St. Ciaran's Community Alert

St. Ciarans Community Alert are currently preparing a submission for the Seniors Alert Scheme for personal and home security equipment. If you or someone you know would like to avail of this scheme please contact a member of the committee. Having this equipment installed will improve your safety and give greater peace of mind.

Christmas Shoebox Appeal

If you would like to bring joy and happiness to children in need why not join in the Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal and fill a shoebox or two, make a donation or help out at collection centre. Boxes may be left into Clonmacnois National School or Tourist & Community Office Shannonbridge on or before November 11th. Last year 179,759 shoeboxes went from Ireland to destinations in Eastern Europe and Africa bringing joy, happiness & hope to thousands of children. More details available from www.teamhope.ie / 01 2940222 or Helen Glynn 09064 37914 or Martha Murphy 086 7955188.

Chess for Beginners

Chess for beginners starts on Monday 10th October in Shannonbridge Hall at 7:30pm. All welcome. For more information ph. 085 2380073

St. Ciarans Youth Club

St. Ciarans Youth Club re-opens on Friday October 7 at Clonfanlough Hall at 7:30pm. Registration on the night. New members must be 8 years or older & accompanied by parent/guardian to complete registration. A full programme of events has been planned so come along and have fun. Any parents wishing to become leaders in the club can enlist on the night also. We look forward to the continued support of parents/guardians for the coming year.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 25th Sept 2011 – 26 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: €400. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: G.Brennan, D.Deeley, V.Hynes
Ministers of Holy Communion: Group 2
Readers for next Weekend: Group 3, M.Killeen, O.Costello
Altar Servers for this week: Siobhán, Sarah, Alisa
Mass on next Sun for the late Oliver Macklin
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Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €268. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: B.Kilduff, E.Kilduff
Readers for next Sunday: C.Norton
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 1
Minister of Holy Communion for next Sunday: P.Darcy
Mass on next Sun for the late Andy Rocke

Station Mass on next Thurs @the home of Breda & Brendan Maleney, Glebe, @ 7.30pm
Many thanks to all who contributed to the ‘Coffee Morning’ in aid of Offaly Hospice, which realised €300.
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Questions people askQ. I don’t mean to sound disrespectful, but if Our Lady is regularly transmitting messages to certain visionaries, then why did she not send a warning about a tsunami which caused so many deaths and suffering in Japan? A message would have saved so much suffering. A. Actually I too wrestle with the same question. In my mind it raises the question of the authenticity of these visions and messages. I have no doubts about Mary’s concern for her children on earth. These messages, as far as I know, never address the great problems of injustice, war, inequality or famine.
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Shannonbridge/Doon/Ferbane Ladies Football Club will have a textile collection to raise funds for the club – clean adult’s &children’s clothing, shoes, hats, belts & bags. On 1st Oct, at Shannonbridge Hall, 10-12noon; at Clonfanlough Hall 12-2pm. For more info call Anne Corbett on 087-1246419, or Anne McEvoy on 086-4043928
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Ballinasloe Substance Misuse Response Group will hold their AGM on next Wed @ 7pm in Haydens Hotel.
The BSMRG is opened every Thurs eve from 6.30 to 7.30pm for information & support. Family Support Group is opened from 8-9pm. This is confidential & free. Call 085-8170677 or 087-3521213.
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Music Workshop in Athlone – Tues 27th September @ 8pm
In St Mary’s Church with Charles O’Connor, Sligo, and Fr Turlough Baxter on the new music to accompany the New Edition of the Missal.
‘Sing the Mass’ is a new collection of music that has been compiled to accompany the new translation of the Missal. This comes in a People’s edition & an organ edition with a CD ROM, which can be used to reproduce music for parish purposes.
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Enrolment for eve Classes in Athlone Community College will be held in the College on next Mon & Tues 26th & 27th Sep, 7.30 – 9.30pm

Shannonbridge GAA

Thanks to John Dowling.
The end of this year’s Intermediate Championship run also brought the curtain down on John Dowling’s two year reign as Shannonbridge manager. This was John’s second spell as manager, having previously taken charge of our club, for three years in the 1990s. During that time he guided them to their first senior county final appearance in 1994. The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks and appreciation for all his hard work and for the dedication and expertise he brought to the position. Many thanks John and best wishes for the future.
Sincere thanks to our intermediate team selectors Joe Duffy, John Ryan, Pakie Brazil and Des McEvoy and to our junior management team of Gerry Quirke, Tom Moore and Frank Guinan. Also thanks to Niall O’Shea, Johnny Grehan and Edel Turley and to all who helped in any way with our teams.

