Today Wednesday two American visitors moored their hire craft boat at Shannonbridge.One was Bruce Connors from New York who told us that over the years he has made some thirty films for Bord Failte helping to promote Ireland.They had used Carrick-craft cruisers in a number of their productions and needless to say that they were on a Carrick-craft boat based in Banagher.Travelling with Bruce was his cousin James Gerathy from San Francisco and he lives full time on a boat at home.
Bruce was interested in the potrait of George Brent as his mother in law is the actress Betty Furness and she probably made a number of films with George Brent.Bruce was kneeling on a barstool reading the list of films that George Brent made and is pasted on the wall alongside the picture.They had never been to Clonmacnois which makes one wonder about promotional films by Bord Failte.Bruce had a selection of photo snippets on horses and birds recorded along the way.
Hope that they enjoy their trip on the River Shannon.

Dick Gilbert was telling us today that a horse named Dublin runs in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.

Remember our car breaking down at Lough na Fooey in Connemara two weeks ago today.Well the car is in Galway ever since and still has not been repaired.Must have the curse of The Fooeys on it.

The death has occured of Don Beddy in his 83rd year.Don once lived at Correen Castle before moving to a smaller home at Ballinderry Moate some years ago.Husband of the late Renee and father of Maeve,David,Paul and Mark.Don's funeral takes place tomorrow.
May he rest in peace.

South Roscommon Vintage Club charity road run in aid of Irish Guide Dogs for the blind,starting at Ballydangan,10am,on Sunday, will visit Shannonbridge in the afternoon as it did last year.
Contact organiser John Roche at 086-073 4722

An article on the Tuesday Farming Supplement on the Magpie traps titled Vermin Control Required to Restore Some Balance by Joe Barry.Joe tells us that because of the amount of food waste we dump as litter in our towns and around the countryside, that we are responsible for the huge increase in grey crow and magpie numbers.These birds play cause havoc among the song-bird populations while also attacking weak lambs and ewes. They pick out eyes from live lambs and search the hedgerows for nests containing eggs or fledglings.
The Larsen Trap is used to control their numbers.

Skies got a little overcast today with the odd drop of rain falling.The forecast is for rain for the next two days and then some sunshine.
The weeds are doing very well at present.

Monday's Irish Independent had a short piece in the sports section titled 'Shannonbridge Taking The Fight To Depression'. It tells about when the Shannonbridge GAA Club open their new pitch on Saturday 1st May with a game between Offaly and Longford at 6.00pm there will be no admission charge.
Instead,donation buckets will be available for those who wish to contribute to the AWARE charity which helps out with depression related illnesses.
This is an exceptioally generous offer from the GAA club and is sure to be well supported.

Sitting in the sunshine yesterday watching the newly arrived swallows doing a merry dance when suddenly a formation of ten crows flew by and continued up the street until they reached Tom Coleman's house where they veered to the left.

Liam and Pat Keoghane joined forces last week with Sean Craughwell to take part in a County Galway Bowling Competition and even better they won the event. Well done and congratulations.
Pat and Rose Ryan were disappointed that only one person came to the Shannonbridge Library during its opening last Thursday from 7 - 9 pm.

At Masses on the weekend Sister Angela Ogor from Nigeria spoke about Mission Awareness and the work of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary, Main Office, Cavan Town. Sister Angelo left envelopes on the seats if people wished to help with their work in schools hospitals and churches.People who wanted to make a subscription and had no money with them could post it to the main office. The order was founded by Bishop Shanahan from Tipperary

Tom and Margaret Carty arrived home on Sunday some five days late after attendingthe wedding of Siobhan Carty,daughter of Eugene and Bridie.
Siobhan married Dave and the reception was held in the Mariett Hotel.The band played all night and never stopped.
Rock the Boat was their part-piece with everybody down on the floor doing their bit to rock the boat.
Dave and Siobhan will live in Braintree Boston near to Gene and Bridie.
Congratulations to all and many happy years of contentment.
Tom and Margaret got back to normality pretty quickly heading to Shannonbridge on Sunday for the chat and a game of 25. Yesterday the pair walked down to the 'Cut' to have a check on their boat in its new location.Then back to Dublin for a bit of shopping for Margaret.

The Shannonbridge Active Retirement group are heading to Glendalough for a days outing on Tuesday 11th May.Some 24 seats have now been taken on the bus but a few seats remain. Departing at 9.30 am on 11th May.

Best Wishes to Jonathan Slattery who sets off for Perth Australia this week having been held up for some days due to the Icelandic dust clouds.

