Monday, March 28, 2011

One Thousand Euro Raised for Offaly Hospice

Well done to Liz Duffy and team who managed to raise the huge sum of 998 Euros through Daffodil Day activities including a Coffee Morning in Killeen's Village Tavern. Great result ladies.

Shannonbridge GAA Club Notes

Division Two League.
Shannonbridge secured a seven point win against Bracknagh on Saturday last. The visitors were first to score and led by three points, when Peadar Kelly opened the scoring for Shannonbridge with a goal to level at 1-0 to 0-3. Conor Killeen retired injured after ten minutes and was replaced by Trevor Mahon. Points by Kieran Flannery, Trevor Mahon, Karol Kelly and Paul Deeley (2) left Shannonbridge with a two point interval lead, - 1-5 to 0-6.
Both sides were reduced to fourteen players in the first ten minutes of the second half, with the sides level at 1-8 each. Shannonbridge gradually got the upper hand, helped by a man of the match performance from John Egan, at centre field and the accuracy of Kieran Flannery up front, to finish strongly on a score line of 1-16 to 1-9.
Team: L. Griffin, M. Moloney, R. O’Connor, M. Darcy, S. Flannery (0-1), W. Keena, P. Moloney, J. Egan (0-1), C. Killeen, P. Deeley (0-2), N. Price (0-1), P. Kelly (1-1), K. Kelly (0-1), P. Egan, K. Flannery (0-8). Subs: T. Mahon (0-1) and J. Guinan.

Division Four League.
Shannonbridge came from behind to record a hard fought win against Kilclonfert, on Sunday, at the away venue. They were eight points in arrears early in the second half, 0-2 to 0-8, when goal from John Turley put them back in the game. They lost Joe Duffy through injury, with ten minutes remaining. Best wishes to Joe for a quick recovery. A good second half performance saw Shannonbridge close the game with just one point to spare - 1-9 to 0-11.
Team: C. Kelly, J. Duffy, Adrian Kelly, M. Moloney, S. Flannery, P. Moloney, L. Duffy, M. Carty, J. Killeen (0-1), D. Fitzgerald, Anthony Kelly (0-4), P. Kelly (0-3), J. Guinan (0-1), J, Turley (1-0), G. Quirke.

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
There was no winner of last week’s jackpot. The numbers drawn were 1, 11, 15, 23 and there were two match three winners. This week’s jackpot is €6,200.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter Sunday 27th March 2011 – 3 Lent A 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 on First Fri until 5pm Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €406. Many Thanks Church Cleaners: A.Ryan, L.Turley, M.Mitchell Eucharistic ministers: Group 4 Readers for next Weekend: Group 2, M.Anderson, E.Quinn Altar Servers for this week: Oisín, Andrea, Stephanie Mass on next Sat eve for Francie & Thomas Coleman & family deceased ‘Many thanks for your contributions to the Lourdes Fund, which realised €355 in Shannonbridge.’ ¨¨¨¨ Clonfanlough Mass on the First Fri @ 7pm Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €253. Many Thanks Church Cleaners: K.Norton, H.Darcy Readers for next Sunday: D.Boland Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 2 Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: D.McEvoy Mass on next Sun for Jim & Cis Shea & family deceased Questions people ask. Q. Who or what were the Samaritans? A. The Samaritans were the survivors of the northern tribes who broke away from Judah (Jews) because of excessive taxation for the temple and the king. Their territory was taken over by the Assyrians who planted the land with five pagan tribes, each with their own religious worship. Elements of these religions eventually got absorbed into the Israelite religion, leaving the Samaritans with a seriously compromised faith. ¨¨¨¨ Shannonbridge ARA Evening meal & get together, which was postponed from Christmas, will now take place on Fri 8th April @ 7.30 pm in the Old Fort. All are welcome. Reply to Mae on 9674143, or Kieran on 9674169. ¨¨¨¨ Workshop in Church Music for Choirs & music directors etc. Tues 29th March from 7.30-10pm, in Scoil an Chroí Naofa Hall, Society Street, Ballinasloe, facilitated by Ian Callanan, composer of Liturgical Music, and member of National Committee preparing for the International Eucharistic Congress to be held in 2012. For more info call 9643916. Donation to cover costs €5 per person on night. ¨¨¨¨ Scripture Reading & Prayer for Lent You are invited to join the Ursulines & other Christians @ Ard Chiaráin, Rachrabeg on Mondays during Lent, from 8-8.45pm. ¨¨¨¨ St Ciaran’s Community Alert “Many thanks to all who supported the recent fundraising quiz, and to all sponsors of prizes. Your support is greatly appreciated.” ¨¨¨¨ Ferbane Bereavement Group ‘An afternoon of prayer & reflection towards healing’ in Ard Chiaráin on this Sun from 2-5pm. All are welcome to join us for peace & healing. ¨¨¨¨ ECDL Training will soon start in Crank House. Call Carmel, 057-9152003 ¨¨¨¨ ‘Many thanks for your contributions to the” Oesophageal Cancer Fund”: Shannonbridge, €318. Clonfanlough, €124.80’.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Shannonbridge GAA Club Notes

