HERITAGE WEEK: FARAHY CHURCH OPEN DAYS Elizabeth Bowen's Burial Place 22 - 23 August, 3pm - 7pm

St. Colman's Church, Farahy is famous for its association with the author, Elizabeth Bowen. It was built in 1721 on the site of a medieval church. Farahy was listed as the seat of the Dean of Cloyne as early as 1225. This seat passed to the established church during the penal laws and Farahy held this seat until the middle of the 19th century.

The church stood at the gates of Bowen’s Court. When the house was demolished in 1960, St Colman’s became the last remaining physical link to the Bowen family in Ireland.

Elizabeth and her husband, Alan Cameron and many of her relatives are buried in the surrounding graveyard. This graveyard has headstones dating as far back as the 1700’s but possibly was a local burial place for many centuries before that. A memorial stone in memory of all those who died during the Famine was erected by the Kildorrery Historical Society in 1996. Headstones to remember William Gates, the founder of Cow and Gate, Ireland and his wife Avis and many more notable people can be seen while touring around the graveyard.

Car parking at end of avenue. 5 minutes walk to church and graveyard. Proper footwear necessary for touring the graveyard. Contact 086 127 4320 to arrange to drive to location if necessary.

Kildorrery Historical Society 086 127 4320 brendahennessykdy@gmail.com

TIDYTOWNS 2026 (JULY - AUGUST)

Just a friendly reminder that it is now TidyTowns judging season and our TidyTown volunteers are hard at work enhancing the village with a regular routine of weeding, litter picking, planting and painting.

Here’s how you can do your part too:

• Maintain the exteriors of your property in the village, be it powerwashing, painting or decorating with flowers/plants.

• Taking your litter home with you / picking up litter in front of your homes.

• Picking up after your dogs if they have fouled on the streets.

• Teaching the young ones not to litter and setting an example by putting your litter in the bin.

Volunteers are always welcome, so contact the Community Office or Ted Enright 086 858 4546 if you need litter pickers or bags.

CE VACANCIES (19.5 hours per week)

• Caretaker: Kildorrery and Glanworth GAA

• Caretaker: Glanworth and Ballindangan Community Halls

• Tidy Towns Workers: Kildorrery and Glanworth

If you are over 50 and in receipt of Jobseekers Benefit Credits Only(JBCO) or Jobseekers Benefit (JB) for 12 months or more you can apply for CE Scheme. If you have any queries or know someone that would like to work part time contact Trish 022-25777 tcollins@rockmillscescheme.ie

KILDORRERY COMMUNITY BINGO

Every Friday night at 8pm in The Store Hall, Creamery Yard, with lots of cash prizes. Kildorrery Bingo is a joint venture between the Community Development and Kildorrery GAA, with all proceeds going towards their projects. New volunteers always welcome.

KILDORRERY COMMUNITY LOTTO

Jackpot details are on our parish Facebook page. Tickets cost €2 and are on sale in all local outlets and in the Community Office. Draws are held every Thursday in the Community Office at 4pm. Results in usual outlets, on Facebook: Kildorrery and Kildorrery Community WhatsApp.

KILDORRERY GAA LOTTO

Jackpot details are on our Facebook: Kildorrery GAA. Tickets are on sale in all local outlets and online at smartlotto.ie/kildorrery. Draws take place fortnightly on Mondays in the GAA Clubrooms. Results in local outlets, on Kildorrery GAA website and Facebook: kdygaa

KILDORRERY COMMUNITY GARDEN

Grows a huge variety of fruits and vegetables, herbs and flowers. The garden's composting system provides compost and leaf mould for use in the garden. Membership to the garden is €25 per plot. Sign up at any stage for a plot.

KILDORRERY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Every first Thursday of the month at No 10 Oaklawn at 8pm. Everyone welcome to share stories of Kildorrery's history. Excursions to historical places in summer. Facebook: groups/kildorreryhistory

KILDORRERY CRAFT & CHAT GROUP

Every Thursday afternoon at 2pm at No. 10 Oaklawn to work on creative and thrifty projects, sourcing recycling materials from charity shops, nature walks or preloved household items.

Whether you've lived here all your life, or you're one of Kildorrery's newest neighbours, there's something we all share: a love for this little village perched between the Ballyhoura and Galtee mountains.

From our proud history (yes, we gave the world Cow & Gate!) to modern gems like the Thatch & Thyme, Kildorrery has always punched above its weight.

But here's the thing: villages don't run on magic. The Christmas Market doesn't pop up out of nowhere, the Bingo tables don't set themselves, and the Village Park didn't appear thanks to a sprinkle of fairy dust. They all exist because local people rolled up their sleeves, pitched in, and brought them to life.

WHY WE NEED YOU

Small rural communities like ours can't just sit back and wait for government or councils to provide everything anymore. If we want great facilities, buzzing events, and a thriving, future-proofed village, we need to make it happen. That means pride of place, a sense of ownership, and working together.

The Kildorrery Community Development, going strong for over 35 years, has already delivered some incredible projects of which below are just a few:

• Built Oaklawn, a social housing development

• Turned The Old Store into a thriving community hub

• Created the Village Park and lit walkway

• Secured land and developed a much-needed Community Car Park

• Purchased and restored the thatch building on Main Street, now home to the Community Office and Thatch & Thyme Restaurant

• Built a Community Garden

• Supported TidyTowns with landscaping and upkeep projects

• Children's Playground and further development of a new playground in the Village Park  

• Provided an umbrella for groups like TidyTowns, Drama, Bingo etc.

• Organised festivals, cottage markets, bingo in conjunction with the GAA, the Lotto and much more!

But the list isn't finished. The work continues and that's where new faces, fresh ideas, and extra energy are vital.

YOUR SKILLS, OUR FUTURE

Community development isn't about having the right tool shed or a degree in engineering - it's about people. No matter how big or small your contribution, every effort helps keep Kildorrery thriving. Everyone has something to offer:

• If you're… A great communicator

  • You could help with...Flyers, social media, chatting to councils, businesses

• If you're…Good with numbers

  • You could help with... Grant applications, budgets, fundraising

• If you're…Creative or handy

  • You could help with... Painting, designing layouts, light maintenance

• If you're…A natural organiser

  • You could help with... Planning events, coordinating volunteers

• If you're… Just happy to show up

  • You could help with... Moving stuff, tidying up, serving tea, cheering on the team

WHY GET INVOLVED?

Getting involved isn't just about ticking boxes, it's about making your mark. Here's what you'll gain:

• Social Connection - Meet your neighbours, make new friends, and feel part of something bigger.

• Real Impact - Turn your ideas into actual projects and watch them take shape.

• Pride Of Place - Protect our heritage while ensuring Kildorrery keeps pace with modern needs.

• Legacy - Leave something lasting for your children, grandchildren, and future generations.

• Fun! - There's laughter, camaraderie and that unbeatable feeling when you walk through the village and say, "I helped make that happen."

WHAT'S NEXT?

It's really simple. Just stop saying, "Someone should do something about that" and start asking yourself "How can l help?" and turn up at the next Community Development meeting. Listen in, see what's happening, and if a project excites you, jump in!

You don't need to give endless hours. Even a little time here and there can mean the difference between an idea gathering dust or a project becoming reality. So let's keep Kildorrery buzzing, beautiful, and full of life. Let's build, plant, paint, laugh, organise, and celebrate together.

BE THE CHANGE. ENJOY THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT!