Looking back: Memories of beautifully decorated Churches, Bible readings beautifully read with feeling, carols lustily sung, and mince pies a plenty! Our Christmas services were occasions of great joy as we gathered both regular members and friends from the wider community together in our three buildings. Our Bellringers in Doneraile were also busy ringing in the New Year late on New Year’s Eve. A lot of hard work goes into preparing for these services, and we are so grateful to everyone who gave of their time and talents in ways both big and small. May God continue to bless us as we face into a new year, and we pray for all those who have passed through our doors in 2025 as we welcome those who will come in 2026!

On Saturday 27^th December Ruth Sherlock, Rev Eileen and Tom Cremin were honoured to be invited to the baptism of Herlen Maria Bijoy, daughter of Fr. Karukuzhiyil and Preethi Bijoy in St James’s Church. The Syrian Orthodox Church community who come from South India worship in St James’s once a month and share in worship with us on special occasions. It was our first time witnessing an Orthodox baptism and we enjoyed it very much! The church was packed and bedecked with colour and light. We joined the family and many friends for a celebration afterwards in Shanballymore Community Centre. It is wonderful to be able to support these dear friends in Christ in this way, long may this fellowship continue!

Christingle was combined with Epiphany on the afternoon of January 4^th in St James’s Mallow. It’s a lovely service where the atmosphere is warmed by the glow of the candles in the Christingles, and the Wise Men are welcomed to the crib scene. Our thanks to Emmanuel Adebisi who stepped in and took the service at the last minute! The other churches celebrated Epiphany in the morning.

Looking forward: Many homes and businesses were stripped of their decorations on January 6^th, some of them much earlier! In our three churches the decorations stay up until Candlemas (2^nd February) and in Mallow we will celebrate the Presentation of Christ in the Temple on Sunday 1^st February, which also happens to be St Brigid’s Day!

Sunday 8^th February 2026 is Racial Justice Sunday. For a fuller explanation of the reasoning behind this day, please see the article elsewhere in this magazine. This year, following a successful motion at last year’s General Synod put forward by members of the Archbishop of Armagh’s Reference Group on Ethnic Diversity, Inclusion and Racial Justice encouraging each diocese to hold a special service on the day, there will be a service in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast where the preacher will be the Reverend Eileen Cremin.  Members of the Cathedral community along with members of the Archbishop’s Group will be taking part. The liturgy for this service has been prepared by the Liturgical Advisory Committee and is available for all parishes to download, use, and adapt according to their own circumstances. The service in Belfast will be recorded by RTE and broadcast on March 29^th at 11am.

Mallow Arts Table Quiz: Our friends in the Mallow Arts Collective are holding another Table Quiz on 5^th February at the Hibernian Hotel in Mallow 8pm. It would be wonderful if we could put together more than one team at least for this fun evening! Do you have what it takes to be the ultimate quiz champion? If so, then join us to help a very worthy cause and have a great time in the process! Teams of 4 €40.

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Summer Fệte 9^th August One of the highlights of the year in Mallow Union, the Summer Fệte is one of our main fundraising events. Situated in the grounds of St James’s, the usual stalls of bric-a-brac, cakes, country produce, plants, books and toys, along with various raffles and a bottle stall were present. Teas and cakes were served in our newly refurbished hall, and the carnivores amongst us were tempted with very tasty burgers and sausages! Inside the church was a welcoming cool space if you wanted to escape the frantic activity outside. This year music was provided during the day in church provided by local soprano Maureen Flynn, who sang songs both operatic and modern  from well known musicals; Mike Ferguson and friends (guitars and flute) gave us a great sing-along session to traditional Irish and modern music; followed by Johnny ‘Bongos’ Horgan on various percussion instruments. Something for everyone. Trialled last year, the dedicated ‘Kids Corner’ with games and activities was expanded with the introduction of a Bouncy Castle and tables where children could paint masks in vibrant colours. The Bouncy Castle was eyed with envy by some of the adults among us, but they resisted the temptation…until after the children had gone! We were blessed with some sunshine and warm weather (with the occasional shower) but spirits were high, and we were well supported by the local community. At the time of writing, €9,259 was raised with monies still coming in. Well done and huge thanks to all those whose skill, generosity and hard work enabled a great day to go really well. Do join us next year!

Summer Club A small and enthusiastic group of young people gathered in St James’s Hall on Saturday 5^th July for their annual Summer Club. This year the theme was medieval pilgrimages as they heard the story of the origins of the St James’s Santiago de Compostela walks. We sang songs, dressed up as medieval knights, made lances and shields, and did our own pilgrimage around the church grounds. The flower beds were looking splendid in the very warm sunshine. After some lovely refreshments, the kids (and the adult helpers) went home tired but happy.  

