Holly Bough 2020: Celebrating legends and traditions of Cork
Holly Bough, celebrating the Christmas spirit for 123 years, it really does have something special for people of all ages.
For 123 years, it's been the first sign that Christmas has arrived in Cork.
Now the 2020 Holly Bough has hit the streets.
It’s been a year like no other, but, like an old and trusted friend, the Holly Bough will always be there, through good times and bad.
This year's edition is a 164-page treat, jam-packed with brilliant and fascinating stories and photographs depicting Cork in times past, many with a festive flavour: prepare to be gripped, moved, surprised, and entertained!
Among the contributors in this edition are masterful short story writer Kevin Barry, broadcasters John Creedon and George Hook, panto legend Catherine Mahon Buckley, and politicians Máirín Quill and Micheál Martin — who took time out of his hectic schedule as Taoiseach to write a personal message just for Holly Bough readers.
Of course, all the favourites and regulars adored by Holly Bough readers are there too — the Diffney Quiz, the Photo Gallery, the prize crossword, a fashion and beauty section, and so much more!
Find out about the Cork cop who saved Al Capone's life, the Cork city house with an air raid shelter in its back garden, and the occasion when cavalry took to Patrick Street, sabres drawn, to break up a riot.
There are affectionate tributes to well-known Corkonians we lost in the last 12 months, including Niall Toibin and Hi-B legend Brian O'Donnell, while Gay Byrne is remembered too - one Corkman recalls making a star appearance on his Late Late Toy Show as a child.
The festive memories this year include the story of a Cork woman who recalls being among 75 guests at her family's Christmas dinner!
The food and drink section features brilliant tips and tricks for making the Christmas dinner from some of Cork's most acclaimed foodies, while the children's section has a fabulous colouring competition, where youngsters can design their own version of the famous Holly Bough cover - this year brilliantly drawn by local artist Jason O'Gorman, depicting Santa flying over Shandon church.
The 2020 Holly Bough also commemorates the centenary events of 1920 and 1921, and there is a five-page tribute to Christy Ring, born 100 years ago during another era of turbulence.
The message is clear in the uplifting 2020 Holly Bough - now, like then, Cork and Irish people will persevere and prevail.
1920 was a year of profound importance in Ireland’s history. During this time of great challenges and strife, Cork city played a pivotal role in our country’s fight for freedom.
It has been Cork City Council’s aim to commemorate the centenary of 1920 to gain a deeper understanding of how Irish society has been shaped by our past, to walk for a moment in the footsteps of our ancestors and learn from the men and women of this era who fought for the freedom that we take for granted today.
Take a step back in time and watch the history of Cork come to life through video, imagery, behind the scenes tours and interviews on www.corkcitycommemorations.ie
We are blessed that our supporters here in Cork have enriched our community with their generous gifts. What we’ve achieved, with the amazing support of our donors, represents our community at its very best. An increasing number of our donors are choosing to remember Cork Simon in their Will – shaping a brighter future and continuing to care for people who are homeless in our community, even after they are gone.
Any gift large or small makes a difference. Please get in touch with Leona if you would like more information about leaving a gift in your will to Cork Simon. Contact Leona in confidence at . Thank you. www.corksimon.ie/gifts-in-wills
Conor and Denise Phelan would like to wish all our customers a healthy and happy Christmas.
We opened our first pharmacy in Carrigaline in 1988 and commenced a 365 day and late night service way back in 1991 and it is now part of our Christmas tradition.
For our Christmas and New Year opening hours or for online shopping for medicine, mobility aids and gifts see our website www.phelans.ie. Our Cork branches are located in Gurranabraher, Patrick St, Grand Parade, Kinsale Road, The Lough, Blackrock Hall, Carrigaline, and Glanmire
Lennox Hearing aid specialists is a family-run business based in Cork with clinics spread all across Munster.
We specialise in enriching the lives of our customers by providing the best service and highest quality hearing aids. We believe that no person should suffer in silence when there is a solution here for you at Lennox Hearing Aid specialists.
Paddy O'Brien, organiser of the Over 60’s Talent Competition, said: “I cannot praise Francis and all the team at Lennox Hearing Aid Specialists highly enough. The level of service is truly exceptional both before and after. I have been on the receiving end of the most amazing ‘after care’ from Francis and the team. I was especially impressed by their ability and willingness to support customers with Social Welfare grants. Lennox Hearing Aid Specialists is a dying breed. A business that truly cares about its customers and goes above and beyond to provide the best possible service. Thank you Francis and Team for caring.”
For more information, see lennoxhearing.ie, contact us on Freephone: or by email: /
Resolute Photography offers you the opportunity to have your old family photographs restored. Using image manipulation software, our experienced staff can now remove those torn, faded, creased or scratched images. We take your precious old sepia tone, black & white or colour photographs and digitally enhance them, removing blemishes, creases and scratches resulting in a carefully restored photograph. Your original print will be returned along with your newly enhanced copy. We can edit and print from all negatives types. www.facebook.com/Resolutephotography.ie
Every child deserves to be a child – especially at Christmas. Yet, as Christmas Day is one of Childline’s busiest, we know the magic of the season doesn’t reach every home.
Abuse, mental health difficulties and other challenges do not stop in a pandemic – or at Christmas. Children and young people in Cork and across Ireland need our help 800 times a day, every day. We need to make sure we are always here. But, we need your support to make this possible.
Childline relies on donations for over 90% of the funding that keeps us listening to children. Will you help us answer their call this Christmas?
Donate now at ISPCC.ie/Christmas. Or call .
Find out more about the history of Holly Bough, how to buy a print or digital copy, postal costs etc: Hollybough.ie.