Shannonbridge Fishing Report 27th April 2010
The river level at the quaywall at Shannonbridge is 2.8 metres which is two metres down on the quay wall.After the inspector moved the boats moored for the winter from the floating jetty there were five boats moored there last evening.Weather has been mostly sunshine for the past three weeks apart from some rain on last Saturday and a light shower on Sunday.Wind directions have been varying in recent days with an easterly wind today bracing but not too cold.
>Paul Kering Ballinasloe caught a 9lbs pike on the Suck on 12th April using dead herring.
>Fred Flannery Ballinasloe fished the Suck on 14th April using a pollen to catch an 8.5 lbs pike sunny and bright conditions.
>Pauric Beades Dublin fished the Hot Water stretch on 27th March in overcast conditions using a dead roach to catch a 16.5 lbs pike which he returned alive.
>Martin Owen from Crewe fished a windy Suck on 23 April with maggot catching 30 lbs of roach and losing three bream. three days before that he caught 26.5 lbs of roach two swims upstream from 23rd.
>Peter Jones Crewe fished the Suck alongside Martin Owen catching 8 lbs of roach on 20th April and 16 lbs mixed bag on 23rd using maggot.
Peter Jones fished the mouth of the Brosna on 19th April catching 12.5 lbs of roach -best was 2 lbs and a 6 ounce trout.Peter noticed that lots of the roach had a black spot on their bodies.
>Les Basford Crewe fished the Suck on 22nd April catching 13 lbs of roach using maggot.Les records that he enjoyed seven days of sunshine.
>Liudlach Stefan from Bavaria fished the Shannon on 26th April using a white rubber fish catching five pike best 85 cm. Very good eating.
The previous day he caught two pike 60cm and a baby which he returned.
>Shirley Barker from Grimsby is on a hire cruiser fishing holiday.
On 26th April Shirley caught four pike on the Shebeen stretch using deadbait. Returned alive.
>Shirley Barker fished harbour in Ballinasloe on 26th April using maggot and caster to catch 7 lbs of small roach all between 2 and 6 ounces.
>John Barker, the husband fished Shannonbridge on 26th April using worm and caster to catch two bream weighing 2 lbs and 3 lbs.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 25th April 2010 – 4th Easter 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
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €492. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Murphy, M.McManus
Eucharistic ministers: Group 4
Readers for next Weekend: Group 2, C.Casey, E.Quinn
Altar Servers for this week: Michaela, Oisín, Andrea
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Edward, Margaret & Peggy Cogavin
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Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €223. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: B.Higgins, D.Guinan
Readers for next Sunday: I.McEvoy
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group B
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: D.McEvoy

Meeting of Parish P.C. on Mon in Clonfanlough @ 8pm

Station Mass on Fri eve at the home of H.& S. Hynes, Glebe

The Confirmandi will have a day of Retreat on next Thurs
Questions people ask (Fr O’Flynn – Intercom)Q. In the light of clerical scandals do you ever regret being a priest?A. The vast majority of priests are faithful, dedicated people. Sure, none of them is perfect, but the majority are dedicated to the worship of God and loyal in the service of people. It is a privileged calling, but, in the words of an advertising slogan, nobody said it would be easy. Regret it? Not for one second. Rather, I am deeply grateful for the call of God and for the goodness of all who trust me and support me in many ways. It’s a great calling, thank God.
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The Year for Priests
This was begun on the Feast of the Sacred Heart in 2009.
It was declared so in order to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the death of the Cure of Ars, patron of parish priests worldwide. It is the hope of the Pope that this will support the faithfulness and holiness of priests, lead to renewal and deepen commitment. St John Vianney lived a life of prayer, service and penance with a special ministry to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
It is in this context that the Bishops have arranged for a visit of the Relics of the Saint to our country.
We are all, lay & ordained, called by Baptism to be a priestly people
No priest is ordained in isolation, but belongs to a whole network of relationships in the Church. So the visit of the Relics calls on us to pray for one another, for the priesthood and religious vocations.
The relics of St John Vianney (Cure of Ars) will be honoured in Knock on next Tues in a day of prayer for priests.
All are invited to Knock where there will be Mass @ 3pm.
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Official Opening of Shannonbridge GAA Club
Sat 1st May @ 5pm by the GAA President Christy Cooney. S.F. challenge, Offaly v Longford @ 6pm. All proceeds to Aware.
Everybody welcome.
¨¨¨¨
Mass of Remembrance in Coosan Church on 29th April @ 8pm for all those who died by suicide or are affected by suicide.
The Tullamore Gospel Choir will sing. All welcome.
¨¨¨¨
Stroke Support Meeting on 28th April @ 7pm in the Physio Dept in Portiuncula Hospital. All welcome.

I saw your piece about traps with a live magpie in them.
They are called Larsen traps and are to catch magpies not mink.
The magpies raid other birds nests for eggs and young birds and can make quite a dent in the population.
In parts of England the song thrush has been nearly wiped out by them.
Someone I know had one of those traps on his land for a year and killed 32 magpies.

We hope that Pat is a bit better.
Please give her our best wishes.
Will you say hello to the Nells & Kemps if they are still around.

Best wishes

Colin & Carol Wollaston

This last Monday a mink was seen in Killeen's yard and escaped down a water gully.

Two English fishers told that they had observed swallows flying around the arches at the bridge.

