Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 24th Feb 2008 - 3rd Sun Lent 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: €558. 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: Ailbhe, Aoife
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Tom Nugent.
Mass on next Sun for the late James Joseph McManus
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Clonfanlough
Mass for Lent on Mon @ 7pm.
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €221. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J.Egan, B.Dolan
Readers for next Sunday: A.Kelly
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group B Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: K.Kelly
Mass on next Sun for the late Paddy Kenny.

Meeting of Clonfanlough Hall Committee on Mon @ 7.30pm

Ardagh & Clonmacnois Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2008
27th May - 1st June - 5 nights - fully inclusive Price, €679.00.
Booking forms available now for the pilgrim section from
Joe Walsh Tours 8/11 Lower Baggot St, Dublin 2.
Tel: 01-2410810 / 2410800
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Projects for the Parish
We are planning to add a porch at the side door of the Church in Clonfanlough, to extend the car parking around the Church, to make a car park opposite Clonfanlough Hall; also to build a wheelchair-accessible toilet at Shannonbridge Church.
If there is anybody in the Parish willing and able to undertake these works please let us know.
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Fair-trade Fortnight, 24th Feb - 9th March
'Fair-trade' guarantees that producers in developing countries get a fair price for their products, and helps to change lives for the better. Please consider buying 'Fair-trade' products during this time.
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Music Workshop for Holy Week & Easter
In Cloghan Hall, Wed 27th Feb @ 8pm, conducted by Fr Turlough Baxter and Derek Mahady (Rooskey). All Church choirs are invited.
For more info call Fr Scanlon, 64-57122, or Orla, 087-2736469.
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Table Quiz next Wed
Will be held in aid of the Social Services, Ballinasloe
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Stroke Support Group
Meeting 27th Feb @ 7pm, the Health Centre Ballinasloe.
Topic: 'Healthy eating & exercise post stroke'. (Mary Diskin)
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Dochus Nasamu Children's Home
Used clothing collection for homeless orphans in Kenya, Mon 3rd March, at Shannonbridge Hall car park, between 9-12noon.
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Meeting for parents of children preparing for First Confession & First Holy Communion in the School on Tues next @ 8pm.

Last Monday I took up the offer of a pre-retirement course which was organised by the ESB and was based in the Galway Bay Hotel in Salthill. The course started on Monday evening and finished on Thursday afternoon. I did not know any of the 26 people made up of husbands and wives from different locations.

John and Niamh Lennon from Dublin and LDO have plans to visit Clonmacnois in May with a group of 20 people. Seems that they are all interested in archaeology and John has worked with Heather King who did many digs in the area of the new graveyard that was allotted to Church of Ireland families. As this area was not being used the Church of Ireland handed it back and many new families in the area bought plots. Heather and her team did some digs and found a roadway coming in from the Callows and a silver cross of the 7^th century about.

Another couple on the course Christy and Ber Burke live in Naas and kindly gave me a seat home on Thursday.

On Tuesday evening I got a chance to visit Ab and Noreen Cunney who live about five minutes from the Galway Bay. After dinner that night Jo Sheridan from Kells spotted my name tag hanging around my neck and asked was I from Shannonbridge. It turned out that she worked in Hayes Hotel in Tullamore with Theresa Mahon (Mary Killeen’s sister)

I also ran into a workmate from Lanesboro – John Casey and his wife who were spending Halloween in the hotel I presume as everybody seemed to be doing the same. Not a free room available so I had to come home. Web www.galwaybayhotel.com

On Wednesday night we had a sing-song after dinner. That evening we all went into Eyre Square for a few hours. I looked into Kennys which is now an Art Display on all four floors.

On Thursday morning an American lady staying in the hotel asked one of our group if Ireland was located nearer the moon than America. She had been looking at the clear quarter moon the night before and of course the answer is yes.

