Muintir Bhaire Community Council
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Muintir Bhaire Community Council Newsletter

www.muintirbhairecc.com

Issue 11 April/May

 

Community Council AGM Report

The AGM of Muintir Bhaire Community Council was held on March 2009. The meeting reflected on the activities of the previous year. These included the organization of adult education classes, information talks, road improvements, and initiatives to improve the local area i.e. community beach clean up, sand for Ahakista beach, provision of hanging baskets and picnic tables at various locations. In addition the Community Council applied & received funding for the setting up of a Social Centre for Older People and work is ongoing on the development of the Black Gate Centre. (A summary of the Annual report is below)

Thanks was expressed to everyone who has supported the work of the Community Council during the year.

 

Easter Egg Hunt

The Community Council would like to invite all pre-school and primary school children to take part in an Easter Egg hunt on Easter Sunday in the Kilcrohane Community Field (Kilcrohane Hall if it is raining!)

 

Bantry General Hospital Petition

The Community Council organised a public meeting in Kilcrohane on 31st March to inform the community about the future of Bantry General Hospital.

The meeting, which was addressed by Tommy Barry, Chairperson of the Friends of Bantry Hospital, was very well attended.

Those in attendance expressed huge concern at the possibility that the hospital services would be downgraded. The meeting was informed that there is a threat that the 24-hour acute services currently available may be cut and the hospital would operate as a five day a week, 9am –5pm hospital.

Signatures for a petition stating “ We the undersigned demand the retention of 24 hour acute services at Bantry General Hospital” are being collected. The Friends of Bantry Hospital aim to collect 50,000 signatures.

At the end of the meeting people volunteered to collect signatures and various people undertook to collect names from each Townland. The signed petition sheets are to be returned to Community Council Secretary, Deirdre Towns, Kealties, Durrus by 15th April. We encourage everyone to sign this worthwhile petition.

 

Community Alert AGM

The local Community Alert group will hold its AGM in Kilcrohane Hall on 22nd April 2009 at 8pm. All are welcome.

Local school children have been invited to participate in an art competition organised by the Community Alert group. The winners of the competition will be presented with their prizes at the AGM.

 

Sheep’s Head Way Walk

The Community Council will hold a guided walk on the Sheep’s Head Way on Sunday, 3rd May 2009.

Registration will take place at Kilcrohane Hall at 12.30. Registration €10.00.There will be two levels of walk, which will cater for all fitness levels.Walking boots and rain wear are essential.

Proceeds from the walk will be for Bantry Hospice and Muintir Bhaire Community Council

 

Happy Easter to all from Muintir Bháire Community Council Ltd

 

European Destination of Excellence

Fáilte Ireland has announced the five finalists of their “European Destination of Excellence” (EDEN) competition. The Sheep’s Head Way is one of the finalists. An on-site assessment will take place on 9th April by a panel of expert adjudicators. The finalists have been deemed among the top five destinations of excellence for tourism and protected areas in the country. The overall winner will be announced on Monday 11th May.

EDEN is an EU-wide competition with two main aims. Firstly it highlights the value, diversity and shared characteristics of European tourist destinations, and secondly, promotes destinations where the economic growth objective is pursued in such a way as to ensure the
ocial, cultural and environmental sustainability of tourism.

The winning destination will be awarded the title of Destination of Excellence – Tourism & Protected Areas and will receive a photo shoot of the destination, €5,000 for business development support initiatives and a certificate of achievement. The European Union will
stage an awards ceremony in the winning destination during the 2009 European Tourism Forum along with providing international promotion of the destination. A DVD will be produced of the winning destination as well as participation in an EU network

We wish everyone involved in promoting the Sheep ’s Head Way the best of luck

 

Beach & Road Side Clean-Up 25th April 2009

There has been a noticeable increase in the amount of litter along the roadside in recent months. It is important, as a community that we do not allow this to continue.

The Community Council will hold a beach & road side clean up on Saturday, 25th April. It is planned to have it run as part of the National Spring Clean, which is Ireland’s biggest anti-litter campaign and runs throughout April. Everybody is invited to help with the cleanup.

The meeting points will be at Ahakista Pier & Kilcrohane Hall at 11am. Collection bags will be provided.

