Today Tuesday Maureen Kelly arrived home after visiting with
her son Jason in New York.Maureen looked jet lagged after the flight
but she took time to check the Health Center of which she is
caretaker.She was surprised to find a dead bird,a blue tit,resting
on a window. During the recent cold spell the bird must have gained
entry. Maureen told us that Jason is in great form and she enjoyed
the short visit.

Mrs Mary Glennon, 105 years of age, from Moore died on
Friday 15th January and her funeral has taken place on 17th January.
May she rest in peace.

Ray Walsh tells me that comments are being posted on the
www.athlone.ie web-site including some on the recent BBC TV
program 'Three Men Go to Ireland'

On Sunday last a group of 14 local people travelled to Dublin
to attend an afternoon concert in The National Concert Hall.
Titled "Top Hat, White Tie, & Tails" the concert was given by
The Pasadena Roof Orchestra of some nine musicans and two vocalists
and four dancers. It was a very enjoyable show and many of those
attending were able to make use of the free travel on rail and bus.

The RTE Vanbrugh Quartet, made up of artists in residence at
University College Cork,are touring Ireland on a February Tour.
They are scheduled to play Cork / Shannonbridge / Navan / Dublin
and Kilkenny.
They will play Shannonbridge on Friday 5th February at 8.30pm
in The Old Fort Resturant.Tickets are 20 Euros each and includes
a glass of wine.Booking 090 96 74973
They will feature String Quartets by Mozart,Shostakovich and
Beethoven.
Pre concert meal available from 6pm.

Good to see Clare Kennedy from Birr at the weekend. Clare has two children
and has her own Ladies clothes shop in Birr.Clare is a daughter of
Joe Kennedy and the late Sally Kennedy.

Seems that you need a good mobile phone or a fast computer to download
Amhran na bhFiann from Nokia free. From http://short.ie/6d5vdO

John Grenham in his Irish Roots feature in the Irish Times yesterday
tells us that there are some excellent developments on the National
Library site (www.nli.ie)

Pat Killeen spotted a death notice on the paper last week for
McDonald (nee Murphy) Maura,Booterstown,County Dublin. Maura Murphy
was reared in Ballinasloe and her father Jack Murphy was a teacher
in Garbally College. Pat remembered the last time that she had met
Maura was many years ago when Pat and Doc were in Switzers shop in
Dublin. Walking up the stairs she met a woman that looked familiar.
She asked her was she a Murphy and sure enough it was Maura.
Maura leaves a husband Sidney,five children and a sister Deirdre.
May she rest in peace.

West Offaly Education Project have an Awards Night and Enrolement
Evening on Thursday 21st of January in Shannonbridge National School
at 7,30 p.m.They have eight courses on offer and are open to running
other courses if there is interest and sufficient numbers.

Ray Walsh has a car that tells the temperature. Last evening while
travelling from Tullamore to Cloghan he noticed that the temperature
was minus 1C. Some twenty minutes later in Shannonbridge it read 5C.
A plus for Shannonbridge no doubt.

An article on a recent Irish Times told that 'Nokia users abroad dig
the sound of "Amhran na bhFiann".
It seems that a free download teaches the words of Amhran na bhFiann.
Some 25,000 people had already availed of the download.
Anyone can download it from http://short.ie/6d5vdO
Methinks that our Irish teams might do well to avail of the offer.
As the National Anthem is being played it is embarrassing to watch
the TV cameras viewing the players faces and so many mouths shut.

Next time join in the singing and enjoy the game.
All you need is a mobile phone.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 17th Jan 2010 –2 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: €586. 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
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €215. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Halligan, M.Kelly
Readers for next Sunday: A.Coughlan
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group E
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: A.Rohan
Mass on next Sun for the late Brigid Rigney

Week of prayer for Christian Unity: begins Mon 18th Jan, and continues until Mon 25th Jan, feast of Conversion of St Paul.
BIBLICAL THEME: You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:48)

Clonmacnois Prayer Centre: Mass on this Wed @ 7.30pm
Theology From Home
The Dominicans are offering a theology Programme specifically for lay people. We follow the method of the Open University – participants receive a ‘Pack’ with the full text, and are linked with one of our nine centres around the country.
For further information, please call
The Priory Institute, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24.
Tel 01-4048124, or 4048132
Email: enquiries@prioryinstitute.com
¨¨¨¨
Athlone Community College
Open eve on Mon 18th Jan @ 7pm
¨¨¨¨
Annual Mummers Festival (Rescheduled) takes place in New Inn Leisure Centre on 23rd Jan starting @ 7pm.
¨¨¨¨
‘Many thanks for your support for the Christmas Carol Concert in Clonfanlough, and your donations which realised €166.50, and has been sent to help needy children in Kenya.’
¨¨¨¨
West Offaly Education Project enrolment eve for Night Classes:
In Shannonbridge N.School on Thurs 21st Jan @ 7.30pm.
For more info call Tony or Jolene on 057-934900.
Intermediate Computer Course begins in Crank House on 21st Jan
¨¨¨¨

Questions people askQ. At the wedding in Cana there were 6 jars, each holding 20 or 30 gallons, about the equivalent of 800 bottles today. Are we to take these figures literally? A. The Gospel of John shows Jesus bringing several Jewish institutions such as the temple and the Sabbath to fulfilment. The miracle at Cana involved water, not any water, but water set aside for ritual purification before a meal. This water represents the Jewish religion with its many ritual washings as preparing for the wedding of heaven and earth which occurred in Jesus, true God and true man. Six jars are one short of the perfect number, seven. The huge amount of new wine expresses the lavish generosity of God inviting all people to union with Christ. (Fr O’Flynn – Intercom)

Shannonbridge GAA Club News

Following the recent Annual General Meeting the Officers and Committee for 2010 are:

Presidents: Rev. Fr. F. O’Hanlon, Frank Guinan, Kieran Rohan.
Chairman: Damien Brazil.
Vice Chairman: Joe Duffy.
Secretary: Roger Ryan.
Assistant Secretary: Jason Mahon.
Treasurer: Olive Costello.
Assistant Treasurer: Declan Rohan.
Registrar: Declan McEvoy.
Executive Committee: Denis Loonam, Mark Carthy, Des McEvoy, Tom Moore, Noel Rock, Tony Rohan.

Team Management:
(Intermediate) - John Dowling (Manager), Niall O’Shea, Des McEvoy.
(Junior B) – Tony Rohan (Manager) Tom Moore, Frank Guinan, Frank Flannery.

Membership:
Membership is now due and can be paid to Declan McEvoy or any committee member – Family €30, Adult €20, OAP/ Student €10.

Club Lotto.
No winner in last week’s draw. Jackpot for this week is €7,000.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 10thJan 2010 – Baptism of Jesus 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: €501. 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 next Sun for the late James Higgins

¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €259. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J.Noble, D.Fitzgerald
Readers for next Sunday: A. & L. Devery
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group D
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: K.Kelly
Mass on next Sun for the late John Loonam & family

Gallen Community School will reopen on Thurs 14th Jan. Further updates on Midlands Radio 3. Swine flu injection in school postponed until further notice.

Questions people askQ. What do you think of postponing the Baptism of children until they are old enough to make their own decision? A. Depriving a child of Baptism shows a very poor regard for the treasures of Christian life. Baptism is the first of the sacraments of Christian Initiation, the others being Confirmation and First Communion. Initiation into Christian beliefs, values, thoughts and behaviour begins in early childhood. A Christian home is the ideal setting. Parents who value their faith and Church membership would desire to pass on this faith to their children as much as they would seek the best schooling and medical care for them.
¨¨¨¨
Athlone Community College proposed open eve for Mon has been postponed.
Shannonbridge ARA will not meet on this Tuesday.
Prayer Centre Clonmacnois will not have Mass on this Wed.

