula.

Caha Centre
Euro Safety are running a Safe Pass Course in The Caha Centre, Adrigole on Saturday December the 17th from 8am to 5pm.  The cost is €150. To book a place please call 029-52969.

Christmas Workshops
Beara ETB will hold a  Christmas Decorations workshop with Karolina on Wednesday December 14th from 10.00am to 1.30pm. The workshop is free of charge, to book a place contact Noreen on 086  8239147.   

Beara West Family Resource Centre
The Beara West Family Resource Centre will hold their annual Christmas Party on Wednesday December 14thfrom 11.00am to 1.ppm at the centre.  Tea, coffee and refreshments will be served.  All are welcome to attend. 

Monday 5th December 2022

Christmas Newsletter
The Bere Island Christmas Newsletter is now on sale from Murphy’s Shop Rerrin and Supervalu Castletownbere, priced 5 euro. This year’s front cover was designed by the children of St Michael’s National School, Bere Island.

Allihies Panto
The annual Lehnamore panto is back this year.  Puss in Hoots preceded by the Inventive Genius of Garnish will be performed on Friday December 9th and Saturday December 10th, and the following weekend on December the 16th and 7th.  The performance starts at 8pm, admission is €10.  To book contact Anne on 0879810518 or Marie on 086 879 8802.

Bake Sale in Support of Saint Vincent de Paul Beara
A group of volunteers are holding a fundraising bake sale in support of Saint Vincent de Paul Beara on Thursday December 8th in The Square, Castletownbere from 9.00am. A selection of delicious home baked goods will be available. All funds raised will go to support the work of SVP Beara.   

 
Caha Centre
Euro Safety are running a Safe Pass Course in The Caha Centre, Adrigole on Saturday December 17th from 8.00am to 5.00pm.  The cost is €150. To book a place please call 029 52969.


Christmas Workshops
Beara ETB are running number of Christmas themed workshops over the coming weeks. On Thursday December 8th there will be Christmas Card Design with Ida from 10.00am to 1.30pm, and on Wednesday December 14th there will be Christmas Decorations with Karolina from 10.00am to 1.30pm. All workshops are free of charge, to book a place contact Noreen on 086  8239147.   

Monday 28th November 2022

Castletownbere Post Office
Castletownbere Post Office is relocating to a different premises in the town on Monday December 5th. To facilitate the move the Post Office will be open for a half day on Friday December 2nd at 3.00pm and remain closed on Saturday December 3rd and will reopen at their new premises at P75 YK00 on Monday December 5th.  Staff apologise for any inconvenience caused. 

Bake Sale in Support of Saint Vincent de Paul Beara
A group of volunteers are holding a fundraising bake sale in support of Saint Vincent de Paul Beara on Thursday December 8th in The Square, Castletownbere from 9am. A selection of delicious home baked goods will be available. All funds raised will go to support the work of SVP Beara.   

RNLI Lotto Draw
Castletownbere RNLI & CoAction Beara  have announced the relaunch of their weekly fundraising lotto draw.   The first draw will take place on: Wednesday December the 7th with a starting jackpot of €2900.  If the jackpot is not won there will be 5 lucky dip winners of €50 each.  Tickets are €2 each and can be purchased from local businesses.    

Christmas in Castletownbere  
This Saturday December 3rd a Christmas Market will be held from 11.00am to 2.00pm at the Beacon, Castletownbere.  At  7.15pm that evening Fr Noel Spring will bless the Christmas tree in the square ahead of the official switching on of the town Christmas lights which will be followed by carol singing, with mulled wine and mince pies.  The Castletownbere Newsletter will also be launched that evening.  On Sunday December 4thSanta will be visiting Castletownbere, and there will be drive-thru visits in the grounds of St Peters from 4pm to 6pm.  To book a slot text your child’s age, name and gender to 086 8953921. The annual St Stephen’s Day Treasure Challenge will take place on Monday 26th December.  Further details on the treasure challenge are available on the CDA Facebook page.

Beara Camera Club
The Beara Camera will hold their next meeting and Christmas celebration on Monday December 5th at 8.00pm in MacCarthy’s Bar, Castletownbere.   

