Sunday, November 29, 2009

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 29th Nov 2009 – 1st Advent C
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
Adoration all day on First Fri until 5pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €462. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.McManus, C.Slattery, A.Corbett
Eucharistic ministers: Group 3
Readers for next Weekend: Group 6, E.Casey, D.O’Carroll
Altar Servers for this week: Michaela, Oisin, Andrea
Mass on next Sat eve for the Daly family deceased.
Mass on next Sun for the late James Francis & Leo Coakley

¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Mass for the Holy Souls & for the First Fri on Thurs @ 7pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €251. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: B.Higgins, D.Guinan
Readers for next Sunday: I.MeEvoy
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group D
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: K.Kelly
Station Mass on Tues at the home of C. & A. Kearns, Clonfanlough
Christmas Parties
In Clonfanlough Hall on Sun 29th Nov, beginning with Mass @ 2pm.
In Shannonbridge Hall on Fri 4th Dec, beginning with Mass in the Church @ 6pm. Reply to 087-2410587 before 2nd Dec.
¨¨¨¨
Table Quiz for Shannonbridge Christmas Party on Wed 2nd Dec in Killeens @ 9.30pm. Please support.
¨¨¨¨
Shannonbridge A.R.A. Christmas Social on Wed 9th Dec @ the 'Old Fort'. Dinner, & Music by Paudge Bennet. Enquiries to 090-96-74117.
¨¨¨¨
Prayer Service in memory of those who died by suicide, in St Michael’s Ballinasloe on 4th Dec @ 8pm. All welcome.
¨¨¨¨
Samaritans Christmas Concert
In the Friary Church Athlone on 9th Dec @ 8pm. Adm. €10.00. Tickets available at Music world & usual outlets.
Athlone Samaritans, situated at 3 Court Devenish, are a voluntary organisation, dedicated to befriending the lonely, the despairing and the suicidal, or anyone troubled, who needs to talk to someone in complete confidence; available 24x7 on 1850-609090.
¨¨¨¨
Clonmacnois School is collecting old, unwanted mobile phones for the charity Jack & Jill Foundation. If you have any such phones please leave them at the school.

Questions people askQ. What might I do to get more out of Advent?A. What a pity that Advent has been devoured by the commercial side of Christmas. Advent develops hope in the time of waiting, and hope is a virtue most needed to sustain our faith in the wilderness of scandals and recession. Try to let Christmas wait until Christmas. Let Advent be a time for more reflection and prayer. Get in touch with those areas of life where we struggle, where we experience our incompleteness, where we come to recognise our need of God. Christmas will be properly celebrated by those who know their need of God. Come, Lord Jesus, come. (Fr Silvester O’Flynn)

Friday, November 27, 2009

Late Simon McManus, Lecarrow, Shannonbridge.
The death has occurred of Simon McManus, Carracastle, Co. Mayo and late of Lecarrow. He is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Claire, sister Mary and brothers Eamonn and Gerry. He was laid to rest in Carracastle yesterday. May he rest in peace.

Flooding in Shannonbridge.
The road through the village is still closed due to the flooding. No houses have been flooded yet. With two pumps running constantly and, hopefully, the promise of a few dryer days over the weekend, things are set to improve next week.

New Business in Shannonbridge.
The Shannonbridge Pottery Factory Shop has relocated to the premises of the former Post Office in the village. Full refurbishment and redecoration has been carried and it looks really well. The shop is now open for business - so the very best of luck.

