Tuesday, September 29, 2009

An O' Reilly woman from Clonfert who was a Lucas told us today that the plaque
erected in memory of the Callow People was unveiled by Mrs Kieran Lucas.
The plague was placed near the houses of the people that lived on Clonfert
Callows. Clonfert Callows are located across the Shannon between the power
plant and the mouth of the River Suck and are in County Galway.

The weather continues good with some clouds. The five day IT forecasters have
blue lines on Thursday and Saturday.

Met Beverly and Jonathan today with three American visitors. Beverly lives in
Ahascragh and they own Clonbrock Castle which they plan to renovate.
Plans are to keep it secret and mysterious which sounds interesting.
Shauna and Sinead Coleman from Sydney have retuned home after their holiday
with their father John. John will not be leaving until November 3rd.
The two girls told us that hopefully their uncle Martin Pat in Banagher wil
travel to Sydney with Johnny for a break.

Wishing Shannonbridge girl Aileen Thornhill the best of luck next Saturday
when she marries John McElhinney. John and Aileen will be married in the
'Snow Chapel' in Mc Creddin in Wicklow with reception in Brook Lodge Hotel.
The hotel and church are located in the same grounds. No cars are allowed
near the church. Wedding party will have to walk to the church across a
bridge over a brook and along a tree lined pathway. Hopefully we will have
some pictures here afterwards as Aileen is a sister of our editor.

Yesterday Mr and Mrs Ed Brown stopped by. They had just been based in Spiddal
for a few days discovering Connemara. Remember that Ed has a Coughlan link
and he told us that he had been successful in locating a copy of the Brendan
Ryan book 'Land by the River of God' They keep in touch with Seamus and
Rosaleen Gunning and had just visited them.

Yesterday I met a group of 10 people from Cleveland Ohio who were on the first
day of a weeks cruise with Emerald Starline. Jim Underwood's mother was an
O'Molloy and he was glad to hear about P.C. and Brendan Molloy and their link
with Clonmacnois which they had visited. Underwood originated in England.
A Radabaugh of Dutch oririn was in the party. Also a McKibben of N.Ireland orig,
whose mother was a McLean from Scotland. Other names in the party included
Cochrane, Cooper and Nelson.

Glen Curtin who had a showband back in the 70's and later joined Brendan Bowyer
band has died. May he rest in peace.

At 5.00 pm on Monday evening an ambulance passed through the village and turned down
towards Clonmacnois. Soon afterwards we heard the sad news of the death of Marie
Daly Crevagh who had been found dead in her home. Marie was daughter of Brigie
and the late Stephen and sister of Pakey Daly. May she rest in peace.

Glad to hear that one of our local men that had helped out with Youth 2000 at
Clonmacnois in recent years linked up with the group for a visit to Medjigoure
recently which he enjoyed very much.

