Dated January 31^st 2007

Chris Price stopped by yesterday and was talking about the recent program on television that featured Tony Mc Teague from Ferbane. Chris was wondering if a tape of the 1972 All Ireland Football Final is available. He would like to get one.

Seamus Galvin son of the late Paddy Galvin called in Tuesday. He mentioned a woman living in a little thatched house near where his father grew up but nobody seems to remember her name.

Tuesday a couple from Wicklow called in on their way home after climbing Croagh Patrick. They said there were a number of people climbing the Reek and they met a 70 year old man who had climbed it every day for seven days. He deserves a medal of sorts.

Sad news came on Tuesday afternoon of the death of Father Tom Ryan who has been the curate in Moore and Clonfad for over a year now. Having served a lifetime on the missions he settled very well into Irish parish work and was much loved by all in the area. May he rest in peace.

Please say a prayer for Father Tom.

Dated 29^th Jan 2007

Many papers continue to have tributes to the late Jimmy Murray of Roscommon.

So we asked Pat Killeen to name the team of 1943 / 44. She rattled off the following –

Jimmy and Phelim Murray, Willie and Larry Cummins, Doc Callaghan, Jack Mc Quillian, Frank Kinlough, Donal Keenan, Brendan Lynch, Ownie Hoare, Bill Jackson, Bill Carlos, Boland, Neanry, Fallon.

At that time Pat remembers 25 people from the Shannonbridge area that used to cycle to Roscommon town to see the team play. They travelled via Curraghboy and stopped off for tea and refreshments at Butlers as Mrs Butler was a sister of Elizabeth Killeen, Pats mother. Some of those that biked it were – Tom and Berty Johnson from Woodbank,

Bill Coughlan Cloneish, Eric Luker, Pee Burns, Kevin Coakley, Kieran Turley, Martin Egan, Michael Devery, Bill Maher, John and Augustine Egan, Johnny Molloy, Joe Claffey, Willie Ryan, Paddy Kenny Raghrabeg, Kieran Mulvey Jimmy Hassett teacher. Three women cycled –Phyllis Kinlough, Pat Killeen and Elizabeth Killeen.

My mother was interested in the Murrays as she was a first cousin of their father John S. Murray. Shannonbridge was proud to have Frank Kinlough playing. Regretfully most of the panel are now deceased but I read where Brendan Lynch was remembering training with Jimmy Murray and how strong he was.

Friday I met two brothers from Athlone Jim and Padraig Daly. Jim told us that he now lives in Greystones after playing Clarinet with the National Symphony Orchestra for 25 years, and teaching with the Royal Irish Academy for 34 years.

Padraig worked with Post and Telegraphs and later Telecom. He worked on the erection of the first telephone line from Ballinasloe to Shannonbridge. Prior to that the Shannonbridge postmaster Christy Cooke had to get connected to Belmont, Ferbane, Cloghan, Banagher, Clonfert, Eyrecourt Lawrenstown and finally Ballinasloe I presume.

The Daly Brothers were talking about the evenings lengthening and had a saying about Three Cock Steps on a Dunghill, or an hour extra daylight. Saint Brigit’s Day February 1^st was connected up with the saying I think.

The February issue of Irelands Own has the words of the song Paddy Works On The Railway which was sung so well by the late Ta Mitchell.

The February issue of The Irish Messenger includes a feature on Irish Gardens by Christopher Moriarty and this month he is writing about Birr Castle Gardens.

On Friday evening in Clonfad Church Archbishop Cassidy celebrated Mass for Father Tom Ryan who got sick recently. Say a prayer for his recovery if you will.

On Thursday February 8^th about 30 people from Shannonbridge and around are taking a bus and heading off to a concert in The Concert Hall in Dublin. Singing is Matt Munroe Junior, who will be singing songs made famous by his late father. Bridie Carry assures me he is a good singer.

Birds are really hungry at present and Tony Ellis was telling us today that he uses a bird tables to feed the birds that are not able to use the bird feeders. It has a roof and is designed to keep crows and jackdaws and magpies away.

Moby our dog got a haircut and nail job today. As usual he had to be dragged out to the back shed to his fate gamily resisting with all four paws in brake formation.

Kieran Guinan tells us that the local Bog Rail Tour Office is open once more for bookings. Telephone 090 96 74114 and select the correct option. Tours are expected to start in the first week of April.

Croke Park in Dublin is now equipped for floodlit matches and I read today that the first floodlit match will be played next Saturday evening between Dublin and Tyrone Gaelic footballers. All 82,000seats have been booked for this National League game.

Both Irish Rugby Internationals V France and V England are also sold out.

