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.

-

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.
¨¨¨¨
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
¨¨¨¨

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

Shannonbridge GAA Mass.

A special Mass will be offered in Shannonbridge, next Friday 10th October at 8PM, for deceased members of our club and especially for those who passed away this year.
All are welcome to the hall immediately after Mass, for tea and a chat.

Local History - Dan Edwards.

Midlands Radio 103FM will feature an interview with Dan Edwards, Clonfanlough, on next Saturday evening, 4th October, at 6PM. This is part of the series on local history recorded by Maurice O'Keeffe.