Just arrived home in time to meet Roger and Maura Morrissey who lived in St Ciaran’s Park Shannonbridge back in the 60’s. They were on their way to a funeral in Cavan and were attending a meeting of Liam Keller’s Campotel people on Saturday in Ballinasloe. Roger and Maura supervise the operation of one of the holiday camps in France owned by Campotel. The Morrisseys look marvellous and they were back in Shannonbridge on Saturday night with the group for dinner in The Fort Restaurant.

Two of the group told us that there is information on British soldiers etc graves on the website www.cwgc.co.uk which is commonwealth war graves commission.

The death occurred of Maisie Ryan, Derryholmes on Feb 12^th Mother of Eamon Joe and Mabel and wife of the late Patrick. Maisie lived for a number of years in Clondelara with the late Janie Rigney. May she rest in peace.

The death has also occurred of Paul Goldin the hypnotist and entertainer. He was aged 79

May he also rest in peace.

On Saturday two men visiting Clonmacnois with their families told us that they were brothers and were from a Killeen family tree. Their family originated in Creevy which is on the road between Roscommon and Lanesboro. Their grandparents were Roger Killeen and Mary Gilhooly. They had 8 children – four boys and four girls named Jim, Tim, Robert, Roger, Mary, Tina, Rita and Elisabeth. They were sons of Elisabeth and both live in Dublin. Forgot to get their surnames would you believe.

On Saturday night three people from Peru who are staying in Ard na Ri in Clonmacnois visited Shannonbridge. Mamma Mia who is 79 is the leader and she loves Guinness. It is her second visit to Ard na Ri.

On Sunday the group staying in Castledaly Manor called. Kathleen Gaffney from Greenbay was on the trip last year. This year her son Stephen came along. Stephen told us that he plans to become a brewer and they were disappointed with their visit to the Guinness Brewery as he wanted to get more information on the brewing. I suppose nobody told him that it was a beer that got burned. Hope he will be able to sing the song “Gather up the pots, and the old tin can, the mash, the corn, the barley and the bran and be able to run like a devil from the excise man. Keep the smoke from rising Barney”

Today Monday Tony Ward an Independent member of Roscommon County Council was in Shannonbridge. He was interested in the footpaths and new houses on the Roscommon side and the extra lights which are planned to be erected peace-meal two per year from Ard Chiarain back to the village and walks and facilities. Tony lives in Curraghboy near our cousin Pat Butler.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 17th Feb 2008 - 2ndSun Lent 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.Moran, M.Murphy, M.McManus
Eucharistic ministers: Group 2
Readers for next Weekend: Group 2, N.Duffy
Altar Servers for this week: Athene, Caitríona.
'Month's Mind' Mass on next Sun for the late James Higgins
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Clonfanlough
Mass for Lent on Mon @ 7pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €286. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: K.Kenny, A.Kearns
Readers for next Sunday: Confirmandi
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group A Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: P.Darcy
Mass on next Sun for the late Kieran Molloy.
Commitment Ceremony for the Confirmandi on next Sun

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

Ardagh & Clonmacnois Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2008
27th May - 1st June - 5 nights - fully inclusive Price, €679.00.
Booking forms available now for the pilgrim section from
Joe Walsh Tours 8/11 Lower Baggot St, Dublin 2.
Tel: 01-2410810 / 2410800
Many thanks for your contributions to the Lourdes Invalid Fund, which came to €400.00 in Shannonbridge.
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A new Christian
We welcome into the Christian Community Clíodhna Fitzpatrick, daughter of David & Dympna, who was baptised last weekend.
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Umbra Clothing Collection - for poor children in Africa
Tues 19th Feb, Parish Hall Carpark, Shannonbridge.
Collection of all types of clean, dry, ladies, gents & children's clothing; also bed linen, curtains, towels & shoes.
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M.E. Support Group Meeting
Wed 20th Feb in Gullanes Hotel @ 7pm. Guest speaker will be Trish O'Neill on the Trueway - positive thinking.
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Ballinasloe Bowls Club seeks new members
Members meet every Mon 7.30 - 10.30pm in Rec. Hall, St Brigid's Hospital. Introductory offer: 3 nights free.
For more info call 9645765 or 9644324.
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Co Offaly Childminding Initiative
Childminders & intending childminders are invited to a Coffee morning on 28th Feb @ 10am in 'Jumpin Jacks', Tullamore.
For more info call Fiona on 057-9370630.
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Pilgrimage to Fatima: 10 - 17th May €729 per person.
For more info call 086-8069891 or 043-22174.
Pilgrimage to Rome, San Giovanni, and Assisi 17 - 24th May.
€969 per person. For more info call 087-6630231 or 01-8731444.