Two Irish Soccer Teams V Wales and Slovenia are limited to 76,000 due to UEFA rules.

Need I say it -they are booked out.

Met a busload of students and teachers from Elon University in North Carolina who were on a historic trip around Ireland and were on their way to Clonmacnois. Last year a different class visited.

Two deaths in the area. Dolores Preston, nee Flannery, of Esker Banagher and Australia has died . Funeral to Clonmacnois on Tuesday.

Nellie Coughlan, nee Lucas, late Clonfert Callows and Eyrecourt has died. Burial on Monday. May they rest in peace.

Weather forecast for Sunday was cloudy but dry 11 C. Monday cloudy but dry 10C.

Tuesday has rain promised in south east and 11C. Flood water remains high.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 28th Jan 2007 - 4th Sun C
Tel (090) 9674125
Fax (090) 9674267
E-mail. clonmacnoispn@eircom.net
Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am. Adoration on First Fri until 6pm
Thurs, 1Feb,feast of St Brigid; Fri, 2Feb Candlemas Day – blessing of candles; Sat 3Feb, St Blaise’s Day – blessing of throats
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €520. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: A.Ryan, L.Turley, M.Mitchell
Eucharistic ministers: Group 3
Readers for next Weekend: S.Grennan, O.Costello
Altar Servers for this week: Ailbhe, Aoife
Lourdes Invalid Fund: Many thanks for your contributions, which came to €380.00 in Shannonbridge.
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Clonfanlough
Friday 2nd Feb: First Fri; Candlemas Day; Mass @ 7pm, which will include the “blessing of throats” & the blessing of candles.
This Mass will be said for the late Tommy & Rose Rohan.
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €223. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Claffey, B.Coughlan
Readers for next Sunday: D.Norton
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group D
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: N.Egan
Anniversary Mass on next Sun for Brigid Rigney

Mass every Wed eve @ 7.30pm in the Prayer-Centre Clonmacnois.
Training Sessions to assist Ministers of the Word & Eucharist
Mon 29th Jan @ 8pm for Ministers of the Word
Tues 6th Feb @ 8pm for Ministers of the Word

Thurs 1st Feb @ 8pm for Ministers of the Eucharist
Thurs 8th Feb @ 8pm for Ministers of the Eucharist
If you are able & willing to attend please let me know, ASAP, so that the necessary arrangements can be made.
The courses are free, and tea / coffee will be provided.
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Some Special Feasts
1st Feb – feast of St Brigid, patroness of Ireland
A tradition associated with this day is the making of “St Brigid’s crosses”. The story behind the crosses goes like this: she was nursing a non – Christian chieftain who was dying; sitting by his bedside she picked up some rushes from the floor and started plaiting them, from which she wove a cross, and used it to explain Christ’s passion and death. Brigid then spent some time telling the chieftain about Jesus, and before his death, he became a Christian.
2nd Feb – The Presentation of the Lord – Candlemas
Today we bless candles, which remind us of Christ, the light of the world. They are used daily at Mass. Also at Baptism, Holy Communion, Confirmation, at death and on Easter night, the candle is part of the celebration.
You are invited to bring candles for a blessing; then bring them home or leave them for use in the church.
3rd Feb – feast of St Blaise – special day for blessing of throats.
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Annual Remembrance Service for bereaved parents of children who died, or who suffered miscarriages will be held in Portiuncula Hospital Chapel, on Wed 7th February @ 7.30pm
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Stroke Care Support Group will meet 31st Jan @ 7pm in the Health Centre Ballinasloe.
Topic: 'Finding solutions to problems in Activities of daily living.'
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A new Christian
We welcome into the Christian Community Patrick W. Ryan, son of John & Sinéad, Woodbank, who was baptised last Sunday.

An e-mail from Padraig Turley this evening brings good news. Padraig wrote -
I note from the Connaught Rugby website that Connaught beat Leinster today by 12 to 10 in the final ( under 18).
They were behind 10 to 0 at half time.
Conor Higgins from Clerhane was one of the real stars for Connaught.
Think it should go on the Shannonbridge website, a first for Clerhane
Conor has also been capped for the Irish Under 18 team.
Bet he is the only Clerhane man to be capped for his country.
Talk soon. Regards. Padraig.

The death has occurred of Jimmy Murray or Jaimie at his pub in Knockcrockery.

Jaimie was captain of the Roscommon team that won the All Ireland football final in 1943 /44. At the viewing in Knockcrockery this evening an old supporter told us that they should also have won the 1946 final. Leading by two goals and only minutes to go somebody decided to take Jaimie off as he had blood on his face and they wanted to get him ready for the presentation. Alas Kerry scored two quick goals after Jaimie went off and drew the game. Kerry won the re-play. May he rest in peace.

