Issue 54 July 2019
Welcome to the July edition of Schull District and Community Council Newsletter.
The year is passing and we are on the other side of Midsummer. At the time of writing the weather is glorious, it’s high summer and Schull village is in holiday mode, let’s enjoy it! There is so much to do here in Schull at this time of the year. On a walk along the path from the graveyard to Cadogan’s Strand you will see swimmers of every age in the clean, safe and sheltered coves that encircle the harbour. Dinghies from the FMOEC zip around on the water encouraged by their instructors. In the evening the crews of the Rowing Club train in the “Fastnet Flyer”. The outdoor exercise machines and the jungle gym are well-used and there is always someone playing tennis or basketball on the public courts. Telly-Tubby Land, or Trá an Oileán, is a wonderful amenity too, with adults and children paddling, swimming, picnicking and simply enjoying the beauty of the place. The Pier is another busy spot – trawlers land their fish, take on fuel and supplies and head off to sea again. Pleasure craft of every kind set out for various adventures and girls and boys spend HOURS jumping into the tide from the highest bit of the parapet.
On Main Street it is heartening to see the scaffolding up around the former Black Sheep pub. Its new owners are Barbara and Pete from Atlantic School of English and Active Leisure. This business, which contributes so much to the economy of Schull, has been operating here successfully for twenty years now and they have our congratulations and good wishes on their expansion into bigger premises.
Across and to the top of the street we wish Holly and Nico Runske much success when they open their new premises – Nico’s Restaurant – in the middle of July. They have a delightful new garden space installed in the former Casa Diego’s (before that Adele’s!) and we look forward to seeing another open business on the Main Street.
The State Exams are just a fading memory now and school is over for the summer. Best wishes to all those who graduated from both primary and secondary school in Scoil Mhuire this year. Usually we enjoy a spell of glorious weather during these weeks while thousands of students rack their brains, imprisoned in grim exam centres while the sun blazes down outside. Not this year! Let’s hope that anomaly is a sign of lots of lovely, long warm days to come.
If you are reading this as a visitor to Schull we hope that you enjoy your time here with us in our lovely village where you are most welcome. Fáilte romhat.
Here’s to Summer!
SDCC Update At the June meeting of Schull & District Community Council five new members were welcomed – Finbarr Butler, John Handley, Danny O’Regan, Carmel Waddy and Christian Walden.
At the recent flag-day collection for the Defibrillator Group almost €900 was collected. Go raibh míle maith agat le gach duine. The annual flag day for the Community Council is August 3rd.
Parking in Schull Free car parking is available in all the car parks in Schull. If you must park on the Main Street please observe the parking regulations and especially do not park on double yellow lines!
Fastnet Triathlon Well done to the organisers of the Centra Fastnet Triathlon. The event was a great success (as always). Congratulations to Trevor Woods and Katie Cooke who took first places on the day.
Congratulations also to three Iron Men from Schull who recently competed in the Youghal Iron Man event. Well done to Thomas Brosnan, Damian Malone and Ian Haseldene – well done hardly does them credit on the day that was in it!
Schull Agricultural Show will be held on Sunday July 28th at the Town Park from 12 to 5pm. This is a great fun day out for all the family. The Country Market will be at the Show and also the Mobile Pet Farm. As well as the usual fare, the Show Committee will also be catering for creative young people with competitions for art and poetry. Entries can be sent to Siobhán O’Donovan, Secretary, Gortnamona, Schull or by email to schullagrishow@gmail.com. Livestock entries close on July 19th and Hall entries will be taken on the day of the show. More information is available on Schull Agricultural Show Facebook page.
Schull Planetarium Star Shows for the month of July are on every Monday and Friday at 5pm and Wednesdays at 8pm. Please arrive early to allow time to buy your tickets as the show starts at these times. Alternatively book online at schullplanetarium.com.
Tourist Office The Discover Schull Tourist Office is now open every day. This year its home is in the Film Centre at the top of Main Street. The Tourist Office is financially supported by Schull Business & Tourism Association, Schull District & Community Council and grant-aided by Cork County Council. All of the volunteers give freely of their time. It is an invaluable service to our visitors and tourists – in spite of all the information available online, personal interaction is still so important. If you have some spare time and would like to volunteer a few hours please get in touch.
Schull Regatta committee wishes to thank all those who came out and supported their recent fund-raiser Quiz and especially all those who donated raffle prizes – Barnett’s of Schull, Enibas, Courtyard Crafts, Catriona’s Beauty Salon, East Meets West, Don McCarthy Electrical, CULLY & SULLY, Claire Barrett, West Cork Boilers and Logan Fitted Furniture. This year’s Schull Regatta Mugs are now on sale in Barnett’s of Schull and Harour Bay Flowers. The Regatta this year will be held on August 10th and 11th.
