AGM

The Shannonbridge GAA annual general meeting was held on Sunday week last in the Club house to a medium sized attendance.

The Meeting was opened and Chaired by Tom Moore who thanked all involved for their participation in the running of the Club and there was also a minutes silence observed for all deceased of the Parish throughout the past year.

There was also a great tribute to the most important man in the club Frank Guinan for all his tireless work not just this year but for many years previous to this. The Chairman stated the Club could simply not function without him.

There were no major changes in the line up of Officers for the coming year. Chairman Tom Moore, Secretary Jim Killeen, Treasurer and assistant Secretary Olive Costello, Assistant Chairman Frank Guinan, Assistant treasurer Kieran Rohan, P.R.O Conor Killeen, Registrar Declan McEvoy, County delegate Conor Killeen one delegate position is yet to be filled.

Sponsorship

Shannonbridge GAA Club recently received a new kit for the year from our Sponsors KPW. The Ballinasloe based printing firm have been very generous to the Club in the last number of years and we hope we will have their continued support in the future.

The club also wish to thank the ESB for their generosity in recent months and like Kelly's printing works have been very good to the club in the past decade.

Down Under
Shannonbridge GAA club would like to wish the best of luck to John Egan who departed recently on a trip to Australia for the coming year. Last years senior Captain will not be taking too much of a break from Gaelic games as John did travel with hurl in hand as he plans to play in Sydney in the Australian Championship

Great excitement in Shannonbridge last evening when Louise Killeen qualified for the final of “You’re A Star” singing contest on television along with Ciara Mc Ginn from Oughterard. It was a phone in to select the winner and Ciara received 24 % of the votes and Louise got 17 %. For the next few weeks they will be airing those selected from the other places of audition. Sometime after Christmas Louise expects to be back on screen. Don’t worry we will let you know in time. She was lucky that I slept it out for Mass and had to go to that great stand by in Clonfad at 7.00 pm and I missed the performance. Kieran Feeney was showing me the phone number that he used to vote for her. Well done to Louise and you can visit her website www.louisekilleen.com and listen to her voice or send her a message.

Jane Mooney, nee Rothwell was telling us late last night that she was on her way back from an auction in Hynes’ Pub in Aughrim where lots of interesting items were up for grabs including cannon balls, pub signs and even a rat trap with a rat that used to hang from the ceiling.

Mags Doolan who was our hairdresser for many years until recently gave birth to a baby girl in Portiuncula Hospital today and both are fine but Bridie Carry tells us that Mags texed her today and said she was very tired. Mother and baby are in fine form and well done Mags.

Bridie Carry took a friend along to an Isla Grant concert in The Tullamore Court Hotel and they enjoyed the Scottish singer very much. She had just returned from a singing tour of Australia.

Heard a group of our Shannonbridge singers arranging to meet tomorrow Tuesday night in the Health Center to practise a Christmas programme like last year when the funds that they raised were donated to The Offaly Hospice.

When trying to get information last week on the Kelly / Egan families it was interesting to hear that Flynn’s Bar which was once operated by the Egans was granted its first official license in 1845 on the same court day as Lukers Bar.

Brian tells us that the river level on Monday is 3.15 Metres and the temperature is about 8 C / 48 F in the sunlight and 4 C or 49 F in the shade.

Had a welcome phone call today from a Michael Connaughton from Tuam who is doing research on the Connaughton Family. He used Google as a search engine and this site was thrown up a number of times. Jack Connaughton the runner was mentioned. Somewhere along the line my Connaughton tree branch was mentioned.

Michael was able to tell that my great grandfather was Thomas Connaughton who was married to Kate Morris and their daughter Kate Connaughton married John Murray and were my grand parents. He plans to come to Shannonbridge on this coming Wednesday and hopefully give us more information.

Finally proceeds from this weeks Table Quiz in Killeens on Wednesday at 9.30 pm

will go towards Library Funds. Library is open on Thursday night as usual from 7 'til 9 pm.

The great soccer player George Best died yesterday. Today on the paper there are many tributes to him including one from Pele who says George was the greatest. He will be buried next Friday and may he rest in peace.

A circular from Clare Film Productions Ltd tells Shannonbridge that a film is being made called “Running to Standstill” Filming will commence on Monday 28^th November and will continue to mid-February 2006.It is a four part serial for RTE They are planning to film in Shannonbridge on Friday December 16^th using Killeen’s Bar in the early morning with most of the action on or around the village bridge, the pier, and on the River Shannon until 9.00PM that evening.

It brings back memories of The Flight of The Doves which Michael Green said is now available on DVD and is on sale on the internet. Try Google and check that it is suitable for your player.

Good to hear from Ken and Betty who are planning to spend two weeks in Shannonbridge in May next year.

Heard Louise being interviewed on Tipperary Radio today and the interviewer was asking all about the "You’re a Star"singing competition in which she sings tomorrow evening at 6.30 PM on RTE ONE Television. She will be the first to sing in the series and if you would like to vote for her text Star A to 53600 when the lines are open. See the program for voting instructions and the public chose the winner.

Monday was a double funeral for Paddy and Nicola Kelly, Drum, who died in a road accident at Stradbally. The Funeral Mass took place in Saint Peter’s Church Athlone and afterwards they were laid to rest in Drum cemetery. One of the celebrants was an uncle of Nicola and she also has a brother a priest in Kenya Father Paddy Boran. Over a cup of tea afterwards in the Drum Community Center where Paddy spent many an hour running Bingo and other functions his son Gabriel told us that he had attended the last three years of National School in Shannonbridge and he remembered Michael Green and Olive Donegan. When Gabriel saw the plates of assorted sandwiches he said that his Dad would have a fit if he was there as the caterers had sprinkled the sandwiches with parsley and his Dad just hated parsley.

The weather grabbed the headlines in mid week with a heavy fog on Tuesday and a sand lorry went into the ditch before Clonfad Church. Nobody was hurt but it remained there until yesterday when one of Noel Mc Manus’s machines succeeded in dragging it out.

Thursday night we had some slushy snow but it did not remain. The river level held steady at 3.25 Metres for the past few days. Temperatures have dropped to 40 F and it gets cold after sunset.

On Thursday evening seven Americans arrived in search of their family tree. They were enquiring about the Kelly Family with an Egan connection and lucky enough Father Mike Egan included a lot of the family tree when he wrote an article in The Shannonbridge Star about twenty five years ago. As it happened they had booked into a hotel near Shannon Airport when they arrived and they returned there for the night. Next morning they arrived back and visited Clonmacnois where they saw the Egan headstone which has a Helen Egan nee Kelly on the list of deceased. Gus Claffey told us that in the old cemetery people of the same name were buried in the same location even if not related. In the New Cemetery there are 40 Egan plots. They visited P. Kelly who directed them to the old Kelly home in Clonfinlough and Mrs Dennis Loonham rattled off three generations of Kellys that had lived in the old house including two Peters and a Paddy. The two Kelly girls in the party seem to have married two Futcher husbands. Mary Futcher lives in Haddonfield New Jersey and is in the next parish to Saint Mary’s. So the brother will have Futcher visitors next week. The other girl Patricia Futcher and her family live in London and they are planning to come back in the spring. Last night they booked into Bunratty Castle and we thought that was the last we would see of them for 2006 but today after driving around for the day they stopped in briefly to buy a souvenir cap.