Mallow Arts Festival Once again this annual event never fails to disappoint. It is a privilege to be able to offer the church building as a space for artistes to showcase their amazing talent. From the Wednesday to the Sunday we hosted concerts in the afternoons and evenings. Highlights were Eleanor Shanley singing the songs of Percy French, Bressie, Scullion (Philip King, Sonny Condell, Robbie Overson), Kieran Goss, and local choir Cor Mhagh Ealla. Church was open during each day and we were pleased to welcome many visitors. The concerts were all very well attended.

Fundraising in Castletownroche Thanks to all who supported and helped at the Tea Day/BBQ at Mark and Diana Buckley’s, Castletownroche on Sunday 13^th July. Diana started Tea Days first in 1995 for the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland. After a gap during Covid they resumed in 2022 when the proceeds were divided between ASI and Marymount Hospice Cork in memory of family and friends. Thanks to all who donated prizes for the raffle, especially Cotter’s Farm Castletownroche and Carmel’s Hair Salon Fermoy. €3,510 has been raised to date.

Castletownroche Tidy Towns wish to thank parishioners for their very generous donation of €250 to Tidy Town funds.

Welcome to the Church Family St James’s congregation were delighted to welcome Cillian James Mills and his family and Godparents at his baptism during the Eucharist on Sunday 3^rd August. Family and friends joined the congregation for refreshments after the service.

Harvest Services Here in North Cork, the countryside has been looking especially beautiful due to the good summer we have had. The fields are well and truly golden with hundreds of newly rolled bales of hay dotted around the fields. There will be much to celebrate this year! Services in the Union are as follows: Mallow – 21^st September 4pm, preacher Ms Rita Kelly from the Diocese of the West (TLK). Rita is no stranger to Mallow having preached for us during a memorable service in Irish as part of our St Patrick’s Day celebrations a few years ago. Castletownroche – 12^th October 3pm, preacher Rev Ted Ardis. Doneraile – 19^th October 3pm, preacher TBC.

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A WEEKEND OF WELCOME DIVERSITY The Bank Holiday weekend at the beginning of May was busy in St James’s Church, Mallow. The fine weather saw large numbers coming to the Farmers’ Market (and the church’s own community café) that has its weekly base in and around the church. The Mothers’ Union Branch held a very enjoyable evening at which the Revd Canon Elaine Murray gave a most informative talk on a recent trip to the Holy Land (above). On the Saturday, our Christian brothers and sisters of the Syrian Orthodox Church were led by their Bishop in a colourful two-day celebration (see below). On the Sunday, we welcomed a capacity audience for a concert by the Welsh choir, Cân Aderyn Singers, for a hugely enjoyable concert of rock, pop, folk, Gospel and other music (see also below).

CELEBRATING THE GOSPEL IN THE STREETS The Syrian Orthodox community in Mallow, which meets for worship at St James’s Church, celebrated the feast of St George in Spring over the first weekend of May, as it falls on 6^th May in their liturgical calendar. The Cathedral in Damascus, which is home to the Syrian Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, is dedicated in the name of St George, the Middle Eastern martyr of the 4^th Century, who is also Patron Saint of Georgia, Ethiopia and several other countries. The Syrian Orthodox Bishop Thomas Mor Alexandrios presided at the Divine Liturgy to mark this significant day, before leading the large congregation in a joyful and colourful procession down the Main Street in Mallow and back to St James’s. Several regular worshippers at St James’s, along with the Rector, joined in with the worship. Afterwards we were treated to a sumptuous lunch, prepared by the Syrian Orthodox community, many of whom come from Kerala in India.

CORK CHORAL FESTIVAL IN MALLOW We were delighted that Cân Aderyn Singers (‘Birdsong’ in Welsh) came to give a concert in St James’s Church as part of the ‘Sacred Trail’ that is a feature of the Cork international Choral Festival. This choir of over 70 female voices from the South Wales Valleys sang rock, pop, gospel and folk to a capacity audience, which generously donated nearly €700 to the mission and ministry of St James’s Church. They were welcomed in Welsh, Irish and English. The blessing was given in Welsh at the end as the choir prepared for their journey home via Rosslare. It was a hugely enjoyable occasion that drew people from far and wide. It enabled us to invite the wider community, once more, to enjoy the church as a place of welcome and to work in partnership with the Cork International Choral Festival.

