Sunday, May 31, 2009

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 31st May 2009 - Pentecost Sun B
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge - Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12noon Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough - Sunday, 10.30am

Shannonbridge
Masses: Fri-Sat @ 10am; Rest of week Eucharistic Prayer Service. Adoration on First Fri until 5pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €638. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: G.Brennan, D.Deeley, V.Hynes
Eucharistic ministers: Group 1
Readers for next Weekend: Group 4, S.Grennan, P.Duffy
Altar Servers for this week: Oisín, Michaela
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Mass on First Fri @ 7pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €274. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: B.Kilduff, E.Kilduff
Readers for next Sunday: D.Norton
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group C Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: N.Egan
Mass on next Sun for the late Willie & Paddy Kelly

Many thanks for your contributions to the Holy Land Collection, which came to €720.00
From the Office of the Bishop
"Eucharistic Congress 2012
In 3 years time we will celebrate the Eucharistic Congress in Ireland, with Dublin as the host city. Some will remember the great public celebration of our faith at the Eucharistic Congress of 1932.
The Eucharistic Congress of 2012 will be quite different, but it is our hope that it will help to renew & strengthen our faith in the Eucharist. While the Congress will be celebrated in Dublin, the entire country will stand to benefit by it.
It is necessary to build up a Eucharistic Congress Fund to meet the costs of Congress 2012. To do so a Special Collection will be held on the Feast of Corpus Christi (14th June this year), and on the following two years throughout the country. I would be most grateful for any contribution you can afford."

"The Ryan Commission Report
This Report has made painful reading for everybody. However, we must recognise that is important that the truth has come out. Now is the time for all to make a commitment to resolute efforts to ensure that now and in the future children do not suffer the kind of pain that they endured in the past."
¨¨¨¨
CO Offaly Childminding Initiative will host a coffee fun morning for Childminders/children and those who are interested on Thurs 11th June in Jumpin Jacks Tullamore. Call 057-9370630.
West Offaly Education Project will hold Awards Nights for all course participants in Sept. Participants will be notified.
Dóchas Nasamu, which funds an orphanage in Africa, will have a Clothes collection at the Carpark at Shannonbridge Hall on Tues 2nd June between 9am - 12noon. Call 086-8689377.
Youth 2000 plan to have their Summer Festival at Clonmacnois from 13th - 16th August. The theme will be 'Know that the Living God is among you'. Visit www.youth2000.ie or call 01-6753690.
"The Priests" will give a special performance at the 02, Dublin on Mon 22nd June. Call 01-7755800.
kkkk
Many of the priests of the Diocese will be on Retreat this week.

We wish all our examinees the guidance of God's Spirit.

Monday, May 25, 2009

John Mc Manus Clonburren as promised has forwarded some verses on The Cuckoo and The Corncrake.

The Cuckoo

1)

In April first she comes

In May she sings all day

In June she changes her tune

In July she prepares to fly

In August go she must

2)

The Cuckoo is a fine bird

She sings as she flys

She brings us good tidings

She sucks small birds eggs to make her voice clear and when she cries Cuckoo the Summer is near.

The Corncrake

The Bee

The Bat

The Butterfly

The Cuckoo and the Swallow

The Corncrake put up his beak and bid them all good morrow.

From: John Mc Manus, Clonburren

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 24th May 2009 – Ascension B
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge: Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12 noon, Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough – Sunday, 10.30am

Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am, except Tuesday @ 9.30am;
Thurs @ 8am – Bord na Mona pre-production Mass.
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €500. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Murphy, M.McManus
Eucharistic ministers: Group 4
Readers for next Weekend: Group 3, M.Killeen, O.Costello
Altar Servers for this week: Siobhan, Caitríona
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €247. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: B.Kenny, M.Lantry
Readers for next Sunday: A.Kelly
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group B
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: D.McEvoy

Clonfanlough Social Group will have a special Remembrance Mass for the deceased members and friends of the group.
It will be on Fri 29th May @ 7.pm in the Hall.
Everybody is welcome, and we will have a cup of tea and a chat afterwards
¨¨¨¨
Shannonbridge ARA Annual Outing
Tuesday 26th May, to Strokestown House & Gardens, and Lough Key Forest Park. Bus will leave at 10am from the Parish Hall.
If you wish to travel, call 9674117 or 9674169.
¨¨¨¨
Global Day of Prayer – Sun 31st May in Clonmacnois
‘Praying for the Nation, praying for the World.’ 3-5pm.
All welcome.
¨¨¨¨
Stroke Support Group
Meeting on 27th May in the Health Centre Ballinasloe @ 7pm.
The theme will be ‘Smoking Cessation’ with Mary Diskin.
¨¨¨¨
Offaly Local Development Company
Invites applications for a 7 month full-time FETAC Level 5 “Healthcare Support” course starting late June in Birr. Suitable applicants may qualify for FAS funding.
For more info call 057-9120000.
¨¨¨¨
Knock Summer Youth Festival
“You are the Light of the World.” 23rd – 26th July.
For more info call 094-9375035 / 9388100, or 087-6927850.
¨¨¨¨
PTAA
Members who may be entitled to receive Silver or Gold pins or “The Father Cullen Medal” should contact any of the Pioneer Committee during the coming week.
¨¨¨¨
Irish Cancer Society.
Will hold its annual Church- gate collection next weekend.
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‘Ag Críost an síol, ag Críost an fómhair, in iothlann Dé go dtugtar sinn.’