Bantry and District Cardiac Support Group
The next meeting of the Bantry and District Cardiac Support Group will take place on Tuesday November 29that 8.00pm at the Christian Fellowship Building, Bantry.  The meeting is open to all those in the Bantry and Beara areas who have suffered a cardiac event or have cardiac related concerns.  Family members are also welcome to attend.

Beara West Family Resource Centre
The Beara West Family Resource Centre will hold their annual Christmas Party on Wednesday December 14th from 11.00am to 1.00 pm at the centre.  Tea, coffee and refreshments will be served.  All are welcome to attend. 

Singing for the Brain has resumed.  This friendly and supportive social music group brings people together through songs, stories and smiles.  For more information, call Moira at 086 856 0319.

English lessons are running again at Beara West on Friday mornings.  

Regular social group meet-ups designed for children aged 9-12 years with common interests are now underway at the centre. This is a parent-led group everyone is welcome and neurodiversity is welcome. For more information, please contact  70998.

Monday 21st November 2022
RNLI Lotto Draw
Castletownbere RNLI & CoAction Beara  have announced the relaunch of their weekly fundraising lotto draw.   The first draw will take place on: Wednesday December the 7th with a starting jackpot of 2,900 euro.  If the jackpot is not won there will be 5 lucky dip winners of 50 euro each.  Tickets are 2 euro each and can be purchased from local businesses.  Volunteers and tickert collectors  are needed, if anyone is able to help out they are asked to send a message to the Castletownbere RNLI and CoACtion Beara Facebook page. 

Christmas in Castletownbere  
Castletownbere Development Association are holding a number of events over the coming weeks to mark the start of the Christmas season.  On Saturday December the 3rd,  a Christmas Market will be held from 11am to 2pm at the Beacon.  At  7.15pm that evening Fr Noel Spring will bless the Christmas tree in the square ahead of the official switching on of the town Christmas lights which will be followed by carol singing, with mulled wine and mince pies.  The Castletownbere Newsletter will also be launched that.  On Sunday December the 4th Santa will be visiting Castletownbere, and there will be drive-thru visits in the grounds of St Peters from 4pm to 6pm.  To book a slot text your child’s age, name and gender to 086 8953921 by November the 25th.  The annual St Stephen’s Day Treasure Challenge will take place on Monday 26th December.  Further details on the treasure challenge are available on the CDA Facebook page.

Courses
A manual handling course and an abrasive wheel course will be held on Bere Island on Tuesday December the 6th starting at 10am.  Each course is 2 hors in duration and costs 30 euro per course, if participants do both courses the cost is 50 in total. Booking is essential and places are limited, to book contact the projects group office on 75099

Beara GAA
The Beara GAA AGM will take place in Twomeys Bar, Castletownbere on Friday November the 25th  at 8pm.   

Beara West Family Resource Centre
On Friday November the 25th, the Money Advice and Budgeting Service will hold a clinic at the centre from 10.30am. For more information, call 0818 072450 or 087 8230410.

Monday 14th November 2022

Christmas in Castletownbere  
Castletownbere Development Association have announced their Christmas programme of events. On Saturday December 3rd,  a Christmas Market will be held from 11am to 2pm at the Beacon.  At  7.15pm that evening Fr Noel Spring will bless the Christmas tree in the square ahead of the official switching on of the town Christmas lights which will be followed by carol singing, with mulled wine and mince pies.  The Castletownbere Newsletter will also be launched that.  On Sunday December 4th Santa will be visiting Castletownbere, and there will be drive-thru visits in the grounds of St Peters from 4pm to 6pm.  To book a slot text your child’s age, name and gender to 086 8953921 by November 25th.

Beara Historical Society
The next talk by the Beara Historical Society will be held on Tuesday November 15th at 8pm in Twomeys Lounge, Castletownbere.  Eilis Ni Longaigh will give an illustrated talk on the renowned Cork sculptor Seamus Murphy.  All are welcome and a donation of 5  euro will be required from non-members.

