Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 31st July 2011 – 18 A
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge: Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12 noon, Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough – Sunday, 10.30am
Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am; Adoration on First Fri until 5pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €422. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: A.Ryan, L.Turley, M.Mitchell
Eucharistic ministers: Group 2
Readers for next Weekend: Group 1, D.Finnerty, P.Corbett
Altar Servers for this week: Oisín, Andrea, Stephanie
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Winifred & Hubert Darcy

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Clonfanlough
Mass for the First Fri on Thurs @ 7pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €240. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J.Noble, D.Fitzgerald
Readers for next Sunday: A.Kelly
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 2
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: D.McEvoy

I will attend the sick & housebound on Friday

Mass & the Blessing of the Graves
In Mullinakill graveyard, Glebe on Mon 1st Aug @ 7pm
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Shannonbridge ARA
Meeting on Tues 2nd Aug after 10 am Mass in the Parish Hall to arrange an Outing.
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Medjugorje Pilgrimage, 8-15th Oct 2012
7 nights on h/b basis, costing €629. Call Noel Harte on 086.8419592
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Youth 2000 Summer Festival 4 – 7th Aug in Clonmacnois
“A lively Catholic Festival for 16 – 35 year olds with great music, workshops, prayer, concert, inspiring talks, games and plenty of time for relaxing & meeting new people. Come along for a fantastic weekend filled with many new experiences. Feel free to come & visit anytime.”
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Cleraun University Residence (www. cleraun.com)
A residence & study centre for young men students located beside U.C.D.
There is also Ely University Residence in Hume St (www.elyuc.com)
Also Glenard University for girls (www.glenard.org)
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Questions people askQ. Is it true that Pope Benedict is opposed to giving people Holy Communion in the hand? A. No, he is not opposed to receiving in the hand. However, he is aware that in the large, public celebrations on his travels or in St Peter’s Square there have been people who took the host in hand and then put it into a wallet or book to take it away as a souvenir. On these public occasions, to prevent disrespect, he prefers to see people kneel or genuflect in an act of worship and then receive on the tongue. But otherwise, as he stated in a recent book, ‘I am not opposed in principle to communion in the hand.’
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LARCC Cancer Support Group Centre
Offers a 10 week Bereavement Support Programme open to the public in Ballinalack, Co Westmeath. An information meeting is planned for 16th Aug @ 7.30pm at the Centre.
For more info call 044-9371971.

Shannonbridge GAA Club

Intermediate Football Championship.
Shannonbridge got their Intermediate championship back on track with a 3-8 to 0-10 win over Bracknagh. There are two remaining games in the group, against Birr and Ballyfore, which are must win games for Shannonbridge. The Ballyfore game is fixed for Sunday 7th August, in Killurin, at 7pm.

Junior C Football Championship.
In the Junior C grade, Shannonbridge defeated Walsh Island, by 2-14 to 2-10, to top the group table with four wins. Two games remain, against Drumcullen and Bracknagh. The Drumcullen game is fixed for Sunday 7th August, in Rath, with a 12 noon start.

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
There was no winner of last week’s jackpot. The numbers drawn were 1, 3, 6 and 22 and there were four match three winners. This week’s jackpot is €3,200.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 24th July 2011 - 17A
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: €480. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: K.Price, C.Curley, P.Anderson
Eucharistic ministers: Group 1
Readers for next Weekend: Group 6, ? D.O’Carroll
Altar Servers for this week: Siobhán, Sarah, Alisa, Ciarán
‘Months Mind’ Mass for Esius Greene on next Sun
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Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €171. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: C.Healy, T.Milner
Readers for next Sunday: A.Kelly
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 1
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: B.Coughlan

Mass & the Blessing of the Graves on Sat 30th July @ 7pm in Clonmacnois
(This will replace the Sat eve Mass in Shannonbridge)
Also in Mullinakill graveyard, Glebe on Mon 1st Aug @ 7pm
Rural Broadband Scheme
‘Application Forms’ available in Tourist Office.
You may also apply on line @ www.dcenr.ie, & follow the links for the Rural Broadband Scheme; by post, using the form on the website or by phone on 1850-678100. Closing date for applications is Fri 29th July 2011.
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St Ciaran’s Community Alert is conducting a parish survey to identify the needs of people with regard to Health & Safety, Rural Isolation and Community based Activities for all. Cooperation much appreciated.
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50th International Eucharistic Congress. In Ireland, 10th to 17th June
Many thanks to all those who braved the unseasonal weather to ring the Congress Bell on last Sun. A special ‘thank you’ to the Bell-carriers for a job well done! A pictorial record of the event should now be available on the Congress website: www.iec2012.ie
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Irish Midlands Ancestry
To all those who wish to search for their ancestry visit these websites: www.irishmidlandsancestry.com or www.rootsireland.ie
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CLUSTER CLIMB OF CROAGH PATRICKMonday, August 1 (Public Holiday). Departing 8:10a.m. Cloghan. Beginclimb at 12 Noon. Fare €5. Bring packed lunch & come prepared. Booking for bus essential on 0906454309 or 086 8319500
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Questions people ask Fr O’Flynn – Intercom)Q How might a person apply the parable of the hidden treasure to life today? What is this hidden treasure? .A. This is one of seven parables about the kingdom of God. The kingdom, or reign of God, means that a person accepts the importance of God in life and resolves to live by God’s law. It is the key to inner peace. Sadly, for many the treasure remains hidden because they search in the wrong places. As C. S. Lewis put it, there is a God-shaped emptiness in the human heart. Knowing Christ Jesus is a treasure awaiting discovery.
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East Africa is facing the worst food crisis in 60 years. Across Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya, 12 million people are in dire need of food, clean water, and basic sanitation.
Trócaire is working in these areas and is seeking your help. It is advertising a Special Collection for this weekend, but it failed to send us notice in time. If you can help, we will take up a Collection next weekend.
If you had planned to give something this weekend, please do.

Shannonbridge GAA Notes

Junior C Football Championship.
Shannonbridge kept their challenge for the knockout stages on course, at Doon last week, with a win over the home side by the minimum margin. Shannonbridge led by four points to three at half time and added two more points for a three point lead early in the second half. Although Doon closed the gap to just one point with three minutes to go, Shannonbridge held on to win by six points to five.
Team: C. Kelly, M. Moloney, K. Coughlan, J. Deeley, R. Doolin, C. Kenny, Adrian Kelly, M. Carty, J. Killeen, M. Deeley (0-1), R. Ryan (0-2), Anthony Kelly (0-2), M. Kilduff, M. Devine (0-1), G. Quirke. Subs: D. Fitzgerald, J. Turley.

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
There was no winner of last week’s jackpot. The numbers drawn were 22, 23, 24 and 25 and there was one match three winner. This week’s jackpot is €3,000.

Fixtures.
Junior C Football Championship, v Walsh Island, at Shannonbridge, on Friday 22nd July, 7.30pm.
Intermediate Football Championship, v Bracknagh, at Killurin, on Saturday, 23rd July, 5.00pm.

Some notes from a shirt pocket that were meant for sharing with this website.
# Swallows on the Beer.At end of May swallows were flying in and out of Killeen's beer-store.On 27th May Mick Killeen found a swallow sitting on its nest in the store with that 'Do Not Disturb Look'in her eye.Wish granted.

#In Clonmacnois Visitor Center a number of dates and informative lines are written.For example in 1070 the head of Conchubar Ua Maeil-Scheechlainn was forcibly carried from Clonmacnois by Toirdelblack,who was compelled to return it,for he was smitten with a miraculous disease, imparted to him by a mouse that issued from the head and ran under his garment.
I wondered about the man earlier in the year that called in for a coffee and told us that he was taking a head back to Clonmacnois.On enquiry he told us that a friend of his had found the head years ago in the field where Saint Ciaran's Well is located.It was a stone head belonging to what they say was a statue of Saint Ciaran.He was going to leave it back where it was found.He agreed to speak with the manager at the visitor center.The head is now in possession of the OPW who are in charge of the site.The man had no peace while he had the head and after thirteen years he decided to return it home.

#Some months ago Bruce Crooks and David Crooks from Rockhampton in Queensland Australia visited Shannonbridge seeking information on the Kilroe Family.The Kilroes lived in the house opposite the Parochial House.Once a two storey stone house it was replaced by a bungalow next to the children's playground.Kieran Joe,Bill and Katie lived there with Bill dying in 1957.Kieran Joe also died leaving Katie alone.
Some cousins from Australia came to visit Katie and persuaded her to go to Australia.
Katie sold her home and went to live with Bruce and David Crooks parents.Katie did not like the hot weather and missed life in Shannonbridge and so she came back to Shannonbridge.
Alice Egan told me that Katie brought a table with her that belonged to Father Kilroe that built Saint Mary's Church in Athlone.Bruce and David Crooks went to Clonmacnois twice in search of the Kilroe burial plot.They found it where Martin and Mary Burke are now buried.
They tried to contact Brigid Cassidy,nee Donoghue who is related to the Kilroe Family with no success.
Since their visit Brigid Cassidy has been in Shannonbridge.She told us that the parents of Katie Kilroe and Bill and Kieran Joe was Kieran Kilroe and their mother was a Dolan from The Derries.
A brother of Kieran Kilroe a Patrick Kilroe worked as Lock-keeper in Shannonbridge and lived in The Lockhouse.Later Patrick moved to work as Lock-keeper in Shannonharbour.
Patrick married a Brigid McDermott who was an aunt of the late Pat Joe McDermott from Clonfert Callows.
Brigid Cassidy writes to an Annie Harte,nee Kilroe who is 90 years old and lives in Australia.
Father O Hanlon was telling today that at a meeting in Saint Mary's Athlone last week he noticed a commemorative bust to the late Father Kilroe.
Contact crooksy@westnet.com.au if you have any information on the Kilroe Family.

