An article in the paper recently had a photograph of Longford Cathedral with a temporary roof fitted.There was a bad fire in the Cathedral about last Christmas.Bishop O Reilly was announcing that the walls were secure but work on the inside may take four years to complete.Meanwhile Bishop O Reilly has named Saint Mary's Church as the Cathedral for the diocese in the meantime. Saint Mary's Church in Athlone has connections with Shannonbridge.

Brigie Cassidy was in Shannonbridge on Sunday for the Anniversary Mass for Mary Burke(3 years) and Martin Burke(4 years).Brigie told us that the last Parish Priest in Saint Mary's was a Father Kilroe who was born in Shannonbridge and was her great grand uncle.He went to America to collect funds to help build Saint Mary's.After it was built the church became one of the Diocesan church and the Parish Priest was replaced by an Administrator

Lily Lestrange Charlestown died on 13th October 1946 aged 72 years and is buried in the family plot in Clonmacnois close to O'Rourke's Tower.Lily was a sister of the late Dan and Martin Lestrange.She had one sister that married Redmond Kerins from Cloghan.
On Sunday the Lestanges used a horse and trap to travel the four miles to Mass in Shannonbridge.The trap had a pair of seats each seat facing the roadside.

The Irish Catholic newspaper reminds us that Clonmacnois Parish Vigil takes place every Third Friday in Cluain Chiarain Clonmacnois.Starting at 10pm with Mass followed by Eucharistic Adoration until 3.10am finish.Post vigil accomodation is available - bring sleeping bag. Contact Sean 087-8175227. Some 35 people often attend.