Dated 1^st February 2007

Wednesday night was Graduation Night for Shannonbridge pair Declan Ryan and Emmett Keohane who were conferred by University College Maynooth for passing their respective courses. Declan chose the quarries of Clerhane as his subject. Congratulations to them both.

Thursday started with Bob Galligan telling how he spotted two pike fishing boats moored on a piece of land that they had discovered near the mouth of the River Suck. Later the two boats were seen going upstream of the village bridge. No report on their venture.

Father Tom Ryan ha a packed church for his funeral and as expected Arch-bishop Cassidy gave an excellent sermon. Father Tom was 30 years in Africa and volunteered to serve in Arigna and Ballymahon and more recently Clonfad. Both parish priests from Arigna and Ballymahon attended the Mass. Father Sean Tynan from Arigna worked in Africa and also in Ferbane parish. He told us that his parish has two websites www.kilronan.ie for parish news. They also have www.minerswayand historicaltrail.ie

He reminded us about the Banquets that he organised in Clononey Castle. There is a dungeon attached to the castle and the committee used it to house anybody that got out of hand. He claimed that Elizabeth lived there for a number of years and it is written on a stone at the castle. I thought it was Anne Boleyn that escaped and lived there.

Evelyn Murphy nee Seery, wife of the late Jack died peacefully at her home in Ard Mhuire, Ballinasloe on Wednesday and was removed to the church on Thursday with funeral on Friday. Evelyn was 98 years. May she rest in peace.

News on Thursday night of the death of Sean Corrigan retired teacher in Banagher.

May he rest in peace.

Weather is mild and dry but the forecast is for rain.