Fundraising night for Killure N.S. on Sun 24th Feb, from 1pm
With 'Texas Holdem' in Gullane's Hotel.

Mary did a bird count this morning of the smaller birds visiting the bird feeders.

20 Gold Finch

2 Green Finch

10 Chaffinch

3 Blue Tits

4 Sparrows

The one off Robin and Dunnock who have been frequent visitors were not present.

That Tuesday evening from 7 to 8 pm radio series of interviews is presented by Maurice O Keeffe on Midlands 103 radio.

A little bird told me this morning that an interview with Gussie Claffey is on the way.

So keep on listening either by radio or internet.

Lots of sunshine here today. Was down talking to Ned Hendricks about getting an old nest box roof repaired and he showed me about ten daffodils in Mickey Mac’s garden alongside Hendricks that have a good yellow head forming but not yet in bloom.

On Tuesday evening Pat, Mick, Mary Allen, Phyllis Kinlough and I went to Mary Ann Lyons removal in Kilcock. Mary Ann was a Darcy from Crevagh and later lived in Shannonbridge, Dublin Docks, and Kilcock with her late husband Denny. They had seven children of which three died in infancy or very young. The four remaining are Tony, Jerry, Eamon and Noel. May she rest in peace.

On the way to the funeral Mary Allen mentioned that her mother Josie was one of 17 children in the Kenny Family. Six of the family immigrated to Australia and six more immigrated to America. Personally I remember Dan Kenny and Francie Kenny and Mary’s mother Josie Flynn.

As we passed Clonard we noted the house of Angela Hanly. Angela was the daughter of Garda Martin Hanly who served for years in Shannonbridge. Her mother was a teacher in Clonard and during the summer holidays Angela and Fursey and Johnny and Paddy and Joan used to come down to Shannonbridge and were well known to everyone in the village.

After the removal we set off on our homeward journey and tuned into Midlands 103 Radio at 7.00 pm and were in time to hear an hour long interview with Pat Killeen.

This interview was carried out some weeks ago and Pat told about when she first moved to Shannonbridge from Ballinasloe and a wide range of happenings since then.

People tell me that in America for example they often listen to this radio station on their website www.midlands103.com Who knows the programme may be on their website.

The presenter used Shannonbridge as the place they were visiting that evening.

It starts at 7.00 pm and lasts an hour.

On Wednesday Doc rang from Oughterard to tell us that Johnny Hanly was dead. She had heard it from cousins of Johnny that live in Oughterard. Strange that on the previous evening we had been remembering the Hanly Family.

So on Thursday evening Mick and Pat and I set off to visit Johnny Hanly’s home in Edenderry which was named St.Martins. There we met his wife Angela, and his sister Angela and brother Paddy (Mullingar).Daughters Maura and Siobhan, son Martin and a load of grandchildren. Cousins and in-laws.

Johnny and Angela and family had visited Shannonbridge about eighteen months ago.

Joan a sister of Johnny had died at the time of her mother’s funeral and left four or five children. I was glad to meet Ciaran Hanly one of Joan’s sons who was married recently.

He has been to Australia twice and liked what he saw. Now Ciaran and his wife are planning to visit friends in Western Australia. He promised that he will visit Clonmacnois as he was called Ciaran after our man in Clonmacnois.

After a chat over a welcome cup of tea and heavy traffic in Edenderry we were late getting to Ferbane where I intended to play bridge. Lucky enough I had taken along an old mobile phone and Brid my card partner had noted down the number. So as we were nearing Ballycumber at 8pm (the time that cards start ) the phone rang and they made an arrangement.

