Day Care Cycle

Castleisland Day Care cycle on Sept 7th .
Registration from 9am for two routes 10miles or 50miles.
Helmets compulsory.

Daniel O Donnell visits the Day Care Centre

Castleisland Day Care Centre was delighted when singer Daniel O’ Donnell paid an unannounced visit to the Day Centre.

Daniel who is in the area at the moment will be appearing in the I.N.E.C. in Killarney for five sold out shows on August 12^th, 13^th, 15^th, 16^th & 17^th .

According to Nurse Manager Marcella Finn, we were all just flabbergasted when Daniel O’ Donnell appeared at the door and walked into our Day Room.

Daniel who had visited the Day Centre two years previously in 2012 was familiar with the Day Centre and was able to make his way in unannounced.

As on the previous occasion both clients and staff were impressed with his easy manner and friendly disposition.  Daniel took time out for individual photos with everyone and treated us to a sample of what may be in store in his concerts when he sang “Forty shades of Green” and “Our house is a home”.

All at Castleisland Day Care Centre would like to thank Daniel for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit and added that  Daniel O’ Donnell’ will continue to be at the top of our playing list at the Day Centre, as is normal anyway

Castleisland Day Care Centre Cycle is on Sept 7th

Castleisland Day Care Centre officially launched their Annual Fun Cycle.  This is the 8^th year of the cycle which is aimed at  all cyclists.

This year we have two routes, an easy 10 mile route and for the cyclist who is looking for more of a challenge, a 50 mile route.

According to event organizer, John Breen of  Currow Cycle Club this event is for all levels of cyclists .The 50mile route may be of particular interest for someone who might be beginning preparations for the Ring of Kerry 2015 or for cyclists who may be winding down after this years Ring.  He went on to say that the shorter 10 mile route is geared towards families and beginner cyclists and is a great incentive for people  to get on their bikes and promote cycling as a way to get active and healthy.

Registration  is €20 with special discount for families and  takes place at Castleisland Day Care Centre between 9.00 a.m and 9.45 a.m .Cycling helmets are compulsory for all cyclists and under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The cycle gets under way from the Day Centre at 10.00 a.m.

At  the launch of the cycle nominations were made to Castleisland Day Care Centre Board member Donal Nelligan and staff member Marcella Finn to accept the Ice Bucket Challenge. So it seems that cyclists will not only be treated to live music and food at the end of the cycle but  will also get to see both Donal and Marcella getting a bucket of Ice Cold water thrown on them. 

Heritage Week at Castleisland Day Care Centre

Castleisland Day Care Centre is once again delighted to celebrate National Heritage Week       23^rd to 31^st August. 

This year’s theme is Discovering  the past, Build the future.

According to Nurse Manager, Marcella Finn “This week is a great week in which we can value our heritage and  enjoy and promote our sense of place and the natural and cultural heritage that it contains. Marcella added that Heritage week is particularly significant for our elderly clients who attend the centre as our elderly generation have a huge contribution to make to our Irish Heritage.

Events organized by Castleisland Day Care Centre are as follows.

If any member of the public has an interest in any of these events please feel free to call in to the Day Centre and join in.

Mon 25^th @ 11.30 a.m. Tim Murphy Slide show of old photograph of Castleisland town.

Tues 26^th – Mary Howard – East Kerry Roots organizer with old photographs of Killarney town

Wed 27^th @ 11.30 a.m. – Basket weaving and Making Soda Bread with Peggy Reidy and Leo

Thurs 28^th @ 11.30 a.m. – Robert McGuire – History of the Castle in Castleisland town.

