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Margaret Cushen News Correspondent Carlow People
31 Dec. 2007 Bagenalstown Review of the Year 2007 JANUARY 2007 Street Name change Christmas Card Competition. All Star Awards Retired FEBRUARY 2007. Traffic Plan School Reunion Civic Receptions BEAM winners Kiri wins gold again Presentation to Home Care Team MARCH Polish Information Evening Centenary trip Plaque to honour late local historian APRIL Wheelchair friendly picnic table Graduation Win for Danny MAY Grant application for McGrath Park Concert for St. Lukes Oncology Unit School’s Golden Jubilee Gold medal winner BEAM goes green Plaque unveiling JUNE Martin a very popular choice The award went to Martin for his commitment to the young people of this area through his work as a Scout Leader with Bagenalstown Scouts Idrone 2nd Carlow, where he generously gives his time, energy and expertise to the young boys and girls in the organization. Martin is also very involved with young people through his involvement as Chairman of Our Lady, Queen of the Universe, N.S. Martin is a native of Wexford and has served as a member of the Police Force in Muine Bheag for 21 years. As our Garda Sgt Martin carries out his work in a professional, very fair and caring way. He is held in high esteem and greatly respected by his fellow officers and the community as a whole as a person of the highest integrity who offers his expertise and energy wherever he sees a need Engaged Appointments Alan Price, Regent Street, was co-opted to the seat on Carlow County Council left vacant by the election of Mary White to the Dail. JULY Historical group visit town Twin town projects Fifteen people from the Bagenalstown area spent five days in Pont-Pean earlier this year as part of the twinning exchange between the two towns. As on previous visits the warmth and hospitality of the French twinning committee and host families was overwhelming.The group visited Rennes, the capital of Brittany, schools in the area AUGUST River Festival Extension of train service New Road Safety Group Appointment OCTOBER Town Centre Plan There was a lively contribution from the large crowd in attendance. Everybody saw the lack of parking spaces and congestion as a major problem and felt that the business centre was in need of some injection of capital and initiative. Feedback from the meeting would be included in the Draft Plan which will come back to another public meeting before the end of the year. Suzanne collects her degree NOVEMBER Alex recovers from tragic accident DECEMBER Local artist represents Ireland. World Youth Day December 24th, 2007. Red Devils The club continues to go from strength to strength with new members joining daily. Club membership is still open. Membership fees are €10 per adult and €5 per juvenile. Users can request a membership form online from our club website www.bagenalstownreddevils.com or email info@bagenalstownreddevils.com or by contacting Con Murphy on 087-0508652. Those wishing to travel to a game in the New Year should contact Con Murphy at the above number as soon as possible as tickets are limited. €100 deposit secures your place. The committee would like to wish all their members a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. Showband Revival The legendary Indians Showband will be on stage at the Bagenal on Wed. Jan, 2nd with another legend, Tony Stevens & the Rusty Roosters on Wed. Jan. 9th, followed by the great new sound of Thomas Maguire & Fiona Ennis on Wed, Jan. 16th. Declan Nurney & his Band are on stage on Wed. Jan. 23rd, and new kid on the block, Stephen Smith & His Band complete the January diary. Also coming to the Bagenal are big names Jimmy Buckley, Robert Mizzell and many more. Admission to the big bands is only €12 and €15 for some of the high profile bands. Social dancers are also catered for with some of the top one and two piece bands on stage when the cover charge is only €7. Doors are open at 9 p.m. each Wednesday and bands are on stage at approx. 10 p.m. MS Ireland Awards Night
Tuesday Dec 18th, 2007. Carol Service Trip to Africa Our next flight will take us to one of the most beautiful and inexpensive cities in the World - Cape Town, lying between Table Mountain and the ocean with its world famous landmark, Robben Island, a world Heritage Site - formerly a prison, leper colony and long time home to Nelson Mandela and many other political prisoners of the SA Apartheid Government - now the most important heritage site in SA. We will take a cable car to the summit of Table Mountain for magnificent views of Cape Town. Pathways lead to view sites over the whole Peninsula Other attractions include a visit to a township on the outskirts of the city, a morning or afternoon in a wineland, i.e. Stellenbasch or Constantia. The famous Victoria and Albert Waterfront is a must for tourists, shops and beautiful restaurants reflecting the multicultural history of Cape Town. The drive from Cape Town around the peninsula along False Bay coastline to Cape Point and back along the Atlantic Coast by Hout Bay is one of the most spectacular drives in the world. Country Market Bingo Supporters’ Club Sponsored Christmas Day Swim/Walk Christmas reading Party Night 11th December, 2007 Bagenalstown Notes Tuesday 4th Dec. 2007.Bagenalstown News Good wishes Saturday night last I went to “Like Winter Waiting” a concert of Christmas carols, hymns, narrative and music in St. Andrew’s Parish Church, Bagenalstown. It was Opening Day Bagenalstown Notes - Tues. Nov. 27th 2007 Gold Medal Recipient (see photos) Paul Minchin our hero Christmas Concert It wll celebrate the anticipation of Christmas with humour, poignancy and joy. The evening will feature Cormiosa Chamber Choir from Carlow, under the direction of Marian Gaynor. This versatile choir has performed to great acclaim in the Éigse Festival, Carlow and in the Parade Tower in Kilkenny Castle. In December 2006, they recorded “Christmas Song” with Liam Lawton, culminating with appearances on the Late Late Show, and in concert with him at The National Concert Hall. More recently they guested with Paddy Cole in the National Concert Hall to great acclaim. Guest soloist will be our own Baritone - Howard Reddy, Soprano-Suzanne Dunne, Soprano-Karen Kelly all from Carlow. Orchestral accompanists will be Maeve Lyons-piano; Ollie Hennessy-keyboard; Ger Moloney-accordion; Ann Cullen-violin; Ciarán Somers uilleann pipes/flute; and Paidrigín Caesar-Harp. Nuala Kelly (Foley) will compére the evening with a unique mix of narration, poetry and drama. The programme will have a Celtic flavour to it with arrangements for such seasonal favourites as Ding Dong Merrily on High; Oiche Chuin (Silent Night) and Winter, Fire and Snow. This is an ideal night to really get into the Christmas spirit. Why not get a group of friends together and be entertained in a special way in St. Andrew’s Church. Guitar Lessons Official Opening St. Patrick Day Parade Table Quiz Calendar Launch Monster Christmas Auction Liverpool Supporters’ Club Bereavement Support Group Carlow People November 13th and 20th 2007 from Tunisia Tunisia (Part 1) This week I am writing from Port El Kantoui, Suisse, on the east coast of Tunisia, which has guaranteed sun, even in November, with low prices and friendly people. The fact that many people return to this country, year after year, is a great recommendation, many in our group were going for the fourth and fifth time. At the airport, in the hotel and on the streets, we are greeted with smiles and friendly words of welcome, such as “bienvenue”, “welcome”, “ thank you for visiting my country” and “asleema”. Tourists are honoured guests in Tunisia as tourism is very important to the economy and people are treated with great courtesy everywhere. Tunisia is the northernmost country in Africa and similar in size to England and Wales, with a population of ten million. The first language is Arabic, followed by French and English. Children speak Arabic as their mother tongue, but by their teens are fluent in French and frequently go on to fluency in German, Italian, or apparently any other language tourism requires. In the west the country’s neighbour is Algeria with the Atlas Mountains dividing the two countries. The Sahara Desert covers over half of the surface area of Tunisia. We are staying for two weeks in the El Mouradi Hotel on the beach, and this stretch of coast is lined with top class hotels, offering fantastic value for money, especially from November through to March. Our trip was arranged through a group in Tullow, led by Margaret Ronan, and the value for money is unbelievable. For approx. €690 we have an all inclusive two weeks holiday, transport to Dublin Airport, flight to Monastir just above Suisse, transport from airport to our four star hotel and the same on our return. The El Mouradi Hotel has everything you need for a great holiday; beautiful grounds and gardens, located on the beach, indoor pool, two large outdoor swimming pools, children’s pool, evening entertainment for adults and children, fitness, massages, beauty treatments, hairdresser and a shop with everything you may have forgotten. There is also an on-call nurse with access to a doctor if necessary. I am not really interested in sun-only holidays and thought there would be little to do apart from resting by the pool, walking on the beach, or swimming in the crystal clear Mediterranean. How wrong I was, there are lots of interesting things to do and to see most of them you would need to spend two weeks here. We noticed posters and pictures of the President everywhere, in the airport, public buildings, streets, most shops and homes. The country is an independent republic, headed by President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali, and November 7th is a day of celebrations in Tunisia as it marks 20 years since the accession of the President, who rules for his entire life. From what I read about President Ben Ali before I left home, he is a very good President and highly respected internationally as he advocates tolerance and dialogue between nations. The country is an independent republic, headed by the President. Tunisia gained its independence in 1956 and the first President, Bourguiba, denounced the second class status of women as a debt of conscience to his mother and since that time women have equal rights with men and are free to pursue careers. Women are also free to dress as they please, in jeans or whatever they like. Equal here is not exactly as we know it. When women return home after a day’s work they are obliged to do all the household chores while the men meet their male friends in or outside cafes for a chat. When young Tunisian women get married (one wife only in this country) they usually stay at home when babies arrive, to take care of them. Boys are considered great blessings and parents lavish love and attention on them. As we travelled through the countryside we noticed in every town and village men sitting in cafes with not a woman in sight. No pubs or bookmakers, smoking is an all-time favourite with men and is allowed everywhere (no smoking ban here with the exception of in the mosques). There are no traffic lights or road signs that we could see, but plenty of roundabouts which work very well as traffic runs smoothly and the majority of drivers are good humoured and mannerly. Islam is the religion of 98% of the population and the religion of the State, according to the Constitution. The State assumes the role of the protector of the Islamic faith in the country and it also assumes a similar role for the small minority of Jews and Christians whose rights to religious freedom and practice are guaranteed in Tunisia. Mosques are being built in Tunisia in greater numbers than hotels and are better attended by young people than churches in Christian countries. Young men in the bazaars will banter and barter with tourists but come Ramadhan they fast, almost one and all, as Islam protects them from the supposed corruption of tourism. Tunisia has no alcohol or drugs problems and it is a very safe and friendly country. The day after our arrival our tour representative gave us lots of useful information and advice regarding excursions outside the area. We first signed up for the Medina Ramble – a guided tour through the Medina, the old city behind the walls. We were guided through narrow streets where the Souks offer a wide selection of unsurpassed traditional arts and crafts in silver, hand carved olive wood, lamps, leather work, the list of endless. We were met on all sides by these merchants encouraging us to stop and examine their merchandise. Everything is cheap and bargaining is a must. If interested in anything, ask the price, offer half, and move up a bit if you want it. If you look disinterested and move on, the seller will usually follow you, accepting your offer. If you prefer to browse in peace, find one of the official quality and price controlled handcraft shops which are very reasonable. But with a sharp eye, nerves of steel and a sense of humour the Medina is an unforgettable experience. We weaved through the spices and exotic fruits section and through an alley with live chickens (which local people buy). The Souk had a knife in his hand ready to cut off the chicken’s head to assure the buyer that they are getting a fresh product. To be contd. Carlow People Bagenalstown Notes for Nov. 20th Ten minutes by taxi from our hotel brought us into the beautiful city of Suisse. I noticed many two-storey residential apartments blending in with traditional buildings as they observed the same architectural style, making them very pleasing to the eye. Irish taxpayers’ money would be well spent on sending County Councillors to look at apartment buildings in Tunisia! Tunisian money is a closed currency; it must be bought when you enter the country and changed back into euro at an airport bank on the way out as it is illegal to take it out of the country. The exchange rate is fixed by the government on a daily basis. During our stay one euro was worth 1.7 dinar. Hotels have bureau de change open most of every day. The standard of living continues to rise for the Tunisian people with over 60% of the population living in urban areas. Life expectancy here has risen to 76 years and the average size of family is 4.53!! Over 93% have access to drinking water, electricity, radio, television and fridges, about 50% have mobile phones and 17% own cars. Tunisia has a public and private hospital and health infrastructure which enables cover to all parts of the country.Over 99% of girls are enrolled in school at the age of six. Women make up nearly one quarter of the working population; seven members of government are women, more than 10,000 are heads of businesses and women also constitute 27% of judges, 31% of lawyers, 42% of the medical profession, 72% of chemists and 34% of journalists, a great achievement for women; until Independence, Tunisia was still The Land of the Veil when women had to keep their face and everything else covered from birth to death, were rarely educated, had their husbands chosen for them, often sharing him with two or three other wives, could not vote or get a divorce. Major international film companies are making films in Tunisia, with its changing landscapes, notably The English Patient and Star Wars. Toilet paper is a scarce commodity in rural areas but this problem is taken care of by a local man or woman standing at the entrance handing you a piece of toilet paper as you enter! A small tip is appreciated as these people are poor. One of the highlights of our trip was a two day safari to the Sahara Desert, an unforgettable experience. All excursions are optional extras but well worth the money. Our tour guide, Habib, was full of interesting information about Tunisia and its history and the places we visited on our journey. He could speak several languages (like most people working in the tourist industry) and was a university graduate. I had a vision of going miles into the desert on a camel’s back and sleeping in a tent among the sand dunes, once again I was wrong. We left our hotel at 6.10 a.m. for the seven to eight hours journey by coach, south to the Sahara. Our first stop was 68 km down the road to El-Jem, the location of the world’s sixth largest amphitheatre (which could seat 30,000 people) where the Christian martyrs and gladiators were brought out to fight and die. It is amazing to think that these enormous Roman structures were built by hand 230 years before the birth of Christ. In all, Tunisia has 200 Roman architectural sites. Olive groves lined the fields on both sides of the road mile after mile. As we travelled further south, subtle changes became apparent, the land became sparse and took on shades of ochre. There were less olive groves and we could see the jagged peaks of the Atlas Mountains on the horizon. After a long journey we arrived at Matmata, a small village, which is a well known tourist attraction. This is an extraordinary place as some of the local Berber residents live in traditional underground structures, the story being that in ancient times the people of the region had to leave their homes and dig caves in the ground to escape from invaders. These structures, typical for the village, are created by digging a large pit in the mountain’s sandstone. Around the edge of the pit artificial caves are dug for use as rooms. We visited one of the Berber cave homes with whitewashed entrances which led to a courtyard; we were welcomed by the family (as all tourists are). Surprised to see that the rooms were furnished, with running water (from a nearby well) and have electricity and television! This type of home was made famous by serving as the location of the Lars family and Luke Skywalker, for the first Star Wars film. A further 410 km south from El Jem we reached Douz, known as the Gateway to the Sahara and we had our first sight of the Sahara Desert. The area was full of Bedouins (many of whom live in the village and travel in camel caravans into the desert for a week or two) and camels, waiting to greet tourists. Actually, these animals are dromedaries, not camels, as they have only one hump. Bedouin dress is de rigueur here, so suitably attired, we went a short way into the desert for a trip lasting about one hour. I must admit that, having taken a look at the camel, I chickened out at the last minute as I reckoned it would be a bumpy ride on his back and settled for a horse and carriage. The animals are owned by the Bedouins and usually live behind the family home in the village. The desert safari was an amazing experience and the highlight of our holiday. That night we stayed in a beautiful hotel, like an Egyptian palace, on the edge of the desert. We arose very early next morning to watch the sunrise over the Sahara, another unforgettable sight. Onwards to Gafsa, the first of the great date palm oases and a prehistoric site, with two Roman pools and an ancient reputation for weaving. Next stop was Chebika, an oasis in the mountains with the most spectacular Tozeur was another town on our itinerary, with its beautiful homes and buildings where the townspeople have taken the common sand-brick and worked it in bold geometric patterns on walls and buildings. The Holy City of Kairouan, (named for the number of mosques in the city) was our last stop before heading back to Port El Kantaoui. It is the most important holy centre in the Muslim world after Mecca, Medina in Saudi Arabia and Jerusalem. The Great Mosque in Kairouan is the oldest and most revered in Africa. In all we travelled approx. 1,200 km. during our two day safari. A day trip to Tunis had us on our way at 7.30 a.m. driving north by the city of Hammamet on the coast (known as the Tunisian St. Tropez). Once again olive groves dominated the landscape with sheep dotting some of the fields along the way. Each group of sheep had a “minder”, probably because the fields are not fenced in and the animals stroll on to the road. We were taken on a tour of the famous Bardo Museum in Tunis which has the largest collection of mosaics in the world. We visited the world famous remains of the Roman baths in Carthage on the outskirts of Tunis. I was a little disappointed as all traces of the ancient city of Carthage were gone except for the baths. The architecture in the country is mainly white; white houses and buildings with blue windows and doors, apparently white helps combat the heat and blue is an insect repellant; the only insects we saw were a few flies. An overall improvement in the economy has enabled building to become a national sport and I learned that the level of home ownership here is higher than in England. In every suburb and town there are ugly unfinished roughly plastered shops and homes. On enquiring why, I was told the Wages are poor in this country with no minimum wage or unemployment assistance. Due to the fact that the family unit is very important and strong, when a person becomes unemployed or sick they are cared for by other members of the family. I can now understand why so many people return to Tunisia with its friendly charming people, spectacular scenery, sunny weather and fine sandy beaches, There is so much to do and see and I would be very happy to go back. Our group trip of twenty three people was arranged by Elliott Travel, Baltinglass and led by Margaret Ronan, Tullow. Thanks to them for taking care of all our needs. Two elegant ladies, who will always be forever young, were the life and soul of the party. Marie Gillen and Lilian (affectionately known as Mick) O’Brien from Tinahealy.are long-time friends and love to travel. Their energy, sense of fun, zest for life and charisma endeared them to me and everyone in the group. Carlow People Bagenalstown Notes Nov 6th 2007 Good Wishes Homeopathy Course
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| 1st The Lads: | Shane McGrath, Kieran Cummins, John O’Rourke, Aaron Tuite |
| 2nd Lee Engineering | Murt McGrath, Stephen McGrath, Myles O’Riordan, Anthony “Diddzer” Elliott |
| 3rd Red Lion Pub | Sean Dillon, James Dillon, William Dillon, Thomas Byrne |
| 4th Coote’s Pub | John Gladney, John Kelly, Richard Kinsella, Charles Coote. |
| Final Ladies Raft Race | |
| 1st Life Guards | Margaret Kinsella, Sandra Minchin, Jenny O’Brien, Anne Marie Gardiner |
| 2nd Jimmy D’s Pub | Marie Geoghegan, Lorraine O’Rourke, Shelly Doyle, Christine Cody. |
| 3rd Red Lion Pub | Edel O’Rourke, Siobhan Murphy, Stephanie Elliott, Anna Elliott |
Air Corps helicopter
An Air Corps Alouette helicopter flew over the Festival Parade on Sunday and landed on the front lawn at the McGrath Hall where it was quickly surrounded by interested spectators. Pilot Lt. Sean McCarthy and Sgt. Red O’Keane from Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, were happy to explain the workings of the helicopter and answer questions. The Euro Chopper 135 cruises at a speed of 50 m.p.m. at an average height of 1,000 ft. over Ireland and if you would like one in your back yard it will set you back millions. The primary role of the Air Corps is in support of the Army, Naval Service and the government.. Air Corps helicopters are used as air ambulances responding to hospital emergencies, i.e. transporting seriously ill patients to Dublin hospitals; also for pilot training and for VIP use, Government etc.
Michael Hopkins’ Sarani Display and Indian Culture Week-end gave us a flavour of the beautiful art and crafts from the Indian continent.
The week-end provided entertainment for all the family, free barge trips, musical entertainment by the river, bungee jumping, fun fair, concerts in the McGrath Hall, fishing competition for the disabled, archery display, Dick Warner’s walk by the river, etc.
Congratulations to Jimmy D and his festival committee for their hard work before and during the week-end, to Padraig Cahill and the Civil Defence team, the stewards, Bagenalstown Branch of the Red Cross, and everybody who contributed in any way to the success of the 2007 River Festival. Matty Cowman, Director of Carlow Express Courier Services, kindly loaned one of his transporters for the committee’s use at the quayside..
Kilree Bridge
The long overdue bypass of the town was highlighted by Cllr. Denis Foley recently when an accident occurred on Kilree Bridge, a car coming from the Borris side was unable to negotiate the bridge and hit the wall on the right hand side, causing serious damage and dislodging some of the stones. Thankfully there was nobody on the bridge at the time or there could have been a fatal accident. Iarnroid Eireann, who owns the bridge was contacted by Carlow County Council and carried out immediate repairs. Pedestrians from Philip Street and Kilree, including elderly people and young mothers with buggies, must negotiate this dangerous narrow bridge on their way in and out of the town every day
“ I am actively pursuing, with other politicians, the bypass of the town which would relieve traffic congestion and take away heavy vehicular traffic coming from New Ross, Enniscorthy, etc. Finance for the bypass must come from central funds and hopefully the Minister for the Environment, Mr. John Gormley, will be coming to Carlow this year. Top of our agenda will be to ask him to bring forward funding for this project which is long overdue”. Cllr. Foley said that when he was first elected to the Town Council in l979 he was told by Council engineers that the bypass was in the 20 Year Plan but 28 years on not much progress has been made.
Following the recent accident on the bridge, Cllr. Foley asked the local engineer to erect signs at both sides of the bridge warning drivers to drive slowly as they are approaching a narrow dangerous bridge. These will be put in place shortly.
Outing to Wexford
Bus to St. David’s Well, Ballynaslaney on Sunday, August 19th, also taking in Sunday Markets and Rosslare Harbour. Booking essential. Contact Ms. Eithne Ryan 97-22004, B. Dunne 91 32392 or Ned Moran
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Tuesday 7th August 2007 Bagenalstown Notes
Outing to Wexford
A Wexford tour has been arranged for Sunday, August 12th, taking in St. David’s Blessed Well. This well has a widespread reputation for its curative powers and is known as the Lourdes of Wexford. The tour will also take in Drinagh Garden Centre and visit Rosslare Harbour. For details contact Mrs. Eithne Ryan on (059) 9722004.
Volunteers needed
The Carlow branch of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is looking for volunteers in the Bagenalstown area. Anybody interested can get in touch with Nicky Kealy, Chairman,
on 087 – 8147286 or Ann Dunne, PRO, on 087-9018753.
Trip to Old Trafford
The Bagenalstown Red Devils Manchester United Supporters Club will travel to Old Trafford on their first official club trip on Saturday 10th November to see Manchester United take on Blackburn. The club has been guaranteed 80 tickets for this game and places will be available to members only on a first come first served basis. As club membership now stands at almost 140 members it is imperative that members wishing to travel make their wishes known to Club Secretary, Con Murphy, on 087-0508652.
The total price of the trip is €229 per person and includes all travelling costs, one night hotel accommodation and match ticket. The pick up and drop off point will be Bagenalstown. To secure a place a deposit of €100 should be paid to the club before Friday 17th August. The balance must be paid within two weeks of departure date. For those unable to travel on this trip, a second trip is scheduled for the New Year.
Club membership is still open. Membership forms are available from the Red Lion Pub, Bagenalstown, or by contacting Con Murphy. Membership may also be downloaded from the club website www.geocities.com/bagenalstownreddevils.
Festival week-end
Don’t miss the River Festival in Bagenalstown this coming week-end which has a packed programme of events with non-stop entertainment from free music concerts by the riverside, free barge trips, mile swim river race, raft races, RDF display on Bachelor’s Walk, treasure hunt, hot air balloon trips, World War 11 Re-enactment, talent competition, fun fair, raft races, fishing competitions for the disabled, triathlon starting from Bagenalstown swimming pool, puppet shows, to bungee jumping, archery displays. Over the three days of the Festival there will be an arts and crafts display and tented village display on the quayside. Dick Warner, environmentalist and broadcaster will give a series of talks and walks by the riverside. On Saturday at 8 p.m. a Hymns of Praise Service will be held in St. Mary’s Church, Church Road. Michael Hopkins will present his Sarani and Indian Culture display daily.
Committee
The hardworking Festival Committee continues to build on its success over the last six years offering a week-end of fun and entertainment for all the family. Over the last several months they have generously given their free time to planning the coming week-end and hopefully the sun will shine on their efforts. The committee members are Chairman Jimmy Doyle, Vice-Chairman James Lakes, Treasurer Brian Sheill, Secretary Michael Lakes and PRO Ciara Monahan. Committee members Tom Byrne, Padraig Cahill, David Geoghegan, Hughie Hickey, Christy Kane, Paddy Kiely, Colette Lakes, Arthur McDonald, Tom McGrath, Cathal McSteen, Liam O’Brien, Lorna O’Brien, John O’Neill, Dermot Shaughnessy, Raymond Walshe
Raft Races
The annual Festival raft races draw huge crowds to the riverside to cheer on their favourite teams. and will take place this year over Festival week-end on 10th, 11th and 12th August
Bungee Jump
Anyone interested in taking part in the bungee jump this year on Sat. 11th August should contact Hughie Hickey on 086-0678714 for a sponsorship card.
Festival tickets
Tickets are now on sale for The Festival Factor on Thursday night, 9th August, in the McGrath Memorial Hall, at 7.30 p.m. priced at €10. Contact Ciara on (059) 9722524.
The Returning Emigrants’ Dinner Dance on Friday night, 10th August at 9 p.m. in the Lord Bagenal Inn, priced at €25. Contact Michael on 087-2675661.
The Mummers, followed by Dermot O’Leary and the Bards, on Sunday night, 12th August,
in the McGrath Memorial Hall, priced at €15. Contact Hughie on 086-0678714
All tickets may be purchased at the Festival Office in the old Credit Union building on High Street between 11 a. m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. or from any committee member.
Festival Radio
River Radio on 104.3 FM is now on air until midnight on August 12th with great music, and interesting programmes. Don’t forget to switch over to your local radio station
Festival of Dancing
commences Wednesday 1st August in the Lord Bagenal Hotel, Leighllinbridge. Put on your dancing shoes and dance to the music of Paddy O’Brien and his Band on Wed. 1st August; Wed. 8th Brendan Shine and his Band; Wed. 15th Monster Irish Night with Cupla; Wed. 22nd Jimmy Buckley and his Band and Wed. 29th Shaun Loughrey and his Band. Doors open at 9 p.m.
Pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick
on Saturday 8th September 2007. Croagh Patrick is Ireland’s Holy Mountain, a place of pilgrimage for over 1500 years. It is a difficult but very fulfilling pilgrimage. The pilgrimage and climb will take place on the Feast of Our Lady’s birthday. Mass will be celebrated on the summit of the mountain. A bus will leave from the Parish Church in Bagenalstown at 5 a.m. and will return at 10 p.m. Cost €20. If interested please contact the Parish Office at 97-21154 as soon as possible.
St. Padre Pio Glove
The St. Padre Pio Glove will be in the home of Ms. Betty Malone, Shinella, Rathdangan, Co. Kildare on 5th August from 11.3 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Everyone welcome. For more
Information phone Betty at (045) 525094.
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Tuesday 31 July 2007 Bagenalstown Notes
Festival Time
It’s that time of year again when Bagenalstown gears up for a week-end of fun and entertainment. The Bagenalstown River Festival will kick off on Thursday evening 9th August from 6 p.m. with a fun fair in Jordan’s Field on the Parade. The official opening will take place in the McGrath Hall at 7.30 p.m.
A new and exciting attraction this year will be “The Festival Factor” in the McGrath Hall directly after the official opening with doors open at 7.30 p.m... This talent show is Bagenalstown’s answer to “The X Factor” and will star representatives from Bagenalstown’s clubs or organisations who will perform to win €500 for their club. The prizewinner on the night will be decided by the audience, so in order to vote for your favourite club you have to attend the show. Tickets must be purchased before the event and are available from performers, or Ciara Monahan and James Lakes. There will be a raffle on the night. Judges: Tom “Simon” Dowling from KCLR 96FM, Esther “Sharon” Hayden from the Carlow People, Fr. Declan “Louis” Foley MC Edwina Grace from KCLR 96FM. If you would like to take part and help your club or organization to win €500 contact Ciara Monahan at 97-22524 as soon as possible as there a limited number of places available.
On Friday 10th August the fun fair will again open from 12 noon to midnight in Jordan’s Field. If you are interested in angling, don’t miss the Fishing Competition for the Disabled along the banks of the river from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This competition is sponsored by Waterways Ireland and the Lyons Family. There will be an archery display on Becher’s Hill at 4.30 p.m. From 6 p.m. onwards the activities will be based at the river and from 8 p.m. till late the Johnny Cash Tribute Band will provide the entertainment. The Returning Emigrants’ Dinner Dance will take place in the Lord Bagenal starting at 9 p.m.
Sasturday 11th August The Country Markets will be held in the Muine Bheag Community Centre on Church Road offering delicious home made fare and arts and crafts made by the talented ladies of the local ICA branch. The fun fair will once again entertain young and not so young in Jordan’s Field from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. A bungee jump was introduced last year for the first time and proved very popular with members of the public. This year it will be held on the quay side from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. From 4 p.m. onwards races will be held on the river and local bands will provide music. Hymns of Praise will be held in St. Mary’s Church, Church Road at 8 p.m. The evening will close with a concert by the river from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. featuring Abbaesque.
Sunday 12th August. The final day of the Festival will be packed with activities. The fun fair will open from 10 a.m. to midnight. 11 a.m. Treasure Hunt. At 12 noon all those taking part in the Parade will assemble and the Parade will start at 1 p.m. 1.30 p.m. will see a Re-Enactment of World War 11. 2.30 p.m. Hot Air Balloon trips. Well known environmentalist and broadcaster, Dick Warner, will take you on a walk and walk by the river at 2.30 p.m. A Triathlon from Bagenalstown Swimming Pool will begin at 2.30 p.m.
Ray Lynam will provide music by the river from 2.30 p.m. to 4 p.m.. The Mile Swim river race will be held at 3 p.m. followed by the Raft River Finals at 3.30 p.m. Music by the river will feature Pitch Black from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Scuba Dice from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Prize Giving ceremony at the quay side at 6 p.m.
The Festival will draw to a close with a Concert in the McGrath Hall featuring the Mummers followed by Dermot O’Leary and the Bards.
Every day during the Festival, in addition to the scheduled activities, free barge trips, sponsored by Waterways Ireland, will operate along the river, Arts and Crafts Displays on the quayside, Sarani Display and Indian Culture Week-end, Tented Village Display on the quayside, live local entertainment including puppet shows, RDF Display on Bachelor’s Walk and face painting for the children.
Every year the River Festival in August attracts thousands of visitors over the week-end and this year it will be bigger and better than ever providing the best of musical entertainment and attractions. Don’t miss it.
River Radio on 104.3 FM will broadcast from July 29th to midnight on Augusts 12th
with interesting programmes, interviews, music, your comments and requests. Don’t forget to switch over to your local radio station during the above dates.
Festival of Dancing
commences Wednesday 1st August in the Lord Bagenal Hotel, Leighllinbridge. Put on your dancing shoes and dance to the music of Paddy O’Brien and his Band on Wed. 1st August; Wed. 8th Brendan Shine and his Band; Wed. 15th Monster Irish Night with Cupla; Wed. 22nd Jimmy Buckley and his Band and Wed. 29th Shaun Loughrey and his Band. Doors open at 9 p.m.
Patchwork Theatre
The Patch Work Theatre Group (People with Special Needs) will meet at Graiguecullen Hall, Carlow on Saturday 4th August. There will be a bus from the Market Square, Bagenalstown, leaving at 10.30 a.m. and returning at 1.30 p.m. Further information from Mary at 056-4443021 or 085-7082274 or Claire at 085-7870373.
Public Meetings
Carlow LEADER Rural Development Company is holding Public Consultation seasons for the following groups as part of the LEADER planning process 2007-2013 in the Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow. All interested parties are welcome.
IFA, Macra na Feirme, ICMSA. Thursday 2nd August at 7.30 p.m.
Heritage Interest Groups Friday, 3rd August at 7.30 p.m.
Community Groups in CLAR areas Wed. 8th August at 7.30 p.m.
River Barrow Interest Groups Thurs. 9th August at 7.30 p.m.
For further details contact Clare O’Shea at (059) 97 20733.
St. Lazerian’s House
now recruiting for the FAS C.E. Scheme. FAS eligibility criteria applies. For further information contact FAS Placement Services on 059-91-42605
Golf Classic
Fenagh G.F.C. Gold Classic fundraiser will be held at Leinster Hills Golf Club, Fighting Cocks on Saturday 18th August. Cost for team €300 which covers team entry, tea/coffee on arrival and a meal. Prize Fund of €2,000. Team prizes 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th; Nearest pin and longest drive. Spot prizes. Support for this event will be very much appreciated.
Further details from John Smithers 97-27915, Ann Kavanagh 085-7559829, Agnes Canavan 086-1512893, Oliver Gavagan 086-8154813, Michael McCarthy 087-2583245.
Bagenalstown Swimming Club
Water Safety Week starts 13th August.
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July 24th 2007 Carlow People Bagenalstown Notes
Best wishes, Paul
Get well wishes to eighteen year old Paul Minchin, son of Peter and Margaret, Coolnacuppogue, who had a double lung transplant in the Mater Hospital recently, the first person in Ireland with cystic fibrosis to have this surgery. Paul is a much loved member of our community who, despite his illness, has a very positive attitude, great enthusiasm for life and a great sense of humour
You are in our thoughts and prayers, Paul.
Paul when he was about 10 years old with Danoli.
Carlow County Development Plan
Carlow County has now started the preparatory process for the new Carlow County Development Plan which must be finished within two years. The Council has a produced an explanatory brochure “A Guide to Having your Say” and invites submissions from the public under the following categories: Population and Housing; Enterprise and Employment; Education; Infrastructure; Towns and Villages; Transportation; Recreation, Tourism & the Arts; Health; Heritage and Rural Development. These issues are not exhaustive and the public is invited to raise other matters they consider relevant to the Plan. The Development Plan sets out a framework for the proper planning and sustainable development of the county over a six year from 2009–2015 It is set within a framework of national and regional policy. It includes development policies, development objectives, development guidelines, standards, in addition to the zoning of land. “The Guide to Having Your Say” states that the Development Plan is a blueprint for the planning and development of your area for the next six years, for example it sets out where roads, water, supplies, sewerage are to be provided and it zones land for particular purposes (housing, shopping, schools, factories. etc.)
All the categories are very important in the life of a community, particularly health and in the Health Category the Council asks 1. What health services should we provide in local centres?
2. What additional Health Centres and services should we provide in the county and where?
Town Cllr. Liam O’Brien stresses the importance of the public becoming involved and giving their views “ I feel it is an important opportunity for individuals and groups to have their say in the future direction of the county and the county’s towns and villages, whether it is in relation to roads, sports facilities or heritage. The current process allows individuals and organizations to make a valuable input to all our lives”.
Of particular interest to me are the completion of a relief road which will enhance economic growth and ease traffic congestion, and the development of our heritage sites at Ballymoon and Ballyloughan I raised these issues recently at Town Council level and once again at a County Council SPC meeting. I have also corresponded with relevant agencies and will continue to campaign on this issue until access to the sites has improved”.
To make your views heard send your submission to The Director of Services, Planning
Department, Carlow County Council, Athy Road, Carlow. You must have your submission in by Friday 3rd August 2007.
Pitch and Putt
There will be a strokeplay competition on Tuesday, 24th July, over 36 holes, open to all members. Registration begins at 6.30 p.m. with last cards at 7 p.m. There are prizes for nett and gross scored with a Lord Bagenal voucher and other prizes. A Juvenile Competition will be held on the same evening.
St. Lazerian’s House
now recruiting for the FAS C.E. Scheme. FAS eligibility criteria applies. For further information contact FAS Placement Services on 059-91-42605
Weight Watchers
every Thursday evening in St. Mary’s Hall, Church Road, Bagenalstown. Weight: 6 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Talk 6.30 p.m. to 7 p.m. For further information ring 059-97-227439.
Red Devils
Bagenalstown Red Devils, Manchester United Supporters’ Club will hold their next meeting on Monday 30th July at 8 p.m. in the Red Lion Lounge. The agenda will include proposed first trip to Old Trafford. Membersship fees due on the night, adults €10 and Under 18s €5. New members welcome. For more information contact Con on 087-0508652 or log onto www.geocities.com/bagenalstownreddevils for the latest club and Man. United news.
Whist Drive
in St. Mary’s Hall, Church Road, Bagenalstown, every Friday night during July.
New business
Good wishes to Paul Nigel Treacy from Kildavin who recently opened for business in Pump Street, Bagenalstown, specializing in vehicle graphics, shop front and general sign writing. He also offers X-Press Printing Service and can turn your photos into personalized gifts, also ceramic mugs, cotton tee shirts, baseball caps, teddy bears, etc. Further information from 059-97-20806.
Festival Radio
Bagenalstown Festival Radio Station will take to the air on July 29th until August 12th.
River FM 104.3 will be based in the Credit Union building on High Street. James Lakes,
Radio Co-ordinator said the idea for the radio came about so that people in the community and outside who would be unable to attend the Festival could get involved and be aware of what is going on. Programmes will start at 7.30 a.m. and run to midnight and will cover a radius of 20 miles.. The radio is supported by business firms in the community.. Anybody who would like to sponsor an event will be welcome to do so. The Outside Broadcast Unit will broadcast live from around the town, the Barrow track and also from the barge on the Barrow where free trips will be operating over the week-end. Roving reporter, John McDarby, is currently recording items for the radio around the town
On Thursday, 9th August, there will be a Talent Competition “ The Festival Factor”
in the McGrath Hall and representatives from the various clubs in the community will participate.
If anybody would like to get involved and work on the radio station, James Lakes would be happy to hear them and can be contacted at 087-8594 550.
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July 17th 2007 Carlow People Bagenalstown Notes
Open Afternoon
Gowran Abbey Nursing Home and Retirement Village invite you to an Open Afternoon on Sat. July 21st from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Refreshments served with face painting for children. All welcome.
Getting to Know You
The sun shone brightly over Regent Street on Saturday, when nearly 50 Bagenalstown residents sat and chatted over coffee and cake in the BEAM Centre gardens. This convivial event was hosted by the Bagenalstown Environmental Association as part of national “Know Your Neighbour Weekend”.
It’s a sad reality of modern Ireland that as we all become busier and more tied up with our own lives, the concept of community has declined and many of us may not have the chance to know our very own neighbours. This is especially true of Bagenalstown as it expands so rapidly. The purpose of Saturday’s initiative was to present an opportunity where people, many of whom had never met, could introduce themselves. They also got to visit the BEAM Centre café, see the marvellous facility and get a sense of the huge range of activities run by its dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
BEA chairman Kieran Lyons was delighted with the turnout. He joked that the committee had been storming heaven with prayers for good weather, and was especially thankful to everyone who attended, gave raffle prizes and helped to raise well-deserved funs for BEAM. With donations still coming in, the final proceeds of the event will exceed €500. And, on foot of its success, the BEA will organise a garden party later in the summer. Well done to all involved.
BEA chairman Kieran Lyons presenting the proceeds of Saturday's "Know Your Neighbour" coffee morning in BEAM Regent Street to John Murphy, Anne McDonnell and Catherine Quirke.
New Road Safety Initiative
At the recent inaugural meeting of the Road Safety Together Committee Cllr. Denis Foley was appointed Chairman. The committee has broad representation, Tom O’Neill, Carlow Town Council; John McDarby, Road Safety Officer with Carlow County Council; Liam Fitzgerald, Senior Engineer, Carlow Co. Council; Sgt. Joe Ellard, Traffic Corps; Ms. Margaret Farrell, Home School Liaison Officer with St. Leo’s College, Carlow, representing educational interests; Ms. Olive Fanning, Health Service Executive, Ms. Kirstin Sullivan, National Roads Authority, and Martin Heffernan, Road Safety Authority. Peter Monahan, Consulting Engineer attended the first meeting.
The committee will draw up a Draft Plan on Road Safety for County Carlow for 2007-2012 .and will meet every two months. It will have a broad range of responsibilities and a mandate to reduce the number of deaths and injuries as a result of road traffic accidents.
Cllr. Foley said that within County Carlow 19 people have died in road traffic accidents in the period 2004 to 2006 inclusive, an overage of over six per year. In addition over 623 people were injured in the same period and compared with 47,000 nationally, only two people suffered injuries this year in Co. Carlow. According to Garda statistics, the most dangerous roads in the county are from Carlow to Leighlinbridge and Carlow to Kildavin with many accidents on these roads.
The committee will meet every two months and will have a broad range of responsibilities and a mandate to reduce the number of deaths and injuries as a result of road traffic accidents and in this survey will focus their attention on three areas:
Education and awareness To educate people of all ages, particularly children, to the dangers on the road and to promote awareness and an understanding of road safety issues.
Engineering: Engineers from Carlow County Council will keep regular checks on road problems, i.e. bad bends, repairs needed to roads and bridges etc.
Enforcement Gardai will strictly enforce the law in relation to the wearing of safety
belts, front and back with speeding set to become a major issue. They will crack down on speeding in rural areas and the Traffic Corps will be on the back roads as well as the main roads.
Red Devils
On Monday 9th July the inaugural meeting of Bagenalstown Manchester United Supporters Club was held in the Red Lion Lounge. The meeting attracted a huge number which resulted in almost 100 people signing up to the club. The following committee was elected: Chairman Dan Doyle; Vice-Chairman Liam Somers; Secretary Con Murphy;
Treasurers Michael Maher and Declan Salter: Committee M. Monaghan, M. O’Brien, R. Darcy, K. Halligan, E. Monaghan, P. Gardiner, P. Kelly, S. Murphy, D. Rea, G. Phelan, S. Maher, O. Campion, M. Salter, M.J. Egan, B. Murphy, and K. Maher.
Membership is open to all Man. Utd. fans. Membership €10 for adults and 5 for juveniles. These can b paid at the next meeting (date and time to be announced) or by enclosing your name, address and fee in a sealed envelope to the Red Lion., Barrett Street, Bagenalstown or contact ~Con at 087-0508652.
Archaeologists visit local area
Sixty members of the Kildare Archaeological Society visited the Bagenalstown area on Sunday 8th July. They were welcomed by Ms. Eileen O’Rourke, CEO Carlow Tourism and Cllr. Denis Foley, member of the Board of Carlow Tourism. Their first stop was at
Dunleckney Manor where they had a picnic in the grounds by courtesy of Derek and Mrs. Helen Sheane, followed by a tour and a talk on the restoration of this magnificent Tudor Gothic Revival house, which was home to the Bagenal family for almost three centuries.
They next visited Ballymoon Castle, once home to the Carew family, built around the turn of the 13th century, an important historical site due to its unique architectural layout.
The group then travelled to Old Leighlin to see the 13th century St. Lazerian’s Cathedral, one of the foremost monastic houses in Leinster. The evening concluded with supper in
The Lord Bagenal Inn, Leighlinbridge.
Cllr. Foley expressed his thanks to Mr. Jim Byrne, Burnside Engineering for allowing the visitors to use his car park, Mr. Eddie Kinsella who acted as guide at Ballymoon
Castle, Mr. Paul Sheill, on whose land Ballymoon Castle is located, for allowing access across his land, to Mr. Padraig Cahill and Mr. Dan Sullivan from Muine Bheag Civil Defence who provided stewarding and helped with transportation.
In summarising Cllr. Foley said “ Ballymoon Castle, and Ballyloughan Castle have enormous tourist potential as mediaeval buildings which we are not capitalizing on. The Office of Public Works has responsibility for the ownership, maintenance and upkeep of the majority of historic sites in the country and the OPD, in consultation with the landowners, should make easier access for tourists to visit these very important sites,. which would bring increased tourist revenue to the local
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For July 10th 2007 Carlow People Bagenalstown Notes
Festival of Dancing
August Festival of Dancing 2007, every Wednesday in the Lord Bagenal Hotel, Leighlinbridge featuring Wed. 1st Paddy O’Brien and his Band; Wed. 8th Brendan Shine and his Band: Wed. 15th Monster Irish Night with Cupla; Wed. 22nd Jimmy Buckley and his Band and Wed. 29th Shaun Loughrey and his Band. Doors open at 9 p.m.
Book Launch
The upcoming launch of a book of Original Poems and Songs of Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford,, including 500 old photographs some a century old, will take place in the
Dolmen Hotel, Carlow on a night to be announced. The author is Bagenalstown resident, Luke Morrissey. The book will be launched by Johnny McGovern, a former hurling star with Kilkenny’s l957 winning team.
August Festival
If you are free throughout the week-end of 9th 12th August and are willing to contribute to the running of the Festival please contact any committee member of Bagenalstown Festivals Ltd. with the time that you are prepared to offer to help run the events over the Festival week-end. So, if you are male or female, a good worker, helpful and friendly the committee would very much appreciate any help you can give them.
Coffee Morning
As part of “Get to Know your Neighbourhood Week-end” the Bagenalstown Environmental Association is holding a gourmet coffee morning in the BEAM Centre on Regent Street, Bagenalstown on Saturday 14th July. Proceedings kick off from 11 a.m. with donations accepted at the door. A raffle will conclude the proceedings. All proceeds will go to BEAM.
Summer Camp
Bagenalstown Family Resource Centre has some places available in their Summer Camp for children aged 7-9 years and 10-12 years. The camp will run for three weeks from Monday 9th July until Thursday 26th July. Cost per week €30 per child. Fur further information contact Marie on 085-1605885 or Catherine on 085-1473196.
Annual Field Day
Sacred Heart Hospital, Carlow will hold their annual Field Day on Saturday 14th July from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m in the hospital grounds. Book sale, bottle stall, cake sale, bric-a-brac, and lots more. Contributions welcome and these may be left in at reception.
Pilgrimages
There will be a bus going to Edenderry and Daingean to visit the grave of Fr. Mullen (healing priest) on Sunday, July 15th. Franciscan Pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Island, Sunday July 29th and to Knock Shrine on Monday, August 13th. Intercession for priests with Fr. Kevin Scallon and Sr. Briege McKenna. Contact Eithne Ryan at 97-22004, B. Dunne at 91 32392 or N. Moran.
Volunteer needed
BEAM is looking for someone to volunteer as a bus escort for the month of July and last two weeks in August. It is for four hours a day from Monday to Wednesday each week. If you have some spare time on your hands and would like to help out please contact Olive Keating, Manager, BEAM Services, Regent Street, Bagenalstown at 059-97-23504/05l.
Visitors from Pont-Pean
A group of 15 students and leaders from our twinned town, Pont-Pean in Brittany is presently visiting the town. They arrived here late on Thursday 5th July and were welcomed by Bernie Brennan, Chairperson of Muine Bheag Twinning Committee, committee members and host families. In addition to an environmental project an interesting and varied programme of events has been organised for the visitors. On Friday morning they arrived at the library for an introduction to the restoration project in the McGrath Sports Grounds, followed by coffee and a walk around the town.
On Friday afternoon, the twinning committee, in conjunction with the Communicating Europe Initiative, held a Youth Seminar in Muine Bheag Library which the French visitors and local young people participated in. Before the seminar the students enjoyed an information quiz on Europe and were presented with certificates of participation. The seminar was introduced by Bernie Brennan, Chairperson Muine Bheag Town Twinnng and Jean Christophe Decourcelle, President Pont Pean Town Twinning and was opened by Cllr. Tom Dermody, Vice Cathaoirleach of Muine Bheag Town Council. Speakers were Mary White, Deputy Leader of the Green Party and newly elected member of the Dail and Malcolm Byrne from the European Initiative. Deputy White told the students that she is also a member of the South East River Barrow District Council whose job it is to make sure that drinking water in taps, towns and farms is clean and without any pollution. She said that according to an EU Directive, by 2015 we have to ensure that our waters are of good quality and people can drink them without getting sick. She also mentioned that Ireland’s agricultural produce has white status which means it is of the highest quality and can be exported to any country in the world.
Deputy White referred to the publication of a book back in the 1960s “The Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson, which alerted a large audience to the environmental and human dangers of pesticides and sparked environmental awareness across Europe. “During these early days”. she said, “ we saw the first large oil spills from super tankers but also the founding of the first international environmental NGO – the World Wildlife Fund “
Mr.Byrne spoke about the importance of the European Union and the difference it makes to our lives, both in Ireland and Pont-Pean. He said that the 27 member countries, (two joined recently, Bulgaria and Romania), made up of small countries like Ireland and big countries like France, form the European Union. With 500 million people living in a single European country it is the biggest market in the world. He told the young people that at the end of World War 11, governments decided to come together to prevent further wars and look at shared visions and challenges. France had already endured three wars and Europe had lost 50 or 60 million to these wars. In l957 six countries came together to avoid the horrors of war in future, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg. These were known as the European Economic Community and it branched out from there.
He said that the benefits of being a member of the Community include easier travel around Europe, no barriers to working or studying in a member state and a common currency.. Many student exchanges are funded by the EU. At present the EU is working on reducing mobile phone charges across Europe.
A question and answer session brought the seminar to an end and it concluded with refreshments. The seminar was educational and interesting and explained the workings of the EU in an informal and easy to understand way, thanks to Deputy White and Malcolm Byrne. .
Following dinner in the Community Centre the French students were presented with an Irish flute by the Irish twinning committee and were given music lessons by talented musicians Jim Nolan and Scott. The evening rounded off with John Sheehan providing musical entertainment. The visit continues until the morning of Thursday 12th July.
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July 3rd.Carlow People Bagenalstown Note
Swimming Lessons
Children’s lessons are held on 1st and 3rd week in July at 6-7 p. m. daily. Lifesaving classes for beginners through to advanced are held 2nd and 3rd week in August from 11 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. daily. Further information from Mary Foster at 97-22180.
Concert in Borris House
Airnean sa Ghairdin. A concert of traditional music will take place in Borris House on Sunday 8th July at 7.30 p.m. featuring Siobhan Armstrong (harpist), Roisin Elsafy (Sean-Nos singer), Seosamh O Neachtain (Sean-Nos dancer) and Jimmy Spruhan and friends. Tickets €25 available form Vinny Lambe at 97-21104.
Concert
Carlow Choral Society presents ‘Chichester Psalms” by Leonard Bernstein and “Mass of the Children” by John Rutter, with the Dyfed Choir (Wales), Carlow Choral Society and Orchestra of St. Cecilia, in Carlow Cathedral on Saturday 7thy July at 8 p.m. Tickets €20/ €18. Booking at 086-2448718, 087-6639581 or at the door.
Pilgrimage to Knock
The Oblate Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine takes place on Saturday 14th July. For information contact Eithne Ryan on 97-22004.
Fine Gael A.G.M.
Bagenalstown Branch Fine Gael will hold their annual Church Gate Collection on Sat. July 7th
and Sun. July 8th 2007.
Bagenalstown Swimming Pool
We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the men and women of Bagenalstown who started the Swimming Club in l947, gave generously and willingly of their time fundraising to provide a swimming pool (now one of the finest in the country), worked with picks and shovels to help build it, taught the children of
the town to swim and provided a social amenity for the community. Major improvements have continued throughout the years,
Bagenalstown Swimming Club celebrates its 60th Anniversary this year and the swimming pool has come a long way since it was built back in l947.A booklet published in 1997 on the Club’s 50th Anniversary, researched and compiled by Annette Reddy, makes very interesting reading. The introduction by Myan Gaynor (Hon. Chairman) spoke of the aims of the committ “Let us hope the vision of the founding members in providing a safe environment to promote swimming and water safety in Bagenalstown will inspire future generations to continue and improve our very valuable amenity” My thanks to Myan Gaynor for permission to use the booklet to outline the history of
Bagenalstown Swimming Club and Pool.
The Swimming Club was formed in l947, but the idea for a recognized place for swimming began in l943 when the LDF (Local Defence Force), the forerunner to today’s FCA, bought a diving board from the late Tom Manning and it is widely believed that the instigator of this was the late Tully Curry, Main Street. Before that time local people swam in various places, the Bog, Rathellen Lock, the bottom of Singleton’s Lane, in the canal and the wood stream.