ESB Deceased Staff Mass.
Over 50 former colleagues turned out for the annual mass to remember the deceased staff members of the Shannonbridge Power Station. Afterwards reminiscences and yarns were exchanged over a cup of tea in the hall.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Shannon at Record Level

Watched Hugh Collins, Bord na Mona, wading in to take the water level at the bridge this morning. The water is now at an all-time record high at 5.415 metres.
Widespread flooding of land in the area. The road through the village is closed below the church with two pumps working to keep the water at bay - diversion via the Power Station road around to the Cloghan Road.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 22nd Nov 2009 Kristu Mfalme - 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
Mass for deceased members of the ESB on Thurs @ 8pm.
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €443. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J.Kelly, M.Killeen, A.Keena
Eucharistic ministers: Group 2
Readers for next Weekend: Group 5, C.Mannion, C.Doolan
Altar Servers for this week: Caitríona, Siobhan, Sarah

¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Mass for the Holy Souls on Mon @ 7pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €510. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: C.Spain, C.Guinan
Readers for next Sunday: C.Norton
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group C
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: P.Darcy
Mass on next Sun for the late Lil & Tom O’Connor & family

Clonmacnois Regional Pioneers will celebrate Mass in Clonfanlough hall on Sun 22nd Nov @ 4pm. A short Concert by members will follow immediately afterwards. All members are invited to participate – please contact your Centre for more details. Light refreshments will be served, and everyone is welcome.
¨¨¨¨
Christmas Parties
In Clonfanlough Hall on Sun 29th Nov, beginning with Mass @ 2pm.
In Shannonbridge Hall on Fri 4th Dec, beginning with Mass in the Church @ 6pm. Reply to 087-2410587 before 2nd Dec.
¨¨¨¨
Prayer Service in memory of those who died by suicide, in St Michael’s Ballinasloe on 4th Dec @ 8pm. All welcome.
¨¨¨¨
Samaritans Christmas Concert
In the Friary Church Athlone on 9th Dec @ 8pm. Adm. €10.00. Tickets available at Music world & usual outlets.
Athlone Samaritans, situated at 3 Court Devenish, are a voluntary organisation, dedicated to befriending the lonely, the despairing and the suicidal, or anyone troubled, who needs to talk to someone in complete confidence; available 24x7 on 1850-609090.
¨¨¨¨
Stroke Support Group Meeting on 25th Nov @ 7pm in Ballinasloe.
¨¨¨¨
Questions people askQ. I have seen several television programmes claiming that there were other gospels which were suppressed by the Catholic Church. Is this true?A. Yes, there are several works which are called gospels but they differ from the authentic gospels on some important matters. These writings came from heretical sects. Obviously the Church did not favour the use of these misleading writings. Even the whiff of suppressing any writing is enough to excite the imagination of certain writers and television producers who love to attack the Catholic Church as being up to its neck in conspiracies. Conspiracy theories and accounts of unhappy childhood are the most lucrative sellers in the popular market today. Bad news exercises a strange fascination. (Fr O’Flynn – Intercom)

Friday, November 20, 2009

Shannonbridge 115 Years Ago.

An 1894 Trade Directory for Offaly gives the following details for Shannonbridge:

Post Office: John Robinson. Letters arrive through Ballinasloe at 9.30 am. Last post out at 5.30pm. Nearest moneyorder and telegraph office - Belmont.

Constabulary Barracks: Peter Clarke, Sgt.

Church of Ireland: Rev. John George Hodges M.A..

Catholic: Rev. James O'Reilly P.P..

National School: F. Murray (Master) and M. Rigney (Mistress).

Private Residents: Richard Cooke, Michael Egan, Joseph Johnson, Woodbank, Rev. James O'Reilly P.P..

Commercial Premises: Maria Doran (Grocer), John Flannery (Draper), Daniel Kenny (Spirit Dealer), Peter Larkin (Blacksmith), George Luker (Hotel Proprieter), F. Murray (Schoolmaster), John Robinson (Postmaster) John Wilson (Grocer).

Thursday, November 19, 2009

On the 4th of November Ivan and Mimi Ace and Nat and Kathy Goddard
from Cape Cod stopped off in Shannonbridge.Their hobby is bird-watching
and they had visited Clifden and Connemara
before coming to Shannonbridge. They visited Clonmacnois and the Boora
Parklands seeking out birds.