Some websites that may be of interest include -
The Connacht Tribune Newspaper www.galwaynews.ie
The Pioneer Total Abstinence Association www.pioneerassociation.ie

The Connacht Tribune has news of many bog-fires in Connemara recently
around Moycullen area.Today John was saying that the clouded effect in
the skies are due to the bog-fires in Connemara.We sent him off to collect some primroses up The Old Road and take Moby for a walk.He got a lovely bunch of wild primroses and some wild violets.Moby is not too fond of walking and like yesterday he only walked to a certain point and then stopped.A bit like yesterday when a German couple on holiday on the Shannon came along to take Moby for a walk.Everything went grand until they reached Macklins.Moby refused to go any further.

The river water level has eased back further and only the drains on the Callows now have a little water.Good to see that three anglers staying in Ashbrook Farm were able to fish on the River Suck and that they lost three bream.

Connacht beat Leinster in the Magners Rugby League last week but were defeated by Munster in their previous game.They still have a chance for promotion next year depending on how Ulster fares out.

Yachts in the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012 are due to arrive in Galway City on Tuesday July 3rd 2012.
Last time around they looked just great in Galway Bay.Next time they will have two races while in Galway but it looks like they may not have The Around Ireland Race in their programme.

From the Pioneer Magazine April 2010 Sound Bytes pages including these-
'Age is an issue of mind over matter'.
If you don't mind, it doesn't matter Mark Twain.

'The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it'
Henry David Thoreau

'Anger,if not restrained,is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it' Lucius Annaeus Seneca

'Friendship is not something you learn at school.
But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship,
You really haven't learned anything' Muhammad Ali

The Irish Catholic www.irishcatholic.ie tells us this week
> Saint Mel's Cathedral Restoration in Longford could take up to five years to complete.
> 70% support legal protection of unborn.
>Labour plans for your Constitution, Eamon Gilmore is planning a radical shake-up in Ireland and Catholics should be worried writes David Quinn
>Christian Roots revisited looks at Saint Brigid's Well near Kildare town and The High Cross at Moone which is 17.5 feet high.

Getting serious.The inspector in charge of mooring cruisers on public jetties notified owners of boats at winter moorings in Shannonbridge regarding the Summer Rules and recommended that they move their boats.
Yesterday Friday a boat was removed from the Shannonbridge Jetty and the owner was fined 200 Euros.

Padraig Turley told us that he had not seen Mary Kate Flannery since 1955 when they attended Clonacnois School together.Mary Kate returns to America on Tuesday and now has Padraig's e-mail address and will contact him.
Padraig sent us one of his Grandfather Mike Claffey's sayings which goes
March will sarch
April will try
And May will tell you
Whether you will
live or die.

Shannonbridge Golf Society are on an outing to Roscommon Golf Course today Saturday.

Fishing Report
On 28th March Dave Kemp Bradford fished the River Suck on a fine day catching catching 10lbs of roach and hybrids and one bream with feeder.
Dave commented that it was the last day before the present flood.
On 7th April Dave fished the Grand Canal using pole and maggot to catch 6lbs of roach and hybrids on a fine day.
On 9th April Dave Kemp again fished the canal with same methods catching 5lbs of roach hybrids and one skimmer.Plenty of small fish about.
On 9th April Steve Nell from Sheffield fished the canal alongside Dave Kemp using pole maggot catching 4.5lbs of roach and hybrids.
On 13th April Philip Towns from Athlone fished the Brosna mouth in sunshine using pole and maggot to catch 70lbs of roach and rudd.
On 19th April first time visitor Gunther Stem Bavaria fished Lough Key in Sunshine with wobbler to catch a 65cm pike.Gunther reckons that the water is too cold to catch the bigger pike.
On 17th April Rene Sonderegger Switzerland fished Lough Derg in sunshine using one unenbuhler to catch one pike 65cm.
Note that the flood-water that Dave Kemp referred to above is still on the fields or callows alongside the river.

Today Monday Dorothy and Joseph Donlan from Carlisle Scotland who are staying with Kevin and Agnes Donnellan near Portumna came to visit Shannonbridge. They had watched the TV episode of 'Three men go to Ireland' and wanted to see the place in that film.The two men are brothers but spell their names differently.

The brother John who was scheduled to return to America last Friday has been held up on account of the Icelandic Dust effecting air flights and the airline told him today that he will now be flying on next Monday 26th April.Mick took him to have a look at the bog today and maybe the turf might be cut in the next few days.

The fine weather continues and the five day forecast has rain on Friday.This has changed from Tuesday,that is tomorrow on a recent forecast.The river level has eased back a little but there is still signs of floodwater around.Some swans and ducks are swimming on the flooded callows north of the village.
Michael Green and his daughter Courtney from Boston arrived lucky enough last Friday before the Icelandic Dust stopped flights.They were here for the second Anniversary Mass for Gerry Green Michael's dad.

Declan Kelly had a successful Stag Party on Friday night down in Mount-Shannon in Clare.

Home from Hartford Conn.USA is Mary Kate Flannery from Crevagh along with some of her family.They arrived in on Thursday before the dust.