Fri 29^th @ 11.30 a.m. –  Mike O’ Donnell – Storytelling and old Irish yarns with renowned Kerry  

                                       storyteller

Newsletter No 11....................................................Summer 2014 Traditionally the Irish year was divided into two parts, Ó Samhain go Bealthaine is Ó Bealtaine go Samhain. Bealthaine – Good Fire, connected with the sun’s warmth and the consequent fertility of crops and cattle. Féile na Bealtaine aims to highlight and promote traditions, culture and the arts to people of all ages. Castleisland Day Care Centre marked Féile na Bealthaine with workshops from local artist Breda Galwey. Breda gave us a little introduction to art and you never know some hidden talents may have even been unearthed. A big thank you to all Breda’s art students from Wednesday who shared some of their art work. We believe that the pieces are in high demand with some of them now on display in the U.S.A. Local school will also help us celebrate Féile na Bealthaine with visits from Scoil Muire gan Smál on Thursday May 22nd and Gaelscoil Aogán Choir on Tuesday May 27th and Wednesday June 4th. The grand finale for our Bealtaine celebrations will be a visit from The Butterfly Theatre Company with their production “Musical sensations” on Friday May 30th at 2.oo p.m. This is a star studded event with songs from all your favourite musicians, Doris Day, Gene Kelly, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland . We would encourage anyone who wishes to attend (not just the Friday group) to come along on Friday 30th @ 2.00p.m. for a great afternoon of musical entertainment. Survey Thanks to everyone who contributed to our independent survey carried out on the first week of April. The full report on the survey is available to anyone who wishes to read it. Please ask a member of staff. Knitting Thank you to everyone who contributed to our knitting project in aid of Chernobyl. The knitting needles and yarn are safely stored away until 2015 when le cuanamh Dé we will be able to pull them out during Lent again. A big” Thank you” to Eileen Hanafin Ballymac and her family who will ensure the safe passage of all our blankets and teddy bears to those that appreciate them in the Chernobyl area. Alzheimers tea day We raised €180 from collection for Alzheimers. The money was passed on to Mary Murphy of Cordal who does great work every year raising funds on Alzheimers Tea Day. Staff We wish our chef Helen Greensmyth a speedy recovery from planned surgery. Welcome to Elizabeth Hickey who is replacing Helen until her return in mid July. Chiropodist will visit on the following dates Mon Jun 16th, Tues Jun 17th Wed Jun 18th , and Thurs Jun 26th. Events to watch out for Tours As in 2013 we have decided to hold our main tour later in the year probably in mid to late September. This is due to the fact that a lot of local groups hold their tours in early Summer and we sometimes end up clashing with other groups. We will however hold individual group day trips. These will be as follows: Tuesday June 3rd - Keanes Restaurant Curraheen Wednesday June 11th - Ballygarry House Hotel Thursday June 19th - Ballygarry House Hotel Friday June 27th - Keanes Restaurant Curraheen Monday June 30th - Ballygarry House Hotel Cost €20 will be collected on the day of the tour only. Social Sunday group will be holding their tour on Sunday 8th June to Kate Kearney’s Cottage, Killarney. Reminder that the Social Sunday group will be taking a break for the Summer months returning on Sunday October 12th. Family week from Monday July 21st to Friday July 25th. We are extending an open invitation to any family members who would like to come along on the week beginning Monday 21st July All the young people are invited free of charge with a contribution of €5 for older family members. Family week is a great opportunity for clients to introduce family members to Castleisland Day Care Centre and for family members both young and old to meet the staff and get to experience what we do in the Day Centre. As in the past we will have a packed schedule for this week with a magic show by Sylvano, music, song, dance and games. Daniel O’ Donnell A letter of invitation has been written to Daniel O’ Donnell inviting him to visit Castleisland Day Care Centre. We were thrilled in August 2012 when Daniel visited our centre on a sunny Monday afternoon. Fingers crossed that he will be able to take time out from his busy schedule to call to us again when he is in the Killarney area doing his concerts in August. Sympathy to Daniel on the death of his mother. She always held a very special place in his heart. Cycle Castleisland Day Care Centre Annual fundraising cycle will take place as usual on the first Sunday of September. This cycle would not be possible except for the hard work of Currow Cycle Club who nominated Castleilsland Day Care Centre as their charity in 2008 and have been running this cycle on our behalf since then. It would be great if you could support us by taking a sponsorship card when they become available and by encouraging family members/friends to participate in the cycle. Heritage Week Watch out for events to mark Heritage week from 23rd to 31st August. The Day Care will celebrate the week with events and speakers. Summer Holidays. We are closing on Friday July 25th @ 4.00 p.m. and re-opening on Monday August 11th.