On November 9th Hugh Gough passed away and was buried in Cavan Town.
Hugh worked for many years for the Central Fishery Board and anglers
fishing for Coarse Fish will be familiar with a whole series of the
fishing maps that he researched and which are still available from
the CFB website.I always associate Hugh with the Rudd fish. Once some
anglers who were fishing here at Shannonbridge,
while Hugh was in the area,caught a number of specimen rudd all over
the specimen weight of 2.25lbs.At that time there were only two people
in Ireland that could positively identify a rudd. So Hugh put the fish
in a tank and brought them to Dublin for identification.
That evening he returned with the fish live in the tank and the
anglers saw their fish being released.
The present Irish Record Weight for a rudd is 4lbs 8 ounces caught by
Hugh Gough on 5th September 1996. Hopefully Peter Andrew James and
John will have good fishing lined up for Hugh and may he rest in peace.

Met Jrff Herman and his wife Maritza Umana from Costa Rica when they
visited Shannonbridge on 12th November.Jeff told us that he was adopted
and Jeff Gutierre was his name before adoption.It is Jeff's third visit
to Ireland and Maritza's first.They told us that coffee,fishing and
farming are the principal occupations.
Jeff said that coffee is not made from a bean,but coffee comes from
a red fruit that tastes like a pear/apple.A thin fruit layer covers
two seeds twined together. These seeds are roasted and then ground.
The banana trees there have an 18 month life-span.The tree leaves
five offshoots or babies at its base.
Their currency is called Colon which was named after Christopher Colon
later known as Christopher Columbus.
Their army was dissolved in 1948 and the country is smaller
than Ireland.Their health insurance is equivalent to 5Euro/month,
This covers doctor dentist hospital operations everything.
No wonder Jeff believes that they are living in Paradise.
Spanish is their language.

On Tuesday 11th a Kathleen from Dublin called to Shannonbridge.
Kathleen told us that her sister who lives in New Jersey USA is
a great friend of Marion Love, a family friend.

Somebody told us recently that Puss Sunday is the 1st Sunday in Easter.
At one time in Ireland it was forbidden to go to dances or to get
married during Lent.Not sure if there was a connection with Puss
Sunday and this.

Tina from Germany tells us that the title of the new HBA book is
Fine Lines - Clear Water. See 30 - October 2009.

Last Sunday was a special day in Perrys Mill in Belmont.As well as
the old mill being on view, a boat builder, a violin maker,and some
other artists based around the mill yard had their products on display.
Tony Kenny was on hand playing his fiddle. Keep it in mind for a visit.

Meanwhile at Clononey Castle a new owner is in the process of making
it habitable and it is good to see some light there at night.
Clononey Castle plan to have an antique Sale and Book Fair starting
on 14th December to Christmas at the Clononey Castle.

Some websites that may be of interest - www.failteireland.ie
and www.discoverireland.ie

The river level is in high flood situation at present and the water
level at the bridge is to the top of the quay-wall. Steve and Liz Nell have
been over from Sheffield for over two weeks.Steve finds that the fish are
difficult to locate with the flood.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Shannonbridge GAA Notes 16.11.09

Shannonbridge GAA Notes 16.11.09

Shannonbridge GAA Annual General Meeting
Shannonbridge GAA AGM will take place on Sunday 29th November at 3.00pm sharp in the club dressing rooms.
We would ask all existing players and members alike to attend in force as this is a very important date in the club’s calendar as we try to set out a plan for 2010.
Of course the club would like also, to welcome any potential new members from around the parish to attend


Shannonbridge/Doon GAA Lotto Numbers
There was no winner of this week's lotto jackpot of 4,600. The numbers drawn were 14, 19, 22 and 23. There were 2 match 3 winners of which were Phil Spollen and Tommy McEvoy. Next weeks' jackpot will be 4,800.

Congratulations
We would like to congratulate Ciaran & Michelle Kenny (Nee Mahon) on the recent birth of their son Cody.