The first meeting of Bagenalstown Swimming Club took place n September 1947. It was an open meeting and was held in the Courthouse (now the Library). The officers elected at that meeting were
Chairman Eric Brown; Vice-Chairman Anthony Curtis; Secretary Michael Somers and Treasurer Eddie Kinsella. The first item on the agenda was to raise funds for the club and a dance was proposed.
One of the big bands of the day, Brose Walsh, was engaged and the dance was such a success that when the band was paid there was money to build a men’s dressing room at the river, fondly remembered as “ The Hut” The Swimming Club Dance became an annual fixture and all the big bands of the day played... An annual gala was held to which clubs from all around the country were invited.
There were 3 trophies for the winners of the river races, and these continue to this day. The Chicago Trophy, donated in l957 by ex Bagenalstown emigrants who had done well in Chicago, is a men’s trophy for the half mile swim. Brown & Crosthwaite, who owned the Mill, donated a Men’s Cup in l947 for another half mile race and the Ladies Rose Bowl for what was initially a 200 yds. race, now upgraded to a quarter-mile. These races have taken place every year since (weather permitting) with the original cups as trophies. In more recent years more cups have been added – the Tyndall Cup for the Special Category Race and the Corr Trophy for the ladies’ mile, presented by Brother Corr, an uncle of Mary Foster and the Appleby Cup, in memory of Joe Appleby, who made a very special contribution to swimming in Bagenalstown “ He must have taken literally hundreds of children on their first swim across the river and if he said you weren’t ready to go, you didn’t go. A familiar figure at the river bank, he was ever patient and helpful with the children.” During the Summer Gala at the pool, the Lynch Cup for girls under 14, the Anchor Cup for boys and the Tullow Engineering Trophy were always fiercely contested. Club members also took part in races outside the town.
.
So many dedicated community activities contributed to the success of the club and the major improvements at the pool during the years. Swimming teachers Eddie Kinsella and Rem Quinn.continued their involvement throughout the 60s and 70s and Michael Somers who is the last, and therefore current, holder of the Corcoran Cup, a breaststroke race held in Carlow. There was also the Nore Swim in Kilkenny and in l955, out of a field of 60 swimmers, Bagenalstown men took the first four places.
The idea to build a swimming pool was proposed at the AGM in l950 and promptly seconded. The decision was made to build the pool on a piece of no-man’s land above the Canons. As it took 17 years to gain title to this land no grants were available and fundraising activities were put in place. The pool took three years to complete. Local business people were very helpful. The pool was dug out by hand with picks and shovels by local people, and Charlie Nolan in charge of the wheelbarrow brigade, .until it became impossible to continue by hand and the late Mick Irwin’s digger was employed to remove the bulk of the large stones and clay.
At that time, pools were built in various towns around the country, including Kilkenny and Portlaoise,
but Bagenalstown was the only town in Ireland or England, at that time, to have built and owned its own swimming pool.
The introduction of water safety kept accidents to a minimum. In recognition of his contribution and dedication to water safety, Michael Somers was appointed a Grand Knight of the Order of World Life Saving, presented to him in Cardiff by Bob Hawke, President of Australia at the time. He has received many awards from countries as far apart as Sweden to Australia for his services to water safety. In the 70s Johnny McNally, Myan Gaynor and Liam Byrne took courses to become swimming instructors, thus fulfilling the original aim of the club that swimming lessons and a safe environment for swimming be provided for the children of the town. In l961 the first water filter system was put in place and in l967 the toddlers’ pool was built. In l976 it was decided to widen, deepen and lengthen the pool and the work was carried out voluntarily by local men, most of whom worked in Keenans. The man responsible for levelling the pool was the late Jim Armstrong. In l982 an improved filter system was installed. Representations to the Town Commission brought a grant of €5,000 on the grounds that this amenity would benefit the entire community. In l991 Carlow County Council came to the Club’s aid again with a grant of 25,000 pounds which enabled the club to tile both pools. Heating was installed in l992. When new buildings were proposed the committee sought the help of M.J. Nolan regarding grants and with his help they applied to the Department of the Environment. Planning permission was applied for and the Department came up with a grant of 72,000 pounds for refurbishing and improving swimming facilities. This money made it possible to upgrade the pool and the work was carried out by local labour and contractors. Micheal Jones’s help and advice was invaluable. The car park was extended thanks to the generosity of local business man, Victor Treacy.
From the beginning ladies were to the fore in the development of the club. Kathleen Kelly who took over from Harry Taylor as secretary. The late Mrs. Pamela Smith was a tireless fundraiser, as are Nancy Smith and Kathleen O’Reilly. The names of Miss Dowling and Renee Curry (RIP) Pauline Curry (Minchin), Anne Vernon and Frances Swan appeared regularly in the minutes at that time
Marie Swan (Tully), Margaret Geoghegan and Helen Beck were very active in the club.
In l981 Mary Foster joined the committee and has worked tireless on behalf of the club up to the present day, as coach, swimming and life saving instructor. Treasurer Joan Walsh made an enormous contribution to the success of the club. Without the dedication and commitment of so many people
in the early days, our community would not have the wonderful swimming pool it has today.
I will leave the last word to Annette Reddy “ Thanks to the vision and dogged determination of a few far-seeing people, Bagenalstown has a swimming pool and a tradition of swimming of which they can be justly proud."
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June 26th 2007 Bagenalstown Notes
Gillian Tully, Royal Oak Road and Sydney and her fiance Tim Davidson, Sydney
Paddy and Maureen Tully cutting the cake at their 60th Wedding Anniversary celebrations
Pilgrimage to Knock
The Oblate Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine takes place on Saturday 14th July. For information contact Eithne Ryan on 97-22004.
Concert
Carlow Choral Society presents ‘Chichester Psalms” by Leonard Bernstein and “Mass of the Children” by John Rutter, with the Dyfed Choir (Wales), Carlow Choral Society and Orchestra of St. Cecilia, in Carlow Cathedral on Saturday 7thy July at 8 p.m. Tickets €20/ €18. Booking at 086-2448718, 087-6639581 or at the door.
Fenagh needs you
As part of their “Pride of Place” efforts, Fenagh Improvement Group is organizing a clean up of the village and surrounding areas. If you can spare some time from Wed. 27th June to Sunday 1st July, they would like to hear from you. Contact Angela on 086-8831249, Geraldine on 087-9529769 or Kevin on 087-2667630
The Group is still seeking old photos of the area for their heritage project, so even if you have a family picture taken at the Steam Rally, or pictures of school football teams, please let them know. All photos will be returned to the owners.
Ballyloughan ICA
The members of Ballyloughan ICA reviewed a busy and entertaining year at their recent A.G.M. The following committee was elected: - President Mary Collier; Vice President Margaret O’Neill; Secretary Eileen Ryan and Treasurer Frances Agar. For their June meeting the members are off to Ballykealy Manor for a meal and dancing. The club will reconvene on 17th September with lots of activities planned for the Winter months, including aerobics, Irish classes, bag making and lots of interesting speakers for the monthly meetings. New members are always welcome.
Show
All Ireland Vintage Machinery Show will be held in Myshall on 1st July from 12 noon until late. Full supporting programme. All proceeds will go to local charities including B.E.A.M.
Cathaoirleach’s Award
On Wednesday last, June 20th, at a function held in Doyle’s Railway House I had the honour of presenting an award to Mr. Martin O’Halloran, Slyguff, for his outstanding contribution to our community. Each year the outgoing Cathaoirleach of Muine Bheag Town Council chooses a person whom he/she feels has made a major contribution to community life in our town, and when my turn came I didn’t have to think twice before deciding that Martin would be a very worthy recipient of this award.
In 2002, Muine Bheag Town Council decided that an Annual Award would be given to a group or individual who, in the Cathaoirleach’s opinion, has contributed to the overall development and enhancement of the town in one of the following categories - natural environment; heritage built or cultural; community development or youth education projects. It would be known as the Cathaoirleach’s Award.
There was a large crowd at the ceremony and the attendance included Rev. Fr. Declan Foley, P.P. Dean Gordon Wynne, Deputy M.J. Nolan ,Town Manager Ms. Bernie O’Brien, Town Councillors, Mr. George Darcy, Principal Queen of The Universe N,S and staff, members of the Garda Siochana and local Scouts...
The Award went to Martin for his commitment to the young people of this area through his work as a Scout Leader with Bagenalstown Scouts Idrone 2nd Carlow, where he generously gives his time, energy and expertise to the young boys and girls in the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, and in recognition of all his voluntary work in the community.
Before the award ceremony I contacted Ms. Carol Clarke, Asst. Scout Leader in Bagenalstown for a
few words about Martin and she had this to say:-:
“Martin O’Halloran became involved in Scouts in Clashmore in the late 70s. He went on to become a leader in the Scout Movement in Naas, where his cooking skills are still remembered today. He joined 2nd Carlow a year and a half ago as a Scout Leader and was later elected to the position of Group Leader, which Martin takes very seriously. Scouts in Bagenalstown have improved dramatically since he assumed his position as a Group Leader. All sections get the benefit of his skills. Along with his leaders he has undertaken the development and improvement of both the den and the field at the rear of the premises. Congratulations to Martin from Leaders, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. He truly deserve s this Award for all his work and dedication in the scout group”.
.Martin is also very involved with young people through his involvement as Chairperson of Our Lady Queen of the Universe National School in the town, responsibilities which he takes very seriously. In his tribute to Martin, Mr. George Darcy, School Principal said
“Mr. Martin O’Halloran is Chairperson of the Board of Management of Queen of the Universe N.S. in Bagenalstown. Membership of this Board is a voluntary position and Martin always carries out his duties in a caring and professional manner. He represents and promotes the school with energy and enthusiasm and helps, through his example and leadership, to promote the Christian ethos which has existed since the opening of the school in l957.
Throughout the school year Queen of the Universe National School has celebrated its 50th Anniversary and Martin has been to the forefront as Chairperson of the Board of Management in the planning and organizing of the various events. It is a fitting tribute that Martin is the recipient of the Cathaoirleach’s Award and the Management, Staff, Parents, Pupils and all connected with the school congratulate him and, needless to say, we are all very proud of our Chairperson. “
Martin has served as a member of the Police Force in Muine Bheag for 21 years. He is a native of Co. Wexford. When he left school he enlisted in the Irish Air Corps and joined the Garda Siochana in1983. He was first stationed in Naas, and then Muine Bheag He was promoted to Sergeant in l998 and transferred to the Garda College in Templemore, from where he returned to Muine Bheag in 2001.
As our Garda Sergeant Martin carries out his job in a professional, very fair and caring way. He is held in high esteem and greatly respected by his fellow officers and the community as a whole as a person of the highest integrity who gives his expertise and energy wherever he sees a need. .
It gave me great pleasure to invite Martin to receive the Cathaoirleach’s Award 2007 (a bronze statuette of Fionn and his dog Bran and a framed citation) in recognition of his outstanding commitment to our community. Martin’s wife Ann was presented with a bouquet of flowers.
After the presentation refreshments were served. My thanks to Town Manager Bernie O’Brien and her staff for organizing the event and to Frank and Mark Doyle and their staff for their help and for providing the refreshments.
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June 19th 2007 Carlow People Bagenalstown Notes
Musical Spectacular
Starlight Stage Productions presented “The Musical Spectacular – a Tribute to the Musicals of Stage and Screen” in the McGrath Hall, Bagenalstown, on Saturday evening last to a packed hall. This show featured Jason Paul Ryan, Sharon Molloy, Amy Mulholland, Starlight’s Bagenalstown Senior and Junior Classes and Carlow class, with songs from Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Grease, Moulin Rouge, Annie and many more. It was a magical night of entertainment. My introduction to Starlight Stage Productions came about when I attended their production of “ Joseph
and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat” in Kilkenny when I was “gobsmacked” by
the sheer professionalism, choreography, set design, acting and singing talent of lead singers Jason and Sharon and the supporting cast. Jason, a Kilkenny native, has appeared in theatre, cabaret and concerts across Europe and has won many awards both nationally and internationally. He appeared many times on television including Brookside and Hollyoaks for Channel 4, BBC productions and RTE’s “You’re a Star”. Sharon Molloy is a native of Castlecomer and has also appeared in theatre, television, cabaret and on RTE’s “You’re a Star”, winning awards everywhere she went.
We all fell under the spell of the children from the Bagenalstown classes who opened the show, singing and dancing their hearts out, so cute and endearing and very much at home on the stage. They were accompanied by children from the Carlow class. Special guest performers were three young ladies with enchanting singing voices Amy Mulholland, Sian Ryan and Orna O’Doherty. Bagenalstown Junior Class: Chloe Hughes, Cian Kerr, Niamh Sheehy, Aife Connolly, Amy Mulrooney, Eve Sinnott, Caoimhe O’Sullivan, Karen Cradden, Rachel Doyle, Phoebe Reddy and Jessica Dixon. Bagenalstown Senior Class: Averyl Dunne, Jessica Tuite, Joanne McSorley, Joanne Connolly, Kenan Uzunkaya, Cillian Doyle, Leona Lee, Katie Mullins, Nicole Gordon, Wictoria Patrsczyn, Michael Cahill, Sinead Byrne, Orla Dunphy and Abigail Bentick. IF you like musicals and who doesn’t don’t miss the next production in Bagenalstown later this year.
Starlight Stage School is one of Ireland’s brightest and fastest growing performing arts schools and concentrates on dance, drama and singing. Junior classes are for children aged 4 to 8 and senior classes from 9 to 14. It is a fun place for children but also a great way to develop confidence, discover acting and singing talents, learn new skills and make new friends. .
Healing and Art
Nurturing the Inner Journey through Healing and Art. Presenter Diane da Cruz (Holy Faith Sister) and qualified art therapist in Mt. St. Anne’s, Portarlington, Friday 29th June to Tuesday 3rd July. Cost €250 residential, €120 for day attendance. Contact 057 8626153
RTE documentary
Animo TV and the national Adult Literacy Agency are producing an eight part documentary series to be filmed in the Autumn and broadcast on RTE at the beginning of 2008. The Agency is currently looking for both students and tutors who would like to take part in this literacy series. For eight week-ends, from Friday to Sunday, participants will stay in a comfortable and laid back location in the Dublin area, where they will be taught by a team of tutors who have designed a course to cater for their needs. For more information call Grainne Challis on 01-617 4742 or email grainnemc@animo.ie.
Your confidentiality is guaranteed.
A Day of Prayer and Healing
will be held in Emmanuel House of Providence, Clonfert, on Saturday 30th June. Speakers are Fr. Noel Burke and Eddie Stone. Bus leaving church car park, Tullow, at 8 a.m. sharp via Closh Stores and bus stop, Barrack Street, Carlow. Bring packed lunch. To book contact, Lily on 9191 51120 or Ita on 91 51120.
Show
All Ireland Vintage Machinery Show will be held in Myshall on 1st July from 12 noon until late. Full supporting programme. All proceeds will go to local charities including B.E.A.M.
Pride of Place Coffee Morning
Pride of Place Coffee Morning takes place in Rathwood Home, Gift and Garden Centre, Tullow on Tuesday 19th June and in the Arboretum Garden Centre, Leighlinbridge, on Wednesday 20th June.
British Pensions
If you are in receipt of an Irish Contributory Pension and have worked in Britain for at least a year you would be entitled to a pro-rate British Pension from British State Pension age or backdated to British State Pension age. For more information contact 074-9128010 and ask for Information Officer.
Attention Craft Workers
The WIND Programme (Wales Ireland Network of Craft Design) is now recruiting. To apply contact Edel Galvin at WIND Programme, McGrath Hall, Railway Road, Bagenalstown. Phone 059-97-20733.
BEAM Gala Benefit Night
At Kilkenny Track on Sunday 24th June. First race 7.30 p.m. Tickets from Mrs. Rose Kavanagh, High Street, Mr. Matt Dunne, Kilree Street or at the track on the night. Your support would be greatly appreciated. Prizes on display in Nolan’s Pharmacy, High Street.
Special Needs Coffee Morning
Carlow County Childcare Committee will host a coffee morning for parents who have a child with special needs on Thursday 21st June at 210 a.m. in the Seven Oaks Hotel, Athy Road, Carlow. There will be an information session on sibshops (sibling workshops) by Rose Bradley. Al parents who have a child with special needs are welcome. To book your place contact Maria or Janette on 059-9140244,
Race Night
BEAM Bagenalstown will hold a Gala Benefit Night on Kilkenny Track on June 24th
1st Race starts at 7.30 p.m. 1st prize Mini Getaway Break for Two: 2nd prize Heritage Crystal Boat Bowl; 3rd prize All-Ireland Hurling and Football tickets – 2 hurling and 2 football. Numerous other prizes, all kindly donated. Adm: €5.
Festival week-end
Musical entertainment for the Festival in August will include: Johnny Cash Tribute Band on Friday 10th August, Abbaesque on Saturday. 11th August and the Festival will close on Sunday 12th August with Ray Lynam, Pitch Black and Scuba Dice.
Fenagh Improvement Group update
The group is looking for old photographs of the village as part of a heritage project. All photos will be returned. As part of the same project the group has located a manual water pump and would like to find a granite trough to go underneath it for planting. If you can help with either of these items please ring Angela on 086-8831249 or if you would like to get involved with the growth and development of Fenagh and the surrounding communities you are invited to
email
fenaghimprovement-group@gmail.com.
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June 12th 2007 Carlow People Bagenalstown Notes
BEAM Benefit
BEAM Bagenalstown will hold a Gala Benefit Night on Kilkenny Track on June 24th
1st Race starts at 7.30 p.m. 1st prize Mini Getaway Break for Two: 2nd prize Heritage Crystal Boat Bowl; 3rd prize All-Ireland Hurling and Football tickets – 2 hurling and 2 football. Numerous other prizes, all kindly donated. Adm: €5.
Interested in cricket?
Bagenalstown Cricket Club is looking for new members at all levels, beginner, youth and novice. The club runs two league teams in a friendly and professional environment. To play the sport that’s sweeping the nation contact Greg Cockcroft on 086-818 5582. The club also runs an Introduction to Cricket Day on Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 noon for 8 to 18 year olds, boys and girls. This has just started.
Mt. Leinster Way Walk
The 9th Mt. Leinster Way Walk in aid of the Irish Cancer Society will take place this year on Saturday 7th July from Corubut Gap to Rathanna. Registration at Coote’s Pub, Main Street at 12.30 p.m. sharp. Registration in Myshall village at 1 p.m. sharp. Bus will leave Coote’s Pub at 1.30 p.m. Weather permitting, there will be a barbeque beside Cody’s Pub, Rathanna,. Light refreshments will be available on the walk. Certificate presentation to all walkers on the day and also free raffle. Sponsorship cards available at Coote’s Pub or €20 for each walker. All are welcome and continued support very much appreciated. Contact Syl at 059 - 9721238.
50th Anniversary.
Preparations are under way for the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of opening of Scoil Bhride, Paulstown on Saturday 30th June. On that day there will be an open afternoon in the school, followed by Mass at 5 p.m. which will be celebrated by Bishop Jim Moriarty. Paulstown Education and Historical Society have compiled a book to mark the occasion, “ Paulstown Schools Past and Present”. This will be launched during the afternoon. All are welcome.
A function will be held in the Lord Bagenal that night. Tickets €30 each can be purchased from Margaretr Coady at 059-9726231: Geraldine Lillis at 059-9726187; Joan Murphy at 086-1611176 pr Michael Shortall at 087-7616091.
Clay Shoot
Charity Clay Shoot in aid of Rehab will be held on Sunday June 17th at Ballywiliamroe, Bagenalstown. Starting at 12 noon. Last entry 4.30 p.m.
Feile na nGael
The All-Ireland Feile na Gael U14 hurling will take place next week-end. teams 3from all over the country will travel to Carlow/Kilkenny. CLG Muine Bheag will play host to St. Brendan’s, Ardfert, Co. Kelly. The town team will play their first game on Fri. 15th June
At 3 p.m. in the McGrath Park.
Pilgrimage to Knock
The National St. Joseph’s Young Priest’s Society Pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Sat. 23rd June. To book a place on the bus contact Mrs. Josie Kelly, Tinryland at 91-46286 or 087 8324656.
Graveyard Mass
On Friday next, 15th June at 8 p.m. with Rosary and blessing of graves at 7.45 p.m. A one way traffic system will be in place as there is usually traffic congestion on the evening. Car users are advised not to leave valuables in their car while attending the Service. There will be short ecumenical prayers in the Tir na nOg Garden Infant Memorial after Mass.
Coffee Morning
Annual coffee morning in aid of Tir na nOg Infant Memorial Garden will take place on 15th June in Doyle’s Railway House, Bagenalstown. . €100 door prize (kindly donated).
Musical
Don’t forget that Starlight Stage Productions presents “The Musical Spectacular a Tribute to the Musicals of Stage and Screen”, at the McGrath Hall, Bagenalstown, on Saturday 16th of June at 8 p.m. This show features Jason Paul Ryan, Sharon Molloy, Amy Mulholland, and Starlight’s Bagenalstown Senior and Junior Classes. Tickets Adults €7 Children €5, available on the door. Songs from Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Grease, Moulin Rouge, High School Musical Annie and many more . .
County Carlow VEC
Music Summer Camp Monday 9th to Friday 13th July for children between 10 and 12 years of age. Teenage Kicks: Monday 16th to Friday 20th July for young people between 13 and 15 years of age. Contact Regina or Anita at 91- 38583
Ten Tasks Challenge
takes place from 21st to 23rd September 2007 in aid of the National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght. For more information contact 01-414 2375 or email tentasks@thenationalchildrenshospital.ie.
Nurney Field Day
on 17th June starting at 2 p.m. Stalls, games, refreshments, football tournament, races and entertainment for all the family.
Water Safety
Carlow Area Water Safety Committee is a locally based committee whose aims are to promote all aras of water safety, be it sea, river, lake, in the home or on the farm. In order to promote water safety locally, the committee raises funds through various courses such as children’s swimming lessons through to advanced lifesaving courses. At the moment the committee has over 50 active members who give their time voluntarily to teach on these courses.
Course details in Bagenalstown: Children’s lessons are held in the pool on the 1st and 3rd week in July at 6-7 p.m. daily. The lifesaving classes for beginners through to advanced a re held 2nd and 3rd week in August from 11.a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 6 to 7.30 p.m. daily.
Further information on these courses can be obtained by ringing Mary Foster, at 059-97-22160.
As we are coming into a holiday period the committee would like to remind the public to take some simple safety precautions while holidaying in either Ireland or abroad to ensure a safe and pleasant holiday for everyone.
Flower Extravaganza
Paulstown Tidy Town presents a Floral Extravaganza with Lamber de Brie on Thursday, June 14th at 8 p.m. in the Arboretum in Leighlinbridge. Adm. €10. Contact 087-7831529 for further informatio
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June 5th 2007 Carlow People Bagenalstown Notes
Musical
Starlight Stage Productions presents “The Musical Spectacular a Tribute to the Musicals of Stage and Screen”, at the McGrath Hall, Bagenalstown, on Saturday 16th of June at 8 p.m. This show features Jason Paul Ryan, Sharon Molloy, Amy Mulholland, and Starlight’s Bagenalstown Senior and Junior Classes. Tickets Adults €7 Children €5, available on the door. Songs from Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Grease, Moulin Rouge, High School Musical Annie and many more I have been to some of Starlight’s musicals and, in my opinion, they are worthy of a place on Broadway. The singing talent of lead singers, Jason Paul Ryan, Sharon Molloy, Amy Mulholland and the rest of the cast, costumes, choreography and set design and, of course, the talented young performers from the Bagenalstown School make this a show not to miss. .
Bus to Mt. Argus
There will be a bus going to Mt. Argus Church on Sunday, June 10th to celebrate the canonization to sainthood of Blessed Charles which took place in Rome on Sunday, June 3rd. The tour will also take in Johnstown Garden Centre. For booking contact Eithne Ryan on (059) 97-22004 or B. Dunne on (059) 91-32392.
VHI/GAA Cul Camps
Carlow GAA Cul Camps will be held during the Summer and are open to all primary school boys and girls from7 years to 13 years. Local venue is the McGrath Park, Bagenalstown. Dates: football July 9th to 13th. Hurling and camogie July 23rd to 27th.
Application forms are now available. For details contact Brendan Hayden at 087-2318311.
Flower Extravaganza
Paulstown Tidy Town presents a Floral Extravaganza with Lamber de Brie on Thursday, June 14th at 8 p.m. in the Arboretum in Leighlinbridge. Adm. €10. Contact 087-7831529 for further information.
Thursday, May 31st was a day of celebration in the BEAM Centre when Eanna Ni Lamhra, President of An Taisce and well known botanist, writer and radio and television personality, raised the Green Flag in the grounds in recognition of the standard of excellence in the area of waste and litter achieved by the Centre. Fionnghuala Ryan, Environmental Awareness Officer with Carlow County Council told me that Green Schools is operated by An Taisce in partnership with the Local Authorities and over 65% of schools in the country are involved in the programme. The aim of Green Schools is to increase participant awareness of environmental issues through classroom studies and to transfer this knowledge into positive environmental action in the school and in the wider community.
Schools achieve Green Flag status under different themes: 1st flag – Waste and Litter, 2nd flag Energy and 3rd flag Water. Fionnghuala said it takes about two years from
registration to the raising of a Green Flag so a great deal of commitment is necessary. BEAM Services were awarded their flag for Waste and Litter and will now undertake the energy theme.
A large crowd attended the event, including Dean Gordon Wynne, Chairman BEAM Management Board and the Directors of the Board, , CEO John Murphy, Manager Olive Keating and her staff, members and officers of Carlow County Council and Muine Bheag Town Council, Ms. Bernie O’Brien, Muine Bheag Town Manager, BEAM members and their relatives and friends.
Mr. Michael Abbey, Chairman of Carlow County Council congratulated BEAM on its achievement “This is a very special occasion and the significance of attaining Green Flag status cannot be underestimated. We are delighted to see the Green Flag award grow beyond national and secondary schools to institutions like BEAM.” Mr. Abbey thanked Eanna Ni Lamhna for attending the ceremony to raise the Green Flag, the Manager Olive Keating. the Green Schools Co-ordinator Helen Nolan and the Green Committee for all their hard work in getting the recycling system up and in place.. He also thanked the staff in the Environment Section of Carlow County Council, Fionnghuala Ryan, the Environmental Awareness Officer and her predecessor Jane Hennessy. He commended An Taisce for the support they give by organizing and running the Green Flag Programme nationally. He praised the commitment of the BEAM Centre members and wished them well in undertaking their next theme, energy.
During the celebrations John Murphy, CEO BEAM Services gave a power point presentation of his design for the Garden Development in BEAM “ The Barrow Experience”. This project is based on the theme of the Barrow Valley and will include rooms each carrying a different interpretation of the overall theme. These Garden Rooms will be interlinked by a series of pathway and trails. Gardens will include areas of interest such as natural history, local history, mythology, religious influence, flora and fauna of the River Barrow. It is expected that work will start on this project in early July 2007.
The celebrations concluded with a buffet in the Coffee Shop where we sampled the
excellent food produced in the Centre. The Coffee Shop is open to the public and serves a range of delicious food, including soup, wraps, paninis, lasagne, quiche and mouth-watering desserts. At present the shop is open until 2 p.m. but future plans include longer opening hours.
Congratulations to everyone involved but particularly to the BEAM members whose dedication and enthusiasm for the project brought this great honour to BEAM.
Eanna Ni Lamhna
Coffee Morning
Annual coffee morning in aid of Tir na nOg Infant Memorial Garden will take place on 15th June in Doyle’s Railway House, Bagenalstown. . €100 door prize (kindly donated).
Town Council
The June meeting of Muine Bheag Town Council will take place in the Council Chambers, McGrath Hall, on Thusday 7th June.
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Tues. May 29th 2007 Carlow People Bagenalstown Notes
Host families needed
The twinning committee is in urgent need of host families for two young boys of 13 and 14 from Pont Pean who will be in Bagenalstown from July 5th to July 12th. to participate in an environmental project. Can you help, please.
Summer Fete
St. Mary’s N.S. annual Summer Fete, in aid of the School Development Fund, takes place in the school grounds on Sunday, 10th June from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. This annual event is a great family afternoon out and includes a monster raffle, carriage rides, wheel of fortune, book stall, raffle and gate prizes, homebakes and lots more fun stalls. Adm. €2 including gate prize. Children under 12 free.
Good wishes
to the Dalton family, formerly of Kilcarrig Street. I ran into Anne recently when she was in Bagenalstown for a week-end. She now lives in Leixlip, Co. Kildare.. Her two brothers, Tony and Teddy worked in Keenan’s office in the l960s. Tony emigrated to Canada and now lives in Toronto. He has a son Ken and daughter Daphne. When Teddy left Keenans he went to Tasmania for a few years and then moved on to work in Papua New Guinea, Canada and South Africa. He is now living in Cork with his wife Wanda and daughter Candice.
Apologies
to the family of the late Thomas (Toss) Walsh, Fr. Cummins Park for my error in stating his age as 56. Toss was 53 years of age when he died, not 56.
Information Evening
In Rathanna Hall on Wed. 6th June, from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. For further information contact Sarah or Gemma at 91-38586. Organised by CLAR Equality for Women in conjunction with the County Carlow Women’s Network.
DVD
Queen of the Universe N.S. 50 year Celebration Mass DVD is currently on sale in athe school at a cost of €15.
Cookery Demonstration
Coming soon to the Lord Bagenal In House Cookery Demonstration in the Waterfront with resident chef George Kehoe. Contact Sue at 059-97-21668 or email sue@lordbagenal.com.
Festival
Bagenalstown Festivals Ltd would welcome any ideas you may have for the August Festival this year. If any organization would like to run an event in conjunction with the festival get in touch with the committee.
Concert
in aid of Special Olympics. Paddy Cole and Cormiosa Chamber Choir will be in the Lord Bagenal on Tuesday 29th May at 8 p.m. All proceeds in aid of the Special Olympics. Your support will be greatly appreciated. Tickets €25 are available at Rainbow Records 059-91-43387.
Summer Camp
Bagenalstown Family Resource Centre is running a teenage Summer Camp – fishing and hill walking, for young people from 13 – 16 years, from 2nd to 6th July. This will be a fun filled week of activities, including tuition on fishing, walks on Mt. Leinster and surrounding areas and fishing competition with prizes on offer. More information from Josie at 97-23196 or call into the Resource Centre, Court House. Early booking is essential as places are limited.
Resource Centre courses
Dance Workshop on Wed. 30th May in St. Mary’s Hall, Church Road, from 5.30 p.m. to 6.15 p.m. for children from 6 to 9 and 6.15 p.m. to 7 p.m. for ages 10 and over. Adm. €2. This will be the last class before September. Computer Courses: Introduction to Computer classes start on June 18th from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Children’s Computer classes start on Friday July 6th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Details from Christine or Marie at 059-9723186.
Pool opening
Bagenalstown Swimming Pool will open for the summer season on Sunday 3rd June at 2.30 p.m. and will remain open until late August. The club celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Opening hours: 11 a.m. - 12.30 p.m; 2.30 p.m. – 5 p.m.; 7 p.m. – 7.45 p.m: Last session from 7.45 p.m. to 9 p.m. for adults only. Fees: Family membership €80: Adult €55; Child €45.Casual €4. Holiday tickets also available. Rescue, water safety and swimming classes available throughout the season.
Outing to Dundalk
Leighlinbridge Active Retirement Assoc. has a few seats left for their annual outing to Dundalk from 17th to 22nd June. If interested contact Mary McDonald at 97-21048.
Field Day
Nurney Field Day on Sunday 17th June from 2 p.m. Stalls, games, refreshments, entertainment, football tournament and races. A great day out for all the family.
People of the Year Awards
The ceremony, organized by Rehab and sponsored by Quinn Healthcare, will take place this year in City West Hotel, Saggart, on Sat. 8th September and will be televised live by RTE. Recipients of Irish People of the Year Awards are chosen from people who have made a major contribution to their local community or to Irish society.
Each year there are seven awards, in the categories of Business, Service to the Community, Peace and Reconciliation, Courage, Arts and Culture, Medicine, Public Service and Sport and Entertainment. This year a special award will be presented to Ireland’s Greatest Living Musician, as voted by the public. If you would like to cast your vote for Ireland’s Greatest Living Musician, you may do so online on the website www.peopleoftheyear.com/musician, or text REHAB followed by the nominee’s name to 53503 (texts cost €0.30 incl. VAT. Mobile operator charges apply). If you know somebody whom who feel is deserving of an award for their outstanding community service or service to Irish society you may nominate the person of your choice on nomination forms which are widely available and return them by Friday 20th July to People of the Year Award, Rehab Group, Roslyn Park, Sandymount, Dublin 4
Fishing Competition
The annual T.J. Lakes Memorial Fishing Competition will be held on Friday 1st June at Byron’s Lock, Bagenalstown. The competition will commence at 9 a.m. Fee €15. All are welcome. For further information contact Damien O’Connell at 087-6913869.
Trip to Sligo
Bagenalstown and District Active Retirement Association is organizing an outing to Sligo and surrounds for 5 days, 4 nights, based in Rosses Point from Monday 18th to Friday 22nd June. Cost €295 p.p.s which includes transport. Further information from Kate at 059-97-2290
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May 22nd 2007 Carlow People Bagenalstown Notes
Unveiling of plaque commemorating the work of the late Bill Dillon by the banks of the Barrow, Bagenalstown, Thursday 10th May 2007 by Cllr. Margaret Cushen, Cathaoirleach of Muine Bheag TownCouncil.
We are here this evening to honour Bagenalstown man, Bill Dillon, who went to his eternal reward in 2004. Bill was first of all a dedicated family man, he was a man of considerable talent and a perfectionist in everything he did. He was a writer, local historian, researcher and
a poet and he had several books of poetry published. Bill was particularly interested in the history of local families and his work in recording tombstone inscriptions in graveyards around County Carlow
is a very valuable reference source for students and people tracing their
family history.
Bill was a man who didn’t seek the limelight and his family research work ” The Fieldcrest Collection of Tombstone Inscriptions” together with his books of poetry, were published under the pen name of Reynolds Fieldcrest.
With this commemorative plaque by the banks of the River Barrow the Town Council and community acknowledge the enormous contribution Bill Dillon made, through his poetry, writing and family research, to his home town and county.
In Memory of
William “Bill” Dillon
1948-2004
Local Historian, Author & Poet who recorded the history of Bagenalstown & surrounding areas
under the pen-name
“REYNOLDS FIELDCREST”
Town Park
Cllr. Arthur McDonald confirmed that Carlow County Council has made a commitment to upgrade the equipment and ring fencing of the play area in the Town Park and he thanked the Council for their support.
McGrath Park complex
Carlow Co. Council has made an application to the Department of the Environment for a grant of €150,000 for upgrading the facilities at the McGrath park complex, which is used by several sports associations in the town. Cllr. Arthur McDonald said that at a recent area meeting of the Council a decision was taken by the members to match the figure of €150,000 if the Council’s application is successful. This money, if granted, will be used for work, as advertised in the local papers, to include the upgrading of roads in the complex, the entrance, lighting, fencing and the provision of an all weather playing pitch. Cllr. McDonald agreed to this with the proviso that the Council would provide lighting on the road to the park and speed ramps to slow traffic. This was agreed by Council officials and members. A public consultation process is now in place and all interested parties should make their views known.
Graveyard Masses 2007
Newtown: 1st June at 8 p.m. Ballinkillen: 8th June at 8 p.m. Bagenalstown: 15th June at 8 p.m. Dunleckney 22nd June at 8 p.m. Rosary and blessing of the graves takes place at 7.45 p.m. before Mass. Grotto Mass in Ballinkillen on Friday 25th May at 8 p.m.
Prayer Group
Mr. John Rice would like to thank the many people who contacted him by phone and in person during the nine weeks of the Novena to Our Lady regarding the statue of St. Philomena in the church. He would also like to thank the ladies who looked after the flowers, Tony McGrath for his hard work organising the stewards during the Novena and everyone who helped. A prayer group to honour St. Philomena will be starting shortly and all are welcome to join by contacting Mr. Rice at 087-9416498.
French twinning trip (to see photos click here)
Continuing our week-end journey through the charming Normandy villages, full of narrow streets and flower borders, we travelled from Omaha Beach to Arromanches, where the main assault on the Germans took place. All the beaches looked so peaceful it was hard to imagine what it must have been like for the soldiers and residents of the area during the invasion. Arromanches is the site of the greatest engineering feat in history, an artificial harbour, When we arrived at this very pretty seaside town, with its wide beach, restaurants, shops and tourists we noticed huge chunks of what looked like concrete or rock off the beach, way out in the water with several big chunks lying along the seashore. We visited the D. Day museum where we learned that the structures on the beach and on the horizon are parts of the artificial harbour laid down during the Summer of 1944 which allowed the Allies to land and bring in massive supplies for the troops. Because the Germans had all the ports in Normandy strongly defended the Allies had to find some way of getting manpower and supplies into France and the idea of an artificial harbour was born. This was designed and constructed in England and involved huge metal and concrete structures and miles of floating roadways, all of which were towed across the English Channel at walking speed. It took eight months to build and eight days to install off the beach at Arromanche during the first days of the assaults on the Germans and was crucial in the success of the Allies’ invasion.
On our way back we stayed at a gite, named The Enchanted Village, in a beautiful woodland setting in Bellefontaine, Normandy. A gite offers accommodation between a hostel and hotel. The complex has a beautiful restaurant,, mini lakes, wildlife, and a miniature theme park with areas dedicated to Cinderella, Rapunzel, Snow White etc. a wonderland for children of all ages. After freshening up we were taken by bus for our evening meal. It was a journey of about an hour and we went down narrow lanes bordered by fields, wondering where we were destined for as there wasn’t a village in sight. To our surprise, we drove into a farmyard with farm machinery and cows peering out through a barn door, it looked like a farmyard in any part of Ireland. This dinner was arranged for us by the Deputy Major of Pont Pean, who joined us on the trip to Normandy. We were ushered into a building which was beautifully decorated with the colours of France and Ireland, and tables set for a meal.
Our host, was not a restauranteur but an organic farmer who has been awarded 1st Prize for Excellence in Normandy for his foie gras and his farm produce is much in demand. He is a friend of the Deputy Mayor and put on a special meal for our group from Ireland He and his family had prepared all the food served to us including his prizewinning apple cider. Were we in for a treat?? We enjoyed the very best of organic food including foie gras, brown bread, vegetables, and a range of mouth watering cheeses, not to mention dessert and the very best of French wine and apple cider. It was an unforgettable evening of hospitality and friendship after which we went back to our accommodation in the Enchanted Village.
On Sunday morning the bus was at our disposal for anyone who wished to attend Mass in the cathedral in nearby Montain where it was First Communion Day for many children. Following lunch we returned to Pont Pean to watch the counting of votes in the Presidential Election in the Town Hall.
After dinner with our host families we went to one of the two local pubs for a musical evening, with entertainment provided by the French twinning committee and friends who are very talented musicians, playing a mixture of Breton folk music and Irish.
On Monday morning a formal meeting between the Irish and French twinning committees took place in the Town Hall, presided over by Mons. Andre Girard, the Mayor of Pont Pean. He congratulated both committees on their dedication to the twinning programme and he spoke of the bond of friendship that exists between the two communities with exchange visits every year, including adult groups and students undertaking local projects. In July thirteen students and three leaders will travel to Bagenalstown to undertake an environmental project and stay with host families.
A new and exciting initiative has been launched with the introduction of a school twinning between Muine Bheag Vocational School and the secondary school in Bruz, just a few miles outside Pont Pean
The rest of the day was free for shopping in Rennes. On Monday evening we attended a reception in our honour at the Beausoleil Cultural Centre in Pont-Pean where the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, councillors and members of the community joined us. Ms. Bernie Brennan, Chairperson of Bagenalstown twinning committee thanked the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, .the French twinning committee and our host families for their kindness and the warmth of their welcome and wonderful hospitality during our stay.
Tuesday was our last day and we enjoyed the company of our host families. An arts and crafts exhibition provided many original gifts to bring home. After lunch we said goodbye to our host families who accompanied us to the Town Hall to say farewell to the twinning committee, friends and everyone who made our visit such an interesting and memorable one. Then we were off to Rennes to catch the train to Charles de Gaulle Airport and home. As with previous visits to Pont Pean words are inadequate to describe the warmth of the welcome and the tremendous hospitality we received during our visit
The continuing friendship and exchanges between Pont-Pean and Bagenalstown demonstrate the benefits of twinning to both communities. However, successful twinning demands a huge commitment from the committees in both towns. Up to now we received small grants from the EU but due to the increasing applications from new countries entering the EC it is very difficult now obtain a grant. This year 800 towns applied for twinning grants but only 400 were successful so continued support from the community is crucial for the twinning to develop further.. .
Urgent appeal
The twinning committee is in urgent need of host families for two young boys of 13 and 14 from Pont Pean who will be in Bagenalstown from July 5th to July 12th. to participate in an environmental project. Can you help, please.
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May 15th 2007 Bagenalstown Notes
Holy Cross Abbey
The St. Padre Pio National Pilgrimage to Holy Cross Abbey, Thurles, will take place on Sunday May 27. Early booking is essential. Contact Eithne Ryan on 059-97-22004 or B. Dunne at 059 91 32392.
Bagenalstown Swimming Club
Congratulations to Bagenalstown Swimming Club who celebrate their Diamond Anniversary this year. The club was founded in 1947 and has been a huge success story, thanks to the dedicated and hardworking voluntary committee who can be very proud of their achievements in providing the community with a first class swimming pool.
Now the committee needs your help at the clean-up for the coming season which will take place on Wed. 16th May at 7 p.m. If you or your family use the pool the committee would appreciate a few extra pairs of hands on Wednesday next to prepare the pool for opening day. . If you can spare an hour to help out please turn up at 7 p.m..
The AGM was held on 8th May and the following officers were elected: Chairperson Michael Gaynor, Vice Chairperson John McNally, Treasurer Margaret Devine, Secretary Shane Byrne and PRO Ciara Monahan.
Pilgrimage to Knock
On Thursday 31st May. Bus leaves Fire Station at 7.30 a.m. Fee Adults €15. Children €8. Contact Maura Hanlon at 97-21239.
Trip to Sligo
Bagenalstown & District Active Retirement Association are organizing an outing to Sligo and surrounding area for five days, based at Rosses Point, from Monday 18th to Friday 22nd June. Cost €295 per person sharing, including transport. Further details from Kate at 059-97-22903.
Change of address
Bagenalstown Parish website address has changed from bagenalstownparish.ie to bagenalstownparish.ie.
Twinning Exchange trip to France
As part of our annual exchange with our twinned town, Pont Pean in Brittany, 15 people from the Bagenalstown area travelled to sample French hospitality, cuisine and culture. As on previous visits to Pont Pean, the warmth and hospitality of the French twinning committee and our host families was overwhelming. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor made themselves available to join us whenever possible.
On Thursday, May 3rd we flew with Air France City Jet, a very impressive airline, with wide seats, plenty of room ,free food and drinks; all this for a journey of only 1 hour 40 mins to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. We were in plenty of time to catch our connecting train, the famous TGV, which is France’s most luxurious and fastest, a journey of about 3 hours to Rennes, the capital of Brittany, which has a population of over 212,000. Rennes is one of the most beautiful cities in France, due to its combination of a very attractive city centre, parts of which date back to mediaeval times, a strong overall economy, a student population of 80,000 and the natural beauty of Brittany that surrounds the city. On arrival we were met by members of the French twinning committee who took us to the Town Hall in Pont-Pean for a brief welcome and then our host families brought us to their homes for light refreshments and a good night’s sleep.
Next morning, Friday, we were taken to the school where we had a tour of the classrooms and met the children who entertained us with songs in English and French. A nursery school and primary school are situated within the same complex. Children are taken into nursery school at two years of age. One hundred and seventy children attend nursery school, divided into six classes. Each classroom is packed with fun filled activities. For the tiny tots school starts at 8.30 a.m. until lunch-time when they go home. However, if their parents are working they can stay in the school until 4.30 p.m. One large rest room is provided, complete with little beds, where the nursery school children can take a nap in the afternoon. Within the school complex there are facilities for sports activities including a gym, theatre, library and several computers. .
The primary school has 360 pupils from 6 to 11 or 12 years of age in eleven classrooms.
Pont Pean has no secondary school, but the nearest is only a few miles down the road in Bruz.
Our next destination was the library to see an exhibition of Irish posters and crafts and a display “ Landscapes of Ireland” painted by the children.
We were then invited to a pre-lunch reception in the Leisure and Activity Centre for use by the community. This was very impressive and the activities include tennis, boxing, gymnastics, handball, badminton, basketball and table tennis, indoor and outdoor soccer. The annual membership fee is not more than €50. It is open every night for members, all day Saturdays and closes at 10 p.m. each night. We were treated to a wonderful lunch in the school dining hall accompanied by the best of French wine.
After lunch we were brought to visit the Cultural Centre in Rennes ( known as the Les Champs Libres), accompanied by the Mayor, where a guide was waiting to show us around. . This Centre opened just one year and so far has had over one million visitors. It includes a planetarium, a library on six levels, a science centre, lecture theatre incorporating conferences, talks, concerts etc and the Brittany Museum, a heritage and society museum. We then returned to Pont Pean to enjoy dinner with our host families.
On Saturday morning we left early by coach for the long journey to the coast of Normandy to see the beaches where the assault against the Germans took pace. We travelled through the lovely countryside of Brittany into Normandy, and saw cattle grazing in the green fertile fields but no sign of sheep, and followed winding roads to Omaha Beach where the American Allies landed on D Day June 6, 1944. On the grassy plains facing the beach we saw the remains of German bunkers dotted through the fields. We enjoyed a picnic as our host families had provided us with hampers of finest French food and wine.
We then walked through the Normandy American Cemetery, at Omaha Beach, situated on 172 acres where the bodies of 9,387 young Americans are buried, of which 307 are unknown and 1,557 missing. Free use of this area as a permanent burial ground was granted by the government of France in perpetuity Walking through the paths laid out in the form of a Latin Cross, between the white crosses down to the little memorial church I noticed many Irish names on the tombstones, McCormack, Moore, Ryan, Doyle, O’Donnell, Monaghan, Walsh, Keenan, Kelly, and many more. The white headstones against an emerald green lawn conveyed an unforgettable feeling of peace and serenity but also an awareness of the anguish of the parents who waved their young sons (many only 19 years of age) off to war, never to return. A total of 1,454,956 people visited this cemetery in 2006.
(contd. next week)
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Bagenalstown Notes for Tues.8th May
Gold Medal Winner
Congratulations to Paul Holligan, Kilcarrig, son of Willie and Marjorie, who won a gold medal in karate at a competition in Naas recently.
Parachute Jump
Friends of Muine Bheag Vocational School undertook a parachute jump in Hacketstown on Sunday 29th April. The courageous participants were David O’Flaherty ( School
Principal), N. Hughes, Adrienne Timmons, Fr. R. Nolan, Mick Mealey, Brendan Flaherty and David Lawlor. This sponsored jump was in aid of transportation for students of the school. All sponsorship money is not in yet but it is expected to be in the region of €4,000. Mr. Denis Foley, Chairperson of the Board of Management at the school would like to thank all participants and their generous sponsors.
Active Retirement Association
Bagenalstown and District Active Retirement Association is organizing an outing to Sligo for three days, four nights, based at Rosses Point from Monday 18th to Friday 22nd June. Cost €295. per person sharing, including transport. Further details from Kate at 059-97-22903.
Medjugorje
Medjugorje promotional projects at No. 1 Beechwood Close, every Tuesday from 11.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Coffee morning, Free Marian lending library, sale of work. All welcome.
Attention Employers
Are you looking for cleaning or housekeeping staff. The Carlow EQUAL Employment programme in conjunction with Failte Ireland has just successfully completed a training course in accommodation skills. The participants are now ready and available for work. This course provided training in all aspects of housekeeping, cleaning, hygiene, health and safety, customer relations, etc. If you have any vacancies or wish to get further information please contact Amanda Murray, Training Development Officer, McGrath Hall, Railway Road, Bagenalstown 059-97-20733 or Amanda@carlowequal.ie.
All enquiries will be dealt with in strictest confidence.
Open Evening
Muine Bheag Vocational School is holding a PLC Open Evening and Display of Work on Thursday 9th May from 7.30 p.m. to 9 p.m. All are welcome. Students may also enroll for 2007-2008 courses on the night.
50th Anniversary
Queen of the Universe N.S. celebrates its Golden Jubilee anniversary this year. As part of the celebrations Bishop Jim Moriarty celebrated Mass in the school grounds, assisted by Fr. Declan Foley, P.P. and Fr. Paddy Byrne on Sunday, 29th April.. The attendance included past pupils, former teaching staff, present teachers, staff and pupils and members of the Presentation Order. .Fr. Declan Foley, congratulated the school, on behalf of the community, as they celebrate 50 years of committed service to the education of children of the town. “The Presentation Sisters have had a huge and influential role in the school throughout its history, providing teaching staff up until 2006. Some of the Sisters currently in the convent were on the staff when the school opened. The ethos and spirit of the Presentation Order is still very much in evidence in the school, thanks to present Principal George Darcy and his staff.” The Board of Management and the Parents’ Council, Principal and staff would like to thank everyone who helped to make the day such a success. A DVD of the occasion has been made and this will be on sale in the school in the near future at a cost of €15.
Plaque unveiling
On Thursday, May 10th, at 7.15 p.m. Cllr Margaret Cushen, Cahaoirleach of Muine Bheag Town Council will unveil a plaque to Bagenalstown local historian, the late William “Bill” Dillon, in the picnic area by the river on the Leighlinbridge Road.
Bill, who wrote under the pen name, Reynolds Fieldcrest, spent many years recording the history of Bagenalstown and surrounding areas. He had a particular interest in family histories and he spent considerable time in many of the country’s important graveyards and churches, recording headstones and tombstone inscriptions. During the course of the 1990s all of these important historical references were published by Bill along with his other booklets of poetry or those he specifically wrote to commemorate events such as the l798 Rebellion.
Bill, late of 44 Eastwood and formerly of Kilcarrig Street, died in December 2004, and at the February 2007 Muine Town Council meeting it was agreed to honour Bill by erecting a plaque in his honour along the banks of the Barrow. All are welcome to attend the unveiling.
Parkinson’s Patient Information
If you are a person with Parkinson’s, a carer, relative, health professional or friend the Parkinson’s Association of Ireland and Dr. Rory McGovern, Consultant Geriatrician at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny, invite you to attend a Parkinson’s Patient Information Update on Sunday May 20th from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny.. The cost.( including tea/coffee/refreshments) €10 per person. Prior registration is necessary. To attend this event phone the Association at 1800—359-359 or email parkinsonireland@eircom.net. Registration closes on Tuesday 15th May. Sponsors of the event are Orion Pharma (Ireland) Limited who have assembled a panel of distinguished health professionals who represent, in this one event, a great opportunity to increase your understanding and knowledge of the latest developments in the treatment of Parkinson’s
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1st May 2007 Carlow People Bagenalstown Notes
Bagenalstown Boat Festival
You are invited to Bagenalstown during the week-end of May 5th, 6t and 7th May to enjoy
the biggest boat festival ever held on the River Barrow when heritage boats from several counties will converge on the river. The boats will arrive in town on Saturday morning and will be on view all afternoon . They will include heritage, private boats, hover crafts, canoes, fishing cots and much more.
On Sunday, May 6th at 3 p.m. the boat people will be formally welcomed to town by Muine Bheag Town Council followed by an Ecumenical Service at the river side in memory of all lives lost on the Barrow and canal through the years and a blessing of the water, boats and people who use the river through work, leisure etc. Rev. Fr. Declan Foley, P.P. and Dean Gordon Wynne will preside.
On Monday May 7th the boats will be on view again. There will be live music at the river each night under a festival of lights. Bring your family on board the barges and boats for a look around. This week-end is part of the Year of the Barrow programme of community events in towns and villages along the River Barrow to focus attention on the River Barrow. Local man, Christy Kane, Cummins Park, is Chairman of Barrow Heritage and Development Association, promoters of The Year of the Barrow. Among the aims of the Association are to create greater awareness of the history and heritage that has built up along the river, to make each town along the river turn to the river to increase the tourist benefit and promote the waterway use for all sports and leisure activities. Don’t miss this very entertaining and educational event.
Carlow Pride of Place
Entries for Carlow Pride of Place are currently being invited from all residents associations, schools, voluntary groups and businesses in County Carlow. For information contact Janette O’Brien, Community & Enterprise Dept, Carlow County Council, Athy Road, Carlow at 059-91-36203. The closing date for applications is May 18th.
Charity Night
In aid of the Oncology Unit in St. Luke’s Hospital will take place on Friday 4th May in Jimmy D’s Pub, Regent Street. All are very welcome to support this very worthy cause.
Athletics Win
Congratulations to D.C.U. student, Danny Darcy, 46 Pairc Mhuire, who won the 1,500 m. in a time of 3.51 at the Irish Universities Athletics Track and Field Championships which were held in Morton Stadium in Santry.
August Festival
The members of Bagenalstown Festivals Ltd. are now preparing for the annual Festival in August and would appreciate any ideas you may have to add to the festival programme this year.
Concert
of Sacred Music in Duiske Abbey, Graiguenamanagh on Sunday May 13th at 5 p.m. Adm. €10. Concessions €5.with Kilkenny College Chamber Choir conducted by David Milne,, Eric Sweeney, Organ featuring music by Allegri, Byrd, Grieg, Marchant, Rutter and Faure’s Requiem.
Active Citizenship Training
The importance of voting, volunteering, joining groups and collective power will take place in Old Leighlin Community Hall on Tuesday 1st May from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Drama
Killoughternane Drama Group present “ A Priest in the Family” by Kieran Tunny and John Synge in Killoughternane starting on Wednesday 2nd May, also on 5th, 6th and 13th May at 8.15 p.m. The play is directed by Jim Quirke and the talented cast includes Ann Curry, Nicola O/Rourke, Pat Nolan, Fergal Kehoe, Sean Ryan, Cathy Kinsella and Jim Quirke. Tea and scones will be served after the play.
Training Programme
Calow Leader Rural Development Co. Ltd. is currently seeking participants for the marine and Countryside Guide Training programme. The course is Failte Ireland accredited. Mandatory modules for the course will include group guiding skills, outdoor guiding, health and safety, tourism, marketing, customer care and participants will be asked to specialize in either hill walking guide or angling guide. For further information and an application form please contact Clare O’Shea on 059-97-20733.
AGM
The AGM of Bagenalstown ICA Guild will take place in the Muine Bheag Community Centre, Church Road, at 8 p.m. on Wednesday 2nd May.
Flower and Garden Club
The monthly meeting of Bagenalstown Flower and Garden club will be held in the Community Centre on Tuesday May 8th at 8 p.m. On Sunday, June 3rd the summer outing to Blooms Flower Show will leave the Community Centre at 9 a.m. sharp. This Show is Ireland’s answer to Chelsea Flower Show and is open to members and non members. Tickets are still available. If you are interested contact 059-97-21661 or 059-97-22204.
Swimming Pool
The AGM will be held on May 8th in Bagenalstown Swimming Pool at 8 p.m. The committee is seeking a lifeguard and pool staff. Closing date for application is May 8th. Apply in writing with CV to Shane Byrne, Church Road, Bagenalstown.
Ballinkillen Hurling Club
Hurling legend, D.J. Carey, will visit Ballinkillen on Wed. evening 2nd May to conduct a coaching session with the U18s from 6.45 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Everyone with an interest in hurling is invited to attend. The club got a great boost recently with the news that their application for Lotto funding was successful.
Yoga
Classes for beginners, organized by the Family Resource Centre, started in St. Mary’s Hall on Wed. last, 25th April Fee €3 per night. Course lasts eight nights. All are welcome and fur further information contact Anne at 059-97-2319
Information Evening
If you would like what services are available to you call to Old Leighlin Community Hall on Thursday 3rd May from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Gaisce – The Presidentr’s Award
“To the Waters and the Wild” on May 5th and 6th. Over 160 Gaisce participants from all over the country will be challenged by the 33rd Reserve Infantry Battalion of the Defence Forces in grueling week-end expeditions through some of Ireland’s toughest terrain
The areas of the Barrow Way, South Leinster Way and Easter Munster Way will be the back drop for a 30 km trek for these awardees who will stretch themselves to the full in their mission to achieve the prestigious Gasce medal. For information contact Stephen Peers, Gaisce – The President’;s Award at 089 2868717or 01 4758746. Best wishes to all the participants.
Tractor Nuts
On Sunday, 13th May, the Tractor “ Nuts” run in aid of the Irish Kidney Association and Irish Cancer Society. will take place starting at Drakes Borris & Distrtict. .“Oil Up” in the Green Drake on Saturday night. Tractor cards available from Brian at 085- 2595281 All participating tractors must be pre l985. Tractors may be parked in Kelly’s yard over the week-end. The route will start at Borris,journey to Rathanan, Kiltealy (one hour stop), Cullentra, Rathgeeran, Ballymurphy Clashganny, Graigue and home to Borris.
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April 24h 2007 Carlow People Bagenalstown Notes
Meeting adjourned
The April meeting of Ballyloughan ICA was adjourned as a mark of respect to their late member,.Odette Hughes, Ballinkillen, who died recently.
Pilgrimage to Medjugorje
Sat 9th June—Sat 16th June 2007 Final few seats left. If you are interested please contact Fr. Paddy Byrne C.C. on 087-9948585/972388 Trip costs €609 incl. flights, full board and accommodation.
Twinning committee needs your help
Muine Bheag town twinning committee needs your help with accommodation for some young people from our twinned town, Pont Pean, in Brittany, who are arriving here on a youth exchange programme on July 5th until July 12th. Thirteen young people and three leaders will participate in an environmental project in the area of the town and meet young people living here
The aims of the committees, both here and in Pont-Pean, are to promote friendship and understanding between the two towns, to encourage and assist exchanges between individuals, students, families and groups and to foster student, cultural and sporting links between young people in the two towns. But twinning is not confined to students and young people. Adult groups/voluntary organizations are also welcome to make contact with people in Pont-Pean.
On Thursday 3rd May, 18 local people will travel to spend five days in Pont-Pean as guests of families there. During their stay they will enjoy family life with their hosts and take part in social activities arranged by the French twinning committee. The programme includes a two day trip to Normandy to visit the Flanders Fields and War Memorials. Another day will be spent in the beautiful city of Rennes visiting the Cultural Centre and getting in some shopping.
The twinning committee would very much appreciate your support and if you can help please contact Bernie Brennan, Breda Johnson or any committee member as soon as possible. Michelle Brennan. John Clarke, Margaret Cushen, Tom Dermody, Teresa Dermody, Liz Pender, Ann Egan, David Hynes, Paddy Kiely, Siobhan O’Rourke.
Car Boot Sale
Friends of the Sacred Heart Hospital are holding a car boot sale on Saturday 5th May at 10 a.m. in the grounds of the hospital. Your support in the Mini Marathon would be much appreciated and sponsorship cards are available from Brian McSteen or from the hospital.
Health Awareness Week
From Monday 23rd April to Saturday 28th April, Aislinn’s Health Food Store, Pump Street, Bagenalstown, will run a series of events to mark this. The range of events will include free consultations, free Dead Sea facials, food tasting, tarot reading, half price Hopi ear candling with many special offers, prizes and hampers. For more information or a listing and times of events contact the Health Centre Store at 059-97 20716 or 087-6492774.
Day of Prayer
A Day of Prayer and Healing will be held in Emmanuel House of Providence, Clonfert, on Saturday April 28th. If interested contact Eithne Ryan at 9722004, B. Dunne at 91-32392 or N. Moran. Speakers are Fr. Noel Burke and Eddie Stone.
Floral Pride Launch and Litter Action League Awards
County Council hosted a ceremony to launch Carlow’s Pride of Place 2007 and announce the winners of the Litter Action League Awards.in Ballykealy House Hotel on Wednesday 18th April. There was a large turnout with representatives from voluntary groups in villages and towns around the county present. The evening started with a visual presentation of the beautiful towns and villages of the county, all litter free with shrubs and flowers in abundance. It is no wonder that Carlow is called the Floral County.
The guest speaker was Finola Reid, Gardens & Landscape Consultant, who enthralled those present with her passion and enthusiasm for her subject, her love of wildlife and concern for the environment. Ms. Reid spoke of her current work in Duckett’s Grove, the Georgian house of the Duckett Family, which was acquired by Carlow County Council in 2005 for use as a public park, along with its walled gardens and lawns. She was appointed director of the project and commissioned by Carlow County Council to prepare a historical landscape report for the overall site with specific aims and recommendations for the renewal of the Duckett’s Grove gardens which has now been submitted to Failte Ireland for funding. Ms.Reid said there will be an Open Day in the gardens in June and invited everyone to go alone and see for themselves the exciting transformation which should make Duckett’s Grove a very important tourist attraction in the county.
Bagenalstown was among the winners this year, .with Conway Park, Kilcarrig Street, Eastwood and Maple Drive bringing home the honours. Representatives of the residents associations’ for the wininng area accepted the prizes; Michael Lakes for Conway Park, Brian McSteen for Kilcarrig Street and Tom Ward for Maple Drive.
Congratulations to all the winners and all the voluntary groups around the county who give so generously of their time and energy to enhance the area in which they live. The County Manager, Joe Crockett, and Carlow County Council deserve great credit for encouraging and supporting the work of voluntary groups in the county and recognizing their valuable contribution to community life.
Redevelopment plans
Paents of pupils in St. Mary’s National School will be very welcome at the meeting at 8:00pm on Tuesday (24th) in the school to be brought up to date on the redevelopment project.
Rock Concert
Starlight Stage Productions present the Queen smash hit musical, “ We will Rock You” at the Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny, from Wed. 25th to Sat. 28th of April. The show features a highly talented cast starring Jason Paul Ryan and Sharon Molloy, alongside students from Starlight’s County Carlow classes. Students from the Bagenalstown class feature as Teen Queens, Anna Monaghan, Laura Doyle, Joanne Connolly, Joanne McSorley and Katie Mullins. .
Bagenalstown Branch Carlow/Kilkenny Home Care Daffodil Day
A total of €6,906 euro was raised at the recent Daffodil Day.. The local Home Care committee thanks all that donated fresh daffodils and gave their free time to help in any way. Thanks to Robert Corrigan for the use of caravan.
50th Anniversary
The celebration to mark the 50th Anniversary of Queen of the Universe N.S. will continue on Sunday, April 29th, when Bishop Jim Moriarty will be chief celebrant at a special Mass in the school grounds, beginning at 3 p.m. Everyone in the community is invited to attend this very special celebration and Open Day. People are asked to pass this invitation to past pupils, relatives and friends and all who have been connected in any way with the school throughout the past 50 years
Charity Collection
The Hope Foundation will collect your unwanted shoes and clothing on Tuesday April 24th from 9am-1pm at St. Andrews Church Gate, Bagenalstown. Permit No. 402 Collection Line 24hrs @ 087 3259311 The Hope Foundation works with children on the streets of Calcutta
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April 17th 2007 Bagenalstown Notes
50th Anniversary
The celebration to mark the 50th Anniversary of Queen of the Universe N.S. will continue on Sunday, April 29th, when Bishop Jim Moriarty will be chief celebrant at a special Mass in the school grounds, beginning at 3 p.m. The management, staff, Parents’ Council and pupils extend an invitation to all the community to attend this very special celebration and Open Day. People are asked to pass this invitation to past pupils, relatives and friends and all who have been connected in any way with the school throughout the past 50 years.
The Presentation Sisters, in the old Secondary School , which was built in 1900, provided an outstanding education for all classes of children, despite overcrowding, poverty, and fever. In l957 a new Primary School was opened by the late Bishop Keogh under the title of “Queen of the Universe” The Presentation Sisters continued to administer this school until 1990 when the first lay Principal, Mr. George Darcy, was appointed.
Novena
Tuesday 17th April will mark the end of the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, in St. Andrew’s Parish Church at 7.30 p.m. Bishop Jim Moriarty, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin will be guest speaker.
Coffee Morning
Carlow County Childcare Committee will host a coffee morning and play session for childminders and children in their care on Tuesday, 17th April, at The Dome, Carlow. from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. No charge. To book contact Carlow County Childcare Committee, 16 Dublin Road, Carlow. Tel. No. 059-91 40244. Permission from parents or guardians is necessary.
Concert
Fr. Liam Lawton is staging a concert in aid of Carlow Special Olympics in Carlow Cathedral of the Assumption on Wed. 25th April at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7.30 p.m. Tickets €25 are available at Rainbow Records, Carlow. Enquiries to 059-91 64042.
African letter
In a recent letter from Myles Kavanagh, Royal Oak Road, who is now working as a volunteer in Kenya, he tells of conditions in the area in which he works. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, Myles is adadministrator of the Diocese of Bungoma and runs the Holy Family Hospital in Nangina, near the border with Uganga, which serves a population of 200,000 with five outreach clinics and a health centre. The hospital has 106 beds and the only funding it receives is from the patients who are very poor and their contributions are minimal.
Poverty prevents the vast majority of very ill people making their way to the hospital because they have not got the money to pay for services. In his letter Myles tells me of the sadness he feels that many people never bring their sick to the hospital because they will not be able to pay the bill. “ Some, in the last throes of sickness, in desperation to save life, bring the sick family member strapped in a cane chair fixed on the back carrier of a small old Indian bicycle; too late, the patient dies on the way, at the hospital gate, on the hospital steps, or shortly after arriving in the ward. The death certificate is signed by the doctor and the body is taken back home.” Sadly, this tragedy affects children and women also.
He told me the story of John Okumu Waske, a 60 year old man, who was never employed but now works as a casual labourer in the hospital. Two of his daughters and one grand-daughter were ill and admitted to the hospital in 2006. Their total bill amounted to approx. 500 euro and as the family had to money to pay, John offered his services to work off the bill because, he said, as head of the family it was his responsibility to do so and he can now hold his head up in his community. He still has over 200 hours to work to complete the payments. John is one of the few who faithfully turns up every day at the hospital to fulfil his promise of paying the hospital bill for three family members. “Many start the work but within a few days fail in their commitment.” .
Staff shortages are critical at the hospital and there has been a water shortage since last December. Myles is in desperate need of a generator as power cuts are frequent and ongoing and it is a much needed item, especially in emergencies.
If you would like to help Myles in his need for a generator, please give me a call and I will put you in touch with him.
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10th April 2007 Bagenalstown Notes
Seeking information
Mrs. Ann Power, Kilcarrig Street, Bagenalstown, is currently researching material for her doctoral thesis on the life of Patrick Foley, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin (1896-1926). Mrs. Power explains that part of her doctoral thesis necessitates a look at the secular and regular priests of the diocese who offered their services as chaplains to the Forces throughout the First World War. These men, she said, who left the comforts of their parishes and religious houses performed heroically, giving spiritual comfort to the injured and dying on the battlefield, as well as at the advanced ambulance stations.
She would like to hear from anybody who may know of, or hold, letters, diaries, etc. of the following priests:
Henry Beauchamp M.C. of Rosenallis, Co. Laois and curate in Portarlington, was commissioned chaplain to the Forces on 29 March 1916 and served in France until 25th July 1919. He transferred to the RAF on 25 July 1919 and remained with the RAF for the rest of his priesthood. He died on 26 April l948.
Michael Bolger of Carlow town and curate in Monasterevan was commissioned chaplain on 3 March 1916 and served in France until 12 June 1919. He was decorated by the French Government. After the war he was P.P. of Graiguecullen and died on 17 February 1926.
Michael Doyle of Ardoyne, Tullow and curate in Myshall, was commissioned on 16 March l9l6 and served in Mesopotamia until 23 December l9l7.
John Hughes of Clashganny, Borris, was curate in Phillipstown (Daingean) when he was commissioned chaplain to the Fleet 14 May 1915 and demobilized on 31 May 1921. He became chaplain to the Irish Army in 1923 and served in the Curragh Camp until his death on 17 January l943.
John Charles Kelly of Rathoe, Tullow, was commissioned chaplain on 22 May l9l7 and served in France until 12 February l9l8.
Daniel Francis Joseph Murphy of Kildavin was curate in Kilcock when he was commissioned chaplain to the Forces on 17 November l9l6 and served in France until
12 February 1918. After various curacies, in l941 he was appointed P.P. of Rathvilly and died on 5th October l944.
William Murphy, CBE , chaplain at the Curragh Camp, was commissioned on 5 August l9l4, and served in Gallipoli and Macedonia from where he was invalided back to England, becoming senior chaplain on Salisbury Plain until 26 February l9l7 when he returned to Ireland as Senior R.C. Chaplain Irish Command. After further duty in England he became P.P. of Borris and died on 5 February l943.
William Rice was curate in Mountmellick when he was commissioned chaplain on 8 May l9l7 and served in France until 8 May l9l8.
Mrs. Power would be most appreciative of access to any material relating to any of the above and can be contacted at the Department of Humanities, St. Patrick’s, Carlow College, College Street, Carlow. Email annpower@carlowcollege.ie.
Fleadh Cheoil winners
Congratulations to the Groupa Cheoil from Queen of the Universe National School
who recently won the Leinster Fleadh Cheoil in Leighlinbridge.. They now go forward to the All Ireland in Athboy. Congratulations also to Michelle Bridgett who won in the solo singing section.
Courses at Family Resource Centre
The Multimedia Room is now offering computer classes for beginners, beginners plus, intermediate, ECDL, Big Red Book and digital camera. Morning, afternoon and evening classes available. For details contact Christine or Marie at 059-97 23196.
If you are an adult who would like to do your Junior Cert in a friendly atmosphere with small numbers, the Centre can cater to your needs. Art classes are available on one morning a week. The Centre needs volunteers, so if you have one or two afternoons free each week you can gain valuable work experience and train as a receptionist. If you are interested in any of the above courses please contact Anne on 059-9723196 or call in person to the Family Resource Centre in the Court House, beside the Fire Station, at the Fair Green.
Coffee Evening
in aid of the Friends of St. Lukes Hospital, Dublin, will take place on Friday , April 13th, in the Community Centre, Church Road, at 8 p.m. A fundraising draw will take place on the night for a range of fantastic prizes. Lines on sale from Veronica Reddy, Mary Dillon or Brigid Cody.
Anniversary Mass
Celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of Queen of the Universe N.A. will continue
with a special Mass, which will be celebrated by Bishop Moriarty in the school grounds (weather permitting) on Sunday April 29th at 3 p.m. The School Principal, George Darcy, extends an invitation to everyone in the community to attend the Mass and Open Day, particularly all past pupils. Photographs connected with the school throughout the past 50 years would be welcome for display and all photographs will be returned.
Confirmation
will be celebrated in the parish on Sunday, April 22nd, at 2 p.m. in St. Andrew’s Parish Church.
First Communion
on Sunday, May 13th, at 11.30 a.m. in St. Andrew’s Parish Church.
First Aid Course
in Rathanna Hall on Wed. April 11th, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m . The course will run for 8 weeks with a small fee of €10.
Health and Beauty classes
will run for 10 weeks in Old Leighlin Community Hall from Tuesday, April 17th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Course fee €10.
Yoga
Ten week course in Yoga in Rathanna Hall starting Tuesday, April 17th from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p. m. Fee €10 Classes will commence in Oaktree Court Community Centre, Borris on April 19th.
AGM
Bagenalstown Festivals Committee Ltd. will hold their AGM on Tuesday, April 17th in the McGrath Hall, at 9 p.m. All members requested to attend and anyone interested in getting involved would be very welcome to come along to the AGM. If you have any new ideas for activities this year you are invited to contact any committee member.
Novena
Fr. Willie Purcell, former curate in Bagenalstown, will be guest speaker at the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help in St. Andrew’s Parish Church on Tuesday, April 10th at 7.30 p.m .
Employment Advice
Outreach Employment Advice Service for people with disabilities continues every Monday, from 11.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the McGrath Hall, Carlow County Council offices. Enquiries to Carlow Area Supported Employment on 059 – 91 35564.
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Poker Classic
A Poker Classic in aid of Fenagh Gaelic Football Club will take place on Good Friday, 6th April, in Fenagh Hall. Tickets on sale at €20 each. Supper will be served on the night.
Easter Sunday Parade
The Easter Sunday Parade this year will take place after 11.30 a.m. Mass and will start outside the church. It will be led by the ONE, Killeshin Pipe Band, the Cathaoirleach and members of Muine Bheag Town Council. other dignitaries and guests from overseas. Members of the general public are invited to join the parade The parade will proceed down the Parade to the ONE Plot at the Lower Stream where a decade of the rosary will be said for all deceased members of the organization and the National Anthem will be played. The parade will then move to the quayside where a local priest will bless the Barrow and offer a prayer for the safety of all people using the river in the Year of the Barrow 2007. Tea and refreshments will be served after the service.
Town traffic management
A recent proposal to introduce a one-way traffic system in Kilree Street has caused serious concerns for the large number of traders in the street who feel their business would be adversely affected by such a change. Cllr. Arthur McDonald is opposed to the idea of a one way traffic system for Kilree Street and the introduction of traffic lights at
Long’s Corner. He feels that proper traffic management in the town will solve the present problems and he is convinced that the long promised bypass for the town needs to come into force within the next twelve months
Easter Ceremonies
Confessions: Parish Church
Good Friday and Holy Sat 11 a.m. – 12 noon
Holy Thursday
Parish Church 7.30 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Newtown: 7.00 p.m.
Ballinkillen: 8 00 p.m.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the Altar of Repose will continue in Parish Church
until 11 p.m. Special Hour of Prayer from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Good Friday
| Parish Church | 3.00 p.m. Celebration of the Passion of Christ 7.30 p.m. Stations of the Cross and Veneration 9.00 p.m. Prayer around the Cross |
| Newtown | 7.00 p.m. Stations of the Cross and Veneration |
| Ballinkillen | 8.00 p.m. Stations of the Cross and Veneration |
Holy Saturday 7.30 p.m. Easter Vigil in the Parish Church.
As there are several hundred Polish people living in the Bagenalstown area, in keeping with Catholic tradition in Poland, food will be blessed in the Parish Church between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Holy Saturday.
Easter Sunday
Masses as on Sundays in all churches. No 7.30 p. m. Mass.
London Reunion
A Bagenalstown and Leighlinbridge reunion buffet will be held on Saturday, 21st April at the Civil Engineer Pub. Ruislip Road, Greenford, Middlesex. Anyone with friends or family in that general area is invited to attend. If anybody is interested in travelling to Manchester for the reunion, more information is available from Michael Lakes, 18 Conway Park, Bagenalstown, where a limited number of tickets are available. Tel No 059 97 21566.
Pitch and Putt Club
The club held its annual Jordan Scratch Cup recently. It was a very successful event with 87 players from all over the country taking part. The course is in excellent condition
thanks to the voluntary efforts of the members and the FAS workers who helped prepare the course for the big week-end. Prizewinners: Paddy Fogarty, Bagenalstown, won the intermediate grade and Derek Courtney from Glenville won the senior grade.
Novena
Fr. John Dunphy, Parish Priest, Graiguecullen, will be guest speaker at the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help in St. Andrew’s Parish Church on Tuesday, 3rd April, at 7.30 p.m.
Flower and Garden Club
Monthly meeting of the club will be held in the Community Centre, Church Road, on Thursday, April 12th at 8 p.m. Pierce Jones from the Delta Garden Centre will be guest speaker and will give a talk on spring and summer bedding plants and shrubs. He will also give a demonstration on making hanging baskets and window boxes. Non members are very welcome to this meeting.
Summer Outing
The Flower Club annual outing will take place this year to Bloom, which is a mini Chelsea Flower Show held in the Phoenix Park, on Sunday 3rd June. A bus will leave the Community Centre at 9 a.m. Non members also welcome. Names of those interested in going should give their names, by 12th April, to any committee members or phone Connie on 97-21661, or Kitty on 97-22204.
Divine Mercy Devotions
There will be a bus going to the Capuchin Friary, Kilkenny, to attend the Divine Mercy devotions, also taking in Kilkenny Sunday Markets, on Sunday April 15th. Contact Eithne Ryan on 97-22004, B. Dunne on 91-32392 or N. Moran.
Day of Prayer and Healing
will be held in Emmanuel House of Providence, Clonfert, on Sat. April 28th. The speakers will be FR. Noel Burke and Eddie Stone. Further information from Eithne Ryan or Brendan Dunne.
Easter Disco
An Easter disco in aid of BEAM Services will be held at Lambe’s Vee Bar, Royal Oak, on Thursday 5th April at 8.30 p.m. D.J. Jamesy.
Good home needed
for two pot belly pigs, If interested contact 086-8231718.
Irish grind
Qualified teacher available for hour long intense Irish oral preparation over Easter. All topics covered. Will take individuals or groups. Ph. 087-9454907 after 4.30 p.m.
Town Council
The April meeting of Muine Bheag Town Council will be held in the Council Chambers, McGrath Hall, on Thursday 5th April.
