The burial took place last Thursday of Father Brian Clarke of the Mill Hill Missionaries

He served for many years in Pakistan and in later years had been in retirement in the order house in Rathgar in Dublin. Father Brian was a brother of a famous cyclist and was a native of Eyrecourt . May he rest in peace.

At the weekend Masses in the parish some Sisters from the Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa attended and told us of their work in Africa and the plight of families suffering from AIDS.. A special collection was taken up to help with their work. Visit their website at www.fmsa.com. If you wish to make a donation of cash or used stamps send it to The Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa, 142 Raheny Road, Dublin 5 Ireland.

At the weekend Malcolm Trezel and his wife visited the village. Malcolm told us that some 30 years ago he and his brother Roger came to Shannonbridge on a number of fishing holidays. Hopefully they will return again soon.

On Sunday evening on Midland Radio Ricey Scully presented a two hour program dedicated to the late Ciaran Kelly, the Ceili Band leader from Clonfinlough. The program had been recorded on last Wednesday in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel in Athlone. Many people had their memories of the late Ciaran and I liked the one from Tony Kenny Banagher now Ferbane. Tony remembered building the school at Shannonbridge in 1940 working as a 16 year old with the family builders. At that time he met the late Mickey Joe Reid from Shannonbridge whom Tony reckoned was an outstanding musician that played the accordion. Ciaran Kelly was also working building the school and the two of them learned a lot from Mickey Joe. They used to play in Mrs Mc Evoy’s house beside the school. He remembered playing Ceili Dances in Moran’s kitchen in Shannonbridge, which is now The Fort Restaurant along with Ciaran Kelly and Mickey Joe and the late Pat Corbett and Tommy Corbett who was the drummer.

The Irish Times goes free online today at www.irishtimes.com which is a welcome event.

Sunday and today is fine but the same Irish Times fide day forecast has a lot of blue slanted lines forecast for the next three days.

This evening four men arrived in Shannonbridge by boat. While talking to them the leader told me that he was a Cronin from Cork who lived for many years in Maryland and now lives in Dublin. I told him that on Friday last Tommy Glynn from Fohenagh and Baltimore had visited. When I showed him Tommy Glynn’s business card he told me that he knew Tommy and had got him to price some work for him. Tommy and Mr Cronin used to meet in the park in Baltimore as they took their dogs for a walk.

This man was also into history and told me that the Ely O Carrolls went to Maryland in Elizabethan times. Maryland was the first state in America to allow freedom of practise of religion. There is a book titled ‘Princes of Ireland Planters of Maryland’ that has a lot of Ely O Carroll history.

Shannonbridge Fishing Report Dated 30^th June 2008

After lots of showers during the week the weather cleared at the weekend.

The river level at Shannonbridge reads 2.21 metres despite the rain.

A canal over tells me that the weed-cutting machine has reached Clononey and Shannonharbour. He reckoned that the operators did a good job in cutting the center weeds and maintaining the water lilies and wild crocus and other bankside fauna.

- On 25^th June Joe Maddock from Oldham fished the Hot Water stretch in the rain using maggot and sweetcorn to catch 4 bream and three hybrids..

Next day he fished the same stretch again in the rain and caught 20 roach and 3 perch.

-- Philip Oxendale from Oldham also fished the Hot Water on the same rainy days. On 25^th June he caught bream and tench and loads of roach for a bag of 30 lbs. Next day on maggot he had just roach biting but he had good crack but wet.

- Warren Maddock from Oldham recorded three days catches. On 23^rd June in the rain at the Hot Water he fished with maggot and sweetcorn and caught 10 lbs of bream and nothing else. On 25^th June Warren fished with sweetcorn and caught 20 hybrids with best fish weighing 1.5 lbs. Next day he fished the same swim in the rain using maggot and caster to catch 40 hybrids with four of them weighing 2 lbs each.

- Young Anne Ward from Cork fished the pool at the floating jetty in Shannonbridge on 26^th June in the rain and caught a 3.15 lbs pike using a silver spoon.

-The Shannonbridge / Clonmacnois fishing pals Darren, Colin and Gramps went spinning and trawling on 25^th June in wind rain and sunshine and caught 3 pike and 12 perch. The biggest pike weighed 4 lbs. All fish returned alive.

- Local angler Gerry Casey recorded that on 19^th June fishing in shallows at Shannonbridge on a calm sunny evening using float and maggot while loose feeding he caught 10 rudd all around the 1.5 lbs mark. His best rudd fishing for years.

- Youngster Aoran O Neill from Cork fished Shannonbridge on a rainy 26^th June and landed a one pound pike using a silver spoon. Comment – rain rain go away.

- Martin Murray from Ballinasloe fished the Hot Water stretch at Shannonbridge on 24^th June in the rain using maggot and float to catch two good tench of 4 – 11 lbs each plus loads of perch. Pike attacked.

- David Griffin from Dublin fished the Shannon at Shannonbridge using a Voblex lure to catch a 15 lbs pike that he returned alive.

- Young Owen Finn from Shannonbridge fished the Hot Water stretch on an overcast 28^th June using a spinner to catch a 3 lbs pike that he released safe and sound.

Recently I met Brendan and Lyn Franks from Sussex. Brendan’s grandparents were Kieran and Pat Darcy from Clonmacnois and his mother was Annie, Nan Darcy now Nan Franks. Nan lives near Brendan and Lyn in Sussex. Brendan told us that she still has her mother’s walking stick which was given to her late mother by the late Father Pat Bardon

from Clonfinlough. He showed me some photographs from a family album showing his grandparents and photos taken in the old kitchen with a younger Brendan sitting on the hob of a very big fireplace complete with the support swing irons to hold pots. The old house is now ruined and he planned to call to Gus Claffey and Tom Moore.

The ‘New’ Houses as they are known, built across from the church have seen a lot of work in recent weeks. The ones that curve back into what is known as Prices’ sandpit had a high wall holding back the sand. Recently failures were observed in this wall. And so a sand merchant has been removing an amount of sand and the high part of the sandpit at the end of the roadway has been greatly reduced. Now an attractive L shaped double wall of some 75 yards has been erected in place of the previous wall. The higher wall at the back is about two metres tall and the front piece is about one meter in height and half meter wide. Then part of the original wall remains in place and the area at the end looks like it will provide extra parking space.

While looking at the work above this morning I noticed the For Sale sign erected outside the home of the late Martin and Mary Burkes two storey semi-detached home. It has 3 bedrooms, sitting-room, fuel shed and garage. The auctioneer is Pat Finn of DNG – Douglas Newman Good. Telephone 090- 96-31615. Websites mentioned on sale sign include www.dng.ie and www.myhome.ie

Yesterday Tommy Glynn from Fohenagh and Baltimore visited. Tommy is a classmate of Mick Killeen and has worked at chimney repairs and restorations a lifetime. He is a nephew of the late Father Christy Glynn Clonfert. When Tommy came in he told us that the Ely Carroll were in Maryland USA and that one Carroll signed the Declaration of Independence. Presently a Doctor Carroll in Baltimore is involved in environmental causes and protecting the Green Spring Valley from over development. Tommy told us that in America the Ely O Carrolls dropped the ‘O’ for some reason that I forget.

Tommy recommended doing a Google search on Ely O Carroll, and Hymany, and Sogain.

Later Tommy came to Clonmacnois with my cousin Tom from Togher and me as he had never visited Clonmacnois before. The rain came with us. I found Tommy to have a great interest in the stones at the site. The flooring in the visitor center is laid in Liscannor Stone from Clare and Tommy was intrigued with the mollusc and animals trapped in the stone. He was having a close look at the material used to replace the filling between the stones in the cathedral and churches. At Saint Ciaran’s church Tommy reckoned that it was the area between the end walls on the north side that first gave way. The rain prevented us from going to the Nunnery but no doubt he will return. Later Mick and the two Toms went for a boat trip up the River Suck.

Yesterday some 24 pupils and teachers from Peatschule, Oberwesel in Germany reached Shannonbridge in their canoes. Earlier they had visited Clonmacnois and after visiting the site they launched their craft and canoed downriver in the rain to Shannonbridge. For about two hours Hot Chocolate drinks and 99c packets of chocolate chip cookies were all the rage. One of the teachers told us that they were camping at night or using B & B’s. They planned to travel down as far as Portumna. From there they would take their canoes to Ballyforan and canoe down to Shannonbridge. I hope that they enjoy their adventure. I have added chocolate chip cookies to the Wants List.

GAA
League results for our teams this week show a win and a defeat:
Div. 1, Edenderry 0-8 Shannonbridge 1-12.
Div. 4, Shannonbridge 1-06, Erins Rovers 2-08.
Our Juniors take on Tullamore in the JFBChampionship tomorrow night in Shannonbridge at 8pm. Here's hoping they can make it two wins from two starts.

Late Peter Hines.
Peter Hines of Coreen has passed away. Peter was originally from London and after many years of fishing holidays in Shannonbridge, bought a house on his retirement and settled in Coreen. He was a familiar figure travelling to the village by boat, with his friend Bob Galligan, for the weekly supplies. A friendly, outgoing man, he was an expert on fishing, wildlife in general and photography. May he rest in peace.

Wildlife.
The swans on the island at the bridge have hatched out five cygnets.
Two corncrakes heard in Baranagh on Monday night.

Shannonbridge Mid-Summer Festival.
A big well done to the hardworking Festival Committee who managed to put on a brilliant and varied programme, in spite of the worst efforts of the weather, for locals and visitors alike.
However, except for Saturday night, crowds were disappointing and the quality of the entertainment surely deserved better. Please support your local festival.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter

Sunday 22^ndJune 2008 - 12^thSun 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: €453. Many Thanks

Church Cleaners: M.Moran, M.Murphy, M.McManus

Eucharistic ministers: Group 4

Readers for next Weekend: Group 2, N.Duffy, E.Quinn

Altar Servers for this week: Ciara, Dylan

Mass on next Sun for the late Edward & Elizabeth Connor

¨¨¨¨

Clonfanlough

Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €196. Many Thanks

Church Cleaners: M.Kelly, K.Kelly

Readers for next Sunday: A.Coughlan

Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group B Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: D.McEvoy

Mass on next Sun for the Egan family deceased (Clonlyon)

Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa

Will speak at the Masses on next Weekend, 28/29^th June.

They will also take up a collection, for which they will have envelopes. They will also distribute some literature.

Blessing of Graves

We hope to have Mass with the Blessing of graves in the 'New Cemetery' in Clonmacnois on Fri 8^th August @ 7.30pm.

¨¨¨¨

Drum Heritage Centre annual Concelebrated Mass @ the Drum Monastic site on this Sun, 22^nd June, preceded by a Rosary Procession from St Brigid's Well @ 3.30pm

¨¨¨¨

National Learning Network

The Fresh Start Training Programme in Athlone: some vacancies for Sept. This is a FAS approved Vocational course for people with special needs etc. Contact Martin on 090-6441260.

¨¨¨¨

Dóchas Nasamu Orphanage

Clothes collection for this charity, which is based in Nairobi, Kenya, will be gratefully accepted in the Carpark @ Shannonbridge on Tues 24^th June between 9 am and 12 noon.

¨¨¨¨

Family Play Day

Hosted by Offaly Co Council & Offaly Co Childcare Committee, on Sun 6^th July & Tullamore Harries, 2-5pm. No cost!

¨¨¨¨

Knock Summer Youth Festival

'Living life to the full? Looking for something more? Tired of the same? This is what you're looking for! Time out for you….

Knock Summer Youth Festival July 24^th - 27^th, Our Lady's Shrine Knock, Co Mayo.

18 - 35 age group; for more info & to book your place please contact 094- 9388100 or 087-6927850, or check out the website:

www.knock-shrine.ie/youthministry

A free bus will travel from Athlone to Knock for those who wish to attend. For more info contact Fr Pierre Pepper on 6454309, or on 087-6960542

¨¨¨¨

The Irish Cancer Society wishes to thank very sincerely all those who made a contribution to the recent Church gate collection at Clonfanlough. The proceeds came to €180.00

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter

Sunday 15^thJune 2008 - 11^thSun A

Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267

Mass times: Shannonbridge - Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12noon Sun;

Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough - Sunday, 10.30am

Shannonbridge

Masses: Mon-Wed, Fri, Sat @ 10am; Thurs @ 8pm

Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €492. 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: Ailbhe, Aoife

Mass on next Sat eve will be @ 7pm; this will be a 'Months Mind' Mass for Eileen McCann.

Mass on next Sun for the late Jimmy McManus

¨¨¨¨

Clonfanlough

Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €283. Many Thanks

Church Cleaners: T.Rohan, A.Rohan

Readers for next Sunday: A.Coughlan

Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group A Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: B.Coughlan

'Months Mind' Mass on next Sun for Peg Rocke.

Parish P.C. Meeting in Clonfanlough on Wed @ 8pm

Shannonbridge ARA Annual Social

Thurs 19^th June. Mass in Church @ 8pm, followed by Tea, Song & Dance in Parish Hall. All welcome.

¨¨¨¨

Shannonbridge Teen I.T. Project

West Offaly Partnership will host an I.T. Project in Shannonbridge for young people aged 12 - 17, from 7^th - 18^th July. If you wish to register or find out more come along to the Health Centre on Thurs 19^th June between 7 & 7.30pm.

For more info contact M.J.Grogan on 057-9151622.

¨¨¨¨

Knock Summer Youth Festival

'Living life to the full? Looking for something more? Tired of the same? This is what you're looking for! Time out for you….

Knock Summer Youth Festival July 24^th - 27^th, Our Lady's Shrine Knock, Co Mayo.

18 - 35 age group; for more info & to book your place please contact 094- 9388100 or 087-6927850, or check out the website:

www.knock-shrine.ie/youthministry

A free bus will travel from Athlone to Knock for those who wish to attend. For more info contact Fr Pierre Pepper on 6454309, or on 087-6960542

¨¨¨¨

West Offaly Training

Courses in ECDL training will begin on 17^th June. For more info contact Carmel or Michael on 057-9152003.

¨¨¨¨

National Learning Network

The Fresh Start Training Programme in Athlone some vacancies for Sept. This is a FAS approved Vocational course for people with special needs etc. Contact Martin on 090-6441260.

¨¨¨¨

Drum Heritage Centre annual Concelebrated Mass @ the Drum Monastic site on Sun 22^nd June, preceded by a Rosary Procession from St Brigid's Well @ 3.30pm

¨¨¨¨

Youth 2000 will have a Prayer Vigil from 11pm to 4am on 20^th -21^st June in the Prayer Centre, Clonmacnois, starting with Mass.

For more information contact Helen on 086-1678027.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter

Sunday 8^th June 2008 - 10^thSun 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: €460. 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

Mass on next Sat eve for Mary & Thomas Coleman & family deceased.

¨¨¨¨

Clonfanlough

Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €15. Many Thanks

Church Cleaners: M.Halligan, M.Kelly

Readers for next Sunday: A. & L. Devery

Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group E Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: A.Rohan

Station Mass

On next Fri @ 8pm at the home of Sarah Darcy, Clonmacnois

Prayer Centre Clonmacnois

We will celebrate the Anniversary Mass for Fr Paddy Kenny on Next Wed @ 8pm. All are welcome.

¨¨¨¨

Tidy Towns Meeting

On Tues 10^th June @ 9pm in Killeens. All are welcome to attend.

¨¨¨¨

Shannonbridge Festival Committee

Would like to invite all local residents & parishioners to the launch of Shannonbridge Music Festival 2008 @ the Old Fort Restaurant on Mon 9^th June @ 7.30pm. Light refreshments will be served.

Music by Louise Killeen & friends.

This year's Festival will take place on 20^th, 21^st & 22^nd June.

Your continued support is appreciated.

¨¨¨¨

Shannonbridge Teen I.T. Project

West Offaly Partnership will host an I.T. Project in Shannonbridge for young people aged 12 - 17, from 7^th - 18^th July. If you wish to register or find out more come along to Shannonbridge Hall on Thurs 19^th June between 7 & 7.30pm.

For more info contact M.J.Grogan on 057-9151622.

¨¨¨¨

Knock Summer Youth Festival

'Living life to the full? Looking for something more? Tired of the same? This is what you're looking for! Time out for you….

Knock Summer Youth Festival July 24^th - 27^th, Our Lady's Shrine Knock, Co Mayo.

18 - 35 age group; for more info & to book your place please contact 094- 9388100 or 087-6927850, or check out the website:

www.knock-shrine.ie/youthministry

A free bus will travel from Athlone to Knock for those who wish to attend. For more info contact Fr Pierre Pepper on 6454309, or on 087-6960542

¨¨¨¨

Co Offaly Childminding Initiative

Childminders' coffee network morning will take place on 19^th June in Jumpin Jack's Tullamore from 10.30 - 12.30pm. No charge!

For more info call Fiona on 057-9370630.

The voting on the Lisbon Treaty is now over but the talk goes on. In Shannonbridge 64% of the local electorate voted. The two ladies presiding told us that 3 people were 1.5 % of the Shannonbridge polling station. The countrywide result was 53 % voted No and some 47 % voted Yes.

Kathy Sinnott the EU Democrats MEP had a quarter page advertisement on the Irish Times with the question –

Would you sign a contract you haven’t read?

Read the Lisbon Treaty on www.euinfo.ie and have the words explained at www.euabc.com

Doctor Derek Dilworth from the Ard na Ri Center at Clonmacnois got married on Sunday 15^th June and congratulations to the newly weds. Ard na Ri was the former home of the late John and Nan Molloy.

Recently I met Alison Munson from Canada who was visiting Ireland with her brother Tom on a Family Tree trail. The family involved the Potts Family who lived in Correen Castle. They had visited Correen and the family burial plot at Clonburren graveyard. It appears that there were three William Potts in succession in Correen. The third William had a brother John who went to Ontario. John’s great grand daughter Sarah married George Munson. They are the parents of Tom and Alison. They are also seeking information on the Munson Family. Any history of the Potts or Munson family please send to Alison.munson@sbf.ulaval.ca

Talking to my sister Pat she told me that while my mother was working in Ballinasloe post office she was friendly with Mrs Potts. When my parents got married in 1925 they got a wedding present from the Potts Family of a Davenport Dinner Service which was only used at Christmas and the like. When the Potts left Correen the furniture was sold off and in my bedroom now are a wardrobe, washing table and chest of drawers that were purchased at that auction. Pat was saying that Frank Murphy from Runnymede near Ahascragh worked for the Potts as a coach driver. I am uncertain if it was at Correen or Runnymede or Runymede as the Potts had another property there. Frank Murphy married Annie Loughnane from Clonfad near Correen. I remember the late Kathleen Mc Evoy nee Reid often recounting of the time she worked as a cook in Correen Castle. The farm manager was Peter Sinnott and Sean and Bridie Hicks were employed by the Potts. The Potts family religion was Church of Ireland.

Met a Michael Noone from Mountbellew recently on his way home from a display of alternative energy such as wind turbines, etc. Michael told that a Michael Barrett from Mountbellew erected his own wind turbine some 70 years ago and he used the generated power for lighting and charging batteries. He remembered that Mr Barrett had a full tray of lead batteries which were used to power the old radios of the period. Michael Barrett died in 2001.

Family bit. Missed meeting some of the Foley Family from Dublin who stopped off briefly to say hello. They were on a bus tour and promised to call back again. Their grandfather was Paddy Foley from Limerick and he married Mary Killeen, a sister of my father. They lived in Inchicore Dublin.

Yesterday Vincent Flanagan, from Clara, and friends stopped by. They had been attending the Shannonharbour Boat Rally at the weekend. Vincent is a son of Maureen, who is a daughter of the late Eddie Killeen from Ardnaglug.

The Sunday Times magazine reviewed a book titled ‘We Danced All Night’ a social history of Britain between the Wars. Written by Martin Pugh. An item on Players Navy Cut cigarettes caught my eye.

A promotion poster used a fine athletic female tennis player. This was used to give the impression to smoke and stay healthy. But the prices printed underneath for the cigarettes were interesting. With 240d or pence in the £1 cigarettes seemed cheap at 10 for 6d, 20 for 11.5d, 50 for 2 / 5 or 29d and 100 Players for 4 / 8 or 56d.

I was at the river yesterday evening to get the river level for the weekly fish report. The gauge is erected upstream of the bridge in line with the top of the support isle for the bridge. Just above this isle there is a fair cluster of weed growth and there busily eating out were 13 young wild ducks. I sat and watched them but they swam upstream and headed for the cruisers moored at the floating jetty.

The water level was 2.3 metres and the reading at the top of the old quay wall at this point is 4.76 metres approx. If it gets any higher the measuring gauge is continued up the buttress wall.

Some people home recently include Phelim Egan from Cloghan and Oregon. Phelim is a member of the famous musical Egan family from Cloghan.

Good to see Barry Teehan back in Shannonbridge controlling the sound for Shannonbridge Mid Summer Festival on Friday Saturday and Sunday, Most of the events took place in the neat tented area downstream of the bridge on the village side. There was also a floating barge theatre used and I woke on Saturday morning to the sound of drums. There was a work-shop for young would be drummers being held there and would they – Yes they would.

I enjoyed the little performance given on last Wednesday evening by the eight young musicians that have been attending music classes locally. It was staged in the old church. On Saturday night I enjoyed almost four hours of music in the marquee with performances from a busload of Tullamore Gospel Choir followed by Michael Tolan the tenor from Wales followed by Toucan which was two guitarist that do not sing but they sure play the guitar.

Moore Lotto and Banagher Lotto and Shannonbridge Lotto Jackpots were all won in recent weeks.

A change in the approach road from Ballinasloe. Work is progressing on a new footpath going up Gunning’s Hill on RHS. The old steel fence posts and wire and bushes have been taken away from the Battery Hill and new concrete posts and see through fencing are to replace it.

Yesterday while sitting outside in the sun I enjoyed the traffic passing by. That was the time when some 30 vintage cars went by heading west.

Maybe I mentioned meeting Tom Nevin from Race –Park, Roscommon who told that in 1945 the Roscommon horse races rented 49 acres of the Nevin farm for £26 which was used for racing.

Shannonbridge Fishing Report Dated 23^rd June 2008

The river level at Shannonbridge today was 2.3 metres. During the past week rain was forecast for

some days. We were lucky enough apart from heavy showers on Wednesday and on Saturday night.

Anglers will be sad to hear of the death of Peter Hines who lived near Correen Ford for many years

and used the river and his boat to take him to Shannonbridge and Ballinasloe and his favourite and

secret fishing locations. May he rest in peace.

- Joan Foster and Allen Harrison from Golborne, Lancs.. fished the Grand Canal on a sunny and cloudy

16^th June and found maggots were crap but old casters were great. They had 15 lbs of mixed – bream, roach and hybrids. It was slow until a big old barge came along and stirred up the canal. The colour stayed and it fished well all day. Now they are trying Boyle this week.

- James Kinsella from Dublin fished the Hot Water on two cloudy days using corn and maggot. On 11^th June he caught 8 tench and 20 hybrids. On the 14^th June James caught 12 tench and some bream. It fished well was his comment on both days.

- Lee Clark from England fished at Clonmacnois on a cloudy 19^th June using a spinner to catch 3 pike all weighing about 3 lbs and there were loads of perch about.

- Bert Harney from Warrington fished the Hot Water in rain and wind on 18^th June using corn and maggot to catch 3 tench in the 6 to 7 lb range and plenty of small fish.

- James Hamilton from England fished the Suck on a clouded 19^th June using a spinner to catch 2 pike of 12 lbs and 4 lbs. Fished well says James.

- The Thomas Carty Grandfather and Thomas Carty Grandson had another fishing duel at the weekend. Fishing the Hot Water on 19^th June in wind and rain young Thomas used a spinner to catch 2 bream, 8 perch and one rudd. Meanwhile Grandfather Tom chose to fish using float and worm and caught 5 perch. Youth wins out. Thomas remarked that he saw an angler catch and remove about 20 assorted fish.

Steve Nell and Dave Kemp finished their fishing holiday and recorded some River Suck catches.

- Steve fished on 17^th June using feeder and corn to catch 27 lbs of hybrids.

- Steve used the same methods on 19^th June and caught 9 lbs of hybrids.

- Steve had another 9 lbs of hybrids on his last day 21^st June.

- Dave had 15 lbs of hybrids and roach on 17^th June using feeder and corn.

- Dave used feeder and corn on 19^th June to catch 7 lbs hybrids.

- Dave caught 9 lbs of hybrids on 21^st June using feeder and corn.

They found better fishing when using corn as against maggot. Watch out for their return in September.

- Young Shane O’Rourke from Correen fished at Correen Ford on a dry 20^th June using worm and sweetcorn to catch 4 bream and 2 hybrids. Best fish weighed 2 lbs.

- Young Niall Tumulty from Correen also fished Correen Ford on 20^th June with his pal Shane. Niall used worm and sweetcorn to catch 4 bream. Biggest fish was 3 lbs.

Shannonbridge Fishing Report Dated 16^th June 2008

The river level at Shannonbridge is 2.14 metres on 16^th June. The weather last week was generally good with rain on one day. The catch of the week was a 10 lbs 5 oz brown trout caught by Dave Kemp while coarse fishing. Some canal anglers tell us that the weed cutting machine on the Grand Canal is now gone past Pullagh and heading for Shannonharbour.

The bright sunshine is affecting fishing and the early and late approach is working well.

-Sven Deschepper from Belgium fished the Suck on a sunny 10^th June and used Flying ‘C’ lures to catch 9 pike to 78 cm. Eight were returned alive. The day before he fished the Shannon and had two pike to 65cm also on Flying ‘C’s.

- Benny Beermont from Belgium fished the Suck on the 10^th June using Flying ‘C’ lures to catch two pike. Best was 67 cm. Benny fished the Shannon on the 9^th June and caught 5 pike to 68cm using Flying ‘C’s.

- Mark Edwards from Walsall and Spain fished the Hot Water at Lanesboro on a sunny 9^th June using worm and red maggots to catch 155 lbs of bream and hybrids. On 11^th June Mark fished the Shannonbridge Hot Water stretch in slight rain and overcast conditions using red maggot to catch a 20 lbs mixed bag that included two tench.

- Bill Clark from Essex fished the Shannon in fair weather on 12^th June using blue coloured plug bait to catch a 4 lb pike and a 1 lb perch.

- John Dix from Essex on the same day on the Shannon used maggot to catch 10 lbs mixed bag.

- Kevin Doorss from Essex used lures on the Shannon on 12^th June to catch two pike of 3 lbs each

- Heibert Hafelo from Switzerland fished the Shannon on 12^th June catching a 59cm pike while using a spinner.

- Paul Cox from Slough fished on the Brosna near Belmont on 10^th June in fair weather using worm to catch 15 perch for 10 lbs. Best perch weighed 1.75 lbs.

- Peter Holmes and Roger Capon from Cambridge fished at Shannonbridge on 11^th June using maggots to catch a good bag of roach, bream and hybrids. Best fish weighed 3 lbs.

-Darren Finn fished at the local Hot Water on a warm 12^th June and used spinners to catch two pike of 2to 3 lbs weight and six perch – the biggest weighing 1 lb. He missed a bigger pike.

- Darren’s pal, Lorcan Walshe from Belmont was also spinning and foul hooked a 6 lb bream in the tail. Eventually he landed it and released it back safely.

-Steve and Harry Johnson from Yorkshire fished at the Hot Water on 13^th June using sweetcorn catching over 100 lbs of mainly large tench.

- Young 12 year old Thomas Carty from Dublin took his grandfather also Thomas Carty fishing at the Hot Water on a sunny 13^th June. Both used float and worm. Young Thomas caught seven perch and his grandfather caught seven perch and a small trout.

- Joan Foster and Allen Harrison fished on the Grand Canal west of Pullagh on a sunny / overcast 13^th June using left over maggot and caster to catch 30 plus roach to 8 ounces , plus bream and hybrids. Very slow to start but improved over the day.

- Steve Nell from Sheffield fished the Grand Canal on a fine 12^th June and used corn and a pole to catch 5 tench and lots of bits.

-Dave Kemp from Bradford coarse fished on the Suck at the boathouse on a fine 13^th June. While reeling in a decent sized skimmer it was attacked and Dave landed the attacker – a whopping 10 – 5 lbs brown trout.

The trout was released back alive. ‘Nice change’ was Dave’s comment.

- Barry from Manchester fished from his cruiser near Portumna on a cloudy 11^th June using a Bronze Dagger lure to catch 7 pike, best one weighed 14 lbs.

- Stephen O Meara from Maynooth fished the Hot Water at Shannonbridge on a cloudy 15^th June using feeder and maggot and corn to catch 30 fish – bream, hybrids and two x 5 lbs tench. Fish biting all day. Good fishing.

- Marorali Arliadfull from Galway fished the Shannon on a dull 16^th June using a spinner to catch a pike measuring 95 cm.

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GAA.

No luck for Shannonbridge in last week's round of league matches. Our Div. 1 team, which was short a few players, was well beaten by Shamrocks, at Mucklagh, by 2.20 to 1.5. Our Div. 4 team had home advantage but were narrowly defeated by Raheen on a scoreline of 1.14 to 2.9.

Offaly hurlers lost their Leinster Senior Hurling semi-Final to Kilkenny today - Kilkenny 2.24, Offaly 0.12. Offaly now play either Cork or the losers of the game between Limerick and Clare in the qualifiers.

Saturday saw the start of the three times daily trips between Shannonbridge and Clonmacnois. It was good to see two busloads using the service. Some 40 Active Retirement members of the Borris in Ossory town were making full use of their bus. While some sailed to Clonmacnois others travelled by bus and returned on the River Queen. Contact Silverline in Banagher for information.

On Saturday morning Ireland played New Zealand in rugby and for me that meant an early rise.

Later in the morning I tried out the gazebo in the garden and found that John Price had positioned one of the bird nesting boxes on top of some cross beams. I listened but heard no noise. After a while a member of the tit family landed on a timber nearby and gave me a funny look. So I moved away. Before leaving the garden I decided to check if any birds had found the nest. So standing on the bench seat I opened the half roof door to look in. There was a mass of short horse hair all around the inside. Wondering if the young birds had hatched out and gone, I lowered the back of my hand down into the nest. When I felt what I presume was a small warm tit I closed the lid and left. Presumably the horse hair was collected from the horse in the next garden. Hopefully things will work out ok.

Aidan Kelly told us that he shot 4 magpies on Friday. There seems to be extra magpies in the area this year.

Aidan and his friend tried their hand salmon fishing on the River Moy yesterday near Ballina. Aidan had no luck but his friend caught a 9 lbs pike while using copper and silver bait.

On Saturday I began wondering if someone was dead when I saw Peter Grenham from Ballinasloe in the village. Peter is the well known publican and undertaker. It was a joyous occasion as Peter’s as his grand-daughter Abby Gale Alyward had been christened that morning in Ballinasloe and family and friends had come to Shannonbridge to celebrate the occasion with a meal in The Fort Restaurant. Of course it was good to see Celia Alyward and Val Martin. Niall a son of Celia and the late Pat Alyward is married to Philomena Grenham daughter of Peter and Philomena Grenham.

Home from Manchester for the occasion was Conor Alyward. Conor told me that he teaches people to write poetry and did his first Irish workshop recently in Galway. Watch the change in this blog .

Conor is interested in birds and told that in the area where he lives there are lots of walls built using cavity blocks. Some small openings have been made allowing many birds to nest in the cavity walls.

Conor also told of an interesting project in his locality in Manchester. There is some open ground available and some adults invite the kids to sow wild flower seeds on the patch using catapults to cast the seeds into the ground. It comes up very colourful.

Patrick Kenny from America was in Shannonbridge yesterday. He was telling about the neighbour that got gangrene and was taken to hospital. After examination they told him that they would have to remove the leg. After the operation, when our friend woke up, the surgeon was at his bedside. He told him that he had good news for him and bad news for him.

‘What’s the bad news’ asked the patient.

‘There has been a mistake and the wrong leg was removed’ said the surgeon.

‘And what’s the good news’ asked the patient.

‘ The good news is that the other leg is getting better’

This morning Brad Crawford and I set off to visit Clonfert. We went through Shannonharbour and Banagher and crossed the Shannon at Banagher. After a few miles we branched right and soon came to the cross-roads at Clonfert. We headed for Saint Brendan’s Cathedral and had it all to ourselves. Brad took photographs of the outside and the doorway. Inside the stained glass windows and the mermaid got the click.

Next we visited The Emmanuel House of Prayer and met Prince their friendly sheepdog. The small original little round church was locked but we visited the restrooms and the large gathering space. A man varnishing some timber that Wednesdays and a particular Saturday are the busy days.

We reckoned that we were about five miles from Shannonbridge as the crow flies. We got in the car and went to have a look at the backwater at Clonfert and the bridge used to carry peat into the power plant.

On the way we crossed the bridge over what was once the branch canal from Shannonharbour to Ballinasloe. For many years this canal has been converted into a rail-line by Bord na Mona.

We went slightly astray near the Clonfert Backwater and on a good track leading to a closed gateway we passed lots of bog cotton and woodbine and wild iris and dog daisies displaying their beauty. Reckon that we were opposite Garrymore when we turned back and found the entrance to the Backwater and the rail bridge. The driver was getting hungry so Our Lady of Clonfert Church and Meelick Church visits had to be postponed. We did not even consider Clontuskert Abbey.

Back home it was warfarin day and I found myself behind bars. Wasn’t I lucky as a Dublin man and woman from a river cruiser both played the piano and they did. Then another cruiser man played a few tunes. I thought he was from Germany but he told me he was angry with Germany as they had beaten Poland 2 – 0 in a soccer match.

The first bout of this years Shannonbridge Music Festival weekday got going this evening with the official launch in The Fort. Music was played by Louise and friends and I hear the remains of their effort wafting up from downstairs. Enough I am going down closer.