Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Birth of Bishop of Cloyne John Brinkley, first Royal Astronomer of Ireland

Posted on September 17, 2016 by Latest News and Photos from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross
Bishop John Brinkley

Bishop John Brinkley

On Sunday afternoon, 18th September at 4 p.m. in the Cathedral Church of Saint Colman, Cloyne, County Cork, the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, the Right Reverend Dr Paul Colton, will preach at Evensong to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Bishop John Brinkley, Bishop of Cloyne (1826-1835).  Brinkley was previously Andrews Professor of Astronomy at Trinity College, Dublin and was the first Royal Astronomer of Ireland.  He was President of the Royal Astronomical Society from 1831-33 and President of the Royal Irish Academy from 1822 until the time of his death in 1835.  Following his death, in the Church of Ireland, the Diocese of Cloyne was united, to the Dioceses of Cork and Ross.  The Evensong will mark the conclusion of a weekend of events including a lecture and the Stardome Portable Planetarium.  Full details are here.

Posted in Bishop, Church Services, Diocese, History | Comments Off on Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Birth of Bishop of Cloyne John Brinkley, first Royal Astronomer of Ireland

Hikers Walk to Sheep’s Head for Christian Aid

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Latest News and Photos from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

This year’s weather forecast prior to the Christian Aid Sheep’s Head Hike 2016, on Saturday, 3rd September last, was not encouraging to both organisers and those who planned to take part. Heavy rain, winds, even thunder was forecasted and throughout the night and into the morning of the hike most of the south west experienced heavy rain .

Driving through the rain to Kilcrohane, the organisers didn’t expect anyone to come to the hike other than perhaps a very small, dedicated, group of walkers (perhaps 30 or 40).  On arrival at 9:30am  it started to dry in Kilcrohane and on the Sheep’s Head Way. The first hikers stared to arrive at 10am and by 11am  the number of participant hikers had significantly increased perhaps due to an encouraging post on Facebook .

By 11:30, prior to the beginning of the hike , close to 120 people had registered , down from 220 previous year but well above the early expectations. Ger Burke of the Sheep’s Head Way Committee and Canon Paul Willoughby, Rector of Durrus and Bantry, welcomed all who were about to participate in the annual and biggest hiking, fundraising event on the peninsula and West Cork .

The leadership team of  Sandra Dukelow (Kilmocomogue Union) Margaret Skuce, David Hayward (Ballydehob Union), Caroline Coleman (Bandon Union) Sean Coughlan (Sheep’s Head Way Committee) , Ulla Zepperitz ( Gourmet Grill)and Andrew Coleman (Christian Aid)  were brilliant in the planning prior to and on the day of the hike. Quick work was necessary to change the route of the walk because of ground conditions and overflowing streams. Despite being downcast and foggy the weather improved during the hike with wonderful sun appearing as the main hikers reached the point of the Light House. Some people even got sun burned on their faces!

Many of the Cork, Cloyne and Ross clergy travelled with their parishioners and participated fully in the gruelling hike on the day. Huge appreciation was expressed for all the back up provided by the team of buses from Local link, the Red cross, catering  provided by Ulla of the Gourmet Grill and the wonderful parishioners of Kilmocomogue Union.

AT the SHeep's Head Hike 2016 were l-r: the Reverend Denis MacCarthy, Canon Paul Willoughby, the Reverend Anne Skuse and the Reverend Stephen McCann.

At the SHeep’s Head Hike 2016 were l-r: the Reverend Denis MacCarthy, Canon Paul Willoughby, the Reverend Anne Skuse and the Reverend Stephen McCann.

Many who could not come on the day sent messages of encouragement and raised funds to support the event. It is anticipated that the event will raise about €4000. 

Finally, it is now fully established that the first Saturday in September in West Cork is the Christian Aid Sheep’s Head Hike. Next year will be the 9th year of the event. So put it in your calendars, it will happen, no matter what the weather, on 2nd September 2017. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Some of the many hikers who took part in the SHeep's Head Hike 2016

Some of the many hikers who took part in the Sheep’s Head Hike 2016

Posted in Christian Aid, Church in Society, Community Involvement, Contemporary Issues, Diocese, People from Cork, People from the Diocese | Comments Off on Hikers Walk to Sheep’s Head for Christian Aid

Lord Mayor of Cork makes annual courtesy call to the Bishop of Cork

Posted on September 12, 2016 by Latest News and Photos from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

On Friday, 9th September, the Bishop of Cork, the Right Reverend Dr Paul Colton, and Mrs Susan Colton received the Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Des Cahill, to afternoon tea at The Palace.  The Lord Mayor was accompanied by Ms Ruth Buckley, Deputy CEO of Cork City Council.  Cllr Cahill is the eighteenth Lord Mayor to make a courtesy call to Bishop Colton.  In the course of the afternoon the Lord Mayor set out his adopted theme for his year in office, which is ‘positivity’;  a wide range of views were shared and issues discussed that affect the city and its people, as well as the work of the Church of Ireland in Cork.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Des Cahill, is welcome to The Palace by the Bishop.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Des Cahill, is welcomed to The Palace by the Bishop.