Good to see Michael Green over for a weeks break from Hartford and to visit his family. The Irish Lad is in the lawn cutting and tree maintenance and at this time of year he is occupied with clearing snow in a school which is one of his main customers.

This evening Kieran Pat Devery called in for a couple of hours. Kieran was from Lecarrow but he and his wife Anne now live in Creglahan., Castlerea, Roscommon..

Good news today was the start of preparations for the building of a new home for Vinnie Darcy in The Old Street which is on the road to the right past Ard Chiarain.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 20th Nov 2005 - Christ the King Sun A
Tel (090) 9674125
Fax (090) 9674267
E-mail. Parishnewsletter@eircom.net
Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am
Mass for deceased members of the ESB on Thurs eve @ 8pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €428. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J.Kelly, T.Goldie
Eucharistic ministers: Group 1
Readers for next Weekend: E.Quinn, P.Duffy
Altar Servers: Brian, Ruaidhrí, Ailbhe, Tara, Mary Anne
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Richard Hynes
Enrolment Ceremony for Confirmandi on next Sun

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Clonfanlough
Mass for the deceased on Mon eve @ 7pm
Enrolment Ceremony for Confirmandi on next Sun
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €275. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Loonam, A.Egan
Readers for next Sunday: Confirmandi
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 3
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: B.Coughlan
Station Mass: on Fri eve @ 8, at the home of A. & L. Rohan, the Back Road, Clonfanlough
Questions people ask
Q. My understanding is that we will be judged on how we behave in this life. What is the point, then, in praying for the dead? It is too late to undo any wrongs they have done.
A. Purgatory is not so much a place of punishment as a process of growth in the journey of the soul to God. The residue of earthly imperfection impedes one’s reception of the beatific vision. It is purged away. As members of the Mystical Body of Christ, God accepts our prayers for the benefit of others.
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Shannonbridge Christmas Party
By now, you should have received your invitation. Please let us know if you will attend by calling 087-2410587.
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P.T.A.A. Social, High St Hall
Wed 23rd Nov, 10pm to 1am.
Music: the Evergreens. Adm: €10.00, which includes Supper
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A Date to remember
Christmas Party in Clonfanlough Hall on Sun 4th Dec @ 3pm.
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Beginners' Computer Classes
Offaly Leader will run a number of Classes for a minimum of 10 people from age 18 upwards, if there is sufficient interest, in Shannonbridge Hall. This Course will deal with the basics.
If you would like more info contact 087-2410587
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Prayer for the week - (received on the Internet, by email)
"Father, I ask You to bless my friends, relatives and those I care deeply for, whom I remember right now. Show them a new revelation of Your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit at this very moment. Where there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through Your grace. Where there is need, I ask you to fulfil their needs. Bless their homes, families, finances, their goings and their comings. In Jesus' precious name."

Last evening there was an added interest in a television show billed “You’re a Star” from lots of family and friends. This turned out to be an insight of how three judges auditioned thousands of contestants from around the country displaying their musical talents and aiming to win a recording contract and 25,000 Euros for the winner. This introduction gave us a glimpse of many competitors and the judges’ reactions – “Get out” and girls and boys and groups waiting or dejected or joyous. It was good to see Louise Killeen in rapture at the Galway Audition. On next Sunday evening the Galway audition will be a feature of the hour long program from 6.30 pm on RTE television. It seems that the public will be invited to vote and the successful ones will be announced after the 9.00 pm News. Those chosen by the public go on to the next stage. Wishing Louise all the best on the night and hope she gets a few votes. Have a look in.

The river level has dropped to 3.5 metres today and after fairly heavy frost last night the sun is shining again today as it has for the past week. Temperatures are 9C / 48F.

The drop in the river level has removed the area of water that the two swans were using last week.

The priest announced at Mass yesterday that the church will be heated for an hour each evening between 6.30 and 7.30pm for those wishing to visit and pray.

The sad news was broken on Saturday of the death of Paddy and Nicola Kelly and Edward Bealin a cousin from New York who were killed when their car collided with a lorry at Stradbally. Paddy and Nicola and their son Gabriel once lived in Saint Ciaran’s Park Shannonbridge before moving to their new home at Summerhill near Athlone. Paddy worked in the old Shannonbridge Power Plant and was very proud of his Kilkenny roots.

The death occurred last week of John Maher from Kilrush / Rahan. John was a brother of Celine Grennan, Shannonbridge and his brother worked in Shannonbridge Power Plant.

The death occurred of Bernadette Doolan, Brackagh, mother of Paudge Frank and Agnes Doolan and Gabrielle Kelly Banagher.

May they all rest in peace.

Personally last week I went to Nantes in France from Tuesday to Saturday with an old friend and Ryan Air. We had star accommodation in the Admiral Hotel which is in the heart of the Old City. The hotel cost 120Euro for four nights, travel and airport charges 66.96 Euros, Airport car park 17.50 Euros, and travel insurance 8 Euros. Ear plugs were extra as one of the party snored a bit but I did not have to buy these. So 218.46 Euros total without food. We bought a three day public transport ticket for 32 Euros that covered bus, tram, river bus and access to a number of events.

The city is located on the mouth of the River Loire and at one time Nantes was the third largest port with about 300,000 slaves being shipped from there. The mouth of the river was in many parts like a delta? But later many of these were closed in and became roads and squares. It is a remarkable clean city with no litter or chewing gum on the paths as in Ireland. The inner city has a great range of shops and eating places. Shoes and leather goods, clothes and drapery, jewellers and opticians and quality souvenir shops abound.

Language is a problem especially with menus. I remember one evening we went to a fish restaurant that was recommended by a guide book. There were two ladies in the place having soup and they were the staff. I said I would try the soup and I was lucky that they had only one bowl left. For fish we went for salmon. This turned out to be slivers of smoked salmon in a lettuce salad with olive oil and HEATED. When they asked if we required dessert or coffee we said no, paid up and ran. The worst experience sticks.

We enjoyed the river and used the river bus a few times. There are pathways all along the river and in one open style house nearby there was a marvellous display of coarse fish in a range of tanks. One tank had what looked like dark bog oak and one branch was hollow with two openings about twenty inches apart. An eel tail stuck out of the bottom and an eel head rested on the top opening.

A friend asked me to buy a 50 ml bottle of Poem perfume. We priced it in a huge store for 61 Euro. On Friday we met a friend from Dublin who brought us to a smaller shop where his wife buys perfume. Their price 59 Euro. When I got off the bus in Ballinasloe the chemist shop there had it priced 56 Euro and had an offer of perfume and body cream for 58 Euro. When I got home and told her the prices she told me that a friend had got a bottle for her in Spain at just under 40 Euro.
Good to see Colin and Niamh back in the old sod. Judging from a postcard last week I thought that they were about halfway across Spain on a walk. They finished the walk and are home. Will they phone in a vote or text or whatever on Sunday evening. Louise got five tickets for guests and Mick and Mary, Fergal Louise and Leah have been chosen to carry the flag.
It is 2.30 pm and Pat Mick and myself are going for a trip on the river. We might even catch a glimpse of a solitary fisherman from Castlebar who arrived in the village this morning.

Shannonbridge Fishing Report…..14^th November 2005

Andy Slone and Len Tophe from Halifax fished the River Shannon from 5^th – 12^th November in windy and wet conditions and used lures and dead bait and a lake boat to catch 30 pike up to 20 Lbs. They said it was difficult due to conditions but they got some nice pike anyway.

Matt Keogh from Salford fished the Shannon on November 11^th in terrible weather and used dead bait to catch pike with 13 Lbs the best. Matt commented that it was difficult to fish with too much water coming in.

Russ Gauden from West Midlands fished the Shannon on 12^th November in good weather.

Russ used a dead trout to catch a pike that weighed 10 Lbs. Comment water very high.

Water levels have continued to rise with the level at the village bridge reading 3.85 Metres today. There is flood water on much of the callow land and a pair of swans was content in a patch of flood ten yards from our garden. A moored boat is recommended for fishing and anglers might also consider using the floating jetties at Shannonbridge, Clonmacnois and Banagher. The harbour at Ballinasloe is worth a try.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 13thNov 2005 - 33rdSun A
Tel (090) 9674125
Fax (090) 9674267
E-mail. Parishnewsletter@eircom.net

Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €480. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Killeen, A.Keena
Eucharistic ministers: Group 4
Readers for next Weekend: C.Mannion, O.Costello
Altar Servers: Dean, Michael, Shannen, Nicola, Kayleigh
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Jimmy Coleman
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Clonfanlough
Mass for the deceased on Mon eve @ 7pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €250. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: B.Kilduff, B.Kilduff
Readers for next Sunday: D.Norton,
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 2
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: A.Rohan
Enrolment Ceremony for First Communicants on next Sunday

Many thanks for your very generous donations to the American Hurricane Disaster Appeal. As a result we have sent €1,120.00 to the Bishop's office to be forwarded to the diocese of Biloxi.
Ard Chiaráin, Rachrabeg
Mass for our deceased relatives, friends and benefactors will be said on next Fri eve @ 8pm. All welcome.
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Parish Envelopes for the year beginning 27th Nov next.
These are in the process of being delivered to your homes.
A special word of gratitude is due to those who carry out this task.
A big ‘thank-you’ to all those who contribute to the various collections during the year! It is hoped that you will continue to do so in the year ahead. A very special appeal is made to those who have defaulted on these collections, or who may have simply forgotten to send in the envelope.
In the words of Scripture ‘Let us bear one another’s burdens’.
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A Date to remember
Christmas Party in Clonfanlough Hall on Sun 4th Dec @ 3pm.
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Beginners' Computer Classes
Offaly Leader will run a number of Classes for a minimum of 10 people from age 18 upwards, if there is sufficient interest, in Shannonbridge Hall. This Course will deal with the basics.
If you would like more info contact 087-2410587
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Farm News: Looking for an increasing Income?
Consider the Farm Assist Scheme or avail of the new GP/Medical Card? Contact 0509-51622 or 086-8336873, at West Offaly's Smallholder Service.
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Emmanuel House, Clonfert
There will be a special day of prayer with Eddie Stones for young people on next Sat from 11am onwards.
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Why don't skeletons go out on the town?
Because they have no body to go out with...
Why do mummies have trouble keeping friends?
They're too wrapped up in themselves...
What do you call someone who puts poison in a person's Cornflakes?
A cereal killer...

Yesterday Billy Soden was in Shannonbridge with his friend Brian De Courcey from Ahascragh. They have been friends for many years as Brian was the Warrant Officer with the Gardai in Ballinasloe and Billy Soden’s taxi was used regularly for transporting offenders to prison in Dublin.

Billy Soden was born in Ballinasloe and in 1956 when the Galway Football Team went to New York they travelled on The Franconia ocean liner. The trip to America took the normal seven days on the boat. The Aughrim Slopes Ceili Band travelled with the team. Billy Soden was the Drummer, Pat Corbett played the Piccolo, Dan Tracey played Banjo, Johnny Hynes and Paddy Fahey played Fiddle, and Jennie Fahey played the Organ.

Jennie later married Frank Campbell who owned Kiltormer Hall.

The Aughrim Slopes played in Carnegie Hall to an audience of 8,000 and they also entertained the crowd during the half-time interval at the football game in Gaelic Park played between Galway and New York.

Billy Soden did not return to Ireland with the others but remained in America. In 1971 Billy came home to Ballinasloe and operated The Burma Grill for a number of years.

Later he sold it to the Supermacs Fast Food chain.

Then he set up a taxi service and provided a useful service to the town. He is now retired and living in Kilgorve Park. His friend Brian now operates The Spailpin Fanach pub in Ahascragh.

I was surprised that our own Tommy Corbett did not travel to America with the band but Tommy was a painter and he had to look after his business. Some other names mentioned in connection with The Aughrim Slopes include Joe Mills on Accordion, and Georgie Shanley, Frank Walsh and Tom Corbett who were all drummers

Shannonbridge has got a new window cleaning service called "Clean As A Whistle".

Contact 085-7346307 if interested. Cost for cleaning the outside windows on a normal house runs at about 15 Euro. Inside windows also cleaned if service needed..

River level continues to creep up. On Tuesday it reached 3.7 Metres and today it is 3.76 Metres. Last few days have been rather mild with an odd drop of rain. Some strong winds that were forecast did not materialise.

Met eight people from Austria on Tuesday who are enjoying a horse riding holiday in Ireland. One of them told us that the translation for House To Rent goes Haus zu Vermieten but I am not sure if it is Austrian or German.

Conor Killeen reports

Under 21 FC

Gaels Breeze to Semi Final

Shannongeals 0-13
St Michaels 1-3

Shannongaels stormed to victory when they overcame a
Edenderry/ Ballyfore combination on Sunday morning
last in Durrow.

This game turned out to be a physical encounter with
heavy hits flying in from both sides. Things got very
heated ten minutes into the match when Darren Finn was
left on the floor and St Michaels were reduced to
Fourteen men.

After this incident Shannongaels gained control
although St Michaels took the lead with the opening
point.The Shannonsiders soon got into their stride and
Jason Kelly rolled up his sleeves and dominated the
centre of the field.

Shane Kelly opened the Shannonbridge/St Rynaghs mens
account when he converted an excellent free. Soon
after Kieran Flannery made a blistering fifty yard run
to off load to Darren Finn who scored a great point.

The Reds did manage to fight back with a couple of
points but trailed by 0-7 to 0-3 at the interval.

The second period saw the Gaels power ahead and make
full use the wind and good service to the full forward
line gave Paul Deeley plenty of ammunition to fire a
total of six points. Deeley was well assisted up
front by Rory O Connor and Shane Kelly.

Edenderry did stage a comeback by scoring a goal
midway through the second half and try as they did for
a second or third, goalkeeper Michael "Chesty" Hough
was in fine form and denied St Michaels on a number of
occasions.

Shannongaels now await the result of an open draw to
see who they play in the Semi Final. This is the one
title that has eluded Shannonbridge GAA club. I
wonder could this be the year they claim the title for
the first time.

M Hough, K Flannery(0-1), K NOrton, W Kenna, S
Clancy,J Rafferty,D Finn(0-1),J Kelly,E Kelly(0-1),R
O'Connor(0-2),S Kelly(0-1),P Deeley (0-6), D Corbett,
D Flatterty(0-1), subs M Reynolds, K Butler, P
Flatterty, D Flatterty.