 

Music & Craic

There will be music and dancing in the local pubs in Kilcrohane over the Easter Week-end.

Programmes for the schedules in Eileen’s and the Bay View on the Community Notice Board

 

Table Quiz

The Community Council would like to thank everyone who participated and helped organise the table quiz that was held in Eileens’ Bar, Kilcrohane on Monday, 16thMarch. There were 11 teams participating and it was a very close competition! Everyone had a very enjoyable night.

A total of €540 was raised by the event

 

West Cork Bike Festival

The first West Cork Bike Festival will take place on 29th –30th August 2009.On Sunday,30th August the Sheep‘s Head Raid will be held This event will start and finish in Bantry where they are planning a BMX Demo along with a number of stalls to bring you a taste of West Cork‘s wonderful food.

The Kona Sheep‘s Head Raid will be a marathon event on a mixture of off road & road surfaces along the Sheep‘s Head Peninsula The full route will cross the peninsula‘s hilly ridge 3 times before heading back into the finish in Bantry.

For the non-competitive the second half of the route passes through Kilcrohane, Ahakista & Durrus giving competitors a choice of finishing options / route lengths.
For further details of the event log on to www.westcorkbikefest.com

 

Community Council Initiatives/Activities During 2008/2009

The following is a summary of the main activities of Muintir Bhaire Community Council during 2008 – 2009:

We would like to thank all those who supported our information talks, our classes, table quizzes and the Church Gate Collection. Your support is very much appreciated.

The Year Ahead:

As we head into a new year there are a number of initiatives in the pipeline. The opening up of the application process for the LEADER funds means that a grant application to complete the next stage of development at the Black Gate Centre can proceed.

The Co-ordinator for the Social Centre for Older People has been recruited and this means that this will get off the ground.

 


Fire Safety Equipment

At the Fire Safety in the Home talk held last autumn, Michael O’Mahony, former Chief Fire Officer with Cork City Council, recommended that every household should have fire safety equipment.

If you are interested in getting fire safety equipment for your home i.e. fire blankets, smoke alarms or fire extinguishers, please contact Finn O’Mahony ay 027 67007 as it may be possible, if there are enough people interested to do a bulk order.

This may be more cost effective for individual households.

 

Useful Contact Numbers

Bantry General Hospital 027 50133

Bantry Library 027 50133

Bantry Garda Station 027 20860

Durrus Garda Station 027 61002

Citizens Information Service 027 52100

MABS Money Advice& Budgeting 023 55155

Southdoc 1850 335 999

West Cork Women Against Violence Project 1800 203 136

West Cork Carers Support Group 027 53848

West Cork Rural Transport 02752727

 

 

Please contact us if you have any items for inclusion in future Newsletters:

We would be grateful if you would let us know if you have any up-coming events. We would hope this would ensure that local community events do not clash.

You may text or telephone one of the following:

Annette Nicholas 086 3206046

Anne O’Donovan 086 6017648

Mary O’Mahony 027 67060

Deirdre Towns 087 7940860

 


Grants for Home Improvements

There is a new national grants scheme for homeowners who invest in certain energy efficiency improvements, such as roof insulation. The scheme is administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). It specifies the types of work covered and the maximum grants for each. Grant approval must be in place before any materials are bought or work begins. However, you can have a Building Energy Rating (BER) carried out ahead of grant approval.

The grants will be paid out after the work is completed and you (the homeowner) have paid the contractor. If the cost of the work (including VAT) is less than the maximum grant amount, the actual cost will be reimbursed.

The types of work and the maximum grants for each are listed in the table below.

 

Type of work covered

Maximum grant

Roof insulation

250

Cavity wall insulation

400

Internal wall dry lining

2,500

External wall insulation

4,000

Replacement high-efficiency (greater than 90%) gas or oil-fired boilers with heating controls upgrade

700

Heating controls upgrade

500

Building Energy Rating (BER) – you can get a BER grant if you have a BER carried out before and after the works are completed

200

The grant amount in your first application must be at least €500. This means, for example, that you cannot get a grant if you only insulate your roof. You must get one of the other works done as well in order to qualify for a grant. N.B. The BER grant cannot form part of this €500 amount.

The scheme is open for applications from homeowners since 23 March 2009. For more information, see the Sustainable Energy Ireland website www.sei.ie.

Application forms & information are available from Bantry Citizens Information Centre, Tel: 027 52100

 

Muintir Bhaire Newsletter Issue 11

Produced by Muintir Bhaire Community Council April/May 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Muintir Bhaire Community Council Newsletter

www.muintirbhairecc.com

Issue 10 February/March

 

Social Club for Older People

Muintir Bhaire Community Council made an application to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for a grant to set up a Social Centre in Kilcrohane, for older people living on the Sheep’s Head Peninsula. In December, confirmation was received that the application was successful. The Community Council was awarded the grant for one-year initially.

Part of the grant is to employ a Co-ordinator to set up the Social Centre and to develop a range of social activities to support older people living in the community in the Sheep’s Head area. (See Job advert below)

A Social Centre is a centre offering social, recreational and educational activities for older people. It usually includes a meal, activities such as art and crafts, physical activities, information talks and social events such as a Christmas party, etc

Initially it will start on a monthly basis and may develop into a weekly event.


 

 

Muintir Bhaire Community Council Ltd invites applications for a

Part-time Social Centre Coordinator

The Coordinator will organise a range of social activities to support older people in the Sheep’s Head Peninsula area.

The ideal candidate will have:

This position is for one year, 10 hours per week.

Please apply in writing enclosing a C. V. to the Community Work Department, HSE, Coolnagarrane, Skibbereen, Co. Cork.

Closing Date: 6th February 2009

Job Description and further information available from: The Community Work Department, HSE at 028-40481

The post is funded by the HSE

 

 

Drama Club in Kilcrohane

If you think you would enjoy partaking in mime, improvisation, creative movement, comedy and short sketches then come along to Kilcrohane Hall on Friday nights, beginning on 20th February at 8pm.

Contact the following Community Council members to book a place:

Sheila Ellis, Tel: 086 830 2887 or

Deirdre Towns: Tel: 087 794 0860

 

 

Ahakista Festival - Planning Meeting

Ahakista Community Association is holding a meeting to commence planning the annual summer festival

It will take place in Rusnacaharra National School at 9pm on Friday, 13th February 2009

New members & new ideas welcome!!

 

 

Table Quiz

A table quiz will be held on Monday, 16th March 2009 in Eileens’ Bar in Kilcrohane. It will start at 9pm and the entry is €20.00 for a table of four.

Your support would be appreciated.

The Community Council would also like to thank everyone who participated and helped organise the table quiz that was held in Bay View Inn, Kilcrohane on 29th December.

A total of €478 was raised by the event

 

 

Folklore of the Sheeps’ Head & Mizen Peninsulas

An evening of stories of times past will be held in Kilcrohane Hall on Friday, 27th February 2009 at 9pm

Guest speaker will be Pat McCarthy, Goleen

There will be tea/coffee afterwards

Entry €3.00

 

D.U.M.P.

Dispose Unused Medicines Properly (DUMP) is a free service to dispose of unused/out of date medicines safely. You can bring the medicines to local pharmacies in Bantry between 22nd January & 5th March 2009.


 

Local GAA Newsletter

Muintir Bhaire GAA Club will be launching the first edition of their newsletter in the near future. The Club is embarking on an exciting new project which will be of benefit to many.

It is hoped that the newsletter will be useful in keeping the wider community informed about the development projects progress and other general GAA matters. So watch out and be sure to pick up a copy.'

 

Community Supports & Services

In the current period of economic downturn it is useful to know that there are some West Cork based services to provide assistance and advice:

MABS (Money Advice & Budgeting Service) provide free, confidential advice re dealing with financial problems &debt issues. They are based in Dunmanway & have a weekly outreach in the Citizens Information Service in Bantry.Tel: 023 55155 for an appointment

West Cork Citizens Information Service provide an information, advice & advocacy service on issues relating to social welfare entitlements, employment rights, housing, family issues, consumer rights, education grants etc. It is a free & confidential service. No appointment needed. You can drop-in to the office in The Square, Bantry or telephone 027 52100 for assistance.

Community Welfare Service: The local Community Welfare Officer is John Hurley. He is in the Health Centre, Marino Street, Bantry on Weds & Fridays from 10am – 12 noon. The CWO deals with applications for rent or mortgage supplement, medical cards and emergency payments to people awaiting Social Welfare payments

Social Welfare Office, Bridge St, Bantry deals with applications for unemployment payments and other social welfare payments.

West Cork Women Against Violence Project provide a confidential support & advice service to women experiencing verbal, physical, financial and or emotional abuse in the home. Tel: 027 53847

 

 

Muintir Bhaire Newsletter Issue 10

Produced by Muintir Bhaire Community Council February/March 2009

Muintir Bhaire Newsletter

Issue 12 - June/July/August 2009

 

 

Cake Sale

 

Muintir Bhaire Community Council is holding a cake sale in Kilcrohane on Sunday, 31st May 2009. It will take place after 11.30am Mass.

The funds raised from the cake sale will be put towards the purchase of a community defibrillator for the village.

So far €1,700 has been raised in the Bay View Bar, Kilcrohane and a further €600 is needed. All contributions of home baking are welcome 85 your support on the day would be appreciated.

Nine local people completed a one-day intensive training course in the use of a defibrillator in Kilcrohane on 18th April 2009. ( Details on meeting to set up local defibrillator group below ).

 

 

Coffee Morning in Ahakista

 

There will be a coffee morning in Arundel's Bar, Ahakista on Saturday, 11th July 2009 at 11am. It is in aid of the Ahakista Festival and everybody is welcome.

Please contact Deirdre O'Brien on O86 8630624 if you are available to help out on the day or if you would like any further information.

 


Community Alert Church Gate Collection

 

The local Community Alert Group will hold their Annual Church Gate Collection on the 18th and 19th July 2009.

 

 

Air India Memorial

 

This year will be the twenty-fourth anniversaiy of the Air India air disaster, which occurred off the South West Coast in 1985.

The annual commemoration will take place at the Air India Memorial in Ahakista at Sam on 23th June 2009.

Refreshments will be provided afterwards.

 

 

Rowing Club Challenge

 

The Maritime challenge will take place on llth June from 5pm to 6pm in Dunmanus Bay. Members of the Ahakista Rowing Club will endeavour to row from Ahakista to Durrus, There is a prize, sponsored by the Maritime Hotel for the person who guesses the fastest time.

It is in aid of the Goleen Coast Guard. Sponsorship cards will be available from Ahakista Rowing Club members.

 

 

Social Centre for Older People in Kilcrohane

 

Work is progressing in setting up the Social Centre for Older People in Kilcrohane. The Community Council recruited Julie O'Neill to take up the post of Social Centre Co-ordinator.

Julie, who is from Castletownbere, took up the post on 14th May. She is based in the Health Centre in Kilcrohane and is there every Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 3pm.

Once up and running the Social Centre will offer social, recreational and educational activities for older people living in the Sheep's Head peninsula. It will include a meal, activities such as art and crafts, physical activities, educational courses, information talks and social events and outings.

An inaugural event to introduce Julie and the social club will be held in Kilcrohane on Wednesday, 24th June 2009. There will be food and music. Everybody is invited to come, join in the craic and find out more about the social centre.

Date: 24th June 2009

Time; 8pm

Venue: Kilcrohane Hall (alternative venue will be announced if re-roofing of hall has started).

Contact Julie if you would like to get more information about the Social Club or if you have any ideas or suggestions about it. Tel: O86 365 8323

 

 

Update on Muintir Bhaire Community Council Projects

 

The following is a summaiy of some of the main activities of yotir local Community Council over the last few months:

> An Easter Egg Hunt was held on Easter Sunday in tjbe Community Field after Mass in Kilcrohane. Almost fifty pre-school and primary school children ran throughout the field to find the hidden eggs and they were cheered on by a large group of parents. The sun shone and the event proved hugely enjoyable for all. Each child who participated went home with some eggs and the Community Council intend for it to become an annual event.

> Nine people completed the training course in the use of a defibrillator, which was held in Kilcrohane Hall on April 18th. There is a defibrillator on Ahakista Pier and we hope that our upcoming bake sale fundraiser will provide the remainder of the money needed to purchase one for Kilcrohane village.