Posted in Bishop, Church in Society, Community Involvement, Contemporary Issues, Cork, Diocese, People from Cork | Comments Off on Lord Mayor of Cork makes annual courtesy call to the Bishop of Cork

Harvest Celebration in Ross with a Difference

Posted on September 7, 2016 by Latest News and Photos from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

On Sunday September 4th Ross Union in the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, celebrated Harvest in a different way. Gathering at the Giles’ farm in Derry, Rosscarbery (in glorious sunshine) the Harvest Thanksgiving Service was held in a Marquee. Here are some of the photos:

The Very Rev. Paul Draper (Dean of Lismore) was the preacher and the congregation was an eclectic gathering  of about 200, made up of parishioners, friends and neighbours. After the service there was a splendid tea, entertainment for the children and a display of vintage cars and farm machinery. The celebration moved seamlessly into a birthday celebration for the hostess, Olive, with music and more refreshment.

The Dean of Ross, the Very Reverend Christopher Peters (left) and the Dean of Lismore, the Very Reverend Paul Draper, 'robe' for the Harvest Service celebrations in Ross Union of Parishes.

The Dean of Ross, the Very Reverend Christopher Peters (left) and the Dean of Lismore, the Very Reverend Paul Draper, ‘robe’ for the Harvest Service celebrations in Ross Union of Parishes.

 

Posted in Church Services, Harvest Thanksgiving, Parish News, Social Events, Special Events | Comments Off on Harvest Celebration in Ross with a Difference

Skibbereen Parish ‘in the thick’ of Olympian Rowers’ Return

Posted on September 6, 2016 by Latest News and Photos from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

The silver medalists in the Olympic lightweight double sculls – Gary O’Donovan and Paul O’Donovan – have achieved fame locally, throughout Ireland and worldwide, not only because of their athletic prowess on the international stage, but also because of their forthright, down-to-earth,  very human and entirely natural way of speaking to the media about their dedication, their work and their hopes.  After the Olympic Games, Paul went on to become world champion and to win the gold medal in the competition in Rotterdam.

IMG_1234

‘They have energised us all,’ said Bishop Paul Colton, “and we should acknowledge too, at this time, a particular Church of Ireland role in all of this.’  So we should.  Skibbereen Rowing Club, which nurtured Gary and Paul O’Donovan, was founded in 1970.  One of the three founders of the Club, and a quiet, unsung, volunteer locally is Richard Hosford of the Parish of Abbeystrewry Union.  Richard Hosford, together with two other local men, Donie Fitzgerald and Danny Murphy founded the club and it all started from there on the Ilen River.

A proud night for Richard Hosford (right) and his wife Susan, and daughter Gillian, both of whom are also members of and highly involved in Skibbereen Rowing Club.

A proud night for Abbeystrewry Parishioners, Richard Hosford (right) and his wife Susan, and daughter Gillian, both of whom are also members of and highly involved in Skibbereen Rowing Club.

It’s hardly surprising, therefore, that the rector, the Reverend John Ardis and the parishioners, of Abbeystrewry Parish Church were involved in the homecoming plans and celebrations.  The grounds of Abbeystrewry Church and the Parochial Hall are beside the Fair Field where the crowds gathered.  The hall served as a backstage and hospitality area, and also as a base for some of the world’s media.

Bishop Paul and Mrs Susan Colton (who have their own home now in the parish) were also present as guests of Skibbereen Rowing Club.  Bishop Colton said:

I was really thrilled to be there for the celebrations, as was Susan.  I’ve known Richard Hosford for over 40 years.  I used to stay at his home place out at Sandycove and his nephew was our best man.  His other nephew, Alan’s wife, Ruth, is my secretary.  They are good people and what I am really inspired by is to see Richard’s, and his colleagues’ (Donie’s and Danny’s), selfless voluntary work in the local community, their vision and their determination, bearing fruit, in an entirely selfless way, to their great joy and satisfaction, in the achievements of all these other young people, particularly Gary and Paul O’Donovan.  It shows what can happen when people from parishes get involved in wider communities, pool ideas, dream dreams, meet a need, and put their heart and soul into it.  It’s inspirational!

Bishop Colton with Olympic silver medallists, Paul O'Donovan (left) and Gary O'Donovan

Bishop Colton with Olympic silver medallists, Paul O’Donovan (left) and Gary O’Donovan at a Civic Reception later the same week in Cork County Hall

Bishop and Mrs Colton with Paul and Gary's mother Trish at the reception in Abbeystrewry Parish Hall following the homecoming celebrations in Skibbereen.

Bishop and Mrs Colton with Paul and Gary’s mother Trish at the reception in Abbeystrewry Parish Hall following the homecoming celebrations in Skibbereen.

Posted in Church in Society, Community Involvement, Cork, Diocese, Ireland, Olympic Games, People from Cork, People from the Diocese, Voluntary Work | Comments Off on Skibbereen Parish ‘in the thick’ of Olympian Rowers’ Return