From Jason Mahon

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 15th Nov 2009 -33rd 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: €447. 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: Caitríona, Siobhan, Sarah
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Richard Hynes

¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Mass for the Holy Souls on Mon @ 7pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €376. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J. & C. Rigney
Readers for next Sunday: A.Coughlan
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group B
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: N.Egan
Mass on next Sun for the late Larry & Brigid Rohan

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

Station mass
On Thurs next at the home of A. & R. Walshe, Clonlyon @ 8pm
¨¨¨¨
Clonmacnois Regional Pioneers will celebrate Mass in Clonfanlough hall on Sun 22nd Nov @ 4pm. A short Concert by members will follow immediately afterwards. All members are invited to participate – please contact your Centre for more details. Light refreshments will be served, and everyone is welcome.
¨¨¨¨
Night Prayer Vigil, Clonmacnois Prayer Centre Fri 20th Nov, starting with Mass @ 10pm; then Adoration until 3.10 am. Mass every Wed @ 7.30pm. All welcome.
¨¨¨¨
Christmas Party on Sun 29th Nov, starting with Mass @ 2pm in the Hall. Dinner will follow, and dancing to the ‘Midnight Melodies’

Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe
PlayWell volunteers are being recruited to organise play activities for the sick children. Volunteers should be over 18 years, and have 2 or 3 hours once a week to spare. An introductory meeting and training are planned. For more info call 1890-252682.
¨¨¨¨ Questions people askQ. Jesus spoke of a time when the sun would be darkened and the moon would lose its light. Does this refer to three days darkness when the only source of light will be blessed candles?A. The words of Jesus are in the context of the end of this material universe before the final triumph of God’s reign. It is not meant as a message of terror but of hope in the anticipation of God’s glory. This message of three days darkness is something that is predicted regularly by self-appointed prophets. Invariably the predicted date comes and goes without the darkness. Pay no attention to this nonsense but celebrate Christian hope every time you pray ‘Thy Kingdom come’. (Fr S. O’Flynn)
¨¨¨¨
Church Envelopes - You should receive your new boxes presently. For the Monthly collection you are again invited to make payment for the year or half-year if possible. I also invite those who don’t contribute to the collections to make a start this coming year. A sincere ‘thank-you’ to those who do contribute and those who organise the collections."Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireas na daoine."

Sunday, November 08, 2009

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 8th Nov 2009 - 32nd Sun 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: €675. 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: Aoife, Athene, Saul, Jack
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Jimmy Coleman & family.
Mass on next Sun for the late Thomas Rocke
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Mass for the Holy Souls on
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €252. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Claffey, B.Coughlan
Readers for next Sunday: D.Boland
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group A Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: D.McEvoy
Mass on next Sun for the late Philomena Coolahan

Station Mass
On Fri next at the home of Martina Hackett, Carrowkeel @ 7pm


Multiple Sclerosis Society
Cookery demo, including mulled wine reception, by Neven McGuire in the Shearwater Hotel on Mon 9th Nov @ 7.30pm.
Tickets €20. Contact hotel on 9630400 or Pauline on 086-4077330
¨¨¨¨
Ballinasloe Flower & Garden Club
Gala Fundraising Night in aid of the Therapeutic Learning Centre, Brackernagh, Ballinasloe in Gullanes Hotel @ 8pm, Wed 11th Nov.
¨¨¨¨
Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe
PlayWell volunteers are being recruited to organise play activities for the sick children. Volunteers should be over 18 years, and have 2 or 3 hours once a week to spare. An introductory meeting and training are planned. For more info call 1890-252682.
¨¨¨¨
M.E. Support Group
Meeting in Gullanes Hotel on Wed 11th Nov @ 7pm
¨¨¨¨
Shannonbridge Golf Society
A new society has been formed in the Shannonbridge area for those interested in playing golf. A meeting will be held in Killeens on next Fri @ 9pm. All welcome to attend.
¨¨¨¨
Questions people ask (Fr Silvester O’Flynn }Q. Is it true that some Protestant theologians were involved in writing the texts of the Mass after the Second Vatican Council?A. This is a twist on what really happened. Several Protestant communities expressed great interest in the studies, papers and debates of the Liturgical Commission. So, six Protestant theologians were invited as observers but they took no part in the writing of the texts. Some Protestant communities have used the Roman Lectionary and Sacramentary as a template for their own revisions. Thank God for ecumenical fellowship. ¨¨¨¨
Something to ponder.
‘You must give some time to your fellow men. Even if it’s a little thing, do something for others – something for which you get no pay, but the privilege of doing it.’ (Albert Schweitzer)