Patrick Kenny told a true story from the past for once.
Some brothers down in the far end of Moore many years ago were having constant disputes with their neighbour regarding fencing.One of the brothers Ned decided to go to the well known solicitor in Ballinasloe,the late Mr Davidson.He told Mr D about their problem.
Mr D. said his advise would be for Ned to go home and repair the fencing that was his responsibility and wait to see what happened then.
Ned arose and put on his cap and headed for the door.
Mr Davidson called out 'come back here'
'What for' said Ned.
'You owe me a pound' said Mr D.
'What for'? asked Ned.
'For my advise'.
'Sure Im not taking it' said Ned.

Somehow it sounds better when Patrick is telling it.

Stefan Weskott from Munich is on his 20th visit to Ireland along with his friend Gunther Stern,who is on his first visit.Stefan's firm make ovens for bakeries and Gunther is a baker by proffession.
They are on an eight berth Emerald Starline cruiser for one week.Six other friends that were to travel failed to come at the last minute even though they had their money paid for the cruiser.So Stefan and Gunther were enjoying the luxury of an eight berth boat all to themselves.Gunther promised a recipe for the popular bread that they make from rye flour and white flour and water and yeast and salt and phoned his bakery to get a recipe e-mailed suitable for family use.
Stefan said that it is a strong bread not springhy like other breads.
When it arrives I will post it to this site.

Best wishes to Jonathan Slattery who plans to go to Perth Australia tomorrow - dust permitting.

The crows are using the peanut feeders and the small birds are frightened away. Last week a man buying some guinea hens from Kieran Guinan called in and when I told him the problem he suggested fitting wire shopping baskets over the feeders with some small access holes. They work and there are now two baskets hanging down the walls with the feeders inside.Remove the basket handles from the baskets.

Shannonbridge GAA Club Notes

Shannonbridge GAA Club Notes

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
There was no winner of last week’s jackpot. Match three winners were Phil Spollen, Ferbane and Patricia Mulligan and Alan Duffy, Doon. This week’s jackpot is €9,800.

Sympathy.
The club extends its sincere sympathy to the Coleman family on the recent passing of Thomas Coleman in Navan. Thomas presented our club with a wall-hanging of the GAA Centenary Crest, which is on display in the club house. He was the brother of Kathleen Quinn, Shannonbridge and his late brothers, Jimmy and Frank, are well remembered as players with Doon and Shannonbridge. May he rest in peace.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 18th April 2010 – 3rd Easter 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
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €422. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: A.Ryan, L.Turley, M.Mitchell
Eucharistic ministers: Group 3
Readers for next Weekend: Group 1, D.Finnerty, P.Corbett
Altar Servers for this week: Caitríona, Siobhán, Sarah
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Andy Lestrange

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Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €225. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: C.Spain, C.Guinan
Readers for next Sunday: N.Kenny
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group A
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: B.Coughlan
Mass on next Sun for the late Jim Dolan

Trócaire Collection
Many thanks for your donations. We have sent €3,629 to the Fund.
Vocation Sun 25th April
'Join us for a Prayer Service in Clonmacnois on Sat 24th April (eve of Vocation Sun) @ 5pm. Our theme this year is ‘Renew our Call’. All welcome, as "the Lord has a plan for each of us; He calls each one of us by name. Our task is to learn how to listen, to perceive his call." (Pope Benedict)
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Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary
Sr Angela Ogor will speak at the Masses next weekend to promote Mission Awareness. A collection will be taken to support the work of the Sisters.
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Ballinasloe Cancer Support Group
‘if you had treatment for primary breast cancer you are invited to join this support group. Call 090-9645574, and leave your name & phone number. Places are limited.
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Prayer Centre Clonmacnois
Special Family Mass with a healing service, celebrated by Fr Lorenzo Bracken on next Wed 21st April @ 7.30pm.
Everyone welcome.
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Community Alert
Meeting in Clonfanlough Hall on 27th April & 8pm.

Questions people ask (Fr O’Flynn-Intercom) Q. What do you think of people who are officially signing themselves out of the Church? A. I feel sorry people who would deprive themselves of the privilege of participating with Jesus in the Eucharistic worship of the Father, and turn their backs on the astounding invitation to receive Jesus as the Bread of Life. The Lord’s presence in the Eucharist is not conditional on the holiness or sinfulness of the priest at the altar. It is a divine gift, not something of human making. The first person to say count-me-out was Judas as he left the Last Supper. The Gospel says that he went into the dark. Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.

Families that had running accounts with the late Willie Price shop and pub in Shannonbridge in the early 1900's included the following -
Patrick Burns Leharrow, John Devery Leharrow, Mrs J.Daly Charlestown,
Joseph Johnson Woodbank, Mick Claffey Aighnacabe, Frank Egan Aughnacabe, Michael Keena Aughnacabe, John Curley Corrigeen,
Kieran Flannery Corrigeen, K.P.Egan Crevagh, John Flannery Crevagh,
Martin Mulvey Cloniff, R.Shrahan Cloniff,Miss Hynes Cloascra,
Mrs Dan Connors Clonmacnois James Galvin Cloniffeen
Mrs Rose Duffy Clondelara, B.Gunning Clondelara,
Five from Shannonbridge were Mrs B.Flannery,Mrs Kate Kilroe,
MichaelKennt, Michael Reddy, Mrs Rigney,
John Rock Cappaleitra, George Pardy Moystown, Mrs Lyons Templedew,
James Egan Garrymore, Kieran Taaffe Garrymore
Andrew Neill Blackwater.