¨¨¨¨
West Offaly Education Project enrolment eve for Night Classes:
In Clonfanlough Hall on Thurs 14th Jan @ 7.30pm
In Shannonbridge N.School on Thurs 21st Jan @ 7.30pm.
Courses on offer include FETAC Level 5, Business Studies, Computers etc. For more info call Tony or Jolene on 057-934900.
¨¨¨¨
Lourdes Invalid Fund Church gate Collection
Next weekend 16/17th Jan
¨¨¨¨
Night Vigil in Clonmacnois Prayer Centre
Fri 15th Jan beginning with Mass @ 10pm, weather permitting.
¨¨¨¨
The greatest dangers of our time?
General William Booth once said that they were:

“Religion without the Holy Spirit;
Christianity without Christ;
Forgiveness without regeneration;
Morality without God;
Heaven without Hell “

Three Men Go To Ireland.

This is now on tonight Friday 8th @ 11.05.

Three Men Go To Ireland.In his report (see below) Derry failed to mention that he starred in the programme himself! Well worth a look - should be re-run on next Sunday night, on BBC2, at 11.05pm - so if you missed it, tune in.
Posted by Rose at 8:08 PM

Joanne said...
You can watch it if you go to bbc.co.uk/iplayer .... click on BBC 2 and then type in 'three men'It's episode 2 !

Is this Joanne Gunning keeping an eye on us?

Today 7th Jan 2010 I asked Mary to make a list of the birds feeding
on the shed roof and the peanut feeders.Here is her list -
20 Goldfinch, 8 Chaff Finch, 1 Green Finch, 1 Robin, 1 Linnet,
1 Willow Warbler (new arrival), 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Dunnock,
2 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 1 Coal Tit, 6 Starlings, 6 Crows,
2 Black Birds, 1 Willy Wagtail,

A phone in quiz on radio today asked "Spideog is Irish for robin,
true or false ?"

Was trying to think who co-starred with Donal Donnelly in the original
Philadelphia Here I Come and came up with the name Patrick Bedford
which the cousin Kaye confirmed last night.
At the John Dolan viewing last evening I remembered the last time that
I spoke to John was on a small lake on Lough Corrib when we had gone out
to see the remains of a monastery founded by a nephew of Saint Patrick.
When we pulled in the boat we noticed another lake boat already moored.
As we walked towards the monastic ruins a voice hailed from the trees
"How are they all in Shannonbridge"?. It was John Dolan and his son in law
who had landed on the island for a lunch break after fishing on the
lake. Our God has a special place for fishermen
and John was a good one.

Last evening at around 5.00pm it was turning into cold and freezing.
I was trying to give fresh water to the little birds when I heard a
solitary shot ring out.It was a shock to hear what I presumed was
somebody firing a gun at wildfowl. Later someone told us that the
film people had to use a gunshot in one of the scenes and that was
probably what I had heard.

Yesterday a good friend and a great fisherman,Tom Coulson,phoned from
England but unfortunately I was not present to take the call.
Hopefully he is making plans to come fishing in these parts later in
the year.

A notice on today's paper tells us that Dorothy Moore passed away in
Kenya on December 5th.She was the widow of the late Eamonn Moore,
Ballinasloe.Eamonn was for many years the manager of Bord.Na.Mona.
in this area.May they both rest in peace.

Actor Donal Donnelly has died from cancer in Chicago aged 78 years.
Born in England Donal worked for many years in Dublin.Back in 1964
he was nominated for his role as Private Gar in the original staging
of Brian Friel's play 'Phiadelphia Here I Come'
His burial will take place in Chicago. May he rest in peace.

Our editor Kerrill got a note from Jill Charters England looking for a picture or portrait of Killeens Village Tavern.
Hopefully she can record 'Three Men Go To Ireland' which is being reshown
on Sunday night next at 11.05pm.

The Irish Times Magazine of January 2nd had an interesting list of
personalities that passed away in 2009.These included the following -
Darren Sutherland b.1982, Karl Mullen b.1924, Vincent O Brien b.1917,
Christopher Nolan b.1970, Anna Manahan b.1924, Frank Mc Court b.1930,
Tony Gregory b.1947, Hugh LOeonard b.1926, Nuala Fennell b.1935,
Ciaran Mac Mathuna b.1925, Liam Clancy b.1935,Stephen Gately b.1976.
The list did not include some late deaths such as
Justin Keating who died at his home in Kildare New Years Eve b.1930,
and of Cardinal Cahal Daly who was buried in Armagh on 5th January.

Today 5th January news has come along of the death of John Dolan,
Creagh, Ballinasloe,well known garageman, fisherman and shooter and
owner of the 24 Hour service station cum shop cum food outlet at
Creagh in recent years.
May they all rest in peace and say a prayer for them if you will.

Three Men Go To Ireland.
In his report (see below) Derry failed to mention that he starred in the programme himself! Well worth a look - should be re-run on next Sunday night, on BBC2, at 11.05pm - so if you missed it, tune in.

Heard on Monday that Martin Pat Coleman has arrived home
safe and sound from Australia.He must have felt a great change from
summer in Perth to a cold winter in Ireland.

Phil Taylor won an exciting 15th World Darts Championship on Sunday
defeating Simon Whitlock from Australia.

An item on the BBC N.I. news on 4th Jan told us that some 10,000
Placenames of Northern Ireland and their history, may be lost forever
if funding is not found.Many of the placenames are in the Irish
Language and the English translation is given.The examples shown were
interesting and hopefully funds will be found.

December past was the coldest December in Northern Ireland since 1981.

Words We Use column in Mondays Irish Times has some lovely Fairy Words
from Ann Friel,Fanad,Donegal such as
>Fairy Horse is her word for ragworth
>Fairy Sheaf is the last sheaf cut at the harvest,because once upon
a time it was offered to the fairies to appease them
>Fairy soap is the common milkwort - the roots and leaves were used to
make a lather for washing the hands
>Fairy tickles are freckles.

For the past few days El Zorreno Films have been working on a 10-15
minute film which is under sponsorship of Offaly Film Commission.
It is hoped to have a screening in Tullamore Omniplex in April / May.
The locations used are Ely House in Shannonbridge and locations in
Pullagh. It seems that a Garda car is involved and yesterday
Oliver Darcy saw a Garda car coming from Clonmacnois with a large
camera sticking out the window photographing a car following.
They promised to let us know more details come April / Maytime.

Amazing Grace is the title of the new book by Brendan Grace,the
comedian.

Last Friday on BBC television the second part of a two part trip
on the River Shannon was shown.Titled "Three Men Go To Ireland"
this hour long episode involved Gryff Rees Jones,Rory Mc Grath
and Daire O Briain taking a boat trip on the Shannon from Athlone
to Limerick. They stopped at Shannonbridge,Portumna,visited Leap Castle
crossed Lough Derg to Ardnacrusha and to Limerick.They had a trip to
Innis Mhor on the Aran Islands. The y filmed the episode last October
and they had sunshine all the way. Gryff and Rory called in to Killeens
and bought three long shafted Kapp and Peterson smoking pipes.
Somebody told me that it should be available under a Google search.