FAITH & SCIENCE Two regular worshippers at St James’s, Mallow, Dr Mary Lehane and Professor Marcel Jansen, are part of the Church of Ireland’s Faith and Science group, responding to the Lambeth call on Science and Faith, chaired by the Bishop of Clogher. We are grateful for their representation on this important All-Ireland forum as the Church seeks to engage with wider society.

FUNDRAISING SUPPER Well over 100 people enjoyed a supper in the Community Hall in Castletownroche at the beginning of May at which over €3,500 was raised for church maintenance funds. It was a great occasion for church and community – and we are very grateful to everyone who gave their time and skill to prepare, to make people welcome, and who cleared up afterwards.

ART(S) FESTIVALS We look forward to participating in two great festivals over the coming weeks and months. The annual ‘Doneraile Art FesT’ will be held on June 26^th-29^th and the Mallow Arts Festival will be held on July 23^rd-27^th. St James’s Church will, once again, be a principal venue for the Mallow Arts Festival, as we host four concerts. Further details can be found on the website www.mallowartsfestival.com

SUNDAY CLUB offers activities for our younger worshippers at St James’s, Mallow, on Sunday mornings. After a break for the Easter holidays, they have resumed gathering in the Parish Hall, adjacent to the church, each Sunday. They rejoin their families in church about an hour later, giving them an opportunity to share their morning’s activities with the rest of the congregation. It allows them to explore the weekly readings from the scriptures and make connections through craft activities, storytelling and in many other ways. We are grateful to the leaders and parents who enable this to happen every week, always in a safe environment.

GREEN SPACES AROUND OUR CHURCHES Group of volunteers continue to work hard to make the grounds of our three churches attractive, inviting and welcoming spaces for all. Gates of our churches are open, too, which allows visitors and locals to enjoy the space. This reinforces the message that our churches are open, welcoming and hospitable worshipping Christian communities.

HOSPITALITY & REFRESHMENT A reminder that our Community Café continues to welcome regulars and newcomers during the weekly Farmers’ Market in the grounds of St James’s Church, Mallow, every Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm. As well as great coffee and tea, you can sample St James’s Cake and other treats. The Church is also open to provide a quiet space for reflection and prayer.

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Sunday 13^th April (Palm Sunday)

10.00am The Eucharist with blessing of palm crosses in Castletownroche

10.00am Morning Prayer with distribution of palm crosses in Doneraile

11.45am The Eucharist with Procession of Palms and dramatic reading of the Passion according to St Luke in Mallow.

Monday 14^th April (Monday in Holy Week)

8.00pm   Night Prayer with Address in Mallow

Tuesday 15^th April (Tuesday in Holy Week)

8.00pm     Night Prayer with Address in Doneraile

Wednesday 16^th April (Wednesday in Holy Week)

11.00am   The Eucharist with Address in Mallow

Thursday 17^th April (Maundy Thursday)

8.00pm     The Eucharist with stripping of the altar in Castletownroche

Friday 18^th April (Good Friday)

8.00pm     The Liturgy of Good Friday with dramatic reading of the Passion according to St John in Mallow

Saturday 19^th April (Holy Saturday & Easter Eve)

8.00pm     The Easter Liturgy with lighting of the new fire, Vigil of readings, renewal of baptismal promises and the first Eucharist of Easter in Castletownroche.

Sunday 20^th April (Easter Day)

10.00am   Festal Eucharist in Doneraile

11.45am   Festal Eucharist in Mallow

This year, the Holy Week addresses will focus on the ‘Personalities in the Passion’ exploring different individuals who appear in the Gospel accounts of the last week of Jesus’s life and who witness to his resurrection.

PANCAKE PARTY The Mothers’ Union of these parishes anticipated Shrove Tuesday with a Pancake Party in the Parish Hall a few days before the start of Lent. It was an enjoyable evening which, along with delicious pancakes, included a quiz and plenty of conversation. The proceeds were given towards current Mothers’ Union projects at home and overseas.

WELCOMING ETHAN THROUGH BAPSTIM We were delighted to welcome Ethan Christopher Wordley, along with his parents Andy and Alison Wordley, wider family and friends, as he was baptized during the Eucharist in St Mary’s, Doneraile, on March 2nd. It was a great occasion, full of symbolism, colour, joy – followed by refreshments!

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY and DAY OF PRAYER Both celebrations of these days were held in St Mary’s Doneraile. We are hugely grateful for these events being community focussed and ecumenical in nature, drawing on the increasingly diverse nature of our communities. We were delighted to welcome all who attended on these occasions.  