Saturday, May 23, 2009

John Mc Manus was here yesterday and is in fine fettle. I was telling him about the Cuckoo poem from Ned Murray.
John has a different version and will send it on to be posted here.
I was telling John about the Kinsella and Morrison/Kenny families in Boston with Cappaleitra connections.
John said that the original Kinsella home was in Cornveagh which means The Turn of The Deer.
Cappaleitra was known as The Horse Park. Capall being the Irish for a horse.
John was telling about an old prophecy that told that a blck pig would run from Athlone via Cornaveagh,
cross the River Suck, and cross the River Shannon. John reckons that this prophecy is now fulfilled
with the trains bearing peat to the power station in Shannonbridge.
The turn below John Mc Manus's house was called Bearnagairbh ( gairbh and mairbh ? latter means dead)
meaning 'Pathway of the Dead'. Path used when bringing coffins to Clonmacnois.
Good sunshine on Friday and Saturday. Yesterday I was sitting for a time in the Bungalow garden
feeding robins with red maggot, caster and strawberries. Red maggot was most popular with two sets
of robins bringing food to two nests about twenty yards apart.
A family of four young blackbirds were busy feeding on the lawn while a parent kept watch.
The only nest box erected in this garden is strung to a large tree and a famil of yellow tits
are in residence. Noticed what looked like a pair of pidgeons and a couple of white butterflies about.
Many songbirds were a singing and I was sorry that I did not know the different sounds.
Leonard Cohen returns to Dublin in July and the three days tickets were snapped up. an extra concert
has been added but after Leinster won the final of the Heineken Cup in rugby today 19 - 16 these will
probably also go fast.
Some deaths include
Martin (Marty) Mulvey from Lowtown, Athlone.
Thomas Young Fardrum, Athlone father of eight children including Michael Young who worked in power plant.
May they rest in peace.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Last weekend Edward 'Ned' Murray from Creganaharna, Taughmaconnell stopped by with his friend Vinny Fennell.
Ned had a four liner about the Cuckoo that went -
In April she comes
In May she sings all day
In June she changes her tune
In July she flies away.

There is a marvelous chorus of different birds touting their songs around.
It was sad to hear today that some unmindful person on the road past Clonmacnois
chose today to cut their hedges.

Visitors to Clonmacnois today were two Murphy brothers from Athlone with family and friends.
They emigrated to England in the 1950's but come home regularly.
One of them told us that he lives in Windsor. One of their daughters has a pub in England and
she told us that many pubs in England are turning part of the building into a shop.

The Shannonbridge Active Retirement Group had an outing to Boora Parklands last week and enjoyed
the visit very much. They plan to visit Lough Key Forest Park and Strokestown House on another
outing scheduled for next Tuesday.

David Marcus ex Irish Press died last week aged 84 years. May he rest in peace.

Today's news tells us that Shane Lowry has made the decision to turn professional in the golf world.
Glad to hear that he visited some schools yesterday including Clonmacnois.
Wishing Shane the very best in his new career.

The level of the river and the flood situation are talking points this week.
On Monday 11th May the level was 3.34 metres in sunshine.
On Monday 18th May the level was 3.4 metres.
On Thursday 21st May the level was 3.6 metres.
On Tuesday there was extremely heavy thunder showers of hailstones and rain.