summer newsletterCastleisland Day Care Centre Castleisland Day Care Centre invites you to attend an environment awareness week at the Centre in Chapel Lane. Commencing Tuesday Apr 8th .We will have environment experts giving an informative talk each day. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend Guest Speakers Tues 8th April – Killarney National Park Education Centre – Animal Wildlife @ 12 Midday Wed 9th April – Killarney National ParkWalking guide – Natural Flora and Fauna @ 12 Midday Thurs 10th April Frank King Talk on birds @ 2 p.m. Fri 11th April – Micheál O’ CoileainEnvironment Officer Kerry Co Council @ 12.00 Midday

Castleisland Day Care: The day Daniel visited the day centre

Castleisland Day Care: The day Daniel visited the day centre

The day Daniel visited the day centre

christmas 2013

                                                        

Newsletter  No  9........................Christmas 2013  

Message from Board of Directors

As Christmas approaches and 2013 draws to a close, the Board of Management of Castleisland Day Care Centre wish to thank you the service users for your continued support throughout the year .We are very grateful to everyone who helps make the day centre a place where people’s lives are enriched in a cheerful environment.

 We wish you and your families a happy and peaceful Christmas.

Christmas Parties

Santa will be making his usual trip from the North Pole to Castleisland Day Care Centre on the following dates

Friday Dec 13^{th                         _}     Music by Timmy O’ Connor

Monday Dec 16^th                  –   Friends of Scartaglin Rambling House

Tuesday Dec 17^th                  –  Music by Stevie Donegan

Wednesday Dec 18^th         – Music by Stevie Donegan

Thursday Dec 19^th                – Music by Timmy O’ Connor

Some tips to keep you safe

• Never answer your front door while your back door is unlocked – when you are occupied at the front door it is possible for someone to gain access to your house through the back door.
• Make sure your personal alarm is working and don’t be afraid to test it regularly.  And above all WEAR it. It’s no good hanging on the bed if you fall in the bathroom.
• Think Fire Safety. Have an escape plan and check your smoke alarms at least once a week.
• Know how to call for help by having a list of Emergency Numbers beside your phone.
• Keep your home as warm as possible and keep a stock of essential items including food, water and medication in case you are not able to leave your house.
Remember we have the threat of E.S.B. strike so plan in case you are without electricity, e.g. have a torch in different locations throughout the house.

Castleisland Parish Choir     Present   

Christmas Carols

Church of St Stephen and St John On Sunday Dec 22^nd

@ 7.00 p.m

All proceeds 50/50  to:    Castleisland Day Care Centre/Our Ladys Hospital for sick children Crumlin

Some of Ireland’s Christmas traditions

1.       Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve

2. Horse races on St Stephen’s Day

        The races in Leopardstown  attract almost 20,000 every year.

3. Christmas day swims take place all over Ireland on Christmas morning.
4. Reading of James Joyce’s story, “The Dead” is a short story from James Joyce’s collection “Dubliners”
5. Awful Christmas Sweaters

This started off as aunties, grandmothers and relatives handing over the most ugly sweaters as present for Christmas.

6. Christmas Caroling/ The Wren Boy Procession

During Penal Times a group of soldiers were about to be ambushed. They had been surrounded by a group of wrens pecked on their drums and woke them. . To remember this on St Stephen’s Day people would have a procession and go wearing old clothes, blackened faces  and a dead wren on top at the pole.

7. U.S.A. boxes of biscuits
8. Decorations/Holly wreath

Christmas decorations in Ireland traditionally was just a wreath of holly on the front door of the house.

9. The shopaholics lament

Most stores are closed Christmas and Stephen’s Day but a brand new tradition sees more and more stores now opening after Christmas Day.

10. Women’s Christmas/ Nollaig na nBean
11. Tradition has it that women get the day off and the men of the house get to do the housework, cooking and take down the Christmas decorations. Women meet up and have a day out and treat themselves.

We are currently working on a client handbook which we will circulate in the New Year.  However some points to make

• Clients and carers should act in a way that respects the rights of other clients and Day Centre team members.
• Vomiting and Diarrohea – If a client has a history of vomiting/diarrohea we ask that you are symptom free for 48 hours(2 days) before attending the centre.
• Please do not bring large sums of money to the centre.  All you need is €15 and extra if attending hairdresser and chiropodist. Staff can not be responsible if money is mislaid.
• Don’t forget our suggestion boxes located around the building. We always welcome comments/suggestions.

