Its time to clear out some reminder notes from my shirt pocket before it gets its Christmas wash.

Willie Joyce from Birr called in on 4^th December and was in great form. He is still at the furniture selling in Birr and I think Aughrim or Ahascragh.

Liam Duffy, Clondelara, celebrated his 21^st Birthday on 5^th December and belated birthday greetings to Liam.

That weekend a daughter of the late Frank Kinlough was in Shannonbridge for a weekend visit but I did not get a chance to talk to her.

By now most people will have heard of the pig scare due to dioxins in the pig feed.

On 10^th December a Lady phoned the Joe Duffy Radio Show and told that she had sent a Galtee Xmas Gift Parcel to her daughter in America. After hearing of the dioxins found in the pig-meat she phoned the Galtee contact number to voice her worries, and to enquire if their pork products in the gift parcel would be all right. A woman with an American accent that answered the phone assured her that the parcel was fine, as the rashers were Danish and their sausages were sourced in America. Galtee are one of the leaders in pork and bacon products here in Ireland. Nice one Galtee. Enjoy as they say in America.

On Friday 12^th December the Annual Senior Citizen’s Party took place in the Community Center, after the special Mass. The Ladies Group and Helpers that organised the event had ordered a traditional Christmas Dinner of turkey and ham, a choice of plum pudding or trifle, from The Fort Restaurant. Tea or coffee was served with Christmas cake prepared by Catherine Curley. There was a Christmas Present for each of those attending. There was music and dancing and singing for a few hours afterwards making for an enjoyable night.

The death occurred on 12^th December of Mrs Ina Green, America, Falty, relic of the late Patrick Green. My sister was telling us that Ina’s mother Kate Green was a sister of the late Jack Mulvey, who lived across from the old castle at Clonmacnois. One of the women had a cure for baldness and included in the ingredients was rum and olive oil. May they rest in peace.

It was good to see Eugene Carty and his son Brendan home from Boston to attend the wedding of his niece Bernadette Carty, daughter of Tom and Margaret Carty, to Conor Griffin in mid December. The wedding ceremony took place in Abbeyleix Church with the Reception in Durrow Castle in Laois.

Congratulations to the newly weds.

The death occurred on 10^th December of Sheila Smith, Roscrea, and mother of Dymphna O Carroll from the Ely House Guesthouse in Shannonbridge. May she rest in peace.

A bit of religion from Mary Craughwell of Athlone Cruisers. Mary was telling us one Saturday night recently that she often attends the Sunday Market in Clara. She has got to know a settled Lady Trader well over the years. This Lady Trader is very religious. Mary asked her if she ever handled goods that fell off a lorry. The Trader asked what she meant. Mary asked her if she ever handled stolen goods.

The Lady Trader said that she had.

Mary asked her how she was so religious and was able to sell stolen goods.

The Lady Trader replied that she went to Confession.

The Irish Times on Monday contains a regular little gem entitled “Where’s That” written by Flann O Riain. The column on 15^th December dealt with Coskeam. It is named after Coisceim Choiligh, the Irish for “A cock’s step” The name Coskeam is found in counties Clare, Cavan and Meath.

The article that day had a note added telling of the death of Flann O Riain. May he rest in peace.

Already this week the Shannonbridge Carol Singers have been busy singing their Christmas Carols and collecting funds for their chosen charity which is The Tullamore Hospice. Oliver Hilliard, Sean Kelly, Martin Donegan and Johnny Deeley were to the fore. This year Shannonbridge Pottery produced a 100 mug special that features a photograph of Saint Ciaran’s Church, Shannonbridge on each mug. These were presented to the carol singers and sale of the mugs will be added to the Hospice Fund as well as donations. Well done to all concerned.

Don’t forget to keep the used stamps for the Missions. Sister Marie from Ard Chiarain will gladly accept them and pass them on.

Good to see The Crib erected in the Church today by Stevie Kenny family on Tuesday.

Congratulations to Mark Donegan, Shannonbridge and Mary Harding, Belmont on the recent announcement of their engagement.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 21st Dec 2008 - 4th Sun Adv B
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge - Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12noon Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough - Sunday, 10.30am

Shannonbridge
Masses: Mon - Wed, Sat @ 10am; Thurs & Fri @ 12noon
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €516. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J.Kelly, M.Killeen, A.Keena
Eucharistic ministers: Group 2
Readers for Christmas: Group 4, S.Grennan, P.Duffy
Readers for next weekend: Group 5, C.Mannion, C.Doolan
Altar Servers for this week: Megan, Andrea, Aoife
Mass on Sat eve for the late MaryAnn, Ciaran & Brian Flannery
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €300. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J.Egan, B.Dolan
Readers for Christmas: I.McEvoy, A.Kelly
Reader for next Sun: H.Coughlan
Altar Servers for Christmas & next Sunday: As arranged. Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: P.Darcy
Mass on Thurs for the late Michael Kelly (Lakefield)

'To talk well & eloquently is a very great act, but an equally great one is to know the right moment to stop.' (W.A. Mozart)

TIMETABLE FOR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
Shannonbridge Clonfanlough

24th December 24th December
Christmas Eve night mass @ 9pm Christmas Eve night mass
@7pm
Thursday 25th December Thurs 25th December
Mass for Christmas Day @ 12 Noon Mass for Christmas @ 10.30am

Thurs 1st Jan 2008- New Years Day Thurs 1st Jan 2008
Feast of Mary Mother of God Feast of Mary Mother of God
Mass for peace @ 12 Noon Mass for peace @ 10:30 am

¨¨¨¨
Gifts Without Cost
Some gifts you can give this Christmas are beyond monetary value:
* Mend a quarrel, dismiss suspicion, tell someone, "I love you."
* Give something away-anonymously.
* Forgive someone who has treated you wrong.
* Turn away wrath with a soft answer.
* Visit someone in a nursing home.
* Apologize if you were wrong.
* Be especially kind to someone with whom you work.
* Give as God gave to you in Christ, without obligation, or announcement, or reservation, or hypocrisy. (C. Swindoll, Growing Strong, pp. 400-1)
¨¨¨¨
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.

'When giving Christmas gifts think & buy Fair Trade and thus help producers in poorer countries.'

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 14th Dec 2008 - 3rd Sun Adv B
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge - Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12noon Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough - Sunday, 10.30am

Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €510. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: G.Brennan, D.Deeley, V.Hynes
Eucharistic ministers: Group 1
Readers for next Weekend: Group 3, M.Killeen, O.Costello
Altar Servers for this week: Michaela, Oisín
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Damien Kenny.
Mass on next Sun for the late James F. & Leo Coakley
••••
Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €273. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: K.Kenny, A.Kearns
Readers for next Sunday: A.& L.Devery
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group B Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: N.Egan
Mass on next Sun for the Devery family deceased

Station Mass
Mon @ 7.30pm at the home of C. & M. Claffey, Aughincabe

Carol Service: in Clonmacnois this Sun @ 4pm. All welcome
Sacrament of Reconciliation on Fri 19th Dec, in Clonfanlough @ 7pm; Shannonbridge @ 8pm, preceded by a Carol Service
••••
A special word of thanks & appreciation is due to the kind people who organised & facilitated the recent Christmas Parties in both Shannonbridge & Clonfanlough. It demanded much hard work by many people; but the enjoyment given and shared by the guests is its own reward!
••••
Youth 2000 Christmas Retreat
For young people aged 16 - 35 @ Newbridge College, Co Kildare from Fri 19th Dec to Sun 21st Dec; "an opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many new friends.
Call the office on 01-6753690, or Mark on 086-8550417 for more info. Donations only, no charge." Visit www.youth2000
••••
Holy Hour of Quiet & Reflection for young people
Ferbane Church, Sat 20th Dec, 8-9pm. 'We invite all young people to a space of peace in the presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist' - "Come to me … and I will give you Rest."
••••
Questions people ask (Fr O'Flynn - Intercom)
Q. What is the Jesse tree and its relationship to Advent?
A. Jesse was the father of King David. The Jesse tree refers to the line of Jesus’ human ancestors. ‘A shoot shall spring forth from the stump of Jesse, and a branch out of its shoots’ (Isaiah 11:1). In Advent, as we prepare for the coming of Jesus, a tree, or a banner representing a tree, may be erected. Each day, or once a week, something is attached to recall a person or event from the time before Christ. In the Middle Ages it was a popular way of teaching Old Testament history. It is much closer to the real meaning of Christmas than the popular Christmas tree.