After the cards Mick arranged to pick me up in Hiney’s Bar Ferbane as there was a surprise programme going out live on Midlands 103 from 10.00 to midnight based on the musical life of Eamon Robinson of the Evergreens Band. Eamon is over 50 years providing musical entertainment at various functions and weddings. Think he started playing with the Ciaran Kelly Band. Better ask my brother Jim as he was listening into Ricey Scully who was hosting the show. At some point Ricey Scully spotted my brother Mick in the thronged bar and gave him greetings. Our man in Chicago was on the phone to tell Shannonbridge that Mick was on the radio.

Friday I collected the three new bird nesting boxes from Ned Hendrick. I wanted to put a protective roof on the boxes but did not know how to do it. Luckily Chris Collins from the www.cmcboatbuilders.com was in the village repairing Mick Doherty’s boat which was broken into last year. Chris kindly fashioned the cover sizes and used a liquid bonding glue to fit the covers in place.

Then Mick Doherty, Mark Perry and me fein toured the yard and garden and chose four locations. By this time it was getting dark so Mick Doherty said “tell you what I’ll do. I will be here at 9.00 am in the morning and will help erect the boxes”

So alarm set for 8.30 on Friday morning. Eventually at 11.00 I had to set off for Nenagh to play cards. Thankfully when I arrived home on Saturday night the boxes were in position.

Who is Mark Perry you might ask. Mark bought one of the four new apartments in Shannonbridge beside the butcher shop. He works in Dublin but hits Shannonbridge for weekends and an odd night during the week. Mark bought his apartment from Dermot O Meara the Athlone agent for Sherry Fitzgerald. His telephone in Ireland is 090 647 5500 The apartment details are probably on the Sherry Fitzgerald website.

Saturday night friends of Mark came along to house warm the place for him.

Saturday was also the day that Brian Coakley moved into one of the apartments having previously lived beside Moran’s Shop.

Saturday 9^th Feb was the birthday of Frances Walsh of Tullamore and late of Clonfinlough. Belated Happy 90^th Birthday Greetings to Frances.

Boat interests can view Athlone Aerial o their website www.iwai.ie/athlone Better still you can become a member.

An angler looking for small red spotted Devon baits called in during the week and told us that he fishes for trout at the Laois Angling Center which has three stocked lakes about two miles out the Dublin road from Roscrea. Cost is 20 Euro per day and there are regulations on size and amount of fish that one is allowed to keep..

Bridget Flannery of Ballysheil and a native of Aughnacabe has died. Bridget was a sister of Moll Quigley. Her funeral took place on Sunday 10^th after Mass in Cloghan. May she rest in peace.

Sunday Manchester United played a special Memorial Soccer Match against Manchester City to commemorate the Munich Disaster when many of the Man. U team were killed.

Both teams wore replicas of the strip at that time with no sponsorship adornments. City pulled something out of the bag and won 2 goals to 1 goal.

Second game in the rugby six nations yesterday France just beat Ireland by some five points.

Note that on Wednesday 5^th March Bishop Cahal Daly will be coming to Cluain Ciaran, to celebrate ten years since the church associated with the late Father Paddy Kenny was first opened. Every Wednesday evening Mass is celebrated there

Gay Byrne told that he is finishing his present stint of two hour radio programmes on Lyric FM radio on Sundays 4.00 to 6.00 pm on Sunday 5^th March.

Finally weather has been a bit milder this past few days and some 20 Wisconsin folk who are using the Rip Dwanney offer of a trip to Ireland from Wednesday to Wednesday, staying at Castledaly Manor with optional daily tours or golf or freedom told us today that it is there first time to be in Ireland and they are really enjoying themselves. I looking for Rip try some different spellings such as Dwanny.

Big flood of water over the Callows in Clonmacnois on Sunday.

