Sunday 27 July 2008

Dingle Corn Maze pays homage to Fungie the Dingle Dolphin

Planted on five acres of land in Dingle Town, the Dingle Corn Maze, which opened this week, presents one of the
highlights of summer. This year local farmer Colm Murphy (pictured left with his daughter Orla) has planted the maze in the shape of the town's most famous resident, Fungie the Dolphin, celebrating his 25th year in Dingle. This 'Amazing Maize Maze' presents an amazing day out for all the family. A quiz trail map is included (like a treasure hunt).Sand dunes and other play activities are also available. A picnic area and parking are also included on-site. It also presents a chance to witness some amazing views of Dingle and the harbour's mouth. The Dingle Corn Maze is located in Dingle Town on the 'High Road' and is open daily. Contact Colm at : 087-6109563 for information on opening times etc.

The Dark Knight- Phoenix Cinema, Dingle, showing nightly @ 7.30pm

Night has fallen...
In a world without rules, Gotham City is gripped in the clutch of corruption. Mob bosses, crime lords, corrupt precincts..it is a dark world in the grip of crime and terror. One thing stands between society and the abyss is the 'Batman' who has struck fear into the hearts of his nemesises. Gotham's new DA, Harvey Dent, also offers a beacon of light at the end of the tunnel with his unshakable morals and commitment to prosecute, soon earning him the mantle of Gotham's White Knight.However, soon the 'joke' is on all of them as a menacing presence rips Gotham's core to shreds...
Without giving too much away, The Dark Knight is an amazing film. Heath Ledger's Joker is magnificent in the performance of the year (if not the decade). Without a doubt, the best Batman movie ever made, renders the Michael Keaton/Val Kilmer/George Clooney franchise as irrelevant. And what of Jack Nicholson's Joker? ... a distance memory of a ridiculous pantomime, Heath Ledger's portrayal is the new benchmark in Christopher Nolan's masterpiece.
*****5 Stars.
Catch it this week at the Phoenix Cinema, Dykegate Lane, Dingle, nightly at 7.30pm.
Contact 066-9151222.

Dingle - Tokyo...on a bike!

From Dingle to Japan...on a bike!

Father and son team begin 10,000 mile cycle from Dingle to Tokyo

A father and son team embarked on the adventure of a lifetime last Saturday morning (Saturday, July 26th) as they set off from Dingle, with the intention of cycling all the way to Tokyo, Japan!
Mark Swain (50) and his son Sam (18) left Commenouel, Dún Chaoin at 9.30pm, cycling through Ventry until they reached Dingle where they did a lap of the town.
From there it was on through Kerry, Cork and Waterford on their way to the Ferry in Rosslare.
After arriving in England they will traverse the country, gaining access to France and Mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel.
The two bravados will then venture though France, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, China and finally take the ferry which will bring them to the Island of Japan whereupon they will reach their destination in Tokyo.
The fearless twosome estimates that the route will encompass over 10,000 miles and take almost a year. They may have to alter their route accordingly as there are some countries, such as Burma, which do not allow entry.
According to Mark, this trip has been in the pipeline for almost eight years as when his son Sam was ten years old he asked how long would it take to cycle to Japan.
"Year in, year out he would ask me about cycling to Japan when his birthday came around" explained Mark, "I was impressed by his attitude and insistence about completing this tumultuous task. As subsequent birthdays passed, his persistence continued so I decided to do something about it!" 2008 saw San turn 18 and Mark reach the milestone age of 50.
"Both of us are at landmark ages in our lives to we decided that 2008 was the perfect year to do this!" said Mark. "Dingle and West Kerry is the perfect place to start, we are in the furthermost western point in Europe and we endeavour to reach the eastern reaches of Japan" Mark added.
Mark and Sam will also raise funds for the Rising Sun Domestic Violence Project during their travels.
Mark hopes to keep an online journal of his travels, view it at : www.bugbitten.com/father_son_cycle

Buddhism arrives in Dingle

Buddhism sets its sights on Dingle
Introduction to Eastern religion and philosophy takes place in Dingle's Diseart
Eastern and Western spirituality combined this weekend as Dingle's Diseart, the centre of Celtic Spirituality and Learning founded within the walls of the old Catholic Convent building (which is adjacent to St. Mary's Church), became the location for a lecture in the practice of Buddhism.
Buddhism is a way of life and philosophy which revolves around Buddha, who gave methods to his followers by which full enlightenment may be attained through practices such as meditation.
An Diseart, established by former Dingle Canon and Maynooth Professor, Monsignor Pádraig Ó Fiannachta, is renowned for the world famous Harry Clarke windows situated in the buildings Catholic Church. The centre hosted Buddhist, Christian Bosel-Hamke, who delivered a lecture entitled 'Freedom of Mind' – An Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism.
Christian Bosel-Hamke is a student of famed Danish Buddhist teacher, Lama Ole Nydahl who already established over 550 meditation and study centres all over the world.
Lama Ole is renowned for his meditation courses, such as the study of Phowa (conscious dying) a meditation to be used at the moment of death.

