It was pure joy watching and listening to Pakie O’Callaghan bring the stories of seanchaí Eamonn Kelly to life on the stage of Darrara Community Centre on October 18th.
He cast us back in time to the stations and the missions, tales of matchmaking, and life in rural Ireland at its best. A night filled with nostalgia, laughter, and the magic of storytelling that reminds us who we are. 
Check out the video below:

​On Sunday, October 12th, we are inviting everyone to walk to Darrara Old School / Darrara Community Centre and quite literally walk in the footsteps of the children of 1887.  It’s going to be a very special community day celebrating our history, our people, and the spirit of Darrara.

If you can’t manage to walk the full journey, why not park at a nearby location (e.g. Ring Village, Darrara National School, or Darrara Church) and walk from there?  Be safe: don’t forget your high-vis jacket.

If you’re driving, please car pool or arrange to be dropped off/collected. Parking will be limited, and attendants will be on hand to help.

​We also invite everyone to also wear a splash of our local colours – black or yellow!

What a wonderful Thrive Together Wellbeing Day we had on September 25th! 

We began with warm introductions from Finbarr Motherway – Chairperson of Muintir na Tíre Seminar Group Cork, who kindly sponsored the event.

Sandra Good – Hearing Loss & Tinnitus Awareness Coordinator at the Cork Deaf Association – shared powerful insights on hearing loss, its impact on individuals and families, and the resources, tips, technology and supports that can truly make a difference.

We then heard from the inspiring Kevin McCormack – Mental Health Peer Support Coach, Poet & Performer – who explored mental health through cucumbers, drains, and radiators . He encouraged us to:

• Stay active in our wellbeing
• Stop catastrophising
• Use mindfulness to regulate ourselves
• Awaken to how things really are
• Radiate more positivity
• Practice self-compassion, gratitude, creativity and kindness

“You cannot gift from an empty bowl.” Kevin reminded us to be kind to ourselves, step outside our comfort zones, and he closed with a moving poem, ‘The Tin’.

We were delighted to have a packed house and welcome attendees from community groups across West Cork – Ballinascarthy, Ballinaspittle, Bandon, Clonakilty, Darrara, Kilbrittain, Rathbarry and more.

We're so grateful to Muintir Na Tire, the HSE Ireland Cork Kerry Community Healthcare team, and the Cork Deaf Association for their support in making this day possible. Huge thanks also to Denis Kelly – Community Development Officer at Muintir na Tíre Cork – it was a pleasure to coordinate the event with him

The day was topped off with tea & refreshments by our amazing catering team, a raffle with lots of great prizes, and fantastic entertainment by our musical friend Thomas O’Leary. 
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Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this event such a positive, uplifting experience.