The birds are hungry and need water.Three or four blackbirds,a thrush
and a linnet have joined the gang of regular birds feeding on the roof
of the shed in the yard.
The Callows in places have flood -water and sheets of ice. The sunshine
shining through the trees look great but baby its cold outside.
Gay Byrne is still turning out a fine radio program every Sunday 2 - 4
on Lyric FM or 97.8 - 99.4 MHz

Marion Finucane had an interesting talk with Frank Kelly actor and
comedian on Sunday.Frank was telling how his father and a civil servant
called Arthur Booth were the founders of Dublin Opinion.
Frank wrote his own version of 12 Days of Christmas which was a hit.
He presented The Glen Abbey sponsored radio programme for two years
and later for five years.
Frank won a Jacobs Award for acting and at the presentation he met
the Taoiseach Jack Lynch.Presenting his award Jack Lynch told Eamon
that he had never met anyone that sang The Banks of My own Lovely Lee
better than Eamon Kelly. To celebrate Jack Lynch bought a bottle of
Paddy Whiskey and they drank it.
Look up Dublin Opinion sometime

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 3rd Jan 2010 – 2nd Sun after Christmas C
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge: Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12 noon, Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough – Sunday, 10.30am

Shannonbridge
Masses: Feast of the Ephinany, Wed 6th Jan, a Holy Day
Masses: Mon,Tues @ 10am; & Tues eve @ 8pm.
Wed @ 12 noon. For rest of week @ 10am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €441. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J.Kelly, M.Killeen, A.Keena
Eucharistic ministers: Group 4
Readers for next Weekend: Group 4, S.Grennan, P.Duffy
Altar Servers for this week: Caitríona, Siobhán, Sarah
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Kieran Kelly

¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Mass for the Epiphany, a Holy Day on Wed @ 10.30am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €256. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: C.Healy, T.Milner
Readers for next Sunday: D.Boland
Altar Servers for Wed & next Sunday: Groups as arranged
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: P.Darcy
Mass on next Sun for the late Jimmy & Lish Devery

The Year to come – some central Feasts in 2010
The centre of the whole liturgical year is the Paschal Triduum of the Lord, crucified, buried and risen, which will culminate in the solemn Vigil of Easter, during the holy night that will end with the dawn of the 4th April – Easter Sunday.
Every Sunday, as a weekly Easter, holy Church makes present that great and saving deed by which Christ has forever conquered sin and death. From Easter there comes forth and are reckoned all the days we keep holy: Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, 17th Feb;
the Ascension of the Lord, 16th May; and Pentecost, 23rd May;
First Sunday of Advent, 28th November.
¨¨¨¨
Theology From Home
The Dominicans are offering a theology Programme specifically for lay people. We follow the method of the Open University – participants receive a ‘Pack’ with the full text, and are linked with one of our nine centres around the country.
For further information, please call
The Priory Institute, Tallaght Village, Dublin 24.
Tel 01-4048124, or 4048132
Email: enquiries@prioryinstitute.com
¨¨¨¨
Hope For the New Year
‘To leave the old with a burst of song; to recall the right and forgive the wrong; To forget the things that bind you fast, to the vain regrets of the year that's past; To have the strength to let go your hold of the not worth- while, of the days grown old; To dare go forth with a purpose true, to the unknown task of the year that's new; To help your brother & sister along the road; to assist with their work and lift their load; To add your gift to the world's good cheers is to have and to give a Happy New Year.’

The death occured of Cardinal Cahal Daly in Belfast on Thursday December 31st 2009.
Cardinal Daly was aged 92 years. Some forty years ago he was Bishop of our diocese Ardagh and Clonmacnois.
May he rest in peace.

Some recent deaths including
< Louis Bartholemew Ward Taughmaconnell who was born in 1916
and died on 26th December. Known as LB Ward for short he lived
with Jimmy and Nancy Ward. LB'Ward father was James Ward
who was married to a Healy lady.They had three children
Cyril who died ten years ago, LB and Rosalie who lives in England.
Mrs Ward died and James married Rose-anne Killeen who was an aunt
of mine.Jimmy was their only child.
The funeral takes place tomorrow after Mass in Creagh Church.
May he rest in peace.

< Tony Mallon Ballyleague County Roscommon died suddenly on
24th December and is regretted by wife Polly and children
Declan David Deirdre and Diarmuid.
The Mallons lived in Shannonbridge back in the 60's when Tony
worked in the new power plant.Later the Mallons transferred to
their present home where Tony worked in Lanesboro Power Plant.
The burial took place today. May he rest in peace.

The recent cold spell and frost at night tempted a number of people
to take part in a game of football on ice .They used the thick sheet
of ice on the Callows just upstream from the village.

Donald Guinan was mentioning that small birds during this type of
cold weather often die due to a lack of water.

That fire at Christmas in St.Mel's Cathedral in Longford turned out
to b e pretty bad with some millions of Euro damage
and stained glass windows and
artefacts such as St.Mel's Crozier lost forever. Bishop O Reilly
is determined to have the building restored.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 27th Dec2009 – Holy Family C
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge: Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12 noon, Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough – Sunday, 10.30am

Shannonbridge
Masses: Next Fri is New Year’s Day – A day of Prayer for Peace. Mass on the day @ 12 noon: Adoration until 3pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €675. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: G.Brennan, D.Deeley, V.Hynes
Eucharistic ministers: Group 3
Readers for next Weekend: Group 3, M.Killeen, O.Costello
Altar Servers for this week: Athene, Aoife, Saul, Jack
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Bridgie, Jim & Pat Flannery
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Mass for New Year’s Day @ 10.30am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €276. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: B.Maleney, H.Hynes
Readers for next Sunday: H.Coughlan
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group as arranged
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: N.Egan

Beannachtaí na Nollag agus Síocháin san Ath Bhliain do gach duine
A special word of thanks to all who contribute to the various collections during the year, and to all who help out in any way in the Church and community. It is much appreciated.

I will attend the sick on next Sat
A CHRISTMAS PRAYER
Give us, Lord Jesus, the eyes of children
To see your birth with Christmas wonder.
Help us to share in the song of the angels,
The gladness of the shepherds,
And the worship of the Wise Men.
Close the door on hate,
And open the door of love, all over the world.
Let kindness come with every gift,
And blessing with every greeting.
Deliver us from evil, by the blessing Christ brings.
Make us happy to be your children,
Forgiving and forgiven. Amen.

(Robert L. Stevenson – 1850 – 1894)

Late Mrs Brigid Ryan, Mulllaghature.
Mrs. Brigid Ryan, Mullaghature, passed away during the week in her 92nd year. She is survived by her sons Eamon and Brendan, her daughters -in-law Anne and Attracta, her sister, grandchildren and other relatives. Her funeral took place on Christmas Eve in High Street.
She was a very familiar figure here in Shannonbridge, driving down to morning Mass every day in her red Nissan Micra, until very recently and afterwards shopping in the village.
May she rest in peace.

met.ie is a useful information site for weather updates in Ireland.
Last night we went to bed with frost and for 12.00 noon Mass there
was rain falling making it difficult to walk on roads and pathways.

A group of local boat enthuaisists went for a trip on the river on
Chrismas including Mick Doherty,Kieran and Noel Rock,Mick Killeen
and Ciaran Coakley.

Some of those home for Christmas from overseas include Ken Gunning
from Jersey and his sister Joanne from England,the two Rock brothers
Karl or Berty and Alan, Kate Thornhill from Nepal,Philip Egan from
Australia,Finian and Bernie Kenny from Sydney with their two children
Jack and Niamh, and Josephine Egan from London.

Tom Kelly told us that Kerrill and Angela Thornhill who are
visiting Australia have plans to visit Tom's son Aidan in Sydney
on Christmas Day.They were missing from the tradional tea and mince
pies in Thornhills last night after midnight Mass.

At the Christmas Day Mass Father Hanlon was telling about a pretty
bad fire that broke out in Longford Cathedral around 4.30am on
Christmas morning.

There has been pretty heavy frost in recent days. Aidan Kelly and
friends went shooting near Clonmacnois yesterday and found a swan
frozen in the ice at around 8.30am.They tried to rescue it
but were not able.Checking back around 4.30pm they found out that
the swan had freed itself.

Happy Christmas to you if you have logged on today

Have a listen to singer Susan Boyle at short.ieboyle
Susan appeared on the x Factor talent show on BBC a few months ago.
She ends the year as one of the biggest selling album artists of 2009
worldwide. This is old news.

The Motorway from Dublin to Galway cost 427 Million Euros.