DIOCESAN MOTHERS’ UNION EUCHARIST We are looking forward very much to welcoming members of the Diocesan Council and members of the Mothers’ Union from across the Diocese to a celebration of the Eucharist with hymns in St James’s Church, Mallow, on Saturday 12^th April at 11.30am.

MALLOW DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP The Rector, along with the churchwardens of St James’s, Mallow, are in discussion with the town’s Development Partnership to explore funding avenues to enable light restoration work on the ruins of St Anne’s Church in the grounds of St James’s. This is part of a wider proposal to make the church and its surroundings more open and welcoming to the town and to people from further afield who visit us. Already, it is noticeable how much positive feedback we are receiving by allowing greater access to the grounds so that people can enjoy the community garden.

MALLOW ARTS COLLECTIVE held a concert in St James’s, Mallow, at the beginning of March, featuring popular contemporary folk trio, Greenshine. A large audience enjoyed their music in the welcoming atmosphere of the church and we were delighted to see so many people from far and wide.

BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA FOR HAZEL We have many reasons to be thankful to Hazel Ladd in this Union: as Rector’s Warden at Castletownroche; as a willing and able deputy organist; and as a positive and welcoming presence in our churches. At the end of February, Hazel retired after 45 years working at McCarthy Insurance Group of Fermoy. It is a testimony to the respect with which Hazel has been held by her colleagues and clients that an affectionate and appreciative video was made by McCarthy’s to mark Hazel’s long service and retirement. It can be viewed at: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18rVBt7ZWh/

ECUMENICAL WORSHIP FOR EASTERTIDE takes place in the hall at the rear of the Convent of Mercy, Charleville, on Sunday 27^th April at 7.30pm. This regular monthly gathering of Anglicans, Methodists, Roman Catholics and Christians of other traditions, is an opportunity to worship together and enjoy one another’s company over refreshments afterwards.

CORK INTERNATIONAL CHORAL FESTIVAL COMES TO MALLOW We are delighted to be hosting the Welsh choir ‘Cân Aderyn’ (‘Birdsong’ in Welsh) as part of the festival’s ‘Sacred Trail’ on Sunday 4th May at St James’s, Mallow. This all-female ensemble, from the South Wales valleys, sings music in many styles from rock, pop, gospel and classical, will sing music to celebrate the joy of Eastertide. For further details of timing, please check our social-media feeds and weekly newsletter on our website.

SUNDAY CLUB offers activities for our younger worshippers at St James’s, Mallow, on Sunday mornings. They gather in the Parish Hall, adjacent to the church each Sunday and rejoin their families in church about an hour later, giving them an opportunity to share their morning’s activities with the rest of the congregation. It allows them to explore the weekly readings from the scriptures and make connections through craft activities, storytelling and in many other ways. We are grateful to the leaders and parents who enable this to happen every week. Also, thanks to the Diocese for the children’s ministry workshop held on March 1^st.

HOSPITALITY & REFRESHMENT A reminder that our Community Café continues to welcome regulars and newcomers during the Farmers’ Market in the grounds of St James’s Church, Mallow, every Friday from 9.00am to 12.30pm. As well as great coffee and tea, you can sample St James’s Cake and other treats. The Church is also open to provide a quiet space for reflection and prayer.

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During our three Carol Services, over 3000 euros was raised for three charities: St Vincent de Paul, Christian Aid (South Sudan appeal) and Cork Simon. We were very grateful for the wonderful generosity shown in this way.

OPENING THE GATES Just before Christmas, there was a serious fire in the underground car park of Dunnes Stores in Mallow, which significantly reduced the available parking spaces for people doing their Christmas shopping in the town (and the consequent impact on local businesses). Following a request from one of our newly-elected TDs, Eoghan Kenny, the Rector and Churchwardens immediately made the grounds of St James’s Church available for overflow parking from the adjacent public car park. One of the outcomes is that it became obvious that the gates of the church could be left open more often, and for longer, throughout each day, to allow people to enjoy the community garden and explore the grounds of the former St Anne’s Church. This has certainly had a positive impact across the town.

BELLRINGERS’ SUPPER St Mary’s church, Doneraile, was filled with the aromas of beautifully prepared food on the Saturday before Christmas as bellringers invited friends, family and other parishioners from St Mary’s Doneraile to enjoy a supper, followed by a beetle drive and Christmas carols in church. It was a good occasion, and we are grateful to those who prepared the food and, after supper, cleared up and prepared the church for worship the following morning.

Also, at the supper, we were informed that Ian Wharton was now to be Tower Captain for the Doneraile Bellringers. We wish him every blessing as he takes up this role.