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
There was no winner of last week’s jackpot. The numbers drawn were 3, 9, 11 and 21 and there were nine match three winners. This week’s jackpot is €4,8
00.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 18th Sept 2011 – 25 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: €450. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Darcy, M.Murphy, M.McManus
Ministers of Holy Communion: Group 1
Readers for next Weekend: Group 2, M.Anderson, E.Quinn
Altar Servers for this week: Athene, Saul, Jack
‘Months Mind’ Mass for Kieran Curley next Sat eve
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Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €210. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: B.Kenny, M.Lantry
Readers for next Sunday: A.Coughlan
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 3
Minister of Holy Communion for next Sunday: N.Egan
Mass on next Sun for the Guinan family deceased

Many thanks to all who helped in any way to facilitate, prepare for and celebrate Pattern Day in Clonmacnois last Sunday; and to all those who provided refreshments. Many people provided their services very generously, and it is much appreciated.

Questions people askQ. I go to Mass at 12 noon every Saturday. Am I still obliged to go to Mass on Sunday? A. The law of the Church speaks of the Sunday obligation but I don’t like the word ‘obliged’ in the context of the Eucharist. In a tradition that goes back to the Apostles, Sunday has been the day when Christians gather for the celebration of the Lord’s saving death and resurrection. In accordance with biblical understanding, Sunday’s liturgical time commences on Saturday evening, hence the Saturday Vigil Mass. It’s great that you go to Mass on Saturday but Sunday Eucharis t is special.
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Station Masses
This is the time of year when we celebrate the ‘Station Masses’, a long-standing tradition in Ireland, and an unbroken link with the faith and practice of our ancestors. We are looking for volunteers to host the Station Mass, even if it is not your ‘turn’, or/and having it for the first time; or you may simply wish to have Mass in your home. We would encourage people to keep the occasion as simple as possible. We do not this to be a burden on anybody.
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Music in the Liturgy
Music & Singing are a vital part of good Liturgy. We are very grateful to all those who provide this for us in both Shannonbridge & Clonfanlough.
We are now looking for new members to join in the singing and music in both Churches. “Those who sing pray twice” – (St Augustine)
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Shannonbridge GAA Minor Club will hold a fund raising Table Quiz on Fri 23rd Sept in Shannonbridge Hall @ 7.00pm. Tables of 4, €20.00
Any support greatly appreciated.

Shannonbridge/Doon/Ferbane Ladies Football Club will have a textile collection to raise funds for the club – clean adult’s &children’s clothing, shoes, hats, belts & bags. On 1st Oct, at Shannonbridge Hall, 10-12noon; at Clonfanlough Hall 12-2pm. For more info call Anne Corbett on 087-1246419, or Anne McEvoy on 086-4043928

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 11th Sept 2011 – 24 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: €370. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: A.Ryan, L.Turley, M.Mitchell
Eucharistic ministers: Group 4
Readers for next Weekend: Group 1, D.Finnerty, P.Corbett
Altar Servers for this week: Oisín, Andrea, Stephanie

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Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €256. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J.Egan, B.Dolan
Readers for next Sunday: D.Boland
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 2
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: D.MeEvoy
Mass on next Sun for the late Lena & Michael O’Shea

Shannonbridge ARA will resume meetings on Tues 13th Sept @ 10.30am
Mass for start of year in Ard Chiaráin on this Mon @ 7.30pm
Night Prayer Vigil in Clonmacnois Prayer Centre
Fri 16th Sept, beginning with Mass @ 10pm. Adoration follows and finishes at 3.10am. All welcome. Enquiries Dave 085-7746763
Mass every Wed @ 7.30pm.
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Coffee Morning in aid of Offaly Hospice in Killeens after Mass on next Thurs 15th Sept. Please support.
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Ballinasloe Flower & Garden Club
Flower Demo by Helen Lucas in Gullanes on Wed 14th Sept @ 8pm.
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Offaly Mental Health Talk Week – 12th -17th September
The aim of the week is to raise awareness about mental health issues, and to provide a showcase for the supports that exist in the local communities. Events are organised for Tullamore, Birr, Banagher, Clara & Ferbane on various mental health topics such as, building resilience, coping with stress, depression & suicide awareness. All events are free.
For more info call 057-9357460 or visit www.omhtw.ie
Breaking the Chains of Mental Illness Stigma: Guinness world record attempt & Family Fun Day, next Sat 3-6pm, Charleville Estate Tullamore
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“Rashina Vintage Club Threshing & Field day on Sun 18th Sept in Doon, in aid of local charities. All welcome!”
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Church –gate Collection on nest weekend in aid of ‘Brainwave’
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Questions people ask (Fr O’Flynn – Intercom) Q. Does God intervene on earth? If so, why in some cases and not in others? A. We believe that God intervened mightily on earth in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He told us to ask, to search and to knock on the door. He told parables about persevering in prayer but he never said that every petition would be answered directly. He gave the example of how a loving parent answers a child but not by giving anything that would be dangerous. We must allow that God, with a wider view of affairs and a timescale that reaches into eternity, answers our prayer in a way that we may not perceive at the moment.