Some fish catches recorded include
-Craig Tidswell from Bradford caught a perch weighing 2.75lbs while fishing dead bait at The Hot Water on 15th May.
-Stein Akinson from Mayo fished the Hot Water early on 15th May and caught 7 tench using sweetcorn in the rain.
-Terri Brannerso from Grimsby fished the Grand Canal on 12th May and caught four tench using worm and reds. Ccught
in the morning with the best fish weighing 3 lbs.
-Mick Smith from Grimsby fished the Grand Canal the next morning and used worm and reds to also catch four tench.
-Daws Brown from Shropshire fished the Brosna and Grand Canal on 16th May in variable weather using feeder and pole
to catch 70 lbs of fish that included 17 tench to 5lbs plus rudd and hybrids.Fishing all day.
-Tom Small from Shropshire fished the Brosna and Grand Canal on 16th May with pole and feeder catching 15 tench,
best 5lbs plus roach and hybrids for a 90 lbs bag weight.
-Kevin Barmann from Wicklow fished the River Suck on 16th May in bad weather using dead bait to catch pike
weighing 16lbs and 14lbs. His comment was 'No Fight from the fish'.
-Ray Walsh from Clonfinlough fished Lough Ree on 13th May in mixed weather and caught a 2.5lbs trout on a fly.
-Pat Dunning Ballydangan was trolling with a pike spinner in early May and caught and released a salmon of 3.5lbs.
-Mike Pichler from Austria fished the Shannon on 18th May, wet and windy,and used a wobbler to catch 7 pike to 71cm
which were returned alive.
-Ruud Spoon from Holland fished the Shannon on 19May in wind and rain using a plug bait to catch 6 pike best 85cm.
-A\sling Joyce from Scariff County Clare fished on Lough Ree on an overcast 20th May to catch her first ever fish
a pike that weighed 2.5 lbs. Returned alive.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Al Morrison Boston who has connections with the Kenny families in Kidlawn and Clonburren has made contact
with Tom Kinsella Boston and Clonburren connections. Al had a visit from Father Peter Kenny recently and
he told me that Jim Killeen Chicago telephoned Father Peter while he visited.

Great golf victory in the Irish Open for 22 year old Shane Lowry at the weekend. Shane Lowry is from Clara
in Offaly and comes from a great Gaelic football family, with his father Brendan and his two uncles winning
All Ireland medals with Offaly over twenty five years ago. Congratulations and well done Shane.
A young girl from Clonmacnois School was in yesterday to buy an Irish Tri-colour flag. She told us that Shane
was to visit the school.
Todays paper tells that Shane will make a statement tonight on his plans for the future. Whether he will turn
professional and when. Lots of family and friends had a wager on his winning and the Paddy Power bookmakers
are said to have lost about one million on his win. Runner up to Shane was Robert Rock from England.
Here on Sunday and watching the golf was John Shanahan from Ferbane and now living in Cork. John is a son
of the late Louis Shanahan, one of the whiz quiz team from Ferbane who died ten years ago.

The Pilgrim Road from Kilgarvan to Clonmacnois runs through the bogland and was a track of stone boulders.
I was sorry to hear that last week that when clearing away bushes and scrub from the bog some of the stones
were moved by the machinery and dumped with the other waste. By coincidence the title of the recent RTE
programme recently was titled "Stories of the Stones". The end of the road is near Saint Ciaran's Church
in Clonmacnois.

Yesterday Monika Krumscheid was in a party of holidaymakers on the river that visited Shannonbridge.
She took along a December 2005 Boote Magazine www.boote-magazin.de that has a story about the River Shannon.
On page 52 there are a number of photos including a photograph of part of the bridge and support structure
taken from downstream, one of Mick Killeen and another of Bridie Carry and myself perched on two stools
behind the shop counter. They waited on to hear Louise Killeen and Lorraine Devery and Mark Donegan play
their music.

Today Martin and Petra Schwavs from Bavaria arrived by car from Donegal. They first visited Ireland in 1981
and Martin remembered that I was sick that year. More or less since then they have visited Ireland each year.
They stay on land one tear and take a boat on the river the next year. They were unable to wait to hear
Paudge Bennett tonight as Mary Burbage owner of The Ferry Inn in Portumna is celebrating a special birthday
and they were on their way to join the celebration. Martin was enquiring about Timmy Devery the accordeon
player and the late Joe Hickey the bodhran player. Timmy is an uncle of Lorraine and is in the retirement home
in Birr.

New Zealand expect to see 'Trish Duffy and her mother and her aunt paying a visit there next week to visit
Patricia's other aunt.

Some recent deaths.
- Kathleen Rooney Drumalga,nee Glynn and relic of the late Michael has died.Family include Tommy, Yvonne,
Noreen and Gabrielle.
- Doctor Stanley Hewitt, retired, Ballinasloe has died.
May they rest in peace.

Patrick Kenny, America was telling the story of a holidaymaker going into a shop for a newspaper.
"Is it yesterdays or todays you want"?
"Todays of course"
"I'm sorry but you will have to wait until tomorrow".

The Irish Times on Monday 11th May page 20 has an article headed Public urged to listen out for rare bird.
It is about corncrakes but is an associated press piece and deals mostly with the UK.
They had 480 calling birds or males in 1993 when the RSPB launched a recovery programme for the bird.
In 2003 the calling birds numbered 832.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 17th May 2009 -6 Easter B
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge: Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12 noon, Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough – Sunday, 10.30am

Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am, except Tues @ 9.30am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €447. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: A.Ryan, L.Turley, M.Mitchell
Eucharistic ministers: Group 3
Readers for next Weekend: Group 2, C.Casey, E.Quinn
Altar Servers for this week: Athene, Aoife

¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €249. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J.Egan, B.Dolan
Readers for next Sunday: A.Kelly
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group A
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: B.Coughlan
Anniversary Mass for Peg Rocke on next Sunday

Meeting of Parish P.C. this Mon in Clonfanlough @ 8pm
Clonfanlough Social Group will have a special Remembrance Mass for the deceased members and friends of the group.
It will be on Fri 29th May @ 7.pm in the Hall.
Everybody is welcome, and we will have a cup of tea and a chat afterwards.
¨¨¨¨








We welcome to the table of the Lord the children who received Jesus, the Bread of life, in their First Holy Communion this Sat.