A tail from the past. Many years ago near here lived two single brothers who lived
alone with their cat. They feared that if the two of them were away from home
together such as at a fair or Mass, the cat might interfere with the milk or butter.
There solution was to empty the big iron kettle and put the cat in position.
Replace lid. This was before electricity or fridges or what have you
Shannonbridge Fishing Report dated 28th September 2009-09-28
After many weeks of flooding the recent three weeks of good weather has brought
the water levels back down to good fishing levels. Some catches over that period
include –
*On 8th August young Dylan Quinn fished from the village bridge with a worm
and caught a 1.88lbs perch using a worm.
*On 21st August the Rolly Jacobs and Pete Giblin Party from Hull fished the
Hot Water stretch using sweetcorn to catch six bags of roach hybrids etc in mixed weather
*Local anglers John Gleeson and Gerry Casey fished a backwater on 21st August
and caught over 30lbs mixed bag using maggot and sweetcorn. No tench showed.
*On 15th September Mike Murray Portumna B+B brought two of his guests to
Shannonbridge to fish with Vinny Fennell at the Hot Water. Weather was dry and warm
and they used casters and maggot to catch bags of roach, and small bream
and some small pike to give bags weighing 25 lbs each.
*On 15th September Ron V Eekeres fished the Suck on a cloudy day using melk
fles to catch 20 pike.
*On 17th September Dave Kemp from Bradford fished the Suck on a fine day using
legered deadbait to catch a pike weighing 22 lbs 4 ozs. Comment Brrrrrrrrrrrr
*Callens Mare from Costa Rica fished on Shannon on 21st September using a
Rapala system to catch a 25 lbs pike. Good Time.
*Roger Ustersce from Switzerland reported on 25th September that he had caught
20 pike in two days based at Shannonbridge using wobbler. Best was 86 cm. Released.
*Dave Molloy from Dublin bank fished at Shannonbridge on 28th September using
lures to catch 5 pike that were released. Very Good was his comment.
*Young Jack Collins (10) from New Zealand fished off the jetty on 28th September
and caught 2 lbs of perch using maggots. Comment “I was a bit scared cause I lost
one at first”. He fished with his father Brian who originally came from Athlone.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Late Andy Rocke, Clonfanlough.
The death occurred on 19th September of Andy Rocke. Andy was well known in Shannonbridge where he was a popular member of the staff of the ESB Power Station for many years. He is survived by his daughters Annette, Josephine and Della, his brother Bert, his sons in law, grandchildren and other relatives. His funeral took place to Clonmacnoise after mass in Clonfanlough church. May he rest in peace.

GAA.
Shannonbridge's drop to the Intermediate Grade was confirmed last week when Edenderry got the result they wanted against Gracefield, in the last game of the relegation round robin. As Gracefield had already secured their Senior status, there was no incentive for them to perform and they were well beaten.
Shannonbridge will join near neighbours Doon in the grade next season. Doon were unsuccessful in the Intermediate Final, last Saturday, against Walsh Island, on a scoreline of Walsh Island 1-14,- Doon 0-7.
Belmont Senior hurlers, featuring John Ryan and John Egan from Shannonbridge, lost out to Kinnitty in a replay 1-14 to 0-8. Belmont Junior As are also out after going down to St Rynaghs by 1-11 to 0-9.
Yesterday Clara booked their place in the Senior football final against Rhode by defeating Erins Rovers 2-14 to 0-4.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Remember the man that bought the snuff recently for his horse?.
Last evening the owner stopped by to tell us that the snuff and
the bent straws worked a treat and after some snorting the horse
got its air passages back in working order.Mc Crystals snuff may
have found a new use.
Tony Beegan, Creagh who owns the horse tells us that he has the
largest equine pool in Ireland.It is used for checking the wind,
muscles and soundness in thoroughbred horses before they are
sent to the horse trainer.The equine pool is also helpful for
injured horses.Contact Tony at 087-9176422

Paudge Bennett tells us that if you Google Paudge Bennett on youtube
you can hear him singing two songs -Baby Blue and My Donegal
The photo shows Paudge pictured with his daughter Tammy.
There is a remark section and Paudge asks for your kindness.
The Canadian eight were along to hear Paudge on Wednesday night
and sang along with many numbers.One of the group a Jimmy Cole
from Canada in summer and San Francisco in the winter was
celebrating his birthday on the night.

Disappointing to hear that only three people turned up for
the Tidy Towns meeting on Tuesday evening.There will be more
news from Shannonbridge Tidy Towns group soon. Read the church
bulletin notices.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Hello Friends,

As many of you know our niece, Amey Di Sisto, was diagnosed with ALL leukemia eighteen months ago on her fourth birthday. She is high spirited girl and has not let the cancer get the best of her. She has been very fortunate to receive world class care from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. In honor of her brave fight, the Killeen family will be participating in The Parkway Run for Children's Cancer Research in Philadelphia on this Sunday September 27. The event benefits The Cancer Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. We can attest first hand to how wonderful an institute CHOP is. Amey is one of the luckier patients; while the road to recovery has been bumpy no doubt, her prognosis is good and if all continues to go well on May 19 of next year she will be finished with her treatments. Last year, thanks to you, the team walking for Amey raised over $12,000. Please become one of "Amey Allies" to help her and all other children with cancer by joining us the day of the event, making a donation or most importantly keeping Amey in your prayers. To make a donation or to register for the race please go to:

http://giving.chop.edu/goto/killeenclan

Thanks for your support!