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY The open ecumenical group, comprising Anglicans, Methodists, Roman Catholics and Christians of other traditions, that meets in the Convent of Mercy in Charleville on the last Sunday evening of each month, marked the conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The Rector led Night Prayer and gave a reflection on some of the themes emerging from this year’s material focusing on the 1700^th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, prepared by the ecumenical community at Bose in Italy. Afterwards, we enjoyed refreshments and conversation.

LOOKING TO LENT Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, falls on Wednesday 5^th March (reflecting a late Easter this year). There will be celebrations of the Eucharist, with the imposition of ashes, hymns and an address in St James’s, Mallow, at 11.00am and in St Mary’s, Castletownroche, at 8.00pm on this day.

SUNDAY CLUB is the club for activities for our younger worshippers at St James’s, Mallow, on Sunday mornings. They gather in the Parish Hall, adjacent to the church, at 11.45am each Sunday and rejoin their families in church about an hour later, giving them an opportunity to share their morning’s activities with the rest of the congregation. It allows them to explore the weekly readings from the scriptures and make connections through craft activities, storytelling and in many other ways. We are grateful to all who help with this ministry, especially those who provided a Christmas workshop on the afternoon of Sunday, December 15th. 

HOSPITALITY & REFRESHMENT A reminder that our Community Café continues to welcome regulars and newcomers during the Farmers’ Market in the grounds of St James’s Church, Mallow, every Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm. As well as great coffee and tea, you can sample St James’s Cake and other treats

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CHRISTMAS & EPIPHANY WORSHIP At the time of writing, we are looking forward to Carol services in preparation for Christmas – and one to celebrate the Christmas season on the Sunday after Christmas – as well as celebrations on the Eucharist on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in all three churches of the Union. We shall celebrate the feast of the Epiphany on Sunday 5^th January with the usual morning services in Castletownroche & Doneraile; and a Christingle Celebration in Mallow at 4.00pm which will be followed by suitably festive refreshments. The Christmas celebrations will conclude on the feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple or Candlemas (2^nd February). Worship on this day will mark this turning point in the Christian year, when “Christmas meets Easter on Candlemas day.”

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS A great deal of hard work and imagination went into this year’s Christmas concerts at St James’s, Mallow, to which we welcomed over 500 people, with new and familiar participants, all planned and coordinated in a spirit of collaboration by a new organising committee. We are very grateful to everyone who played their part: to the musicians who gave of their time and skill; those who provided refreshments; and to those who worked behind the scenes and cleared up afterwards. It was also a significant fund-raiser for the Union as a whole. The members of the Coordinating Group are Jillian Harris, Agnes Kitto, Mary St Leger, Lizzy Mackenzie and Valerie Ferguson. 

MALLOW FIELD CLUB is the town’s historical and archaeological society and holds monthly lectures on a wide variety of topics. At its December meeting in the Hibernian Hotel, the Rector launched and introduced the Society’s annual journal. This year it includes articles about Doneraile Court, the Centenary of Mallow Racecourse, health and disease in Castletownroche at the start of the 20^th century, Courteney Jephson’s expedition to Africa, the Shanballymore Carnival and Margaret Gibson from Mallow who taught Edith Cavell in a school in Peterborough Cathedral precincts towards the end of the 19^th century.

CLIFF O’HANLON At the beginning of December we gave thanks to God for Cliff’s long and eventful life and commended him to God. Originally from London, Cliff moved to Ireland several decades ago and, with his wife Anna, regularly received communion at home. The large attendance at his funeral in St Mary’s, Doneraile, was a fitting reflection of Cliff’s wide interests and his many friends in the wider community.

BOOK LAUNCH a number of parishioners and people from the wider community were delighted to join Mallow parishioner, Mel O’Dea, for the launch of her book Ripples on the Lake at the West End Gallery in Mallow last month. It is published by the Forest Press and copies can be ordered through all good bookshops.

ST JAMES 2024 On Advent Sunday, a congregational meeting enabled many Mallow parishioners to reflect positively and thankfully on a year of celebration, growth and outreach as we celebrated 200 years since the consecration of St James’s Church. It has been characterised by collaborative teamwork, utilizing the skills and experience of long-established and new worshippers alike, always with an outward-facing focus. The ‘takeaways’ that were identified as strengths to develop for the future are the importance of offering a reflective and thoughtful act of worship every Sunday (with good music if possible), the growing confidence in engaging with the wider community and our ecumenical partners, and enabling the church and its attractive grounds to be open and welcoming to the wider community. We are especially grateful to the St James 2024 Coordinating Group, chaired by Jillian Harris, and all those who came on board to make this year such a positive and enlarging experience for everyone.