Offaly Mental Health TALK Week

Events continue in Tullamore, Clara and Ferbane this evening and tomorrow. Taking place in Tullamore this evening is a talk on 'Mindfulness Practice' in the Tullamore Court Hotel at 7pm. Also in the Tullamore Court Hotel is a talk on 'Stress in the Workplace' starting at 8pm.

Events for Friday are as follows:

Suicide Awareness in Clara Family Resource Centre from 11:30am - 12:30pm

Introduction to Meditation & Relaxation (booking essential) in Clara Holistic Centre from 10:00am - 11:00am

Positive Wellbeing in Gallen School Ferbane from 10:00am - 11:00am

AWARE talk in Gallen School Ferbane from 11:00am - 12:00noon

WRAP Introduction in Ferbane Heritage Centre at 2pm

BREAKING THE CHAINS OF MENTAL ILLNESS STIGMA

Family fun day and Guinness World Record attempt in Charleville Estate Tullamore on Saturday 17th from 3pm - 6pm.

All events are free to attend

For more information ph 057 9357460 / email: info@omhtw.ie / web: www.omhtw.ie

Shannonbridge GAA Minor Club Table Quiz

The Minor Club will hold a fund raising Table Quiz in Shannonbridge Hall, on Friday 23rd September, at 7.00pm. Tables of four €20. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 4th Sept 2011 – 23 A
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge: Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12 noon, Sun;
eekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough – Sunday, 10.30am
Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €825. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: K.Price, C.Curley, P.Anderson
Eucharistic ministers: Group 3
Readers for next Weekend: Group 6, ? D.O’Carroll
Altar Servers for this week: Siobhán, Sarah, Alisa, Ciarán

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Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €166. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: K.Kenny, A.Kearns
Readers for next Sunday: C.Rigney
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 1
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: B.Coughlan

Feast of St Ciaran – Pattern Day
We will celebrate Mass for the feast of St Ciaran, on Fri 9th Sept in Clonmacnois @ 7pm. Pattern Day is Sun 11th Sept; Mass @ 3pm
Again, we are asking all our trusted helpers to carry out their usual duties on the day
Meeting of Parish P.C. in Shannonbridge on this Mon @ 8pm
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Clonmacnois Pilgrim Walk
On Pattern Sun 11th September, beginning @ 12 noon from Ballinahown car park. Bring packed lunch, and wear proper walking shoes and all-weather clothes! For more info contact 090-6473358.
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Introduction of the New Roman Missal - Sun 11th Sept
Some changes are being made in the English translation of this Missal.
They will occur both in the Prayers of the priest and in the people’s responses. From next Sun 11th Sept the new translations will appear in the Missalettes and congregational cards.
The order and structure of the Mass is not changed, nor are the Readings changed. It is hoped, over time, that we will become familiar with these changes, which are being introduced in all English speaking countries.
So please bring your reading glasses, and do your best with the responses! In fact, the Priest has most of the changes to make.
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“The Ganley/Reynolds school of Irish dancing will begin on Mon 5th Sept in Heritage Hall Ferbane @6.30pm. Call 087-6473497”

“Rashina Vintage Club Threshing & Field day on Sun 18th Sept in Doon, in aid of local charities. All welcome!”
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Questions people ask (Fr O’Flynn – Intercom)Q. Why does God not appear in person or by way of a burning bush or booming voice to make it a bit easier to believe? A. Would such a manifestation move people to believe in the sense of committing themselves in mind and heart to God? When God spoke on earth through the life of Jesus Christ, despite his inspiring message and deeds of healing and compassion, he was rejected by many and crucified! ‘If they will not listen either to Moses or to the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone should rise from the dead’ (Luke 16:31). Signs from God are not lacking. People who do not want to believe will somehow find a reason to reject any sign. It’s not wonders that we lack but wonderment.