It’s your centre so let’s try and make it what you want

Staff

              We have had a few changes in the past few months. Farewell to Cathy Casey and Mary O’ Sullivan who finished up C.E. schemes and to physio , Helen O’ Leary who left to further her studies in U.C.D. in Dublin.

Welcome to David O’ Donoghue and Mags Lenihan on C.E. scheme.

**********

Christmas Closure

Castleisland Day Care Centre will close on Friday Dec 20^th

 and re-open on Thursday 2^nd January

Wishing all of you a happy and peaceful Christmas.

Nollaig Shona agus Athbhlian faoi mhaise dhaoibh go léir.

                                                         

Newsletter  No  9........................Christmas 2013  

Message from Board of Directors

As Christmas approaches and 2013 draws to a close, the Board of Management of Castleisland Day Care Centre wish to thank you the service users for your continued support throughout the year .We are very grateful to everyone who helps make the day centre a place where people’s lives are enriched in a cheerful environment.

 We wish you and your families a happy and peaceful Christmas.

Christmas Parties

Santa will be making his usual trip from the North Pole to Castleisland Day Care Centre on the following dates

Friday Dec 13^{th                         _}     Music by Timmy O’ Connor

Monday Dec 16^th                  –   Friends of Scartaglin Rambling House

Tuesday Dec 17^th                  –  Music by Stevie Donegan

Wednesday Dec 18^th         – Music by Stevie Donegan

Thursday Dec 19^th                – Music by Timmy O’ Connor

Some tips to keep you safe

• Never answer your front door while your back door is unlocked – when you are occupied at the front door it is possible for someone to gain access to your house through the back door.
• Make sure your personal alarm is working and don’t be afraid to test it regularly.  And above all WEAR it. It’s no good hanging on the bed if you fall in the bathroom.
• Think Fire Safety. Have an escape plan and check your smoke alarms at least once a week.
• Know how to call for help by having a list of Emergency Numbers beside your phone.
• Keep your home as warm as possible and keep a stock of essential items including food, water and medication in case you are not able to leave your house.
Remember we have the threat of E.S.B. strike so plan in case you are without electricity, e.g. have a torch in different locations throughout the house.

Castleisland Parish Choir     Present   

Christmas Carols

Church of St Stephen and St John On Sunday Dec 22^nd

@ 7.00 p.m

All proceeds 50/50  to:    Castleisland Day Care Centre/Our Ladys Hospital for sick children Crumlin

Some of Ireland’s Christmas traditions

1.       Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve

2. Horse races on St Stephen’s Day

        The races in Leopardstown  attract almost 20,000 every year.

3. Christmas day swims take place all over Ireland on Christmas morning.
4. Reading of James Joyce’s story, “The Dead” is a short story from James Joyce’s collection “Dubliners”
5. Awful Christmas Sweaters

This started off as aunties, grandmothers and relatives handing over the most ugly sweaters as present for Christmas.

6. Christmas Caroling/ The Wren Boy Procession

During Penal Times a group of soldiers were about to be ambushed. They had been surrounded by a group of wrens pecked on their drums and woke them. . To remember this on St Stephen’s Day people would have a procession and go wearing old clothes, blackened faces  and a dead wren on top at the pole.

7. U.S.A. boxes of biscuits
8. Decorations/Holly wreath

Christmas decorations in Ireland traditionally was just a wreath of holly on the front door of the house.

9. The shopaholics lament

Most stores are closed Christmas and Stephen’s Day but a brand new tradition sees more and more stores now opening after Christmas Day.

10. Women’s Christmas/ Nollaig na nBean
11. Tradition has it that women get the day off and the men of the house get to do the housework, cooking and take down the Christmas decorations. Women meet up and have a day out and treat themselves.