Kay Brennan or KB from Kilkenny stopped by last week.Kay worked for many years on local radio.She mentioned a Will Killeen a singer that she used to play his songs.She met Louise Killeen and picked up a Daithi Rua CD to listen to on her journey.

The winner of this years English Grand National at Aintree was
'Dont Push It' trained by John Joe O Neill.owned by J.P.McManus and ridden by A.P.McCoy.The horse was bought by Frank Berry at Listowel.

Vocations Ireland 'Renew our Call'takes place on Saturday 24th April in Clonmacnois at 5pm; "Prayer and reflection on our Christian call as we move together as Church towards something new"Their website is
www.vocationsireland.com

Shannonbridge Active Retirement are planning a visit to Glendalough
and surroundings.Contact them now if you wish to travel.
They also plan to visit Boora Parklands on Tuesday 25th May at 1.00pm
linking up with Pullagh ARA for the visit.

Christian Moecker and his friend Sabina from Germany were in Shannonbridge recently. Christian's father Norbert Moecker worked on construction of an addition to Shannonbridge Power Plant in 1982 and the family lived in Athlone for that phase.Christian brought greetings from his father to Mick Devine who are friends.

On last Monday Tom and Sheila Byrnes who once lived in Shannonbridge called to visit Liam and Theresa Breslin in Ferbane. They were on their way home to Cork after attending their son's wedding in Sligo. Ciaran
was born in Shannonbridge and married Sandra Kearns.The Byrnes family lived in Saint Ciaran's Park.

While on a visit to Oughterard on Wednesday the sister Doc and husband Dick took John and Mick and myself out to visit Lough na Fooey which is hidden away among the hills at Finney, Clonbur,Galway. We found the lake and parked the car and got out to have a look around. It was a peaceful spot with a rowboat hidden in rushes and full of water.Nearby was what looked like an open plan enclosure probably used to wash/dip sheep.We reloaded and found that the car failed to start giving a sound like the battery was run down.Then we found out that mobile phones failed to work due to the hills around.There was a house midway up a nearby hill and Doc and John walked up to the house which was owned by Breda Laffey.She offered the use of her landline phone and also invited the five of us in for a cup of tea.When we got there Breda had a large plate of sandwiches prepared as well as cake and buns.We had to wait to get the car towed away and as we enjoyed the hospitality Breda told us her like story and how she was an organiser of prayer-groups up and down the country.She has a meeting room as part of her house and meetings take place there every Tuesday.Breda is a remarkable woman and one of the photographs on display was of Father Paddy Kenny who was a great friend of hers.Breda was going to Tipperary that night to talk at a prayer meeting and offered us a lift back to Oughterard.
May God Bless Her for her kindness.

Congratulations to Brian Cahill Belmont on his 80th Birthday this week.
There was a surprise birthday party for Brian last Tuesday night with a huge birthday cake and refreshments.

The weather has been marvellous for the past week or more with sunshine every day.The flood has eased back somewhat but there is still a lot of water in the system.That volcanic dust cloud coming from Iceland has brought air travel to a stop.It is expected to get back to normal today.The brother John was scheduled to return to New Jersey USA this morning but has now been rescheduled for a flight on Monday morning.
So he had time today to walk to Raghrabeg on the other side of the river to pick some wild primroses there for our sister Pat.He did not walk further in to Raghrabeg where Paulien Kemp tells us there is a field of wild violets a blooming.

If you are interested in following all changes in status of any holding recorded in the Primary Valuation from the mid-19th century up to the 1970s.Visit www.valoff.ie
See Irish Roots last Monday in Irish Times

Shannonbridge GAA Notes

Division Five Football League.
Shannonbridge overcame Doon in a well contested game at Shannonbridge on Saturday last. The home side established a two point half-time lead with scores coming from Eddie Egan (2), Adrian Kelly, Marty Kilduff and Trevor Mahon (from a 45). Doon upped their game on the resumption scoring four points and a well taken goal to lead by two points going into the final ten minutes. Shannonbridge finished strongly, with three Eddie Egan points keeping the score board ticking over, and hit back with a goal from the recently returned Eamon Kelly. A Shane Flannery point closed the scoring. Final score Shannonbridge 1-9, Doon 1-7. Team: Martin Deeley, Joe Duffy, Ciaran Norton, Mark Moloney, Aidan Kelly, Trevor Mahon, Colm Kenny, Adrian Coughlan, Mark Carty, Eddie Egan (0-5), Adrian Kelly (0-1), Marty Kilduff (0-1), Gerry Quirke, Pakie Brazil, John Guinan, Subs. Eamon Kelly (1-0), Peadar Kelly, Declan Kelly, Paul Moloney, Shane Flanney (0-1).