Saul O’Carroll Sophie Gilson Jack Ryan
Shauna Mannion Bryan Rohan Aoife Rigney
Tara Kennedy Kevin Flynn

¨¨¨¨
Catholic Identity Card
'if you are proud to proclaim your identity as a Catholic you might like to carry an Identity card, stating that you are a Catholic, and in the event of an accident or emergency, please contact a priest.'
These cards are available from info@ www.world priest.com
Call 01-2314600 or 086-868190785
Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 17th May 2009 -6 Easter B
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge: Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12 noon, Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough – Sunday, 10.30am

Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am, except Tues @ 9.30am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €447. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: A.Ryan, L.Turley, M.Mitchell
Eucharistic ministers: Group 3
Readers for next Weekend: Group 2, C.Casey, E.Quinn
Altar Servers for this week: Athene, Aoife

¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €249. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J.Egan, B.Dolan
Readers for next Sunday: A.Kelly
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group A
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: B.Coughlan
Anniversary Mass for Peg Rocke on next Sunday

Meeting of Parish P.C. this Mon in Clonfanlough @ 8pm
Clonfanlough Social Group will have a special Remembrance Mass for the deceased members and friends of the group.
It will be on Fri 29th May @ 7.pm in the Hall.
Everybody is welcome, and we will have a cup of tea and a chat afterwards.
¨¨¨¨








We welcome to the table of the Lord the children who received Jesus, the Bread of life, in their First Holy Communion this Sat.

Saul O’Carroll Sophie Gilson Jack Ryan
Shauna Mannion Bryan Rohan Aoife Rigney
Tara Kennedy Kevin Flynn

¨¨¨¨
Catholic Identity Card
'if you are proud to proclaim your identity as a Catholic you might like to carry an Identity card, stating that you are a Catholic, and in the event of an accident or emergency, please contact a priest.'
These cards are available from info@ www.world priest.com
Call 01-2314600 or 086-868190785

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Ted McAvoy as you can read below are looking for interesting stories about the bog or trains or power stations.
Hello Derry
You should keep your Killeen's diary up! It makes good reading.
You might remember Sue and I - doing the history etc of Bord na Mona's railways. I was wondering if you'd put
the word about and see if anyone comes up with some interesting stories about working for BnM - problems, weather, jokes anything really.
Photos, however faded, of bog machines, trains, power stations would be very welcome.
We'll be over again in July and, this time, we can stay at Killeen's for the music and still have a few drinks because our host, Sean Kelly at Mucklagh, has offered to pick us up and take us home.
all the best
Ted & Sue McAvoy

Friday, May 15, 2009

GAA La na gClub.
A part of it's 125th year celebrations, last Sunday was designated as club day throughout the country and Shannonbridge GAA Club played their part. A barbecue was organised in Killeens Pub on Friday night. A very successful children's sports day was held on Sunday, with plenty of football, sunshine and refreshments and medals awarded at the end of the day. Well done and thanks to the organisers.

Birds in Central Ireland - Fourth Mid-Shannon Bird Report 2004 to 2007.
This excellent publication, compiled and edited by Stephen Heery, Eyrecourt, has just been published. It is a census (and much more) of the wild bird population in the Shannon area for the period in question. It details trends in bird population and lists recorded sightings, particularly of rare birds. Sponsored by Bord na Mona, ESB and by County Councils of Offaly, Roscommon, North Tipp and Galway, the book is priced at €8.00.

Motorcycle Rally.
All roads lead to Shannonbridge this Saturday for the 3rd Annual Bike Rally, organised by the local An Ri Dubh Motorcycle Club. Based at Luker's Pub, the event, which was agreat success last year, will feature live bands and a barbecue.

Dawn Chorus.
Bird Watch Ireland are organising an outing to hear the dawn chorus of wild birds this Sunday morning, leader is David Watson of Bird Watch Ireland. So why not pop along to the venue - Kinnitty Castle on Sunday morning at 4.30 AM.

Belmont Hurling.
Belmont were unsuccessful in their first SHC game last Sunday going down to Birr on a scoreline of 3.15 to 1.13. Next game is on Sunday next, against Sier Kieran in Kinnitty at 6.00pm.