We are currently working on a client handbook which we will circulate in the New Year.  However some points to make

• Clients and carers should act in a way that respects the rights of other clients and Day Centre team members.
• Vomiting and Diarrohea – If a client has a history of vomiting/diarrohea we ask that you are symptom free for 48 hours(2 days) before attending the centre.
• Please do not bring large sums of money to the centre.  All you need is €15 and extra if attending hairdresser and chiropodist. Staff can not be responsible if money is mislaid.
• Don’t forget our suggestion boxes located around the building. We always welcome comments/suggestions.

It’s your centre so let’s try and make it what you want

Staff

              We have had a few changes in the past few months. Farewell to Cathy Casey and Mary O’ Sullivan who finished up C.E. schemes and to physio , Helen O’ Leary who left to further her studies in U.C.D. in Dublin.

Welcome to David O’ Donoghue and Mags Lenihan on C.E. scheme.

**********

Christmas Closure

Castleisland Day Care Centre will close on Friday Dec 20^th

 and re-open on Thursday 2^nd January

Wishing all of you a happy and peaceful Christmas.

Nollaig Shona agus Athbhlian faoi mhaise dhaoibh go léir.

 

Newsletter  No  8 ........................July/Aug  2013  

Music Therapy and the Healing Power of Music

Humanity has been using music for therapeutic purposes since time memorial .  Modern medicine, however has always tended to downplay the healing potential in music.  Nonetheless, recent studies are providing increasing evidence that music can act as a very powerful and effective medicine.  Studies show that music, of whatever type, follows routes along the brain and finally becomes a conscious experience which has proved to be highly effective in the treatment of neurological disorders including amnesia, dementia, Alzheimers, Parkinson’s disease, depression and Schizophrenia among others.

Castleisland Day Care Centre does not need any studies to tell us how good music is for us.  We have a great love for music and love nothing better than a good “ould session” so let’s get the singing voices out and enjoy music before our Summer break.

We will have music on the following dates.

Thursday July 18^th – Brid and Nora Anne Murphy

Monday July 22^nd – Derry O’ Shea

Tuesday  July 23^rd – Derry O’ Shea

Heatwave

After a long wait Summer has at last arrived to Ireland.  It is great to see hay in the fields and trailers of turf being brought home from the bog.   1995 was the last year which we had similar temperatures to what we are experiencing at the moment.

A heatwave in Ireland is considered to be at least five days in a row when temperatures exceed 25 degrees.

Heat Safety Tips : Drink more fluids, regardless of your activity level.  Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.

If you are older, be especially careful to drink fluids because the amount of water retained by the body decreases with age.

Don’t drink liquids with dehydrating caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar.  Avoid very cold drinks.

Keep your body cool:  Dress in lightweight light –coloured clothing and sun-reflective shirts. Wear loose clothing.  Wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.  Keep a stash of hats on hand for friends.

Stay in the shade, especially between 11a.m. and 3 p.m.

To feel cooler, eat cooler. Reduce your protein intake.

In the early morning, draw the shades before the temperature starts to rise.

Protect yourself from the sun:  Don’t get too much sun.  Sunburn makes it difficult for your body to dissipate heat.

 

 

Annual fundraising cycle

 Sunday Sept 1^st.  This is our main fundraiser of the year and your support would be greatly appreciated. Sponsorship cards are available on request and please encourage family members to take part in the cycle on the day.

There are 3 distances of 16km, 50km and 80km so there should be a comfortable route for all cycling enthusiasts, The leisure cycle and we stress leisure cycle starts at 10.00am from the Castleisland Rugby Club.

Sign on from 9.00 to 9.45. Aside from being a great fundraising opportunity its our attempt to encourage people to join us for a great social occasion and get some gentle exercise.

 

There will be refreshments, changing facilities, and spot prizes back at Castleisland Rugby club after the cycle.

Entry/Minimun sponsorship 20 euro.

Helmets are compulsory and will be available on the day for a deposit of €20,all participants U-18 must provide a parents/guardians signature on the day.

So start cleaning off the cobwebs and oiling those chains  and join us on Sun 1^st of September for this LEISURE/FUN cycle.

 

Farewell to Cathy Casey who finishes with us on July 19^th. Cathy will be sadly missed by both work colleagues and clients.  We wish her all the best in the future.