We were looking out for new born lambs in the fields but they were very scarce. My cousin Andy Lawlor told us that at Christmas one of their ewes had five lambs. This beats the tale of the cousins in Togher who had two ewes that produced four lambs each.

Today was a good bright fine day with no rain about Shannonbridge. The village still has an amount of flood surrounding it. Mick Doherty and son took their cruiser upstream today and visited Clonmacnois. They reported an amount of floating branches on the river during their trip.

Dated 22^nd January 2007

Yesterday after Mass Patrick William Ryan had his baptismal ceremony. Patrick William is son of John and Sinead Ryan from Woodbank and another grandchild for Sean and Ann Ryan.. Wishing him well in his new life.

Some Irish sport results.

Offaly footballers were beaten by one point in their O’Byrne Cup game with Laois.

Both Leinster and Munster suffered defeats in Heineken Cup rugby matches. In their final game at Thomond Park an undefeated at home Munster lost to Leicester 13 – 6.

Gloucester defeated Leinster by 19 – 13.

In English soccer the title race remains alive after Manchester United were beaten by Arsenal. 2 – 1. Liverpool beat Chelsea 2 – 0

The weather was sunny today even though it was a little cold in temperature.

Dated also 22^nd January 2007

On Friday Brian Mc Williams in his Weather Eye column in The Irish Times wrote an interesting article about the Arctic like conditions that prevailed for weeks in 1947 in Ireland. Supplies of turf to Dublin were exhausted and food rationing was in force. Allowances per week per person was bread – 6lbs, Sugar – 8 Ounces, Two ounces of butter and half an ounce of tea. Pat told me that bread soda, soap, paraffin oil, cigarettes and tobacco were also rationed. Tea was very scarce around Shannonbridge and James J was able to get tea from sailors on ships which were provided with eggs by Denny and Mary Anne Lyons from their shop in Dublin. At that time the sailors charged £10 / pound for the tea.

It was good to meet Margaret Rigley, New Ross, who called to Shannonbridge after Christmas. Margaret and her family were celebrating her 70^th Birthday with a break in Portlaoise (Not the Jail you dope) and drove over to Shannonbridge with her son and her sister in law. Margaret lived in Shannonbridge with her husband Jack and family for 8 years before moving to New Ross 35 years ago. She is in great form and talked about everyone she knew. Margaret has a remarkable head for dates.

The Shannonbridge / Doon weekly Lottery Jackpot is 16,600 for tonight’s draw. You can become a weekly supporter. Cost 2 Euro per ticket. Choose six numbers.

The QVC internet shopping in the USA television crew visited Shannonbridge Pottery during the week and they will be featuring their pottery in the build up to Saint Patrick’s Day.

Lunch atop a skyscraper is a famous photograph of a group of workers in America in 1932 sitting on a skyscraper having their lunch with lots of high rise buildings below them. Today’s Irish Times tells that the two sitting at each end of the stanchion are from Shanaglish in Galway. Matty O Shaugnessy is lighting a cigarette on the extreme left while Patrick Sonny Glynn has the water bottle on the right hand side. Shanaglish has become associated with Bishop Casey of late as he now resides there.

Brendan Mc Williams in today’s Weather Eye reminds us that Wrong Way Corrigan was born 100 years ago today. He acquire the Wrong Way name by departing Roosevelt Field in America and flying the wrong way – finally landing in Baldonnell in Ireland.

This week Irish Catholic devotes two pages to the story of how Saint Brendan and his Irish Monks were first to discover America.

Elsewhere they tell that a new History of Clonfert Diocese has just been published, This covers 1400 years of the history of the Diocese founded by Saint Brendan of Clonfert.

Yesterday Mass was celebrated for the 10^th Anniversary of the death of Ned Cassidy. Afterwards Brigie showed me a letter from Anne Archer, nee Kilroe who lives in New South Wales in Australia. Anne was born in Shannonbridge and went with her sister Rachel to Australia about 70 years ago. The Kilroe Family lived in a two storey house across from the Parochial House and where Pat Killeen’s bungalow now stands.

What I liked about the letter was the e-mail address and so I wrote her a few lines.

Anyhow hope that she finds an odd item of interest on these pages and maybe she will share a memory or two.

Dated 22^nd January 2007.

Since I last added to this site the old 48 Hour bug hit and I spent a week in hospital in Ballinasloe. While there I overheard a patient on the mobile telling his friend that everything was great and he was en-suite, which meant sharing a bottle with three others.