League Division Two.
Shannonbridge overcame Kilclonfert last Friday night, at Geashill, on a score line of 1-15 to 1-4. The teams were level at half time, 0-6 to 1-3, after a Kilclonfert goal in the twenty fifth minute wiped out a five points to three advantage. Shannonbridge eased away in the second half with some good points and were not threatened after a goal from Peadar Kelly established a six point lead in the eleventh minute. Team: D. Kelly, M. Moloney, J. Egan, M. Darcy, P. Moloney, W. Keena, S. Flannery, C. Killeen (0-1), R. O’Connor (0-1), P. Kelly (1-3), N. Price (0-3), P. Deeley (0-4), K. Kelly, P. Egan, G. Quirke (0-1). Subs: K. Flannery (0-2) and L. Duffy.

Fixtures.
Division Two League v Bracknagh, at Shannonbridge, on Saturday 26th , 5pm. Division Four League v Kilclonfert, at Klclonfert, on Sunday 27th , 12 noon.

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
There was no winner of last week’s jackpot. The numbers drawn were 1, 14, 16, 17. There was one match three winner. The jackpot this week is €6,000.
Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 20th March 2011 – 2 Lent A
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: €458. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: K.Price, C.Curley, P.Anderson
Eucharistic ministers: Group 3
Readers for next Weekend: Group 1, D.Finnerty, P.Corbett
Altar Servers for this week: Siobhán, Sarah, Alisa, Ciarán
Mass on next Sun for the late John Joe Egan & Margaret O’Shea

¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Mass for Lent on Tues @ 7pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €318. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Halligan, M.Kelly
Readers for next Sunday: A.Rohan
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 1
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: B.Coughlan
Mass on next Sun for the late Francie Devery

‘First Confession’ in Clonfanlough Church on Thurs @ 7pm

Scripture Reading & Prayer for Lent
You are invited to join the Ursulines & other Christians @ Ard Chiaráin, Rachrabeg on Mondays during Lent, from 8-8.45pm.

Offaly Holy Land Pilgrimage: 19 – 28th Oct 2011.
Direct from Dublin, 10 days - €1,145 P.P.S. half board, including all taxes. For further info contact Fr Tom Cox, Ferbane, 090-6454309
¨¨¨¨
Enrolment of new pupils in Clonmacnois School
We ask those who intend to enrol new pupils in the School to inform the Principal before Mon 21st March, at 090-9674150
¨¨¨¨
Coffee morning for Daffodil Day
Fri 25th March after 10am Mass, in Killeens. Please support, & bring a friend.
¨¨¨¨
World Youth Day, – 10th – 26th Aug 2011 - Madrid
If you wish to be part of the Ardagh & Clonmacnois Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage, book your passage now by contacting Fr Patsy McDermott, on 090-6473358 or 087-6505882. A parish may subsisidise a suitable person.
This is for young adults aged 17 – 35 years.
¨¨¨¨
Ardagh & Clonmacnois Pilgrimage to Lourdes, 27th May-1st June
Flights from Knock; fully inclusive price €699.
For more info contact Joe Walsh Tours, tel. 01-2410812.
Pilgrimage director is Fr B. Noonan; for the invalids, Fr M. Scanlon.
¨¨¨¨