Q. The parents of Mary were Joachim and Anne. What of Joseph? Q. The names of Mary’s parents are not given in the Bible but come from Christian tradition. Matthew 1:16 lists Jacob as the father of Joseph, whereas Luke 3:23 calls Joseph the son of Heli. It is possible that Jacob and Heli were different names for the same person, something not unusual at the time. These genealogies were not compiled for reasons of historical accuracy. Matthew’s purpose was to trace Joseph back, through David, to Abraham. The universal scope of the Gospel of Luke prompted him trace Jesus back to Adam. Neither written texts nor popular devotion tell the name of Joseph’s mother.
••••
Prayer Centre Clonmacnois: Prayer Vigil 19/20th Dec, 11pm to 4am, starting with Mass. All welcome. Enquiries to Dave on 085-7746763

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 14th Dec 2008 - 3rd Sun Adv B
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge - Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12noon Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough - Sunday, 10.30am

Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €510. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: G.Brennan, D.Deeley, V.Hynes
Eucharistic ministers: Group 1
Readers for next Weekend: Group 3, M.Killeen, O.Costello
Altar Servers for this week: Michaela, Oisín
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Damien Kenny.
Mass on next Sun for the late James F. & Leo Coakley
••••
Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €273. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: K.Kenny, A.Kearns
Readers for next Sunday: A.& L.Devery
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group B Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: N.Egan
Mass on next Sun for the Devery family deceased

Station Mass
Mon @ 7.30pm at the home of C. & M. Claffey, Aughincabe

Carol Service: in Clonmacnois this Sun @ 4pm. All welcome
Sacrament of Reconciliation on Fri 19th Dec, in Clonfanlough @ 7pm; Shannonbridge @ 8pm, preceded by a Carol Service
••••
A special word of thanks & appreciation is due to the kind people who organised & facilitated the recent Christmas Parties in both Shannonbridge & Clonfanlough. It demanded much hard work by many people; but the enjoyment given and shared by the guests is its own reward!
••••
Youth 2000 Christmas Retreat
For young people aged 16 - 35 @ Newbridge College, Co Kildare from Fri 19th Dec to Sun 21st Dec; "an opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many new friends.
Call the office on 01-6753690, or Mark on 086-8550417 for more info. Donations only, no charge." Visit www.youth2000
••••
Holy Hour of Quiet & Reflection for young people
Ferbane Church, Sat 20th Dec, 8-9pm. 'We invite all young people to a space of peace in the presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist' - "Come to me … and I will give you Rest."
••••
Questions people ask (Fr O'Flynn - Intercom)
Q. What is the Jesse tree and its relationship to Advent?
A. Jesse was the father of King David. The Jesse tree refers to the line of Jesus’ human ancestors. ‘A shoot shall spring forth from the stump of Jesse, and a branch out of its shoots’ (Isaiah 11:1). In Advent, as we prepare for the coming of Jesus, a tree, or a banner representing a tree, may be erected. Each day, or once a week, something is attached to recall a person or event from the time before Christ. In the Middle Ages it was a popular way of teaching Old Testament history. It is much closer to the real meaning of Christmas than the popular Christmas tree.

Q. The parents of Mary were Joachim and Anne. What of Joseph? Q. The names of Mary’s parents are not given in the Bible but come from Christian tradition. Matthew 1:16 lists Jacob as the father of Joseph, whereas Luke 3:23 calls Joseph the son of Heli. It is possible that Jacob and Heli were different names for the same person, something not unusual at the time. These genealogies were not compiled for reasons of historical accuracy. Matthew’s purpose was to trace Joseph back, through David, to Abraham. The universal scope of the Gospel of Luke prompted him trace Jesus back to Adam. Neither written texts nor popular devotion tell the name of Joseph’s mother.
••••
Prayer Centre Clonmacnois: Prayer Vigil 19/20th Dec, 11pm to 4am, starting with Mass. All welcome. Enquiries to Dave on 085-7746763

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 7th Dec 2008 - 2nd Sun Adv B
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge - Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12noon Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough - Sunday, 10.30am
Shannonbridge
Masses: Tues-Thurs, Sat @ 10am; on Fri @ 6pm
Mon, 8th Dec, Feast of the Immaculate Conception - a Holy Day:
Mass on Mon @ 12noon & 8pm.
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €688. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Moran, M.Murphy, M.McManus
Eucharistic ministers: Group 4
Readers for next Weekend: Group 2, C.Casey, E.Quinn
Altar Servers for this week:
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Denis Lyons.
Mass on next Sun for the late Elizabeth McManus
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Mass for the 'Immaculate Conception' on Mon @ 10.30am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €120. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: E.Egan, A.McEvoy
Readers for next Sunday: C.Norton
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group A Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: D.McEvoy
Mass on next Sat @ 12noon for the late Earl & Petie Kelly
Mass on next Sun for the Late Anne & Ciaran Pillion

Carol Service: in Clonmacnois next Sun @ 4pm. All welcome.
Christmas Party in Shannonbridge Hall
Fri 12th Dec, starting with Mass in the Church @ 6pm.
Please reply quickly, as the organisers need to know how many are coming, by calling 087-2410587.
¨¨¨¨
Ballinasloe Flower & Garden Club,
A Christmas Demonstration, by J. & G. Donnelly,
Wed 10th Dec @ 8pm, in Gullanes Hotel
¨¨¨¨
Youth 2000 Christmas Retreat
For young people aged 16 - 35 @ Newbridge College, Co Kildare from Fri 19th Dec to Sun 21st Dec; "an opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many new friends.
Call the office on 01-6753690, or Mark on 086-8550417 for more info. Donations only, no charge." Visit www.youth2000
¨¨¨¨
Holy Hour of Quiet & Reflection for young people
Ferbane Church, Sat 20th Dec, 8-9pm. 'We invite all young people to a space of peace in the presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist' - "Come to me … and I will give you Rest."
¨¨¨¨
Irish Cancer Society
Presentation on 'Understanding the emotional effects of a cancer diagnosis.' In Mullingar Park Hotel on Tues 9th Dec @ 7pm.
For more info call 01-2310533.
¨¨¨¨
The weight of a snowflake (Appleseds.org)
Not too long ago in a place not too far away, a field mouse asked a wise old owl what is the weight of a snowflake. "Why nothing more than nothing," answered the owl. The mouse went on to tell the owl about the time he was resting on a branch in a fir tree, counting each snowflake until the number was exactly 3 million, 471 thousand, 952. Then with the settling of the very next flake—crack. The branch suddenly snapped, tumbling mouse and snow to the ground. "Humph …Such was the weight of nothing," said the mouse
So the next time you think your contributions, your acts of charity, your works for justice, your gifts of love, and your talents are nothing, or that they are small in comparison to those of others, remember that when one is added to another, and then to another and so forth, great things can happen from nothing. In the same way, what seems to be ordinary can be transformed into something extraordinary with just a little extra nothing. Your mission is to create great things once again out of nothingness, to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Niall Mellon Township Trust
Just a quick note from Cape Town in South Africa to say that we (all 2000 of us) finished our building blitz today, and met our target of building 250 houses for the people of Khaylitsha township in Cape Town.
The work was extremely tough in temperatures up to 34 degress celsius, but very rewarding.
Thanks to everyone who helped me with fundraising and who made donations to allow me to take part in the project,
Michael

GAA News from Club PRO Jason Mahon

Shannonbridge GAA Annual General Meeting

The Shannonbridge AGM was held on Friday last, 28^th November in Shannonbridge national school in which there was a very good turn-out between members and players alike.