Ventry Regatta - Sunday, July 20th

Naomhóg masters tackle the ocean waves at Ventry Regatta

The sun came out to play in Ventry on Sunday July 20th, as crowds converged on the West Kerry village to enjoy the the annual Naomhóg rowing meet, Regatta Fionn Trá.
Competitors of all ages from the Maharees, Dingle and the West Kerry Gaeltacht took the ocean waves once again, a tradition which is a great source of local pride. The familiar site of the Namohóg, which from a distance look like black beetles, was visible on the pier from 2pm with a full race card catering for all age groups.
The first race was the U-18 meet with Roisín Breathnach, Laura Kavanagh, Liam Flannery and Cathal Breathneach first past the post.
This was followed by the eagerly anticipated Rás Mór na bhfear, the Four-handed mens'race which saw the men of the Maharees, Jackie Goodwin, Danny Scanlon, Kieran Browne and Frank Hussey stamp their authority on the event once again this year.
The U-12 race, one of the highlight for the younger children taking part proved to be a great success with Brian Devine, Gearóid Breathneach, Meghan Flannery and Kelly Cooke of Cumann Ramhaíochta Corca Dhuibhne emerging as top dogs as they sailed into first place.
The eagerly anticipated Rás Mór na mBan, the four- handed ladies'race proved itself to be one of the afternoon's highlights with winners, local rowing stalwats Monza Heidke, Denise O'Sullivan, Tara Follan and Michelle Kennedy showing the men how things are done in West Kerry! Kevin Granville, Eoin Griffin, Louise O'Brien and Kate Sullivan were victorious in the U-16 meet while the combination of Jackie Goodwin and Eileen Quirke proved a winning formula in the Rás Fear & Bean, the one man, one woman race. The Rás Meascaithe, a mixed race for two men and two women, with names drawn from a hat drew the day's racing to a close with Eimear Galvin, Jane Fitzgerald, Kieran Browne and Jackie Goodwin taking first place.

West Kerry Agricultural Show, July 20th, 2008.



CHAMPION: Carmel Joyce of Ardfert with the Overall Champion, Inviren Boy, at the West Kerry Agricultural Show held in the Mart Grounds, Dingle on Sunday, July 20th. Inviren Boy is also the Spancil Hill Champion for 2008. Pictured also are Carmel's children Ciara and Cillian.

West Kerry Agricultural Show, July 20th, 2008



Pictured: Best Dairy Cow Winners Peter Kennelly (Ardfert) (far left) and Giles Hoffman (Annascaul) (right), receiving their cups at the West Kerry Agricultural Show on Sunday July 20th from judges William Berkery (Cappamore), Tony Barrett (Lispole) and John Egan (Munrow, Co. Limerick).

Tuesday 15 July 2008

West Kerry Agricultural Show-Sunday July 20th


A Show of Excellence
West Kerry Agricultural Show celebrates 43 years
The crowds ascended on the Dingle Mart Grounds on Sunday, July 20th, to enjoy the 43rd Annual West Kerry Agricultural Show, habitually one of the highlights of the summer in Corca Dhuibhne. Good weather blessed the event once again this year which saw locals and people from all parts of Ireland and beyond enjoy the many activities and displays on show. Attending the show this year was Minister of State for Agriculture, Tony Kileen TD who was on hand to present the days award the winners of the traditional cattle, sheep, horse and sheep sections. Also spotted among the crowd, enjoying the day's events with his family was RTE Presenter John Kelly
Some of the country's best livestock was on display this year in the various animal classes with €20,000 prize fund up for grabs. The Champion Awards for Best Dairy Cow went to Peter Kennelly of Ardfert and Giles Hoffman of Annascaul (in the confined classes). Champion Pony of Show also went Ardfert's way, as it was awarded to Inviren Boy owned by Carmel Joyce. The Champion Horse of Show Award stayed local this year, awarded to John Ashe of Chapel Lane, Dingle.
Two Cork men grasped the Jim Rohan Memorial Cup for Best Scotch Yearling Ram this year as Pat and his son Dan O'Leary will bring the cup back home to Bantry this year. Maintaining a local profile at the event was brother of GAA stars Darragh, Tomás and Marc, Feargal Ó Sé of Árd a'Bhothair who was awarded the cup for Best Overall Low Land Class.
There was plenty talent on display at the show with an Irish dancing display by Rinceoirí na Ríochta and live music from Banna Ceoil Lios Póil. The arts and crafts section of the show displayed an array of talent while the cute, peachy faces of the Bonny Baby show drew gasps of 'ooh' and 'aww' from onlookers. Horticulture and home-baking also left an impression with those attending the show with special mention to Eileen Breathneach who received a special prize for her outstanding Homemade Apple Pie. Best Dressed Lady Mairín Uí Chearna and Granny Gaelach recipient Josie Bean Uí Bairóid also lent an air of glamour to the day's proceedings.
All THE RESULTS:

CATTLE
Best Dairy Cow: Giles Hoffman, Annascaul. Best Dairy Cow: Peter Kennelly, Ardfert. Best Spring Calving Heifer: Peter Kennelly, Ardfert. Best Breeding Heifer: Dara Murphy, Lispole. Best Dairy Calf: Dara Murphy, Lispole. Best Dairy Calf (led by a child): Noirín Kennedy. Best Overall Breeding Dairy Heifer: Peter Kennelly. Best Butcher Heifer: Marie Martin, Reenconnell. Best Store Bullock: Micheal Griffin, Lispole. Best Calf Beef Breed (male continental): John Moriarty, Annascaul. Best Calf Beef Breed (female continental): Bríd Ní Shé, Ceann Trá. Best Calf Beef Breed (male non- continental): Seamus Leahy, Leataoibh. Best Calf Beef Breed (female non- continental): Marie Kavanagh, Rahinane, Ventry. Best Charlaois Male: James Drum, Castleisland. Best Charlaois Female: Mick Brady, Tralee. Best Pure Bred Limosine Male: Seán Pól Kennedy, Baile an Fheirteáraigh. Best Pure Bred Limosine Female: Seán Pól Kennedy, Baile an Fheirteáraigh.

PONIES
Lead in Reins Class: Mike Madden, Charleville. Pony U-13/2: Con Sugrue, Tralee. Pony U-14/2: Dawn Hillard, Bally bowler. Pony Brddo Mare with Foal at Foot: Con Sugrue, Tralee. Pony Foal: Con Sugrue, Tralee. Registered Connemara Pony Pure or Part Breed: Carmel Joyce, Ardfert. Lead in Reins Class: Hillary Ashe, Tralee. Champion of Show: Carmel Joyce, Ardfert.

HORSES
Best Irish Draught Brood Mare: Kevin Knightly, Annascaul. Best Irish Draught Colt or Filly Foal: Kevin Knightly, Annascaul. Brood Mare: Michelle Leahy, Dingle. Best Barren Mare: Michelle Leahy, Dingle. Best Colt or Gelding: John Ashe, Chapel Lane, Dingle. Best Mare to Produce Show Jumper: Michelle Leahy, Dingle. Best Mare and Foal: Kevin Knightly, Annascaul. Ridden Hunter Class: John Ashe, Chapel Lane, Dingle. Champion Horse of the Show: John Ashe, Chapel Lane, Dingle.

SHEEP
Best Scotch Yearling Ram-Jim Rohan Memorial Cup: Pat O'Leary, Bantry. Best Scotch Yearling Ram: Tom O'Sullivan, Dingle. Best Pen Hoggett Scotch Rams: Barry O'Halloran, Knockavrogeen, Dingle. Best Aged Ram: Oliver Brosnan, Ballybowler. Best Scotch Ram Lamb: Pat Lovett, Goulane, Lispole. Best Pen of Three Breeding Scotch Ewes: Seán Prendiville, Lispole. Best Open 3 Swalesale Type Breeding Ewes: Oilver Brosnan, Ballybowler. Best Three Hoggett Ewes: Thomas Riordan. Best Pen of Three Scotch Breeding Ewe Lambs: Oliver Brosnan, Ballybowler. Best Pen of Three Scotch Wether Lambs: Thomas Riordan. Best Overall Mountain Class: Pat O'Leary, Bantry.

SHEEP- LOWLAND
Best Pen (3) Texel Cross Ewe Lambs: Feargal Ó'Sé, Árd a'Bhóthair, Ceann Trá. Best Pen Suffolk Ewe Lambs: Feargal Ó'Sé, Árd a'Bhóthair, Ceann Trá. Best Pen Lester Ewe Lambs: Ulic O'Sullivan. Best Pen White Face Breeding Ewes: Feargal Ó'Sé, Árd a'Bhóthair, Ceann Trá. Best Pen Suffolk Breeding Lambs: Feargal Ó'Sé, Árd a'Bhóthair, Ceann Trá. Best Pen Butcher Wether Lambs: Ulic O'Sullivan. Best Texel Ram: Feargal Ó'Sé, Árd a'Bhóthair, Ceann Trá. Best White Face Ram: Patrick O'Leary, Cork. Best Suffolk Ram Lamb: Feargal Ó'Sé, Árd a'Bhóthair, Ceann Trá. Best Suffolk Lamb: Feargal Ó'Sé, Árd a'Bhóthair, Ceann Trá. Best Cheviot Ram Lamb: Gene Cronin, Killarney. Best Charolais Ram Lamb: Gene Cronin, Killarney. Best Overall Low Land Class: Feargal Ó'Sé, Árd a'Bhóthair, Ceann Trá.
DOG SHOW
Puppies (9 Months and Under): Gavin McGaity (India). Large Dogs: Katie Moriarty (Penny). Terrier Breeds: Jack McKagh (Chip). Dogs in Fancy Dress: Saoirse Weave (Jenny). The Dog the Judges would most like to take home: Kate Mortiarty (Penny). Consolation: Sive Lenihan (Bonny).