The Irish Roots Column on Monday's Irish Times tells us that the
1911 census information is available at census.nationalarchives.ie
where there is lots of information such as who lived on your street
and names of teachers.It is a free service.
For example I was curious about the Butler Family and the name of
Mr.Butler. Choosing Kings County and Shannonbridge the Census 1911
has John aged 58, his wife Hannah aged 68 and children Michael 14,
Jack the blacksmith 11 and Bridgie aged 9 years.

Terry Wogan finished hosting his Morning Show on BBC radio last
Friday morning after some 40 years.

Recently Eleanor Cunney has been working as producer in the production
of three episodes of Ras na Ruain for TG4.Filming of the three episodes
took five weeks to complete and they will be ready for showing in
February next.

Yesterday Ursula Flanagan of Ballinasloe and Cape Cop was here.
Ursula was home for the wedding of her nephew David Flanagan in
Tubber last week to Emir Dempsey.Ursula was travelling with her
brother Lar from Moate. Both were interested in the recently
published book by Brendan Ryan about the RIC policeing in West Offaly
as a Sergeant Mc Guire who was stationed in Shannonbridge, after the
barracks in Ferbane was burned down in c 1920, was shot dead outside
an undertaker's house in the middle of the night as he knocked on the
front door and Jimmy Claffey arose to answer the knock and lit a candle
which was seen by one of the soldiers surrounding the house and who
was looking in the back door and saw the flame from the match.
The soldier fired his gun and shot Sergeant Mc Guire through the front
door.Mc Guire died a week later and was closely related to Flanagans.

A fire in Guinness Brewery yesterday was brought under control by
several units of Dublin Fire Brigade. Two members of the Fire Brigade
had to go to hospital for treatment afterwards.

Some deaths of note.
Tommy Salmon owner of Salmons Shop in Main Street Ballinasloe has died
and was buried.
Father Aidan Murray Columban Father who worked in the Phillipines and
in recent years in Kilrickle has died.
His funeral will take place in Dalgan Park tomorrow.
Father John Higgins who for a time worked in Peru and taught for many
years in Garbally College before retiring has passed away.
Father John will be laid to rest in the Clonfert Diocese burial plot
in Loughrea.
May they all rest in peace with the Lord.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 20th Dec 2009 – 4th Adv 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 to Thurs @ 10am; Christmas Eve @ 9pm
On Christmas Day & St Stephen’s Day @ 12 noon.
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €520. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Murphy, M.McManus
Eucharistic ministers: Group 2
Readers for next Weekend: Group as arranged
Altar Servers for this week: Michaela, Oisín, Andrea
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Pat Joe Kenny

¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Christmas Masses: Thurs eve @ 7pm, Friday @ 10.30am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €284. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: N.Egan, A.Rohan
Readers for next Sunday: as arranged
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Groups as arranged
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: D.McEvoy
Mass on Christmas Day for the late Michael Kelly (Lakefield)
Sacrament of Reconciliation on Mon 21st Dec, in Clonfanlough @ 7pm, & Shannonbridge @ 8pm, preceded by a Carol Service.

In Clonfanlough Church on Mon 21st Dec some children from the Primary School are participating in a Carol Service @ 7.pm.
The children have been practising very hard for some weeks, so they would appreciate your support – and this is a good way to begin the Christmas season. This Service is not just for the children, so all are invited.
¨¨¨¨
Shannonbridge Community Library
This will be closed on Christmas Eve & New year’s Eve. It will reopen on Thurs 7th Jan. ‘A happy & peaceful Christmas to all our customers.’
¨¨¨¨
Questions people askQ. Why was 25 December chosen for the birthday of Jesus?A. The conception of Jesus at the Annunciation to Mary, nine months earlier, was an older celebration than his birthday. 25 March was a very important date, regarded as the first day of creation and the day of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Thus the conception of Jesus was linked with creation and the cross. Another reason for choosing 25 December was that this date was decreed by the Emperor Aurelian as a feast for the return of the Unconquered Sun after the mid-winter solstice. Christians put their own spin on the feast by celebrating the coming of Christ, the light of the world. (Fr O’Flynn – Intercom)
¨¨¨¨
Meaning of Christmas (Fr Andrew Greeley)
"It might be easy to run away to a monastery, away from the commercialization, the hectic hustle, the demanding family responsibilities of Christmas-time. Then we would have a holy Christmas. But we would forget the lesson of the Incarnation, of the enfleshing of God—the lesson that we who are followers of Jesus do not run from the secular; rather we try to transform it. It is our mission to make holy the secular aspects of Christmas just as the early Christians baptized the Christmas tree. And we do this by being holy people—kind, patient, generous, loving, laughing people—no matter how maddening is the Christmas rush…"

On Monday the funeral took place in Menlough of Jimmy Mitchell.
Jimmy is a brother to Maura Claffey -Gus Claffey's wife.
May he rest in peace.
I was surprised to meet a cousin of the late Aggie Craven outside
the church.He and another neighbour were telling how they often
attended the Carnival dancing in Shannonbridge and at Johnstown.

Father Jeremiah Roche who was murdered in Kenya recently will be
buried in Athea County Limerick next Sunday. Father Benny Flanagan
worked with Fr.Gerry during the year that he worked in Kenya back
in the early 1980's in the same parish.
At the Ecumenical Choir in Clonmacnois last Sunday Fr.Benny thought
that my cousin Kaye and myself had met him when we visited Kenya
at that time. Anyhow say a prayer for the dead.

Ciaran Mac Mathuna has died aged 84. Ciaran worked on RTE radio for
many years promoting Irish music and singers and bands. He married
a great singer named Dolly Mc Mahon.His funeral took place Tuesday.
May he rest in peace.

A news item on TV this week showed the floods around Gort and the
famous W.B.Yeats Thoorballylee had about two foot of water around it.

Tuesday evening two men and a woman arrived in and after a good look
around they chose three half pints of Murphy Stout. They told us
that they were from St.Peterbourg in Russia where the temperature is
Minus 22. They had visited Clonmacnois and were on their way to
Galway.No -they were not interested in buying the local Football Team.

The Angling Notes in The Irish Times on Monday 14th had a photo of
six spawning trout found dead 80 metres away from the main channel
during the recent flooding at Claregalway.angling@irishtimes.com
The writer told us that Donal and Connie Connolly of Nonaim Lodge,
Accomodation and Angling,Glann,Oughterard,County Galway, which
specializes in providing angling holidays on Lough Corrib have a new
Telephone Number 085-7364830. Their e-mail address remains the same
info@fishingcorrib.com
Of course Donal Connolly comes originally from Ferbane and Connie,
his wife comes from Shannonbridge -hence the interest.

Foinse is a free Irish language Newspaper distributed free with the
Irish Independent on Wednesday. nuacht@foinse.ie 24 pages of interest.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 13th Dec 2009 -3rd Adv 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: € Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: A.Ryan, L.Turley, M.Mitchell
Eucharistic ministers: Group 1
Readers for next Weekend: Group 2, C.Casey, E.Quinn
Altar Servers for this week: Caitríona, Siobhan, Sarah
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Damien Kenny

¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €230. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: A.Walshe, R.Gunning
Readers for next Sunday: D.Norton
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group A
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: B.Coughlan
Mass on next Sat @12noon for the late Petie & Earl Kelly
Mass on next Sun for the late Anne & Ciaran Pillion

Ecumenical Carol Service in Clonmacnois
On this Sun 13th Dec @ 4pm. Refreshments afterwards.
All welcome.
Night Prayer Vigil, Clonmacnois Prayer Centre Fri 18th Dec, starting with Mass @ 10pm; then Adoration until 3.10 am. Mass every Wed @ 7.30pm. All welcome
¨¨¨¨
Sacrament of Reconciliation on Mon 21st Dec, in Clonfanlough @ 7,30pm, & Shannonbridge @ 8pm, preceded by a Carol Service.

'Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hate. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness.' (A survivor of Auschwitz)
¨¨¨¨
Christmas Youth Retreat – Newbridge College
For 16 – 35 year olds. Inspiring talks, Workshops, Great Music,
Meeting new people, Celebration of the Christmas Season.
Just bring a sleeping bag. For more info call 01-6753690.
Visit www.youth2000.ie
¨¨¨¨
Questions people askQ. How does one explain the difference in the preaching of John the Baptist and that of Jesus? John was far more severe and promoted the fear of an impending judgement.A. There are two ways of correcting: the stick of punishment or the candy of reward for improvement. John the Baptist came from a people who expected a Messiah who would immediately rid the world of all evil and sin. Hence the need for complete renunciation of wrongdoing or else face instant condemnation. The approach of Jesus did not expect instant perfection. He put less emphasis on condemnation and more on fanning into flame the possibility of goodness hidden in people. (Fr O’Flynn – Intercom)

Words of Wisdom
'The secular mind does not always find it necessary to deny God, but it must always reduce him to a comfortable size. Above all else He must be a manageable God, who does not watch or judge.'
(William K. Kilpatrick, U.S.)
“Words of encouragement fan the spark of genius into the flame of achievement." (Wilfred A. Peterson
"Characters live to be noticed. People with character notice how they live." (Nancy Moser)

New Book - Wild Flowers of County Offaly

Attched reminder received from Amanda Pedlow, Heritage Officer, Offaly Co. Co.
Reminder - Launch of the Wildflowers of County Offaly next Monday 14th December, 8.00pm Aras an Chontae, Charlevillle Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly‏

Reminder - The launch of the Wildflowers of County Offaly by John Feehan, published by Offaly County Council, is next Monday 14th December, 8.00pm, Aras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore. An Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen, T.D. has kindly agreed to perform the launch.

This substantial hardback provides fully illustrated descriptions of every wildflower in county Offaly in John Feehan's unique style.

All welcome. For those that cannot attend the book can be purchased in book shops and via www.mercierpress.ie.

Amanda Pedlow
Offaly Heritage Officer.

Liam Clancy died on Friday 4th December 2009 aged 74 years.
Liam was the remaining member of the ballad group that were known as
"The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem.He was laid to rest on Monday
in Ring County Waterford. May he rest in peace.

A Kilbeggan-15-year-old Irish Whiskey was crowned 'World-wide Whiskey
of the Year at the 2009 International Wine and Spirit Competition
Awards Banquet held in London recently.
See offaly Independent Dec 5th page 6 at their website
www.offalyindependent.ie

Tommy and Jimmy Swarbrigg were featured in 'A Little Bit of Showband'
on RTE1 shown on Sunday 6th December.
This was the 4th part in a series.

The Connacht Tribune December 4th has lots of pictures and stories
of the recent floods.
See www.galwaynews.ie

On Tuesday 8th a Chrismas Card arrived from Sydney Australia.
This card has a photograph of Martin Pat Coleman with the famous
Opera House in the background.

Mick Doherty worked in England before teriring to Kilbegley,Moore.
In England he was a machine driver and one day he found a Catalogue
of original photos from the film 'Lawrence of Arabia'thrown out in a skip.
He rescued it and took it home to Ireland.Recently he included it in
an auction at Purcells in Birr.They put a reseve of 2000 Euros on it
and it reached over 1500 at auction.

Mark who works for Shannonbridge Pottery was in the RDS in Dublin
yesterday selling pottery. Sinead Killeen (Shane's wife) was there
with some friends and they bought ten of the teapot and cup items.
A nun saw the Shannonbridge stand and talked to Mark. She was Mary
Connaughton who is a nun and a cousin of the Killeens. Pat tells me
that our grandmother was a Connaughton on my mothers side of the
family.

On Monday 30th November Kieran Hynes appeared on an RTE television
program talking about the floods and the effect it had on his
workplace at Cavanagh Windows in Athlone.The program also had some
photographs of the floods.
Shannonbridge was lucky to have a by-pass road to use during the flood.
Some houses below the Church were in danger of being flooded.So the
road was blocked while two pumps removed the water and discharged it
over the wall into a flooded field. Meanwhile traffic was diverted
by the power plant road coming out parrallel with the rail line.

It was good to see Michael Green home on a brief visit from Boston.
Michael has been in Boston now for 24 years and before he left he
worked at Cahills in Belmont.

Back to the Flood. Pat Duffy was telling us that flood water
reached Saint Ciaran's Well in Clonmacnois which is very unusual.
The article in The Irish Times with the two photographs mentioned
that Clonfert is known as Field of Miracles.
BNM estimated that some 60,000 acres of bog was flooded.
In the middle of all the floods Mary Killeen arrived in from the garden
with a Dahlia flower in full bloom and it was growing out in the open.
Try using rte.ie/player to have a look at past television programmes.

The floods have been all the news around here for weeks now.
There was acouple of photographs in the Irish Times
on Monday 30th November.One showed a flooded Emmanuelle House over at
Clonfert and the other showed Paddy Nevin walking down a flooded street
in Shannonharbour with his back to the camera.
On Friday night at a very enjoyable Christmas Party in the Hall I met
Stevie Kenny who was more or less a Flood Ruler for Shannonbridge.
Stevie walked to the river every day and used his walking stick to
record the changes in river level.Stevie told me that the highest level
was recorded at 18 Feet 4 Inches on 26th November 2009 at measuring
point just upstream from the village bridge.This measuring point runs
to the top of the quay wall and is continued up along the bridge
support wall.The flood was over the highest measuring point so Stevie
had to add 8 Inches as recorded on his stick.On Friday the level had
dropped 13 Inches from its highest point.Best drop was 4.5 Inches in
one day.
Stevie told me that the flood measured in Brackagh downstream was some
10 Inches higher than the 1954 flood.
The graveyard in Clonifeen was surrounded by flood water but the Church
was not covered.

I was mentioning to Stevie Kenny that Brendan Ryan,Ferbane has written a book
about the R.I,C. in West Offaly to be published and launched this week.
This is Brendan Ryans seventh book so far.
Stevie was telling about a Tom Dowd who lived in Clondelara.
Tom was a Wexfordman and an RIC policeman.Stevie remembered Tom Dowd
walking by his house on his way home shouting
"Hurrah for '98",
"Hurrah for Vinegar Hill".
Tom Dowd had a niece Mary Dowd who was married to Johnny Duffy from
Clondelara.

Tom Murphy,a well known fitter/welder at Ferbane Power Plant died
recently and was buried in Clonmacnois last Monday 30th November.
May he rest in peace.

Joe Lyons for many years the chemist in Shannonbridge Power Plant retired recently
and best wishes to Joe on his retirement.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 6th Dec 2009 -2nd Adv 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, Wed, Thurs, Sat @ 10am, Fri @ 8pm
Tues, 8th Dec, Feast of the Immaculate Conception - a Holy Day:
Vigil Mass on Mon @ 8pm; Mass on Tues @ 12noon
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €444. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: K.Price, C.Curley, P.Anderson
Eucharistic ministers: Group 4
Readers for next Weekend: Group 1, D.Finnerty, P.Corbett
Altar Servers for this week: Athene, Aoife, Saul, Jack
Mass on Mon eve for the late Ciaran, Maryanne & Brian Flannery.
Memorial Mass for Simon McManus (brother of Eamonn & Ger) on Fri eve @ 8pm.
Mass on Sat morning for the late Denis Lyons.
Mass on Sat eve for the late Brigid & William Duffy.
Mass on next Sun for the late Elizabeth McManus.
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Mass for The 'Immaculate Conception' on Tues @ 10.30am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €185. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Guinan, A.Guinan
Readers for next Sunday: A.Kelly
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group E
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: A.Rohan
Mass on next Sun for the late Mary & Ciaran Daly, & Tom Mannion
A special word of thanks & appreciation is due to the kind people who organised & facilitated the recent Christmas Parties in both Shannonbridge & Clonfanlough. It demanded much hard work by many people; but the enjoyment given and shared by the guests is its own reward!
¨¨¨¨
Ecumenical Carol Service in Clonmacnois
On next Sun 10th Dec @ 4pm. Refreshments afterwards.
All welcome.
¨¨¨¨
Shannonbridge A.R.A. Christmas Social on Wed 9th Dec @ the 'Old Fort'. Dinner,@ 7.30pm. Music by Paudge Bennet. Enquiries to 090-96-74117.
¨¨¨¨
Samaritans Christmas Concert
In the Friary Church Athlone on 9th Dec @ 8pm. Adm. €10.00. Tickets available at Music world & usual outlets.
Athlone Samaritans, situated at 3 Court Devenish, are a voluntary organisation, dedicated to befriending the lonely, the despairing and the suicidal, or anyone troubled, who needs to talk to someone in complete confidence; available 24x7 on 1850-609090.
¨¨¨¨
Clonmacnois School is collecting old, unwanted mobile phones for the charity Jack & Jill Foundation. If you have any such phones please leave them at the school.
¨¨¨¨
Ballinasloe Flower & Garden Club
Christmas Flower Arranging Demo in Gullanes Hotel on 9th Dec @ 8pm

West Offaly Training: 9th Dec, 1 day Internet & email Course - €45.
10th Dec, 1 day Introduction to Office 2007 - €45. Call 057-9152003
¨¨¨¨
Questions people ask (Fr O’Flynn – Intercom)Q. On a television programme it was claimed that Christmas was a development of the pagan cult of Mithra, a pagan god associated with worship of sunlight. Is there any reason to doubt the traditional belief that the Son of God was born at Bethlehem?A. Pagan myths lack all foundation in historical fact whereas Christianity is rooted in facts about real, historical people and geographical places. Read St Luke’s list of real people and places in today’s Gospel. The incarnation, that is the coming of God in human flesh and blood, is no imaginary myth but historical fact.

New Book on Policing in West Offaly 1814 - 1922

Book Launch - Policing in West Offaly 1814-1922 by Brendan Ryan.
A new book on the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) by Brendan Ryan, Ferbane, will be launched next Friday night at 8.00pm, in the Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society premises at Bury Quay, Tullamore. All are welcome. This important book will shed new light on a force that is often maligned (when it is not being ignored), and how it went about its policing duties in the 100 years leading up to the country's independence.
The book will be on sale at a competitive price of €15.00.

Flooding Recedes.
The river level at the bridge was down to 5.23 meters yesterday. The pumps have been turned off and the road through the village reopened yesterday after 13 days.

1911 Census Shannonbridge - RIC Barracks.
The 1911 Census shows 6 policemen in Shannonbridge - a Sergeant and 5 Constables. Their ages were 45, 44, 35, 30, 26 and 26. Their professions were given as draper's assistant, farmers sons and hardware business, all were Roman Catholics and came from Roscommon, Mayo, Westmeath, Monaghan, Quieen's Co and Tipperary NR. Interestingly, their names were not stated on the census form, just their initials. Presumably this was a "security" measure, although every one local would know who they were! Want to know more? - book launch next Friday.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 29th Nov 2009 – 1st Advent 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
Adoration all day on First Fri until 5pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €462. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.McManus, C.Slattery, A.Corbett
Eucharistic ministers: Group 3
Readers for next Weekend: Group 6, E.Casey, D.O’Carroll
Altar Servers for this week: Michaela, Oisin, Andrea
Mass on next Sat eve for the Daly family deceased.
Mass on next Sun for the late James Francis & Leo Coakley

¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Mass for the Holy Souls & for the First Fri on Thurs @ 7pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €251. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: B.Higgins, D.Guinan
Readers for next Sunday: I.MeEvoy
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group D
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: K.Kelly
Station Mass on Tues at the home of C. & A. Kearns, Clonfanlough
Christmas Parties
In Clonfanlough Hall on Sun 29th Nov, beginning with Mass @ 2pm.
In Shannonbridge Hall on Fri 4th Dec, beginning with Mass in the Church @ 6pm. Reply to 087-2410587 before 2nd Dec.
¨¨¨¨
Table Quiz for Shannonbridge Christmas Party on Wed 2nd Dec in Killeens @ 9.30pm. Please support.
¨¨¨¨
Shannonbridge A.R.A. Christmas Social on Wed 9th Dec @ the 'Old Fort'. Dinner, & Music by Paudge Bennet. Enquiries to 090-96-74117.
¨¨¨¨
Prayer Service in memory of those who died by suicide, in St Michael’s Ballinasloe on 4th Dec @ 8pm. All welcome.
¨¨¨¨
Samaritans Christmas Concert
In the Friary Church Athlone on 9th Dec @ 8pm. Adm. €10.00. Tickets available at Music world & usual outlets.
Athlone Samaritans, situated at 3 Court Devenish, are a voluntary organisation, dedicated to befriending the lonely, the despairing and the suicidal, or anyone troubled, who needs to talk to someone in complete confidence; available 24x7 on 1850-609090.
¨¨¨¨
Clonmacnois School is collecting old, unwanted mobile phones for the charity Jack & Jill Foundation. If you have any such phones please leave them at the school.

Questions people askQ. What might I do to get more out of Advent?A. What a pity that Advent has been devoured by the commercial side of Christmas. Advent develops hope in the time of waiting, and hope is a virtue most needed to sustain our faith in the wilderness of scandals and recession. Try to let Christmas wait until Christmas. Let Advent be a time for more reflection and prayer. Get in touch with those areas of life where we struggle, where we experience our incompleteness, where we come to recognise our need of God. Christmas will be properly celebrated by those who know their need of God. Come, Lord Jesus, come. (Fr Silvester O’Flynn)

Late Simon McManus, Lecarrow, Shannonbridge.
The death has occurred of Simon McManus, Carracastle, Co. Mayo and late of Lecarrow. He is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Claire, sister Mary and brothers Eamonn and Gerry. He was laid to rest in Carracastle yesterday. May he rest in peace.

Flooding in Shannonbridge.
The road through the village is still closed due to the flooding. No houses have been flooded yet. With two pumps running constantly and, hopefully, the promise of a few dryer days over the weekend, things are set to improve next week.

New Business in Shannonbridge.
The Shannonbridge Pottery Factory Shop has relocated to the premises of the former Post Office in the village. Full refurbishment and redecoration has been carried and it looks really well. The shop is now open for business - so the very best of luck.

ESB Deceased Staff Mass.
Over 50 former colleagues turned out for the annual mass to remember the deceased staff members of the Shannonbridge Power Station. Afterwards reminiscences and yarns were exchanged over a cup of tea in the hall.

Shannon at Record Level

Watched Hugh Collins, Bord na Mona, wading in to take the water level at the bridge this morning. The water is now at an all-time record high at 5.415 metres.
Widespread flooding of land in the area. The road through the village is closed below the church with two pumps working to keep the water at bay - diversion via the Power Station road around to the Cloghan Road.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 22nd Nov 2009 Kristu Mfalme - B
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 for deceased members of the ESB on Thurs @ 8pm.
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €443. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J.Kelly, M.Killeen, A.Keena
Eucharistic ministers: Group 2
Readers for next Weekend: Group 5, C.Mannion, C.Doolan
Altar Servers for this week: Caitríona, Siobhan, Sarah

¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Mass for the Holy Souls on Mon @ 7pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €510. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: C.Spain, C.Guinan
Readers for next Sunday: C.Norton
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group C
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: P.Darcy
Mass on next Sun for the late Lil & Tom O’Connor & family

Clonmacnois Regional Pioneers will celebrate Mass in Clonfanlough hall on Sun 22nd Nov @ 4pm. A short Concert by members will follow immediately afterwards. All members are invited to participate – please contact your Centre for more details. Light refreshments will be served, and everyone is welcome.
¨¨¨¨
Christmas Parties
In Clonfanlough Hall on Sun 29th Nov, beginning with Mass @ 2pm.
In Shannonbridge Hall on Fri 4th Dec, beginning with Mass in the Church @ 6pm. Reply to 087-2410587 before 2nd Dec.
¨¨¨¨
Prayer Service in memory of those who died by suicide, in St Michael’s Ballinasloe on 4th Dec @ 8pm. All welcome.
¨¨¨¨
Samaritans Christmas Concert
In the Friary Church Athlone on 9th Dec @ 8pm. Adm. €10.00. Tickets available at Music world & usual outlets.
Athlone Samaritans, situated at 3 Court Devenish, are a voluntary organisation, dedicated to befriending the lonely, the despairing and the suicidal, or anyone troubled, who needs to talk to someone in complete confidence; available 24x7 on 1850-609090.
¨¨¨¨
Stroke Support Group Meeting on 25th Nov @ 7pm in Ballinasloe.
¨¨¨¨
Questions people askQ. I have seen several television programmes claiming that there were other gospels which were suppressed by the Catholic Church. Is this true?A. Yes, there are several works which are called gospels but they differ from the authentic gospels on some important matters. These writings came from heretical sects. Obviously the Church did not favour the use of these misleading writings. Even the whiff of suppressing any writing is enough to excite the imagination of certain writers and television producers who love to attack the Catholic Church as being up to its neck in conspiracies. Conspiracy theories and accounts of unhappy childhood are the most lucrative sellers in the popular market today. Bad news exercises a strange fascination. (Fr O’Flynn – Intercom)

Shannonbridge 115 Years Ago.

An 1894 Trade Directory for Offaly gives the following details for Shannonbridge:

Post Office: John Robinson. Letters arrive through Ballinasloe at 9.30 am. Last post out at 5.30pm. Nearest moneyorder and telegraph office - Belmont.

Constabulary Barracks: Peter Clarke, Sgt.

Church of Ireland: Rev. John George Hodges M.A..

Catholic: Rev. James O'Reilly P.P..

National School: F. Murray (Master) and M. Rigney (Mistress).

Private Residents: Richard Cooke, Michael Egan, Joseph Johnson, Woodbank, Rev. James O'Reilly P.P..

Commercial Premises: Maria Doran (Grocer), John Flannery (Draper), Daniel Kenny (Spirit Dealer), Peter Larkin (Blacksmith), George Luker (Hotel Proprieter), F. Murray (Schoolmaster), John Robinson (Postmaster) John Wilson (Grocer).

On the 4th of November Ivan and Mimi Ace and Nat and Kathy Goddard
from Cape Cod stopped off in Shannonbridge.Their hobby is bird-watching
and they had visited Clifden and Connemara
before coming to Shannonbridge. They visited Clonmacnois and the Boora
Parklands seeking out birds.

On November 9th Hugh Gough passed away and was buried in Cavan Town.
Hugh worked for many years for the Central Fishery Board and anglers
fishing for Coarse Fish will be familiar with a whole series of the
fishing maps that he researched and which are still available from
the CFB website.I always associate Hugh with the Rudd fish. Once some
anglers who were fishing here at Shannonbridge,
while Hugh was in the area,caught a number of specimen rudd all over
the specimen weight of 2.25lbs.At that time there were only two people
in Ireland that could positively identify a rudd. So Hugh put the fish
in a tank and brought them to Dublin for identification.
That evening he returned with the fish live in the tank and the
anglers saw their fish being released.
The present Irish Record Weight for a rudd is 4lbs 8 ounces caught by
Hugh Gough on 5th September 1996. Hopefully Peter Andrew James and
John will have good fishing lined up for Hugh and may he rest in peace.

Met Jrff Herman and his wife Maritza Umana from Costa Rica when they
visited Shannonbridge on 12th November.Jeff told us that he was adopted
and Jeff Gutierre was his name before adoption.It is Jeff's third visit
to Ireland and Maritza's first.They told us that coffee,fishing and
farming are the principal occupations.
Jeff said that coffee is not made from a bean,but coffee comes from
a red fruit that tastes like a pear/apple.A thin fruit layer covers
two seeds twined together. These seeds are roasted and then ground.
The banana trees there have an 18 month life-span.The tree leaves
five offshoots or babies at its base.
Their currency is called Colon which was named after Christopher Colon
later known as Christopher Columbus.
Their army was dissolved in 1948 and the country is smaller
than Ireland.Their health insurance is equivalent to 5Euro/month,
This covers doctor dentist hospital operations everything.
No wonder Jeff believes that they are living in Paradise.
Spanish is their language.

On Tuesday 11th a Kathleen from Dublin called to Shannonbridge.
Kathleen told us that her sister who lives in New Jersey USA is
a great friend of Marion Love, a family friend.

Somebody told us recently that Puss Sunday is the 1st Sunday in Easter.
At one time in Ireland it was forbidden to go to dances or to get
married during Lent.Not sure if there was a connection with Puss
Sunday and this.

Tina from Germany tells us that the title of the new HBA book is
Fine Lines - Clear Water. See 30 - October 2009.

Last Sunday was a special day in Perrys Mill in Belmont.As well as
the old mill being on view, a boat builder, a violin maker,and some
other artists based around the mill yard had their products on display.
Tony Kenny was on hand playing his fiddle. Keep it in mind for a visit.

Meanwhile at Clononey Castle a new owner is in the process of making
it habitable and it is good to see some light there at night.
Clononey Castle plan to have an antique Sale and Book Fair starting
on 14th December to Christmas at the Clononey Castle.

Some websites that may be of interest - www.failteireland.ie
and www.discoverireland.ie

The river level is in high flood situation at present and the water
level at the bridge is to the top of the quay-wall. Steve and Liz Nell have
been over from Sheffield for over two weeks.Steve finds that the fish are
difficult to locate with the flood.

Shannonbridge GAA Notes 16.11.09

Shannonbridge GAA Notes 16.11.09

Shannonbridge GAA Annual General Meeting
Shannonbridge GAA AGM will take place on Sunday 29th November at 3.00pm sharp in the club dressing rooms.
We would ask all existing players and members alike to attend in force as this is a very important date in the club’s calendar as we try to set out a plan for 2010.
Of course the club would like also, to welcome any potential new members from around the parish to attend


Shannonbridge/Doon GAA Lotto Numbers
There was no winner of this week's lotto jackpot of 4,600. The numbers drawn were 14, 19, 22 and 23. There were 2 match 3 winners of which were Phil Spollen and Tommy McEvoy. Next weeks' jackpot will be 4,800.

Congratulations
We would like to congratulate Ciaran & Michelle Kenny (Nee Mahon) on the recent birth of their son Cody.