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For March 27th 2007 Bagenalstown Notes
New York March 2007
This year several hundred people from Carlow travelled to New York to
celebrate the 100th anniversary of the County Carlow Association at their anniversary dinner held in the Terrace on the Park restaurant in Queens on March 16th ,and follow them up Fifth Avenue behind the Kevin Barry banner, in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Carlow Grand Marshall on the Parade was Carlow native Martin Brophy, (now living in New Jersey) whose wife Edna (nee Brennan) is a native of Tinnegarney, Bagenalstown
47 local people joined the Bagenalstown Group, most of them visiting New York for the first time, and we set out off on Monday 12th March at 3.30 a.m. from the Market Square, to join Delta flight No.112 from Dublin with a two hour stopover at Shannon where we had to take our carry- on luggage off the plane and go through U. S. Immigration, have our fingerprints taken, etc. before resuming our journey. We had a very pleasant flight, with no shortage of meals and soft drinks. An alcoholic drink cost €5 or 5 dollars.
As our hotel, the Edison on West 47th Street, is located at Times Square, we were right in the middle of mid-town Manhattan, and after checking in, regardless of our rather tiring journey, everybody set off to “get the feel” of the Big Apple. The weather was great, warm and sunny, (for the first four days) and there was so much to see and do in the immediate area, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, “Toys R Us” famous toy store with the giant Ferris wheel in the window, Rockefeller Plaza with its low level ice skating rink, designer stores on the world’s most expensive street, Fifth Avenue, the theatres all around and the lights of Broadway when they came on, left everyone awestruck. It was a great beginning to an all too short visit.
For the next few days everybody took advantage of the good weather to pack in as much sightseeing as they could. The Empire State Building, Central Park, the Twin Towers Ground Zero site and the ferry trip to Ellis Island were among the most popular. Many took a tour on the Grayline “Hop on, hop off” bus which is a great way to see the city. This year the construction company working at Ground Zero has boarded up the railings around the site so it was just possible to look through a slit in the boards. Woodbury Common was another “must see” for most people, a one hour journey from the Port Authority bus terminal at West 42nd Street, costing 34 dollars for a day return trip. I made the trip this year again and that’s enough for me. It is hugely popular with Irish people (mostly women I imagine) and you hear more Irish accents there than in Dublin. While the women traipsed from store to store, many of the men took advantage of the good weather to sit in the sun and people watch. Woodbury Common offers great bargains for anybody who wants to buy designer stuff at low prices, here you can find a pair of designer jeans that cost €150.here for €50, same goes for DKNY, Versace, Ralph Lauren, Diesel etc. and great value in designer runners Surprisingly, shoes are not cheap in New York. Some make up brands (not French) i.e. Clinique, Origins are half our price over there.
When Friday, 16th March, dawned it brought a severe change in the weather, snow and sleet was falling when we awoke and, overnight, Siberian conditions had arrived. Still more shopping to do and with subways just minutes away, the weather did not deter us from heading downtown to Century 21 (a great value store, although a little untidy due to the huge volume of shoppers each day), and the best known store in the world, Macys, with miles of floor space, ten levels, a shopper’s paradise. International visitors can avail of a discount card in the Visitors’ Centre which gives them 11% off most items in the store. Snow and sleet fell all day and snow ploughs were out in force along the avenues and streets of New York. The streets were quickly cleared but snow was piled up on the sidewalks and crossing the streets was hazardous.
On Friday evening we set off by bus for the Carlow Anniversary Dinner which was attended by Carlow County Manager, Joe Crockett, County Council Chairman Michael Abbey and Carlow Town Council Chairman, Declan Alcock. Cllr. Walter Lacey, who has a long association with the Carlow Association, took time off from his campaign to seek a Dail seat in the forthcoming elections, to be there. The dinner was the highlight of our trip as we had the opportunity to meet people from the Bagenalstown and Carlow areas living in New York, including Martin and Evelyn Doorley, Tony Doorley and his wife Alex, Willie Doorley (Nurney) and his wife Nano,
Martin Brophy and his wife Edna. Carlow Person of the Year was Ray Lowry, a native of St. Killian’s Crescent, Carlow who is a very successful business man in the US and Bernadette Griffin, originally from Carlow was a guest of honour. The Kathleen Mulvey Award was conferred on Cody McCone, whose ancestors came from St. Mullins. President of the Association, Ms. Kate Mulvey, welcomed all the guests from Carlow and her sister, Madeleine, had a special word of welcome for Mrs. Rene O’Brien, who travelled from her home in Garryhill, Co. Carlow to attend the dinner. Rene lived in New York with her late husband, Jack, for many years and were members of the Association. In fact, Jack took care of the Kevin Barry Carlow banner until his death.
St. Patrick’s Day dawned and was dry but extremely cold. Because the Carlow Assoc. was celebrating its 100th anniversary the county was moved up near the front of the parade which started at 11 a.m. and was reviewed from the steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral by His Eminence Cardinal Edward Eagan, Archbishop of New York. The first St.Patrick's Day parade in New York City was organised in 1766 by Irish soldiers, making this the 246th consecutive year.The New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade is the largest annual parade in New York
and it is one of the few parades that do not allow cars, floats, or other vehicles nor does it allow leprechaun hats or paraphernalia. The more than 150,000 marchers were led by members of the 165th Infantry (originally the Irish 69th Regiment of Fighting Irish fame). Participants included politicians, Senator Hilary Rodham Clinton, Mayor Bloomberg, New York State Governor Pataki and members of Irish language and nationalist societies, college bands from New York and around the country. Huge contingents of policemen and fire officers took part in the parade. The Ancient Order of Hibernians is the main sponsor.
The Presentation School Band from Carlow town led Co. Carlow up Fifth Parade and were accomplished and charming young ambassadors for their school and county.
Sunday was our last day and we all took a last look at the city. We were unable to attend the Pearl River Parade, which is the second largest parade in New York State, and where many people from Co.Carlow live. Everyone was impressed with the politeness of the people we met, whether in stores, restaurants or on the streets and with “Have a nice day” ringing in our ears we boarded the bus for JFK Airport to take the 7.10 p.m. Delta flight back to Dublin, thankfully with no stopover at Shannon this time. Our arrival home coincided with the bank holiday and so, after a good sleep, we were all ready to return to work next day with happy memories of our great trip.
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For March 20th 2007 Bagenalstown Notes
Queen Musical
Booking is now open for Starlight Stage Production’s amateur production of the smash West End hit “ We Will Rock You” by Queen and Ben Alton. The show will run in the Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny, for four nights from Wed. 25th to Sat. 28th of April.
The group is based in Carlow and Kilkenny and this will be their biggest undertaking to date and will feature the highly talented duo, Jason Paul Ryan as Galileo and Sharon Molloy Queen, both of whom are known for their “You’re A Star” 2003 exploits. Trevor O’Neill, who shot to fame on “Irish Pop stars” will play Khashoggi. The show features over twenty of Queen’s greatest hits Tickets are now on sale and early booking is advisable. Tickets cost €12 Thurs. to Sat. with a special opening night special of €10. Booking at the Watergate Theatre box office on 056 – 77 61674. Having seen a previous production, “Joseph” I can tell you that it is well worth a visit, the costumes and set design are of the highest standard and the singing and choreography are worthy of a place on Broadway. Don’t miss it!
Young Priests’ Society
The Bagenalstown branch of St. Joseph’s Young Priests’ Society meets every month. Subscribers to the Society’s funds for the education of clerical students are asked to kindly give their subscriptions to the Treasurer, Mrs. Madge Byrne, Donore, or leave them in the Presentation Convent with name and address.
It is a society of lay people, founded in 1895 which fosters vocations to the priesthood and religious life by prayer, and helps financially in the education of students for the priesthood. Beside Irish students, the society assists students for the priesthood in other countries, wherever the need exists, for instance, in parts of Asia, Africa and America.
In some places families are unable to make a substantial contribution to the cost of seminary education and the expenses of a student because of other demands on their means, and perhaps some families are unable to provide any funds. In such cases the Society will help to finance the education of that student for priesthood. Declining numbers makes the education of priests more expensive. The fall in vocations will also make it inevitable that some seminaries will have to close
Novena
Sr. Consilio will be guest speaker at the Novena to our Lady of Perpetual Help in St. Andrew’s Parish Church on Tuesday 13th March. On Tuesday 6th Mr. Eddie Stone, healing ministry, was in attendance. The church was packed to capacity with people coming from near and far to receive his blessing. The novena started at 7.30 p.m. and the service did not end until after 11 p.m. Anyone going to hear Sr. Consilio should be in the church early as she is likely to draw similar crowds.
In June 2002 Myles went back to Tanzania, to a place called Mwawza where he worked as Country Administrator for the Jesuit Refugee Service, working with refugees from Burundi and he was overall coordinator of the services from various aid agencies - incorporating a health programme, pastoral programme, education programme with radio stations broadcasting in four languages. In June 2005 he returned home for a few months.
The call of Africa and the needs of the people there was too strong and in December 2005 Myles returned, this time taking up duty in the Busia District on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, bordering Uganda. He was appointed Administrator of the Diocese of Bungoma Hospital, serving a population of 200,000 with five outreach clinics and health centre. Myles is based in the Holy Family Mission Hospital in Nangina which has 106 beds and he is responsible for every aspect of running the hospital. It was founded in 1940 by the Ursuline Sisters from Holland and taken over by the Medical Missionaries of Mary in l963. In l988 it became the responsibility of the Diocese of Bungoma. The hospital just ticks over from day to day as there are no government grants, and money to pay the staff of 70 nursing and support staff is dependent on payment received from patients, who are very poor. Staff is paid minimal wages, the accountant makes the equivalent of 160 euro a month!!! A fully qualified nurse will take home €80, while support staff i.e. a grounds man, kitchen worker or gardener will have to live on €35 euro a month. The one hospital doctor is paid from hospital funds. People walk for miles to attend the clinics and the hospital.
Myles’s work in Tanzania is making a major contribution to the health and welfare of the people in the district where he works and lives. He is fully supported by his wife, Phil, who has travelled to Tanzania to see how his skills are benefiting the people in Tanzania. Myles will be sending me an update soon which I will share with you.
Fenagh G.F.C
Poker Classic in aid of the club will take place on Good /Friday, 6th April, in Fenagh Hall. Tickets will be on sale at 20 each. Supper will be served on the night. The County Board draw tickets are on sale and the first draw will take place in April. Tickets available from committee members as all monies raised for the club will go towards the day-to-day running costs and the ongoing future development in the club.
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For Tuesday March 13th 2007 Bagenalstown Notes
St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2007
Final arrangements are being made for the big day in a few days time. Whether it be fancy dress or best float, there are sure to be scores of people making those last minute preparations that might make the difference in scooping first prize. Remember also that there is a new prize category for the best float on the theme of Road Safety. But, of course, winning is secondary to the enjoyment and pride there is in participating. Whether participating or attending, the committee would like you to be mindful of the following points. Route: The parade will commence, as usual, outside the McGrath Hall. It will proceed along Church Road to St. Brigid’s Crescent where it will turn right down the long Range before turning into Regent Street. It will continue to the end of Regent Street where it will turn left into Hotel Street and on to the reviewing stand at the Lower Stream.
Starting time: The parade starts at 1 p.m. Assembly of floats: Participating floats and walking groups should assemble at the railway station from 12.30 p.m. onwards. Watch out for road signs regarding assembly. Blessing of the Shamrock: The shamrock will be blessed at 12.45 p.m. at the McGrath Hall, followed by the playing of the National Anthem. It is important that the leaders be in place in good time.
Parade Entertainment: There will be a great variety of entertainment on the day, both before and after the parade. Thrfe will be traditional music, thanks to Ciaran Somers and his group of young musicians. They will be ably assisted by the old stalwart John McGrath who, this year, will be supported by the booming voice of Sean Kerr. Sadie McGrath will also be present with her troupe of dancers, while the ever popular Mystery St. Patrick will be in attendance. Entry forms for guessing his/her identity will be available on the day.
Notification of participation: The committee is delighted with the response it has received from former and potential participants. With such numbers involved it would be of great advantage to hear in advance from those who are committed to entering either a float or marching group on the day. This would allow the Grand Marshall to coordinate the groups to greater effect. If you intend to take part, please contact Chairman Arthur McDonald (059-97-22233), Vice-Chairman/PRO Liam O’Brien or secretary Michael Lakes.
Finally, the committee would like to thank all those who help to make the parade possible from those who dropped a euro coin into the collection buckets, to those whose efforts are plain to see in the fantastic floats on the day. The committee extends an invitation to the people of Bagenalstown and beyond to get out on St. Patrick’s Day and enjoy the spectacle.
Camogie Champions
Congratulations to the Presentation De La Salle College Junior Camogie team who had a great win over Down in the All Ireland Semi Final on Saturday 4th March. Great credit is due to toehr coach Eoin Garvey who puts a lot of time and effort into training the girls. The team performed magnificently and they now take on the Cork champions in the All Ireland Final on a date to be fixed.
Cabaret Dance
In aid of the Oncology Unit in St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny, will be held in the Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow on Wed. March 14th. Music by Allen Haron and Marian Curry with special guests Paddy O’Brien and Paddy Hanrahan. Adm. €10. Tickets available from Desmond Kidd at 059-97-21778.
Local band helps St. Luke’s Hospital
The members of 2 of a Kind band raised €4,070 from sales of their Christmas cd “A 2 of a Kind Christmas” which they recently presented to the Oncology Unit of St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny. The money will be used to purchase equipment and will help those attending the unit receiving treatment for cancer.
Weight Watchers
Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m in St. Mary’s Hall, Church Road, Bagenalstown.
Ladies and gentlemen welcome.
Barrow Golf Society
Results: Barrow Golf society had a good turn out of 39 players for its opening competition of 2007. The Bagenalstown based golf society held a three man scramble at Mountrath Golf Club on Saturday 24th February. The prizes were presented at the Estoria Bar and Restaurant on the evening.
1st Ken Hickey, Noel O’Connor, Jim Fisher (3 under par)
2nd Fergus Bolger, Derek Byrne, Joe Cummins ( 2 under par )
3rd Phil Geoghegan, Andy Kane, David Kelly ( 1 under par )
The next outing will be a singles competition at Clonmel on 31st March. Members can book a place on the time sheet in the usual manner
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For March.6th 2007 Carlow PeopleBagenalstown Notes
Festival Queen Competition
The 2007 Festival Queen Competition will take place on Saturday, March 10 in The Estoria, Bagenalstown. The very popular competition is one of the highlights of the year on the festival calendar and has always proven to be a very enjoyable night’s entertainment. The music this year will be provided by The Comets while finger-food will also be provided. Admission for the event is €10 and tickets can be obtained from committee members in advance of the occasion. For the winning Queen there is a fantastic prize of €500 and €200 worth of Newbridge jewellery and a mobile phone sponsored by Reâ’s Jewellers and Communications. The most important aspect of the prize though is the honour of leading the parade on St. Patrick’s Day and representing the town at various civic events throughout the year, a task carried out with great distinction by the outgoing Queen, Marian Hynes. The event will start at 9pm so arrive early for the best seats!
Festivals Launch
The Bagenalstown Festival season will get underway on Saturday, March 10 when it will be officially launched in The Estoria, Bagenalstown at 8.30pm. The event will feature naturally the first major festival of the year, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade which has established itself as the county’s premier parade. It is hoped that this year’s parade will be bigger and better than ever and set the scene for a festive weekend. The Easter Parade will also be highlighted as well as of course the very successful August Festival. The Year of the Barrow will be represented as will Carlow County Council, who promotes the Tidy Towns competition, the Litter League and the hugely successful Pride of Place awards. The event is a cheese and wine reception and is open to the public. Proceedings will begin at 8.30pm. Bagenalstown can be very proud of its civic spirit that is evident in the number of events packed into the festival calendar, so why not come along on the night to recognise this success.
Daffodil Day
Bagenalstown branch Carlow/Kilkenny Home Care Daffodil Day will be on Friday, March 23rd. Collectors are needed. If you can give one hour to help please contact Marian at 97-21164. Fresh daffodils are also needed. Please leave in to Mrs. Mary Foster, 2 Kilree Street Upper on Thursday March 22nd. Ph.No. 97-22180.
National Tree Week
National Tree Week takes place this year from 4th to 11th March. A number of saplings are available free to all schools and community groups. Contact the Community & Enterprise Dept. of Carlow County Council. For further details and/or to book your free saplings contact Janette at 059-9136203. To mark the occasion In Muine Bheag a tree will be planted in the Town Park on Thursday next at 10.30 a.m.
National Spring Clean
Takes place in the month of April and a number of skips and bins are available free to all schools and communities. Phone Janette at Carlow County Council on 91-36203.
Fairtrade Fortnight
Fairtrade fortnight runs from 25th February to 11th March. You are invited to support FAIRTRADE
Products by asking for Fairtrade tea or coffee if you are in a restaurant or café. If you choose goods bearing the Fair Trade mark you are helping people in the Third World change their lives. The Fairtrade Foundation was established in l992 and the first Fairtrade food and drinks appeared eleven years ago. By supporting the Fairtrade Mark you can make a positive difference in the lives of farmers and workers in the developing world.
Civic Reception for Michael Hopkins
Muine Bheag Town Council hosted a Civic Reception on Friday, 2nd March, in Long’s Railway House to honour local man, Michael Hopkins, Kilree Street for his tremendous achievements in the field of humanitarian work in Calcutta. A large number of Michael’s friends, colleagues in Friends of Calcutta and supporters gathered to enjoy the occasion with him. Fr. Declan Foley, P.P, Dean Gordon Wynne, Deputy M.J. Nolan, Cllr. Jim Townsend and former recipients of Carlow Person of the Year awards, Mrs. Mary Coogan and Mrs. Mary Foster, were among the attendance as were local business people.
Town Manager, Bernie O’Brien, opened the proceedings and welcomed everybody to the Reception. She congratulated Michael on his tremendous efforts on behalf of the underprivileged in Calcutta. As Cathaoirleach, I had the pleasure of making a presentation to Michael on behalf of the Town Council in acknowledgment of his achievements and outlining the story of Michael’s journey from Muine Bheag to Sealdah railway station in the Indian city of Calcutta.
Michael is an extraordinary young man, who by his concern for the poor and disadvantaged has made a huge difference in the lives of many children and elderly people in the city of Calcutta. His interest in Calcutta began when he met Mother Teresa during her visit to Dublin. Shortly afterwards he heard Sr. Cyril Mooney of the Loreto Order, who was home on holiday from Calcutta, speaking on the radio and she was his inspiration to travel to Calcutta to work with her among the young street children. He started to fundraise for Sr. Cyril to provide a night shelter for young girls sleeping in Sealdah railway station.
In 1994 he founded a non profit making voluntary organisation, The Friends of Calcutta. which is now active nationwide. The group raises funds for projects in Calcutta and works closely with people on the ground there; they are dedicated to helping some of the 50,000 children on the streets. The charity has gone from strength to strength and now funds eight schools in the city. Michael’s charity is generously supported by the people of his home town and Carlow.
Michael is no stranger to awards; he wears them lightly and accepts them with gratitude on behalf of his team of fellow voluntary workers in Friends of Calcutta. When many young people are caught up in climbing the property or career ladders, Michael is planning his next trip to Calcutta to get involved in humanitarian work.
On a practical level, Michael formed a company, Sarani Arts and Crafts, to continue funding his trips back and forth to India. Over the past two years he has visited Calcutta 15 times and has made 42 trips in all, making him the most frequent Irish visitor to India. His company promotes Indian arts and crafts. He was accorded a very special privilege when he was granted a business visa by the Indian Ambassador which allows him to travel throughout the country.
At the Carlow Person of the Year Awards in November 2006, sponsored by the Nationalist and Milltown Engineering, Michael was named Overall Person of the Year and he was the recipient of the International Award from Carlow Co. Council for his outstanding voluntary work with the underprivileged in Calcutta. In l998 he was voted Galway Person of the Year and in the same year Ireland Young Person of the Year for his unselfish and dedicated humanitarian work.
Michael still had a dream to fulfill; he felt that not enough was being done for the destitute elderly in Calcutta and he wanted to extend his work to involve them. In 2003, with his partner, Sarghita, and the Loreto Order who care for the destitute elderly in India, he set up F.O.K.E. (Friends of Kolkata Elderly). F.O.K.E. is fast becoming the model for what caring for the elderly is all about. It supports two homes Calcutta, with a third on the way and each day is responsible for feeding 40 elderly people on Sealdah railway station.
The first fundraising auction/bazaar for The Friends of Calcutta was held in St. Mary’s Hall, Bagenalstown and was so well supported it funded two schools in Calcutta which takes care of the educational and medical needs of 1,7000 children.
A man of great vision, Michael sees into the soul of Calcutta, beyond the poverty, into the hearts of the children living there, who, in spite of their deprivation, are affectionate and friendly and Michael has succeeded in enriching their lives. It is said that behind every good man there is a good woman, and in Michael’s case there are two, his mother Brigid and his partner Sarghita who are a great support to him.
A bouquet of flowers was presented to Michael’s mother, Brigid, who has been his greatest support through the years. In his reply, Michael thanked the Town Council for the tremendous honour bestowed on him, Bernie O’Brien, Town Manager, and Kathleen Farrell, Town Clerk, for organising the evening. He recalled it was the late Noel Long who was the first person to give him a helping hand and expressed his gratitude to his wife, Tina, for continuing this support through the years.
Following the formal proceedings Michael thanked his former work colleague, Catherine Geoghegan for her help during the twelve years they worked together, Mary and Thomas McAssey for their assistance with his bazaars, and, of course, his beloved mother who is his mainstay.
Michael was especially delighted that three current members of the Friends of Calcutta committee made the long journey to be present on the night. Fr. Kevin Walshe, former curate in Bagenalstown who befriended Michael in l996 while volunteering in Calcutta. Michael regards Kevin as being one of the hardest working volunteers Calcutta has ever known and the inspiration for him expanding F.O.C’s work to give quality care to the destitute elderly: Celine O’Donohoe, a top educationalist, who for years has helped shape the high standards of F. O.C’s schools; Fr. Vincent O’ Hara, Prior of Avila in Donnybrook which, for the last decade, has been the F.O.C. headquarters. Fr.Vincent, former World Head of the Carmelite Order spoke movingly in his official capacity as current secretary of FOC “ I have had the honour of witnessing at first hand the humanitarian whirlwind that is Michael Hopkins in Calcutta. What sets him apart, unique among volunteers, is that Michael has always seen far beyond the poverty. It is a two way love affair and for over a decade his dignified respect for the poor has allowed us all witness what others would have thought the impossible. Long may he light up the city of joy. He is a tremendous ambassador for both Ireland and, most especially, his beloved Carlow.”
Refreshments were served while talented musicians Dermot O’Shaughnessy and Sean Kerr provided the musical accompaniment.
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Feb 27th 2007 Bagenalstown Notes
Civic Reception
Muine Bheag Town Council will host a Civic Reception in Long’s Railway House on Friday 2nd March to recognise the achievements of local man, Michael Hopkins, who was one of the founder members of the Friends of Calcutta, and who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the street children and the elderly in the city of Calcutta. Michael has been the recipient of many awards and in November last year he received the International Award, sponsored by Carlow County Council, for his humanitarian work with the voluntary organisation “Friends of Calcutta”. He travels regularly to Calcutta and in recent years he has been promoting Indian arts and crafts in Ireland when he formed his own company, Sarani. A few years ago, in conjunction with his partner, Sanghita Mondal, he launched Loreto Foke, to help the destitute elderly in Calcutta.
AGM
The 2007 AGM of the Bagenalstown Branch of the Labour Party will take place in the McGrath Hall on March 2nd at 7.30 p.m. New members or those who would like to contribute to the upcoming General Election campaign are welcome to come along. It will also be the last attended by Mr. Sesamus Pattison as a sitting TD after 45 years of service to the constituency.
Clinic
Seamus Pattison T.D. holds a clinic on the first Friday of every month in the Community Centre at 7 p.m. The next clinic will take place on Friday March 2nd.
Pilgrimage to Medjugorje
If you are interested in this prayerful experience for seven nights please contact Fr. Paddy Byrne, C.C. on 087 9948505/9723886. The cost of the trip is €609 which includes flights, full board and accommodation.
Pitch & Putt Club
At the recent AGM it was agreed to set the following membership fees for the coming year family €85. single €60, juvenile €20. It is very important for players who wish to play competitively to register as soon as possible. Registration forms must be returned by March 1st. Fees may be paid to the following committee members; Chairman Dickie Hickey, Vice-Chairman Paddy Fogarty,Treasurer Jim Monaghan, Secretary Liam O’Brien, Registrar Paddy Finnerty, Competition Secretary Senan Kavanagh
Women’s World Day of Prayer
in St. Andrew’s Parish Church on Friday 2nd March at 8 p.m. International and inter-denominational. Prepared by the Women of Paraguay. All welcome.
St. Andrew’s GAA Club AGM
St. Andrew’s GAA Club held a successful AGM on February 18th in the Estoria, Muine Bheag. The following officers and committee were elected; Hon. Life President Michael Jones; Vice-Presidents Jim Plunkett, Martin Duffy, Denis Foley, Jim English, John Comerford, Jack Kelly; Chairman Liam Barry, Vice-Chairman Aidan Coburn; Secretary Ken Hickey; Asst. Sec Ann Hickey; PRO Liam O’Brien; Treasurer/Irish Language Officer Vinnie Lambe, Committee members Martin Mara, Padraig Kelly, Trevor Nolan and Willie Barry.
It was also confirmed that Brendan Hayden will train the Intermediate team once again this year. The intermediate team will be playing Senior League football this year having been promoted from the Intermediate League in 2006. The ambition is, of course, to make the breakthrough into the Senior Championship. The squad of players are determined that this will be the year to do it.
The committee members and players will be selling County Board tickets for a fabulous five-month draw in the coming weeks. They cost €100 a ticket with the club retaining €60 of every ticket. The money can be paid in one lump sum or straggled over the duration of the draw. It will be the club’s major fundraising initiative this year and it is hoped that it will be well supported for the club to achieve success.
Novena
The Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help will continue in St. Andrew’s Parish Church on 27th February and every Tuesday until 17th April, at 7.30 p.m. each evening. The speaker on the night will be Fr. Liam Lawton, international singer and composer. Mr. Eddie Stone, (Healer-Healing Ministry) will attend on Tuesday March 6th.