Thursday, May 14, 2009


The local election posters must be all erected by now, with every good vantage pole adorned
with some candidate appeal poster or other. Today we thought that some canvassers had gone astray
when eight German men arrived by boat with Andreas Abraham, Lord of Roscommon as their leader.
One of the party told us that a son of Andreas had purchased one square metre of land and the title
Lord of Roscommon. He promised to have some potholes attended to in Clonfad, Clonburren and
in Patrick Kenny's America. For the next few weeks politicians will be promising anything.
Andreas even has a pub back in Germany with an e-mail that goes lordofroscommon@gmx.de


Good to see Ritchie Browne back in Shannonbridge today. He is doing a Spring Clean on his premises.
Ritchie works in the family pub at Doon.
This morning while removing some well withered leaves from the lawn a robin appeared and got busy
picking up what had been revealed. There are lots of birds singing from all corners at present.
Dara Moran must have an odd look at this site in Belfast as he was on the phone this week enquiring
if the robin that was building a nest in a 7 UP crate in the store had hatched yet.

As usual each night so far for the month of May there are large crowds attending the special Masses
held at 8.00pm in Our Lady of Clonfert Church. Just down the road a short distance Saint Brendan
the Navigator lies at rest and his Feast-day is on May 16th.

I notice that Daithi Rua is scheduled to be on a tour of England from 13th March until 20th May.
Keep track with his progress at his website daithirua.com Daithi was planned to tour with Moya Brennan.
Her web is moyabrennan.com

The Irish Times have a help facility with ancestry information at www.irishtimes.com/ancestor

Father Sean Cunney was in Shannonbridge today and he told that he almost won a car for a Hole in One
at a golf charity day recently. The ball missed the hole by a whisker. He reckons he was nearest but
he did not get the car. The Irish Open starts today in Baltray and Father Sean was telling us that a
nephew of his, Dermot Daly lives near Baltray. When he tried to join the club some time ago they asked
Dermot what handicap he was playing off, he said three or four. A form was immediately placed before him
and he was asked to 'sign here'.
Only heard yesterday that John, Christie and Jorja Hogarty in Geelong Australia also have a Max in their
line-up. Is there something final in the chosen name?.

The promised rain has started falling lightly today with a bit heavier on Friday and a bit heavier still
on Saturday. The five day forecast diagrames have lots of \\\\ for the next four days with sunshine
on the fifth day. Hope that they get it wrong.

Garry Bird if you are reading this Sean is looking for your e-mail.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Yesterday a group from the Eyrecourt and District Angling Club held a fishing match on the Hot Water Stretch.
I have no report of weights caught but an onlooker saw lots of roach being caught.
Today two anglers ? in a camper tried more or less to take over the stretch. Leaving their gear in various
positions while they pike fished. Three visiting anglers gave up and retreated to the Grand Canal where they
enjoyed fishing and sunshine.
The river level at mid-day today was 3.34 metres which was slightly up on last Tuesday reading.
I notice what looks like a gadget to supply electricity erected beside the water guage at the riverside.
Presumably this sends the information on river levels to the office in charge. I wish that this information
was more readably available to river users and other interested bodies.
Today was another sunshine day with a steady wind blowing. A good water flow at the bridge side.
With the wind and high level of the rivers last week fishing was difficult and nobody recorded catches.

Today a Bracken Family from Massachussets stopped by. On a previous visit they had visited
The Heritage Office in Tullamore based in The Irish Mist reception. Then the people there had been
most helpful and had traced ancestors that emigrated to America in the 1840's. They even found where
they got a mention in some American newspapers after they arrived.
I mentioned the late Jimmy Bracken, who drove the Lumley's bread van during the bread rationing after the war.
They had an Uncle Jimmy in their family but I think he lived in America.

Today I had an e-mail from a Tom Kinsella from Boston USA who would like to contact The Morrison Family
from Boston that were in Shannonbridge last year seeking information on the Kenny Family.
Tom wants to contact them and seeks an e-mail address which I have mislaid. Hopefully they read this and
contact this web.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 10th May 2009 - 5th Sun Easter 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: €531. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: K.Price, C.Curley, P.Anderson
Eucharistic ministers: Group 2
Readers for next Weekend: Group 1, D.Finnerty, P.Corbett
Altar Servers for this week: Megan, Andrea
Mass on nest Sat eve for the late Sonny & Dessie Keena
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €209. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: Parents of First Communicants
Readers for next Sunday: I.McEvoy
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group E Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: A.Rohan

Station Mass on next Fri at the home of P. & H. Darcy @ 8pm

First Communion
We will celebrate this Sacrament in Clonfanlough on Sat @ 12noon
Clonfanlough Social Group will host the annual Summer Social in the Hall on 29th May starting with Mass @ 7.30pm
¨¨¨¨
Congratulations & best wishes to Michelle Mahon & Ciarán Kenny who were married last weekend in Clonfanlough Church.