Scoil Mhuire National School recently wished farewell and happy retirement to teacher John Cronin. John had been teaching in Schull for 17 years. We wish him all the best.
Tidy Towns Congratulations to all the young artists who won prizes at the School Poster Awards which was held in the Harbour Hotel recently. Everybody was welcomed including the newly elected local Councillors – Cllr Danny Collins and Cllr Katie Murphy. Each winner received a special mug with a print of their artwork. A special thanks was extended to everybody who helped in making this event such a success and especially the hotel manger and team for their assistance and for part-sponsoring the event.
Lots of new planting has been done around the village – if you are out and about be sure to take the time to stop and admire the many flowers and shrubs that add to the delightful public spaces that we are so lucky to have. Many people use the path around the tennis courts as a running track and those of a less energetic disposition simply walk, with or without, a canine companion. Many of these dog walkers responsibly clean up after their pets and the new poop bag dispensers and disposal bins will make it even easier for them to do so. Thanks to the Tidy Towns and Cork County Council for these new facilities.
Competition time continues for both the County Litter Challenge and National Tidy Towns. These will be on-going for the months of July and August.
Every Saturday morning at 10am Tidy Towns volunteers do a Litter Pick. And for the summer an additional evening Litter Pick is held on Thursdays at 7pm. Extra hands are always welcome. Meet at the front of the Pier Road Car Park – it’s only for a couple of hours. Ní neart go cur le chéile.
The annual Tidy Towns Golf Classic takes place on Saturday July 27th at Skibbereen Golf Club. Entries of teams of three are being taken at Newman’s Corner House.
Pianocean On July 6th and 7th at 6pm an unusual event will take place at Schull Pier. Pianocean is an artistic and sailing project, led by the piano and the voice of Marieke Huysmans Berthou. Marieke will play her piano from on board her sailing boat – The Lady Flow. More information can be found at
pianocean.wordpress.com
Yoga by the Sea Gabriel Rangers Ladies Football Club is holding a fun, outdoor yoga fundraising event overlooking the sea in Schull, on Saturday July 6th at 10am. Registration is from 9.30am. Caroline Cumming will be teaching the class. Adults €10 and family rate is €20 so please bring the gang with you!!
Suitable for all ages and abilities. You will find us by the tennis courts. Please bring a yoga mat/large towel if you have one. There will be bottled water for sale also.
Grove House On July 7th Paul Tiernan and Tony Davis are playing at Grove House.
Doors open at 6pm for food and drink. Gig starts at 8. Tickets €15. Bookings 087-2494722
Schull Community Hospital fundraising Quiz will be held on Wednesday 17th July in O’Sullivan’s Bar, Crookhaven starting at 9pm. Go along, have fun and support our local hospital.
Clonakilty Camera Club/Brú Columbanus Charity Shop The annual photographic show is currently in the Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery. Please drop in if you are passing, there are some very fine photographs on show in the Tower Room. €50 from each sale will go directly to Brú Columbanus in Cork city.
Schull synergy By coincidence two brilliant films with strong Schull connections are screening at the Galway Film Fleadh this month. Irish supernatural comedy Extra Ordinary, starring comedian/writer/actress Maeve Higgins is the debut feature from writer/directors Mike Ahern (from Schull) and Enda Loughman. Extra Ordinary tells the story of Rose, a sweet and lonely small town driving instructor who must use her supernatural ‘talent’ to save the daughter of a local man from a washed up rock-star looking to use her in a satanic pact that will reignite his fame.
Fergus O’Farrell from Schull was a singer, songwriter, musician, and a force of nature. Directed by Michael McCormack, Breaking Out tells the story of Fergus, his wife Meng, and the music and lives that he shaped before he sadly passed away in February 2016. At eight years of age, Fergus O’Farrell sat and listened to a doctor tell his mother that he’d be dead by eighteen. But music gave him a talent for life. His music is the soundtrack to a film about a life sustained by friendship and love, and this film shot over a 15-year period became his ultimate performance.
(The 31st Galway Film Fleadh runs from Tues 9th to Sun 14th July. Galwayfilmfleadh.com)
Scoraíocht & Co “Messing About in Boats” is the theme this month ~ everyone is welcome. Expect a mixed bag of songs (possibly some sea shanties), poems, presentations and much more. July 18th, from 8pm in Newman’s Corner House.