Annual Cycle
The annual Cork to Carlow Cycle for the County Carlow branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association will take place on 16th and 17th June. For details contact Jack Doyle at 086-8402081.or Betty at 059-9140983.
AGM
The AGM of the Family Resource Centre will be held on 7th March at 8 p.m. in the Centre.
Best wishes
to Borris lady, Lori Doyle, who has taken over Quirkey Flowers in Kilcarrig Street.and will trade under the name of Fleurtation Lori has been in Castledermot for almost two years and in the flower industry for five years. She moved to Bagenalstown at the beginning of February. She stocks a full range of fresh and silk flowers and artificial trees. She also offers a balloon service for parties and special occasions.
A Night of Song and Praise with David Parkes
Marian Pilgrimages-The Medjugorje Specialists.- in the Sacred Heart Church, Borris, on Sunday 11th March at 8 p.m. Tickets €10. Contact Parish Office at 059-97 73128.
Bereaved
Deepest sympathy to Fr. Bernard Hennessy, Carlow, former curate in Bagenalstown, who has been bereaved by the death of his mother, Mrs. Peggy Hennessy.
Queen Musical
Booking is now open for Starlight Stage Productions amateur production of the smash hit West End musical “ We Will Rock You” by Queen and Ben Elton. The group, based in Carlow and Kilkenny, has previously staged Disney’s Aladdin Jr, Joseph, Annie Jr and The Wizard of Oz. “We Will Rock You” will be their biggest undertaking to date and the show will star Jason Paul Ryan as Galileo and Sharon Molloy as Killer Queen. The show features over 20 of Queen’s greatest hits.
It runs for four nights at Kilkenny’s Watergate Theatre from Wed. 25th to Sat. 28th April and tickets are now on sale at Watergate Theatre box office or contact 056-77-61674.
New York here we come!
Time to fly out to New York is fast approaching and on March 12th forty seven people from the Bagenalstown area will travel over to join the celebrations for the New York Carlow Association’s 100th anniversary. This is a very important year for the Association and a big crowd from Carlow will make the trip. The celebrations will begin with the Association’s annual dinner dance on Friday 16th March. Because of the large numbers attending, the venue was changed to the Terrace on the Park hotel in Queens and this will be a great opportunity for everyone to meet with people from the county living and working in New York. We will stay, as usual, in the Edison Hotel on West 47th Street, just yards from Times Square, a great location near theatres, subways, and world famous landmarks. On St. Patrick’s Day we will all line up behind the Kevin Barry banner of the Carlow Association to march up Fifth Avenue. This year I will be privileged, as Cathaoirleach of Muine Bheag Town Council, to represent the Council and the town in the Parade and the Carlow Association’s Annual Dinner. For those people going to New York for the first time, the trip will be an unforgettable experience.
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Mr. Wilson thanked the Bagenalstown committee for their extraordinary efforts on behalf of the Home Care Team and Mary’s tireless work.. “ It is hard to believe that it is fourteen years since Mary started the Christmas Day Swim and Walk and I know that she puts an extraordinary effort into making it a success as it doesn’t happen without a huge amount of background work before the event.” He explained that it takes €250,000 a year to run the Carlow/Kilkenny Home Care Service. He said that the Irish Cancer Society gives an annual donation of €50,000 and the Health Service Executive provides €30,000 per year. The rest, approx. €170,000 to €180,000 is raised by fundraising. “Thanks to people like you here tonight, we have no problem raising the balance, people are so good giving their time and energy to help us” He explained that the service is free of charge and the nurses, who cover Counties Carlow and Kilkenny, are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “The expertise and compassion the Home Care nurses bring to their work is very much appreciated by the families of terminally ill people and it is vitally important for the service to continue” He stressed that the Home Care Team would be very reluctant to allow the service to get drawn into a big organisation “Raising money is never a big issue thanks to all our volunteers and supporters. But we are anxious to maintain our independence as these organisations are generous with funds when things are going well but if funds get tight, every service gets cut back, and we would not like to see this happening to such a valuable service in the community as the Home Care service”.
Mary thanked Mr. Wilson for taking time out of his very busy work schedule to come to Bagenalstown. She also thanked Mrs. Tina Long who, with her late husband, Noel, has supported the Home Care since it started fourteen years ago
The generosity and goodwill of the community is evidenced by the large number of donations received by the Bagenalstown branch over the last six months. These include Fenagh Steam Rally €10,000; Borris Golf Club €1,800; Amanda Rothwell’s cabaret in Fenagh €2,5000; Hunters Rest Lotto Syndicate €711; Boland’s Garage €1,000 and Bagenalstown Credit Union €700 Mr. John Mahon from Myshall, with a group of his friends, completed a sponsored cycle from Oylegate in Co. Wexford to Myshall and raised €35,000 for the Irish Cancer Society and €33,000 for the Bagenalstown branch of Home Care.
Ms. Marian Smyth is Chairperson of the Bagenalstown branch, Ms Joan Jenkinson Treasurer and Ms. Mary Foster Secretary. Committee members: Phyllis Ashe, Kay Byrne, Eileen Carton, Ann Darcy, Ellie Devine, Imelda Forrestal, Tony Grey, Pauline Jordan, Mary Kearney, Teresa Kearney, Maree Keenan, Joan Lawlor, Una Minchin, Pat Purcell, Amanda Rothwell and Georgina Rothwell,
Bereaved
Mr. Jim Monaghan, Kilree Lane, has been bereaved by the death of his nephew Martin Cleary, Whiteland, Co. Monaghan.
Healthy Ageing
A programme for the over 65s. 20th Feb. to 10th April from 2 to 4 p.m. Every Tuesday, except week 4~ (12th March) when meeting will be on Monday from 3-4 pm. If interested contact Ms. Phil Dillon, Nurse/Manager on 91-36492/91-36300.
Kiri wins gold again
Congratulations once again talented young swimmer, Kiri Fisher, Donore, Bagenalstown, on winning gold and silver medals at the National Schools Swimming Championship, held recently in Belfast. Kiri won gold in the 100m. backstroke and silver in the 100m Freestyle. Good luck to Kiri as she now goes forward to represent Ireland in the International Schools Championships which will be held in Dublin on March 10th.
Ballinkillen Camogie Club
Indoor camogie training takes place every Tuesday night in Ballinkillen Community Centre for U8s and U10s from 6-7 p.m. and training for U12s from 7-8 p.m. For more information contact Sally Treacy at 97-75647.
Fenagh Improvement Group
There was a large attendance at the AGM of Fenagh Improvement Group held on February 1st. The group was formed in response to the changes in the community over the last few years. As new developments are set to continue, the group feels it is very important to build on the community spirit that already exists in the village. A suggestion box has been placed in the Black Cat shop and people are invited to comment on how to improve facilities for the community. The group has applied to enter the Litter League sponsored by Carlow County Council and hopes that people will support change for the better. Further information from Secretary Geraldine Maher on 97-27322 or PRO Angela Cox at 086-8831249.
St. Patrick’s Day Entertainment
Hornpipes pounding the floor and tin whistles making music are just some of the traditional attractions in Muine Bheag Community Centre, Church Road, on St. Patrick’s Day after the parade. The ceili will be hosted by Ciaran Somers and his School of Traditional Music and Singing and Adeline Dargan with her School of Irish Dancing. This will be a craic agus ceoil seisun not to be missed. Beidh failte romhat!
Drama
Big Tree Players present a comedy in three acts “ Paid in his own Coin” in the Parish Centre, Leighlinbridge, Thurs. 22nd, Fri. 23rd, Sat. 24th and Sun. 25th February at 8 p.m. nightly. Adm. €8. Contact Jimmy Farrell at 087-7857229 or Andrew Marshall at 086-3842439.
Missing dog
Have you seen Patch, a small white Jack Russell dog missing from his home at Curracruit, Kilcarrig area? He was last seen around the Cemetery of the Assumption on the Fenagh Road. Patch is a family pet. Reward offered. Ph. 059-97-21839 pr 087-9028861.
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Community Centre
The AGM of Ballinkillen and Lorum Community Centre will take place on Friday, 23rd February, at 8.30 p.m. The centre recently acquired some land and is on the brink of some exciting developments. The centre provides a great social outlet for the area but new ideas are always welcome. New members are always welcome.
BEAM Sports news
Four BEAM athletes took part in a Bocce Competition on January 24th in Killenard, Co. Laois. Both the ladies’ and men’s doubles teams brought home bronze medals. Congratulations to the winners Caroline Whelan, Sinead Haughton, Albert Hatton and John Gaffney. BEAM has eight athletes taking part in a tenpin bowling competition in the Dome, Carlow, on February 21st. Good luck to them.
Fair Trade launch
Carlow town is being launched as a Fair Trade town. To celebrate Fair Trade fortnight which runs from 26th February to 11th March Bagenalstown Library invites you to a Fair Trade coffee morning. Call in for a free cup of tea or coffee from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m on Saturday 24th February. People involved in fair trade will be there and you can speak to them about it and see what you can do to guarantee a better deal for Third World producers.
Home Care Presentation
The presentation from the Christmas Day Swim and Walk in aid of Carlow/Kilkenny Homecare Team, organised by Mrs. Mary Foster, will take place in Long’s Railway House at 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday 13th February. Over €6,000 was raised. A member of the Home Care will attend to accept the very generous cheque. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Retirement Association
Borris Active Retirement Assoc. is organizing a four day trip to Donegal and surrounding areas on Sunday 15th April. Cost €265, inclusive of tours and all meals. Limited number of places available. €50 deposit secures a place on the trip. If you are interested contact Sheila at 059-97-71927 or Helen at 059-97-73114.
Ceoil agus Craic
The Community Centre, Church Road, Bagaenalstown is hosting an afternoon of great music, entertainment and fun on St. Patrick’s Day, after the Parade. The Ciaran Somers School of Music will perform for your entertainment. Also present will be Adeline Dargan with her School of Dancing. Everyone is invited to attend.
Supported Employment
Carlow area Supported Employment is a FAS funded service based in Carlow. Supported Employment is an initiative that enables and empowers people with disabilities to be employed in paid jobs in the open labour market. Outreach programmes will be held in the offices of Carlow County Council at the McGrath Hall, Bagenalstown, every Monday from 11.30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
If you are seeking employment and have a disability, or if you just want further information you are invited to go along to the McGrath Hall or phone 059-91-35564.
Headway
A new monthly support group for family members of people with acquired brain injury is starting in Carlow on Thursday, 23rd February, at 7 p.m. An acquired brain injury can occur as a result of a road traffic accident, a fall, an assault, a stroke, a brain haemorrhage, viral infection or lack of oxygen to the brain. For more information contact Cliodhna Carroll on 056-7786240.
Holistic Health Care
Best wishes to Mary Kehoe, The Lodge, Kilcarrig, whose new business offers holistic health care, including aromatherapy, reflexology, Indian head massage and many more treatments. Mary can be contacted at 059-9622191.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The organizing committee is busy preparing for what is now the second largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in County Carlow and invites clubs, organizations and businesses to get involved and enter a float in the Parade. If you are considering entering a float for the first time and would like some assistance you should contact any committee member. The final of the very popular Festival Queen Competition will take place in the Estoria Restaurant, Main Street, Bagenalstown, on Saturday March 10th so that the new Festival Queen can be unveiled in advance of the parade. This year the committee is changing the entrance format so that local companies and businesses may sponsor an entrant. This will allow commercial life in the area to support the efforts of the committee in staging the parade and will, for them, serve as a great advertising opportunity. Any young girl who would like to represent her local shop or workplace in the Festival Queen Competition should approach the owner/employer for sponsorship.
The committee will introduce a new initiative this year and is now accepting entries for the inaugural St. Patrick Essay/Poem Competition which is open to all primary school children in the parish. The essay/poem can deal with any aspect of St. Patrick’s life or be a broad biography. It should not exceed 200 words. The winner and runners-up will be presented with their trophies on the reviewing stand on St. Patrick’s Day and will also have their work published. Entries to Committee Secretary, Mr. Michael Lakes, 18 Conway Park, Bagenalstown.
Medjugorje
Fr. Paddy Byrne, C.C. will lead a pilgrimage to Medjugorje from Sat. 9th June to Sat. 16th. If you would like to join this prayerful experience for seven nights please contact Fr. Paddy on 087-9948503 or 9723886. The cost of the trip is €609 which includes flights, full board and accommodation.
Novena
Parish Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help starts on February 20th and every Tuesday evening at 7.30 p.m. until April 20th . Fr. Kevin O’Neill, President of Carlow College will be guest speaker at the service on the first night..
French girl
Bagenalstown town twinning committee is seeking a family who would like to invite an 18 girl from our twinned town of Pont-Pean in Brittany into their home for one week. She would like to improve her English and will be free to travel between 1st and 16th of April. If you have teenage children and would like to become involved please contact Bernie Brennan, Breeda Johnson at the library or give me a call.
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Twinning Project
In July next 13 young people and 3 leaders from Pont-Pean will come to Bagenalstown for one week and join 13 students here to take part in an environmental project. A similar project took place in 2004 which resulted in the landscaping of the garden in the grounds of the McGrath Hall. The following year a group of students from here travelled to participate in a similar environmental project in Pont-Pean. Both of these exchanges were very successful.
The Bagenalstown twinning committee is looking for young people between the ages of 12 and 16 to get involved in this exciting project. The programme will be activity filled and participating students will get the opportunity to travel to Pont-Pean in 2008 on a similar exchange. To ensure the success of the venture the twinning committee is looking for host families to take a student into their home for one week which should be of particular interest to parents with students of similar age. Their needs are simple, give them a friendly and treat them like one of the family. The visitors will be very busy during working on the project and taking part in the many leisure activities arranged by the twinning committee. If your child would like to join the environmental project in July and you can help with hosting please contact Bernie Brennan or Breeda Johnson in the library, any committee member or give me a shout.
There are still some seats left on the trip to Pont-Pean from Thurs.3rd to Tuesday 8th May.
flying to Paris, taking the luxurious French TGV train to Rennes where host families will meet the group from here and enjoying five days with a French family where you will find overwhelming hospitality. During the visit there will be an overnight trip to Normandy.
If interested contact Bernie or Breeda in the library.
Credit Union Quiz
Congratulations to St. Finian’s N.S. Garryhill school quiz team which won the U-13 Credit Union Quiz last week in the new Credit Union building. It is the first time that a team from Garryhill has won this competition. The team will now represent Bagenalstown Credit Union area in Kilkenny on March 4th. The team includes Amy Byrne, Eoghan O’Hara, Kevin Hosey and Katie O’Neill. Congratulations also to the boys from St. Brigid’s N.S. Bagenalstown, who won the U-11 competition; Jack O’Neill. Thomas Maher, Daniel Hickey and Jordan Lillis.
Pilgrimage to Medjugorje
Sat. 9th to Sat 16th June. If you are interested in this prayerful experience for seven nights please contact Fr. Paddy Byrne, C.C. on 087-9948505/9723886. The cost of the trip is €609 which includes flight, full board and accommodation.
School Reunion
Presentation De La Salle College 10 Year School Reunion will be held in the Estoria Restaurant, Main Street, on Saturday evening 24th February.
Resource Centre activities
Bagenalstown Family Resource Centre is offering an interesting selection of activities
Men’s art classes started on Mon. 5th Feb. Those interested in joining should ring Anne on 97-25196. Youth Drop In Centre is on Tuesdays from 6 to 7.30 p.m. Music workshops on Fri. nights 6-7.30 p.m. in the Long Range centre. New members welcome.
Any young person interested in kick boxing or Tae Kwon-do Sat. mornings or Tues. evenings. Contact Joeie on 97-21396.
AGM
Bagenalstown Pitch and Putt Club will hold the AGM on Thurs. Feb. 8th at 8 p.m. in the club house. All members are requested to attend.
Bereaved
Mr. James Murphy, Fenniscourt, has been bereaved by the death of his sister, Rev. Sr. Gabrielle Murphy, Little Sisters of the Poor, Raheny, Dublin and Leighlinbridge.
Traffic Plan
The Draft Traffic Management Plan for Bagenalstown has been open to public consultation for the past four weeks. The Plan contains a number of key proposals in relation to traffic flow, cark parking provision, pedestrian facilities and accessibility and public lighting. A large number of submissions have been received from members of the public and business people in relation to the management of traffic, etc. These submissions will be taken into consideration before the next stage of the process takes place.
Novena
The Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help will start on Tuesday 20th February at 7.30 p.m. in St. Andrew’s Church and continue every Tuesday evening, including Mass and Benediction, until 17th April. The novena will feature a different speaker every night. The speaker on the first night will be Kevin O’Neill, President of Carlow College.
End of an era
Good wishes to John and Mary Ryan, Corries Cross Post Office, who retired from business at the end of January bringing to an end the Post Office in Corries Cross after a lifetime of service to the community.
Flower Club
Monthly meeting of Bagenalstown Flower and Garden Club will take place on Tuesday, 13th February at 8 p.m. in the Community Centre, Church Road. Mrs. Angela Behan O’Carroll will give a demonstration. Non members very welcome. Refreshments will be served after the meeting.
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Winning Streak winner
Congratulations to Mrs. Patricia McDonnell, Kilcarrig Street, who appeared on Winning Strike on Saturday last. She won a car, holiday in India and was the lucky person to spin the wheel bringing her a total of €84,000 for her day out.
All-Stars
Congratulations to the three members of Bagenalstown Rounders Club who received their All-Star Awards in Longford in December.
Sandra Minchin (Fr. Cummins Park) received hers for the position of outfield. Sandra came back last year from Australia where she had spent a year. She was excellent in the position of outfield. Sandra has been playing rounders since she was ten years of age.
Nicola Clarke (Barrett Street) received her second All-Star this year for the same position of pitcher. Nicola had to play this position with deadly accuracy to enable her team to get results in many matches. Elaine Clarke, (Barrett Street) younger sister of Nicola received her All Star Award for the position of 3rd base. Elaine put in a lot of hard work over the year playing in this position and deserved this honour, especially as she is only 15 years old. Well done to all three.
Previous winners of this award from the club are Grace Doyle (2), Jennifer O’Brien (2),
Anne Marie Gardiner (1) and Louise Clarke (1), sister of Nicola and Elaine. All three Clarke sisters have now received the All-Star. The committee and players would like to congratulate the girls on their achievements and a special word of thanks to all the players for their hard work and commitment during the year from their Coach Alice Clarke. They hope for another good year in 2007. New members are always welcome to join the club.
AGM
The AGM of the Resource Centre will take place on 7th March at 8 p.m. Anyone interested in joining subgroups working on such issues as youth, education and training, childcare or community services are invited to go along to the AGM or contact Anne at 069-97-23196.
New Courses
Men’s art classes start on 5th February at 10 a.m. Contact Anne at 97-23196. Youth Drop in Centre on Tuesdays 6-7.30 p.m. Music Workshop on Friday nights 6-7.30 p.m. Long Range. New members welcome. Any young person interested in kick boxing or Tae Knon-do on Sat. mornings or Tuesday evenings contact Josie at 97-21596.
Cycle Marathon
The annual Cork to Carlow Cycle for the County Carlow branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association will take place on 16th and 17th June. For details contact Jack Doyle at 086-8402081 or Betty at 059-91 40983.
Medjugorje
The Bagenalstown Medjugorje Prayer Group will be participating in Ireland’s Medjugorje National Day of Prayer at St. Andrew’s Parish Church on Sunday 4th February from 3 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. Theme: Our Lady, Cause of our Joy. The programme will include local and visiting musicians. All welcome.
Town Development
Cllr. Arthur McDonald has announced that a new marina will be developed at the
the boat slip, opposite Minch Norton’s. This work will be undertaken in partnership with Carlow County Council, Waterways Ireland and Bagenalstown Festival Committee.
The project will cost in the region of €100,000 on a new marina, boat slip and picnic area. and it is expected that the work will be carried out this year.
Cllr. McDonald has written to Mr. Liam Fitzgerald, Carlow County Council about the new footpath due to be installed between the Pitch & Putt Club and the McGrath Park
He has requested that the proposed length of the footpath, 60m be extended to a length of 170m as anything less would be totally inadequate. He has also stressed the need for the provision of lights on that road, which is used by young people going to and from the McGrath Park.on a daily basis.
Visit to France
There are a few places left on the trip to Brittany on Thursday 3rd May returning on Tuesday 8th May. The trip has been arranged by Muine Bheag town twinning committee in response to an invitation from the Pont-Pean twinning committee as part of our yearly cultural exchanges. The twinning programme helps people from Pont-Pean and Muine Bheag to become friends and learn about each other’s way of life and is very beneficial for students who exchange visits. Our group will be guests of families in Pont Pean who offer the warmest hospitality during our stay. The French twinning committee arranges a programme of events during the five days and this year has introduced an overnight stay in Normandy and a visit to see the War Memorial. On Monday 7th May we will spend the day in Rennes, the beautiful capital of Brittany and have an opportunity to explore the old historic part of the city. If you are interested in enjoying a visit to our twinned town please get in touch with either Bernie Brennan or Breeda Johnson at Bagenalstown Library.
Rainbow Programme
Sr. Kathleen, Presentation Convent began a new series of the Rainbow Programme on
Monday 29th January at 3.30 p.m. This programme is to help children who have suffered loss through bereavement, separation etc. If interested please contact your school or
phone Sr. Kathleen at 059-9721263.
Wedding Fair
In the Lord Bagenal, Leighlinbridge on Sunday 4th February from 2 to 6 p.m. Free admission. Bridal Fashion Show at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Camogie news
The AGM of Ballinkillen Camogie Club took place on January 18th. There was a big attendance at the meeting. Club officers for 2007 are Chairperson Catherine Kinsella; Secretary Sally Treacy; Asst. Secretary Bernadette Cummins; Treasurer Teresa Sheehan; Asst. Treasurer Ann Geoghegan; PROs Brid Kennedy and Annmarie Quirke. A special thank you was extended to retiring Secretary Margaraet Dowling for her dedicated work over the past few years.
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School Reunion
Presentation De La Salle College ten year School Reunion will be held in the Estoria
Restaurant on Saturday, 24th February when the Leaving Cert Class of 1996 will come together for a social evening.
Novena
A Novena with a difference will be held in Bagenalstown, starting on February 20th. It will run for nine Tuesdays at 7.30 p.m.. The Solemn Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help will be an opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together to celebrate their faith and a time of spiritual renewal in the Parish. During the nine days of the Novena there will be guest speakers who have experience in dealing with modern day problems that affect families, e.g. alcoholism and drug abuse, etc. Speakers will include Sr.. Consilio who will speak on addiction, Fr. Liam Lawton on music, Fr. Kevin O’Neill, President of St. Patrick’s College, Carlow , well known lay minister, Eddie Stone on healing ministry, Brian Cody, Manager of the Kilkenny hurling team, popular Kilkenny based priest, Fr. Willie Purcell will bring a message of encouragement and hope. Bishop James Moriarty will conclude the Novena. Petition boxes will be left in several locations around the town to enable people to have their petitions prayed for during the Novena.
Lucky lady
Mrs. Patricia McDonnell, Kilcarrig Street, was one of the lucky people whose name was drawn out of the box by Derek Mooney on last Saturday night’s Winning Streak and she goes forward to take part in the game next Saturday. Good luck, Patricia.
Bereaved
Mrs. Mary Lynch, Bohermore and Sean Kerr, Rathellen, have been bereaved by the death of their sister, Patricia Kerr, Middlewich, Cheshire.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The committee is happy to announce that the very popular Festival Queen competition will once again take place in conjunction with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The final will be held in the Estoria on Saturday, March 10, so that the new Festival Queen can be unveiled in advance of the parade. The entrance format will differ this year to previous years. This year the committee is extending the sponsorship format so that local companies and businesses may sponsor an entrant.
This will allow commercial life in the area to support the efforts of the committee in staging the parade. It also serves as a great advertising opportunity. The committee is also happy to announce a new initiative. The committee is accepting entries for the inaugural “ St.Patrick’s Essay/Poem Competition”. The competition is open to all primary school children in the parade. The essay/poem can deal with any aspect of St. Patrick’s life or be a broad biography. It should not exceed 200 words. The winner and runners-up will be presented with their trophies on St. Patrick’s Day on the reviewing stand and will have their work published. So get writing!
Carlow V.E.C
Adult Learning Fair on Thursday, January 25th, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Seven Oaks Hotel
Carlow. Admission is free and open to all adults
Winners
The Christmas Card Competition for Schools, sponsored by Muine Bheag Library, attracted 500 entries and the judge (a Dublin based artist) had a difficult job picking the winners as the standard of the artwork was so high Entries were received from the national schools in the area, Queen of the Universe, St. Brigid’s and St. Mary’s schools in the town, Ballinkillen, Newtown/Dunleckney and Old Leighlin N.S. I was delighted, as Cathaoirleach of the Town Council, to present the winners with their prizes and told the parents and relatives of the prizewinners that the Town Council is very appreciative of the dedication of our two local librarians, Bernie Brennan and Breeda Johnson who go way beyond the call of duty. Bernie and Breeda give a total commitment to their work in the library and are helpful and courteous to everybody who uses the facility. They liaise with the schools on a regular basis and encourage the young people to come to the library. They are also the driving force behind the twinning programme with Pont Pean and arrange cultural exchanges between adults and youth exchanges between the two towns. Refreshments were served after the prize giving.
Prizewinners: Overall winner: Dearbhla Reid, Newtown/Dunleckney School: Junior infants 1st. Melanie Griffht, St. Mary’s N.S. 2nd Niamh Forde, St. Molaise N.S. Old Leighlin; 1st/2nd Class:
1st Jack Foley, Ballinkillen N.S. 2nd Anna Lswless, Ballinkillen N.S: 3rd/4th Class 1st James Coburn, St. Brigid’s N.S.; 2nd Shane Brooks, Newtown N.S. 5th/6th Class 1st Aoife Fitzgerald, Scoil Molaise N.S. Old Leighlin; 2nd Aidan Power, St. Brigid’s N.S.; Highly commended 1st Darragh O’Neill, Ballinkillen N.S; 2nd Jenniver Rothwell, St. Mary’s N.S. Congratulations to all.
