Notices

Public Meeting

Bagenalstown Festivals Committee has arranged a public meeting in the McGrath Hall on Tuesday night, January 31 at 8.30pm. The committee would like to see a good attendance.

During the last two years the committee has been getting very negative feedback regarding the quality of the festival and they have given this some serious consideration. The purpose of this meeting is to give the public a chance to put their views and ideas forward before the festival and to help decide what kind of event they want, bearing in mind the fact that the present committee is small in numbers and could use some more people power to organise more events. They feel it would be a pity to discontinue the festival as it brings a lot of activity to the area and some friends and family members overseas plan their holidays to coincide with this event. If the festival brings people to the town it has to be of benefit to the area.

If you feel you have any words of wisdom to offer to the committee or suggestions to improve the event before the festival, and not afterwards, or if you would like to help out in any way, you are invited to go along to the McGrath Hall on the night of January 31 and you could be involved in helping to shape this year’s festival the way you would like to see it.

Information Stand

The Carlow Volunteer Centre will hold an Information Stand in Bagenalstown on Friday, February 10, in Bagenalstown Credit Union, from 10am to noon. Information is available on many different volunteering opportunities around the south of the county. It’s a chance to find out how to share your skills, interests and hobbies – without having to give any commitment. Contact: natasha@volunteercarlow.ie 059 91 73033 www.volunteercarlow.ie

Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

The annual Novena will be held in St. Andrew’s Church, Bagenalstown, every Tuesday night at 7.30pm including Mass and Benediction over 9 weeks from February 21 to April 17.

Guest Speakers

February 21: Gerry Watchorn. (Educating our young people – reasons to be cheerful)

February 28: Phillip Ryan (Personal testimony of how Jesus can change our lives)

March 6: Vicky Sandal (Stories of Faith and Inspiration)

March 13: To be confirmed

March 20: Mary Kennedy (RTE) (Community – A place of building relationships)

March 27: Paul Kelly, founder of Console. (Suicide – a cry for help)

April 3: Bonnie (Living with addiction – a pathway to recovery).

April 10: Andrew Madden. (Survivor of abuse- Personal Testimony)

April 17: Johnny Doyle. (Captain, Kildare Football Team) (Hard work brings success)

AGM

The AGM of the County Carlow Branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12,at 3p.m. at the Irish Wheelchair Association Centre, “Teach Failte”, Kilkenny Road, Carlow. All are welcome to attend.

Bagenalstown Parish Yearbook

There are still a small number of copies available. Cost is €5. These can be purchased by phone at 087 9845024.

Bereaved

Deepest sympathy to the following who were bereaved recently: Syl Coote, Main Street and Royal Oak Road whose mother, Brigid Coote died recently; to the family of Annie Guidera, Beallyknocken, Fenagh,who died recently; to Mrs. Liliam Choo, teacher in Queen of the Universe School, Bagenalstown, on the death of her mother .Mary Walshe, Ennis. May they rest in peace.

Contemplative life

Dominican Nuns are holding a number of week-ends and invite young women who are attracted to the Monastic Contemplative Life to attend on any on the following week-ends. Feb. 10-12;

March 9-11; May 11-13; Sept. 14-16. Oct. 26-28; Nov. 16-18.

The focus of their community life is communion with Christ and with one another in life, through a life of prayer centred on Jesus, the Word of God and on the Eucharist. If the above weekends do not suit, other times can be arranged. If interested contact Sr. Mairead O.P. Monastery of St. Catherine of Siena, The Twenties, Drogheda, Co. Louth. Ph: 041-9838524. www.dominicannuns.ie.

Pride of Place Competition

Bagenalstown has been chosen to represent County Carlow at the 2012 All Ireland Co-operation Ireland Pride of Place Competition. A meeting will be held on Thurs. Feb. 2 at 7.30pm in the Hall, Queen of the Universe School, Barrett Street entrance.

The Pride of Place Competition recognises and celebrates the vital contributions the community partnerships make to society. The focus is on people coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their local area. It recognises the involvement of the local community in all aspects of rural and urban regeneration including, promoting social cohesion, involvement in planning, the promotion of heritage and environmental awareness. If you are interested in showcasing what is good about Bagenalstown or would like further information please contact Margaret Moore at Carlow County Council. (059) 9136201.

St. Vincent de Paul

St. Patrick’s Conference, Bagenalstown, would like to thank most sincerely all who contributed so generously to the Christmas Collection and also for the many private donations very gratefully received. A special word of thanks to the schools of the parish that provided food hampers and special donations. All this has been used to alleviate poverty, help people on low income or those who fall on hard times in Bagenalstown and neighbouring parishes. Local Help Line

086 4042631

Log On – Learn

Transition students in Presentation De la Salle College are looking for senior participants to engage in computer lessons. Lessons are free and held on each Wednesday in the school from 4.10pm to 5.10pm. If interested please contact the school office on (050) 9721860.

Fundraiser

Love is in the Air Concert in aid of St Lazerian’s House, Bagenalstown, is now in its third year. The concert will be held in St. Andrew’s Parish Church on Friday, Feb. 24 at 7.30pm. Admission €10. It will be a fantastic evening of entertainment planned to suit all tastes, including traditional music, choirs, solo performers, a special guest from Down Patrick and many more. Please support this event; you will not be disappointed with the talent.

AGM

St. Andrew’s Gaelic Football Club held their annual general meeting on Saturday, Jan 21 in the Estoria Restaurant. The following were elected for the 2012 season. Hon. Life President Micheal Jones; President Jim Plunkett; Jack Kelly, Michael Kelly, Denis Foley and John Comerford; Chairperson Liam Barry; Vice Chairperson Aidan Coburn; Secretary Jimmy Mullins; Asst. Secretary/PRO Ann Hickey; Treasurer Vinny Lambe. Committee members: Ken Hickey, Nicky Gordon, Seamus Foley, Hamish Beeton, Denis Foley, Con Hourihane, Martin Mara, George Darcy. After a very successful 2011 St. Andrew’s got back in training last week.

Best wishes to Laura Bolger who stepped down as PRO at the AGM. She was very efficient, conscientious and professional in her approach and will be missed.

Muine Bheag Camogie Club

The club will be holding their Registration Day on Sunday. Feb. 12 in the McGrath Park from 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Parents of children registered last year are asked to register them again for 2012. New members always welcome.

Juvenile GAA Club

Young people who wish to play hurling or football with Muine Bheag Juvenile GAA Club at under 8, 10, 12, 14 or 16 levels must register with the club. The registration day is Friday. Feb. 10 in the Boys’ National School from 3pm to 4.30pm and again from 7pm to 8.30pm. Players must attend, with a parent, to complete the registration form. The cost per family is €15. Unregistered players cannot take part in club activities, including training and matches. Parents who cannot attend on Feb. 10 must make arrangements with a committee member to complete the registration process.

Happy Anniversary

Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary to Tom and Mrs. Lily Dermody, 80 Pairc Mhuire, Bagenalstown.