As they thought I might have the bug I was placed in an isolated ward with TV. But funny there seems to be no radio in hospitals any more so I was glad when Niall Grenham brought in a portable and I was able to hear Gay Byrne two hour Sunday Miscellany or whatever he calls it . Anyways it is good and enjoyable. Sunday Lyric 3 to 5.

Some bits of news. Kinnity Castle has been sold for around 12 Million Euros.

Dr Alf Delaney, well known for cruising and sailing on the River Shannon, and one of the first vice-presidents of Inland Waterways Association has died aged 96 years. RIP.

On the 1^st January Denise Ledwith from Mount Temple presented over 100 books to Shannonbridge Library. This was followed by books from Anne Kearns and Patricia Kenny which are all most welcome. Hopefully the New Year will bring a few more users of the books. Library opens Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 in the Health Center.

Recent local deaths include Jim Devery from Glebe C 90 years. Jim was a brother of Timmy and he once drove a lorry for Perry’s Mill and was good for a lift to Ballinasloe.

Dannie Farrelly told us that he had a lorry of his own that was covered in and had steps that allowed people walk aboard. Jim took groups to dances, carnivals, matches or whatever and provided a great service in its time. May he rest in peace.

Over the Christmas there was a birthday party for Tommy Corbett for his 80^th birthday.

Congratulations and best wishes on the occasion.

The well known broadcaster Sean Mac Reamoinn has died and was buried yesterday. He got a good send off with our President Mc Aleese, Ronnie Drew, Seamus Heeney, Garret Fitzgerald and Father Tom Stack some of those pictured at his funeral. May he rest in peace.

Mrs Mary Kelly, nee Kelly Clonfad has died. She was a sister of the late Mikeen Kelly, Kidlawn

Eileen Mc Guinness, nee Burke, Correen has died. Eileen was a sister of the late Doctor Donie Burke, Ferbane.

Michael Green, Clonfad has died. He was son of Josie and the late Jimmy Green.

Paddy Kelly, Banagher has died. Oliver Darcy tells us that he first saw Paddy Kelly and his brother working at the making of the Clonmacnois road. This involved kneeling on a canvas bag and breaking rocks and stones. Later Paddy was one of the first watchmen on the Shannonbridge power plant and a right good one he was. I heard a story about an engineer that was thinking of applying for the superintendent’s job and one Sunday he decided to drive to Shannonbridge and have a look at the station under construction.

He came and try as he might he was not able to get past the watchman Paddy Kelly.

Kathleen Kenny, Moystown nee Butler from The Mill of Moore, has died.

Barney Corcoran, Ferbane former county councillor has died.

May they all rest in peace.

Training resumes
Shannonbridge Junior & senior footballers will resume training this coming Friday evening, 26th January at 8.00pm. All players are welcome to attend.

Shannonbridge/Doon Lotto
There was no winner of the lotto yet again last week, the jackpot was €16400.
Congratulations to all who had 3 numbers & thanks again for your continued support.
A reminder that money is due for the sale of long-term quarterly tickets, please contact treasurer Olive Costello.

Offaly V Clare Under 21 football challenge
On Sunday morning last Offaly played Clare in Shannonbridge in an Under 21 football challenge. The ‘Bridge were well represented on the team with Shane Flannery lining out at corner back & David Corbett at full forward. Both players acquitted themselves very well; Shane scored 2 points with David contributing to a couple of scoring assists. Offaly won on a scoreline of 0-08 to 1-04.

Tickets on-sale for O’Connor park redevelopment.
Tickets are currently on-sale for Offaly county board O’Connor park redevelopment. Please contact club officials for details.

Club membership.
A reminder that club membership is now due for the forthcoming year. The fee of just €15 can be paid to any club official or contact club registrar Declan McEvoy.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 21st Jan 2007 - 3rd Sun C
Tel (090) 9674125
Fax (090) 9674267
E-mail. clonmacnoispn@eircom.net

Shannonbridge
Masses: Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat @ 10am
'Months Mind' Mass for Brid Fitzpatrick on Thurs @ 11am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €589. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: K.Price, C.Curley, P.Anderson
Eucharistic ministers: Group 2
Readers for next Weekend: M.Killeen, P.Corbett
Altar Servers for this week: Brian, Catríona

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Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €286. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Loonam, A.Egan
Readers for next Sunday: A & L. Devery
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group C
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: D.McEvoy
Mass on next Sun for the late Paddy Gunning