First Anniversary of Pope’s letter to the Irish Catholics
To mark this occasion the Irish bishops wish to bring the following 3 initiatives to our attention.
Publication of their pastoral response ‘Towards Healing & Renewal’, soon to be published.
A new counselling & support service for survivors of abuse, to continue the important work of ‘Faoiseamh'.
Listening & consultation exercises have been taking place.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Offaly Arts Month - Architecture event

As part of Offaly Arts Month, there is an architecture exhibition planned to occur in Shannonbridge over the coming weeks. Details are below, if any persons or groups want to take part then please contact the organiser Mike Haslam on his email address - mike@solearth.com.

----------------------
Slowweave/Offaly Project Caelan Bristow & Michael Haslam
March - May 2011
As part of Engage - Architecture Month May 2011
Offaly County Council/Arts Office
Introduction,
Project Concept: The Slowweave project expresses the fresh awareness of our surroundings that can happen when we tune in to our senses. We notice the elaborate tapestry in the way in which people and creatures inhabit the space surrounding & within architecture, layered with the effect of raindrops on the pavement or the shape of a shadow on a wall. We start to hear interesting sounds that tell us about whatʼs happening around us, informing of unseen activities happening at every moment.

Slowweave was developed by Caelan Bristow for the Slow Architecture & Place
exhbition 2010, which took place on a barge travelling along the Grand Canal from
Tullamore to Dublin during September & October 2010. Slowweave was inspired by previous projects on the gathering of site experience. George Perecʼs classic text “Tentative dʼepuisement dʼun lieu parisien“ (1974) conveys the infinite scope of sensory information we may experience in a place when we open our eyes, ears, etc. William H. Whyteʼs 10-year research produced a book and film entitled “The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces” (1980), a rich and colourful expression of the way we use public space, relevant even today. The Slowweave project was also influenced by “Learning to Love you More”, a web-based participatory art project developed by artists Harrell Fletcher and Miranda July in which thousands of participants completed and exchanged some 63 “assignments” on the website.

Project Outline: In Slowweave/Offaly, participating observers are invited to complete a series of exercises at a selected site. The exercises are generally space-related, and require the participant to record their observations in some way (using drawings, photography, film, audio recordings etc). Some exercises focus on observing people and some deal with the self within the space. Some focus on qualities of light and shadow. Some require creative thinking and some will require the observer to list a series of elements. The compiled exercises will provide an individualʼs interpretation of the given place.

1. Who can participate?
Everyone in the community. Individuals or groups of 2 recommended.

2. Where are the selected sites for completing the given exercises?
Shannonbridge visitor centre & bridge Village

3. Where is information about the project available?
Local libraries, tourist information offices, shops, and post offices will have maps & instructions available from mid-March. Instructions will be available in booklet format and on the project website.

4. What is the participant required to do?
The participating observers will have a list of exercises to complete with instructions (available from March 9th 2011). They may complete as many as they choose. Here are some examples of the exercises:
- draw or describe a shape
- photograph a reflection
- record fleeting voices, phrases, comments, exclamations, knocks, beeps, honks, tweets, etc
- write a very short story about something you see, smell, hear (less than a page)
- list all types of human industry evident


If anyone wants a full copy of the full information document send an email to kerrill@gmail.com

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Shannonbridge GAA Club Notes

Annual Dinner and Presentation.
One hundred club members and friends gathered in the Old Fort Restaurant last weekend to celebrate the achievements of 2010. Special guests were recently retired Clonmacnoise Principal, Liam Broderick and his wife Marion. Medals were presented to the Division Five League winners. Presentations were also made to the Junior and Intermediate Players of the year, John Guinan and Kieran Flannery and to Offaly Referee of the year Damien Brazil. Well done to all.

