Offaly Cancer Support Group Fundraiser

Eight Annual Dochas Run.
The eight annual run / walk in aid of Dochas - Offaly Cancer Support Group, takes place this Sunday, 1st May in Tullamore. The four mile event starts from Tullamore Harriers, at 11.30am, with an entry fee of €15.00 or by sponsorship card. Cards are available from the local Dochas Coordinator, Pat Corbett or from Dochas at 05793 28268. All support greatly appreciated for this worthy cause..

Shannonbridge GAA Club Notes

Division Four Football League.
Shannonbridge defeated Bracknagh by 1-15 to 0-9, at home, on Thursday last. They were leading by five points to two when an Adrian Kelly goal set them on their way, with the half time score of 1-11 to 0-3. Team: C. Kelly, C. Egan, C. Norton, M. Moloney (0-1), M. Kilduff, C. Kenny, Aidan Kelly, Adrian Kelly (1-1), J. Killeen, Anthony Kelly (0-4), R. Ryan (0-2), P. Moloney (0-1), J. Guinan (0-3), K. Kearns (0-2), J. Turley. Subs: P. Kelly (0-1), M. Deeley, L. Duffy, R. Doolan,

Intermediate Football Championship.
Shannonbridge open their championship campaign against Durrow on next Friday night, 29th April, in Ballycumber, at 7pm. All support is very much appreciated.

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
There was no winner of last week’s jackpot. The numbers drawn were 7, 10, 18 and 28 and there were four match three winners. This week’s jackpot is €7,000.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 24th April 2011 – Easter Sun 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 ;( or Communion Service)
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €514. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.McManus, C.Slattery, A.Corbett
Eucharistic ministers: Group 4
Readers for next Weekend: Group 5, M.Anderson, C.Doolan
Altar Servers for this week: Athene, Saul, Jack
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Kieran J. Mannion & family
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €267. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J.Egan, B.Dolan
Readers for next Sunday: E.McEvoy
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 3
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: A.Rohan

Busiime bwa Weele Jn 3.16
"Sikila Weele asiima sibala mala aana Omwana wewe omutelwa, nio buli omundu omusubila alobe khutiba ta, mala anyoole bulamu bukhaliwayo ta".
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!
¨¨¨¨
Which Way to Go
Dr. Seamands tells of a Muslim who became a Christian in Africa. “Some of his friends asked him, ‘Why have you become a Christian?’
He answered, ‘Well, it’s like this. Suppose you were going down the road and suddenly the road forked in two directions, and you didn’t know which way to go, and there at the fork in the road were two men, one dead and one alive—which one would you ask which way to go?’“ (Warren Webster, April, 1980, HIS, p. 13)
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Marriage and Relationship Counselling
“ACCORD offers a safe, professional & confidential service facilitating couples & individuals to explore, reflect upon & resolve difficulties in their relationships & marriages. Further info from Accord in Ballinasloe, Athlone & Tullamore.” Website: www.accord.ie
¨¨¨¨
Clare Burren Marathon Challenge 21st May
“Take part for your favourite charity, for fun, for fitness, for a family day out. Choice of Full, Mini, U16s marathon. More info call 087-7779714.
¨¨¨¨
Pearl S. Buck, a famous author, observed that "we learn as much from sorrow as from joy, as much from illness as from health, as much from handicap as from advantage—and, indeed, perhaps more."… "Suffering and pain and confusion are realities in the lives of us all—but in learning to cope without losing hope, in learning from those realities and accepting the lessons learned in humility and patience, we become capable of growth, re-creation, transformation—and resurrection."

Why did Christianity arise, and why did it take the shape it did? The early Christians themselves reply: We exist because of Jesus' resurrection. … There is no evidence for a form of early Christianity in which the resurrection was not a central belief.

Late Jim Higgins, Clondelara.

The parish lost a popular resident last week with the passing of Jim Higgins. Jim, who had reached the great age of 96 years, was a farmer and also worked in Bord na Mona. A gentleman of the old school, he will be missed. Predeceased by his wife Mary Kate and grandson James, he is survived by his sons Noel and Padraig, daughters Detta and Reenie, grandchildren, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace.

Shannonbridge GAA Club

Division Two League v St. Rynaghs.
Shannonbridge were unlucky to lose last week’s game, by the minimum margin, against St. Rynaghs, at Shannonbridge. In a close fought game, the home side started better and led by 0-4 to nil after 12 minutes; the scores coming from N. Price, P. Kelly, K. Kelly and K. Flannery. Unfortunately, they were unable to press home their advantage and poor shooting meant that only one more point was scored before the interval, with St. Rynaghs scoring twice to leave the half time score 0-5 to 0-2. The second half opened with a super save by Liam Griffin, before St. Rynaghs narrowed the gap to two points. Shannonbridge increased the margin to three points by the twentieth minute (0-8 to 0-5) but could not get the insurance score. St. Rynaghs netted with ten minutes to go and in a frantic finish secured the points with the last score of the game two minutes from time; full time score 0-8 to 1-6.
Team: L. Griffin, P. Moloney, R. O’Connor, M. Darcy, T. Mahon, W. Keena, S. Flannery, C. Killeen, J. Egan, P. Deeley (0-1), P. Egan, P. Kelly (0-1), K. Kelly (0-1), N. Price (0-1), K. Flannery (0-4).