The Amadeus Project The cast are taking a little break over the summer (to learn their lines!) while the production team carry on with creating the atmosphere of the production, set, lighting and sound design are all progressing, not to mention the costumes. Plans are to hold a couple of fund raising events next month, so keep an eye out for posters etc. ~ all support is much appreciated. Follow both the Schull Drama Group and PlayActing Facebook pages for more information or check out the Director’s blog on karenminihan.wordpress.com
Fastnet Marine & Outdoor Education Centre continues its summer sailing classes during July and August. There are still some places available on the courses – further information can be got from their website or on 028 28515. On July 16th to 18th the Schools Regatta will take place. And búla bos to FMOEC on becoming a Single Use Plastics Free Zone.
Kilmoe Union of Parishes Summer Fete will be held at Holy Trinity Hall and grounds, Schull on Wednesday 17th July, starting at 2.00pm. All the usual stalls will be there:- cakes, bric-a-brac, books, plants etc. Teas will be served and there will be live music and a raffle. Donations can be left in the days prior to the sale at Present Company, Main Street, Schull.
Wild Threads West Cork is delighted to be holding its Summer Exhibition in the Blue House Gallery this year. This group show will highlight the versatile and diverse nature of textiles and hand stitching, showcasing the equally diverse approaches of the nine artists involved. Exhibition runs from 26th July to 7th August.
Schull Rowing Club is seeking new members. If interested please contact the following emails: chair.schull.rowing@gmail.com or secretary.schull.rowing@gmail.com
Atlantic School of English and Active Leisure are seeking friendly and caring hosts (families, singles/couples) in 2019. Since 1999 ASEAL have offered a unique, all-inclusive language, leisure & lifestyle experience to adults (year-round), young kiddies, juniors, teenagers (Easter/Summer). Up to 3 guests per home allowed. Also chance to host entire small families if you have the space. Location in very easy reach of Schull is essential. If you would like to be part of the ASEAL hosting team please get in contact. Email homestay19@atlantic-english.com or Text 086-8537888 or 085 8079584 or Phone 028-27714 (office hours 9am – 5pm Mon to Fri) Alternatively call in to Atlantic School of English and Active Leisure, 10 Main Street, Schull, Co. Cork.
GAA Cúl Camp will be held from July 22nd to 26th. Details on the Gabriel Rangers Facebook page.
Bunratty United Soccer Club are running Soccer Summer Camps for girls and boys aged 6 to 16 from August 12th to 16th. For more details please phone 086 377 5194 or email martina.mc@live.ie
Writing & Story Workshop. How about a day to tap into your creativity, learn some new writing skills, and dive into the power of your own story? ‘Write to Your Truth’, a one day writing workshop, is taking place on Saturday 20th July in Grove House. Come away with fresh insights, new creative practices, and insights into accessing your own personal narratives. Lunch, tea & coffee, and cake included. Tickets €95. Bookings at http://www.claremulvany.ie/writetoyourtruthworkshop/
Irish Water Safety Swim Week will take place at Trá an Oileáin (Cadogan’s) from July 29th to August 3rd. To enrol contact Joanna on 086 395 2325 or by email at joannaschull@hotmail.com
What’s on in Schull
Blue House Gallery Continuing until 10th July over both floors is ‘The Sherkin Show’ and in the Boiler Room Gallery – Frieda Meaney. Opening on the 12th July is ‘4 Landscape Painters’ – Tom Climent, Angela Fewer, Damaris Lysaght and Christine Thery. Showing downstairs is the ‘Allihies Group Show and a retrospective exhibition showing work by Terry Searle in the Boiler Room Gallery. Opening on the 26th July – Upstairs ‘Water Land’ works by Donagh Carey and Janet Murran. Downstairs is ‘Wild Thread’ Textile Show and then Susan Early in the Boiler Room Gallery.
Brosnan’s Centra is now open every day from 7am until 10pm.
Country Market The Schull Country Market operates every Sunday from 10am until 2pm in the Pier Road Car Park. Please note that on Sunday 28th July the Market will be at the Town Park as part of the Schull Agricultural Show.
Schull Harbour Hotel The Summer Activity Camp for 5-12 year olds is now available to book through the Leisure Centre. The dates for the Camps are July 22nd to 26th 5 day Camp €90 and Aug 6th to 9th 4 day Camp €70 or €20 per day. Swimming, Games and Food Supplied. Deposits can be taken in The Leisure Centre.