#On 13th June a Corcrake was heard calling on Fahns Callow which is located on the mouth of the Cappaleitra River north of Shannonbridge.The Corncrake and Redshank and other ground nesting birds are in danger from the mink.A number of traps have been laid for the mink.Since this a second corncrake has been heard in the same location.

#Thomas Naughton Clongegan died 26th June 1995 aged 52 years.His brother was home from America on holiday recently and was looking for photographs of the late Tommy.Send them to
naughton@bc.edu

#Today 18th July 2011 some fifteen Canadian visitors stopped in Shannonbridge after visiting Clonfert and on their way to Clonmacnois.They were on a seventeen tour of Ireland with Charles Nienkirchen along.Charles lives in Pembroke Town in the Ottawa Valley and is Professor of Christian History and Spirituality at Ambrose University College.He is also a Director of 'Down Ancient Paths'Travel Study.
Charles told us that within 30 minutes travel from Pembroke you will find places named Killaloe,Westmeath,Maynooth,Eganville,Antrim,Mount Saint Patrick and Letterkenny.These places Charles believes were all named by Irish Immigrants years ago.
I was elling him about the Egan Family from Wexford who moved into this area after getting the contract for maintaining the stone bridges as they were stone masons.Charles said that many of the original houses in Eganville were stone built houses.He reckoned that a Google search on Eganville might be worth while.

#Picked up a picture the original of which hung on the Holy Family Altar in St.Mel's Cathedral,Longford.This painting survived intact the 2009 Christmas Day Fire.Plans are well underway to rebuild the Cathedral in Longford and meanwhile Bishop Colm O Reilly has designated St.Marys Church in Athlone to be the Cathedral as it were in the meantime.
If you wish to help the rebuilding project contact ardaghdi@iol.ie

@Over the weekend came news of the death of Sean Fitzsimons Athlone.Sean worked as a travelling salesman for M&H Gills the Booksellers in Dublin.He found the Shannon and an old barge The Iron Lung and fell in love with both.Later he purchased and ran a very popular public house in Athlone which he named Sean's Bar.Funeral arrangements are for mid week.May he rest in peace.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 17th July 2011 – 16 A
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge: Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12 noon, Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough – Sunday, 10.30am
Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €517. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.McManus, C.Slattery, A.Corbett
Eucharistic ministers: Group 4
Readers for next Weekend: Group 5, M.Anderson, C.Doolan
Altar Servers for this week: Athene, Saul, Jack
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Jimmy Mooney
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Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €248. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: B.Maleney, H.Hynes
Readers for next Sunday: E.McEvoy
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 3
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: A.Rohan
Mass on next Sun for Patrick Kilduff (30th Anniversary)

Mass & the Blessing of the Graves on Sat 30th July @ 7pm in Clonmacnois
(This will replace the Sat eve Mass in Shannonbridge)
Rural Broadband Scheme ‘Application Forms’ available in Tourist Office.
You may also apply on line @ www.dcenr.ie, & follow the links for the Rural Broadband Scheme; by post, using the form on the website or by phone on 1850-678100. Closing date for applications is Fri 29th July 2011.
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St Ciaran’s Community Alert is conducting a parish survey to identify the needs of people with regard to Health & Safety, Rural Isolation and Community based Activities for all. Cooperation much appreciated.
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50th International Eucharistic Congress. In Ireland, 10th to 17th June 2012. In preparation, the Congress Bell will be brought to each Diocese to alert people to the importance of the Eucharist & the Congress. The Bell will be in Clonmacnois on this Sun 17th July , @ 1. 45pm.
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CLUSTER CLIMB OF CROAGH PATRICKMonday, August 1 (Public Holiday). Departing 8:10a.m. Cloghan. Beginclimb at 12 Noon. Fare €5. Bring packed lunch & come prepared. Booking for bus essential on 0906454309 or 086 8319500
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Medjugorje Irish Centre
“Every month we are giving away one weeks free apartment accommodation for up to 4 people. Text the word pilgrim followed by your name & county to 53030, or phone us on 048-82241888.
Special introductory offer €260 package. Visit www.med-irishcentre.com”
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Questions people ask (Fr O’Flynn - Intercom)Q. What will the Eucharistic Congress next June be like? I’ve seen pictures of the 1932 Congress when there were about a million people at the Phoenix Park. Can we expect a huge event like the Papal visit in 1979? A. This time there will be less emphasis on big numbers. The biggest event will be Mass in Croke Park. There will be more emphasis on seminars, lectures, exhibitions and concerts, all designed to deepen our appreciation of the extraordinary gift of the Eucharist. The theme of the Congress is ‘Communion with Christ and Communion with One Another’. It is the second part, communion with one another, which is the problem for many Mass-goers.

Shannonbridge GAA Club Notes

Fixture.
Junior C Championship v Doon, on tomorrow evening, Tuesday 12th July, in Doon, 7.30 pm.

Congratulations.
To the Ferbane / Doon / Shannonbridge U14 team and to local players Ellee McEvoy and Aoife Corbett, who won the All Ireland Division Two Feile, in Cork last week. Ellee and Aoife, who was also joint captain, played a major part in the victories over their hosts, Beara, Kinsale and Emyvale, Co. Monaghan in the group stages, Cahir in the Semi Final and Boherbue in the final. Well done to all.

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
There was no winner of last week’s jackpot. The numbers drawn were 8, 14, 18 and 25 and there were three match three winners. This week’s jackpot is €2,800.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 10th July 2011 - 15A
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: €508. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J.Kelly, M.Killeen, A.Keena
Eucharistic ministers: Group 3
Readers for next Weekend: Group 4, S.Grennan, P.Duffy
Altar Servers for this week: Oisín, Andrea, Stephanie
Mass on next Sun for the late Elizabeth Curley

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Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €211. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: N.Egan, A.Rohan
Readers for next Sunday: N.Kenny
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 2
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: K.Kelly

Mass & the Blessing of the Graves on Sat 30th July @ 7pm in Clonmacnois
(This will replace the Sat eve Mass in Shannonbridge)

Rural Broadband Scheme ‘Application Forms’ available in Tourist Office.
You may also apply on line @ www.dcenr.ie, & follow the links for the Rural Broadband Scheme; by post, using the form on the website or by phone on 1850-678100.
Closing date for applications is Fri 29th July 2011.
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Questions people askQ. Why should I have to go to Mass which I feel totally boring? I find my spirituality walking on the beach or in the woods. A. Mass is not about me but about God. It is not about what I think or how I feel but about adoring and praising God in a way that is worthy of God. Our own prayers may be great but nothing equals the privilege of joining with Jesus in the perfect response to God’s glory. Glory to the Father is through Jesus as our priest, with him who became our brother in human flesh and in him as members of his mystical body. ‘Do this in memory of me,’ said Jesus and he wasn’t talking about walking on the beach.
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50th International Eucharistic Congress. In Ireland, 10th to 17th June 2012. In preparation, the Congress Bell will be brought to each Diocese to alert people to the importance of the Eucharist & the Congress. It is hoped the Bell will be in Clonmacnois on next Sun 17th July , @ 1. 45pm. A briefing session, for those who will carry the Bell, will take place in the Clonmacnois Room in St Mary’s Athlone on Thurs 14th @ 7.30pm.
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Night Prayer Vigil in Clonmacnois Prayer Centre
Fri 15th July, beginning with Mass @ 10pm. Adoration follows and finishes at 3.10am. All welcome. Enquiries Dave 085-7746763
Mass every Wed @ 7.30pm.
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CLUSTER CLIMB OF CROAGH PATRICKMonday, August 1 (Public Holiday). Departing 8:10a.m. Cloghan. Beginclimb at 12 Noon. Fare €5. Bring packed lunch & come prepared. Booking for bus essential on 0906454309 or 086 8319500
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Pray as you go: download a short daily reflection & prayer to your iPod or mp3 player @ pray-as-you-go.org (Jesuit Media Initiatives)

Rural Broadband scheme information

Rural Broadband Scheme – Closing Date for Applications, July 29th, 2011

The Rural Broadband Scheme is designed to make a basic broadband service available to individual premises in rural locations which are not served by existing internet service providers. Details of the scheme can be found by visiting the website of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources www.dcenr.ie and follow the links for the Rural Broadband Scheme. You can apply on line, by post using the application form on the website or by phone, on 1850 678100. The closing date for applications is Friday 29th July 2011.