> A walk was held on the May Bank Holiday weekend. There were two walks at different levels and a total of forty people took part. We would like to thank the local guides who lead the walks on what was a beautiful sunny day. A total of €670 was raised, half of which will be donated to Bantay Hospice.

> The Community Council would like to thank those who attended the meeting to raise awareness of the threat to emergency services at Bantry Hospital. This meeting was called at short notice and the Chairman of the Friends of Bantry Hospital provided information on the night. We would also like to thank those who as a result of this meeting went around their townlands to ensure that the petition to prevent the downgrading of Bantry Hospital was signed.

> The co-ordinator for the Senior Citizen's Social Club, Julie O' Neill from Castletownbere, commenced work on May 14th. She will be based at the Health Centre in Kilcrohane and a preliminary event will be held sometime in June before our summer recess.

> It is expected that the widening of the road at Dooneen Height will start in the next few weeks.

> The Blessed Well at Gouladoo will be cleared so that people can walk down to it and view it. The landowner has also offered to share his knowledge on the history surrounding the well with members of the Community Council. This is part of the on-going work to protect and raise awareness of local heritage sites.

> Plans have been drawn up for the completion of the renovation project at the Blackgate museum. Tenders will be sought from local contractors to carry out the renovation work. An application for funding will be made to West Cork Leader in the next few weeks. It is hoped that if the funding is approved work can begin this coming Autumn.

> A Beach Clean-up was held on April 25th last and the Community Council would like to sincerely thank all those who turned out to help despite the inclement weather. There were approximately 20 volunteers who met at Ahakista Pier ajid a further 12 in Kilcrohane. Approximately 90 bags of rubbish were collected from Brahalish west to Tra Ruaim including Gortnakilla in the North Side.

The Community Council urges everybody in the area to be responsible and respectful in how they dispose of their litter. We are very proud of the natural beauty of our locality. This pride is reinforced by the recent Destination of Excellence award. Therefore it is essential that we all work hard to ensure that our beaches and roadsides remain litter-free. We provide details on below of the recycling/dumping facilities that can be used in the area.

 

 

Local Recycling and Rubbish Facilities

Kilcrohane

Recycling facility for glass, food tins and drink cans are located above the Community Hall

Durrus

Glass recycling services are available in Durrus at the entrance to the Community Field.

Derryconnell Landfill Site (028 37048) Schull, Co. Cork

Mon - Fri: 9.00am - 5.00pm Sat: 9.00am - l.00pm

This facility takes cardboard, plastics, paper, glass, cans, batteries, all electrical items,

reusable clothing, cooking oil, engine oil, aerosols, empty gas cylinders, light bulbs,

fluorescent tubes, timber and scrap metal.

There is a €3 entry fee to use the facility and you can also dispose of bags of domestic rubbish

for €8 per bag. There is no weight limit on these bags.

Bantry Recycling Services (located in the car-park on the way towards the beach in Bantry Town)

Mondays and Fridays - 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

They take paper and cardboard as well as plastics, which must be sorted separately. You can also recycle bottles and cans at this facility.

 

 

Ahakista Festival 30th July to 4th August 2009

 

The planned programme includes the following:

* Thurs, 30th July: €1000 bingo in Marquee

* Fri, 31st July: Monster Table Quiz

* Sat, 1st Aug: Sheep's Head Way Guided Walk, Kids day.

* Sat, 1st Aug: Presentation of Person of the Year Award. Music with the Whiskey Jacks

* Sun 2nd Aug: Regatta, Side shows. Music that night by Badhrams and Amaddns. Raffle results will be announced..

* Mon, 3rd Aug: Fishing Competition

•Tues, 4th Aug: Progressive 45 Card Drive

Check out www.ahakista.org for up dates about the Festival.

The Nomination Papers for the Person of the Year Award will be available soon. So start thinking about the person you would like to nominate for this award.

Volunteers to help out on the Sunday of the Festival would be appreciated. Please contact Deirdre O'Brien on 086 8630624.