Division Two League v Daingean.
Shannonbridge travelled to Daingean on Saturday evening and secured a win by 1-13 to 0-5. The score was five points to two after twenty minutes when Shannonbridge were awarded a penalty as Peadar Kelly was fouled racing through on goal. This was calmly converted by Karol Kelly and the result was not in doubt thereafter, with the home side outscored by five points to one in the second half. Team: L. Griffin, P. Moloney, R. O’Co0nnor, M. Darcy, S. Flannery(0-1), W. Keena, N. Price, J. Egan, T. Mahon, P. Deeley (0-6), P. Egan, P. Kelly (0-1), J. Guinan, K. Kelly (1-1), K. Flannery (0-2). Subs: K. Kearns (0-2), K. Egan, R. Ryan, G, Quirke.

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
There was no winner of last week’s jackpot. The numbers drawn were 2, 15, 19 and 27 and there was one match three winner. This week’s jackpot is €6,800.

Sympathy.
The club extends its sympathy to the family of the late Jim Higgins. May he rest in peace.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter Sunday 17th April 2011 - Passion/ Palm 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 @ 10am Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €397. Many Thanks Church Cleaners: J.Kelly, M.Killeen, A.Keena Eucharistic ministers: Group 3 Readers for next Weekend: Group as arranged Altar Servers for this week: Oisín, Andrea, Stephanie Mass on next Sat eve for Jack & Katie Shea deceased ¨¨¨¨ Clonfanlough Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €259. Many Thanks Church Cleaners: K.Kenny, A.Kearns Readers for next Sunday: C.Norton Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 2 Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: K.Kelly CELEBRATION OF RECONCILIATION: Tuesday 19th April Clonfanlough: 7.00pm; Shannonbridge: 8pm Confessions also possible after the Good Friday Ceremonies. HOLY WEEK CEREMONIES Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s Supper with a Vigil of Adoration Shannonbridge: 9pm; Clonfanlough: 7pm Good Friday: Celebration of the Lord’s Passion: Shannonbridge: 8pm; Clonfanlough 6pm Also in Shannonbridge @ 3pm: STATIONS OF THE CROSS Good Friday is a day of fast and abstinence. Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil and Mass: Shannonbridge: 9pm; Clonfanlough: 7pm Please bring a candle for the Renewal of Baptismal Promises. Please bring your Trócaire offerings on Holy Thurs or Good Friday Questions people ask: Q. What did Jesus suffer in the agony in Gethsemane? A. The hypostatic union, the unity of divine and human natures in Jesus, is beyond our experience, yet on the ordinary human level we can understand his fear at the prospect of the suffering he was soon to undergo. He suffered in leaving his mother and in thinking of the sword of sorrow piercing her soul, as Simeon had predicted. Traditional meditation books pictured all the filth of sin sweeping over him in a torrent. Deepest of all was the darkness of spirit he suffered in becoming sin, as St Paul put it. The dark dereliction he suffered was that awful sense of alienation from God which is the ultimate pain of hell. 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 "Farmers, IFFPG Bring Centre at Duffy's Hardware Store, Ballydangan, Athlone on Monday 18th April. Bring 6 digit code to avail of discount. Contact 094 98 80251, 0872244945."

Shannonbridge GAA Notes

All Ireland Vocational Schools A Final.
Well done to Gallen Community School, Ferbane, on their tremendous All Ireland Final win over Clonakilty C.C. in Croke Park last Saturday.

Congratulations.
Congratulations to Colm and Deirdre Kenny on the recent arrival of their baby son, Oisin. No doubt a future corner back for Shannonbridge.