With Love - Brendan, Eileen, Colin and Kevin

PS I am sorry if you got this twice, I was trying to send to people whose first attempt bounced back.


Eileen Killeen
Data Management Sales Specialist
IBM Software Group

Tel: (609) 947-4259
Email: ekilleen@us.ibm.com
On Sunday 20th September Simon Hynes was telling us that he has sold
the hand built rocking chair mentioned here recently.The proper way
to view it is at donedeal.ie and select hand built rocking chair.
Last time the view address was incorrect. But somebody in Galway that
was looking for a rocking chair for a present found the reference on
this site and phoned Simon and bought the rocking chair.

On Sunday the remains of Andy Rocke, Clonfinlough was removed to the
local church.On our way home we went via Belmont and had a lok at
Larry's Old Time Village which is well worth a visit.Lots of minature
thatched houses and gardens and walkways and small stone walls.
Then we visited Brian Kenny and met his sister Francie who is home from
London.

My notes tell that an old Irish cure for bronchiatus is to go to a well
on May Day at dawn and wash your chest

Today Charles and Ann Kimbel from Tennessee visited Shannonbridge.They
were disappointed that the Bog Rail Tour was no longer operating.They
visited Clonmacnois and had a look at the bridge and fortifications from
the river side.Charles and Ann have rented a self catering cottage on
Lough Derg for a week while they have a goo look around.

Later a group of eight Canadians stopped by.They had hired a large cruiser
at Carrick on Shannon for a week and will leave it at Portumna.It is their
first visit to Ireland and Williams and Cole are among the surnames.They
went driving around part of Ireland last week including Clare and Galway.
The Williams man told us that he had located and met a third cousin.

News today of the death of Mick Flannery in San Francisco.Mick was a brother
of Ciaran Flannery who died recently in Athlone.Both were sons of the late
Stephen and Mamie Flannery who lived in Crevagh and Shannonbridge one time.
May all the dead rest in peace.

The recent good weather has continued and it is good to see the five-day
forecast on todays Irish Times has a happy sun showing each day. After the
special Mass in Ard Chiarain on Monday evening for the recommencement of
meetings of the Active Retirement Group the priest was telling us that they
were getting a little rain in East Africa.Say a prayer that they get more.
Ken Smith was telling us that where he lives in California they have not had
rain since last February.

Met the two Murrays last week.Pat Murray lives in San Francisco and his sister
Sarah lives in Roscommon.They were born in Lacken,Rahara and lived near
Carramunia where my mother Elizabeth Killeen nee Murray grew up.There seemed
to be about five Murray families in that area just off the Athlone Curraghboy
road near Four Roads.My sister Doc has plans to visit the area for a look around.

Arthur Guinness is celebrating 250th Anniversary of his brew tomorrow.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 20th Sept 2009 – 25 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
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €394. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: A.Ryan, L.Turley, M.Mitchell
Eucharistic ministers: Group 1
Readers for next Weekend: Group 2, C.Casey, E.Quinn
Altar Servers for this week: Oisin, Michaela
Mass on next Sun for the late Oliver Macklin
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €230. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Devery, A.Kelly
Readers for next Sunday: I.McEvoy
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group D
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: B.Coughlan

Many thanks to all who helped in any way to prepare for and celebrate Pattern Day in Clonmacnois last Sunday; and to all those who provided refreshments. Many people provided their services very generously, and it is much appreciated.

Shannonbridge ARA will resume meetings on Tues 22ndSept @10.30am.
Mass in Ard Chiaráin on Mon 21st @ 7pm

‘BreastCheck will be offering free X-rays to women aged 50 -64 years in the Athlone area from Sept. Women will be screened at the BreastCheck Mobile Unit at St Vincent’s hospital. For more info call 1800-454555.’