Anyone, Germans or otherwise can buy Louises CD through the secure online payment system on her website www.louisekilleen.com

She is going to be appearing on the music competition Eurostar on RTE over the next couple of months too, so dont forget to support her.

Last week the children had the week off from school and some fourteen took up on the opportunity to take part in a course on film making for five days. They formed a great team and very early in the course the team set out to take some film of the river, jetty, bridge, fort and whatever caught their eye caught the camera. They were allocated their task for each day and it was lovely to hear them say “I am on sound”, I am on the mike”, I am on the camera” etc .When they visited the shop Mary Ann Keena was on camera and Sharon Slattery was the interviewer. They brought the camera along to have a look at the Library.
The kids are to be taken to Tullamore for a viewing of their weeks work. Hope the rest of us get to see it at a Christmas Party or a special showing.

On Thursday four girls from America paying a short visit to Shannonbridge told that they had taken part in the Dublin Marathon at the weekend. One of the girls was Moran and her ancestors came from Ballina County Mayo. They were running out of daylight but promised that they would visit Clonmacnois on their return route to Dublin.

On the 2^nd November a family of Willing / Moran from Chicago, who are friends of The O’Sullivan Family called in. Their daughter is about to start attending University in Limerick so they came along to see the place and tour around the country for a few days. The girl promised to contact Mike and Aine sometime in Limerick.

Had a surprise letter from Inge Hoffmann, Bruckmuhl, Germany seeking a copy of Louise’s CD. It appears that some of her friends were on holiday on the River Shannon lately and they bought a CD. Now everyone in Germany wants one. Well at least Inge Hoffmann does.

Brian from the Barge takes the river levels every morning and as you can see on the Fish report the level rode 0, 1 Metres in a day which is four inches in ordinary language.

Good to see Ken and Betty Smith from California on a weeks visit for a break and to visit family and friends.

The death occurred last week of Michael Kilduff in Dublin. Michael was a brother of Lizzie Ledwith. Michael was buried in Dublin. May he rest in peace.

Heard about a sale of a small tract of land in Kildare that took place recently. The auction was held in a hotel and the highest bidder bid over one million Euro. He was a big rough dressed man and the Auctioneer asked him to step into the office for a moment where he explained to the bidder that he would be required to pay 10% deposit. Our Friend produced a shopping bag which was full of money and asked how much he had to pay. The Auctioneer told him and our friend said he would like to settle the deal there and then. As they finished counting out the million there remained a lot of money in the bag. The Auctioneer remarked that it was dangerous carrying around such an amount of money in a bag.

Our friend replied that he thought that it would be twice the price it reached.

Shannonbridge Fishing Report….Dated 7th November 2005

Local anglers Peter and Mark were the only people to record any catches this week. On 1^st November fishing from a moored boat on the River Shannon and using dead roach as their bait, Peter caught two small pike. Mark fishing from the other end of the boat caught a dozen pike with top weights of 12 Lbs and 10 Lbs.

River level on Tuesday and Wednesday was 3.4 Metres, on Friday 3.5 M, on Friday and Saturday and Sunday 3.6 M. Today it is 3.65 Metres and traces of flood waters are to be seen on the callow land beside the river. The Callow upstream of Clonmacnois has a good inlet of flooding.
The Shannonbridge Power Plant has returned to service after overhaul and hot water is flowing once again.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 6th Nov 2005 - 32nd Sun
Tel (090) 9674125
Fax (090) 9674267
E-mail. Parishnewsletter@eircom.net

Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €492. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Moran, M.Murphy, M.McManus
Eucharistic ministers: Group 3
Readers for next Weekend: S.Grennan, C.Doolan
Altar Servers: Darragh, Graham, Megan, Ciara, Amy
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Martin & Josephine Burke
Mass on next Sun for the late Thomas Rocke.

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Clonfanlough
Mass for the deceased on Thurs @ 7pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €276. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: B.Kenny, M.Lantry
Readers for next Sunday: A.Kelly
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 1
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: K.Kelly

Station Mass:
Fri eve @ 8pm at the home of M. & S. McManus, Lecarrow

A Date to remember
Christmas Party in Clonfanlough Hall on Sun 4th Dec @ 3pm.
Thanks to all who supported the recent Quiz night in the Hall.
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Beginners' Computer Classes
Offaly Leader will run a number of Classes for a minimum of 10 people from age 18 upwards, if there is sufficient interest, in Shannonbridge Hall. This Course will deal with the basics.
If you would like more info contact 087-2410587
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Table Quiz on next Wed @ 9.30pm sharp
Will be run in Killeens in aid of this year's Christmas Party, to be held in Shannonbridge Hall on Fri 2nd Dec. Please support.
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M. E. Meeting
Wed 9th Nov in Gullanes Hotel @ 8pm. All welcome.
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Ballinasloe Flower & Garden Club
A Talk by Alex Chisolm from Heritage Bulbs, Wed 9th Nov @ 8pm in Haydens Hotel. Adm: €5.00
Grower's Competition: Indoor Foliage Plant.
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A Training Course for local actors/drama groups
Or anyone interested, in the Prince-of-Wales Hotel, Athlone,
Tues/Wed/Thurs, 15th 16th 17th Nov from 7pm - 11.30pm, each eve
Course director is Shane Munro. All enquiries to 074-9126994
Email: filmactorsworkshop@eircom.net
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Monster Auction
Sun 6th Nov in the Community Centre Moate @ 2.30pm
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Farm News: Looking for an increasing Income?
Consider the Farm Assist Scheme or avail of the new GP/Medical Card? Contact 0509-51622 or 086-8336873, at West Offaly's Smallholder Service.
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"We should use things we have to enhance our friendships, and not use our friendships to enhance the number of things we have."

Rose Ryan has been practising singing with a Gospel Choir and they are having a Gospel Choir Concert in the Tullamore Court Hotel on Sunday 13th November at 8 pm.
Tickets cost 15 Euro and may be had by contacting Rose Ryan. Contact her soon.

Shannonbridge Fishing Report…Dated October 31^st 2005-10-31

The rain was more persistent during the week and the result is reflected on the water levels in the past few days. On Saturday the level was 3.18 Metres, on Sunday it was 3.28 Mts. and today it is 3.35 Mts.

Alan Simkins, Joe Simkins and Corey Hampson from Ellesmere fished the River Suck on 23^rd October in ever changing weather and used feeder and pole to catch an amount of fish, mostly small roach. Water in excellent condition. A little high but enjoyable.

Marc Schilling from Pottum, Germany fished the bay near the mouth of the River Suck on 27^th October in windy conditions and used a blinker to catch a pike that measured 70 Cm. Marc caught seven pike in three days.

Peter our Local Angler went fishing alone on the 25^th October in the wind on the River Suck and used a dead roach to catch a pike weighing 13 Lbs that was in fine condition and was returned alive.

On 28^th October Peter and our other Local fisherman tried their luck on the River Shannon. Peter used dead roach to catch two pike that weighed 15 Lbs. and 23 Lbs and damn all else. He commented that this week last year he caught four twenties in this week. Mark was satisfied with a 10 Lbs. pike and some small.

The rain was more persistent during the week and the result is reflected on the water levels in the past few days. On Saturday the level was 3.18 Metres, on Sunday it was 3.28 Mts. and today it is 3.35 Mts. The Bank Holiday weekend had an amount of cruisers on the river and on Saturday night there were 25 boats moored in Shannonbridge. Friday night was the 21^st Birthday Party for Darren Finn and his friends added a lot to the night by coming to his party in Fancy Dress.