The above information was supplied by Sarah Morgan in the Midland Regional Authority

Shannonbridge GAA Club Notes

Junior C Football Championship.
Shannonbridge secured their second win of the championship with a one point victory over St. Bridgets, at Shannonbridge. The home side were five points down after fifteen minutes and the half time the score was 0-4 to 1-6. The second half started with three Shannonbridge points from Jim Killeen, Anthony Kelly and Eoin Casey. The decisive scores came in the twentieth and twenty first minutes with a goal from John Guinan, set up by Mark Moloney, and a second from Marty Kilduff who finished a good move to the net, for a three point lead. In a hectic final ten minutes, St. Bridgets scored three times to level the game, before sub, Martin Deeley, hit the winner in the thirty second minute, leaving the final score at 2-9 to 1-11.
Team: C. Kelly, E. Casey (0-1), J. Deeley, M. Moloney, C. Kenny. J. Guinan (1-1), J, Killeen (0-1), M. Carty, M. Kilduff (1-1), R. Ryan (0-1), G. Quirke, Adrian Kelly, Anthony Kelly (0-3), Subs: K. Coughlan, M. Deeley (0-1), J. Turley.

Division Two League Semi Final.
Shannonbridge gave one of their best performances of the year, in Cloghan, on Friday night, before losing out to Ferbane, by a goal scored in the last minute of extra time. In a dream start, Karol Kelly converted a penalty, awarded for a foul on Kieran Kearns, in the first minute. However, Ferbane had the best of the next twenty minutes, before Shannonbridge rallied with four points, to leave the half time score at 1-4 to 0-8. Shannonbridge led by three points with six minutes to go but Ferbane had levelled by the thirtieth minute, setting the scene for extra time. With the score level at 1-12 to 0-15, Shannonbridge suffered the double blow of losing Trevor Mahon to a red card and Kieran Kearns through injury. Ferbane scored the winning goal in the last minute – final score 1-12 to 1-16.
Team: L. Griffin, P. Moloney, J. Egan (0-1), M. Darcy, S. Flannery, R. O’Connor, P. Kelly, N. Price, P. Egan, P. Deeley (0-5), K. Kelly (1-1), K. Flannery (0-3), D. Corbett (0-1), K. Kearns (0-1), D. Kelly. Subs: T. Mahon, K. Egan and J. Ryan.

Division Four League Final.
There was no joy for Shannonbridge when they took on Tubber in a well contested Division Four League Final, at Doon, on Monday evening. The exchanges were fairly even for the first twenty minutes with the scores tied at 0-4 each. Then in the space of three minutes Darragh Corbett finished a quick free to the net and then goaled again, after being put through by Paul Deeley. Half time score 2-4 to 0-6. Half way through the second half, Tubber, with the aid of a diagonal breeze, had closed the gap to two points and, following a super save from Darragh Corbett’s goal bound shot, got in for a goal to take a one point lead 1-10 to 2-6. Four points put Shannonbridge back in front by the twenty third minute, only to concede a second goal. Thereafter Tubber held the advantage to take the league title on a score line of 2-10 to 2-13.
Team: C. Kelly, P. Moloney, K. Coughlan, M. Moloney, P. Kelly (0-1), C. Kenny, S. Flannery (0-1), M. Carty, J. Killeen, P. Egan, R. Ryan, D. Corbett (2-4), P. Deeley (0-2), Adrian Kelly (0-1), Anthony Kelly (0-1). Subs: K. Egan, K. Kearns.

Congratulations.
To Niall and Sinead O’Shea and to Declan and Elaine Rohan on the birth of their new baby boys.

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
There was no winner of last week’s jackpot. The numbers drawn were 2, 4, 25 and 28 and there were two match three winners. This week’s jackpot is €2,600.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 26th June 2011 – Corpus Christi A
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge: Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12 noon, Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough – Sunday, 10.30am
Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am; Adoration on First Fri until 5pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €411. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Darcy, M.Murphy, M.McManus
Eucharistic ministers: Group 1
Readers for next Weekend: Group 2, M.Anderson, E.Quinn
Altar Servers for this week: Athene, Saul, Jack

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Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €215. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Guinan, A.Guinan
Readers for next Sunday: C.Rigney
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 3
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: N.Egan

Meeting of Parish P.C. in Clonfanlough on Mon @ 8pm

Next Friday (1st July) is the Feast of the Sacred Heart
There will be Mass in Clonmacnois on that eve @ 7.30pm, which will also cater for members of the PTAA.
Devotion to the love of Jesus, symbolised by the heart, began with the extraordinary experiences of St. Margaret Mary in Paray-le-Monial in France. Since then it has spread all over the world, and many people observe the first Friday of every month as a day specially set aside for this devotion. Today’s liturgy celebrates the great love of Jesus the good Shepherd who gives his life for his own.
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50th International Eucharistic Congress. In Ireland, 10th to 17th June 2012. In preparation, the Congress Bell will be brought to each Diocese in turn to alert people to the importance of the Eucharist & the Congress .
It is hoped the Bell will be in Clonmacnois on Sun 17th July , @ 1. 45pm.
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When and why are we getting a new edition of the Roman Missal?
The new edition of the Missal will come into full use over a period of time between September and 27th November 2011, the First Sunday of Advent. The new edition is necessary for a number of reasons. Firstly, in the years since 1975 when our current Missal was published, a number of additional texts have been made available for use in the Mass. These include additional Eucharistic Prayers, some new Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Masses for over twenty new Feasts of Saints
Secondly, in 2001 the Holy See issued new directives for the translation of the Latin texts. Translators were asked to make the English text follow more closely the original Latin in its wording and structure. They were also asked to strengthen the biblical language and images in the texts and to reintroduce some theological vocabulary that may have been lost over the years The style of language we will hear and pray may seem more formal to us and perhaps, in parts, more complex. But over time, with the praying of these texts, the sound of the Mass will again become familiar to us.
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Irish Cancer Society: “Many thanks for your response to our Church gate collection in Clonmacnois Parish, which realised €350.”


Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 3rd July 2011 – 14 A
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge: Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12 noon, Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough – Sunday, 10.30am


Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €318. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: G.Brennan, D.Deeley, V.Hynes
Eucharistic ministers: Group 2
Readers for next Weekend: Group 3, M.Killeen, O.Costello
Altar Servers for this week: Siobhán, Sarah, Alisa, Ciarán
Mass on next Sat for the John & Mary Claffey

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Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €202. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: A.Walshe, R.Gunning
Readers for next Sunday: C.Norton
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 1
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: P.Darcy
Mass on next Sun for the late Kieran Kelly

We hope to have Mass & the Blessing of the Graves on Sat 30th July @ 7pm in Clonmacnois
Youth 2000 Summer Festival in Clonmacnois 4th -7th Aug
This is for young people aged 16-35, an opportunity not to be missed to experience the Catholic faith and meet many new friends. Donations only; free buses available from around the country. For more info call 085-8289231 or 01-6753690. Check our website: www.youth2000.ie
This weekend we welcome one of its members to speak at Mass
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50th International Eucharistic Congress. In Ireland, 10th to 17th June 2012. In preparation, the Congress Bell will be brought to each Diocese to alert people to the importance of the Eucharist & the Congress.
It is hoped the Bell will be in Clonmacnois on Sun 17th July , @ 1. 45pm.
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Freshstart Training Programme, Athlone
There is a limited number of vacancies for September.
This is a one-year Vocational programme for the unemployed – with a disability, or recovering from illness. Call Martin on 090-6441260
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Knock Marriage Introduction Bureau
The aim of the bureau is to introduce people considering marriage to a suitable partner. For more info call 094-9375960
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Cathaoirleach’s Community Fund 2011
Applications are invited from Community & Voluntary Groups with a special focus in Offaly for grant assistance under this Fund. Guidelines & Application Forms are available from the Office of Community, Enterprise & Economic Development, Offaly Co Council, Tullamore. Tel. 057-9357457. Email: eobrien@offalycoco.ie Apply before 22nd July 2011.
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Wedding Celebration
Congratulations & best wishes to Concepta McManus & Paul Heavin, who were married last weekend in Shannonbridge. Ad multos annos!
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“Fighting Blindness”: ‘Many thanks to all who supported our Church-gate collection, which realised €356.31 in Clonmacnois Parish.’
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Rural Broadband Scheme ‘Application Forms’ available in Tourist Office

Shannonbridge GAA Club

Junior C Championship.
Shannonbridge successfully launched their Junior C Championship bid with a three point win over Clonbullogue on Thursday evening. The game was played at Clonbullogue’s recently renovated grounds, which must now be one of the best pitches in the county, complete with electronic scoreboard. With the assistance of a strong breeze in the first half, Shannonbridge found it difficult to take advantage of the elements and were a point adrift at the interval – 0-3 to 0-4. A determined second half saw the visitors outscore their opponents by six points to two, leaving the final score at 0-9 to 0-6. This was a very good team performance, with a first championship start for Alan Devery and a return to the colours by Mike Devine, at full forward.
Team: C. Kelly, J. Deeley, K. Coughlan, E. Casey, M. Moloney, C. Kenny, Adrian Kelly (0-1), J. Killeen, M. Carty, J. Guinan (0-2), R. Ryan, Anthony Kelly (0-4), A. Devery, M. Devine (0-2), J. Turley. Subs: G. Quirke and L. Duffy.