Questions people askQ. What are the sacraments of Initiation?A. Most religions have ceremonies of Initiation to mark stages of belonging to the group. We recognise Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist as three stages of union with Jesus and the fullness of Christian life. Pope John Paul II wrote that the participation of people in the mission of Christ finds its source in Baptism, its further development in Confirmation and its realisation and dynamic sustenance in the holy Eucharist. (Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap) ¨¨¨¨
Co Offaly Childcare Committee will host a seminar for parents entitled ‘Creating Confident Children’ with Dr Tony Humphreys on Sat 10th Oct in Tullamore Court Hotel from 10am – 4pm. Cost is €20 which includes lunch. For pre-booking (essential) call 057-9135878.

Stroke Support Group: Meeting on 30th Sept @ 7pm in the Health Centre Ballinasloe. Theme of talk is ‘Entitlements & Benefits’.

Offaly Association for the Mentally Handicapped will have a Church gate Collection next weekend at all Masses.

Shannonbridge Tidy Towns Committee would like to thank all who helped in keeping our Village tidy and beautiful during the year; your help contributed in getting 9 extra points over last year in the National Tidy Towns Competition. A special word of thanks to the FÁS personnel who helped us greatly, and also Offaly Co Council personnel.
‘Please keep up the good work; lots more work to be done!’

Tidy Towns Meeting on Tues 22nd Sept in the Health Centre @ 9pm. All welcome.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Around noon on Tuesday 15th September John and Ann Denham called in on a stroll around Shannonbridge.
It was 13 years since they were last here and that time they were on the Shannon on a small yacht
with their three young children.They remembered the night that they were here as it was the night
that Michelle Smith won her olympic gold medal for swimming.
They are living in Dublin and earlier this year they attended the Dublin Boat Show.There they were
given a questionaire to fill out,which they did and they won a free cruiser holiday for one week
on the Shannon with Emerald Starline Cruisers.Thirteen years on and the three kids have grown up
and were not interested in going on holiday with their parents on the Shannon.
So John and Ann hopefully are enjoying one of the best weeks weatherwise on the Shannon.
John was telling me that Killeens reminded him of a ballad that he heard about a pub in Liscannor
owned by Joseph Mc Hugh.Better still he sang the first verse of the ballad.
Tuesday night they arrived back again and John wrote out the five verses about Joseph Mc Hugh's Pub
in Liscannor County Clare.
Ann was telling me that she has written a few poems and hopefully she will forward one or two
of her favourites to share on this web site. Good on ya Dingle Girl.
The first verse of the ballad of Joseph Mc Hugh goes like this -

Come all you young fellows
Who travel the land
In search of the crack
With guitar in your hand
Go down to Liscannor
In the County of Clare
You'll find a pub in it
That's ever so rare
Go into McHugh's shop
The centre of town
You'll get a warm welcome from Joe
Chalk it down
The one leg canary
Will sing 'how'd ye do
In the Seven Day License
Of Joseph Mc Hugh

diddle e di de de daddle de diddle de do
fill im up round the house then Joseph Mc Hugh

Sunday, September 13, 2009

On 09 09 09 or Saint Ciaran's Feastday Dick and Kate Silc from USA came
to Shannonbridge looking for relatives.Kate was a Flannery from Hartford
whose Greatgrandfather John Francis emigrated to Hartford in 1855
John Francis was a son of Martin Flannery who lived in Shannonbridge.
John Francis had a son called John Bernard Flannery and he had a son also
called Jofn Bernard who is Kate Silc's father.
Some friend of Kate and John had visited Ireland and took a trip to the
Aran Islands.On Innis Mhor she decided that she wanted to get married on
that island.So some 60 guests flew to Ireland to attend the wedding and
Dick and Kate were included.They took the opportunity to trace the family
tree and stayed for two nights in Ashbrook Farm near Shannonbridge.
We had a walk around Shannonbridge and saw the house where more than likely
her forefathers lived which is the shop last operated by Ritchie Browne.
They had seen Saint Ciaran's Church on Innis Mhor and went to Clonmacnois
that evening to celebrate Saint Ciaran's Feastday.
The next day they called to the Parochial House and went to Tullamore where
they visited the Heritage Center.Hopefully they will find out more news
on the Flannery Family.
Kate has a contact ksilc@mac.com if anyone knows any history of her family.
Ballinasloe - The Gentry is the title of Hugh Anthony Mulligan's first book.
Known better as Hugh Mulligan, an Agricultural Department Inspector for many
years in this area before his retirement. On retiring Hugh found himself with
a lot of time on his hands.He decided to do some research and try his hand at
the writing game.His first book called Ballinasloe - The Gentry is about the
background to the whole gentry background and deals in particular with those
in the Ballinasloe area.It is available on line or on line by Google and their
Book Depositor or through Amazon or in local booksellers.
Hugh still has time on his hands and his second book titled 2112AD is about to
be published.And there is more.A follow up book titled 2112 Redemption is now
been written. Wishing him well with his writings.