Chairman Tom Moore thanked all who contributed throughout the past year, especially Roger Ryan who excelled in his first year as Club Secretary, Olive Costello as Treasurer and particularly Frank Guinan for his tireless work both in selling lotto tickets and his work out at the playing field. As has been stressed in previous years, without Frank the club would struggle to exist.

It was seen as a mixed year for the Bridge, on the playing field our Seniors importantly retained their senior status for another year, the championship got off to a flying start defeating near neighbours Ferbane by 6 points in Doon, before losing narrowly to Leinster kingpins Rhode by the minimum in O’Connor park before finally succumbing by 6 points to Tullamore in the final group game where a loss by only 3 points would still have guaranteed us a place in the quarter finals of the championship.

Our Juniors were very unlucky in the ‘B’ championship, missing out on the knockout stages cruelly on score difference after both Rhode & Tullamore were impressively defeated, we lost by 3 points to eventual champions Clonmore Harps and drew with Ballycommon in the final group game.

Off the field the club can be satisfied with its efforts, fund raising was achieved in the form of a bowling night last March and very successful golf classic held in Ballinasloe in August. Plenty of thanks must go to Jim Killeen, Vinnie Costello and Roger Ryan for all their efforts collecting sponsorship and arranging the fourballs etc..

The club wishes to thank all who contributed to spot prizes, sponsorship and to all who took part.

Minor secretary Ger Corbett gave a very good run-down on the underage grades. Once again from U-12 to minor, the club’s youngsters competed with neighbouring Ferbane, and the club would like to thank Ger & Tony Rohan for their efforts during the year as well as thank Ferbane GAA.

A lot of praise must also go to those who helped organise what was a very successful under-8 tournament at the sports field during the summer. There was a terrific turn-out of youngsters and we would also like to thank other clubs such as St. Rynaghs, Doon, Ferbane, Castledaly and Tubber for contributing to a brilliant occasion for all concerned. A special word of thanks must go to John Ryan, Tony Rohan, Ger Corbett and Noel Mannion who were out at the field throughout coaching sessions and helped make it happen.

We would like to thank outgoing senior football management team Michael Mahon, Mick Devine & Mick Flanagan for their efforts last year.

A lot of thanks must go to Junior manager Tom Moore and his selectors Niall O’Shea & Frank Guinan for all their work this year.

Special word of thanks

The club wishes to extend its deepest gratitude towards outgoing chairman Tom Moore for his tireless work done throughout the club, especially in the past 5 years that he has been chairman. Tom is and has been a great ambassador for the club throughout the years both as a player, team manager & as a club officer and we are delighted that he will remain on in another capacity within the club.

Thanks a million Tom.

Club Officers for 2009

The club would like to announce the following as club officers for the coming year.

Chairman – Dennis Loonam

Vice-chairman – Frank Guinan

Secretary – Roger Ryan

Assistant Secretary – Jason Mahon

Treasurer – Olive Costello

Club Registrar – Declan McEvoy

PRO – Jason Mahon

County Board Delegates – Noel Rocke & Tom Moore

Senior & Junior team secretaries – Jason Mahon & Tom Moore

Club membership

Club membership is now due for the coming year, it can be paid to registrar Declan McEvoy, players representative Niall Price or any committee member.

It will be €20 for singles and €30 for families (2 adults & 2 children U-18).

Management for 2009

Mick Devine has been announced as the Senior football manager for the coming year. Mick was part of the management team for the last year and his knowledge and experience will be priceless as we attempt to make our mark in the county next year.

We wish him the best of luck!!

His selectors and junior management team have yet to be confirmed.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 30th Nov 2008 - Sun Majilio 1B
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge - Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12noon Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough - Sunday, 10.30am

Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am
Adoration on First Fri until 6pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €524. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: A.Ryan, L.Turley, M.Mitchell
Eucharistic ministers: Group 3
Readers for next Weekend: Group 1, D.Finnerty, P.Corbett
Altar Servers for this week:
Mass on next Sat eve for the O'Connor & O'Brien family deceased
Mass on next Sun for the late Richard Hynes
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Mass on Mon for the Holy Souls @ 7pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €211. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: Marian Devery, Ann Kelly
Readers for next Sunday: A.Coughlan
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group E Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: B.Couglan
Mass on next Sun for the late Ciaran & Mary Daly

Station Masses
Thurs eve at the home of B. & C. Coughlan, Clonlyon @ 7.30pm
Fri eve at the home of M. & P. Kelly, Clonfanlough @ 7.30pm
¨¨¨¨
Christmas Party in Clonfanlough Hall
Sun 30th Nov @ 2pm, starting with Mass.
¨¨¨¨
Christmas Party in Shannonbridge Hall
Fri 12th Dec, starting with Mass in the Church @ 6pm.
¨¨¨¨
Shannonbridge A.R.A.
5th Annual Social in the Old Fort on 3rd Dec. Music by Paudge Bennet. For details call 090-9674117.
¨¨¨¨
Questions people askQ. What did Jesus refer to when he told people to stay awake?A. The Lord is reminding us never to forget our final judgement and destiny. How would you live, what would you do if you knew that you had only a short time to live? ‘Stay awake, because you never know when the time will come.’ Staying awake also means being vigilant against temptation by not allowing ourselves to be misled by the subtle lies of the devil. We are also exhorted to be alert and sensitive to the glory and goodness of God manifested in the world in many ways. (Fr O'Flynn - Intercom)
¨¨¨¨
Alanon Meetings, Tues nights, Health Centre Birr, @8.30pm
'The Alanon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experiences, strengths & hopes in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness, & that changed attitudes can aid recovery. The meetings are open to everyone; we are a self-supporting group, through our own voluntary contributions.
First Meeting on Tues 2nd Dec. For more info call 01-8732699.'
¨¨¨¨
Taughmaconnell C. Care Group
Fund raising Dance in Gullanes on Thurs 4th Dec (with B.Shine).
¨¨¨¨
Many thanks to all who supported the recent Table Quiz for 'needy children in Kenya'. Proceeds came to €380.00

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 23rd Nov 2008 - Christus Rex Sun A
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge - Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12noon Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough - Sunday, 10.30am
Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €523. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: K.Price, C.Curley, P.Anderson
Eucharistic ministers: Group 2
Readers for next Weekend: Group 6, E.Casey, D.O'Carroll
Altar Servers for this week: Athene, Caitríona, Siobhan
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Billy & Brigid Duffy.
Mass on Sun for deceased Staff members ESB Shannonbridge.
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Mass on Mon eve for the Holy Souls @ 7pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €246. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: K.Norton, H.Darcy
Readers for next Sunday: D.Boland
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group D Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: A.Rohan

Meeting of Parish P.C on Mon @ 8pm in Shannonbridge

Table Quiz next Wed @ 9pm for the needy children of Kenya
Station Masses
Thurs eve @ 7.30pm at the home of P. & J. Higgins, Clondelara.
Fri eve @ 8pm at the home of J. & V. Carty, Lecarrow.
¨¨¨¨
Clonmacnois Region Pioneer Mass
In Ballinahown Church on Fri 28th Nov @ 7.30pm.
Refreshments afterwards.
¨¨¨¨
Shannonbridge A.R.A.
5th Annual Social in the Old Fort on 3rd Dec. Music by Paudge Bennet. For details call 090-9674117.
¨¨¨¨
Portiuncula Hospital Memorial Mass
For all who have died in the Hospital, on 24th Nov @ 7.30pm
¨¨¨¨
Stroke Support Group
Meeting on 26th Nov @ 7pm in the Health Centre Ballinasloe.
'The Fair Deal explained - Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill.'
Christmas Party on 18th Dec @ 8pm
¨¨¨¨
Annual Mass for deceased members of ESB staff, Shannonbridge will be celebrated on Sun 30th Nov @ 12noon in Shannonbridge Church. Refreshments in Killeens afterwards.
¨¨¨¨
Christmas Party in Clonfanlough Hall
Sun 30th Nov @ 2pm, starting with Mass.
¨¨¨¨
Christmas Party in Shannonbridge Hall
Fri 12th Dec, starting with Mass in the Church @ 6pm.
'Many thanks to all who supported our 2 Table Quizzes.'
¨¨¨¨
Scripture Course on St Mark's Gospel, 25thNov & 2nd Dec,
Tuesdays @ 8pm, Girls Primary School Ferbane.
¨¨¨¨
Church Envelopes - You should receive your new boxes this week.
For the Monthly collection you are again invited to make payment for the year or half-year if possible. (Please note that the Monthly envelopes are in a separate box due to the Printer's mistake). I also invite those who don’t contribute to the collections to make a start this coming year. A sincere ‘thank-you’ to those who do contribute and those who organise the collections.
"Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireas na daoine."