We welcome into the Christian Community Rían Claffey, son of Donal & Paula, who was baptised last Sunday.
¨¨¨¨
Aware, helping to defeat depression
Public Lecture on 'Mental Health Recovery', followed by Questions & answers, on Mon 11th May @ 8pm by Mary Hughes.
Venue: Bridge House Hotel Tullamore. All welcome.
Refreshments served, and there is no Adm fee.
¨¨¨¨
Ballinasloe Flower & Garden Club
Demo by Margaret Walsh in Gullanes Hotel on Wed 13th May @ 8pm. Comp: Basket Arrangement. Adm for non members €5.00.
¨¨¨¨
Gatekeeper Community Education Programme
Final 3 nights will run on Thurs 14th, 21st, 28th May in the Heritage Centre Ferbane.
Topics to be covered: Substance Awareness; Bereavement & Loss; Adolescent Development & Parenting.
This Programme is free of charge and open to all. For more info call Michelle on 057-9351392 or Josephine on 057-8664513
¨¨¨¨
Questions people ask (Fr O’Flynn – Intercom)Q. What did Jesus mean when he said, ‘You are pruned already by the word I have spoken to you’?A. The vine needs a springtime pruning to lop off the wild, fruitless branches, and a later pruning which favours the final development of the richest clusters of grapes. Applied to the followers of Jesus, the first pruning refers to those who cut themselves off when they did not accept the word of Jesus that he would give us his flesh to eat and his blood to drink. Peter expressed the faith of the true disciples: ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the message of eternal life’ (John 6:64-68).

Saturday, May 09, 2009

Recently RTE had some historical programmes involving Clonmacnois. RTE keep these programmes available on a file.
I asked Padraig Turley of Clerhane and Dublin how to get access to these programmes and I will paste his reply here
Hi Derry,
To get Secrets of the Stones and the second programme More Secrets of the Stones, You Google rte.ie,
then when the Homepage comes up, you will find an icon on the right side marked RTE Player,
you then click on this icon and a calendar will come up. The date of the programme was the 4th May,
so you click on the 4th of may, then a list of all the programmes for that day will come up,
so all you have to do is click on the programme you need in this case the Secrets of the Stones,
and the programme will start. It last 52 minutes and is vey good, a fair portion of the programme
is devoted to Clonmacnois with Heather King making a contribution.
See Rangers beat Celtic today, it is always a bit tricky when the Pope leaves Rome!!!
Kind regards,
Pádraig

Tommy Flynn late of Drum and Taughmaconnell has died and was buried today in Taughmaconnell
after Mass in Drum Church. Tommy was married to Marie Henry of Clonfinlough, daughter of the
late Jack and Mrs Henry. May he rest in peace.

Friday, May 08, 2009

This weeks Connacht Tribune tells us that Dr. Joseph Cassidy is retiring as Parish Priest of Moore.
He is being replaced by Father Michael Molloy, who is currently the Parish Priest in Roundfort,
County Mayo. Wishing Archbishop Cassidy a happy retirement and glad to hear that he is staying
in the neighbourhood.

The river level at 20.00 hours today was 3.2 metres. There was a strong southerly wind blowing.
Five day forecast is for rain tomorrow and sunny periods for the following four days.

Had a phonecall today from a John Killeen from Manchester who told me that his grand-father had
emigrated to England in 1912. This John had been looking at the photographs on the Killeen site
attached to this blog. He thought that there was a family resemblance to a person behind the bar.
He is planning on coming to Ireland and to visit Shannonbridge.

Can you remember a red double-decker London bus going around Ireland some years ago advertising
Tayto Crisps.? This week the owner of that bus was on a holiday on the river with his brother and sister.
He showed us a photograph of the bus and he in his potato costume.
They had hoped to visit the Bog Rail but were disappointed that it has stopped operating.
They visited Shannonbridge Pottery and the girl bought eleven jugs as well as other items.
Theirs was the boat that went aground at Clonmacnois earlier in the week. They were after
leaving the Clonmacnois jetty and the strong wind blew them aground.

Good to see that the library continues to get lots of books donated and Rose and Pat were
busy last evening adding them to the collection.
The Library is open every Thursday evening in The Health Center from 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm.

Padraig Turley tells me that Geordan Murphy plays for Leicester not Gordan Darcy.

Thursday, May 07, 2009

The Irish Golfers Guide to Open Fixtures is available by post from
Irish Golfers Guide, 8 Saint Ciaran's Park, Shannonbridge, Athlone, Ireland.
Cost of the publication is 12 Euro or equivalent.

Kieran Guinan (he was the driver of the Bog Rail Tour train) told us that
he has seen about ten baby wild duck on Curraveigh Bog on 5th May.
Kieran reckons that they will be heading for the River Shannon very soon.

Yesterday Mr and Mrs Doblet Chojnousha and their daughter stopped off in Shannonbridge
while on a holiday on the River Shannon. They had read the book Lautlos and
had stopped off to check the pub and grocery described in the book.
After their trip on the river they plan to holiday for a week in Donegal.
Mrs Chojnowsha told us that this is her 14th visit to Ireland.