Fixtures.
Thursday 30th June, Junior Championship v St. Bridgets, in Shannonbridge, 7.30pm.
Friday 1st July, Div. 2 League Semi Final, v Ferbane, in Cloghan, 7.30pm.
Monday 4th July, Div 4 League Final v Tubber, in Doon, 7.30pm.

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
There was no winner of last week’s jackpot. The numbers drawn were 2, 12, 19 and 20 and there were five match three winners. This week’s jackpot is €2,400.

Junior Football Championship

Shannonbridge v Clonbullogue, Thursday 23rd June,in Clonbullogue, 7.30 pm.

Recent Deaths.

The death has occurred of Michael Aloysius (Esius) Greene, Clondelara. A kindly and friendly neighbour, he was in the garage and plant hire business after his return from England many years ago. He will also be fondly remembered as the first person to open a chip shop in Shannonbridge, where Supermacs is now located. He is survived by his wife Maura, nine of twelve children, grandchildren and other relatives. His funeral took place to Clonmacnoise on Saturday last.

Also laid to rest today in Mucklagh was Sean KIlroy, a former footballer with St. Carthages and a stalwart of Offaly's run to the All Ireland Final of 1969. He had worked with Bord na Mona and ESB, Lanesboro.

Also news today of the passing of Jimmy Fox, Belmont. His funeral mass takes place in High St, on Wednesday.

May they rest in peace.

Shannonbridge GAA Club Notes

Division Two League.
Shannonbridge got back to winning ways with a four point away win against Doon. This game saw the welcome return to action of John Ryan, after twelve months absence through injury. An early four point Shannonbridge lead was wiped out by a Doon goal and a point in a two minute spell midway through the first half, after which, a further five points left the visitors ahead by 0-9 to 1-3 at the break. A well contested second half saw Shannonbridge take the win by 0-13 to 1-6, with the insurance point coming from a Paul Deeley free in the sixty second minute.
Team: L. Griffin, P. Moloney, J. Egan, M. Darcy, S. Flannery, R. O’Connor, P. Kelly, N. Price (0-3), P. Egan, P. Deeley (0-4), R. Ryan, K. Flannery (0-2), D. Corbett (0-3), K. Kelly (0-1), D. Kelly. Subs: K. Kearns and J. Ryan.

Division Four League Semi Final.
With a committed team performance, Shannonbridge booked their Division Four Final spot with a two point win over Kilclonfert, at Mucklagh, on Friday last. Shannonbridge got a major early boost when Peadar Kelly’s opening point was followed by excellent goal from Anthony Kelly in the fifth minute. In a hard fought first half they managed to establish a five point lead by half time at 1-7 to 0-5. Additional scores came from Adrian Kelly, Peadar Kelly, Anthony Kelly (0-3) and John Guinan. Kilclonfert closed the gap to three points, with a goal in the twelfth minute and the stage was set for an exciting second half. Scores from Roger Ryan, Anthony Kelly, John Guinan, Paul Moloney, and Shane Flannery kept Shannonbridge in front, heading into the closing stages. In a hectic finish, as Kilclonfert pressed for the equalising goal, Colm Kelly saved, Paul Moloney fielded and cleared a high ball and Mark Carty tipped a dangerous shot over the bar, before Peadar Kelly scored the insurance point in the thirtieth minute for a four point lead. Two late Kilclonfert points were not enough to close the gap and Shannonbridge held on for a deserved win on a score line of 1-14 to 1-12.
Team: C. Kelly, C. Kenny, K. Norton, E. Casey, S. Flannery (0-1), K. Coughlan, P. Kelly (0-3), M. Carty, J. Killeen, Adrian Kelly (0-1), R. Ryan (0-2), P. Moloney (0-1), J. Guinan (0-2), P. Egan, Anthony Kelly (1-4). Sub: M. Kilduff.

Sympathy.
The club extends it’s sympathy to Pakie and Patricia Brazil on the passing of Patricia’s mother, Rose Lawless and to the Greene family on the death of Esius Greene, Clondelara. May they rest in peace.

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
There was no winner of last week’s jackpot. The numbers drawn were 6, 18, 22 and 26 and there were three match three winners. This week’s jackpot is €2,200.

Congratulations.
Congratulations to Shannonbridge forward, Garda Paul Deeley, who graduated from the Garda Training College, Templemore, last week. He is stationed in Mullingar.

Shannonbridge GAA Notes

Division Two League.
Shannonbridge lost out to Clara, at Shannonbridge last Wednesday, on a score line of 0-9 to 3-10. The home side started well with points from Kieran Flannery (two), Trevor Mahon, Niall Price and a converted “forty five” from Darragh Corbett to lead by five points to one, after twenty minutes. Clara gradually settled into the game and scored three points in succession to leave the score at the break 0-6 to 0-4. With the game evenly balanced, Clara struck for two goals in the eight and tenth minutes to establish a five point lead and ran out comfortable winners in the end.
Team: L. Griffin, W. Keena, C. Killeen, K. Egan, S. Flannery (0-1), R. O’Connor, P. Moloney, N. Price (0-2), J. Egan, P. Deeley, P. Egan, K. Flannery (0-2), D. Kelly, T. Mahon (0-3), D. Corbett (0-1). Subs: M. Darcy, K. Kelly, K. Kearns, P. Kelly.

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery won at €8,400.
Congratulations to Harry Gunning, Shannonbridge, winner of the €8,400 jackpot in last week’s draw. The numbers were 9, 11, 16 and 21. There were five match threes. Next week’s jackpot is €2,000.

Fixture.
Division Two League v Doon, Wednesday 15th June, in Doon, at 7.30pm.
Division Four League Semi Final v Kilclonfert, on Friday 17th June, in Mucklagh, at 7.30pm.

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



Shannonbridge
Masses: Mon,Tues, Thurs-Sat @ 10am; Wed @ 8.30am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €490. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: K.Price, C.Curley, P.Anderson
Eucharistic ministers: Group 3
Readers for next Weekend: Group 6, ? D.O’Carroll
Altar Servers for this week: Siobhán, Sarah, Alisa, Ciarán

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Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €264. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: C.Spain, C.Guinan
Readers for next Sunday: D.Boland
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 1
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: B.Coughlan
Mass on next Sat for the late Rose Daly @ 12noon
Mass on next Sun for the late Egan family (Clonlyon)
Clonfanlough Social Group will have a special Remembrance Mass for the deceased members and friends of the group.
It will be on Fri 17th June @ 7.30pm in the Hall.
Everybody is welcome, and light refreshments will be served.
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A bus will go to Knock for the National Eucharistic Congress on the 25th June, leaving Shannonbridge @ 8.30am, and going via Cloghan & Ferbane. Every parish is asked to be represented on the day.
If you wish to go, please give your name to D.Finnerty or T.Rohan.
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Shannonbridge ARA
‘Many thanks to all who supported, and helped at our recent Art Show & Cake Sale. It is much appreciated.’
‘We will have an Outing on Wed 15th June to Kylemore Abbey and Galway, starting @ 9 Am. All welcome.
Contact 9674169 or 9674143.’
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50th International Eucharistic Congress
In Ireland, 10th to 17th June 2012. In preparation, the Congress Bell will be brought to each Diocese in turn to alert people to the importance of the Eucharist & the Congress, and as an invitation to faith, prayer, reconciliation, and to mission.
It is expected the Bell will be in Clonmacnois on Sun 17th July 2011, Each parish is seeking 12 volunteers to carry the frame that holds the Bell. If you would like to be involved please let me know.
¨¨¨¨
Night Prayer Vigil in Clonmacnois Prayer Centre
Fri 17th June, beginning with Mass @ 10pm. Adoration follows and finishes at 3.10am. All welcome. Enquiries Dave 085-7746763
Mass every Wed @ 7.30pm.
¨¨¨¨
Focal Scoir
“Cuirfidh mé mo Spiorad ionaibh, agus mairfidh sibh,” a deir an Tiarna.

Late Sister Monica Claffey, Dublin and Clerhane, Shannonbridge

The death has taken place of Sister Monica Claffey, Mount Sackville, Dublin and late of Clerhane, Shannonbridge. She was a member of the St. Joseph of Cluny Order, which she joined in Ferbane, beginning a long career which included farm management, nursing, teaching and missionary work in Sierra Leone.
Sr. Monica passed away on 2nd June, in her 95th year and was laid to rest last Saturday in Dublin. She is survived by her community, family and friends. She was an aunt of Padraig Turley, Dublin. May she rest in peace.

Shannonbridge GAA Notes

Results.
Division Two League: Shannonbridge 0-10; Ballyfore 1-6.
Division Four League: Shannonbridge 0-9; Raheen 2-6.

Fixtures.
Division Two league, Shannonbridge v Clara, Wednesday 8th June, at Shannonbridge, 7.30 pm.
Division Four League, Shannonbridge v Walsh Island, Friday 10th June, at Shannonbridge, 7.30pm.

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
There was no winner of last week’s jackpot. The numbers drawn were 3, 13, 21 and 27 and there were six match three winners. This week’s jackpot is €8,400.