Shannonbridge GAA Club

Intermediate Football Quarter Final.
No luck for Shannonbridge as they exited the Intermediate Championship, losing their quarter final game to St. Brigid’s by four points, at Tullamore, on Thursday last. Shannonbridge opened the scoring with a Paul Deeley free. In the tenth minute, the ball was prevented from going wide by Kieran Flannery and was dispatched to the net by Peadar Kelly, for a three point lead. A period of dominance for St. Brigid’s saw them score 1-5 without reply on the run up to half time. Score at the interval 1-2 to 1-6.
A goal immediately on the resumption put St. Brigid’s ahead by seven points. Shannonbridge did not give up and their chance to get back into the game came just a minute later when they were awarded a penalty, which was dispatched to the net by Karol Kelly. Three St. Brigid’s points prompted a double substitution in Roger Ryan and Eamon Kelly. Three scores from Kieran Flannery closed the gap to four points. A great save by Liam Griffin in the twentieth minute was followed by a Roger Ryan goal from close range, to leave just three points in it with ten minutes remaining. Unfortunately this was Shannonbridge’s last score and St. Brigid’s held out, under sustained pressure, to take the game 3-5 to 2-12.
Team: L. Griffin, P. Moloney, R. O’Connor, M. Darcy, S. Flannery, N. Price, D. Corbett, C. Killeen, J. Egan, P. Egan, K. Kearns, P. Kelly (1-0), P. Deeley (0-2), K. Kelly (1-0), K. Flannery (0-3). Subs: R. Ryan (1-0), E. Kelly, W. Keena, J. Ryan, D. Kelly.

Junior C Football Semi Final.
Shannonbridge just failed to book their place in the county final, losing to Clonbullogue by a single point. The Co. Board arrangements for this semi final were unsatisfactory, both in the appointment of the referee and the absence of officials, forcing spectators, who had paid the €5 admission, to act as umpires and linesmen. Played in wet and windy conditions at Killurin, Clonbullogue had first use of the elements and opened the scoring with a goal after four minutes. Three pointed frees from Jim Killeen and Anthony Kelly (2) between the 20th and 27th minutes, left the score at 0-3 to 1-0 at half time.
Mid way through the second half Adrian Kelly and Anthony Kelly combined for a goal and a two point lead. This was immediately followed by the decisive score of the match, a goal for Clonbullogue, who held on for a one point win 1-5 to 2-3.
Team: C. Kelly, M. Moloney, K. Coughlan, E. Casey, J. Deeley, C. Kenny, M. Corbett, J. Killeen (0-1), M. Carty, Anthony Kelly (1-3), Donal Corbett, Adrian Kelly, M. Kilduff (0-1), M. Devine, J. Guinan. Subs: M. Deeley, C. Norton, J. Turley, A. Devery, G. Quirke.


Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
There was no winner of last week’s jackpot. The numbers drawn were 5, 7, 9 and 23 and there were seven match three winners. This week’s jackpot is €4,400.

Recent Deaths

Two neighbours from Kilcummin passed away during the week.
Jim Coughlan died in Portiuncla Hospital Ballinasloe on Monday last. He was the brother of Pat Coughlan, Shannonbridge. He is also survived by his brother John, sister Peggy and extended family. He was laid to rest in High St. Cemetary.
Kieran Feeney, passed away on Thursday. He is survived by his brothers Joe and Pat, sister Bridget and family. Kieran was a well known and much loved character throughout west Offaly. His funeral took place to Tissarn Cemetary today.
May they both rest in peace.

Offaly Mental Health TALK Week

BREAKING THE CHAINS OF MENTAL ILLNESS STIGMA

As part of the Offaly Mental Health TALK week programme, a free family fun day and Guinness World Record attempt will take place in Charleville Estate Tullamore from 3 pm to 6 pm on Saturday 17th September. Everyone welcome! For more information tel 057 93 57460 / email: info@omhtw.ie or log onto www.omhtw.ie

Offaly Mental Health TALK Week

Offaly Community Forum and the HSE are launching the Offaly Mental Health TALK Week in the Council Offices Tullamore on Thursday 1st September at 8pm. All are welome. The week of talks begins on Monday 12th September and runs until Saturday 17th September with talks being held in various towns around the county. The following will be held in Ferbane:

Monday 12th September: Building Resilience Gallen School at 8:30 pm

Friday 16th September: WRAP Introduction Ferbane Heritage Centre at 2 pm

Positive Wellbeing Gallen School from 10 am to 11 am

AWARE Talk Gallen School from 11 am to 12 noon

The following will be held in Banagher:

Tuesday 13th September Positive Wellbeing St. Rynaghs College of Further Education

from 1 pm to 2 pm

Suicide Awareness Crank House from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Builing Resilience Crank House from 8:30 pm to 10 pm

Other talks will be held in Birr, Clara, Tullamore, Edenderry and Daingean.

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE TO ATTEND

For a full list of events or more information Telephone 057 93 57460 / email: info@OMHTW.IE

or log onto www.omhtw.ie