Patrick Kenny tells us that since the post office at Clonfad closed he has to come into Shannonbridge to collect the children’s allowance every week. One of the twins is just starting to ride a bike Patrick told us.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 10th Feb 2008 - 1st Sun Lent 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 Thurs for the late Eric Luker
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €419. 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
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Clonfanlough
Mass for Lent on Mon @ 7pm to be said for the late Tom Mannion
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €303. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: E.Egan, A.McEvoy
Readers for next Sunday: I.McEvoy
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group E Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: N.Egan
Mass on next Sun for the late Lish & Jimmy Devery

Mon 11th Feb is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, a world-wide day of prayer for the sick.
The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick & Elderly will be offered to those who need it during the Masses.

Youth 2000 will have a Vigil Service from 11pm to 4am on 15 / 16th Feb in the Prayer Centre, Clonmacnois, starting with Mass. All welcome to pray for the renewal of faith & evangelisation of Ireland. For more information contact Helen on 086-1678027.
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ST CIARAN'S YOUTH CLUB Meeting on Mon 11th Feb @ 8pm,
Shannonbridge Hall. All parents /guardians of young people aged 8 to 18 years in the area are invited to attend, if they wish to let their children join the youth club.
A group of adults has been trained to help with running the club.
Your support is vital to get this project up & going.
For more info contact Eileen Kelly, Rural Youth Clubs Co-ordinator with the Midlands Youth Service, on 64-77075 or 087-6814560.
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TRÓCAIRE Campaign for Lent
Part of the programme this year is to help developing countries adapt to climate change, (which is having disastrous consequences for the poorest), and influence world leaders to respond & support.
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Sonas Independent Living Bungalows
Cloghanboy, Athlone, with back up facilities in adjacent Sonas Care Centre; "suitable for older persons & people with disabilities".
For more info contact Mary on 64-71018 / 087-7665638
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Umbra Clothing Collection - for poor children in Africa
Tues 19th Feb, Parish Hall Carpark, Shannonbridge.
Collection of all types of clean, dry, ladies, gents & children's clothing; also bed linen, curtains, towels & shoes.
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Computer Skills by distance learning
'I you have any form of disability and are interested in learning how to use a computer, this may be for you. All participants must be registered with FÁS. Contact Majella on 057-9341272.
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Co Offaly Childminding Initiative will host a Relaxation & Aromatherapy night for Childminders on 13th Feb @ 7.30pm in Tullamore. For more info contact Fiona on 057-9370630
Play & Developing Child Course in Tullamore on 16th, 23rd Feb & 8th March. For more info call Tracey on 057-9135878

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 3rd Feb 2008 - 4th 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; also on Ash Wed @ 8pm
Blessing & signing of Ashes @ both Masses on Ash Wed
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €527. 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: Ciara, Dylan
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Clonfanlough
Mass on Ash Wed @ 7pm with blessing & signing of Ashes
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €182. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: B.Boland, A.Kelly
Readers for next Sunday: S.Coughlan
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group D Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: D.McEvoy
Mass on next Sun for the late Padraic Devery

I will visit the sick & housebound on next Thursday


Ash Wednesday, is the first day of Lent, the 40 days that precedes Holy Week and Easter. In the Christian Scriptures the number 40 relates to the period spent in the Ark by Noah, the period spent by Israel seeking the Promised Land after the Exodus, and the amount of time Jesus was in the Wilderness after his baptism and prior to beginning his ministry. For us, the Season of Lent is an invitation to 40 days of renewal ("Lent" means "spring"), 40 days to prepare ourselves to take in the Good News of Easter through deeper disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Ashes are the traditional sign of sorrow and repentance and are also a sign of "mortality". Receiving the sacrament reminds us that God's love is triumphant over sin and death, and that God remains "in communion" with us, that in Christ, our mortality is overcome.
Rev Richard Fairchild
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Table Quiz on Wed Night
Will be on behalf of "St Joseph's Penny Dinner Fund", which helps to supply dinners for the poor of Dublin
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Attention Smallholders
A Farmer's Meeting will take place on Wed next in High St Hall @ 8pm. The main topic is REPS 4. All welcome.
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West Offaly Training
Now taking bookings for Manual & Computerised Accounts starting on 8th Feb, and for ECDL starting 12th Feb.
For more info call Carmel on 057-9152003.
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Pioneer Quiz in Ballinahown Hall
Fri 8th Feb @ 8pm, for under13s, under 16s, and Seniors.
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St Loman's Hospital Chapel, Mullingar
A Mass of Remembrance will be said on Wed 6th Feb @ 10.30am in memory of deceased patients & people buried in St Loman's Hospital Cemetery, 1907 - 1970.
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West Offaly Co Childcare Committee
Various Courses about to start. Contact Tracey on 057-9135878.