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
The jackpot was not won this week. There were eight match three winners. Next week’s draw is in Doon with a jackpot of € 9,600.

Official Opening of Shannonbridge GAA Field.
The opening of Shannonbridge GAA Field is fixed for Saturday 1st May, programme commencing at 5pm. The opening will be performed by GAA President Christy Cooney, followed by a Senior Football Challange - Longford v Offaly. More details later.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 11th April 2010 -2nd Easter 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
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €538. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: K.Price, C.Curley, P.Anderson
Eucharistic ministers: Group 2
Readers for next Weekend: Group 6, E.Casey, D.O’Carroll
Altar Servers for this week: Aoife, Athene, Saul, Jack
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Jerry Greene
Mass on next Sun for the late David Macklin

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Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €523. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J. & C. Rigney
Readers for next Sunday: C.Norton
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group E
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: A.Rohan
Mass on next Sun for the Egan family deceased (Clonlyon)

Station Mass
Next Fri @ 8pm at the home of Mary Devery, Clonlyon
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Divine Mercy Sunday
In the year 2000 Pope John Paul instituted a new feast, the Feast of Divine Mercy to be celebrated for the first time in 2001 on the Second Sunday of Easter, today. It arises out of a series of apparitions which a Polish nun, Sr. Faustina, received. Sr. Faustina was born in Poland in 1905. When she was twenty years old she entered the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy where she lived for the next thirteen years until her death on October 5th 1938. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1993 and canonized in 2000.
¨¨¨¨
Questions people ask (Fr O’Flynn – Intercom)Q. In the Gospel of John the Holy Spirit came on the Apostles on Easter Sunday whereas Luke, in Acts, says it was on Pentecost, fifty days later. Which date is correct? A. First day or fiftieth? Both days are correct because the Holy Spirit comes every day. John highlights Easter Day as the beginning of a new age and mission. The mission of Jesus, sent by the Father, was completed on Good Friday. Now the mission of the Church begins ... ‘so I am sending you’. The Holy Spirit is bestowed on the Apostles. As Luke emphasises the world-wide dimension of the mission, he selects Pentecost, a harvest festival, when people of far-flung lands and different languages were gathered in Jerusalem.
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Night Prayer Vigil in Clonmacnois Prayer Centre
Fri 16th April beginning with Mass @ 10pm. Adoration follows and finishes at 3.10am. All welcome. Enquiries Dave 085-7746763
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GROW Community Mental Health Movement
Meets every Wed @ 7.30pm in the National Learning Network, Belhavel, Golden Island, Athlone. Contact 057-9351124
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Ballinasloe Flower & Garden Club
Flower Arranging Demo on 14th April @ 8pm in Gullanes Hotel

Lorraine Mc Kenna from Pottstown tells us about their weather over there.Fortunately our fine days continue with sunshine forecast each day for the next five days.
hey Der, you're looking forward to some sunny days, well we're just getting ready to have the sunny days leave us, it was 90 degrees yesterday and 87 today ( you can convert to celcius) it's been horrible. If John is still there he can be greatful. Tonight is forecast for strong storms with hail, and a temperature drop of at least 20 degrees. WISH I WAS THERE! not because of the weather, just because. I

ve been reading "Clonmacnoise, the Millenium book, and am sorry I never met Danny Edwards, quite a guy! Also, I read a paragraph and know immediately it was written by Delores" ex, Donegan, he's a very good writer. Could have met him at the wedding, but I didn't go into the church. Have some pictures though. You were somewhere else, Cherry Hill I think, at the time, but we were right at the bungalow. Miss you all. Lorraine

Welcome home to Eamon Kelly son of Tom and Jacinta who has been in Australia for the past couple of years.

Today Friday Frank Tussing and his son Luce (16) (short for Lucas) from Dusseldorf stopped by. Frank remembers that his father Willy first brought him to Ireland in 1978 as a replacement for a colleague in a fishing holiday on the River Shannon.Frank has been back to Ireland many times since and has holidayed here once every year for the past ten years. On one holiday his wife celebrated her birthday in Shannonbridge.
This year the father and son have been in Cavan for one week and are based in this area for the second week.
Frank tells us that the water is high and cold and that the big pike are down deep and safe.
Their surname comes from the French 'Tous Les Sonne' meaning 'of the holy people.
Meanwhile Willy Tussing (81) is alive and well back in Germany.
Frank believes that prices in Ireland are settling down to a normal level.In 2008 when he called to Silverline Cruisers in Banagher to enquire about a holiday cruiser in 2009 he was delighted to hear them say that they were not increasing their prices for 2009 and that as a valued customer they would allow him a 10% discount.

Seems that the Save the Corncrake group may be laying traps for mink.
Someone was telling me that he came across one of these fancy traps.
It was in two seperate compartments.One section held a live magpie that had a food and water supply.The trap attached was to catch mink having a closer look at the magpie.Adian Kelly reckons that the river level is too high to catch mink and indeed the high floods will not be a welcoming sight for any returning corncrakes. When numbers of corncrakes were increasing steadily some years ago it was a flood insummer that drowned many of the young chicks.