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
There was no winner of last week’s jackpot. The numbers drawn were 4, 19, 23 and 24 and there were four match three winners. This week’s jackpot is €6,600.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter Sunday 10th April 2011 – 5 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: €620. Many Thanks Church Cleaners: G.Brennan, D.Deeley, V.Hynes Eucharistic ministers: Group 2 Readers for next Weekend: Group 4, S.Grennan, P.Duffy Altar Servers for this week: Siobhán, Sarah, Alisa, Ciarán Mass on next Sat eve for the late Jerry Greene Mass on next Sun for the late David Macklin ¨¨¨¨ Clonfanlough Mass for Lent on Mon @7pm Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €227. Many Thanks Church Cleaners: E.Egan, A.McEvoy Readers for next Sunday: C.Rigney Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 1 Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: P.Darcy Mass on next Sun for the Corrigan family deceased (Lakefield) Meeting of Parish P.C. on Mon @ 7.30pm in Clonfanlough ¨¨¨¨ Night Prayer Vigil in Clonmacnois Prayer Centre Fri 15th April, beginning with Mass @ 10pm. Adoration follows and finishes at 3.10am. All welcome. Enquiries Dave 085-7746763 Mass every Wed @ 7.30pm. ¨¨¨¨ 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. ¨¨¨¨ Questions people ask : Q. Lazarus was dead for four days before Jesus woke him from the dead. Where was his spirit for that period? Did he face his judgement after death?A. We really do not know. Physical death is pronounced when the vital organs cease to function and can no longer support life. However, the departure of the spirit on its final journey towards the revealing light of God’s glory may not happen immediately. That is why the Church recommends prayers of absolution over somebody pronounced dead. The reason underlying the traditional wake is to accompany the departing spirit on its journey from this life. Many of those who had near death experiences told of being on a journey towards a great light. Perhaps we might say of Lazarus that he was dead but not yet departed. ¨¨¨¨ Ballinasloe Flower & Garden Club Flower arranging Demonstration by Kathleen Sheedy, Thurles, in Gullanes Hotel on Wed 13th April @ 8pm. ¨¨¨¨ “The greatest gifts you can give to your children are the roots of responsibility & the wings of independence.” (Denis Waitley) “Education is knowing where to go to find out what you need to know; And knowing how to use the information you get.” (William Feather) "In order to speak short upon any subject, think long." (H. Brackenridge) 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 Ferbane GAA in association with Gallen Community School present An Evening of Fashion, in Gallen Community School, Ferbane Tuesday 12th April @ 8pm Tickets: €10.00 from committee members & various local outlets.

Shannonbridge GAA Notes

Well Done.
Well done and best wishes for the final to Gallen Community School, Ferbane, including Shannonbridge players Darragh Corbett and Darragh Fitzgerald, who defeated Holy Trinity, Cookstown by 2-13 to 1-14 in the All Ireland Vocational Schools A Semi final on Saturday.

Table Quiz.
The ladies football team are holding a fund raising table quiz in Killeen’s on next Friday night, 8th April, at 9.00 pm. All support appreciated.

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
There was no winner of last week’s jackpot. The numbers drawn were 3, 8, 17, 28 and there were three match three winners. This week’s jackpot is €6,400.

Local News

Late Michael Blehein, Gurteen, Ballinasloe.
The death has occurred of Michael Blehein, father of Maureen Thornhill, Shannonbridge. Michael, who had reached the great age of 97 years, was laid to rest yesterday in Ballymacward after 3pm Mass in Gurteen. May he rest in peace.

Shannonbridge Power Station, West Offaly Power.
The power station has closed for six months, for a major refit. The impact of the closure on Bord na Mona and on local tourism was featured on the RTE News during the week. Recently, a Polish lorry bringing material to the power station for the overhaul, overturned on the Clonmacnoise road, resulting in the closure of the road for a day while lorry and load were extracted from the drain.

Gallen Community School in All Ireland Final.
Gallen Community School, Ferbane, have qualified for the All Ireland of the Vocational Schools A Championship in Croke Park, next Saturday. Two Shannonbridge players, Darragh Corbett and Darragh Fitrzgerald feature on the panel. Here's wishing the lads the best of luck.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter Sunday 3rd April 2011 – 4 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: €364. Many Thanks Church Cleaners: M.Darcy, M.Murphy, M.McManus Eucharistic ministers: Group 1 Readers for next Weekend: Group 3, M.Killeen, O.Costello Altar Servers for this week: Athene, Saul, Jack Mass on next Sat eve for the late Paddy Duffy

Mass on next Sun for the late Andrew Lestrange ¨¨¨¨ Clonfanlough Mass for Lent on Thurs @ 7pm Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €213. Many Thanks Church Cleaners: M.Devery, A.Kelly Readers for next Sunday: A.Coughlan Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 3 Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: N.Egan Mass on next Sun for Michael J. Molloy & family deceased Many thanks for your contributions to St Mel’s Cathedral Restoration Fund, which realised €730.00 Questions people ask (Fr O’Flynn-Intercom) Q. Somebody at a prayer meeting said that a person who lives a sinful life will be punished by God with all sorts of bad luck. Is that correct? A. That idea is there in the early Old Testament but it is certainly not the mind of Jesus Christ. There had been a development of doctrine in the meantime. In today’s Gospel Jesus dismissed the claim that a man’s blindness was because of sin on his own part or by his parents. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of God’s love for all people, sinner as well as saint, causing his rain to fall and sun to shine on all, without discrimination. God’s love for all his creatures is never vindictive, even when people live sinful lives. ¨¨¨¨ 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 ¨¨¨¨ Inspiring Quotes “The best inheritance parents can give their children is a few minutes of their time each day.” (Orlando A.Battista) “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have enough; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” ( F.D. Roosevelt) ¨¨¨¨ Many thanks to all who supported our Collection for ‘Daffodil Day’, which realised €1080.14. Also a big ‘thank you’ to Killeens for their hospitality in hosting the ‘Coffee Morning’. ¨¨¨¨ Ferbane GAA in association with Gallen Community School present An Evening of Fashion, in Gallen Community School, Ferbane Tuesday 12th April @ 8pm Tickets: €10.00 from committee members & various local outlets.