'Jesus Christ believed in a Church which had power, only in so far as it had no power.' (Elizabeth Griffith)
Training Sessions to assist Ministers of the Word & Eucharist
The Bishop is anxious that Ministers of the Word & of the Eucharist be given some input & encouragement in their valued Ministry.
For this reason Training Sessions will be provided for this Deanery in the Knights of Columbanus Centre, at the front of St Mary's Church in Athlone, on the following dates:
Mon 29th Jan @ 8pm for Ministers of the Word
Tues 6th Feb @ 8pm for Ministers of the Word

Thurs 1st Feb @ 8pm for Ministers of the Eucharist
Thurs 8th Feb @ 8pm for Ministers of the Eucharist

These programmes were offered in Longford prior to Christmas, were well attended and found most helpful.
I would also encourage participation in any or all of the courses.
If you are able & willing to attend please let me know, ASAP, so that the necessary arrangements can be made.
The courses are free, and tea / coffee will be provided.
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A New Year’s Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Anonymous)

Dear Lord, please give me…
A few friends who understand me and remain my friends;
A work to do which has real value,
without which the world would be the poorer;
A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be not blazed;
An understanding heart;
A sense of humour;
Time for quiet, silent meditation;
A feeling of the presence of God;
The patience to wait for the coming of these things,
With the wisdom to recognise them when they come. Amen.
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'If there were no God there would be no atheists'. (Chesterton)

'Every man is a builder of a temple called his body.' (Thoreau)

'All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.' (Emerson)

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 14th Jan 2007 - 2nd Sun C
Tel (090) 9674125
Fax (090) 9674267
E-mail. clonmacnoispn@eircom.net

Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €589. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.McManus, C.Slattery, A.Corbett
Eucharistic ministers: Group 1
Readers for next Weekend: D.Finnerty, E.Quinn
Altar Servers for this week: Megan, Michaela
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Tommy McManus,
Mass on next Sun for the late Ned Cassidy

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Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €240. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: B.Kilduff, E.Kilduff
Readers for next Sunday: A.Kelly
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group B
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: B.Coughlan
Mass on next Sat @ 12 noon for the late Earl & Petie Kelly
Mass on next Sun for the late John Loonam

World Day of Migrants & Refugees - 14th Jan 2007
Today we are asked by the Holy Father to pray for Migrants & Refugees. The theme he has chosen for this year is 'The Migrant Family.' Our Gospel today sees Jesus among friends & family for a celebration. For many migrants family celebrations further highlight 'the hard trial of distance & solitude.' Our prayer today, in the words of the Holy Father 'means that the value of family is recognised, (in Migration) which is now a structural phenomenon in our society.'
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Week of prayer for Christian Unity: begins Thurs 18th Jan, and continues until Thurs 25th Jan, feast of Conversion of St Paul.
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Training Sessions to assist Ministers of the Word & Eucharist
The Bishop is anxious that Ministers of the Word & of the Eucharist be given some input & encouragement in their valued Ministry.
For this reason Training Sessions will be provided for this Deanery in the Knights of Columbanus Centre, at the front of St Mary's Church in Athlone, on the following dates:
Mon 29th Jan @ 8pm for Ministers of the Word
Tues 6th Feb @ 8pm for Ministers of the Word

Thurs 1st Feb @ 8pm for Ministers of the Eucharist
Thurs 8th Feb @ 8pm for Ministers of the Eucharist

These programmes were offered in Longford prior to Christmas, were well attended and found most helpful.
I would also encourage participation in any or all of the courses.
If you are able & willing to attend please let me know, ASAP, so that the necessary arrangements can be made.
The courses are free, and tea / coffee will be provided.
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Shannonbridge Active Retirement Association
Will resume meetings on next Tues @ 10.30am.
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We acknowledge with gratitude the gift of €123.00 for flowers for the Church, the proceeds of a Table Quiz in Killeens.
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'Go raibh Ainm mhílis Íosa go taithneamhach scríofa I lár mo chroíse-se.' (Sean-phaidir Gaelach)

Congratulations

Shannonbridge GAA club wish to congratulate Mark Carty who won All -Ireland Football medal in early December in the Garda inter divisional All-Ireland series with his division Longford/ Westmeath.

The towering Shannonbridge Man lined out in his familiar position of centre field with his team, when they overcame the challenge of Dublin West Gardai after extra time in a trilling game which was played in Newbridge.

Mark Carty had a storming game according to reports and was instrumental in the L/W Gardai collecting their first All- Ireland title.

Mark was in great fettle this year for Shannonbridge and gave some of his best displays in the Blue and Gold in 2006 and the Club hope he can take this form with him into 2007.
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Shannonbridge players make Offaly U-21 panel

Shannonbridge Gaa would like to congratulate both David Corbett & Shane Flannery for being selected for the county’s under 21 panel for the upcoming year.
Both players have become established members of the ‘Bridge senior panel in the last couple of years. We wish them the best of luck in representing their county and no doubt they will do themselves & the club proud.