Yesterday Alf and Tina Hasler from Claymore Irish Pub at Erzenhausen in Germany stopped by while on a two week holiday on a Carrickcraft cruiser on the Shannon.They reckon this is their first holiday in five years.They have a website www.claymore-irish-pub.de and contact is info@claymore etc.They picked up a Daithi Rua CD as they have Irish music in their bar.

Shannonbridge GAA Club Notes

Division Two League.
Shannonbridge had a hard-fought win over neighbours Doon, on Sunday, at Shannonbridge, with a final score of 1-09 to 0-11. Team: D. Kelly, W. Keena, N. Price, M. Darcy, P. Moloney, K. Kearns, D. Turley, J. Ryan, J. Egan, K. Flannery, R. Ryan, E. Egan, P. Kelly, A. Kelly, S. Flannery.

Lottery.
This week’s numbers drawn were 1, 8, 15, 27. There were eight match three winners – Mick Finn, Cora Kelly, Sean McManus, Deirdre Kenny, Shannonbridge and Phill Spollen, Rita and Kate Rohan, Phil c/o Mary Duffy, Doon. Next week’s draw is in Doon with the jackpot at € 9,600.

Leinster U21 Football Final.
Well done to Club Chairman Damien Brazil who refereed this game on Sunday in Parnell Park, when Dublin defeated Westmeath by 1-12 to 0-9. and to his umpires, two of whom are Shannonbridge clubmen – Noel Rock and Frank Guinan.

TYPICAL SHOPPING LIST FROM 1913, prices in shillings and pence

ITEM PRICE

• POLLARD 2
• STARCH 1
• PORTER 4
• BRAN 3
• FLOUR ( SOLD BY THE CUP)
• BACON 0.5
• CALICO CLOTH 1
• LARD 4
• EGGS 5
• TOBACCO 3.5
• PAIR OF BOOTS 7/6
• CURRANTS 4
• TEA 1/3
• NAILS 2
• SUGAR 4
• TREACLE 3.5
• ALE 2
• LUX SOAP 1
• WOOL 1
• STOCKINGS 1

Regards

AINE

On Easter Sunday morning after Mass in Shannonbridge Church a man was going around with his camera taking photographs of the wonderful flower displays and church fittings such as the statues, the Stations of the Cross and the baptismal etc.He told me that he was Sean Corcoran from Leamonaghan, Lea or Liath is the Welsh name for grey.So he is from the Grey Land of Saint Monaghan. I mentioned this website and he promised to forward a few of the photographs to share with you.

On Easter Monday my brother John came home from America.In the afternoon Ann Johnson,a daughter of the late Tom Johnson and Barbara Johnson,a daughter of the late Berty 'Cyril' Johnson stopped by.Both their parents once lived in Woodbank on the farm now owned by Joe Egan.
They had never seen the old homestead so John and I took them on a trip to Woodbank.Unfortunately we did not find any trace of the old home and that area is now devoted to barns ans feeding sheds.We noticed a few fruit trees which may be part of the original orchard.John reckons that the house was a single story building with the V facing the orchard.Does anybody out there have a picture of the old Johnson home? Barbara Johnson is living in Knock House, Ballinagore,County Westmeath.John was telling her how her father accidently shot himself in the car back in Second World War era.
Apparently he was driving along when he saw a pigeon,which were an expensive bird for meat at that time.He had a shotgun lying on the back seat.So he stopped the car and reached back for the gun which was loaded.The gun fired and hit Berty Johnson.The two girls were looking for their family graves and searched Moystown graveyard without luck.
Ann's mother often told her about going to service in Moystown Church on their horse and cart and she is assuming that their graves are there. Ann is married to a Moore and lives in Kildare.
The girls brought along a large bound ledger that belonged to the late Willie Price who owned Killeens pub and shop some 80 years ago.There is a very interesting account of his customers and the goods they bought on credit.Later I will mention some of the items and their cost.

Michael Kemp,son of Dave and Paulien Kemp from Bradford has now been working in Poland for a number of years. Recently he went to visit a friend who lives in Ghent in Belgium.On their last day his friend took him along to hear and meet a musician friend. This friend turned out to be Shannonbridge's own Daithi Rua.Michael of course as a youngster heard Daithi's parents playing music in Shannonbridge while on holiday here many many times.I see that Daithi is at www.daithirua.com and also
at www.myspace.com/offaly which should be worth a visit.


Good to see that The Irish Times five day forecast shows sunshine for each day.We had one hell of a rain cum hailstones early in the week and the river has risen further.Callows are now covered with water and this morning two swans were swimming behind what may be the goose from Cappaleitra.The swan feather were standing up as they do but the leader was smooth.

