Yesterday afternoon some Fishery developement people arrived to look at facilities for coarse fishing in the Shannonbridge area. Matt Nolan, Karon Griffin and two maintenance staff Seamus and P.J. had a look at the area around the power plant. They plan to make the hotwater outlet more friendly for fishing and if possible to develop a track to a bankside some 200 Metres downstream that would allow good access and fishing for about 35 anglers. A plan is to be prepared and may involve ESB, Offaly Council and Shannonand Central Fisheries.
The annual Mass in Cloniffeen and the blessing of the graves was help in glorious sunshine last evening at 7.00pm. Afterwards there was refreshments offered to everyone in the Community Hall. The area around the old church and children's burial ground in Cloniffeen has been fenced off and the grass was like a golf course. A new shelter is in place over the stone altar and seats were placed inside the ruins of the church.While Father Hanlon was blessing the graves a rosary was recited and a few hymns were sung during the Mass. Noticed Gene and Tom and John Carty and their ladies present with Gene just arriving in time from Connemara. The Mooney family had a strong representation as the whole project of getting Cloniffeen to its present state was very much a dream come true for the late Jimmy.
In the Hall I was talking to Finian and Bernie Kenny and their children Jack 7 and Niamh 5years who have been home on holiday from Sydney to take in Louis Farrelly's wedding. They leave Shannonbridge today and Dublin on Thursday planning to be home on Saturday.Told them about Sarah and Ciara and they hope to meet them in Sydney. Hope they have a safe trip.
Kieran Kelly was telling us that what was once the gravestone over a Father Farrell Dufy in the old church is now the new altar in Cloniffeen. Much of the lettering has been worn thin with the traffic over the years.