Driftwood is a book written by Harry Sheehy telling the story of a boat trip from
The Shannon to The Marne which covers some 1200 iles in 158 pages.I was taken by
his introduction to himself and his life.
Order www.trafford.com/08-1578 or e-mail orders@trafford.com
Copies are available in booksellers and in Killeen's Shannonbridge.So there.

Weather Eye,a collection of Brendan McWilliam's column from the last year of his life
has been published by Gill and Macmillan.Priced at 14.99 Euros.All last week the Irish
Times published a number of Weather Eye pieces.Have a read.He never should have died.
The prayers for rain last Sunday certainly seemed to work.
Around Tuesday the weather took up and it continues.
Some of the local boatowners went on a trip to Carrick-on-Shannon
and Mick took the brother Jim and his wife Maureen along on a
marvellous trip.They just returned in time for Pattern Sunday in
Clonmacnois today.There was bright sunshine for the Mass at 3pm
celebrated by Bishop Colm O Reilly. Before Mass Father Aidan Ryan
told us that it was 30 years since Pope John Paul visited Clonmacnois
and 40 years since the present sanctuary was dedicated by Cardinal
Cathal Daly.Pat Killeen was telling me afterwards that the first Mass
since Cromwell was celebrated in Clonmacnois in 1937. At that time an
Altar was erected outside the cathedral facing north.
The Polish Community in Dublin attended in numbers bearing flags and
banners.Many people walked The Pilgrim's Way from near Ballinahown.
The provincial of The Franciscans gave the homily.
Afterwards Bishop O Reilly mentioned that the Franciscans were celebrating
some 800 years since their pilgrimage to Rome.
Saint Ciaran died on 09 09 543 and that is not his phone number.
I shared a place on a tomb with a couple from Clonfert who told me that
Banagher Fair was also on today.Back in Shannonbridge I met a daughter
of Mick Coughlan from The Callows - Josie Cassidy nee Coughlan lives in
Kilcormac and told that she has lots of information on the Coughlans.
Many of her family attended the Pattern.

Met Johnny Coleman yesterday who is home on a holiday from Sydney with his
daughter. They were in time to attend an Irish Wake as it were,as three
local boys Rory O Connor from Clonmacnois, David Corbett from Shannonbridge
and Anthony Reddy from Ballinahown are heading for Australia in a weeks time.
They plan to travel via South America on their way.
Last night their friends gathered in Shannonbridge to partake of some roast
lamb prepared by Ciaran O Connor for the wake.Wishing them well on their travel
and new life in Australia.
The death occured during the week of Gerard Colgan
son of the late Patsy Colgan who once owned the pub next to Killeens.
Gerry grew up in Shannonbridge and then the family moved to Mucklagh.
Many of his school pals attended his funeral.
May he rest in peace.