Congratulations.
Congratulations to Shannonbridge players Daragh Corbett and Daragh Fitzgerald and Gallen Community School, Ferbane, who defeated Colaiste Bhride, Carnew, in the Leinster Vocational Schools Senior A Football Final.

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
There was no winner of last week’s jackpot and no match three winners. The numbers drawn were 3, 6, 14 and 25. An extra €200 has been added for this week’s draw and the jackpot is €5,800.

Membership.
Closing date for membership is 31st March. Please pay to Conor Killeen or Pat Joe Kelly.



14.03.2011.

Sunday, March 13, 2011


Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 13th March 2011 – 1st Lent A
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge: Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12 noon, Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough – Sunday, 10.30am

Shannonbridge
Masses: Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat @ 10am. Thurs is the Feast of St Patrick, a Holy Day: Vigil Mass on Wed @ 8pm, which will be said for the late Darren Egan. Mass on Thurs @ 12 noon, which will be said for the late Pat Killeen and her parents.
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €525. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.McManus, C.Slattery, A.Corbett
Eucharistic ministers: Group 2
Readers for next Weekend: Group 6, ?, D.O’Carroll
Altar Servers for this week: Athene, Saul, Jack

¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Mass for Lá le Pádraig ( a Holy Day) on Thurs @ 10.30am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €232. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J.Noble, D.Fitzgerald
Readers for next Sunday: H.Coughlan
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 3
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: A.Rohan
Mass on next Sun for the late Joe Darcy

Trócaire boxes are now available in the Church


Scripture Reading & Prayer for Lent
In a recent publication by Pope Benedict, called ‘Verbum Domini’, meaning ‘Word of the Lord’ he stresses the importance of God’s word in the life and mission of the Church. Reading & reflecting on God’s word is often called Lectio Divina, or Sacred Reading.
It is one of the oldest forms of prayer in the Church. There are 3 simple stages in this method: lectio, meditatio, oratio, meaning reading, reflection, prayer. it is suitable for everyone.
You are invited to join the Ursulines & other Christians @ Ard Chiaráin, Rachrabeg on Mondays during Lent, from 8-8.45pm.
¨¨¨¨
Questions people ask (Fr O’Flynn – Intercom) Q. Giving up something for Lent is good but what might I do to make Lent have a deeper impact on my life? A. Lent begins with Jesus identifying and rejecting the temptations that would lead him away from his mission. We should try to identify how we are being misled from our true calling. Three questions come to mind. Am I too concerned about material things and trivialities which really do not matter? Am I too self-centred and unresponsive to others? Am I really serious about my relationship with God? ‘You must worship the Lord your God, and serve him alone.’
¨¨¨¨
Ardagh & Clonmacnois Pilgrimage to Lourdes, 27th May-1st June
Flights from Knock; fully inclusive price €699.
For more info contact Joe Walsh Tours, tel. 01-2410812.
Pilgrimage director is Fr B. Noonan; for the invalids, Fr M. Scanlon.
If you would like to travel as an invalid please let us know ASAP
¨¨¨¨
Enrolment of new pupils in Clonmacnois School
We ask those who intend to enrol new pupils in the School to inform the Principal before Mon 21st March, at 090-9674150
¨¨¨¨
Night Prayer Vigil in Clonmacnois Prayer Centre
Fri 18th March, beginning with Mass @ 10pm. Adoration follows and finishes at 3.10am. All welcome. Enquiries Dave 085-7746763
¨¨¨¨
St Ciaran’s Community Alert
Will hold a fundraising table quiz in Killeens on 18th March, starting @ 9.30pm. Table of 4, €20. Raffle on the night. Please continue your support for this worthwhile community endeavour.