Shannonbridge GAA Notes

Division Four League.
Shannonbridge defeated St. Bridgid’s by a five point margin, at Shannonbridge, on Wednesday evening last. In difficult conditions, after an evenly contested first half, the teams were level at five points each. Paul Moloney opened the scoring after three minutes, followed by points from Paul Deeley, John Guinan, Anthony Kelly and Roger Ryan. The home side started strongly in the second half with points from Deeley, Mark Carty and Ryan. John Guinan scored a point and followed up with a goal bound shot which was well saved. St. Bridgid’s were unlucky to hit four wides in succession and Shannonbridge finished comfortably 0-11 to 0-6.
Team: C. Kelly, M. Kilduff, T. Mahon, K. Norton, Aidan Kelly, Adrian Kelly, C. Kenny, J. Killeen, M. Carty (0-1), P. Moloney (0-1), R. Ryan (0-2), Anthony Kelly (0-2), J. Guinan (0-2), P. Deeley (0-3), R. Doolan. Subs: S. Flannery, P. Kelly, J. Turley, L. Duffy, G. Quirke.

Fixtures.
Division Two League v Ballyfore, on Wednesday 1st June, at Ballyfore, 7.30pm.
Division Four League v Raheen, on Thursday 2nd June, at Shannonbridge, 7.30pm.

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
There was no winner of last week’s jackpot. The numbers drawn were 11, 13, 14 and 28 and there were no match three winners. An extra €200 has been added to this week’s jackpot making a total of €8,200.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 29th May 2011 – 6 Easter A
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge: Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12 noon, Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough – Sunday, 10.30am








Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am. Adoration on First Fri until 5pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €610. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: J.Kelly, M.Killeen, A.Keena
Eucharistic ministers: Group 1
Readers for next Weekend: Group 4, S.Grennan, P.Duffy
Altar Servers for this week: Oisín, Andrea, Stephanie

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Clonfanlough
Mass for the First Fri will be on Thurs @ 7pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €250. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Claffey, B.Coughlan
Readers for next Sunday: H.Coughlan
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 2
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: K.Kelly
Station Mass at the home of P. & W.Kelly, Carrowkeel on Fri @ 8pm
Anniversary Mass for Aggie O’Shea on next Sun
50th International Eucharistic Congress
In Ireland, 10th to 17th June 2012. In preparation, the Congress Bell will be brought to each Diocese in turn to alert people to the importance of the Eucharist & the Congress, and as an invitation to faith, prayer, reconciliation, and to mission.
It is expected the Bell will be in Clonmacnois on Sun 17th July 2011, Each parish is seeking 12 volunteers to carry the frame that holds the Bell. If you would like to be involved please let me know.
¨¨¨¨
Ballinasloe Regional Novena – 3rd – 11th June
Times of Sessions each day: 7.30am, 10am, 8pm.
Theme for the Novena: “The Eucharist – food for all”.
¨¨¨¨
Offaly Holy Land Pilgrimage: 19 – 28th Oct 2011.
Direct from Dublin, 10 days - €1,145 P.P.S. half board, including all taxes. For further info contact Fr Tom Cox, Ferbane, 090-6454309
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Lough Derg 3-Day Pilgrimage
You may begin your pilgrimage on any day of the week from Wednesday 1st June until Saturday 13th August.
Cost: €55 includes boat fare and accommodation
For bookings or further information. Tel: 071 9861518
Visit: www.loughderg.org Email: info@loughderg.org
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St Ciaran’s Community Alert is now processing applications for the Seniors Alert Scheme for personal & home security equipment.
If you qualify for the above, please contact a member of the committee to process your application.
If you are interested in receiving Broadband Internet come to a meeting in Shannonbridge old School on Wed 1st June @ 8pm, and hear about the Rural Broadband Scheme, which could benefit you.
¨¨¨¨
National Eucharistic Congress, Knock, 25th June 2011
A bus on behalf of the ‘Cluster Parishes’ will go to Knock on that day, leaving Shannonbridge @ 8.30am, and going via Cloghan & Ferbane. Every parish is asked to be represented on the day.
If you wish to go, please give your name to D.Finnerty or T.Rohan.

Obama takes a shine to Shannonbridge Pottery

During his recent visit to the Moneygall, Barak Obama took a detour into one of the local shops to buy a present for his Mother in Law. He ended up buying some pottery from none other that our own Shannonbridge Pottery. There was a clip on the news about it last night. You can watch it on this link to the RTE player, its at about 22 minutes 30 secs: http://www.rte.ie/player/#v=1099176

They have sent on some photos which are attached:
1) The hat box that President Obama actually purchased with the 50 euro
2) The 4 piece mug set with the Obama family Christian names on them which we gave as a present.
3) Tara Fanning daughter of the owner of An Siopa Beag with the mugs before President Obama got them.
4) Maria and Mary of An Siopa with a turkey platter outside An Siopa Beag.
The design is called Shamrock Brushes. Shannonbridge purchased it from the creative dept of the New York Times. The artist is a journalis, Sue Chastain

Well done on the scoop Charlie!

Shannonbridge Motorcycle Rally

The third annual Shannonbrige Motorbike rally was the highlight of last weekend. Based at Lukers Pub and organised by the local An Ri Dubh Club, it attracted over 450 motorcyclists.

Shannonbridge GAA Club

Division Two League.
Shannonbridge got back to winning ways with a 4-10 to 3-6 victory over Durrow, at Shannonbridge, on Thursday evening. A dream start saw the home side go into a three goal lead, after Trevor Mahon was hauled down for a penalty, converted by Karol Kelly. This was quickly followed by Kelly’s second goal and a third, in a move started and finished, by Philip Egan. Durrow goals in the seventeenth and twenty eight minutes closed the gap at half time to 3-4 to 2-2. Points on the restart by Kieran Flannery and Paul Deeley, followed by Kelly’s third goal put the game out of Durrow’s reach who scored their third goal in the twenty first minute. Team: R. Ryan, W. Keena, R.O’Connor, K. Egan, S. Flannery (0-1), C. Killeen, P. Moloney, J. Egan (0-1), P. Egan (1-2), P. Deeley (0-1), T. Mahon, D. Corbett (0-2), K. Flannery (0-3), K. Kelly (3-0), D. Kelly. Subs: N. Price, P. Kelly, K. Kearns, R. Doolan.

Division Four League.
Shannonbridge and Doon shared the spoils, at Doon, on Sunday in a game made difficult by high winds. Shannonbridge had first use of the elements to lead at half time by 1-7 to 0-1. Their scorers were Anthony Kelly (0-4), Peadar Kelly, (1-1) and Jim Killen (0-2). Martin Deeley replaced the injured Marty Kilduff after twenty minutes. Doon outscored Shannonbridge by 2-5 to 0-2 in the second half, their goals coming from Mel Rigney and Paul Heavin, who held on for a well deserved draw despite the loss of Peadar Kelly, to a second yellow card, in the closing stages. Final score 1-9 to 2-6.
Team: C. Kelly, S. Flannery, K. Norton, M. Moloney, M. Kilduff, P. Moloney, Aidan Kelly, C. Kenny (0-1), J. Killeen (0-2), P. Kelly (1-1), R. Ryan, A. Kelly (0-4), J. Guinan, P. Egan, R. Doolan. Subs: M. Deeley (0-1), D. Fitzgerald, A. Devery.

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
There was no winner of last week’s jackpot. The numbers drawn were 11, 12, 14 and 17 and there were two match three winners. This week’s jackpot is €7,800.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 22nd May 2011 – 5 Easter A
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge: Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12 noon, Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough – Sunday, 10.30am
Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €659. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: G.Brennan, D.Deeley, V.Hynes
Eucharistic ministers: Group 4
Readers for next Weekend: Group 3, M.Killeen, O.Costello
Altar Servers for this week: Siobhán, Sarah, Alisa, Ciarán
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Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €189. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Loonam, A.Egan
Readers for next Sunday: A.& L. Devery
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 1
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: P.Darcy
Station Mass: Fri next @ 8pm at the home of Mary K. Dolan, Clonlyon

We hope to have Mass & the Blessing of the Graves on Sat 30th July @ 7pm in Clonmacnois
Clonfanlough Social Group will have their summer Social on Fri 17th June @ 7.30pm in the Clonfanlough Hall


We welcome to the Table of the Lord the children who will receive Jesus, our Bread of Life in their First Holy Communion this weekend:
Katie Moran, Jenny Darcy, Enya Daly, Ffion Anderson, Rosanna Egan, Nisha Ellis, Jenny Arnold
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50th International Eucharistic Congress
In Ireland, 10th to 17th June 2012. In preparation, the Congress Bell will be brought to each Diocese in turn to alert people to the importance of the Eucharist & the Congress, and as an invitation to faith, prayer, reconciliation, and to mission.
It is expected the Bell will be in Clonmacnois on Sun 17th July 2011, Each parish is seeking 12 volunteers to carry the frame that holds the Bell. If you would like to be involved in Clonmacnois please let me know.
¨¨¨¨
Ballinasloe Regional Novena – 3rd – 11th June
Times of Sessions each day: 7.30am, 10am, 8pm.
Theme for the Novena: “The Eucharist – food for all”.
‘Take time out - to find inner peace and reconciliation.’
¨¨¨¨
Free Electrical Recycling in Shannonbridge GAA Grounds,
Tues 24th May, from 9am to 12noon only. Please do not leave items at grounds before or after these times; the collection will be supervised. This collection is supported by Offaly Co Council, Shannonbridge Tidy Towns Committee & Shannonbridge GAA Club

Shannonbridge GAA Club Notes

Intermediate Football Championship.
Shannonbridge made the trip to Ballycommon, on Sunday, to take on nearby Rhode in the second round of the championship. Electing to play with a stiff diagonal breeze in the first half, Shannonbridge found scoring difficult and were two points in arrears, 1-4 to 0-5, at the break. Kieran Kearns replaced Niall Price for the restart and in a Shannonbridge attack Peadar Kelly was unlucky to see his goal bound effort rebound off the post. A goal by Trevor Mahon after twenty minutes, was quickly followed by Rhode’s second goal and they ran out comfortable winners on a score-line of 2-12 to 1-6. Team: D. Kelly, N. Price, R. O’Connor, C. Egan, S. Flannery, W. Keena, P. Moloney, J. Egan, T. Mahon (1-1), P. Deeley (0-2), K. Kelly, P. Kelly, D. Corbett, P. Egan, K. Flannery (0-3). Subs: K. Kearns for N. Price and C. Killeen for P. Kelly.

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
There was no winner of last week’s jackpot. The numbers drawn were 12, 15, 21 and 26 and there were four match three winners. This week’s jackpot is €7,600

New Rural Broadband Scheme for Shannonbridge

The midland authority sent the email below looking for people in Shannonbridge who are interested in getting broadband access. Send an email to kerrill @ gmail.com if you want a copy of the information mentioned or contact details for the midland authority.

-----------
The Rural Broadband Scheme was launched by the Department of Communications on May 5th. The RBS is aimed at individuals who have been unable to secure a broadband service from a service provider for various reasons, the one we are most familiar with being ‘line of sight’.

The Midland Regional Authority is working with Local Authorities within the region to promote the scheme in partnership with the Department of Communications. It is in this regard that I contact you and attach the following:
· RBS flyer to raise awareness for the scheme
· RBS Brief for use in newsletters / e-mails / websites
· A FAQ about the Scheme
· A County Map detailing eligible areas
· An application form

I would appreciate if you could assist with:
· Promoting the scheme on shannonbridge.com and adding to the parish newsletter
· identifying a local champion to promote the scheme within Shannonbridge and assist in the organising of a community information evening before June 10th.

The closing date for receipt of applications is July 29th
I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
********************************
Sarah Morgan
Planning Policy & Research Officer
Midland Regional Authority

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 15th May 2011 – 4 Easter A
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge: Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12 noon, Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough – Sunday, 10.30am
Shannonbridge
Masses: Mon, Wed – Sat @ 10am, Tues @ 8.30am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €598. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: M.Darcy, M.Murphy, M.McManus
Eucharistic ministers: Group 3
Readers for next Weekend: Group 2, M.Anderson, E.Quinn
Altar Servers for this week: Athene, Saul, Jack
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Dessie & Sonny Keena
Mass on next Sun for Margaret & Edward Cogavin & family deceased
Station Mass at the home of Nan Rocke on Fri @ 7pm

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Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €242. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: Parents of First Communicants
Readers for next Sunday: D.Norton
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 3
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: N.Egan
Mass on next Sun for the late Peg Rocke
First Communicants Mass on next Sat @ 12 noon.
Meeting of Parish P.C. on Mon in Shannonbridge @ 8pm
¨¨¨¨
Community Smoke Alarm Scheme
Smoke Alarms are available from Offaly Co Council to qualifying homes in the county. Contact Edel Boyd for more information & applications. Tel 057-9357457 0r eboyd@offalycoco.ie
¨¨¨¨
Ardagh & Clonmacnois Youth Ministry Conference
Sat 21st May, in St Mel’s Pastoral Centre Longford, 10am-4pm.
Theme: ‘Rooted & built up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith’.
The purpose of the conference is to invite young people to dialogue and to listen & hear the needs of young people of the Diocese.
Guest speaker for the day is Fr Noel Kehoe, who works in a Redemptorist Youth Ministry in Cork. (see www.scala.ie)
The day is aimed at both young people (16 & over) and those working with / interested in young people.
The Parish will cover the cost of those wishing to attend.
¨¨¨¨
Many thanks for your contributions to Trócaire during the recent Lenten campaign. As a result of your generosity we have sent €3100.00 to Trócaire.
¨¨¨¨
Night Prayer Vigil in Clonmacnois Prayer Centre
Fri 20th May, beginning with Mass @ 10pm. Adoration follows and finishes at 3.10am. All welcome. Enquiries Dave 085-7746763
Mass every Wed @ 7.30pm.
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Prayer for Choice of State in Life
“Lord, in your wisdom, you have given a task to each of us.
Lord, I ask you; pour your light into me,
So that I may know the way along which you will lead me.
Lord, what will you have me to do?
Take me by the hand, lead me; you see all things in the future.
Make known to me your will, and then give me the courage and strength to follow you.”

Focal Scoir: ‘Tá an fómhar fairsing, ach tá an meitheal beag.’

Shannonbridge Fishing Report Dated 13th May 2011.
>On 9th Jan 2011 Patrick Fahy,Ballymahon fished River Suck in sunshine after frost using a dead smelt to catch a 22lbs pike at 12.30pm.Returned alive.
>On 10th Feb 2011 Domenic Cottrell,Navan fished the Shannon in fresh weather using a dead roach to catch a 13lb 13 oz pike.Returned alive.
>James Cottrell,Navan also fished the Shannon on 10 to 12 Feb 2011 using dead roach to catch four pike 2x14lbs and 2x12lbs.All returned alive.
>Alan Casey,Dublin fished the Shannon on 19th Feb 2011 with a dead roach to catch a 22lbs pike which was returned alive.
>Stephen O Meara,Maynooth fished the Shannon from the floating jetty on 18th March using dead mackerel on a cloudy breezy day to catch four pike weighing 10,8,5 and 4lbs.Returned. >John Coleman,Birdhill fished the Such on 27th March using maggot and corn on a fine day to catch 15lbs of roach and hybrids.Returned alive.
>Felix Lindbuchl,aged 8years from Germany fished the Shannon on a sunny 20th April using a wobbler to catch three pike 70cm each which he returned alive.
>Dave Kemp Bradford fished the Suck on a fine 16th April using leger and worm to catch three bream,hybrids and roach .Total weight for short time was 17.5lbs.
>Dave Kemp fished the Suck on 17th April 2011 using float and maggot to catch hybrids and roach for a 14lbs bag.Sunshine.
>Dave Kemp fished the Suck on a hot 19th Aprilusing float and maggot to catch 21.5lbs of roach and hybrids.
>Dave Kemp fished the Suck on 20th April using feeder corn and worm to catch 2bream,4skimmers roach and hybrid for a 15lbs catch weight.
>Steve Nell Sheffield fished the Suck on 20th April 2011 using deadbait and leger methods to catch a 28lbs pike which Steve said was 'a real Croc'.The Croc was released safely.
>John Mc Cormack,Athlone fished the Grand Canal on a sunny 22nd April 2011 using sweetcorn maggots and float to catch 9tences and roach perch and bream fishing from 2 to 6pm.Tench about 3lbs each.
>Degraux Bewoit,Belgium fished the Shannon on 3rd May,using lures and softbait to catch 5 pike weighing 3lbs each.'I'll be back' says Degraux.
>Leherissier Pascal from France fished at Shannonbridge on a windy 3rd May 2011 using lures and dead bait to catch 5 pike.
>The Parrott Family Steve alan Dave and Jim from Kent England fished the Suck from 1st May to 6th May with North East winds using brown crumb maggot and caster catching hybrids to 3lbs,roach to 1.5lbs,catching over the week 200lbs of silver fish.Good week although wind hurt.
>Andrew Low,Wilmslow England fished the Grand Canal in overcast wet weather using pole and red maggot to catch 40lbs and 50lbs of bream roach tench and eel in mid channel.

River level on 1st May on gauge at Shannonbridge read 2.45metres.On
9th May the reading was 2.2metres.

Death announcement.Molloy,Sr.Phelim,St.Louis Convent Monaghan (daughter of P.C.Molloy Clonmacnois) died May 11th in Drumbear Nursing Home.Funeral Mass in convent chapel on Saturday
with burial in Latiurcan.May she rest in peace.

Recently John O Sullivan,creator and writer of 'Only Fools and Horses'died in England.
May he rest in peace.

Tony Buckley,Tullamore was fishing on the Shannon near Shannonbridge.He put the keys of his car on his line as an extra weight while fishing for pike.And it worked.A pike took the bait and the line broke.The kind pike left the keys.

Visiting Clonmacnois last Sunday the sister Doc and our cousin Maureen noticed a bird flying near a tree.They had a look and saw a birds nest with four fledglings.