Met a German photographer and family yesterday who were invited to come to Ireland by Bord Failte and are using a cruiser on the Shannon as transport.He wanted to get pictures of the peat trains and Louise took him to the train yard near the power plant.This morning he wanted to visit the Boora Parklands where Pat Dooley had arranged peat cutting using a slane and barrow.We booked a taxi from Ballinasloe and Chris Price turned out to be the taxi driver.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 4th April 2010 –Easter Day C
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge: Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12 noon, Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough – Sunday, 10.30am



Shannonbridge
Masses: Mon @ 12noon, Tues-Sat (or C.Service)@ 10am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €417. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.McManus, C.Slattery, A.Corbett
Eucharistic ministers: Group 1
Readers for next Weekend: Group 5, C.Doolan
Altar Servers for this week: Michaela, Oisín, Andrea
Mass on Sat morning for the Taaffe Family deceased
Mass on Sat eve for Michael Kelly & sisters Mae & Nancy

¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €229. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Claffey, B.Coughlan
Readers for next Sunday: A.Coughlan
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group D
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: K.Kelly
Mass on next Sun for the late Michael J. Molloy
A VERY HAPPY & PEACEFUL EASTER TO EVERYONE!
Many thanks to all those who made any contribution to the celebration of the Holy Week ceremonies; to all who played a part in preparing for & in the celebration of the Liturgy, and to all who encouraged us by their attendance & co-operation.
Toradh na Páise oraibh; Mac na hÓighe slán!
¨¨¨¨
"Lord, grant me the hindsight to know where I have been,the foresight to know where I am going, and the insight to know when I have gone too far."
¨¨¨¨
Friends in Ireland & Amawele Charities
Will hold a Table Quiz in Killeens on Wed night 7th April.
Breda Maleney is volunteering with these groups for 4 weeks in July, & your support would be gratefully appreciated.
These Charities are working in South Africa to improve the well being & health status of HIV AIDS affected children.

Offaly Suicide Awareness Talk in High St Hall on 13th April @ 7pm

Offaly Co Childcare Committee will hold a 4-night ‘Childminding in the home/QAP course’ starting on 14th April in Tullamore. For more info contact 057-9370631.

Many thanks to Killeens for their hospitality when hosting our Coffee Morning for daffodil day. At our final count we raised €1100.00. Once again a big ‘thank you’ to all who supported such a worthy cause.

Ballinasloe Cancer Support Centre will host a ‘Variety Concert’ in the Shearwater Hotel on Fri & Sat, 9th & 10th April @ 8pm for the new Cancer Support Centre in Ballinasloe.
Tickets: €10. To help in any way call 087-9840304.

Good Friday turns out to be sunny and dry after a variety of weather that has brought a second flood.On Monday a dry drain north of Shannonbridge was full of water and the callow looking towards the mouth of the Suck showed its damp patch.On Wednesday morning there was a grand piano of water on the northern callow and a swan was swimming on the enlarged damp patch of Reddy /Darcy callow.Thursday evening the water was lapping the top of the extended part of the old quay wall and the swan play area now had a defined outlet to the river opposite Moran's Island.It was windy and cold at times and birds were hungry.

Last Friday Mr and Mrs Lister from New Mexico visited Clonmacnois and Shannonbridge while on holiday.

Good to see Dave and Paulien Kemp Bradford and Steve and Liz Nell from Sheffield over on holiday.Dave caught a medium sized bream of 3lbs while fishing the Suck before the rise. The four combined to win the table quiz on Wednesday night and kindly donated their winning to the Shannonbridge Tidy Town Fund for which the quiz was being run.

Seamus Grennan told us that the late Dennis O Grady lived in the last house in the Ballinahown Parish adjoining Clonmacnois.
Also about a visitor seeking relations years ago.Seamus was going to Banagher and brought the visitor with him.They contacted a namesake in Cloghan who passed them on to another namesake between Cloghan and Banagher. This man was preparing a new flower bed in front of his house and when the visitor mentioned his name and where he was from in America the man left down the spade. He said that a grand-uncle of his had gone to America and settled in the same city.He had written back once and the letter was in a biscuit tin in the house.He found the letter and the address was the same as where the enquirer used to go visit his Grandma.The houseowner pointed out where they emigrated from which was in nearby 'Thonamoin'which is the Irish for'The arse of the bog'

Two pidgeons appeared on the shed roof last Saturday morning.

Colm Conlon tells of a town in California named 'Downey' at Long Beach.
The town was called after a Downey from Taughmaconnell.

In Shannonbridge last Monday was Stefan Kupner. Stefan told us that he first visited Shannonbridge in 1990 and reminded me that I asked a friend to do some translation at the time.The finished translation is
'Irish Mist ist keine kubscheisse' and it still hangs in the pub.
Stefan now has his own Travel Agency which he named Shannon-Travel and they have a webpage www.shannon-travel.de Stefan will be back again on the River Shannon on 10th April

Tom Turley told us 'that March borrows 3 days from April to kill the old cow' and it was very fitting this year.

Tom McEvoy and Mick Killeen went out on the boat this Good Friday to have a closer look at the recent flooding.

News yesterday of the death of Thomas Coleman Navan who is a native of Shannonbridge, and one of a large family.The funeral of Thomas will take place in Navan after Mass on Monday morning. May he rest in peace.