Good to see Father P.J.Fitzpatrick back home today to offer Mass for all the dead.
He is stationed in Gowna, about ten miles from Cavan Town.
Pat and Mai Duffy attended the Mass in Clonfert Church last evening.
They said it was packed with people and they like many others had to stand
for ninty minutes.

Chelsea played Barcelona last night in the Europeans Champions Cup semi final.
They scored a great goal and it looked like they would be meeting Manchester United
in the final. Like the Duffys they stood their ground for over 90 minutes but then
in the 92nt minute Barcelona scored and their away goal won the match.

Lorraine Devery told us that she has been in contact with the Devery Family in
America who are seeking information on their Family Tree.
Lorraine is awaiting copies of birth certificates from the USA.

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

The Galway Volvo Ocean Race Festival takes place from 23rd May to 6th June 2009.
Visit www.galwayvolvooceanrace.com for more details.

Talking to a lady today and she told me that mice are fond of bluebottle flies as
she has observed them catching flies in a glasshouse. She also reckons that
weedkiller sprays have a harmful effect on bees.

The Irish Golfers Guide to Open Fixtures for 2009 has rolled off the print presses
and presently its editor Oliver Hilliard is as busy as an unsprayed bee
flitting around the golf courses of Ireland and other outlets delivering
what is also known as The Green Book of Golf. Golfers can save themselves a tidy sum
by choosing to play a course with an open fixture as the green fees are greatly reduced
on such days.

Today the river level at the village bridge reads 3.3 metres. This has dropped slightly
in recent days. There is a strong southerly wind blowing.
I noticed that a lone swan was swimming around probably wondering what happened to her
nest and three eggs which were located at the point of Lamb Island two weeks ago.
Alas they went away with the flood. Did I mention that I contacted people and left a
phone message about this swan's nest when the river started to rise. Somebody returned
my call on the Monday and I told him about the concern for the swan, the corncrake,
anglers and boat owners and river users. He told me that this year they have a raft for
the corncrake. Hope it is not named The Ark.
Last weekend a holiday cruiser moored on the jetty wall below the bridge was blown over
onto the quayside. Today another holiday cruiser went aground on the Suck River.
Boat owners believe that some more markers are required on the windy stretches.


Some of the anglers from Tadley and Basingstoke that fished this area last week have
recorded some of their catches.
Graham Shadwell fishing the Shannon, had 30 lbs of roach and hybrids using a feeder in wet and wind.
" " " " " " next day with same swim and methods had 56 Lbs roach. Best 2Lb 3 Oz.
" " " " " on his last day caught 35 Lbs of roach on the float in 3.5 hours.
Young Paul Portman Basingstoke had 20 Lbs of roach on the feeder one day.
" " " " on another day used the pole to catch six tench in the six pounder range.
Paul's best tench weighed 6 Lbs 2 Ounces.
Johnny Priest from Basingstoke used a stick float to catch 65 Lbs of roach.
Peter Howes Basingstoke caught eleven bream one day on the feeder that weighed 40 Lbs.River Shannon.
" " " used a float to catch 35 Lbs of roach on another day, while fishing the Shannon.
Ross Simms Basingstoke had 30 Lbs of roach on the float one day fishing the Shannon.
Graham Simms Basingstoke fished the Shannon and had a 35 Lbs bag of roach on the float.
This party arrived to near perfect river levels on Friday but the rains rose the river every day for them.
Peter Howes writes a weekly angling column in the North Hampshire Gazette.

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

On Monday 27th April I attended the Brendan Ryan lecture on The R.I.C. in West Offaly
which was held in the Offaly Historical Society premises in Bury Quay,
Tullamore.Brendan is planning on producing a book using the facts and information
which he has gathered.
There are lots of interesting items on display in the premises and a reprint
of The Irish Times dated 7th June 1979 caught my eye. Titled Ruins -
all that remain of once proud Shannonharbour.
The Irish Times website has a digital archive which contains editions from
the last 150 years. Check it out at www.irishtimes.com/archive

Sean Hogarty has arrived home after visiting his son John and family in Australia.
Sean told us that John checks this web regularly and wants to know why there is not
more updates. Hopefully with the new update more information and news
will be added.
Anyhow the river level has risen some four feet in the past two weeks.
This is a nuisance for anglers and farmers and boat people and birds
and animals etc.

Last weekend there was an interesting three days at the Burren Law School
in Ballyvaughan in County Clare. The coarse was on Arts & The Law and
some very interesting lectures and walks were on the programme.
Check it out at www.burrenlawschool.org
On Sunday morning we attended Mass in Fanore and afterwards visited
the grave of John O Donoghue who wrote Ainm Cara and Requiem. The
graveyard is about three miles south of Fanore Church.
There is an interesting CD of Ainm Cara now available showing lots of
views of the Clare and Connemara landscape which John liked.