This week Joerg and Wodi Falkeusee Germany arrived to revisit Shannonbridge by boat.One of their first enquiries was for Moby our dog who they always brought for walks everytime they were in Shannonbridge.They were saddened to hear that Moby had died.Joerg had some fancy dog treats for Moby in his pocket.They showed us a number of photos of Moby including one of him standing alongside a pint of Guinness.He was a professional dog actor of course.

Reading the bits of information on the walls at Clonmacnois Visitor Center last Sunday.One that caught my eye was that in 1070 the head of Conchubar ua Maeil-Scheechlainn was forcibly carried from Clonmacnois by Toirdelblach,who was compelled to return it,for he was smitten with a miraculous disease,imparted to him by a mouse that issued from the head and ran under his garment.

Old Cures
Foul Foot in cattle.Cattle suffering from a rotten hoof.Dig up the track where the animal walked and turn it upside down.No need for a vet says Patrick Kenny.

To cure ringworm in cattle burnt oil was used.

Wart Cure.Get a snail and stick it through the thorn on a blackthorn tree.

Relic of Saint Theresa was used for a variety of cures.

Clay from St.Ciaran's Church Clonmacnois mixed with the seed or shook in the four corners of the field used as a cure for wireworm.

Father Murray,St.Mary's Church Athlone kindly forwarded a copy of a History of that parish by Gearoid O Brien.In the book about over a page deals with Father Kieran Kilroe,who was born in 1798 in Shannonbridge,son of Thomas Kilroe.Educated in a school in Ballinasloe.In 1818 went to a clerical college in Bayeaux,where he remained for seven years.He spent a short time as a proffesor in a college in the south of France before Dr.McGovern called him home and appointed him to a curacy in Mohill.Appointed a curate in St.Mary's c1927.He was made Administrator in 1834 and in 1845 he became Parish Priest of St.Mary's.Fr Kilroe was a member of Athlone Town Commissioners from 1845 to 1855.Fr.Kilroe conducted a Latin school in Athlone in the early 1830's.Fr.Kilroe with his curateof 24years,Fr.Patrick Dardis was responsible for the erection of the present St.Mary's Church in Athlone between 1857 and 1862.Fr.Kilroe died in 1865 and the day after his funeral Fr.Dardis died.

St.Mary's Parish book has a lot of interesting meanings for the townlands in the parish.
-Ardnaglug ,the height of the bells.
-Athlone, the ford of Luan and refers to two popular versions.Like Snam Da En(Swim two birds)
-Ballykeeran, road of the rowan-tree.
-Kilnafaddoge, Cill na bhfeadog,church of the plovers or Coill an bhfeadog,wood of the plovers.
-Moydrum, Magh Droma,plain of the ridge.
And there are more.
By coincidence a man from Inistioge in Kilkenny named Cuddy told me recently that the translation for Inistioge is Island of the Young Virgin or Virgins.

The book also has information on priests that served in St.Mary's.Ones to catch the eye
-Father Patrick Reddy,native of Shannonbridge born c1845.Ordained outside Maynooth 1867/68
served in Athlone 1878-1881,Cloghan 1895-1905.Died 15th August 1905 and is buried in Clonmacnois.He went to Canada with Bishop Conroy in April 1875 on a visit.
In a letter dated 2nd November 1882 to Bishop Woodlock,in reference to St.Mary's,Athlone,Father Reddy says"as a relative of the two priests that built St.Mary's I must always continue to take a friendly interest in it.
Fr.Patrick Lane son of John Lane N.T. and Kate Agnes Gallagher,Shannonbridge,
Fr Mark Mimnagh Fr Donal O Lehane Fr Aidan Ryan Fr Sean Tynan and Fr Francis O'Hanlon all worked at some time in St.Mary's.

John Count McCormack was born the fourth of eleven children of Andrew McCormack and Hannah Watson on 14th June 1884.He was baptized in St.Mary's on 23rd June by Fr.McGeoy.Pages of interesting news on Mc Cormack and other items on Athlone.
stmarysparishathlone@eircom.net

Shannonbridge GAA Notes

Fixtures.
Intermediate Football Championship v Rhode next Sunday, 15th May, in Ballycommom, at 12 noon.
Division Two League v Durrow on Wednesday 18th May, in Shannonbridge, at 7.30pm.
Division Four League v St. Bridgids on Thursday 19th May, in Shannonbridge, at 7.30pm.

Congratulations.
To the Shannonbridge / Doon ladies football team on their League Final win last Sunday, when they defeated St Vincent’s on a score of 1-17 to 1-9.

County Board € 100 Euro Tickets.
The club are currently selling their annual quota of Co. Board tickets, with the first draw scheduled for 7th June. If you can help by purchasing a ticket, or a share, please contact any member of the committee. All support greatly appreciated.

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
There was no winner of last week’s jackpot. The numbers drawn were 7, 16, 22 and 27 and there were three match three winners. This week’s jackpot is €7,400

At Easter weekend John and Anne Denham arrived by boat in
Shannonbridge.They attended the ceremonies in the church on Easter
Saturday and by chance I saw Anne Denham return on Sunday morning and
help herself to a bottle of Holy Water that had been blessed on
Saturday night.What was she doing stealing the Holy Water me
thinks.Her husband John came and explained her actions.
Anne and her crew of four had travelled from Clontarf Yacht Club *see
cysc on her boat 'Echinus' with eleven other boats on a journey to the
Shannon River travelling along The Royal Canal passing Poolbeg,Spencer
Dock,Croke Park,the M50 Viaduct,the 12th Lock,Castleknock,Richmond
Harbour,Clondra and joining the River Shannon.They plan to return via
The Grand Canal.
The Clontarf Yacht Club boats last travelled this same route in 1925
and there are pictures of some of thw 1925 boats on their website.Do a
search for cysc to view pictures.
Anne Denham is a native of old Dingle in Kerry and she likes to carry
a bottle of Holy Water with her on her travels so I suppose it was in
order to take a bottle of Shannonbridge Holy Water for the return
trip.May it bring her all the luck in the world.

On May 2nd Catriona Lane was returning to Dublin after a visit to
Connemara when she spotted the sign for Shannonbridge.She diverted off
the Motorway and stopped in Shannonbridge.
Catriona is a daughter of Cormac Lane,a son of the teacher Master Lane
who lived and taught in Shannonbridge for many years.Lanes lived in
the house opposite Nicky Nugent's Butcher shop.
Catriona told us that her father died 25 years ago.Three of her uncles
and aunts died young -
Brendan, Cait and Moira.Two of her uncles became priests Father
Michael and Pat.Father Pat appears in the Clonmacnois film in the
visitor center at Clonmacnois.John Lane employed a woman to help with
the housework and both came from Inisboffin in the Aran
Islands.Catriona remembers her parents taking her and the family for a
holiday in the West of Ireland years ago.They visited Inisboffin and
located the two ladies that had worked for the Lane Family and
revisited them many times.
Catriona has photographs of her grandfather John Lane with the whisker
moustache and has promised to forward one for the Shannonbridge
website.
Catriona is anxious to find out more on her family
and intends to call back to Shannonbridge soon.
Doc Cunney was telling us that our sister Pat had a pin cushion made
by Cait Lane and that she gave it to my sister Doc.She remembers that
Master Lane was fond of crosswords and encouraged his pupils to create
croowords.The Irish Independent newspaper once had a competion for
crossword creation.John Lane got his pupils to enter and the sister
remembers winning a fancy pen for her effort.
John Lane included Shakespeare Plays in his English classes and Bill
Burns told Doc that he had read four Shakespeare plays under Master
Lane.
Alice Egan told us that the other teacher with Master Lane was Miss McDermott.

Recently Mike Naughton visited Shannonbridge.Mike is a close relative
of the late Tommy Naughton and of Tom's brother Kieran who was drowned
in the Shannon after a mishap with his boat.
Mike would like to have photographs of the late Tommy and Kieran and
you can contact Mike at his e-mail address naughton@bc.edu

Met a man on 28th March who told me he was returning a head to
Clonmacnois which had been given to him by a friend that knew he was
interested in such items.
Saint Ciaran's Well is beside the roadway about half a mile before you
reach Clonmacnois.For many years the well was in an open field
surrounded with about four icons or statues.One of the statues had its
head broken off and was found lying in the grass.
The well has dried up over the years possibly due to bog drainage.
Anyhow good news from the well is that the Office of Public Works have
made an agreement with the owner of the field and the corner of that
field has now been fenced off.As well the stonework of the well has
got a make-over and steps leading down to the well made safe.Hopefully
with the return of The Head further work can go ahead and water will
return to Saint Ciaran's Well.