.

Opening of Clonmacnoise School Extension.
Last Friday was a red-letter day in Clonmacnoise with the official opening of the new extension to the national school. The work, consisting of a new classroom and offices, cost € 250,000. The new accommodation was blessed by Parish Priest Fr. Frank O'Hanlon and opening was performed by An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen TD.

Division 4 Hurling Final.
No luck for Belmont (and their Shannonbridge club players) last Sunday in the Div 4 Hurling Final. They lost out to Balliamere on a scoreline of 1.16 to 1.6, on a very wet and difficult day for hurling, after being well in contention, just three points down, after 40 minutes.

Clonmacnoise Heritage Site Plans.
News from the Co. Council, via the Midland Tribune, is that the County Manager has stated that the draft plan will be presented to the public before lodging anything with UNESCO. According to Mr. Gallagher the plan will be placed in the public domain, to allow for public consultation, in advance of any submission.

Power Station for old Ferbane Station Site.
A Tullamore company, R&R Mechanical, plan to build a gas powered generating station at the old site in Lumcloon. A capacity of 350 MWs is planned, with gas being piped from Athlone. Construction to commence in 2009.

Barry Keenan Ferbane and Ruth Rafferty Ferbane were married at the weekend and held their reception in the Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe.

Barry is a son of Josie and the late Margaret ‘Peg’, and Ruth is a daughter of Tommy and the late ‘Mary. Barry was the last of the six Keenan children to get married.

Wishing Barry and Mary every blessing and a happy marriage.

Monday and Willie Joyce was in Shannonbridge. Willie who had a small chain of casual clothing at one time has now left that field and is selling office furniture based out of Birr and Ahascragh. P.J. Middleton who operates a fleet of limousine coaches for hire and based in Birr was travelling with Willie.

Neither have the franchise for the new tinkers after shave which is called Howya Boss.

I attended the final night production of John B. Keane’s play The Field last night in the Birr Theatre & Arts Group www.birrtheatre.com who are celebrating 50 years of enjoyment this year. They started in the Marian Hall and now have their own theatre called Oxmantown Hall. They have a special celebration planned on 6^th December in The Marian Hall with a cast of fifty or more taking part.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 16th Nov 2008 - 33rd Sun A
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge - Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12noon Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough - Sunday, 10.30am


Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €513. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.McManus, C.Slattery, A.Corbett
Eucharistic ministers: Group 1
Readers for next Weekend: Group 5, C.Mannion, C.Doolan
Altar Servers for this week: Megan, Michaela
Mass on next Sat eve for Jimmy Coleman & family deceased
Mass on next Sun for the Turley family (Rachrabeg) deceased
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Mass on Mon for the Holy Souls @ 7pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €240. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Kelly, K.Kelly
Readers for next Sunday: H.Coughlan
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group C Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: K.Kelly
Enrolment Ceremony for First Communicants on next Sun

Station Mass
Fri 21st Nov at the home of Mary E.Devery, Carrowkeel, @ 7.30pm.
¨¨¨¨
Shannonbridge / Clonfanlough Pioneer Centre
Those who wish to have Fr Matthew, Gold, Silver, or any other Pins please contact 090-9674169, 090-6430152, or any member of the Committee ASAP.
¨¨¨¨
Mass in Clonmacnois Prayer Centre on Wed @ 7.30pm

Youth 2000 will have a Prayer Vigil from 11pm to 4am on 21st/22nd Nov in the Prayer Centre, Clonmacnois, starting with Mass.
For more information contact Helen on 086-1678027
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Annual Mass for deceased members of ESB staff, Shannonbridge will be celebrated on Sun 30th Nov @ 12noon in Shannonbridge Church. Refreshments in Killeens afterwards.
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Christmas Party in Clonfanlough Hall
Sun 30th Nov @ 2pm, starting with Mass.
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Christmas Party in Shannonbridge Hall
Fri 12th Dec, starting with Mass in the Church @ 6pm.
Table Quiz on Wed eve will be in aid of this party. Please support.
¨¨¨¨
Scripture Course on St Mark's Gospel, 18th25thNov & 2nd Dec,
Tuesdays @ 8pm, Girls Primary School Ferbane.
All interested are welcome to attend; just let me know, so that I may inform the organisers of your coming.
¨¨¨¨
Co Offaly Childcare Committee
Arts & Crafts Christmas Make & Do Workshop in Tullamore, 22nd Nov 2-4pm. For more info call 057-9135878.
¨¨¨¨
Appeal for Hospital Play Volunteers
In Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe. Volunteers must be over 18 years. Training will be given. Call 1890-252682
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Ballinasloe Flower & Garden Club
A Talk on Herbs, their uses, growing, propagating & cooking, by Diana Murray, Gullanes Hotel 19th Nov @ 8pm.

Shannonbridge Active Retirement Group holds their get together on Tuesday morning in the community hall immediately after Mass. Some helpful limber out exercises take place before an enjoyable cup of tea and chat. Some years ago the group decided to become active in helping children to be educated in Karinde in Africa. One of the Ursuline Sisters explained at that time that without financial help children were made to help on the farm. So a nominal sum of 2Euro is contributed by members of the group attending the weekly meeting. This money finds its way directly to Karinde and helps children further their education.

At the meeting this week there was a note from Pamela in Karinde to Sister Marie –

Dear Sister Marie,

Greetings and best wishes from Karinde. Thank you very much for your continued support for the children of Karinde. They have grown up – many are in secondary school. Joseph has continued to nurture them – they are well behaved and really trying to make a future for themselves. I will keep this money for their food – they usually require help during the holidays. God Bless. Pamela. ( 300 Euros was sent from the Active Retirement Group on this occasion). Even if you cannot attend the weekly meetings consider helping this cause.

Roger and Susan Bray from Perth Australia stopped off in Shannonbridge this week.

Susan told us that she was born in New Zealand. Her mother was Sarah Joyce from one side of the Maam Turks Mountains in Connemara. Sarah was forced to emigrate in 1938 by the local landlord and she got a job in Wellington. Padraig O Malley who was a member of The Flying Column lived in a cave near Sarah’s home and there was a ring fort nearby.

Roger works for an ore mining firm in Australia which produces 2.5 million tonnes of ore per week for export mainly to China.

Roger and Susan have a daughter Hilary and Hilary has chosen to be married in Ireland at Killeen Castle. Her parents were checking out the venue and visited Clonmacnois.

Hope everything goes well for the wedding.

It was great to meet so many friends and cousins attending a surprise Birthday Party of Anne Killeen, from Ardnaglug last Saturday in the Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe.

The Killeen Family from Manchester came by air and sea and returned on Sunday. John Francis, Aidan and Maggie travelled by car and visited Clonmacnois and Shannonbridge on Sunday on their way to the ferry.

On birthdays this weekend Mick and Mary Killeen are of to Westport to celebrate a recent birthday in Mary’s life.

Return of the Table Quiz.
Tomorrow sees the return of the popular Wednesday night quiz to Killeen's, - 10pm sharp!