Yesterday was the final round of the Volvo Masters and it was great to see Paul Mc Ginley win the big event. Heard on the news today that Eddie Jordan, one of his supporters had placed a five figure bet at odds of 33 to1 on Mc Ginley to win. Well done.

Was talking to Joan Carty who told me that Mrs Connaughton that was buried on Saturday was a sister of the late Pancake Ward from Ballinasloe. Pancake was a famous character who lived in Ballinasloe and among other things was known for a rare type of blood. Back in the early sixties the new Blood Transfusion Board always went looking for Pancake every time that they held a Donor Clinic in Ballinasloe. He was rewarded with a few bottles of Guinness. Joan also told me that she well remembers my Uncle Michael or Sonnie but was known to Joan and the other children as The Cowboy on account of the hat he wore and the bicycle that he used.

During the week Father Pascal Donoghue Clontuskert died. He had been unwell with Alzimer’s for a time. May he rest in peace.

Garbally College have decided to phase out the boarding facility in the school and will not be taking boarders in future.

Supermacs in Main Street Ballinasloe has won the Hotels and Restaurants group ‘National Hygiene and Food Safety Award for 2005. This Supermac is the original Supermacs established by Pat Mc Donagh 27 years ago. Congratulations to all.

On another news item it tells that Supermacs pre-tax profit was up 140 % last year.

A presentation was made recently at a function in Millars Bar to May Greene from Falty and Pat Kenny from Breagh. Both Pat and May were involved in the school transport scheme for many years and have now retired. Wishing them well in their retirement.

The local power plant West Offaly Power recently presented defibrillator units to Shannonbridge GAA and to the Moore Community Group. Defibrillators are essential in a first-response capacity to quickly treat a victim suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest before the arrival of an ambulance.

On Thursday a busload of Pilgrims arrived in Shannonbridge and the two priests in the company celebrated Mass in Shannonbridge Church before travelling on to Clonmacnois. They had planned to celebrate Mass in Clonmacnois but due to the wind and rain during the week they used the village church instead. One of the priests told Pat that he was in the same class as John’s Bishop so no doubt he will put in a good word for him.

Mick and Mary attended the wedding of Mary’s niece, Gerry and Mairead Cox's daughter Sinead to Robert Stone yesterday which took place on The Heath near Portlaoise.

Down south Michael and Aine were attending the wedding of John Robertson, a brother of Michael.

Some persistent rain during the week has caused the Shannon to rise to a height of 3.1 Metres this morning. The rivers look very full and that little patch in Darcy’s Callow looking south from past the Fort has a pool of water. This is always the first part of the callows to flood and of course it means that the surrounding land is well saturated.

Brian from the Barge was telling that there are a number of stray cats living around the bridge and Mary Allen provides them with food. Brian has observed that during the night the cats visit the Jetty and patrol each boat fully by going aboard and walking around the sides of the cruisers. God help any mouse that takes refuge there.

Today is Darren Finn’s 21^st Birthday and the celebrations no doubt have already begun. Wishing him all the very best on the occasion.

The papers this week tell us that a Plaque is to be erected in Mountmellick to commemorate the late Oliver J. Flanagan T.D. The papers just remember Oliver J as the one who pronounced that there was no sex in Ireland. People around this area have their own memories of his work and efforts.

Heard this evening that Sara Ann Bennett, daughter of Paudge is teaming up with a singer named Aengus and the two of them are performing in Temple Bar in Dublin tonight.

See where Judy Garland’s daughter is giving three concerts in Athlone this week titled ‘Songs My Mother Taught Me’ and the word is out that it is a great show.

Down south The Cork Jazz Festival is in swing this weekend and James Scully told us that he is driving down to Cork in the morning for the weekend.

Mary told us at teatime that the Daffodils are up which gives you an idea of how mild the weather has been so far. Temperatures are around 19 C at times this week.

Despite the good weather the birds are certainly making use of the bird feeders and the feeders need to be topped up about twice a week. Wandering around during the week it was noticeable that there were not many berries in the ditches. Buy a couple of feeders and a bag of peanuts and enjoy the birds.

The number of young swans on the river is almost zilch and the Wild Mink seem to be having a devastating effect on wild life. We need more Aidan Kelly’s who will help eliminate these mink.

Good to hear from Rose Ryan that a number of young people are beginning to rediscover the Library in the Health Center on a Thursday night from 7 to 9pm.

Found Michael Scully carrying out a great examination around the pub this evening and on enquiry he told me that about twenty of his fellow teachers intend to visit the pub for their Christmas break up drink on 20^th December and Michael is preparing a type of Detective / Investigator game where they will be given a list of hints and they will be expected to find the answers. Hopefully he will give us a list of the clues.

Yesterday Peggy Connaughton was buried in Creagh Cemetery. Peggy was relic of the late Vincent and mother of Brian who was fisheries officer in the area for many years. May she rest in peace.

Good to see that our Priest has returned from his vacation but we will miss the cousin John who has been supplying the past weeks.

Hear that Tommie Costelloe is moving into Mc Guire’s or Staunton’s Pub in Creagh very soon and wishing him well with the venture.

Thanks to the sister Doc who posted on a few special biros which can be used when trying to solve Sudoko. They rub out what you write but they do not offer any help or hints.

Regrets to anybody who has been trying to contact me by e mail as I am unable to connect with your messages presently.

On Saturday eleven Jehovah Witnesses stopped off in Shannonbridge for a cup of tea and a snack. I was wondering if they were going to conduct a door to door visit but they were on their way to Athlone. Some hours later one of the group came back looking for a purse that she had lost but failed to find it. She left a contact number if anybody finds it.

Telephone 087 – 1300602.

On Friday Mary Frances Flynn died in her home in Portlaoise. Molly as she was known worked for many years for Powers the Turf Accountants. Her neighbour told us that she was very active and played golf and bridge regularly. She was a sister of the late Jackie Flynn and Father Jimmy Flynn and she was buried in Moore Cemetery on Sunday afternoon. May she rest in peace.

The Mass on Saturday was an anniversary Mass for the late Geraldine Mc Manus and there was a big family gathering of the Mc Manus family for the occasion. It was good to see Simon Mc Manus there and he told us that he is living in Ballaghadreen.

The For Sale sign has been placed on Coakley’s house which is situated between Moran’s Shop and Cregg’s Self Catering. Auctioneer is Edward Enright from Birr.

The Sunday papers told of the death of Liam Lawlor in a crash in Moscow in which he and the driver were killed. Liam Lawlor was a T.D. who made the headlines in Ireland in the past few years and has been a principal in a Tribunal of Enquiry. May he rest in peace.

See on the paper today that the escaped wild mink from mink farms are causing an amount of damage to the Common Gull population on Lough Mask and Lough Corrib and the gull population has suffered an 80 to 90pc decline in recent years.

The man involved in Perry’s Mill in Belmont was telling us this evening that they have got the wheel turning again. He was fascinated with the paperwork and records of the mill when it was in operation. All letters and invoices etc were stored and the stamps on the envelopes are a history in themselves as the temporary stamps used in 1922 with overprints are on the envelopes. Some posters from elections were also found as the late Robert Perry was the Returning Officer and posters were included in the paperwork .Details of shipments of grain and their source and boat names are a plenty. A large quantity of this material has been handed over to the County Library in Tullamore.

Had some heavy rain at the weekend but it cleared up again today. River level has risen slightly but the fallen rain has not fully reached the rivers yet. Still a few fishermen around with an English Family and a party of eight German anglers arriving today.

Shannonbridge Fishing Report Dated 24^th October 2005.

Nick and his friend trolled for pike on a lake boat while based in Ely House Shannonbridge. They used trolling lures and fished the River Shannon between Shannonbridge and Banagher.

On October 6^th they caught six pikes up to 8 Lb.

On October 7^th they caught seven pike up to 11.75 Lbs.

On October 8^th they caught three pike up to 8 Lbs and lost three pike.

Liam Moran from Kildare fished the River Shannon on October 23^rd using dead bait and had a pike weighing 14.5 Lbs which was returned alive.

Marvin Weber from Poltum Germany fished the River Shannon on October 23^rd in the wind and used a blinker to catch two pike that measured 56 Cm and 54 Cm.

Local angler Peter went fishing for a short time yesterday and caught a 1.5 Lb pike using dead bait. Peter reckons that the recent heavy showers have caused a change in the water temperature and have put the pike off the feed.

Heard that a pike club from Tullamore or Edenderry had a match outing on the River Suck recently but did not hear any information on catches.

Yesterday Doc and Dick rang from Oughterard to let us know that they were coming to Shannonbridge today and intended going to see the play “Da” by Hugh Leonard which is running in Birr at present. So five tickets were booked and Pat Mick and myself joined them to see a most enjoyable production. It was made even more enjoyable by the brilliant performance of Michael Donegan our ex-teacher in Shannonbridge. They announced that tomorrow night is booked out like it was tonight but there are some seats available for Sunday night. Visit their website www.birrstageguild.com

In the afternoon Doc Dick and I visited the Old Quarries at Clerhane which looked magnificent.Doc brought along her camera to capture some of the views and no doubt will be putting them to use in creating a painting or two in her own style real soon.

Today Richard Berger and his wife Ruth Ann Killeen from Centreville, Virginia arrived in Shannonbridge. Richard and Ruth are celebrating forty years of marriage by visiting Ireland on a ten day trip made up of golfing and sightseeing. Ruth spotted a mention for Killeen’s Bar in her guide book so they detoured off the Galway to Dublin road and called in for a visit. We persuaded them to visit Clonmacnois and then continue on to rejoin the road to Dublin.

The river level this morning was 2.46 Metres according to Brian from The Barge. It rained a fair amount last night and it may rise some but it is at a very low level at present.

The weather is mild but has been a fair bit overcast in recent days. Temperature 55F.

The Ireland versus Australia annual football international played the first of two matches today in Perth, Australia under agreed rules. Australia scored 100 Points which was about 40 points more than Ireland. Better say a prayer for Ireland for next Friday.

Good news on the wild mink. Aidan Kelly has shot another one. Well done Aidan.

Eugene Carty and his son have returned to Boston after attending the funeral of his Aunt.

On Sunday about five hundred Active Retirees from four Leinster counties turned up in Mullingar for three hours at The Greville Arms Hotel. Shannonbridge was represented by a group of ten. There were two men playing guitars and singing and providing music for dancing. Tea was served and we all went home at 8pm. I was mistaken in thinking that Brendan Shine was providing the music but he was playing in the hotel later on.

On Monday night I was part of a group of five that went to hear Al Martino singing in the Concert Hall in Dublin. The concert started at 8pm and an orchestra of 16 members trooped onto the stage to take up their positions. The music started and a singer sang a song. Then he introduced a comedian who told us jokes for thirty minutes. After he was finished they announced that there would be a break before Al came on. At 8.56pm the band came back on and Al sang 17 songs which were enjoyable. He told about a man that went to the library looking for a book on suicides. The Librarian told him that all the suicide books were filed under S over in the corner. He searched and failed to find any so he went back to the Librarian. She said that they were having a problem with Suicide Books as nobody seemed to return them.

Browsing through Eamon de Buitlear’s “A Life in The Wild” recently I came across a story of two friends having a drink in a pub. Over in the corner sat a Spoon Player busy at his play. Both John and Tom detested Spoon Players, so when John was ordering a round of drinks he asked the barman to fill a Guinness for Tom, a Smithwicks for himself and a bowl of soup for your man in the corner.

Heard a very interesting item on the radio last evening about Irish Statistics comparing a number of factors over the years. It is all on a website under www.cso.ie

Bridge lessons have commenced in Ferbane on Wednesday night and if you want to join in at this stage you should contact the tutor Ultan Mc Cabe Tel. 09064- 54331.

First of the seasonal table quizzes in Killeens was held on Wednesday last and was in aid of the earthquake disaster in India and Pakistan. About 245 Euros was raised on the night and there were other donations. The quiz on next Wednesday night will be help in aid of flowers for the church fund.

Attended the funeral of Father Kevin Ryle on Thursday evening. Father Ryle was stationed in Killeen Church which is a part of Tynagh Parish. My memories of Father Ryle go back to Garbally College where he was renowned for his involvement in Athletic coaching and in Drama Production. He was a Kerryman and was a brother of the actress the played the part of Sive when it was first produced.

Another funeral this week was that of Mrs John Guinan Shannonharbour.

May they rest in peace.

Well of course the Irish Soccer Team bowed out of the World Cup last Wednesday night with a scoreless draw against Switzerland in Dublin and the news media have gone gunning for the manager Brian Kerr since the final whistle.

Yesterday in the Offaly Hurling Final , Birr defeated Coolderry by 0 – 20 to 0 – 5.

Yesterday morning young Sarah Byrnes competed in a Dancing Feis in Moate and won three medals and a plaque for her efforts. The plaque was awarded to the winner of the Jig Competition for less than nine years.

It was good to see Eleanor and Peter and Stephen in Shannonbridge yesterday while Ciaran had to attend a stag weekend in England.

The death has taken place of Mary Ellen Kelly nee Colgan who was a sister of the late Mrs Paddy Carty, Leharrow. Gene Carty had flown in from America to visit her but she died some hours before he arrived. Brendan Carty, a son of Gene, came over for the funeral on Saturday. Mary Ellen was 90 years.

There are a number of stray dogs in the locality at present. Two gundogs have made their home with John and Joan Carty, Cloneish. A white Jack Russell type dog has been roaming around Shannonbridge during the week.

Ten of the Active Retirees travelled to Mullingar yesterday to link up with a few hundred others from four counties for three hours in the Greville Arms Hotel for music and a cup of tea.

The river level remains low at 2.3 Metres at the village bridge. Some light showers of rain have fallen, mostly at night, but there have been some beautiful days in the past week with temperatures near 60F. Some light frost some nights.

The Bungalow Guesthouse in the centre of the village remains on the market. See under www.propertypartners.ie

Cogavin and Staunton Tel 090-9642258 have their board hung on the new two bedroom apartments alongside Nugents Butcher.

There is a semi-detached Number 14 New Houses, opposite the church in the cul- de- sac for sale.Remax carries this sale.

The four bedroom self- catering house beside the Health Center known as Creggs has a For Sale banner attached.

Good to see Nicola Hines over from England to visit one of our local anglers Peter. Hope he gets a few fishing hours in this week.