__________________________________________________________

Sincere Sympathy
Shannonbridge GAA Club wish to extend their sincere Sympathy to the Kelly Family, Clonfanlough, for the untimely loss of Earl who died tragically in the week leading up to Christmas.

Earl who was just 27, played Football for Shannonbridge from under 12 to Minor level and enjoyed plenty of success with the Club and regularly featured on the forward line.

Earl had been living and working in Dublin for the last couple of years. He was very popular and will be hugely missed by his Friends & peers alike. Our thoughts at this time are with his mother Kay, Brothers Padraig and Conor & Sister Roisin.

May he rest in peace.

______________________________________________________

Shannonbridge/Doon GAA lotto
Last weeks jackpot was 16200 Euro, There was no winner.
Congratulations to all who got 3 numbers.

From Conor Killeen and Jason Mahon

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 7th Jan 2007 - Baptism of the Lord C
Tel (090) 9674125
Fax (090) 9674267
E-mail. clonmacnoispn@eircom.net

Shannonbridge
Masses: Mon, Tues, Thurs to Sat @ 10am
Mass on Wed will be at 8am at the request of Bord na Mona
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €476. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J.Kelly, M.Killeen, A.Keena
Eucharistic ministers: Group 4
Readers for next Weekend: C.Mannion, C.Doolan
Altar Servers for this week: Ciara, Dylan
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Flo Murray,
Mass on next Sun for the late Michael Brennan

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Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €193. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: B.Kenny, M.Lantry
Readers for next Sunday: I. McEvoy
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group A
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: A.Rohan
Mass on next Sun for the late Mick Rocke

I will visit the sick & housebound on next Fri
The Year to come – some central Feasts in 2007
The centre of the whole liturgical year is the Paschal Triduum of the Lord, crucified, buried and risen, which will culminate in the solemn Vigil of Easter, during the holy night that will end with the dawn of the 8th April – Easter Sunday.
After Easter there comes forth and are reckoned all the days we keep holy: Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, 21st February; the Ascension of the Lord, 20th May; Pentecost, 27th May
First Sunday of Advent, 2nd December
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The greatest dangers of our time?
General William Booth once said that they were:
Religion without the Holy Spirit;
Christianity without Christ;
Forgiveness without regeneration;
Morality without God;
Heaven without Hell.
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From “God’s Little Devotional Book”
There may be many reasons why a person might question why God would choose to use him or her. But don’t be too concerned about your “faults”. You are in good company.
? Moses stuttered; Timothy had stomach problems;
? Jacob was a liar; David had an affair;
? Abraham was too old; John was self-righteous;
? Naomi was a poor widow; Paul was a murderer;
? Jonah ran from God; Miriam was a gossip;
? Gideon doubted – and so did Thomas;
? Jeremiah was depressed; Elijah was burnt out;
? Martha was a worrier; Amos’ training was in fig-tree pruning.

God doesn’t look at our faults, finances or failings. He only looks at our willingness. If you are willing to be used by God in the lives of others…get ready. You are just the right candidate for a job God has in mind.
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A New Christian
We welcome into the Christian Community Fionn Ciarán Claffey, son of Donal & Paula, Creevagh, who was baptised last weekend.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 24th Dec 2006 - 4th Sun Adv C
Tel (090) 9674125
Fax (090) 9674267
E-mail. clonmacnoispn@eircom.net


Shannonbridge
Masses: For Christmas: Sun eve @ 9pm; Mon @ 12noon
St Stephen's Day @ 12noon; rest of week @ 10am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €761. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Moran, M.McManus
Eucharistic ministers: Group 2
Readers for Christmas: M.Killeen, O.Costello;
For next weekend: D.Finnerty, C.Doolan
Altar Servers for this week: Brian, Caitriona, and all available

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Clonfanlough
Masses for Christmas: Sun eve @ 7pm; Mon @ 10.30am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €266. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: K.Kenny, A.Kearns
Reader for Christmas: A.Coughlan; for next Sunday: C.Norton
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group D as arranged
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: P.Darcy
Mass on Christmas Day for the late Michael Kelly (Lakefield)
Mass on next Sun for the late Jimmy Egan
A CHRISTMAS PRAYER
Give us, Lord Jesus, the eyes of children
To see your birth with Christmas wonder.
Help us to share in the song of the angels,
The gladness of the shepherds,
And the worship of the Wise Men.
Close the door on hate,
And open the door of love, all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift,
And blessing with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil, by the blessing Christ brings,
And teach us to be merry with clean hearts.
May Christmas morning
Make us happy to be your children,
And Christmas evening
Bring us to rest with grateful thought,
Forgiving and forgiven. Amen.
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894
Beannachtaí na Nollag agus Síocháin san Ath Bhliain do gach duine

A special word of thanks to all who contribute to the various collections during the year, and to all who help out in any way in the Church and community. It is much appreciated.