SHEEP DOG TRIALS
OPEN: 1st Senie O'Leary, Fermoy, 2nd Brian Casey, Tipperary, 3rd Dave Mulcahy, Cork, 4th Tom O'Sullivan, Kilcummin, Killarney, 5th Mike Dowd, Tralee, 6th Milo O'Brien, Camp.
CONFINED: 1st Seán Leabh, Leataoibh, Baile an Fheirteáraigh, 2nd Mossie Murphy, Kilerigh, Ventry, 3rd Tom Sullivan, Ballinasig, Dingle.

BEST DRESSED LADY: Mairín Uí Cheárna, Baile an Fheirteáraigh.
GRANNY GAELACH: Josie Bean Uí Bairóid, Baile Mór.
CHILDREN'S OVERALL ART AWARD: Sharon Ní Shlatra.
BONNY BABY: Tadhg Mac Cárthaigh.
EXCELLENCE AWARD: Gene Sheehy
BEST OVERALL TART: Eilibhín Breathneach, Gorta Dubh, Baile an Fheirteáraigh.
OVERALL SCHOOL: Bunscoil an Chlochair, Daingean Uí Chúis.
OVERALL ARTISTIC AWARD: Annascaul ICA.

Thursday 3 July 2008

Dingle curate to become Ballyferriter P.P.

Dingle curate to become Ballyferriter P.P.
Bishop issues several change of appointments in West Kerry area
Dingle's loss is the become Ballyferriter's gain later this month as Rev. Fr. Eugene Kiely of Dingle is to be appointed Parish Priest of the Baile an Fheirteáraigh parish under the changes announced by Bishop of Kerry Bill Murphy last weekend. Fr. Kiely, a Cork man by heritage, has become a central part of the local parish community in Dingle; his spiritual devotion and kind, gentle demeanor endearing him to many. He took a great interest in the Divine Mercy and Our Lady of Fatima organising local devotions at various churches in the community. He was also a board member of national school Scoil an Ghleanna, which opened its new buildings last week. Fr. Kiely was also an avid Gaelgóir professing an exacting fluency in the Irish language. "Fr. Kiely has been a wonderful asset to the local community here" said one parishioner, "we are very sad to see him go but wish him well in his new appointment as parish priest in Ballyferriter." Several changes of appointment were announced this weekend to the Clergy Corca Dhuibhne Deanery, which will come into effect on Wednesday July 23rd.
Baile an Fheirteáraigh Parish Priest, the very Rev. Gearóid Godley is to be appointed Co-Ordinator of the Diocesan Pastoral Strategic Plan. The very Rev. Brendan Walsh, Parish Priest Annascaul is to become the Parish Priest of Causeway with the very Rev. John Buckely, P.P. Tuosist to come to Annascaul in his stead. Rev. Bernard Healy returns from post-graduate studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome to become a curate in Dingle alongside the Canon Fr. Thomas Looney. Rev. Sean Sheehy, Diocese of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA is come to West Kerry to minister pro tem in Castlegregory parish with Canon Thomas Looney. Dingle will continue as the Administrator of the Castlegregory Parish.

Wednesday 2 July 2008

Father and daughter exhibit works at Greenlane Gallery

"Expansion"
An Exhibition of new paintings and sculpture by Tomás O'Ciobháin and Anthony Scott

Venue: Greenlane Gallery

Dingle Date: 5th July, 2008

Opened by Professor Liam O'Murchu


When you meet sculptor, Anthony Scott’s life-size bronze horse, Labharacam, the centerpiece of his forthcoming exhibition at the Greenlane Gallery, Dingle (5 – 30 July 2008), its like all of his previous work has come into its proper dimensions, and that his older, smaller horse sculptures have been a rehearsal.
This exhibition also sees an exciting new body of work by West Kerry Coast artist, Tomás O'Ciobháin . While O’Ciobháin continues his fascination with the land and seascapes that surround him, often from extremely vertiginous perspectives, it is in an increasingly abstract manner and with a lighter touch.
O'Cíobháin’s daughter, Aine, will also show some of her work at the forthcoming exhibition. Aine concentrates on night-time urban landscapes. Her years immersed in the grimey, urban world of night-shoots, give her paintings an urgency and authenticity ripped from the streets.