The death occured today of Doctor Noel Daly,late of Rashina,Navan
and Dublin. Noel Daly was one of four doctors in the Daly family
May he rest in peace.l
Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 13th Sept 2009 -24 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
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €600. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: K.Price, C.Curley, P.Anderson
Eucharistic ministers: Group 4
Readers for next Weekend: Group 1, D.Finnerty, P.Corbett
Altar Servers for this week: Siobhan, Caitríona
Mass on next Sat eve for the Guinan Family deceased

¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €428. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: K.Norton, H.Darcy
Readers for next Sunday: C.Norton
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group C
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: A.Rohan
Mass on next Sun for the late Stephen Lantry

"We cannot hold a torch to light another’s path without brightening our own." (Ben Sweetland)

Questions people askQ. Recently there has been talk about a law against blasphemy. What exactly is blasphemy?A. Blasphemy means to speak ill of God or sacred beliefs or objects in words of hatred, defiance, mockery or trivialisation. Not only is it seriously disrespectful to God but it is offensive to the religious sensibilities of believers. Profanity, which is close to blasphemy, means taking the sacred name of God or of the Saviour without proper respect. Am I correct in thinking that no other people come near the Irish in the matter of appalling disrespect for the name of Jesus Christ? (Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap)
¨¨¨¨
The ‘Wait-a-bit’ Bush
While travelling, a tourist noticed a curious shrub growing near the roadside. His companion informed him that the local people call it the wait-a-bit bush. Stepping closer to inspect it more closely, his clothes touched it, and he found himself snared by thorns which resembled fish hooks. The more he struggled to free himself, the more he became entangled by its barbs. Finally he had to rely on his companion to release him from the hopeless situation. There are many wait-a-bit bushes along the road of life. Men and women can easily be hooked by some evil habit, or sinful influences. They can become overly concerned with material goals which can entangle their life and detain them from answering the all-important questions of life.
Night Prayer Vigil, Clonmacnois Prayer Centre Fri 17th Sept, starting with Mass @ 10pm; then Adoration until 3.10 am. Mass every Wed @ 7.30pm. All welcome.
Co Offaly Childminding Initiative will host a 2-day QAP/Childminding in the Home course starting Sat 10th Oct in Birr. For more info call Fiona on 057-9370631.
Umbra Clothing Collection (for funds to educate poor children in Kitui, Kenya) at Clonfanlough & Shannonbridge Halls on Sat 19th Sept 9am – 12noon.
Coffee Morning in aid of Offaly Hospice next Thurs 17th Sept in Killeens @ 10.30am

Thursday, September 10, 2009

GAA news from Club PRO - Jason Mahon

Senior Football Championship Relegation Playoff

Shannonbridge 0-10 Edenderry 0-10
Masterful performances from Shannonbridge veterans John Ryan & in particular Anthony Kelly(0-6) ensured they came away with a deserved share of the spoils last Wednesday night, in a cracking game of end to end football played under lights at Walsh Island.
In a game which ebbed and flowed, Edenderry - Through no small part of Basil Malone led 07-02 after 15 minutes. 'Bridge rallied with 3 before the break to leave the score 7-5 at half time..

In a frantic final ten minutes Edenderry broke away 10 points to 7 in front before the excellent Paul Deeley & Anthony Kelly broke the red's reserve to record a share of the spoils.

Team: D Kelly, W Keena, N Price, M Darcy, D Turley, K Kearns, P Maloney, J Ryan, C Killeen, K Flannery (0-1), J Egan, S Flannery, D Corbett, A Kelly (0-6) & P Deeley (0-2)
Subs used: R O’Connor, P Kelly & J Killeen.

Shannonbridge must now hope that Gracefield defeat Edenderry in the final round-robin fixture in order for us to secure a re-match and be in with a shout of retaining Senior status for 2010. This might now be unlikely as Edenderry would appear to have a distinctly unfair advantage going into the final fixture with Gracefield now safe as a result of last night’s game. It would also appear that the county board have erred in fixing these relegation playoff matches as they should have fixed Edenderry v Gracefield as the second game after Gracefield defeated Shannonbridge 2 weeks ago.

It as also very unfair that Shannonbridge had to travel so far for both matches - Play Gracefield in Killeigh and Edenderry in Walsh Island! The conspiracy theorists will be out in force but the simple fact of the matter is that once again the county board have failed to step-up to the plate...