Snow in America.
Last Sunday morning brought the first snow of winter to the area with a light covering on the ground in the Falty and America areas.

Sale of Shannonbridge ESB Site.
According to today's paper the ESB has reached agreement, with Spanish utility Endesa, for the sale of two Power Stations, at Tarbert and Great Island and two sites, at Lanesboro and Shannonbridge.

Evening Classes.
The evening classes held in Shannonbridge national school, under the auspices of The West Offaly Education Project, are proving to be a great success. Classes are held in such varied subjects as, Salsa, Interior Design, First Aid, Computers - basic and intermediate, Tai Chi etc. Well done to the organisers and hopefully there will be a follow on after Christmas.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 9th Nov 2008 - St John Lateran A
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge - Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12noon Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough - Sunday, 10.30am
Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am; Mass on Tues for the late Thomas Rocke; Mass on Wed for the late Tom Turley; Mass on next Sat eve for the Daly family deceased.
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €574. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J.Kelly, M.Killeen, A.Keena
Eucharistic ministers: Group 4
Readers for next Weekend: Group 4, S.Grennan, P.Duffy
Altar Servers for this week: Dylan
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Mass on Mon for the Holy Souls @ 7pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €295. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: T.Rohan, A.Rohan
Readers for next Sunday: D.Norton
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group B Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: P.Darcy
Mass on next Sun for the late Tom Connor, Lil & family members

Mass in Clonmacnois Prayer Centre on Wed @ 7.30pm
Mass for the Holy Souls in Ard Chiaráin on Wed @ 8pm.
Station Mass
Fri 14th Nov at the home of P. & J. Anderson, Creevagh @ 7.30pm.
¨¨¨¨
Christmas Party in Clonfanlough Hall
Sun 30th Nov @ 2pm, starting with Mass
¨¨¨¨
Scripture Course on St Mark's Gospel, 11th18th25thNov & 2nd Dec,
Tuesdays @ 8pm, Girls Primary School Ferbane.
All interested are welcome to attend; just let me know, so that I may inform the organisers of your coming.
¨¨¨¨
St Ciaran's Youth Club
Will return on Fri 14th Nov in Clonfanlough Hall, from 7.30 - 8.30pm.
This will also be registration night for new members.
¨¨¨¨
Co Offaly Childcare Committee
Arts & Crafts Christmas Make & Do Workshop in Tullamore, 22nd Nov 2-4pm. For more info call 057-9135878.
¨¨¨¨
Appeal for Hospital Play Volunteers
In Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe. Volunteers must be over 18 years. Training will be given. Call 1890-252682
¨¨¨¨
Athlone IT
Open Day, Fri & Sat 14th 15th Nov, beginning @ 9.30am.
For more info call 090-6442595.
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Poker Classic for Ballinasloe Soroptimist Club in Gullanes Hotel 12th Nov @ 8.pm

Umbra Clothing Collection Sat 15th Nov, 9am -12noon @ Clonfanlough & Shannonbridge Halls - helping the needy
Courage and Hope
Several years ago, I read about James Lewis Pettigru. His life was so exemplary that after his death the community erected a tombstone inscribed with these words:
UNAWED BY OPINION, UNSEDUCED BY FLATTERY, UNDISMAYED BY DISASTER, HE CONFRONTED LIFE WITH COURAGE, AND DEATH WITH CHRISTIAN HOPE. (Our Daily Bread, May 29, 1995)

GAA.

Shannonbridge's Div.1 League relegation playoff scheduled for last Sunday did not take place as the opposition, Edenderry, failed to field. SBr awarded a walk-over.

Late Seamus Mullally.

The death has occurred of Seamus Mullally, Portarlington. Seamus worked as a fitter in Shannonbridge Power Station until struck down by illness, a number of years ago, at a young age. May he rest in peace.

Agnes Butler nee Greene, Moystown, Shannonharbour has died and was laid to rest in High Street cemetery on 1^st November after Requiem Mass. Her remains were laid out in her son John Butler’s home in Belmont which is almost directly across from the old railway station. Among the many mourners were her sisters Lily and Josie.

May she rest in peace.

Joe Grenham, Creagh husband of the late Bernie died on Tuesday 28^th October and his burial took place on Friday 31 October in Creagh cemetery after Mass in Creagh Church.

At the burial I was talking to an old school pal John Bohan who told me that Val Martin and Joe Grenham and he were a regular partnership at the weekly Seniors golf outing on Wednesdays at Ballinasloe golf club.

May he rest in peace.

On Monday two female travel writers visited Clonmacnois and stayed overnight in Ely House guesthouse. Their host Brian Carroll told them about the Moneygall connection with Barack Obama. Moneygall near Roscrea has many premises decorated in support of Obama and the two ladies were seeking out roadmaps on how to get to the village.

After Obama’s victory today Brian Cowen our Taoiseach congratulated him and invited him to visit Offaly where his forefathers came from.

The last Tuesday in October was the coldest October day in Ireland since 1948.

What is this global warming we are hearing so much about?.

Mike Sharry and his boat have arrived back in Shannonbridge after a lengthy voyage downstream. He was held up in Portumna last week as the 100 year old swing bridge was replaced by a new structure. Mike was hoping to be the first boat to pass through the new swing bridge but he had to settle for second slot.

The family of the late John Carty Clonfad held a fund raising Fancy Dress night in Millars of Ballydangan recently in aid of the Oncology Unit in Portiuncula Hospital where John was a patient on many occasions. The night was a great success and raised over 4000 Euro on the night. Donations since then have raised the total to over 5000 Euros.

A very sincere thanks from the Carty Family to all who supported.

Sister Marie of the Ursuline Sisters in Ard Chiarain, Raghrabeg told the Shannonbridge Active Retirement meeting that she had found someone who can make use of used stamps for the missions. So a box was placed in Killeens bar inviting people to donate stamps. I was surprised to get a letter from Bernice Kelly from Moate this week with loads of old stamps. Bernice told me that she had visited the pub and saw the stamp appeal. Like me she was wondering what they do with the stamps. Sister Marie told me that a Kiltegan priest friend had found an outlet for sale of the stamps. Only this weekend this priest called to Ard Chiarain and the back of his car was full of used stamps. Have you a bunch of old Christmas cards somewhere in a box with old stamps attached. You can send them direct to The Kiltegan Fathers, Freshford, County Wicklow Ireland or to our local Ursuline Sisters.

Two organisers from the King of Clubs fishing competitions were in Shannonbridge last weekend. The 2009 King of Clubs will be held in May and based in Birr. Their competition for wheelchair anglers will be fished at Donamon in Roscommon

The angling notes on Monday’s Irish Times irishtimes.com and angling@irish-times.ie

Has information on the new plans for fisheries in Ireland.

Last Sunday Joe Flanagan, 85 from Tullamore visited Shannonbridge while his family visited Clonmacnois. Joe told us that he often came to Shannonbridge with the late Jimmy Bracken on Lumley’s bread van. Joe worked for another Tullamore bakery called English but on his Saturday day off he went on the delivery run with Jimmy Bracken.

Joe now lives in Chapel Lane in Tullamore and is as bright as a button.

John Kinlough London posted me a copy of an obituary from Camden New Journal from a 30 November 2006 titled ‘Tributes to happy and courageous Michael’.

The story of Michael Larkin born in Shannonbridge (where Stevie Kenny’s house now is) and lived in Primrose Hill until his death in 2006 at the age of 86 years.

Read the full story at http://www.thecnj.co.uk/camden/113006/obit113006_01.html

Thanks to John Kinlough for forwarding the copy.

Weather has become mild these past few days with fog an odd night and little rain.

The river level has dropped a little.

Two people have mentioned recently that Thomas Rhodes who cast the swing bridge at Shannonbridge in the 1840’s had a brother Cecil who was in the mining and exploring fields and who went to Africa. Is it possible that Rhodesia was named after Cecil?

Ken and Betty in California have a golfer friend who intends coming to Ireland in March on a golfing holiday. He was interested in The Golfers Guide to Open Fixtures known as the Green Book. This book is chock full of information on open fixtures for golf courses all over Ireland and the information is compiled researched and published by Oliver Hilliard Shannonbridge. Oliver has items included up to end of March in the 2008 Green Book. He says that many golf courses organise their open days from April through the summer and autumn. Anyhow a copy of the Green Book is on its way to Santa Barbara.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 2nd Nov 2008 - All Souls DayA
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge - Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12noon Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough - Sunday, 10.30am
Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am. Adoration on First Fri until 6pm
Mass on Sat morning for the late Kieran & Mary Henry
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €517. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: G.Brennan, D.Deeley, V.Hynes
Eucharistic ministers: Group 3
Readers for next Weekend: Group 3, M.Killeen, O.Costello
Altar Servers for this week: Aoife
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €275. Many Thanks
Mass on Mon for the Holy Souls @ 7pm
Church Cleaners: M.Halligan, M.Kelly
Readers for next Sunday: A.Kelly
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group A Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: N.Egan
Mass on next Sun for the late Phil Coolahan

Meeting of Parish P. C. on Mon @ 7.30pm in Clonfanlough

Mass in Clonmacnois Prayer Centre on Wed @ 7.30pm
From the Diocesan Pastoral Team to all Parishes
Art & Décor Workshop: ideas for Advent & Christmas,
Parish Hall, Ballinahown, Tues 4th Nov @ 8pm.
Workshop on Sacred Music for Advent, Christmas & New Year,
Parish Church Ballymahon, Wed 5th Oct @ 8pm.

Scripture Course on St Mark's Gospel, 11th 18th 25th Nov & 2nd Dec,
Tuesdays @ 8pm, Girls Primary School Ferbane.
All interested are welcome to attend any of these courses; just let me know, so that I may let the organisers know of your coming.
¨¨¨¨
Questions people ask (Fr O'Flynn - Intercom)
Q. Why should we pray for the dead? If they are in heaven they don’t need our prayers, and if they are in hell, then prayer can’t help them either since out of hell there is no redemption.
A. 'You are missing the consoling doctrine of purgatory, the purifying transition from earthly imperfections to divine glory. The mercy of God grants this process of purification to all who die in God’s grace but are not yet perfectly reflecting the holiness and glory of God. As members of the one body of Christ, we assist one another by prayers, personal sacrifices and acts of charity.'
November is the month of the Holy Souls. We can help them by our Masses, sacrifices & prayers. Visit a Church or Cemetery and pray in union with the Church throughout the world. In the parish 2 Masses are said each week in Nov for the Holy Souls.
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St Ciaran's Youth Club
Will return on Fri 14th Nov in Clonfanlough Hall, from 7.30 - 8.30pm.
This will also be registration night for new members.
¨¨¨¨
Dóchas Nasamu is an Irish registered charity, which funds an Orphanage in Kenya, Africa. They will take up a clothes collection on Mon 3rd Nov in the Carpark of Shannonbridge Hall between 9am and 12noon. Enquiries to 086-8689377.

M.E. Support Group Meeting on 5th Nov in Gullanes Hotel, @ 7pm.

'Move', (Men overcoming violence) will begin a new programme on Mon 10th Nov. For more info call 64-72174 or 086-1721564

Offaly GAA Football Reunion.

Shannonbridge players were well represented at last week's gala dinner to honour successful Offaly teams of the not so distant past. Celebrated was the county's only U21 Football All Ireland Titlein 1988, when they overcame Cavan, at Longford, in the final. This was a marathon championship (knockout) which took all of 10 games, including four meetings to dispose of Wexford! Shannonbridge players were Niall OShea, Alan OShea and Mike Devine.
The 1997 Leinster Title and the winning of Offaly's only League Title, under Tommy Lyons in 1998, were also being celebrated. Shannonbridge representatives were Vinny Mooney and Anthony Kelly from 1997. John Ryan was featured on the 1998 team and, of course, he also won his All Ireland Senior Hurling medal in the same year.

Corncrake Report.

This year's Corncrake Report for the Shannon callows makes sad reading. Only four calling males were recorded, the lowest on record. Among the reasons for the decline were the major summer floods of 2002 and 2006 and the very wet summers of 2007 and 2008. The future of this rare bird in the area now looks very bleak. Incidentally corncrake numbers in Donegal and in such places as Innisboffin in the West of Ireland are on the increase.

Bird Atlas of Ireland.

Tomorrow sees the start of year two (in a four year project) of recording of winter birds in Ireland for the next edition of the Bird Atlas of Ireland. The nationwide survey aims to get an accurate count of the location and numbers of each species of wildbird in the country. The current survey will run over the winter months from Nov to Feb. If you wish to get involved and help out contact Brian Caffrey who is the Atlas Coordinator at Crank House, Banagher - 057 9151676 or bcaffrey@birdwatchireland.ie. They are looking for volunteers and any help is very welcome and the necessary instructions will be given.
As part of the start of the survey, Alex Copland of Birdwatch Ireland, will lead a count tomorrow (Saturday) from Turraun Lakes car park, near Pollagh, at 11.30 am.

Bird Feeder.

Put out the bird feeder in the garden today for first time this winter. One early visitor was a goldfinch.

Boora Parklands was featured on the Nationwide T.V. program on 22^nd October.

There is a webpage www.sculptureinthepark.com which might give you a glimpse of what you missed.

Tommy Darcy was here on 22^nd October. Tommy was eleven years old when the family moved from Crevagh to the Daingean area. Tommy is married and they have two children Martina and Martin. His brother Jimmy Darcy is married and they have six children and live in Daingean. His other brother Kieran is a single and lives in Ballinagar

Their father Jim Darcy died 13 years ago and their mother Mary Anne nee Greene from Blackwater died three years ago.

Tommy told me that he was a step brother of Louis and Oliver Darcy Shannonbridge.

Met a couple who were on a river cruising holiday on 28^th October who live in Dripsy in County Cork. They told us that Dripsy is located where the dam was built on the River Lee. There is a small tributary joining the Lee called The Dripsy. I mentioned that I knew a person named Terry from Ovens. They said that they were from the Parish of Ovens. And then I asked them if they knew Terry O Driscoll. They told me that Ovens was on the other side of the river and they did not know him.

On a recent Eggheads quiz show on BBC one of the questions asked was ‘With her head tucked under her arm’ was part of a song written about which English Queen.

The answer was Anne Boleyn. And that’s only one line so there’s more.

Watching a recent rugby match played in England between Munster and Sale the camera gave a close up mug shot of Tony Lyons from Kilcock. His uncle Oliver tells us that he is an ardent Munster follower and travels to away matches regularly.

Munster won that game on 19^th October.

On Friday 24^th three members of the Roper Family from Boston stopped off at Shannonbridge during a weekend cruise on the Shannon.

Their family left Ireland in 1850 and came from Mountrath.

Some years ago two of the family visited Ireland and got a list of all the Ropers living in Ireland. When they got home they wrote a letter to everyone on the list.

They were disappointed with the response which was zero.

My sister Pat is fond of doing the three crosswords on the daily papers and regularly seeks help when stuck for a word. Just the other day Patrick Kenny and John Hardiman were visiting. Pat asked Patrick what the answer to the clue given ‘Double-reed Instruments’ was.

Patrick replied immediately ‘That would be Mickey Joe’

Mickey Joe Reid was a renowned accordion player who lived in Shannonbridge and died about 40 years ago

Somebody told me recently about a website www.buildingsofireland.ie which might be worth a visit.

The first snow of the year arrived this week and fell in Antrim. Today’s paper has a photograph of a tractor in the Wicklow Mountains helping to rescue sightseers from a touring bus that got caught in the snow.

GAA.

Shannonbridge clubmen Jason Kelly and Kieran Flannery are included in the first panel selected by Offaly's new Senior Football manager, Ritchie Connor. Well done lads and here's hoping for a big revival in the county fortunes in 2009.

Unfortunately there was no luck for Pearses and trainer Eamonn Mahon yesterday. They failed by the narrowest margain in the Roscommon Senior Football replay by going under to Castlerea on a scoreline of 0-9 to 0-8.

Bog Rail Tour.

According to a report in the Offaly Independent this week, the Clonmacnoise and West Offaly Railway has closed permanently, with a Bord na Mona spokesperson citing insurance and health and safety issues. This is a major loss to jobs and tourism in the area, the railway having been a fixture here since 1992. There have been rumours recently that Bord na Mona plan to move the operation to the Lough Boora Parkland site.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 26th Oct 2008 - 30th Sun A
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge - Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12noon Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough - Sunday, 10.30am
Shannonbridge
Masses: Mon-Fri @ 10am; Sat, 1st Nov, Feast of All Saints @ 12noon; this is a Holy Day of Obligation
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €565. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Moran, M.Murphy, M.McManus
Eucharistic ministers: Group 2
Readers for next Weekend: Group 2, N.Duffy, E.Quinn
Altar Servers for this week: Athene, Caitríona
Mass on next Sat for Martin & Josephine Burke & family deceased
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Tommy & Geraldine McManus
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Next Sat is the Feast of All Saints, A Holy Day; Mass @ 10.30am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €264. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J. Noble, D.Fitzgerald
Readers for next Sunday: I.McEvoy
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group E Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: D.McEvoy
Mass on next Sat for the late Edward & Brigid Mannion

Next Sun we celebrate the Feast of All Souls
During the month of October the Rosary will be said in Shannonbridge Church, Mon - Fri @ 7pm.
¨¨¨¨
Station Masses
This is the time of year when we celebrate the “Station Masses”, a long-standing tradition in Ireland and an unbroken link with the faith and practice of our ancestors. We are looking for volunteers to host the Station Mass, even if it is not your 'turn', or/and having it for the first time; or you may simply wish to have Mass in your home. We would encourage people to keep the occasion as simple as possible. We do not want this to be a burden on anybody.
¨¨¨¨
From the Diocesan Pastoral Team to all Parishes
Art & Décor Workshop: ideas for Advent & Christmas,
Parish Hall, Ballinahown, Tues 4th Nov @ 8pm.
Workshop on Sacred Music for Advent, Christmas & New Year,
Parish Church Ballymahon, Wed 5th Oct @ 8pm.

Scripture Course on St Mark's Gospel, 11th 18th 25th Nov & 2nd Dec,
Tuesdays @ 8pm, Girls Primary School Ferbane.
All interested are welcome to attend any of these courses; just let me know, so that I may let the organisers know of your coming.
¨¨¨¨
Congratulations & best wishes to Enda Molloy & Alison Boyle, who were married last weekend in Raheen Church.

We welcome into the Christian Community Grace Ellen Fallon, daughter of Cieran & Mary, who was baptised last weekend.

Congratulations & felicitations to John Joe & Kathleen Maleney, Glebe, who have celebrated the Golden Jubilee of their Marriage.
¨¨¨¨
"The best & most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched. They must be felt with the heart." (Helen Keller)
¨¨¨¨
Focal Scoir
A naomh-aingil agus a naomha uile Dé guígí orm agus cabhraígí liom.

Shannonbridge Library.

Shannonbridge Community Library is open every Thursday evening from 7PM to 9PM in the Health Centre. Thousands of books, including many new titles to suit both children and adults. Why not drop in and get yourself a good read for the long nights ahead. New members very welcome.

GAA - Belmont's Junior Hurling B Win.

Congrats to Belmont on defeating Coolderry in the Junior B Hurling Final last saturday at Lusmagh, with a final score of 1-15 to 1-11. Players from this parish making a major contribution to this vistory were captain Norman Kearns at full back and Jason Kelly and Eddie Egan in the forward line, each scoring two points.


Lough Boora Wildlife Park on TV.

Lough Boora Wildlife Park was featured on Nationwide today -a lovely facility on our doorstep - almost! It's a great place for wildlife, nature and sculptures. Lots of walking and room for children to run round safely. It also has a model airplane flying club. Dont forget bread for the ducks, swans and geese. A cycle track is currently being developed, to be ready for the end of this year.

On last Wednesday’s outing by the Active Retirement we ended up in the Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone. A one-day Women’s Conference was just ending and The Farmers Journal Newspaper people were distributing their re-usable shopping bags. One of the ladies gave me a bag. I should have mentioned to them about Mick Hynes’s mare and foal having being taken away some months back and they were found in a farmer’s shed down in Kerry. The farmer recognised the mare and foal from a photograph that had appeared in The Farmer’s Journal. They all lived happily ever after.

The results of the 2008 Tidy Town Competition were announced a couple of months ago. Birdhill won the tidiest village, Kenmare won the best small town, Duleek won the schools award, Westport won the large town award, Ennis won the large urban center award, Glenties won the 50^th Anniversary award and Westport was judged to be Ireland’s Tidiest Town in 2008.

How about Shannonbridge?. After a great effort the village was awarded 17 marks more than last year and the best marking to date.

Shannonbridge School is being put to good use this winter with six evening classes taking place. These include Computer Classes for beginners and advanced, First Aid, Thai Chi, Interior Design and Salsa. Heard that one of the Grannies doing the Computer class has written to Santa for a Laptop. Hope she is lucky.

Some old notes. David Mallon was here on Tuesday 3^rd ?. David is a son of Tony and Polly Mallon and they lived in Shannonbridge 43 years ago. David told us that he keeps in touch with the O Hara Family who also lived in Shannonbridge. Noel O Hara died in America but David keeps in touch with his wife Hettie and their daughters Ruth and Susan.

On Friday 12 ? Syd Shine from Athlone called in on his way to a Regatta in Dromineer. He normally travels by boat but this time they drove by car. Syd is in great form, is 88 years young and still has a magical touch on the piano. Syd of course once had his own band called Syd and The Saints and he owned The Crescent Ballroom in Athlone.

Another ex Shannonbridge person revisited from Perth Australia in August. Agnes Keogh stopped off in Shannonbridge for four days on her trip to Ireland and England.

Mention of Perth reminds me that Eamon Kelly, son of Tom and Jacinta went to Perth earlier this year. About two months ago Darren Finn who used to work in Killeens set off to Perth and link up with his friend Eamon. Darren plans to work there for a year.

Shannonbridge’s own Danny Kearns got married to his beloved Mary in Eyrecourt on 29^th August and they held their reception in Racket Hall Roscrea.

Two new items that were given to me during the summer.

- Borrow Money from a Pessimist

- They don’t expect it back.

A Very Delicate Thing !

If you speak its name

You will break it.

Any reader that uses a private plane should be interested in Aircraft Aids.

Look for them at www.trionvionics.com You will travel safer.

A visitor during the summer was seeking a photograph of the late Tommy Naughton who lived two miles up river from Shannonbridge. If you have a photograph you can forward it to him at pogmoton@aol.com

Anyone interested in a copy of Lament For The Bogs can request a copy from pjwatson@utvinternet.com

Phil and Geraldine Coulter entertained at this years Festival in Terryglass in late August.

They travelled upstream to Shannonbridge. Phil told us that it was 40 years since he was last in Shannonbridge. And he is still alive. A remarkable man no doubt.

This years Shannonbridge Mid-summer Festival in Shannonbridge featured a performance from The Tullamore Gospel Choir which was very enjoyable. It was great to hear today that they had competed in a Choral Festival in Sligo this weekend and won the competition. Shannonbridge’s own Rose Ryan is one of the members and also adds information to this site.

On 11^th August Stephen Naughton re visited Shannonbridge. Stephen is a son of Kevin and Ann Naughton and he left Shannonbridge when he was only one year old. The family lived in the house which was known as Dan Kenny’s and was located next to Rachra House Guesthouse on the river side. Stephen’s parents are both now dead.