 

 

Durrus Carnival 9th - 12th July 2009

 

The following events will take place:

Thurs, 9th July: Cards

Fri, 10th July: Bingo in the Community Hall

Sat, 11th July: Family day & inter pub soccer

Sun, 12th July: Events in Community Field Rubbicon playing on the street that night

MacFaddens fun fair all weekend

 

 

Kilcrohane Carnival 17th - 19th July

 

17th July: Children's sports evening in Community Field; Street races in village.

18th July: Duck Race & Final of BowlingCompetition.

19th July: Fancy Dress Parade starting at 2pm, Field Events, Wheel of Fortune, Tug of War etc.

 

 

Sciath na Scol Champions

 

Congratulations to the children of Rusnacaharra National School who won in the Sciath na Scol inter-school football competition. The final was played in Ballineen on 28th May. Rusnacaharra N.S.played Inchiclough N,S. and won. The final score was Rusnacaharra N.S. 3-7 and Inchiclough 3-3. Well done to all involved!

 

 

Sheep's Head Wins Major European Award

 

Sheep's Head has been awarded the title of European Destination of Excellence - Tourism and Protected Areas. The competition is funded and organised by Failte Ireland with support from the European Union. This is a really positive development for the area and we would like to congratulate all those involved in promoting the area.

The competition was designed for destinations that have developed the tourism potential of their protected areas in a sustainable manner. Sheep's Head faced stiff competition from the other four finalists - Ballyhoura in Counties Limerick and Cork, Slieve League in South Donegal, Erris in North West Mayo and the Greenbox in the North West (including Leitrim, parts of Cavan, Sligo, Donegal and Monaghan).

The adjudicators were particularly impressed with the energy and enthusiasm of the local groups and the variety of protected areas that were promoted. Mary Stack, Environment Officer at Failte Ireland believes that the Sheep's Head is a worthy winner - "The community knowledge, promotion and upholding of their local area was considered outstanding, and in the end led to success for Sheep's Head in this competition

She continued

"An inextricable link between tourism and the protected areas was demonstrated during the site visit to the Peninsula, and it is obvious that tourism has been developed both upon and with full consideration of the sensitivities of these protected areas. The local natural assets of the area have been presented as an integral part of local tourism."

As this year's winner, the area will receive an additional boost to the ongoing effort to attract visitors. Sheep's Head will be the subject of a specially commissioned photo shoot and the local committee will receive €5,000 for business development support initiatives as well as a certificate of achievement from Failte Ireland. In addition, the EU will provide international promotion of Sheep's Head, e-marketing opportunities and participation in an EU network of European Destinations of Excellence which will also raise the profile of the destination.

A national awards ceremony will be held by Failte Ireland during June where Sheep's Head will be formally presented with their award.

 

 

 

Defibrillator Group

 

A meeting will be held in Kilcrohane Hall on Monday, 8th June to establish a local defibrillator group. The meeting will commence at 8pm.

Everybody who participated in the training, which took place on 18th April as well as anybody who is interested in taking part in future training is invited to attend'

Due to our geographical location and threats to our local hospital in Bantry, it is important as a community that we put local initiatives in place to have an effective defibrillator group set up and running as soon as possible.

 

 

 

Garden Open Days

 

21st June: Open day at Eugene & Hazel Wiseman's Garden, Cois Abhainn in Durrus. Proceeds are for the Durrus Playgroup and the Durrus Defibrillator Group. The garden will be open from 2pm- 5.30pm

28th June: Open day at Bob & Mary Walsh's Garden, Cois Cuain, Kilcrohane in aid of St Joseph's Ward in Bantry General Hospital, The garden will be open from 10am -5pm.

 

 

Annual Garden Fete

The annual Garden Fete at St James's Rectory in Durrus, will be held on Wednesday, 12th August.

Further details will be announced nearer the time.

 

 

National Water Safety Courses at Kilcrohane Pier from 27th July - 1st August 2009

If you are interested in taking part in learning to swim or in learning life saving skills you should sign up for the National Water Safety Course which will take place in Kilcrohane at the end of July.

Contact Ann McCarthy at 027 67035 to book a place.

 

 

Good luck to all the local students sitting their Junior & Leaving Cert Examinations

 

 

 

Muintir Bhaire Newsletter

Produced by Muintir Bhaire Community Council Ltd

Issue 12 June/July/August 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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