Night Classes
Adult education night classes commence in Muine Bheag Vocational School this week. The school offers a very interesting number of subjects, .computers for beginners and intermediate standard, flower arranging, holistic healthcare, karate for beginners, guitar for beginners, an introduction to horticulture, yoga, French for beginners and English for foreign nationals Fees €90 payable in advance for two hours x ten nights. English classes are €45 and €60 for aromatherapy classes. .
World Youth Day 2008
The next World Youth Day event will take place in Sydney in July 2008. The official launch of this event in the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin will take in Portlaoise Parish Church on St. 3rd February at 7.30 p.m. The Papal Nuncio to Ireland will concelebrate the Mass. The World Youth Day aims to reach out to young in the 18-35 age bracket). Students in 5th and 6th Year at present would be eligible to travel. For more information contact Trish O’Neill at Faith Development Services Office, Carlow. On 059-91-64084.
Charity Night
Well-known musical duo Cupla will provide the entertainment at a Dance Night in the Lord Bagenal, Leighlinbridge, on Wednesday 7th February to raise funds for a charitable project in the slums of Nairobi. Cupla member, Pat Ryan from Garryhill recently met two Kilkenny women who are involved with an association called the Save the African Slum Association in aid of the Nairobi Building Fund. Peggy Saunders from Windgap and Carmel Ryan, a Callan woman, told Pat that the project aims to build an orphanage for the children of a township on the outskirts of Nakura, which is about 3 hours journey from Nairobi in Kenya. They also plan to build a dedicated relief centre for homeless families and individuals, to help provide short-term care, food and medical care and to help provide the opportunity for long-term care, education and training to enable these people to earn their own living and gain long-term independence. The Kilkenny group has purchased a plot of land on which to build the orphanage together with land necessary to begin the agricultural aspect of the project. Already, a total of six pupils in secondary education and seven in third level are currently supported by the fund. The fundraiser in the Bagenal on 7th February is a cause very worthy of your support
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Carlow/Kilkenny Home Care fundraiser
Once again, dynamic community activist, Mrs. Mary Foster, Kilree Street, organised the Sponsored Christmas Day Swim and Walk in aid of the Home Care Team. A total of 14 swimmers took to the river Barrow and over 100 walkers completed the course around the Green Road and back by the river. Although the day was very cold, this did not deter the participants from keeping up the tradition and Mary would like to thank the lifeguards, Teresa for the hot drinks and the Power family for their support.
Swimmers: Rebecca Kinsella, Shane Purcell, Paul Hickey, Hughie Hickey, Brian Kearney, Geraldine Kearney, Enda Kearney, Jean Farrell, Richard Dermody, Anne Marie Gardiner, Peter Bolger, Marian Hynes, Veronica Cody and Mary Foster.
Carlow Hunt
The money raised by the Carlow Hunt Charity Ride over the Christmas period will be presented to the various chosen charities on Saturday 20th January at 10 p.m.in Smyths of Newtown. Carlow Hunt thanks the local farmers for the use of their land and everyone who helped on the day.
National Bands Competition
The Barrow Heritage and Development Association recently hosted a council meeting of the National Marching Bands in the Estoria Bar and Rstaurant, Bagenalstown with a view to having a leg of the Irish National Marching Band Finals in Bagenalstown on April 1st 2007. This would involve a lot of bands and followers coming to town from all over Ireland and hopefully making this an annual event on their calendar. Volunteers are invited to make them welcome and to assist with the concert. The Events Co-ordinator, Mr. Christy Kane, 56 Fr. Cummins Park, Bagenalstown said this large event will be held next May and is the first of many large events coming to the town during the Year of the Barrow 2007.
President Mary McAleese will launch The Year of the Barrow 2007 in New Ross on 23rd January 2007 and the Marching Bands Competition forms part of the attractions on offer all summer along the river.
The Barrow Heritage and Development Association has a very comprehensive website at
www.barrowvalley.org . Enquiries to James Burke, PRO, webmaster and photographer
Doninga, Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny at 059 97 26024
The last few scenic Barrow 2007 calendars are on sale in Short Stories bookshop, Main Street or by mail order through the website. These are beautiful calendars and would make a lovely gift for people from Bagenalstown and its environs living away from home.
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Trip to France
Would you like to visit our twinned town in France for a long week-end at the beginning of May? There are many families in Pont-Pean waiting to welcome people from our community into their homes as their guests. The trip is scheduled to take place from
Thursday 3rd to Tuesday 8th May. Flying from Dublin with Air France to Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, a journey of little over one hour and from there we will travel by France’s luxury train, the TGV, to Rennes, the capital of Brittany, returning by the same route on Tuesday 8th May. Our group will be met at Rennes by the host families. The beautiful city of Rennes is just down the road from Pont-Pean. The French twinning committee has arranged an overnight visit to Flanders in Normandy to see the War Memorial. As there are a limited number of places left, if you are interested contact Bernie Brennan or Breda Johnson.
Table Quiz
on Friday 19th January at 8.30 p.m. in Murphy’s Lounge, Fenagh. Schools, colleges and all clubs are invited to take part. Evening hosted by the Friends of the Sacred Heart Hospital, Carlow. Your support would be very much appreciated.
Dinner Dance
Leighlinbridge & District Active Retirement Assoc will hold their annual dinner dance in the Lord Bagenal at 8 p.m. on Wed. January 24th. Well known Co. Carlow poet, Jim Nolan and his sister Bridie will entertain on the night Dinner dance is open to non members. For tickets phone James at 97-21126.
Irish lessons
If you are interested in learning Irish in 2007, phone Liam on 087-9886277. An accelerated beginners' class will start if there are sufficient numbers.
Ladies Football
St. Andrew’s Ladies Football Club AGM will be held on Wed. 17th January at 8 p.m. in Dowling’s Pub(formerly Littles) Kilree Street. Anybody interested in playing this year is very welcome.
Hurling Club AGM
The AGM of Ballinkillen Juvenile Hurling Club took place recently and the following officers were elected: Chairman Sean Dalton,Kilcloney; Vice Chairman Fr. Paddy Byrne;
Secretary Sean Sheehan, Ballinkillen; Asst. Secretary David Connors, Seskinryan; Trasurer Bridget Kinsella, Curranc; Asst. Treasurer P. Minchin, Coolnacuppogue; PRO Mick Kinsella, Kilcumney.
AGM
The St. Patrick’s Day Committee held its AGM on January 8th in the McGrath Hall. The 2006 parade was reviewed and those present were happy that Bagenalstown had done itself proud by presenting very probably the best parade in the county. The committee, with the support of the people of Bagenalstown and beyond, are looking forward to organising another successful parade in 2007.
The following officers and committee were returned: Chairman Arthur McDonald, Vice Chairman/PRO Liam O’Brien; Treasurer Brian Sheill; Secretary Michael Lakes; Asst.
Secretary Lorna O’Brien; Entertainment Officer Dermot Shaughnessy. Committee members Colette Lakes, James Doyle (Jimmy D’s), Cathal McSteen, Padraig Cahill and Hughie Hickey. Any interested in becoming involved in the committee should contact any of the members. The next meeting will take place in the McGrath Hall on Tues. 16th Jan at 8.30 p.m.
Dancing
Dancing in the Lord Bagenal on 7th February is in aid of the Nairobi Building Fund for the provision of a relief centre for homeless families. Music will be provided by Cupla.
| Ned Meaney | Mrs Dinah Barron | Miss Molly Sheehan |
| Michael Shaughnessy | Thomas (Toss) Walsh | Paddy Doyle |
| Mrs Bernie Gough | Mrs Anita Curry | Ms. Margaret (Peg) Mara |
Edward (Ned) Meaney, Main Street, Bagenalstown, died in Aut Even Hospital, Kilkenny, on 10th December, 2007, in the presence of his wife and family.
Born on 14th February, 1922 in Church Street, Leighlinbridge, where his family have been in the grocery and pub business for the last several generations. He went to school locally and to secondary school at Presentation College, Bray and C.B.S Carlow.
He was apprenticed to P.J. Owens, Pharmacist, Main Street (Owens Medical Hall) in l941 where he worked for three years and he studied in the College of Pharmacy, Kevin Street, Dublin, On 20th May 1947 he qualified as a pharmaceutical chemist and returned to work in Owens Medical Hall. When Mr. Owens died in l951 Ned took over the business.
On 12th October 1954 Ned and Marie O’Grady from Co. Kildare, were married in Haddington Road Church, Dublin. They met when Marie came to work in the area as a poultry instructor with the Committee of Agriculture, part of the Department of Agriculture.
Their first home was in High Street until 1967 when they took up permanent residence in Main Street. In his youth Ned played with Leighlinbridge All Blacks football team and continued his interest in the club all his life. He was also very interested in racing and enjoyed going to the races, particularly to Galway and Listowel every year.
Ned retired in July 1998 after a lifetime of service to the community. He was held in huge affection by all who knew him and he will be greatly missed in this community. What you saw with Ned was exactly what you got, no affectation, just honesty and decency, a man with a heart of gold who was involved in numerous acts of kindness which were carried out without recognition or fuss He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, inexhaustible work ethic and his sharp wit.
His Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Andrew’s Parish Church by Monsignor Brendan Byrne, P.P. Tullow, assisted by Fr. Declan Foley, P.P. Bagenalstown, Fr. Pierce Murphy, Fr. Paddy Byrne and Fr. John Hayden and he was laid to rest in the Cemetery of the Assumption, Bagenalstown..
The huge crowds who turned out for his funeral were a testament to the affection and respect in which he was held by everyone who knew him.
He is deeply mourned and missed by his wife Marie, sons Gerry (Royal Oak), Edward (Old Leighlin), daughters Mrs. Jane Farren (Cork), Mrs. Helen Corrigan (Inverness). daughters-in-law Miriam and Birgit, sons- in- law Des and Alan, grandchildren, Maeve, Kevin, Brian, Eoin, Sinead, Andrew, Alice, Grace, Oliver, Anna and Eve. He is also mourned by his sisters Mrs. Anne Mullin (Dublin), Sr. Joseph (Good Shepherd Convent, Waterford), Mrs. Teresa Houlihan (Dublin), Mrs. Carmel Nolan (Carlow), Mrs. Gennie Maher (Augha), brothers-in law, sisters- in- law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a large number of extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his daughter Dympna in l991. May he rest in peace.
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Mrs.Christina (Dinah) Barron, “Barronville”, Bagenalstown, died peacefully at her home on 7th July 2007 surrounded by her loving family, after a relatively short illness. Her death has created a huge void in the life of her husband and family. Formerly Dinah Hayden from Carlow where her parents had a well established business in Tullow Street, Dinah ran a very successful hairdressing salon beside the family business.
She met her husband, Paddy, in Carlow Hockey Club as both were enthusiastic players and Dinah was also a talented table tennis player They were married on 25th June 1952 in Carlow Cathedral and, as Dinah was later to recall, their wedding day was truly the happiest day of their life and they remained devoted to each other until Dinah was called home by the Lord. Dinah continued working in her hairdressing business until the birth of her firstborn, Roger, who sadly went to his eternal reward last year. After their marriage they first lived in Pairc Mhuire, Bagenalstown until they built their home, Barronville, on the outskirts of the town.
Dinah was a very talented musician and a violinist with Carlow Orchestra in the 40s and 50s, before her marriage. Her love of music never diminished and she took up the mandolin after her marriage, and with her husband, Paddy, playing guitar, son John on mandolo and the late Roger who played a range of wind instruments, they formed the Barron Family Group. They used their musical talents to raise funds for charity and never as a commercial venture, playing in Co. Carlow and surrounding counties and were regularly featured on local radio. Such was their musical ability that there were asked to play with the Dubliners in Concert in Dublin.
They were very much in demand as a musical group which took them away from home in the evenings but when their children were going to school decided it was more important to concentrate on their education and disbanded as a group. As Dinah said to Paddy “ Our children and grandchildren are our life and our future”. However, they never gave up playing and entertained friends and family on social occasions.
Dinah was a lady of great dignity, gentle and generous of nature with a warm and loving personality. She endured her illness with courage and dignity, her thoughts always for others and never herself.
She is deeply mourned and sadly missed by her heartbroken husband, Paddy, sons John (London), daughters: Sheila (Dublin), Ruth Foley, Old Leighln, Miriam Monahan, Castle Town; sons-in-law Michael and Gerry, daughters-in-law Ann and Terry; grandchildren David, Jennifer, Gillian, Kaija, Kate, Alexki, Ella, Desmond, John and Patrick. She is also mourned by her brothers, Tony and Frank; sisters Molly, Ina, Bridie, Clare and Betty; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews and a large circle of loving friends.
After Mass to celebrate her life in St. Andrew’s Parish Church Dinah was laid to rest in Ballinkillen Cemetery. May she rest in peace.
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Miss Mary (Mollie) Sheehan, Dunleckney, Bagenalstown, died on 15th June2007, surrounded by her family, in the loving care of Mrs. Eileen Stapleton and her staff in Beechwood Nursing Home, Leighlinbridge. Molly was 83 years of age.
Born in Dunleckney, Molly was educated by the Presentation Sisters in Bagenalstown at both primary and secondary levels. On leaving school she took up a position for a time as a nanny in the home of the late John and Angela Sheill, Fair Green House.
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Mollie spent four years as a patient in Peamount Sanatorium, Dublin, with tuberculosis of the spine. After a full recovery, Mollie became a talented needlewoman and skilled in the art of knitting, and before long she invested in a knitting machine. Her talent was not lost on the Presentation Sisters who encouraged her. One of her orders for curtains came from Humewood Castle, Co. Wicklow. Her business grew by word-of-mouth and among her clients, she numbered Sir Thomas Butler, Governor of the Tower of London, and Lady Butler, Ballintemple, Ardattin, Co. Carlow, and Miss Daphne Hall-Dare of Newtownbarry House. She had many referrals from Haddens in Carlow for curtains. She was also an accomplished home dressmaker to her family and relatives, as well as an expert upholsterer of couches, chairs, etc. sometimes travelling to clients' homes or if the job was small she would do the work in her own home, with customers providing the fabric of their choice.
Mollie was involved in a road traffic accident in l975 after which she had to wear a caliper and was forced to give up work but she never lost her enthusiasm for life and her sense of humour.
Due to her great determination, Mollie was always able to overcome whatever handicap she had to endure in life She would never give up but, in the end of her long life she realised there were no more
opportunities for her to continue as previously, so she quietly slipped away from her family on that morning in June to a far better place, to rejoice in reunion with other family members who had gone before.
Mollie was a member of the local branch of Civil Defence and Red Cross. She was very interested in current affairs, both national and international, and kept up to date through television, radio and newspapers. She particularly enjoyed baking and her fruit cakes, meringues and Christmas puddings were very much in demand and appreciated by her family and friends. She loved to drive through the countryside on Sunday afternoons to enjoy the beauties of nature.
Mollie is deeply mourned and missed by her brothers Bob (Raheendoran), Tom (Drimnagh), Richard and Jack (Dunleckney); sisters Eileen (Welwyn Garden City), Margaret McBain (Milton Keynes),and Bridget Keane (Shankill, Co.Dublin). She was pre-deceased by her eldest sister, Kathleen. She is also mourned by her sister-in-law Josie; brother-in-law David; nephews, nieces, grandnieces, grand-nephews, great grandnieces, great grandnephews and a wide circle of relatives and friends.
After Mass to celebrate her life in St. Andrew’s Parish Church Mollie was laid to rest in the Cemetery of the Assumption. May she rest in peace.
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Mr. Patrick (Paddy) Doyle, Curracruit, Bagenalstown, died at St. Lukes Hospital, Kilkenny, on 12ft April after a short illness. He was 91 years old in January and enjoyed good health up to a few weeks before he sent to his eternal reward. Paddy was a gentle and charismatic man with a cheerful disposition and a smile and word of encouragement for everyone he met. He was kind and non judgmental with the ability to listen to all who needed an ear and, in doing so, he touched the lives of many people. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Ann, in l962.
Born in Seskinryan, Paddy moved to Curracruit when he married Ann O’Connor from Baltinglass. He began his working life locally, first in Connollys, and later in Clearys, Main Street, where he spent 22 years until the business closed. He next took up employment with Keenan Brothers in Bagenalstown and later worked in Sheills, Ballymoon until he retired. Paddy was a founder member of the ONE. He joined the Irish Army during the Emergency and cycled to Templemore Military Barracks where he was stationed. He was a keen sports enthusiast, particularly football and hurling and he was an arden supporter of the Wexford hurling team. He loved music and was an accomplished accordeon player Gardening was his passion and every year he produced the finest home grown vegetables.
Paddy is deeply mourned and sadly missed by his sons Joe (Tomard), Jimmy (Leighlinbridge), Frank (Bagenalstown), P.J. (Tullow), Johnny (Kilcarrig), George (Curracruit), Tom (Drogheda); daughters Mrs. Betty Murphy (Tinryland), Mrs.Mary Nolan (Graiguecullen); brother-in-law Jim O’Connor (Carlow), nephews, nieces, grandchildren, Noel, Jude, Barry, Ann-Marie, Bernie, Theresa, Eilish, Derek, Vanessa, Rory, Lorna, Garry, Elaine, Mark, Andrew, Grace, Naoimi, Conor, Padraic, Kiaran,
Philip, Lisa, Camilla, Kallum, Michael, Elizabeth, Jo-Jo, Gerard, Martina, James, Janice, Siobhan and Shane; great grandchildren Shena, Sean, Leon, Gavin, Jordan, Mia, Daniel, Alexandra, Leah, Kyle, Garrett, Holly and Mollie-Ann He is also mourned by his good neighbours and friends.
Large crowds turned out to attend his funeral on both days to show their respect and affection for a good friend and neighbour.He was buried in the Cemetery of the Assumption after his Funeral Mass in St. Andrew’s Parish Church. May he rest in peace.
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There was a sense of loss and sadness in the community when Michael (Mick) Shaughnessy, Donore, Bagenalstown died at his home on May 4 in the loving care of his wife and family. .He had been in failing health for the past three years but he endured his illness with great courage and a positive outlook and he was never heard to complain.
Michael was devoted to his family and he very much enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren. He was a caring and generous man and a very obliging and helpful neighbour. .
Michael was born in Myshall and lived in Ballywilliamroe. When he married Kitty Roberts they set up home in Kilcarrig Street, Bagenalstown for three years. before they moved to Donore. He was very interested in sports, particularly GAA games and he enjoyed watching snooker and boxing on television. He was a very enthusiastic member of the Fenagh Steam Rally committee. Michael had a keen interest in steam engines which started when he was 16 years of age, at a time when a licence cost five shillings! He spent six years breaking stone using a crusher with his father’s steam engine. During his life Michael worked as a self employed agricultural contractor, spreading lime and working on other farming jobs.
His Funeral Mass in Bagenalstown Parish Church was celebrated by Fr. Paddy Byrne, C.C. and Fr. Brendan Howard, C.C. Myshall and Drumphea following which burial took place in Ballinkillen Cemetery. As a testament to his popularity huge crowds attended his removal and burial on both days.
Michael is deeply mourned and sadly missed by his wife Kitty, sons Terry (Ballycormack), John (Kilkenny), Mike (Skeoughvosteen), Syl (Ballinkillen),Damian (Ballinkillen) and Peter (Donore); daughters Mrs. Siobhan Thompson (Carrigbeg) and Mrs. Catherine McEvoy, Donore. He is also mourned by his sisters, brothers, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, 17 grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and a large circle of good neighbours and friends. He was predeceased by his grandson, Mikie, who went to Heaven at the age of seven years. May he rest in peace.
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Thomas (Toss ) Walsh, 48 Cummins Park, passed to his eternal reward at his home on April 6th..at the early age of 53 years. He had spent the previous six weeks in St. Lukes Hospital, Kilkenny and a period of convalescence in Kilcreene Hospital. Toss was a native of Bagenalstown, the son of Christy and Mary Walsh, Fourteen Acres. On leaving school he worked for many farmers in the area before he took up employment with Mr. Tom McDonald in Kilcarrig Quarries where he worked for twelve years. He was a conscientious and hard worker and he was highly regarded both by his employer and work colleagues.
Toss was a caring, kind and generous man who enjoyed socialising and telling stories. He was a great fan of country and western music and enjoyed the traditional music sessions in Lawlors Pub on Thursday nights.
His Funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr. Paddy Byrne C.C. who also recited the prayers at his graveside. A large crowd attended his funeral to pay their respects to Toss who was held in great affection in the community and will be fondly remembered.
Toss is mourned by his son, Michael, mother Mary, sister Mrs. Lily Kearney, Leighlinbridge, brothers Jimmy (Conway Park), Pat (Station Road), sisters-in-law Maria and Betty, nephews, nieces, cousins and a large number of friends. May he rest in peace.
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The death of Mrs. Bernie Gough, Kilree Street, Bagenalstown, evoked deep sadness in the community. She died unexpectedly on 13 December 2006 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Sharon Brennan, Rathellen, Leighlinbridge. Bernie was 60 years old and daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Gaule, Cloghna, Milford. After attending school in the Presentation Convent, Carlow, she went to work in Milford Tannery where she met her husband Sean. They were married in Tinryland in l967 and shared fourteen happy years until his untimely death in 1981 at the age of 39
Although her health wasn’t good for the past few years, Bernie was always an optimist and approached life with enthusiasm and good humour. Her great personality, sunny disposition, wit and energy lifted up those around her, who loved being in her company. She had a great sense of fun and a caring and compassionate nature, always reaching out to lend a helping hand. Her contentment came from simple pleasures, baking for her family and friends, her apple tarts and pastry buns were always in demand, socialising and listening to the bands at the Sunday night socials in the GAA Club, Ballinabranna, (she also helped fundraise for the club) and playing whist in St. Mary’s Hall and Ballyloughan.. When her beloved mother died sixteen months ago, Bernie carried on her tradition of making Christmas cakes for all the family. She loved to be out and about and got on with both young and old. Bernie was at the centre of her grandchildren’s lives, they loved to see her coming as she brought them out driving, played games with them and brought them sweets and ice-cream. She was never known as Granny, always Ber,who was full of fun, and she was never happier than when spending time with them. Her dog, Buttons, accompanied her everywhere and took his place in the back window of the car when Bernie opened the door.
Bernie was received at St. Andrew’s Parish Church by Parish Priest Fr. Declan Foley and Fr. Tom Bambrick, C.C . Her Funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr. Declan Foley. The offerings were brought up by her sisters in law, Nancy and Pascale, aunt, Kitty Gaule and nephew Sebastian. She was buried beside her husband Sean in the local cemetery after Mass.
Bernie is deeply mourned and her memory is cherished by her son John (Athy); daughters Mrs. Sharon Brennan, Leighlinbridge, Mrs. Martina Brooks, Bagenalstown; sons-in-law Martin and Denis, daughter-in-law Claire; grandchildren Micheala, Gavin, Daniel, Leah and Ciaran, sisters-in-law, Nancy, Mary and Pascale; brothers Joe (Milford) and Percy (Rathwade); sister Mrs. Ann Collins (Dublin), aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and a large of friends. Kilree Street will be a lonelier place without Bernie. May she rest in peace.
Widespread sadness at death of Chief Court Clerk
There has been widespread sadness and deep shock at the unexpected death of Anita Curry, late of King’s Channel, Waterford, which occurred at Cork University Hospital on Sunday 10th December last. Anita (nee Merriman) became ill at her home on Sunday, December 3rd and lost her brave battle for life a week later, to the inexplicable grief of her husband Noel and her heartbroken daughters, Evelyn and Emma.
A native of Fore, Co. Westmeath, Anita began her career in the court service at the District Court in Carlow where she was very involved in community activities.Following her marriage to Det. Sgt. Noel Curry from Bagenalstown, she came to reside in Waterford, working for some twenty years at Waterford District Court in Catherine Street. Six years ago she left, on promotion as Chief Clerk to work in Bray, where she remained for a considerable time before transferring to Portlaoise and seven months ago to Clonmel as Chief Court Clerk.
Despite her busy work schedule, Anita always made time for others and her great sense of concern for her colleagues and her sense of fair play was evidenced in her capacity as national secretary of the Courts Branch of the Higher Civil and Public Service Trade Union. She was also a founder member of the Network movement in Waterford and a member of the Waterford Wine Club.
With her broad smile, easy going manner and her love of music of all types, she was welcomed everywhere she went and testament to her popularity was the huge turnout at her removal to the Church of SS Joseph & Benildus, Newtown, on Monday evening, and her Requiem Mass and burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ballygunner, Waterford.
In the presence of one of the largest crowds of mourners, sympathisers, former work colleagues, members of An Garda Siochana, the judiciary and those privileged to count themselves among her friends, Anita’s remains were received at the Church of SS. Joseph & Benildus by long time family friend, Very Rev. Frank Lloyd, P.P. Newcastle/Fourmilewater and Rev. R. Liddane, Adm. As the coffin was carried shoulder high into the church sacred music was played on the organ, guitar and violin by young musician friends of the Curry family. The Funeral Mass was concelebrated by Very Fr. Lloyd and Fr. Liddane. The Lessons and Prayers of the Faithful were read by family members.In his homily, Fr. Lloyd paid personal tributes to a wonderful wife and mother who had lived for her family.
At the end of the Mass, the haunting hymn, Pie Jesu, was beautifully sung by Anita’s daughter, Emma, and tributes were paid from the altar by Anita’s sister-in-law, Evelyn, who traveled from New York for the funeral.
Before the coffin was taken to St. Mary’s Cemetery for burial, a guard of honour was provided outside the church by colleagues in the Court Service and judges as a final tribute to a wife, mother and a woman of the highest integrity who gave so much to so many in her short life.
Anita is survived by her grieving husband, Noel, daughters Evelyn and Emma, brothers Michael and John, mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives and her many friends to whom deepest sympathy is extended. May she rest in peace.
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