HOSPITALITY & REFRESHMENT A reminder that our Community Café is in full swing during the Farmers’ Market in the grounds of St James’s Church, Mallow, every Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm. As well as great coffee and tea, you can sample St James’s Cake and other treats.

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ALL SOULSTIDE SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE On Sunday 10^th November, a large congregation of people from far and wide came together for the annual Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving in St James’s Church, Mallow, where our departed loved ones were remembered, and to which the recently bereaved were especially invited. This is proving to be a popular and valued service, where the congregation has grown year-on-year. Words, music and silence, along with the opportunity to light candles, provides a framework for a celebration of our Easter faith and a container for peoples’ grief. In this bicentennial year at St James, former worshippers were remembered in our prayers. 

CEMETERY PRAYERS The Rector, together with parishioners,  joined with Fr Anthony Sheehan of St Mary’s Parish in Mallow to lead prayers in the cemetery at Temple Michael Church, Ballinamona, Mourneabbey on the Sunday following All Souls’ Day. Refreshments were served afterwards at the Railway Bar.

GIFT DAY On Sunday 17^th November all three churches of the Union held a gift day, when we focused on the generosity of God and our own response to God’s generous love towards us. Regular worshippers were invited to bring an additional financial donation to enable our parishes to meet our financial target for 2024. We are grateful to all who give financially or by other means to the parish each year, ensuring that the parish can continue to develop its ministry and mission into the future.

MOTHERS’ UNION A good number of parishioners came together on November 26^th for a (pre!) Christmas dinner at Corbett Court, Ballyhea. It was a most enjoyable occasion and we are very grateful to the organisers. 

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS The annual Christmas concerts at St James’s Church, Mallow, which began over 20 years ago, during the incumbency of Canon Denis McCarthy, will take place on Friday 13^th and Saturday 14^th December at 7.30pm. They are a well-loved part of preparations for Christmas for people in Mallow and the surrounding communities. This year, a new team is organising the programme. Tickets have sold quickly, but some may still be available from the Farmers’ Market on Fridays from 10.00am to 12.30pm; from Katie’s Newsagent, Main Street, Mallow; and by calling 085 178 8336 only between 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

TIDY TOWNS Mallow received lots of encouraging and positive feedback in the adjudication of its public spaces, with special mention made of the contribution of St James’s Community Garden to the townscape. Our thanks – and congratulations – to the volunteers who keep the garden looking fresh and inviting. It is also very good that the partnership with Cork Further Education & Training Board is continuing and students on the Introduction to Gardening Course are involved alongside our own volunteers.

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP There will be Carol Services in preparation for Christmas at the following times: St James’s Mallow, December 15^th 7pm; St Mary’s Castletownroche, December 22^nd 3pm; St Mary’s Doneraile, December 29^th 3pm. On Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24^th December) the First Eucharist of Christmas will be celebrated in St James’s, Mallow, at 8.00pm; and at St Mary’s, Doneraile at 11.15pm. On Christmas Morning (Wednesday 25^th December) there will be festal celebrations of the Eucharist at St Mary’s, Castletownroche, at 9.45am and in St James’s, Mallow, at 11.30am

EPIPHANY the season of Epiphany will begin on Sunday 5^th January. In addition to the usual morning services in Castletownroche and Doneraile, there will be a Christingle Celebration in St James’s, Mallow at 4.00pm which will be followed by suitably festive refreshments.

CONGRATULATIONS to parishioner, Mel O’Dea, whose book Ripples on the Lake is soon to bepublished by the Forest Press. Copies can be ordered through all good bookshops.

REMEMBERING BRYAN DEANE Bryan was a worshipper in this Union of parishes. Just over a year after he died in 2023, family, friends, neighbours and fellow parishioners gathered in Burnfort for the dedication of a plaque and bench in Bryan’s memory last month. Refreshments were served in the local school afterwards where Bryan’s family Val, Sarah, Rhys and Bobby enjoyed the support of the local community and contributed to some lively traditional music. 

HOSPITALITY & REFRESHMENT A reminder that our Community Café is in full swing during the Farmers’ Market in the grounds of St James’s Church, Mallow, every Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm. As well as great coffee and tea, you can sample St James’s Cake and other treats.