Shannonbridge Library will be closed until 19th January

A new Christian: we welcome into the Christian Community Christina Fallon, daughter of Liam & Janine, who was baptised last Sunday.
Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 31st Dec 2006 - Holy Family C
Tel (090) 9674125
Fax (090) 9674267
E-mail. clonmacnoispn@eircom.net

Shannonbridge
Masses: Mon, New Year's Day - 'Mary, Mother of God' @12noon;
Tues - Fri @ 10am. Adoration on First Fri until 5pm
Sat is the Feast of the Epiphany -a Holy Day. Vigil Mass on Fri eve @ 8pm, on Sat @ 12noon
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €435. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: G.Brennan, D.Deeley, C.Quinn
Eucharistic ministers: Group 3
Readers for next Weekend:
Altar Servers for this week: Ailbhe, Aoife
Mass on next Sun will be said for the late Kieran Kelly
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Clonfanlough
Mass for New Year's Day, Mon @ 10.30am;
Mass for Feast of Epiphany, Sat, a Holy Day, @10.30am, which will be said for the late Edward & Catherine Corrigan
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €138. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J.Egan, B.Dolan
Readers for next Sat & Sun: C.Coughlan, S.Coughlan
Altar Servers for next Sat & Sun: Group E
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: K.Kelly
To the sick & housebound
I will be unable to attend the sick & housebound next Fri, but I will do so on Fri 12th Jan 2007
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Lost and Found
The story of Jesus, Mary and Joseph going to Jerusalem is a short yet powerful story of family life with its joys, celebrations, tensions, expectations, and heart aches all rolled up together and covered with a blanket of love. We don’t hear the dialogue between Mary and Joseph when they are searching frantically for Jesus in the caravan. Somehow I have to believe it was peppered with words that we would consider less than tranquil. The gospel writer records Mary’s words to Jesus after finding him “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” Anxiety to say the least when parents lose their only child who happens to be the Messiah. And so Jesus “went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them…and Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favour before God and man.” All the tension, anxiety and uncertainty was completely dispelled by the love that all three had for each other. Jesus was truly marked by God for something special, as Mary and Joseph too had been. Each member of the Holy Family had their role to play as assigned by God the Father. Fulfilling that role was not without its tensions and frustrations but the overall blanket of the Father’s love covered them and was embraced by them so they could each in their own way fulfil the Father’s will for them.
Friedl & Macauley
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Wedding Celebration
Congratulations & best wishes to Caroline Mitchell and Bill Loughnane, who were married last weekend in Shannonbridge Church. Ad multos annos!
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Mummer's Festival
Will take place in New Inn Leisure Centre on Sat 6th Jan @ 8pm for Senior Groups; on Sun 7th Jan @ 2.30pm for Junior Groups.
'A great festival of traditional entertainment is promised in a comfortable & well heated venue'.

Time 01.30 AM on 1^st January 2007

Yesterday a friend of Linda Smith from California Pat Mullett and his wife and sister in law called to say hello. Pat works for Applebee’s Neighbourhood Grill and Bar in Florida and knows Linda through work. Linda’s parents Ken and Betty have holidayed in Shannonbridge a number of times in recent years. Mrs Mullett and her sister are from Galway and have not lost their accents. They were limited in time and had never been in Clonmacnois. So they got a brief look at the indoor display and the video and hopefully they will have time for a walk around on their next visit. There was a strong wind blowing which was audible above the commentary in the visitor video room. There was a fantastic amount of white waves showing on the River Shannon and the flood lands.

Mick got a present of a very interesting book called Vanishing Faces in Ireland.

It has a number of chapters showing photographs of people and telling their story. Rory Kilduff Ballinasloe is featured and he tells the history of his family working with leather making saddles and britchens and winkers etc for the horse pony and donkey. He tells about the effect the coming of the motor car had on the trade and how in his father’s time there was a workshop at the rear of his Main Street premises where up to twelve people were busy in the old days. Rory is now retired and enjoying life with his wife Maura.