Courses
A manual handling course and an abrasive wheel course will be held on Bere Island on Tuesday December the 6th starting at 10am.  Each course is 2 hors in duration and costs 30 euro per course, if participants do both courses the cost is 50 in total. Booking is essential and places are limited, to book contact the projects group office on 75099

Beara West Family Resource Centre
Singing for the Brain will resume on November 16th  at 2.30pm.  This friendly and supportive social music group brings people together through songs, stories and smiles.  For more information, call Moira at 086 856 0319.

Monday 7th November 2022

Funding for Renewable Energy Initiatives  
A new funding scheme, the Brexit Blue Economy Development Scheme will provide up to 25 million euro of funding to businesses in Ireland’s coastal communities to encourage them to use renewable energy.  The scheme is an initiative of the Government of Ireland and the European Union, and is being administered by BIM and delivered through Fisheries Local Action Groups  

Under the  scheme each business can apply for funding of up to  €200,000.    The scheme is also aiming to stimulate growth in rural coastal communities post-Brexit and is open to three streams of projects: Capital Investment, Business Mentoring and Capacity Development, and Upskilling and Training.  For further information about the Brexit Blue Economy Enterprise Development Scheme contact blueeconomy@bim.ie or see  www.bim.ie  


AGM
Bere Island Projects Group will hold their AGM next Wednesday November 9th at 7pm via Zoom.  A link to register has been sent to all island residents. If you did not receive this text please contact the office on 027 75099 before 5pm on Tuesday November the 9th. 

Caha Centre
West Cork Social Prescribing will host an information morning in Castletownere library on Tuesday, November the 15th from 11am to 12.30pm.  Everyone is welcome to come along learn more about this free service which is now available throughout West Cork. For further information, contact Jenny on 083 1491543.

Eyeries 5 Miles Road Race
The final race in Beara Athletic Club’s 5 Mile Road Race series will take place in Eyeries Village on Saturday November the 12th at 2.30pm.  The 5 mile race starts and finishes in the village.  and there will be over 100 prizes awarded for various categories.  Entry is €20 and for further details and to register see www.popupraces.ie   

Beara West Family Resource Centre
Singing for the Brain will resume on November the 16th  at 2.30pm.  This friendly and supportive social music group brings people together through songs, stories and smiles.  For more information, call Moira at 086 856 0319.

On Friday November the 25th, the Money Advice and Budgeting Service will hold a clinic at the centre from 10.30am.  MABS is the state’s free money advice service, helping people to manage and avoid getting into debt. For more information, call 0818 072450 or 087 8230410.

English lessons are running again at Beara West on Friday mornings.  

Regular social group meet-ups designed for children aged 9-12 years with common interests are now underway at the centre. This is a parent-led group everyone is welcome and neurodiversity is welcome. For more information, please contact  70998.

Monday 31st October 2022

Tidy Towns Win
Bere Island Tourism and Environment Group have won the Tidy Island Award in the 2022 SuperValu Tidy Town’s Competition, it’s the fourteenth consecutive win for Bere Island.   

AGM
Bere Island Projects Group will hold their AGM on Wednesday November 9th at 7pm via Zoom.  A link to register has been sent to all island residents. If you did not receive this text please contact the office on 027 75099. 

Beara Film Fest
The call out for submissions for the 2023 Beara Film Fest has now opened.  Local aspiring directors both established and student are encouraged to submit films.   The deadline for all submissions is  5pm on Friday February the 24th 2023.  For further details on submitting a film see www.bearafilmfest.ie or the Beara Film Fest Facebook page. 

Bingo
Bingo takes place at the Bere Island Hotel every Friday evening at 8pm, all are welcome to join in.

West Cork Islands AGM
The West Cork Islands Community Council will hold their AGM on Friday November the 4th at 12.30pm at the Island Cottage Gallery on Heir Island. Anyone who would like to attend is asked to register their intention by sending a text or email with AGM followed by your name and island to wcislandscommmunitycouncil@gmail.com or to 086 2922101 or by contacting your local island representative.  