O’Brien’s Bar is Serving Food daily from 12pm – 9pm. ** New Bar Menu**
Chapters Restaurant Every Evening for Dinner and Sunday Lunch
Please call the Reception Team to Book your Table on (028) 28801
Schull Bridge Club We have 5/6 tables in the Parochial Hall every Thursday evening at 8 to 11 p.m. cost €5. Cash prizes. Free lessons (individual or group) are available – tel 028 28292.
Fastnet Trails There are eight signed Walks branching out from the Schull Trailhead that is located at the entrance to the East End car park in Schull. These walks vary from easy to moderate in grade and they “offer the walker a unique tapestry of landscapes and seascapes, where every turn allows a fresh view of the heart of West Cork”
Outdoor Gym is located beside the Tennis Courts and is free to use by anyone over the age of 16.
Schull Tennis Club meets every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 9.30am at the Tennis Courts. New participants are always welcome.
Yoga with Clare Mulvany Yoga continues for the summer months in Schull Parish Hall on Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 8pm. Classes incorporate a range of movement and breath practices. Beginners and Drop-Ins welcome. Contact clare@claremulvany.ie for more information.
Schull Services
Schull Meals on Wheels at the Social Centre or delivered to your home. Phone Nuala at 086 3159719
Schull Credit Union Opening times – Tuesdays and Fridays 9:30 am – 12:30 and 1:30 – 5 pm. Saturday 9:30 am – 1 pm. Phone 028 28666
Derryconnell Civic Amenity Centre – Open Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 am – 12:30 pm & 1:30 pm – 4:20 pm. Saturdays 9 am – 1 pm.
Bus Times Schull to Cork: Mondays – Saturdays 08:05, 12:40 and 17:50. Sunday 16:30 only. Departs from top of Main Street (outside the Film Centre/Old AIB Bank). Also check Bus Éireann on line for up-to-date information. Route number is 237.
Free Wi-Fi There is free Wi-fi access in Schull village which is available by connecting to the Free_WiFi internet connection. This service is provided free of charge by our local internet service provider DigitalForge.
Mizen Medical Practice – all enquires and appointments phone 028 28311. Out of hours service phone SouthDoc 1850-335-999
Drinagh Pharmacy Schull – 028 – 28108
Defibrillators are located outside Brosnan’s Centra on Main Street, outside Schull Harbour Hotel and at the Pier.
AIB Mobile Community Banking – Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays Ballydehob – 9:30 am – 10:30 am. Schull – 10:45 am – 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm. ATMs in Schull outside Brosnan’s Centra and inside Centra.
Mass Times – Mondays and Fridays 9 am in Schull, Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 am in Goleen, Wednesdays 10 am in Ballydehob. Saturday night Lowertown 8 pm. Sundays – Ballydehob 9:30 am, Schull 10:30 am and Goleen 12 noon.
Church of Ireland Services – Sundays Schull 10 am, Toormore 11:30 am, Ballydehob 11:30 am.
Kilmoe Union of Parishes – St Brendan’s Crookhaven: List of preachers for the Summer Compline Services, held at 8.30 pm
July 7th Rt. Rev Paul Colton, Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, July 14th Rev Steve McCann
July 21st Very Rev Chris Peters, Dean of Ross, July 28th Fr Alan O’Leary (To be confirmed)
Please note that during the vacancy Canon Paul Willoughby is Rector-in-charge, but for all parish matters, particularly those concerning pastoral needs contact Rev Rosemary Logue on 087 365 2978
Schull Library Opening Hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – 2.30pm-5.30pm. Wednesday – 9.30am-1pm & 2pm-5.30-pm. Saturday – 9.30am-1:30pm. Closed on Saturdays of bank holiday weekends. Closed Mondays. Phone number (028) 28290
Schull Garda Station – Office (028) 28111 or Mobile 087 980 2865. In the case of an emergency always call 999.
Public Toilets & Showers are located close to the Pier. Open from 8.30am to 8.30pm everyday. Showers cost €2 for a five minute shower.
Schull Coast Guard is on call 24/7. Call 999 or 112 if you are in trouble or if you see others that need assistance.
Editor’s Notes
Thanks so much to everyone who contributed to this month’s Newsletter. We are always delighted to receive updates from any club, business, society, group, voluntary committee, etc.
If you wish to place an Ad in the Newsletter it costs €10 for a Text only Ad and €20 for a quarter-page Ad.
We hope that you have enjoyed reading about the news and happenings in Schull. All feedback is much appreciated to any member of SDCC or by email to our email address below.
Please email your news items or notification of upcoming events to schullnewsletter@gmail.com on or before the 24th of each month.
Email: schullnewsletter@gmail.com