On Thursday last Noel Flannery, Moore, was at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick giving a talk to Limerick Philosophical Society entitled “Nationalism, a Myth that increases Global Misery”. Maybe it is available on a web search.

On Saturday we heard of the death of Mary Ann Lyons, nee Darcy in Kilcock.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been published. Gone home to God and Denny. May she rest in peace.

Helen Curley, Clerhane has been living in Manorhamilton, Cork. John Hurley was married to her daughter and he was killed in a freak accident during the week when a lorry cab fell on him and he was killed. May he rest in peace.

On Friday evening the Ireland Under20’s rugby team defeated Italy. On Saturday Ireland Defeated Italy in the first match in the 6-Nations. Wales defeated England and France beat Scotland.

On Sunday Antrim beat Offaly in the final of the O’Byrne Cup in hurling by 3 – 9 to 2 – 7. Offaly only scored one point in the second half. But Antrim had the wind and the rain with them in the second half and scored 2 – 7.

News at 3.00 today told us that 7 people had been killed in the past 24 hours on our Irish roads.

Saturday was Birthday time for Imelda Rock celebrating her 40^th and Nancy Ward her ?.

Sunday Bridie Carry celebrates her birthday.

Saturday was a special day for Barry Flood, Drogheda and Elma Mc Mahon, Monaghan.

Barry and Elma revisited Clonmacnois and they used the Whispering Arch at the Cathedral for Barry to use the arch to ask Elma to marry him. Afterwards they had a celebration meal in The Fort Restaurant and stayed in Ely House on Saturday night.

Hopefully they will take part in the competition on the Late Late Show where engaged couples are asked to write 100 words competing for a wedding reception and honeymoon.

Send your entry to Lovelately@rte.ie before 6^th February.

Notice that most newspapers do not carry any details of programmes on Local Radio.

And so we had a phone call from Ann Lawlor my cousin today telling us that she had heard about an upcoming programme on next Tuesday night when an interview with Pat Killeen will be broadcast between 7 and 8pm . Long-Wave 103.5

Many years ago Ann and her two sisters Mary and Geraldine spent many summers working in Killeens in Shannonbridge. I was wondering how the trio were getting on.

Maybe you also knew them so here goes.

Mary is a teacher and married to another teacher Pete Smith and lives in Clifden. They both work at the school in Kylemore Abbey. This school is scheduled to close in two years. They have two boys. Andrew is taking science in Galway University and Stephen is in 5^th year.

Geraldine married Ben O Neill and lives in Dublin. They have a daughter Niamh, 28 working in AIB. Ben’s daughter Eva is married and has a young baby Kaithnin who will be baptised on 23^rd February.

Ann married Joe Connaughton and lives near Lecarrow and they have five children.

Evan is doing law in Blackhall and is presently working in Dept of Land Registry in Roscommon,

James is working at mental nursing in Vancouver.

Aine is in national teaching in Limerick.

Roisin is preparing for her leaving certificate in Summerhill.

Naos or Nicholas is the youngest and is a sub goalkeeper for the Roscommon Minor Footballers. He also plays hurling and goes to school.

RTE radio are to cease broadcasting on Medium Wave on March 24 in favour of transmission on the Long Wave Band at 252 Hz. Try it out. I like Late Date from midnight to 2am.

Where’s That on a recent Irish Times tells us that each letter of the Irish alphabet was identified by the name of a tree.

A is for ailm (pine-tree)

B for beith (birch)

C for coll (hazel) etc.

G was the 12^th letter of this alphabet and named gort ( ivy )

See Dictionary of the Irish Language.