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HARVEST THANKGIVING We had good celebrations at all three churches of the Union, drawing large congregations of parishioners and friends, including Christians of other churches. We are grateful for all those who gave their time and skill to decorate the churches, who donated produce and offered hospitality to those who came. We are grateful, too, to our visiting preachers: The Reverend Ted Ardis; The Reverend Elise Hanley; and The Reverend Peter Tarleton. We are especially grateful to those who contributed generously to the collections. In Castletownroche, the collection was donated to Christian Aid’s Gaza Appeal. The collection in Doneraile was sent to Christian Aid’s Liloma project (a partnership supported by the Diocese to work with families displaced from their homes and communities to make way for palm oil plantations run by a multinational palm oil company).  In Mallow, the collection went to YANA (You Are Not Alone) a North Cork-based support group for those living with domestic abuse and gender-based violence. It was a practical response to last year’s All-Ireland Mothers’ Union’s 16-Day Campaign against gender-based violence and attracted considerable positive interest from the local media.

CELEBRATING THOMAS DAVIS We had an enjoyable evening in early October when we welcomed to St James’s Church, Mallow, large numbers of students, staff, parents and many other friends and supporters of our three secondary schools in the town: Davis College, St Mary’s Secondary School and the Patrician Academy. This is the first time in the history of the three schools that they have come together in this way and we are delighted as a parish to have been able to facilitate this partnership. Working together, they presented a lively and imaginative evening of words and music to celebrate the life and influence of The Patriot, who was baptised in the former church of St Anne, in the grounds of St James’s. It was good to celebrate our shared heritage with so many people from the town and surrounding communities, as we reflected on Thomas Davis’s commitment to an inclusive Ireland, superbly expressed by the gifts and skills of all who took part.

OPENING OF NEW SCHOOL BUILDING The Rector was delighted to join clergy colleagues from other Christian churches, along with other public representatives, for the opening of the rebuilt Patrician Academy in Mallow. The new school, rebuilt after a serious fire in 2016, was formally opened by Norma Foley TD, Minister for Education; and blessed by Dr William Crean, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Cloyne. The school’s Principal, Elaine O’Regan, paid tribute to the boys at the school who had excelled in every way despite the dire conditions they have had to endure during the rebuilding. Her reminder that ‘there is no future in a rear-view mirror’ was appreciated by many who were present!

DONERAILE BELLRINGERS past and present, enjoy their Service of Rededication in the company of the Bishop.   

ALL SAINTS’ & ALL SOULS’ We will celebrate our belonging to the communion of saints at Sunday worship in all three churches of the Union on Sunday 3rd November as we celebrate All Saints’ Day. On the following Sunday, 10^th November, there will be morning services in Castletownroche and Doneraile, during which those who have died in the world’s conflicts will be remembered. In the afternoon, at 4.00pm, there will be the annual Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving in St James’s Church, Mallow, where our departed loved ones will be remembered, and to which the recently bereaved are especially invited. During this year of bicentennial celebrations at St James’s Church, there will be a particular commemoration of past worshippers. This is proving to be a popular and much-appreciated service, where words and music provide a framework for a celebration of our Easter faith.

MOTHERS’ UNION The Mallow Union branch of the MU, under the leadership of Ruth Sherlock, is organising several meetings over the autumn. On Saturday 2^nd November there will be a ‘Mums in May’ Fundraiser in the Parish Hall in Mallow and a ‘Christmas Dinner’ on 26^th November. From 8^th to 10^th November, there is an invitation to join members from across the Diocese for a weekend exploring the theme of ‘Grow and Flourish’ at the Garryvoe Hotel, Castlemartyr.

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS The annual Christmas concerts at St James’s Church, Mallow will take place on Friday 13^th and Saturday 14^th December at 8pm. They are a well-loved part of preparations for Christmas for people in Mallow and the surrounding communities. This year, a new team is organising the programme. Tickets are available from the Farmers’ Market on Fridays from 10am to 12.30pm; from Katie’s Newsagent, Main Street, Mallow; and by calling 085 178 8336 from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

CONGRATULATIONS to George and Betty Buckley who celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary on Sunday 22^nd September. Worshippers at St Mary’s, Castletownroche, were able to join in the family festivities following the celebration of the Eucharist, when the happy couple were cheered along with refreshments and a celebratory cake.

SUDDEN DEATH We were very sorry to receive the news of the death of Fr Robin Morrissey, the Roman Catholic parish priest of Castletownroach and Ballyhooley. Fr Robin died while visiting the UK and was held in great affection by his parishioners and by people in the wider community. A number of Church of Ireland parishioners, along with the Rector, attended the removal and Evening Prayer in Castletownroche.

HOSPITALITY & REFRESHMENT A reminder that our Community Café is in full swing during the Farmers’ Market in the grounds of St James’s Church, Mallow, every Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm. As well as great coffee and tea, you can sample St James’s Cake and other treats.