Courses
A number of courses are taking place on Bere Island over the coming weeks, and include keep fit dance classes with Karolina, manual handling and an abrasive wheel course, and a fish filleting course.  For further details and dates see www.bereisland.net

Eyeries 5 Miles Road Race
The final race in Beara Athletic Club’s 5 Mile Road Race series will take place in Eyeries Village on Saturday November the 12th at 2.30pm.  For further details and to register see www.popupraces.ie

Beara GAA     
As part of the fundraising effort by Beara GAA and the Beara Senior Football County Championship winning team of 1997, to support the future educational needs of James and Molly children of the team’s goalkeeper Padraig Crowley,  an online auction has been set up.  It will cost €5 to place a bid with bids closing on Saturday November the 5th . All the bids will be placed online and further details can be found at www.bearagaa.ie

  

Beara West Family Resource Centre
Singing for the Brain will resume on November the 16th  at 2.30pm.  This friendly and supportive social music group brings people together through songs, stories and smiles.  For more information, call Moira at 086 856 0319.

English lessons are running again at Beara West on Friday mornings.  

Regular social group meet-ups designed for children aged 9-12 years with common interests are now underway at the centre. This is a parent-led group everyone is welcome and neurodiversity is welcome. For more information, please contact  70998.

The Parent & Toddler Group meet at the Centre on Thursdays at 10:15am.    

Monday 17th October 2022

AGM
Bere Island Projects Group will hold their AGM on Wednesday November 9th at 7pm via Zoom.  A link to register will be sent to all island residents within the next week, please click the link and complete the link to register. You will then receive a confirmation email with the necessary information to join the meeting.   Anyone who has any questions regarding registration is asked to contact the office on 75099 before midday on November 12th

Heritage Week Award
The Annual National Heritage Week Awards celebrate the most engaging projects and events organised by National Heritage Week organisers.  An event  which was organised by Bere Island Projects Group to mark Wild Child Day of Heritage week – a guided tour of Lonehort Battery for children and their parents has been shortlisted for an award.  The virtual award ceremony will take place on Thursday October 20thand can be viewed at heritageweek.ie/awards

West Cork Islands AGM
The West Cork Islands Community Council will hold their AGM on Friday November 4th at 12.30pm at the Island Cottage Gallery on Heir Island. Anyone who would like to attend is asked to register their intention by sending a text or email with AGM followed by your name and island to wcislandscommmunitycouncil@gmail.com or to 086 2922101 or by contacting your local island representative.  

Christmas Newsletter
The deadline is approaching for the 2022 Bere Island Christmas Newsletter.  Any family events or photographs from the past year, tributes to loved ones who have passed away, stories of past Christmases on Bere Island, poetry, short stories, all are welcome. All island clubs and organisations are also invited to submit any news on their activities in the past year.  The deadline is Friday October   21st and all items must be received by this date.  Items can be emailed to Helen at bereconservation@gmail.com or dropped into the Projects Group office.

Council Funding
In April of this year Minister Heather Humphreys  announced a new funding stream for the improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres in both urban and rural areas. There have been over  20 successful applicants for Cork South West under Category 1 of the scheme which covers small scale projects up to €25,000.  Three applications in Beara were successful which include an award of €25,000 to Eyeries Community Development, €25,000 to the Bere Island Heritage Centre and €23,000 to Bere Island  Projects Group which will be used to upgrade the heating and plumbing in the community centre.

Beara GAA     
It has been confirmed the County Senior Football Final will take place on Sunday October 30th in Pairc Ui Chaoimh. This is the day that the Beara Senior Football team of 1997 will be honoured as the county champions silver jubilee team. As a result of this, the fundraising draw that was due to place on the bank holiday weekend will now take place a week later on the weekend of November 5th with further details of the draw to be confirmed. Tickets for the raffle cost €10 and are available online at www.bearagaa.ie and also currently on sale from members of the Beara 1997 team and management and from local businesses around Beara. For anyone who is attending the county final, Flannerys on Glasheen Road in Cork will host a post match reception for the Beara 1997 team and for supporters who wish to attend. 

Beara West Family Resource Centre
Singing for the Brain is now running at the centre on Wednesdays until November 15th inclusive at 2.30pm.  This friendly and supportive social music group brings people together through songs, stories and smiles.  For more information, call Moira at 086 856 0319.

English lessons are running again at Beara West on Friday mornings.  

Regular social group meet-ups designed for children aged 9-12 years with common interests are now underway at the centre. This is a parent-led group everyone is welcome and neurodiversity is welcome. For more information, please contact the Centre at 027 70998.