Dated March 2^nd 2007.

Sean Carey, Newtown, Ballinasloe called in today and told us that his family operate the Creagh Equestrian Center Tel 087-2254227. Sean also told us that he is related to George Hogarty in the USA. Of course George’s wife is a relation of the late Jimmy Murray of Knockcrockery and she is also a relation of mothers.

The television programme Urban Tales made an appeal recently for ideas to feature in a programme. If you have an idea contact them at urbantales@rte.ie

Now hear this. The hearing Aid Clinic is visiting Shannonbridge Active Retirement members on 21^st March 2007 from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm to test their hearing. Each test will take about 20 minutes. Look out for more details on the Parish Bulletin soon.

Our Ursuline Nuns retreat center “Ard Chiarain” was featured over two pages in a recent issue of The Irish Catholic and told how a lay couple regularly use the facility and their impressions. They were pleased and the article details the facilities offered.

This week The Irish Catholic has an article on Blessed Charles of Mount Argus who is to be beatified in Rome on June 3^rd and will become our new Irish Saint.

Today in The Irish Independent appeared an article featuring the possible takeover of The Irish Catholic by The Farmers Journal Newspaper. Recently The Farmers Journal took over The Field Newspaper which concentrates on horse racing.

In the past week the river level has crept back up and swans can be seen swimming in the flooded fields and callows at the back of the house. Water again covers the old jetty.

Daffodils are in bloom but no sign as yet of the 2000 Cross sown on Lamb Island upstream of the village bridge.

At the risk of catching Bird Flu the bird feeders required topping up again today. Don’t tell Frankie.

Went to Galway with Pat and Mick on Wednesday and after visiting the clinic we met Eilis and young Adam in Days Hotel. Noticed a B+B sign outside for 75 Euro a ni

We tried to contact Peter Hines but the hospital did not have him on their books so he must have moved.

Then we went to Loughrea where Pat wanted to visit the Carmelite Nuns. Unluckily they were on retreat and were not allowed to speak. Leaving the convent we took a back street and got lost. Signs for a carting track were to be seen and then one for Tynagh. We headed for Tynagh and then a sign for Dunirey appeared. Colin is living in Abbey / Dunirey so we decided to call and see him. Our lucky day – he was gone to Galway.

Home to the ‘Bridge.

Some Irish web sites that may be of interest include –

www.irishexaminer.com one time Cork Examiner Newspaper

www.rte.ie Radio Eireann for news items sport etc.

www.unison.ie Irish Independent Newspaper.

Home for a break from England is John Hardiman from Moore.

Some recent deaths include –

Jim Aiken, Belfast and Dublin who promoted some great concerts by visiting artists and singers and also helped Irish bands and singers in their careers. Buried on Monday.

Fergie O Hagan, a member of the famous Clipper Carlton Showband died and was buried on Monday last.

Maggie Doherty nee Mooney, Ballymahon and Horse & Jockey who was buried today.

Maggie was a sister of the late Jimmie Mooney Clondelara.

Jim Mc Bride, Shannonbridge and a native of Donegal died in Portiuncula earlier today.

Edel Turley is organising a Table Quiz in Killeens Shannonbridge in aid of Irish Cancer. It starts at 9.30 pm on Wednesday night March 7^th.