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Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 19th Oct 2008 - 29th (Mission)Sun A
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge - Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12noon Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough - Sunday, 10.30am
Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €528. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: A.Ryan, L.Turley, M.Mitchell
Eucharistic ministers: Group 1
Readers for next Weekend: Group 1, D.Finnerty, P.Corbett
Altar Servers for this week: Megan, Michaela
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Christina, John & Patrick Turley
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €445. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: C.Healy, T.Milner
Readers for next Sunday: C.Norton
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group D Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: B.Coughlan
Mass on next Sun for the late Bridgie McEvoy (10th Anniversary)

Station Mass: Wed next at the home of John J. & K. Maleney, Glebe @ 7.30pm
During the month of October the Rosary will be said in Shannonbridge Church, Mon - Fri @ 7pm.
¨¨¨¨
Station Masses
This is the time of year when we celebrate the “Station Masses”, a long-standing tradition in Ireland and an unbroken link with the faith and practice of our ancestors. We are looking for volunteers to host the Station Mass, even if it is not your 'turn', or/and having it for the first time; or you may simply wish to have Mass in your home. We would encourage people to keep the occasion as simple as possible. We do not want this to be a burden on anybody.
¨¨¨¨
From the Diocesan Pastoral Team to all Parishes
Art & Décor Workshop: ideas for Advent & Christmas,
Parish Hall, Ballinahown, Tues 4th Nov @ 8pm.
Workshop on Sacred Music for Advent, Christmas & New Year,
Parish Church Ballymahon, Wed 5th Nov @ 8pm.

Scripture Course on St Mark's Gospel, 11th 18th 25th Nov & 2nd Dec,
Tuesdays @ 8pm, Girls Primary School Ferbane.
All interested are welcome to attend any of these courses; just let me know, so that I may inform the organisers of your coming.
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Public Livestock Information Meeting
Wed 22nd Oct, Park House Hotel, Mostrim, Co Longford @ 9pm.
Re: Suckler Cow Scheme Regulations & other livestock issues.
¨¨¨¨
Millennium Partnership Fund for Disadvantage:
Access to 3rd Level Education 2008-09. Students who are eligible must obtain (and complete) an Application Form from West Offaly Partnership Office, Crank House, Banagher, before Fri 31st Oct.
Tel. 057-9151622.
¨¨¨¨
Stroke Support Group: Meeting on 29th Oct @ 7pm in the Health Centre Ballinasloe, re 'Care giving in the home.'
¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨
'Traditional Music Lessons will soon begin in the area -- All instruments; Exam & Competition preparation.
Contact Marian on 085-2737695.'

Luker's Team wins Tug O War.

The team entered by Luker's Pub, Shannonbridge, came out on top in the 104 stone category in last week's, Domac sponsored, Tug O War Tournament, in association with Ballinasloe Fair Week. Having overcome red hot favourites, Connaughtons Pub, during the week they defeated "The Grease Monkeys" (Dunlo Tavern) in the final. The team, trained by Longford's Christy Burke and anchored by Michael Ryan, also included Joe Rock, Paddy Kelly, William Kenny, John Paul Kenny, Eddie Hendrick, Eddie McGuire, Stephen Kenny, Edward Kenny and Tony Kenny. Well done to all.

GAA.

Congratulations to neighbouring parish Castledaly on their first ever Senior Football Championship win. They overcame the challange of Garrycastle on a scoreline of 0-10 to 0-08.

Our neighbours on the other side, Padraig Pearses, came within a few seconds of an identical historic achievement. From a position of four points down they scored 1-2 in a storming finish to lead by a point, but Castlerea snatched a late equaliser. Best of luck to trainer Eamon Mahon and the lads for the replay in two weeks time.

Birr made it four in a row in winning the Offaly Senior Hurling title, defeating Kinnitty by 1-15 to 0-15.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 12th Oct 2008 - 28th Sun A
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge - Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12noon Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough - Sunday, 10.30am


Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €465. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: K.Price, C.Curley, P.Anderson
Eucharistic ministers: Group 4
Readers for next Weekend: Group 6, E.Casey, D.O'Carroll
Altar Servers for this week: Dylan
Mass on next Sun for the late Martin & Mary Burke
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €175. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: B.Maleney, H.Hynes
Readers for next Sunday: A. & L. Devery
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group C Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: A.Rohan
Mass on next Sun for the late Tim Devery

During the month of October the Rosary will be said in Shannonbridge Church, Mon - Fri @ 7pm.
Shannonbridge A.R.A.
Mass in Ard Chiaráin on Tues next @ 7pm, for the faithful departed.
¨¨¨¨
Mission Sunday
Next Sunday is Mission Sunday. Please support the witness to the faith of missionaries by prayer, offering of suffering and a generous financial contribution on mission Sunday
¨¨¨¨
Station Masses
This is the time of year when we celebrate the “Station Masses”, a long-standing tradition in Ireland and an unbroken link with the faith and practice of our ancestors. We are looking for volunteers to host the Station Mass, even if it is not your 'turn', or/and having it for the first time; or you may simply wish to have Mass in your home. We would encourage people to keep the occasion as simple as possible. We do not want this to be a burden on anybody.
¨¨¨¨
The Sacred Heart Messenger
'Is one of Ireland's best-loved religious magazines since its beginning in 1888, & has won 8 Religious Magazines awards.
It contains excellent & entertaining reading for all the family, especially for parents. You may subscribe at any time for the year, @ €13.20. Please contact Teresa Rohan (086-1034835) or the Parish Office.'
¨¨¨¨
Youth 2000 will have a Prayer Vigil from 11pm to 4am on 17th/18th Oct in the Prayer Centre, Clonmacnois, starting with Mass.
For more information contact Helen on 086-1678027.
¨¨¨¨
Ballinasloe Flower & Garden Club
Gala Fundraising Night for Galway Hospice in Gullanes Hotel on Wed next @ 8pm. Adm €10.00.
¨¨¨¨
'The Irish Epilepsy Association wishes to thank all those who supported their Church Gate Collection. €184 was collected.'

'Offaly Association for the Mentally Handicapped wishes to thank all those who supported their recent Church Gate Collection. The total collected in Clonfanlough was €115.10.'

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 5th Oct 2008 - 27thSun A
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge - Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12noon Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough - Sunday, 10.30am



Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: € 487.Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.McManus, C.Slattery, A.Corbett
Eucharistic ministers: Group 3
Readers for next Weekend: Group 5, C.Mannion, C.Doolan
Altar Servers for this week: Ailbhe, Aoife
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €238 Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: N.Egan, A.Rohan
Readers for next Sunday:
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group B Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: K.Kelly
'Months Mind' Mass for Gordon McEvoy on next Sun



There will be a special Mass for those affected by suicide, in any way, and for all those who have died as a result, on Fri 10th Oct @ 8pm in Shannonbridge Church, which will include a talk given by a member of the HSE. This will be followed by a cup of tea in the Hall, and an opportunity to meet counsellors in this area, to discuss and ask questions etc. All those with any interest or concern in the problem of suicide are invited to attend. Members of the local GAA Club will be present to help in any way.
¨¨¨¨

Co Offaly Childminding initiative
Childminder Network night in Tullamore on 7th Oct. Info on tax exemption will be available at Edenderry on 14th Oct @ 7.30pm. For booking a place please call Fiona on 057-9370630.
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Shannonbridge Active Retirement Association
Planned outing to Athlone Castle, Wednesday 15th of October. Bus will leave after 10am Mass that day. All welcome join the group
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Special Family Mass with Healing Service.
In Cluain Chiaran, House of Prayer Clonmacnois. Wednesday 8th October. Main Celebrant Fr. Lorenzo Bracken MHM, with music ministry by Paddy Foy. All Welcome.


Real love of god does not consist in tear shedding, nor in the sweetness and tenderness for which usually we so long, just because they console us, but in serving God in justice, fortitude and humility
St. Teresa of Avilla

For those who believe no words are necessary; for those who do no believe no words a possible
St. Ignatius of Loyola