He book also features the story of Pat Gleeson of the Gables – a house built for The Lestrange Family. Pat lived out his life with his sister Mrs Ryan at Mullaghature. He tells of his schooldays and going to school to Master Matt Rigney in High Street. Matt Rigney lived in the house directly across from Killeens Bar. Pat Gleeson tells of another teacher who taught the Gleeson children classical music on the violin. Later Pat discovered that Irish traditional music was more popular with people attending house dances and there was great demand for his music. Pat died a couple of years ago but his story and some pictures live on in this collection.

The Daily Mail on Wednesday has a story and photograph of the two couples from Galway who set off last June intending to cycle to Australia in time for Christmas.

The photograph shows Louis and Nora Brennan and Norman and Bertie Quinn with their bicycles and riding gear and baggage on Bondi Beach in Sydney. They cycled more than 14,000 kilometres through 15 countries to get there. From Salthill they hit Shannonbridge, UK, Holland, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. They flew over Iran and Iraq and cycled through India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. By sea to Indonesia and on to Darwin in November. There was still 1,600 kilometres of cycling before they reached Sydney just before Christmas. Well done.

Another Jobsite being advertised is www.recruitireland.com which may be of interest.

Some people that have holidayed in Shannonbridge in previous years might note that there has been a change in the telephone numbers. Here are the numbers of the Bed and Breakfast in the area –

1. Ashbrook Farm John and Vera 090 96 74166
2. Ely House Brian and Dympna 090 96 74205
3. Laurel Lodge Eamon and Marie 090 96 74189
4. Kajon House Kay and John 090 96 74191
5. Rachra House Pat and Patti 090 96 774249
6. Killeens Self Catering Bungalow 090 96 74112.

Presumably you drop the first 0 when you get into Ireland.

Finally a very happy 2007 to everyone.

Time 01.30 AM on 1^st January 2007

Yesterday a friend of Linda Smith from California Pat Mullett and his wife and sister in law called to say hello. Pat works for Applebee’s Neighbourhood Grill and Bar in Florida and knows Linda through work. Linda’s parents Ken and Betty have holidayed in Shannonbridge a number of times in recent years. Mrs Mullett and her sister are from Galway and have not lost their accents. They were limited in time and had never been in Clonmacnois. So they got a brief look at the indoor display and the video and hopefully they will have time for a walk around on their next visit. There was a strong wind blowing which was audible above the commentary in the visitor video room. There was a fantastic amount of white waves showing on the River Shannon and the flood lands.

Mick got a present of a very interesting book called Vanishing Faces in Ireland.

It has a number of chapters showing photographs of people and telling their story. Rory Kilduff Ballinasloe is featured and he tells the history of his family working with leather making saddles and britchens and winkers etc for the horse pony and donkey. He tells about the effect the coming of the motor car had on the trade and how in his father’s time there was a workshop at the rear of his Main Street premises where up to twelve people were busy in the old days. Rory is now retired and enjoying life with his wife Maura.

He book also features the story of Pat Gleeson of the Gables – a house built for The Lestrange Family. Pat lived out his life with his sister Mrs Ryan at Mullaghature. He tells of his schooldays and going to school to Master Matt Rigney in High Street. Matt Rigney lived in the house directly across from Killeens Bar. Pat Gleeson tells of another teacher who taught the Gleeson children classical music on the violin. Later Pat discovered that Irish traditional music was more popular with people attending house dances and there was great demand for his music. Pat died a couple of years ago but his story and some pictures live on in this collection.

The Daily Mail on Wednesday has a story and photograph of the two couples from Galway who set off last June intending to cycle to Australia in time for Christmas.

The photograph shows Louis and Nora Brennan and Norman and Bertie Quinn with their bicycles and riding gear and baggage on Bondi Beach in Sydney. They cycled more than 14,000 kilometres through 15 countries to get there. From Salthill they hit Shannonbridge, UK, Holland, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. They flew over Iran and Iraq and cycled through India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. By sea to Indonesia and on to Darwin in November. There was still 1,600 kilometres of cycling before they reached Sydney just before Christmas. Well done.

Another Jobsite being advertised is www.recruitireland.com which may be of interest.

Some people that have holidayed in Shannonbridge in previous years might note that there has been a change in the telephone numbers. Here are the numbers of the Bed and Breakfast in the area –

1. Ashbrook Farm John and Vera 090 96 74166
2. Ely House Brian and Dympna 090 96 74205
3. Laurel Lodge Eamon and Marie 090 96 74189
4. Kajon House Kay and John 090 96 74191
5. Rachra House Pat and Patti 090 96 774249
6. Killeens Self Catering Bungalow 090 96 74112.

Presumably you drop the first 0 when you get into Ireland.

Finally a very happy 2007 to everyone.