Relegation Playoff Round-Robin Table
Team P W D L + - P.Diff. P
(1)Gracefield 1 1 0 0 16 12 +4 2
(2)Edenderry 1 0 1 0 10 10 0 1
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
(R)Shannonbridge 2 0 1 1 22 26 -4 1


Junior ‘B’ Football Championship Quarter-final

Shannonbridge 1-8 Rhode 1-9
Shannonbridge rather unluckily bowed out of the Junior ‘B’ championship last Saturday after a very narrow defeat to a very strong Rhode outfit in Ballinamere. The Bridge led by 5 points at half time, 7 to 2 but concession of a goal just after the re-start coupled with the fact that we only scored 1-1 against the wind and the hill in the second half was our downfall.

Best for the bridge on the day was Colm ‘Crows’ Kenny (Who rolled back the years with a definite ‘Goal of the year’ contender), Roger Ryan, Alan Gunning, Darren Hogan, Adrian Coughlan & Vinny Darcy.

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Shannonbridge Junior B Football.
Despite a great effort Shannonbridge just failed to overcome Rhode by the narrowest of margins (1-9 to 1-8) in their quarter final clash on Saturday evening last, at Ballinamere.

Monday, September 07, 2009

Simon Hynes was telling us at the weekend that he produces hand made rocking chairs.
These cost 150 Euro upwards and are made to order.Simon alsomakes garden benches
and A-Frame swing benches.You can have a look at one of his creations by connecting
to donedeal.com and find hand built rocking chair.
Contact Simon at 086-3731772

The Offaly Independent www.offalyindependent.ie is now a free paper.Their headline
this week is Housing waiting list reaches 900 in Tullamore town. Alongside is a photo
of Brian Cowen meeting Muhammad Ali in Dublin.Cassius Clay was in Ireland to become
the first person to receive the Freedom of Ennis.One of forefathers came from Ennis.

Rainfall records taken at Mullingar tell us that it was the wettest summer locally
since records began in 1950.Yesterday at Mass when the priest started praying for rain
everyone took more notice.The prayer was seeking rain for East Africa.
Offaly Independent tell us-
-Offaly divorce numbers jump by two thirds in 2008
-heart disease number one killer in Offaly last year.
-Around 400 submissions on Clonmacnois World Heritage bid made.
-Storyboard unveiled in Birr to commemorate the first motor accident in Birr and world.
-Kilbeggan whiskey travels again by canal to Ballycommon for first time in 50 years.
-Offaly Hospice are seeking Coffee Morning Hosts on Thursday 17th September in their
own homes.Tel 057-9328634
-Alien species invades Offaly. Warning of menace Japanese Knotweed.

Two programmes on Pure Mule recorded recently in West Offaly were shown on Sunday and Monday
September 6 and 7 at 9.45pm on RTE One.I missed seeing the first program last night when
our dog Moby did his walk along for the camera.

Two artists are working in Boora Parklands.Julian Wild UK and Alan Counihan will create
two works that will be unveiled on Friday September 18.

Ballinahown has a new village website. Its address is www.ballinahownvillage.com

Good dry day here today after a miserable weekend.Has it gone to East Africa.

Colin Killeen phoned today to tell us that Abbey had won in the County Galway of 2009
Tidy Towns. See tomorrows paper to see how Shannonbridge fared.

Sunday, September 06, 2009

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 6th Sept 2009 -23 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
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €593. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.McManus, C.Slattery, P.Corbett
Eucharistic ministers: Group 3
Readers for next Weekend: Group 6, E.Casey, D.O’Carroll
Altar Servers for this week: Athene, Aoife
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €232. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Kelly, K.Kelly
Readers for next Sunday: A.Coughlan
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group B
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: K.Kelly
Mass on next Sun for the late Michael & Lena Shea