Dubarry the shoe manufacturers in Ballinasloe have a catchy 2011
Spring Summer Catalogue this year.They have used some Shannonbridge
photographs on pages 60 and 61.See www.dubarry.com

Recently by chance I came across Bruce Crooks and David Crooks who
were visiting from Rockhampton,Queensland,Australia.
I asked them if they had any Irish connections.
I thought that they said Kilroy and as it happened Dermot Kilroy
Tullamore was buried that day.When I told them about Kilroys Shops
they said it was the Kilroe Family.It turned out it was the Kilroe
Family Shannonbridge that they were interested in.For many years
Kieran and Bill and Katie Kilroe lived ina two storey house directly
across from the Parochial House.Bill used to help the village
blacksmith Jack Butler by sitting on the wooden bench and working the
bellows by drawing on the rope.Kilroes were farmers and had a number
of isolated fields and callow land by the river.
The local contractor the late Jimmy Galvin replaced the two storey
house with a bungalow.Kieran died and later Bill (1957) and Katie
lived on her own.
At some time some cousins came visiting from Australia.They invited
Katie to come live with them
in Australia and Katie accepted the invitation.
Away she went taking one piece of furniture with her.This was a table
belonging to Father Kilroe the priest that built Saint Mary's Church
in Athlone.
Alice Egan remembers Katie having the table wrapped and prepared for
the journey by her neighbour the late Leslie Price. Father Murray in
Saint Mary's tells us that Father Kilroe finished building St.Marys in
1868 and it was officially opened in 1871.Father Kilroe I heard spent
almost a year in America to raise money to build the church.
Anyhow Australia was too much for Katie and she missed the neighbours
and Mass and the less hot weather.So she came home again and lived in
the bungalow until her death.
Bruce and David Crooks were anxious to visit the Kilroe grave at
Clonmacnois but failed to find it.
Next day I went with them hoping to get directions from Gus Claffey or
Tom Moore.No Gus or Tom around so we started looking for the
gravestone.I set off looking for an unkept grave and found dozens of
these.Bruce and David were doing their own looking around and one of
them found it in a well kept plot with a brown marble surround and a
marble tombstone in memory of the late Martin and Mary Burke.I knew
that Mary Dnoghue was connected to the Kilroe Family and they are
buried in an unused grave in the Kilroe plot.The Kilroe stone was
cleaned and the writing was clear.
If you have any information on the Kilroe Family you may send it to
David and Bruce Crooks who believe they are perhaps great great
nephews of the late Katie give or take a 'great'.
Contact crooksy@westnet.com.au

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 8th May 2011 – 3 Easter A
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge: Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12 noon, Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough – Sunday, 10.30am
Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €432. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: A.Ryan, L.Turley, M.Mitchell
Eucharistic ministers: Group 2
Readers for next Weekend: Group 1, D.Finnerty, P.Corbett
Altar Servers for this week: Oisín, Andrea, Stephanie
‘Months Mind Mass’ for Jim Higgins on next Sat eve

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Clonfanlough
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €290. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: B.Kilduff, E.Kilduff
Readers for next Sunday: A.Kelly
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 2
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: D.McEvoy

Shannonbridge ARA
Will hold an Art Exhibition & Cake Sale in the Parish Hall on Sun 8th May @ 12.30pm. Your attendance would be greatly appreciated.
Prayer Service for Vocations
On Sat evening 14th May @ 5pm in Clonmacnois. This is the eve of Vocations Sun which is on 15th May.
All welcome.
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QUESTIONS PEOPLE ASK (Fr O’Flynn – Intercom) Q. My faith has gone very dead. Scandals in the Church haven’t helped but I don’t lay all the blame there. Missing Mass no longer bothers me like it would have years ago. Any prayers I say are mechanical. Have you any suggestions? A. The world we live in has gone very secular and it is all too easy to drift with the flow. One has to make very deliberate efforts today to nurture faith. Just as our diet has a huge effect on our physical health, our mental diet dictates the wellbeing of our mind and soul. Drop into a church more often to adore the Lord. Read the scriptures as a source of developing a personal listen-and-talk relationship with God. Break out of self-centredness by offering your services to a charitable or sporting organisation. There are many Retreat Centres where you might avail of a helpful programme. Above all, humbly pray for the gift of a lively faith.
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Music Workshop by Liam Lawton
St Mary’s Athlone, on Tues 10th May @ 8pm
St Mary’s Newtownforbes, Tues 17th May @ 8pm.
This Workshop will be devoted to a new ‘Glendalough Mass’, composed to meet the requirements of the new Missal due to be in use by next Dec. Adm with music books & C.D. is €15.00.
The Parish will meet this cost for those wishing to attend.
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Many thanks for your contributions to the Lenten Alms, €750. This money is used by the Diocese for promoting Catholic Education (training & payment of Catechists etc), and supporting ‘Accord’ (Marriage programmes etc) and ‘Cura’ (counselling in crisis pregnancies etc)
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Irish Wheelchair Association will hold its Church gate Collection next weekend. Support appreciated.
Shannonbridge Action Group public meeting on 12thMay in the School building @ 8.30pm. All welcome. Come & have your say.

Shannonbridge GAA Club Notes

Intermediate Football Championship.
Shannonbridge narrowly lost out to Durrow in a well contested first round game at Ballycumber on Friday evening. In ideal conditions, this was a tight contest all through with the teams level on six occasions. Shannonbridge opened with four points in the first twelve minutes from Karol Kelly, Paul Deeley (2) and Darragh Corbett, who was making his intermediate championship debut, scoring a great point from near the corner flag. Shannonbridge led at half time by 0-7 to 0-6. Conor Killeen replaced the injured Trevor Mahon at the interval. They increased the margin to two with points from Deeley, John Egan and Corbett going into the last quarter. However Durrow hit back to level at ten points each, their second score rattling off the crossbar and over. A great point by Kieran Flannery was soon followed by the decisive score of the game, a goal for Durrow in the twenty third minute. Shannonbridge hit back with points from Kieran Flannery and top scorer Deeley but two late points closed the game for Durrow with the final score 0-13 to 1-12. Not a win, but a good team performance that gives plenty of positives for the campaign ahead.
Team: L. Griffin, P. Moloney, R. O’Connor, M. Darcy, S. Flannery, W. Keena, N. Price, J. Egan (0-1), T. Mahon, P. Deeley (0-6), P. Egan, P. Kelly, D. Corbett (0-2), K. Kelly (0-1), K. Flannery (0-3). Sub: C. Killeen.

Shannonbridge / Doon Lottery.
There was no winner of last week’s jackpot. The numbers drawn were 2, 20, 21 and 27 and there was one match three winner. This week’s jackpot is €7,200.

Clonmacnois Parish Newsletter
Sunday 1st May 2011 – 2nd A
Tel (090) 9674125 Fax (090) 9674267
Mass times: Shannonbridge: Weekend, 8pm (Sat), & 12 noon, Sun;
Weekdays, 10am. Clonfanlough – Sunday, 10.30am
Shannonbridge
Masses: Each day @ 10am; Adoration on First Fri until 5pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €450. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: K.Price, C.Curley, P.Anderson
Eucharistic ministers: Group 1
Readers for next Weekend: Group 6, ? D.O’Carroll
Altar Servers for this week: Siobhán, Sarah, Alisa, Ciarán
Mass on next Sat eve for the late Michael Kelly and Mae, Nancy & Brigid.
Anniversary Mass for Pat Killeen on next Sunday

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Clonfanlough
Mass on First Fri @ 7pm
Last Sunday's Offertory collection: €415. Many Thanks
Church Cleaners: B.Kenny, M.Lantry
Readers for next Sunday: N.Kenny
Altar Servers for next Sunday: Group 1
Eucharistic minister for next Sunday: B.Coughlan
Today is a wonderful day for us as Christians. In Rome Pope Benedict, on Sun 1st May, will beatify his predecessor, Pope John Paul II. We can now address him as Blessed John Paul. It is significant that the beatification takes on Divine Mercy Sunday. Since the early years of his priesthood, Blessed John Paul had a deep devotion to the Divine Mercy. In the year 2000 he established the Sunday after Easter as Divine Mercy Sunday.
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Easter Reflection.
Jesus says to us as he said to Thomas: “see my wounded hands and side; see the proof of my love for you; so cease doubting and believe”.
Those who care about others pick up a lot of wounds as they go through life. Perhaps there are no great wounds, but only a multiplicity of little ones – a host of scratches, wrinkles and welts. Yet these are only the visible wounds.
What about the many invisible wounds: the furrows left on the mind and soul, by hardship worries and anxieties?
These wounds are not things that we should be ashamed of. They are the proof or our love. Will anyone see these wounds and come to believe in our love because of them? Even if no one else sees them the heavenly Father sees them, and he is proud of us. (Flor Mc Carthy SDB)
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Shannonbridge ARA
Will hold an Art Exhibition & Cake Sale in the Parish Hall on Sun 8th May @ 12.30pm. Your attendance would be greatly appreciated.
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Dóchas – Offaly Cancer Support Group
Annual 4mile run/walk in aid of the above will take place on Sun 1st May @ Tullamore Harriers starting at 11.30am. Entry fee €15, or with a sponsorship card. Cards available from Pat Corbett, local coordinator or Dóchas @ 057-9328268. All support greatly appreciated.
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St. Ciaran’s Community Alert is holding its AGM on Thursday 5th May in Clonfanlough Hall at 8pm. Come along and keep informed of what is happening. If you would like to avail of personal & home security equipment through the Seniors Alert Programme, or avail of smoke alarms through Offaly County Council please give your details on the night or leave details into Garda Station. Light refreshments on the night.

Offaly Cancer Support Group Fundraiser

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