Leinster beat Munster in the semi-final of the Heineken Cup in rugby
and qualified to meet Leicester in the final in three weeks time.
Ray Walsh tells me that Irishman Gordan Darcy plays for Leicester.

Shannonbridge Active Retirement group visited Ballycumber on 2nd May.
They have plans to visit Boora Parklands on 12th May, Pullagh on 14th May,
Cloghan on 21st May and they are having their own party in Shannonbridge
on 18th June before closing for their summer break.

Mary tells us that some young thrushes with 09 numberplates have commenced
feeding on the shed roof. Louise met a robin hopping into the store last
week with nest building material in her mouth. This year she has chosen to
nest in a 7Up tray. Hopefully this will be a warmer location than last years
which was on top of a fridge in the outdoors. At that time a cold north
wind killed the four young chicks.

Wild mink that escaped from mink farms years ago are breeding strong
and causing a nuisance . This week I heard about a man that had a special trap
set near the river. It was tied to a tree and he had culled a number
of mink. One day he went to check the trap and found only the rope.

Golfing Slang of the week on todays Irish Times is called
THE RYANAIR - refers to an approach shot that has a perfect flight,
looks great in the air but lands miles away from where it was supposed
to.

Local elections are scheduled for early June and the first of the
posters for candidates were pinned up last week in Shannonbridge.
John Leahy, Independent wins the poster race.

Next weekend The Kelly Clan will be in this area, visiting Clonmacnois
and having a feast in The Fort Resturant.

Peter Howes and a party of seven anglers visited Shannonbridge last week
and stayed at Laurel Lodge guesthouse. The river level was fine on arrival
but rose pretty smartly. They know the waters well and were not unduly
disturbed having many fine catches. It was great to hear one of the
boys tell how he had caught six tench all over 6 Lbs on one day.

Philomena Garvey, the Irish golfer has died. Also Sister John, from
the Convent of Mercy Ballinasloe has died. Sister John for many years
was in charge of the orphanage. At her funeral on Sunday somebody told
that some years ago when she was celebrating a special birthday or
something ten of the orphans that she had cared for, flew home from
America for the event.
May they rest in peace.

May First around this area means that May has commenced and with it
the month of devotion to Our Lady of Clonfert. There is Mass and devotions
in Clonfert Church each day.
The Corncrake has arrived in Shannonbridge.

Two corncrakes were heard calling on Friday night, 1st May, in Burranagh and Moran's Island. Unfortunately the present cold showery weather and the height of the river are not very helpful.

Sunday, May 03, 2009

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 3rd May 2009 - 4th Sun Easter 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: €475. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.McManus, C.Slattery, A.Corbett
Eucharistic ministers: Group 1
Readers for next Weekend: Group 6, E.Casey, D.O'Carroll
Altar Servers for this week: Oisín, Michaela
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Stephen Daly
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Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €256. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: K.Kenny, A.Kearns
Readers for next Sunday: C.Norton
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group D Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: K.Kelly

Clonfanlough Social Group will host the annual Summer Social in the Hall on 29th May starting with Mass @ 7.30pm

Many thanks for your contributions to the Trócaire Lenten Campaign which came to €3,850.00
Volunteers Needed
At present we are seeking people to help out in a number of different ways: as ministers of the Word, in Music & Singing, as Eucharistic ministers, in helping with finance (counting the various collections as they occur).
We also invite people to host the Station Masses, as many areas have been without Stations for some time.
If you are willing to do any of the above, please let me know, or inform any member of the Parish Pastoral Council.
¨¨¨¨
Aware, helping to defeat depression
Public Lecture on 'Mental Health Recovery', followed by Questions & answers, on Mon 11th May @ 8pm by Mary Hughes.
Venue: Bridge House Hotel Tullamore. All welcome.
Refreshments served, and there is no Adm fee.
¨¨¨¨
Please support 'Alzheimer's Tea Day, 7th May.
For more info call 1800719820, or see www.teaday.ie
¨¨¨¨
Questions people askQ. Every now and then I think I have a vocation from God to be a priest. What should I do about it?A. Talk about it to a priest, preferably one who knows you, and pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance. Every diocese and religious order organises Vocation Days to help people to discern their calling. A vocation to priesthood is a grace given to an individual for the service of the church-community. Basic requirements of a genuine vocation to priesthood would include a desire to commit one’s life to God and the service of people, a sound faith, regular Mass attendance and prayer, the ability to co-operate with others and being willing to obey authority. Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
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A True Friend William Arthur Ward
"A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths; feels your fears but fortifies your faith; sees your anxieties but frees your spirit; recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities."
Divine Resources Oswald Chambers
"God regenerates us and puts us in contact with all his divine resources, but he cannot make us walk according to his will."

Marie Keating Mobile Information Unit will visit Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe on 7th May from 10.30am - 4pm. A nurse will be present to speak in confidence to both men & women on the detection and prevention of the key cancers.