From Jason Mahon

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 15th Nov 2009 -33rd B
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: €447. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: G.Brennan, D.Deeley, V.Hynes
Eucharistic ministers: Group 1
Readers for next Weekend: Group 4, S.Grennan, P.Duffy
Altar Servers for this week: Caitríona, Siobhan, Sarah
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Richard Hynes

¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Mass for the Holy Souls on Mon @ 7pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €376. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J. & C. Rigney
Readers for next Sunday: A.Coughlan
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group B
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: N.Egan
Mass on next Sun for the late Larry & Brigid Rohan

Meeting of Parish P.C. on Mon in Clonfanlough @ 7.30pm

Station mass
On Thurs next at the home of A. & R. Walshe, Clonlyon @ 8pm
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Clonmacnois Regional Pioneers will celebrate Mass in Clonfanlough hall on Sun 22nd Nov @ 4pm. A short Concert by members will follow immediately afterwards. All members are invited to participate – please contact your Centre for more details. Light refreshments will be served, and everyone is welcome.
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Night Prayer Vigil, Clonmacnois Prayer Centre Fri 20th Nov, starting with Mass @ 10pm; then Adoration until 3.10 am. Mass every Wed @ 7.30pm. All welcome.
¨¨¨¨
Christmas Party on Sun 29th Nov, starting with Mass @ 2pm in the Hall. Dinner will follow, and dancing to the ‘Midnight Melodies’

Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe
PlayWell volunteers are being recruited to organise play activities for the sick children. Volunteers should be over 18 years, and have 2 or 3 hours once a week to spare. An introductory meeting and training are planned. For more info call 1890-252682.
¨¨¨¨ Questions people askQ. Jesus spoke of a time when the sun would be darkened and the moon would lose its light. Does this refer to three days darkness when the only source of light will be blessed candles?A. The words of Jesus are in the context of the end of this material universe before the final triumph of God’s reign. It is not meant as a message of terror but of hope in the anticipation of God’s glory. This message of three days darkness is something that is predicted regularly by self-appointed prophets. Invariably the predicted date comes and goes without the darkness. Pay no attention to this nonsense but celebrate Christian hope every time you pray ‘Thy Kingdom come’. (Fr S. O’Flynn)
¨¨¨¨
Church Envelopes - You should receive your new boxes presently. For the Monthly collection you are again invited to make payment for the year or half-year if possible. I also invite those who don’t contribute to the collections to make a start this coming year. A sincere ‘thank-you’ to those who do contribute and those who organise the collections."Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireas na daoine."

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 8th Nov 2009 - 32nd Sun B
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge - Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12noon Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough - Sunday, 10.30am
Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €675. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Murphy, M.McManus
Eucharistic ministers: Group 4
Readers for next Weekend: Group 3, M.Killeen, O.Costello
Altar Servers for this week: Aoife, Athene, Saul, Jack
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Jimmy Coleman & family.
Mass on next Sun for the late Thomas Rocke
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Mass for the Holy Souls on
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €252. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Claffey, B.Coughlan
Readers for next Sunday: D.Boland
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group A Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: D.McEvoy
Mass on next Sun for the late Philomena Coolahan

Station Mass
On Fri next at the home of Martina Hackett, Carrowkeel @ 7pm


Multiple Sclerosis Society
Cookery demo, including mulled wine reception, by Neven McGuire in the Shearwater Hotel on Mon 9th Nov @ 7.30pm.
Tickets €20. Contact hotel on 9630400 or Pauline on 086-4077330
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Ballinasloe Flower & Garden Club
Gala Fundraising Night in aid of the Therapeutic Learning Centre, Brackernagh, Ballinasloe in Gullanes Hotel @ 8pm, Wed 11th Nov.
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Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe
PlayWell volunteers are being recruited to organise play activities for the sick children. Volunteers should be over 18 years, and have 2 or 3 hours once a week to spare. An introductory meeting and training are planned. For more info call 1890-252682.
¨¨¨¨
M.E. Support Group
Meeting in Gullanes Hotel on Wed 11th Nov @ 7pm
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Shannonbridge Golf Society
A new society has been formed in the Shannonbridge area for those interested in playing golf. A meeting will be held in Killeens on next Fri @ 9pm. All welcome to attend.
¨¨¨¨
Questions people ask (Fr Silvester O’Flynn }Q. Is it true that some Protestant theologians were involved in writing the texts of the Mass after the Second Vatican Council?A. This is a twist on what really happened. Several Protestant communities expressed great interest in the studies, papers and debates of the Liturgical Commission. So, six Protestant theologians were invited as observers but they took no part in the writing of the texts. Some Protestant communities have used the Roman Lectionary and Sacramentary as a template for their own revisions. Thank God for ecumenical fellowship. ¨¨¨¨
Something to ponder.
‘You must give some time to your fellow men. Even if it’s a little thing, do something for others – something for which you get no pay, but the privilege of doing it.’ (Albert Schweitzer)

Best of luck to Johnny and Martin Pat Coleman on their journey to
Sydney starting tomorrow. Johnny has been in Ireland for two months now
and is looking forward to returning home to the girls.
It is Martin's second visit to Sydney and this time he is planning on
a three month visit. Well good for him and hope he enjoys the summer.

Back home the recent rains have brought the river level up again and
there is a good wedge of water on the callows.

The local radio told us today that Olywyn Enright has given birth to
her first baby and congratulations. Olywyn represents Laois Offaly
in Dail Eireann.

The Irish Independent on Saturday has what I think is a very difficult
Sudoku puzzle involving 16 letters and numbers in each block andhas
16 blocks in total. For once I solved the puzzle and decided to post it.
Afterwards I realized that I had forgotten to write
my name in the block. No doubt they will find my fingerprints.

Local radio today also mentioned that Clonmacnois was included in a
list submitted for World Heritage Status.This time they were careful
to mention about full consultation with interested parties.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 1st Nov 2009 - All Saints Sun B
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge - Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12noon Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough - Sunday, 10.30am

Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am; also on Mon, All Souls Day @ 8pm
Adoration on First Fri until 5pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €495. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: A.Ryan, L.Turley, M.Mitchell
Eucharistic ministers: Group 3
Readers for next Weekend: Group 2, C.Casey, E.Quinn
Altar Servers for this week: Michaela, Oisín, Andrea
Mass on Sat am for the late Kieran & Mary Henry
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough
Mass for All Souls on Mon @ 7pm; for First Fri @ 7pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €284. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Loonam, A.Egan
Readers for next Sunday: D.Boland
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group E Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: B.Coughlan
Mass on next Sun for Edward & Brigid Mannion & family deceased.
Enrolment Ceremony for Confirmandi on next Sun.

November is the month of the Holy Souls. We can help them by our Masses, sacrifices & prayers. Visit a Church or Cemetery and pray in union with the Church throughout the world. In the parish 2 Masses are said each week in Nov for the Holy Souls.
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Ard Chiaráin Prayer Centre
Mass for the faithful departed on Thurs @ 8pm. All welcome.
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An important Meeting of all Pioneers will be held in Moystown GAA Dressing rooms on Wed 4th Nov @ 8pm. A programme for the development & future direction of the Pioneers will be discussed. This meeting is particularly aimed at the 18 - 35 age group.
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Hour of Prayer in Ferbane Church from 8-9pm on next Fri, led by young people. A special welcome to young people & young families.
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Annual Mass for deceased members of the Defence Forces in St Peter & St Paul Church Athlone next Tues 3rd Nov @ 11am.
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Multiple Sclerosis Society
Cookery demo including mulled wine reception by Neven McGuire in the Shearwater Hotel on Mon 9th Nov @ 7.30pm.
Tickets €20. Contact hotel on 9630400 or Pauline on 086-4077330
¨¨¨¨
Clonfanlough Hall
Volunteers are needed for a general clean-up around the hall on next Sat 7th Nov beginning at 11am. If you are free and can help in any way we would love to have you there.
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Being Thankful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brett Blair,
"Our ancestors were not so much thankful for something as they were thankful in something. In bounty or in want they were thankful. In feast or in famine they were thankful. In joy or in misery they were thankful. There is a big difference between being thankful for things and being thankful in all things."

"‘I must do something’ will solve more problems than to say ‘Something must be done.’" (Anon)

Brian O Carroll from Ely Guesthouse was telling me that the actor in
'Three Men in a Boat'that bought the pipes was Gryff Rees Jones.The
other two funny men are Rory Mc Grath and Daire O Broin.
Gryff Rees Jones starred in the series 'Not The Nine O Clock News'
some years ago. Run a Google search for more information.
See the piece below starting with 'The Paul O Grady Show