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

Feast of St Ciaran – Wed 9th Sep (09-09-09)
Mass in Clonmacnois @ 7pm. After Mass we will bless the new Carparks and cars @ Clonfanlough. If conditions are favourable we hope to plant a tree to commemorate this significant occasion. This will be followed by a cup of tea in the hall. All welcome.
Pattern Day Clonmacnois: Sun 13th Sept -
Ceremonies begin @ 3pm with an adapted 'Station' followed immediately by Mass. For pilgrim road walk assemble in Ballinahown @ 11am.
Again, we ask all our trusted helpers to carry out their usual duties next Sunday.
The guest speaker for this year will be a Franciscan priest.
You are invited to a cup of tea in the school after the Mass.
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Questions people askQ. Somewhere in the Bible it says ‘Vengeance is mine, says the Lord.’ How can a God of love harbour thoughts of revenge? A. This saying dates from an early part of the Old Testament when morality was at a primitive stage of development, far short of the morality of love preached by Jesus, especially in the Sermon on the Mount. Old Testament morality advanced and we find Isaiah in today’s Mass speaking of God’s vengeance coming, not with punishment, but with healing for the blind, deaf, lame etc. God wants the destruction of sin but the healing of the sinner. St Paul tells people to let go of vengeance: ‘Do not be mastered by evil, but master evil with good’ (Rom 12:21). Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap
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West Offaly Ed Project – Enrolment Evenings for Night Classes.
In Shannonbridge N.S. Thurs 10th Sept @ 8.30pm.
Courses on offer include FETAC level 5 Business Studies, Oil Painting, First Aid, Computers, Conversational Irish, etc.
For more info call Jolene/Michelle on 057-9351392
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A regional meeting of the IFA will be held in High Street Hall on Wed next @ 9pm. Issues of concern include Budget Cuts, Increased Taxation, Product Prices, Farm Income and local issues.
All farm families are invited to attend.
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Ballinasloe Flower & Garden Club will have a Flower Arranging Demo by Margaret Collins in Gullanes Hotel on next Wed @ 8pm
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Ganley School of Irish Dancing will reopen on next Wed @ 7pm in Moate. Beginners now welcome.

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Shannonbridge Playground.
This week's local paper (Midland Tribune) carries a planning notice for the proposed playground opposite the church. Its good to see this project being advanced.

Senior Football Play-off.
Tonight's game against Edenderry has been postponed due to an unplayable pitch in Waslsh Island after a day's heavy rain.
News from GAA PRO Jason Mahon

Senior football championship - Relegation Playoff Off

Shannonbridge 0-12 2-10 Gracefield.
Shannonbridge were defeated in Killeigh on Saturday evening last by 4 points against a tough Gracefield side which leaves us requiring nothing only a victory against Edenderry next Wednesday, 2nd September to retain senior status for 2010.
Best for the Bridge on a very disappointing day were Kieran Flannery, John Ryan, Willy Keena & Paul Deeley.

All support for the Edenderry match would be very welcome.

Junior ‘B’ football championship matches – Bridge progress into quarter finals

Tullamore 1-8 Shannonbridge 1-8
The Bridge snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat on Wednesday 19th August in O’Brien park in impressive style as a goal courtesy of veteran Joe Duffy & two Roger Ryan points in the last 4 minutes secured an unlikely draw and left us in very good position going into the final group game with Erin Rovers.

Team: M Deeley, A Gunning, K Norton, D Hogan, C Kenny, V Darcy, M Maloney, J Killeen, A Coughlan, E Egan, R Ryan, M Kilduff, M Carty, G Quirke & S Coughlan.

Erin Rovers 1-5 Shannonbridge 0-14

Shannonbridge put in a strong 2nd half performance on Friday evening last to impressively over-come a determined Erin Rovers side on their home patch and progress into the Junior ‘B’ championship quarter finals.
Down by 2 points at half time, strong performances from the elder statesmen on the team, Colm Kenny, Vinny Darcy, Joe Duffy and Roger Ryan saw the Bridge prevail.

Team: M Deeley, A Gunning, K Norton, D Hogan, C Kenny, V Darcy, M Maloney, J Killeen, A Coughlan, E Egan, R Ryan, M Kilduff, M Carty, J Duffy & S Kelly.