This evening we are going to celebrate the brother’s Mick and Jim’ birthdays by attending an Al Martino in Concert in Dublin.

Conor Killeen reports

Gaels Storm Back to Level Proceeding's

Under 21 Football Championship

Shannongaels 1-11

St Manchans 1-11

Shannongaels went head to head with St Manchans in an
entertaining game played in Pullough on Sunday morning
last.

Shannonbridge/ St Rynaghs combination looked like
letting the game slip in the first half as St Manchans
powered ahead with Rory Guinan dominating for the
Ballycumber/ Tubber outfit, by scoring a brace of very
good points in the First half to leave the gaels
trailing by 0-5 points at the interval.

The half time talk from Bainisteoir Sean Kelly must have
rallied the Shannongaels Men and a number of
positional switches saw them come back into the game.

The restart saw a massive improvement from the Gaels
and just after seven minutes into the second half saw
a good run from Kieran Flannery who passed to Paul
Deeley who finished the ball to the back of the Net.

From this point St Manchans lost control in Midfield
and there were good points from Shane Kelly and Donal
Flatherty and the Shannongaels took the lead for the
first time in the game.

The Gaels momentum was gaining until St Manchans
fought their way back into the game and the sides drew
level again. Again the teams exchanged points in the
last few minutes to pave way for a replay.

Best for the Gaels in Defence was Darren Finn and
Stephen Clancy, while up front Shane Kelly, Donnie
Flatherty and Paul Deeley did well.

If the Gaels can do a bit of fine tunning during the
week they may well overcome St Manchans in the replay.

Team M Hough, W Kenna, K Norton, K Flannery, D Finn, J
Rafferty, S Clancy, P Egan, E Kelly, D Corbett,J
Kelly, K Butler, P Deeley(1-5), S Kelly(0-3), D
Flatherty(0-2), Sub Rory O' Connor

Shannonbridge Fishing Report… 17^th October 2005-10-17

River level remained at a low summer level for the week and the power plant remained on overhaul. Hopefully the Hot Water will be flowing again by next weekend.

Roslaw Kurzak again fished the River Shannon using a rubber fish and he caught that measured 85 Cm which fought bravely and was returned alive.

Frank Ellis, Dave Miller and Geoff Wybourne from Hertfordshire were pike fishing from a parked cruiser using dead bait. Frank had a 12 Lb pike downstream from the weir in Athlone. Dave had a 14 Lb pike in the same area.

Geoff had a 16 Lb pike at Clonmacnois. The three fish were in good health and fought a good fight before being returned alive and well.

Our two local anglers went fishing on the River Suck on the 9^th October.

Mark used dead bait to catch five pike of which two were double figures or over 10 Lbs.

Peter fished alongside Mark and used worms to catch 30 Lb of skimmer bream and one roach. The skimmers were all in the pound range.

All of the above catches were caught in windy conditions.

Was talking to visitors Debra Arrett from Arizona and her friend Pat Lobosky on Saturday. When I suggested that they visit Clonmacnois Debra said that she and her family had been on a cruiser holiday in 1993 and they stopped off to visit Clonmacnois. They were put on a conducted tour along with a group of women from Dublin who was on a pilgrimage to Clonmacnois. After the High Cross and the Cathedral and Whispering Arch they made their way to Saint Ciaran’s Church. The guide stopped at a hollow round stone in the ground known as The Bullaun Stone. The guide explained that the medical people in the monastery used this stone to grind herbs etc for use in their medicines. Traditionally there has been a cure from this stone. Now Debra’s son Michael was suffering from warts on the sole of his foot known as Gym Warts and she suggested to him that he should dip his foot in the trough which held water. Michael removed his shoe and sock and bathed his foot in the water. Some days after his holiday he had an appointment with his Podiatrist Foot Doctor who had been burning off the warts with acid on a regular basis. The doctor examined his foot and said there were no warts on the foot.

When I mentioned this to Bridie Carry she told me that she had some warts cured there as well. Gussie Claffey assures me that this is a common occurrence at The Bullaun Stone in Clonmacnois.

Debra Arrett said that she had some skin complaint herself and was going to try the Stone. Hope that it works for her.

On Saturday also an American couple from Iowa called in. Their faces looked familiar and they said that they had been directed to Shannonbridge some years ago by an accordion player from Omaha named Peter and his friend Kay Kelly.

Ireland’s soccer team just managed to beat Cyprus on Saturday night in a crucial game by a single goal and thanks to a great display in goal by Shay Given stopping a penalty and many other close shots. Damien Duff got injured and now joins Roy Keane on the injury list for the must win game against Switzerland in Landsdowne Road on Wednesday night if they are to proceed any further in The World Cup next year.

Shannonbridge’s own Daithi Rua, singer and songwriter is home in Shannonbridge from Belgium for a short visit. Daithi is the Irish for David and Rua is the Irish for Red. He is based in Belgium and along with his companion Aidan Burke.com they play some gigs in Norway. Some Norway company who heard them play in Oslo recently were holding a company conference in Dublin and asked Daithi and Aidan to provide the entertainment at the conference. So the two boys came over to Dublin and also took a break for a few days to play in The Bog Oak Shannonbridge and in Hineys in Ferbane and in Dempseys in Tullamore. See Daithi under www.daithirua.com

As you can see on the fishing report Dave Myatt from Halifax has returned for another week’s fishing staying with John and Vera Carty in Ashbrook House. The power plant is on overhaul for last week and this week at least.

Mr and Mrs Michael O Sullivan were in Shannonbridge last week. Michael worked around the area many years ago and has kept up a long lasting friendship with the Green Family in Blackwater. The O’Sullivans have been in England for many years but recently they retired from England and now live in Boyle. Louis Darcy tells us that Michael once played hurling for the Belmont Club.

The Ballinasloe Country Fair finished on Saturday with the Country Fair Day. Heard a man tell how he was going to the fair intending to buy an ass foal. He explained that when he was young he often drove an ass and cart and felt he had been cruel to the donkeys that he used. He was hoping to buy a young donkey and make amends for beating the donkeys of his youth by more or less spoiling this new young donkey.

Good to see Father Paddy Conlon doing duty for the next few Sundays in Shannonbridge.

Father Paddy is from Glasson and has retired after a life working in England.

John, one of the four Polish welders working with Bridgway Engineering here in Shannonbridge was looking at some wooden mice traps on display yesterday which had two cats stamped on them. John told us that the Polish word for Cat is Kot, Mouse is Mysz and Dog is Pies.

There was a 30^th Birthday Party for David and Kerrill Thornhill on Saturday night and a great number of their family and friends gathered in Shannonbridge to celebrate the event. The timing was spot on as five of their friends from the village Declan, Mel, Dara, John D and Ken attended the party before setting out in the early hours to catch a plane to spend a week in Las Vegas.

Congratulations to Mrs Joan Carty, Cloneish who donated her 80^th pint of blood voluntarily last week in Ballinasloe. The Blood Board people had a cake on hand to celebrate the occasion.

After some showers recently the river level has dropped back to 2.28 Metres under the bridge at Shannonbridge. The re has been a fair amount of wind in recent days and the forecast is for wind and rain most days this week. Temperatures are near enough to 60F or 16C.

Aidan Kelly was telling us that he shot a massive wild mink in Clonburren recently.

He said it was as big as a badger.

There are many more wild mink out there doing huge damage to fish and wildlife.