Sunday, March 06, 2011


Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 6th March 2011 – 9 A
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 also on Ash Wed @ 8pm to mark the start of Lent including blessing & signing of Ashes.
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €494. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J.Kelly, M.Killeen, A.Keena
Eucharistic ministers: Group 1
Readers for next Weekend: Group 5, M.Anderson, C.Doolan
Altar Servers for this week: Oisín, Andrea, Stephanie
Mass on next Sun for James McBride & family deceased

¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Mass on ASH WED @ 7pm with blessing & signing of Ashes
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €215. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: C.Healy, T.Milner
Readers for next Sunday: A.& L. Devery
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 2
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: K.Kelly
Mass on next Sun for the late Paddy & Francie Kelly & family

Meeting of Parish P. C. on Tues @ 8pm in Shannonbridge


Questions people ask (Fr O’Flynn – Intercom) Q. What do you think of people who are always praying or reading holy books but never lift a hand to help somebody? A. These people are said to be so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good. It is a false piety which is used as an escape from the harsh demands of practical charity. In today’s Gospel Jesus touches on the point: ‘It is not those who say to me “Lord, Lord”, who will enter the kingdom of heaven but the person who does the will of my Father in heaven.’ Talk is cheap and actions speak more loudly than words. St John asked, how can you say you love God whom you’ve never seen if you don’t love the person whom you do see?
¨¨¨¨
St Ciaran’s Community Alert
Will hold a fundraising table quiz in Killeens on 18th March, starting @ 9.30pm. Table of 4, €20. Raffle on the night. Please continue your support for this worthwhile community endeavour.
¨¨¨¨
Ballinasloe Substance Misuse Response Group
The official launch of this group will take place in Haydens Hotel @ 7pm on 7th March. All welcome. This group tries to provide a community response to substance abuse in Ballinasloe & surrounding areas, through creating awareness & promoting positive alternatives.
¨¨¨¨
Ballinasloe Flower & Garden Club
Talk on organic vegetable growing in Gullanes Hotel on 9th March @ 8pm
¨¨¨¨
Umbra Clothing Collection
‘Supporting education of poor children in Africa’, Wed 9th March, before 12 noon at Shannonbridge & Clonfanlough Parish Hall car parks.
¨¨¨¨
Workshop in Church Music for Choirs & music directors etc.
Tues 15th March from 7-10pm, in Scoil an Chroí Naofa Hall, Society Street, Ballinasloe, facilitated by Ian Callanan, composer of Liturgical Music, and member of National Committee preparing for the International Eucharistic Congress to be held in 2012.
Donation to cover costs €5 per person on night.
For more info call 9643916.

Thursday, March 03, 2011

GATEKEEPER COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMME

GROW Community Mental Health Movement in conjunction with the HSE are organising a Gatekeepers Community Education Programme in The Prince of Wales Hotel, Athlone.
The five week course starts on Tuesday 15th March at 7 30pm. All are welcome and is free of charge.
The topics to be covered are :- Understanding your mental health, Challenges and stresses facing vulnerable people, Life coping skills and strategies, Stress management and change, Suicide, Substance abuse and addiction, Bereavement and loss and Testimonies.
For further information contact the Midland Region GROW Office 057 93 51124.

TOURIST INFORMATION & COMMUNITY OFFICE

If you would like to promote an event or business, or avail of office facilities call in to the Tourist Information & Community Office and see how we can help. Any local artists wishing to display their work are very welcome also.

Ballinasloe Substance Misuse Response Group

The official launch of the Ballinasloe Substance Misuse Response Group will take place in Haydens Hotel, Ballinasloe on Monday 7th March at 7pm. The group endeavours to provide a community response to substance misuse issues in Ballinasloe and surrounding areas through creating awareness and promoting positive alternatives. If you would like to find out more about the group or get involved come along on the night.

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

St Ciarans Community Alert

To facilitate further development within the area a fundraising table quiz will be held in Killeens on March 18th commencing at 9 30. Raffle on the night. So come along and bring a team! Table of 4 = 20 euro. We look forward to your continued support for this important initiative.