 

 

 

Tour

 We will hold our tours in September this year and have nothing planned yet.  If you have any suggestions or ideas we would love to hear from you. Perhaps you have visited some place during the Sumer months which would be suitable. Please let us know.

Summer closure:

Castleisland Day Care Centre will be closed for summer holidays from Monday Aug 5^th to Friday August 16th.  

Re-opening  Monday August 19^th.    

 

 

Website: www.castleislanddaycare.com

Phone: 066-7143865

Email: castleislanddaycare@eircom.net

 

 

Turf are a 4-piece band from the Camp/Castlegregory area in West Kerry. They play a Funky/alternative rock genre of music usually with rap-style vocals. The band consists of the Vocalist Eoin Herlihy, the Guitarist Kealan Dowling, the Bassist, Andrew Finn and his brother, the Drummer, Darragh Finn. The band was formed nearly ten months ago and they have since been writing songs, learning songs, playing live gigs and entering competitions such as the IYMA's. They have qualified for the IYMA's finals this year by seeing off competition in the Kerry heaths in mid March.

There is a lot of background to the band Turf. They have many interesting stories to tell of their time together as a band. Although they haven't even been a band for 12 months, they have managed to get up to a lot in that short time. However, there was one point during their time together that brought back fond memories for the band members and others.

Andrew and Darragh had a very musical upbringing thanks to their older brother, Eoghan. Years ago, before Andrew and Darragh had even picked up an instrument, their older brother Eoghan was playing in a band himself. The "Live band project" is a long-running project started by the KDYS and 5 years ago, Eoghan was playing himself in the live band project with his band "Johnney Depp and the Quartet of Doom". His band was a five piece band with two guitarists, bassist, drummer and singer. Eoghan was the singer of the band. His band was playing live gigs, writing their own music and entering competitions just like Turf are today. During his time with the band, Andrew and Darragh kept a close eye on the bands progress and frequently saw them playing. Eoin and Kealan also both knew of the band and were fans themselves. At the time, there were very few bands around in the Camp/Castlegregory area so interest was shown in the band by the locals. This is very similar to today, where Turf are one of the only bands in their area.

Darragh got his first drum kit about 5 years ago. This happened to be around the time that JDATQOD were in full swing. Now, 4 or 5 years on, the band JDATQOD are long since finished up as a band. But Andrew and Darragh have both since picked up instruments with Bass guitar and Drums. Turf were formed from Darragh and Andrew jamming together in the shed and drafting in Eoin and Kealan. It'd be a lie to say that their older brother Eoghan had no influence on their decision to form a band or on their decision to learn to play instruments. Nowadays, it's the opposite of what it was years ago. JDATQOD are now fans of Turf instead of vice versa.

It was late November when Turf were asked by a Camp local to play at his 21st birthday. His birthday was a double birthday. It was his 21st and it was Eoghan Finn's 20th. What better place for Turf to play? 3 members of JDATQOD were present at the birthday and mid through their performance, Turf called upon those 3 members to come up and play with Turf. The 3 member were David, Eoghan and Brendan. They were the singer, the guitarist and the bassist. After some persuading they came up and got a hold of guitars. Before the gig, Turf had prepared for it by learning a song that JDATQOD had also learnt years ago. Turf and JDATQOD both played the song together on stage. It brought back fond memories for the 3 oldies of their teenage years. They remembered the good old days of playing together but they did forget one thing.... how to play well! They were a little rusty to say the least but it was all about the occasion and they got a great kick out of it. Turf have claimed that night to be one of the main highlights of the band since they formed. Craic was had and mainly because of the cameo from the 3 lads.

Even if Turf eventually finish up as a band they can safely say one thing...... they'll never forget about the experiences they had as proved by the 3 members of JDATQOD. And they're hopefully their music can persuade others to pick up an instrument and start playing, just like in their case.

Turf will be representing Kerry in Dublin on the 28th of April in Liberty Hall in the Irish Youth Music Awards. Their Preparation gig for the competition will take place on the 13th of April in the KDYS Tralee. Beginning at 8PM.

-Tech Uploader (Story provided by News Writer)

Second attempt.Please please help what do I do next ????

First attempt

Hi Marcella here .I am attempting a blog for the first time s.o ;please bear with me through this learning process