Good to see Aidan’s brother Jason home.

I see that the For Sale sign is on display on Creggs Self Catering house beside the health center in the village. The For Sale sign is on the new apartments recently built next to Nugents Butcher shop.

No sign of The Shannonbridge Diner re-opening yet.

Shannonbridge Fishing Report Dated 9^th October 2005

Juergen Herrmann from Germany fishing with a gold wobbler on the 3^rd October, downstream from the bridge at Shannonbridge caught a pike measuring one metre.

Andy Clarke from Gainsborough fished at the water intake to the Power Plant on the 4^th October in fine weather, using plugs and spinners from a moored boat and caught seven pike including a 12 Lb and one of 15 Lb.

Next day Andy fished a swim just upstream from the Cut and used a feeder with maggot and corn to catch 20 Lb of roach all in good condition. Better bites later in the evening.

Our two local anglers went fishing on the 2^nd October using a moored boat on the River Shannon and with coarse and pike rods. Mark used a cocktail of maggot worm and crystal’s to catch 50 roach which were all over one pound. He also landed a pike over 16 Lbs for an enjoyable day. His companion Peter used maggot and worm to catch 30 good roach. He used dead bait to catch two pike weighing 11 Lb and 13 Lb in good condition. All returned alive. Two days later Peter was fishing alone for pike on the River Suck and used dead bait to catch a pike weighing 12 Lb.

Elza Karl Heinz from Hinsdorf, Germany used dead bait while fishing the River Shannon to catch a pike measuring 1.04 Metres which is approximately 29 Lbs.

On the 6^th October Ned Maher from Mooncoin while fishing on the River Suck using dead bait landed a pike that weighed 29 Lbs. Photo on his mobile phone. Returned alive.

Mick Wykes from Bury fished the past three days on the River Brosna, Shannon and Suck in windy weather and recorded an average of 12 Lb of roach and perch while using maggot / caster and float and feeder. Mick found the river level low and clear. The very windy conditions resulted in it being difficult to present the bait properly. Coloured maggot best.

His two friends Phil Ashton from Oldham and Daz Victory from Bury fished alongside Mick and they had average bags of 12 to 15 Lb.

Cliff Mynard from Halifax completed two weeks fishing in Shannonbridge about ten days ago and it was a surprise when he arrived back for another week fishing alas without his wife. Cliff fished on the River Brosna today using his favoured bait of caster and feeder and caught 8 Lb of roach and a jack pike that weighed 5 Lb.

The Shannonbridge Power Plant is on overhaul last week and this week resulting in no hot water at the outlet.

John Hardiman arrived home from London at the weekend with a professional gardener friend. John has just completed building a new home for himself and Mike Crotty, who was born in Carlow but immigrated to London many years ago, has come over with John to offer his advice on the layout for the gardens at the new house.

On Sunday Patrick Kenny came along to meet the Professional Gardener as Mike is now known and Patrick was at his very best telling his stories. There were three medical stories that caught my ear.

A man had to go to hospital to have his leg removed. The operation was carried out and the next morning the surgeon called to see him in his ward.

The surgeon tells him that he has some bad news and some good news.

Tell me, what is the bad news, says the patient.

There was a mistake made, says the surgeon, and the wrong leg was cut off.

And tell me what is the good news, says the patient.

The good news is that the other leg is getting better.

Another man goes to the doctor and comes home to his wife crying.

The wife asks why he is crying.

The doctor says I have to take one of these tablets for the rest of my life.

And what’s wrong with that, sure lots of people have to take tablets every day for life.

Ah yes, but the doctor only gave me four.

Yet another man had a telephone call from his doctor, who said that he had bad news for him and worse news.

What is the bad news asked the patient.

You have only 24 hours to live said the doctor.

And what is the worse news, asked the man.

I was trying to get you on the phone, all last evening.

Went for a walk with Moby last evening to The Cut downstream from the bridge to visit an angling friend Andy, who is holidaying on a cruiser for a few weeks and was fishing his favourite swim, which was christened Andy’s Hole many years ago. I watched him catch several very healthy roach while Moby watched the cattle in the adjoining field that had come for a closer look. Moby is known to lead forward on walks, but as we went to go home, he had to be dragged into the field with the cattle. Then when the lead was released Moby made a run for safety through the next fence. There are three electric wires crossing the river at the old jetty and there was a great display of over 200 swallows perched in line and I suppose ready for migration any day now. Remember some weeks back that Brian of the Barge was telling us about the family of wild mink on the island at The Cut. Andy was saying that when they arose yesterday morning there was a big mink sitting in the dingy attached to his cruiser.

There are three Hogarty houses now built in Cloonshask on the lands belonging to the late Bill Coughlan. In recent weeks one of the Hogarty boys has decided to return to Australia and the house was put on the market with a guide price. The first couple that viewed the house bought it for the guide price.

After a lot of wind and rain last week there was a change on Saturday to dry and mild with temperatures around 59 F.

Ballinasloe Horse Fair on Sunday had record crowds attending. Prices of horses were reported to be high and there were a number of articles in the papers about cruelty to animals. The local guest houses were all full with most of their guests coming from England and Wales. Four regulars told that they have been attending the Fair regularly for over twenty years. The first couple of years they stayed with Eamon and Marie in Laurel Lodge but one year there was no room and they were directed to Nancy O Hara in The Old Rectory where they have stopped ever since. Already they plan to attend the World Ploughing Championships which are to be held in Carlow next year during the week before Ballinasloe Horse Fair and next year they intend taking in the horse fair in Cavan Town which is usually on the Tuesday of Ballinasloe Fair Week.

Met two Laois men yesterday and asked them if they had been at the horse fair. One of them said he never had anything to do with horses. He believed that the only people with a horse interest were either Gentry or Knackers and he also believed that there was a very thin dividing line between the two.

Was talking to four of the fourteen ladies taking part in an eight week personal development course being held in Shannonbridge Hall on Tuesday night and they are full of praise for the course so far with excellent lecturers and presentations.

Padraig Turley is on holiday in Shannonbridge last week and this week. Yesterday he was telling that while in London a few years ago he called into The Victoria and Albert Museum to see the portrait of the Bridge in Shannonbridge at Sunset painted by John Hartmann. He said it was not on view but they picked it out of a stack of paintings in a storeroom. Some years ago Noel Finneran Moore / Limerick was telling us about having discovered a copy in a book and he made a wonderful copy from the book which is on display in Killeens Bar. There was a suggestion that when the Bridge was being built the people in charge in London sent out people to sketch progress on work being carried out. The bridge was built in 1700 but the Fortifications C 1800 are clear in the Hartmann portrait. However the Swing Bridge was added to allow sailing ships passage in C1840 so that may have been the reason for the painting. Anyhow it is a most beautiful piece of stonework.

Next weekend the Thornhill Twins David and Kerrill celebrate their 30^th birthday and hope they have an enjoyable celebration. Doesn’t time fly?

Good to see that Shannonbridge Post Office is back in business and it was lovely to see that a daughter of Madge Higgins - Mary from Ferbane has come along to train the staff in Moran’s Post Office. Mary is a niece of Kieran Kenny from Garrymore.

Last evening I was asking Redmond Kerins if he had any old photographs and he said he had including a photograph of Dan Le’strange and another one of an old tractor being ferried across the River Shannon to Reesk Callow.