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Best of luck to Johnny and Martin Pat Coleman on their journey to
Sydney starting tomorrow. Johnny has been in Ireland for two months now
and is looking forward to returning home to the girls.
It is Martin's second visit to Sydney and this time he is planning on
a three month visit. Well good for him and hope he enjoys the summer.

Back home the recent rains have brought the river level up again and
there is a good wedge of water on the callows.

The local radio told us today that Olywyn Enright has given birth to
her first baby and congratulations. Olywyn represents Laois Offaly
in Dail Eireann.

The Irish Independent on Saturday has what I think is a very difficult
Sudoku puzzle involving 16 letters and numbers in each block andhas
16 blocks in total. For once I solved the puzzle and decided to post it.
Afterwards I realized that I had forgotten to write
my name in the block. No doubt they will find my fingerprints.

Local radio today also mentioned that Clonmacnois was included in a
list submitted for World Heritage Status.This time they were careful
to mention about full consultation with interested parties.

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 1st Nov 2009 - All Saints Sun 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; also on Mon, All Souls Day @ 8pm
Adoration on First Fri until 5pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €495. 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: Michaela, Oisín, Andrea
Mass on Sat am for the late Kieran & Mary Henry
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Mass for All Souls on Mon @ 7pm; for First Fri @ 7pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €284. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Loonam, A.Egan
Readers for next Sunday: D.Boland
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group E Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: B.Coughlan
Mass on next Sun for Edward & Brigid Mannion & family deceased.
Enrolment Ceremony for Confirmandi on next Sun.

November is the month of the Holy Souls. We can help them by our Masses, sacrifices & prayers. Visit a Church or Cemetery and pray in union with the Church throughout the world. In the parish 2 Masses are said each week in Nov for the Holy Souls.
¨¨¨¨
Ard Chiaráin Prayer Centre
Mass for the faithful departed on Thurs @ 8pm. All welcome.
¨¨¨¨
An important Meeting of all Pioneers will be held in Moystown GAA Dressing rooms on Wed 4th Nov @ 8pm. A programme for the development & future direction of the Pioneers will be discussed. This meeting is particularly aimed at the 18 - 35 age group.
¨¨¨¨
Hour of Prayer in Ferbane Church from 8-9pm on next Fri, led by young people. A special welcome to young people & young families.
¨¨¨¨
Annual Mass for deceased members of the Defence Forces in St Peter & St Paul Church Athlone next Tues 3rd Nov @ 11am.
¨¨¨¨
Multiple Sclerosis Society
Cookery demo including mulled wine reception by Neven McGuire in the Shearwater Hotel on Mon 9th Nov @ 7.30pm.
Tickets €20. Contact hotel on 9630400 or Pauline on 086-4077330
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough Hall
Volunteers are needed for a general clean-up around the hall on next Sat 7th Nov beginning at 11am. If you are free and can help in any way we would love to have you there.
¨¨¨¨
Being Thankful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brett Blair,
"Our ancestors were not so much thankful for something as they were thankful in something. In bounty or in want they were thankful. In feast or in famine they were thankful. In joy or in misery they were thankful. There is a big difference between being thankful for things and being thankful in all things."

"‘I must do something’ will solve more problems than to say ‘Something must be done.’" (Anon)