COMMUNITY GARDEN Throughout this year many people have given their time and energy to create a beautiful outdoor space around St James’s Church, Mallow. We are grateful for their enthusiasm and their horticultural skills in providing a place of welcome and enjoyment for many people. It was especially enjoyed by during the weekend of the harvest celebrations, when many people from the town came to enjoy “Jazz at St James’s” – our ‘thank you’ to the town for all its support during our bi-centennial year.

GIFT DAY We will hold a Gift Day throughout the Union on Sunday November 17^th, to focus on the generosity of God and on our giving in response to God’s generosity. More regular attendance at worship and generous giving continue to feature highly on our list of priorities going into 2025.       

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AN ECUMENICAL END TO SUMMER At the end of August, the Rector joined with Fr Donal Coakley to lead an ecumenical service in the now-deconsecrated church in Kilshannig as part of Heritage Week events. It is almost half a century since an act of worship was held in the church (now a community heritage centre). The evening was organised by Councillor John Paul O’Shea and, as well as the service, there was an historical tour of the graveyard in which the shared story of the parish’s past, both Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland, was imaginatively told by Donie O’Sullivan. At the beginning of September, the Rector welcomed members of the Syrian Orthodox community, who worship in St James’s Church, Mallow, as they made their annual cycling pilgrimage from Cork city to the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock in Co Mayo. The Rector blessed the cyclists and encouraged them on the next stage of their journey. Later the same day, the Rector attended the Induction of the Reverend Jackie McNair as Minister of Adare Methodist Church in Co Limerick, where he met up with friends who form part of the Charleville Ecumenical Group that meets monthly.

THANKSGIVING FOR RESTORATION OF BELLS At the time of writing, we are looking forward to the Bishop being with us in St Mary’s, Doneraile, to preside at a service of Thanksgiving and Rededication of the peal of bells in the church tower on Sunday 15^th September. We are hoping this will be a good occasion to welcome friends from other Christian churches, as well as people in the wider community, along with parishioners of Mallow Union and bell-ringers past and present.

JAZZ AT ST JAMES’S – SAYING ‘THANK YOU’ TO MALLOW  Many businesses and organisations in the town (and further afield) have given us generous support during our bi-centennial year of celebrations, along with many other individuals. As a way of saying Thank You to them all, we are looking forward to a free lunchtime event on Saturday 21^st September, falling between Culture Night and our Harvest Thanksgiving celebrations: Jazz at St James’s. We have booked the ‘Underscore Orkestra’ from Cork to offer a couple of hours of jazz (hopefully in the Community Garden, but in church if the weather is wet), to which anyone and everyone is welcome. We are encouraging people to bring a picnic lunch, and to wear fancy dress, if they wish. Above all, we hope they will simply enjoy relaxing to great music in and around the church as our way of expressing our gratitude to them all.

HARVEST THANKGIVING We are looking forward to welcoming parishioners and friends to our services this year, beginning with an ecumenical celebration in St James’s, Mallow, on Sunday 22^nd September. The preacher will be the Reverend Ted Ardis, formerly Dean’s Vicar of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral. On Sunday 6^th October at 3.30pm, there will be a service in St Mary’s, Castletownroche, at which the preacher will be the Reverend Elise Hanley, Rector of Cobh and Glanmire Union of Parishes. On Sunday 13^th October, there will be a service in St Mary’s, Doneraile, at 3.00pm, at which the preacher will be the Reverend Peter Tarleton, Chaplain of Kingston College, Mitchelstown. All are welcome to the services – and to the refreshments that follow.

TOGETHER FOR MICHAELMAS By longstanding tradition, there is only one act of worship in the Union when there is a fifth Sunday of in the month. In September, this was the feast of St Michael and All Angels. We are looking forward to all three churches of the Union gathering in St James’s, Mallow, for a festive celebration of the Eucharist.

SUMMER FÊTE The Union’s annual Fête, which took place in early August, raised over €10,000. We are grateful to everyone who attended on the day, supported us by donating produce and prizes, gave their time and energy to prepare for the fête in many other ways, helped it to run like clockwork on the day – and joined in the great clear-up afterwards.

OUR YOUNGER PARISHIONERS have reconvened after the summer break and are meeting each week in the Parish Hall at 11.30am each Sunday. After enjoying an hour of activities and learning, they join their families back in church towards the end of the Eucharist, where they enjoying sharing with the rest of us what they have been doing.

HOSPITALITY & REFRESHMENT A reminder that our Community Café is in full swing during the Farmers’ Market in the grounds of St James’s Church, Mallow, every Friday from 9.00am to 12.30pm. As well as great coffee and tea, you can sample St James’s Cake and other treats.

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