GRANAGH NOTES - 15/16 JAN

 

Granagh Players rehearsing for The Honey Spike, which will be performed on 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st Jan & 1st, 2nd Feb in Granagh Community Centre, nightly at 8.00pm 

GRANAGH UTD. F.C.

Lotto Results:-    Friday 10th Jan: -  No Winner.    Winning Numbers. 6. 11. 15. 16. 

Next Week's Jackpot €16,000.

Lucky Dips: - Nora Marie Cotter, Ballyagran.   Michael Clifford, Granagh.   Garrett Hayes, c/o The Rock Bar.

Weekly tickets available at O' Gorman's Foodstore Granagh, Hickeys Bar Croom, The Rock Bar, Granagh.

 

HAITI  QUIZ:

The Annual Elton table quiz in aid of the street children of Milot, Haiti is taking place this coming Friday 17th January in the Cosy Kitchen, 8.30pm.   All support welcome, great night assured.

 

GRANAGH PLAYERS:

Our last full week of rehearsals and still a few bits to be tidied up.  Once again, our artist Grace McCarthy has been hard at work, with four different scenes to be painted. The play begins at the Giants' Causeway, in the month of August , then moves down to the midlands. The main scene is one of the Shannon lakes, Lough Derg and you can almost hear birdsong and fish jumping. By August 10th, the scene moves to Killorglin and Puck Fair and the following morning we arrive at St. Finians Hospital, Kenmare.

The play tells " a tale of the Irish roads, of a tinker and his wife.   It's a tale of trouble and wildness and a child that's born to life.

There's mating in it, birth and death and drink to flood a dyke, So here's how they raced the coloured road that led to the Honey Spike."

We meet Breda & Martin Claffey, a young tinker couple who have travelled from their native Kerry to Antrim, because they wanted to see ' the top of Ireland'.   However, Breda is pregnant and she decides that her child is to be born in the Honey Spike - the 'lucky'  Kerry hospital.   They have Martin's mother Poll-Poll and his stepfather Mickle for company which at times is no great help.!   

They have a run-in with soldiers at the border, priests in the Midlands and feuding clans in Kerry.    

The past is waiting for Breda at Puck Fair in the shape of Winifred McQueen, the gypsy girl who wanted Martin for herself.!    You will have to come and see how it all turns out.   

We have eighteen in the cast, with three new members this year, Frances O'Kelly, Paddy Tierney and Niall Clifford.   Produced again this year by Jimmy Sheehy aided and abetted by Jim Chawke.

Performance dates 24th, 25, 26th Jan and again the following weekend 31st, 1st & 2nd Feb.

In the Community Centre, Granagh, 8.00pm nightly. Shop & Raffle each night. Adm. Adults €10, Students €5.

 

 

ENROLMENT 2014:

Granagh National School is currently accepting enrolment applications for the 2014/2015 school year. Enrolment Application Forms can be obtained from the school office or alternatively by contacting the school on (061)399081.  The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday the 31st of January 2014.

 

REMEMBERING OUR DECEASED:

On the Bereavement Board in the Church, our dearly departed family and friends are remembered every month.   If you would like to have a loved one remembered, drop their mortuary card into the box provided.   For the month of January we remember : -   Jackie Chawke, David Bennett, Gerry O'Brien, Bartholomew O'Brien, Hanora Sheehan, Mary Sheehan, Denis Fitzpatrick, Rev. John Irwin, Richard Chawke, William Hanley, Joseph Scanlon, Patrick Sheahan, William Daly, George Purcell, William Boyce, Catherine McCann, Rev. Gerard Wall, Elizabeth O' Rourke, James Tierney and Tom Murphy.

  

LISKENNETT  PROJECT:

A  large crowd attended the launch of the Malin to Mizen Cycle in aid of the horse riding simulator for the Autism centre in Liskennett.    Maurice Riordan, Charleville gave a full and concise run-down on the origins of Team Dave Riordan, its goals, its successes and  the plans for this epic cycle.    They originally had a limit of forty cyclists but due to demand have had to change that to sixty, with twelve subs on standby.     The logistics involved over the 659km route will be anything but simple, however they have an expert committee who are leaving nothing to chance.    Maurice mentioned their corporate sponsors who have been very generous so far in their contributions towards various aspects of the cycle.   A list of all sponsors will be given out to participants so that they can, in turn, support them whenever possible.   They will also produce a set of accounts afterwards for full transparency. 

Maura O'Sullivan spoke about autism, its effects and the benefits of equine therapy.    John O'Shea, spokesperson for everything! , touched on

fundraising and how it is a necessity for any organisation and will continue to be.   Over the last few years various fundraising events e.g.  Joe & Bernie Carroll's  Xmas Lights have contributed enormously.    Next week a Wax & Shave is being held in Geary's Bar, Friday 17th Jan where the elder statesman of the club Francie O'Shea is allowing them to remove his forty three yr old tasche !  

David Doyle, Adult Manager of St. Joseph's Foundation gave a run-down on the facilities they already provide for their 769 users.   As the years went by an increasing number of children were being diagnosed in the Autism specter.   There is nothing wrong with children who have autism, some examples such as Mozart , Isaac Newton, Hans Christian Anderson, Thomas Jefferson all made their own contributions, its just some people need extra support.   St. Joseph's had to look at their services and how they could be improved to give these children a better quality of life.    They did allot of research and found that equine therapy seemed to be the way to go.    Many farms were viewed over a year and after a suggestion from David Lahiff, Banogue they viewed Liskennett, which seemed to  fit their requirements for plenty of space and a quiet environment.     It took a long time for plans to come to fruition, because public money is involved, but the first phase of  eight apartments is due to be completed in the Summer.    Phase two will include six apartments, stables, walled garden, craft centre.

Eamon McCarthy, Chairman of St. Joseph's Foundation spoke of their dream now becoming a reality, which will change the lives of the service users for the better.   He said they wanted to be part of the Granagh community and contribute actively towards it.

Tony Fitzgibbon, Chairman of Granagh -Ballingarry Camogie Club wished St. Joseph's and Team Dave Riordan the very best of luck with the cycle and the fundraising.    For the official launch, the oldest and  youngest members of Team Dave Riordan - Francie O'Shea and James O'Shea rolled out the white ribbon and Granagh Ballingarry camogie captain, Vera Sheehan cut the ribbon.

For all the younger people attending -  Keith Hanly sent his sincerest apologies as he was in Dublin and could not make the launch on time, however, he will make up for it on another occasion.  All  then adjourned for a cuppa.

Granagh Development Association wish to thank the Committee members for their help on the night.  Many thanks to William Casey from the Observer, Dermot Lynch from the Leader and Michael McGrath, The Advertiser for covering the event.   We appreciate the attendance of the Camogie team along with Donal O'Grady and Nickie Quaid - great to see the County and Munster Cups on display. 

For further information - contact John O'Shea 087-6193069, Pat Cullen 087-2966090 and see Facebook Page - Team Dave Riordan. (photos) and web site www.teamdaveriordan.ie where you can donate to any of the events. 

 

COMMUNITY  GAMES:
Girls U13 Indoor Soccer do the Club Proud: The Under 13 girls indoor soccer team were out last weekend in Galvone and did the club extremely proud by winning two out or three matches now that aint bad!   Team players were: Grace Mullane, Sophie Alymer, Molly Cagney, Ciara O’Connor, Lisa Lynch, Orla Lynch, Molly O’Connor and Aimee Tagney. The girls are now through to the county final so best of luck girls.  Many thanks to the Coaches Ned, Bernie and Shauna (Team Cagney) for coaching the girls to date.                                                                   Girls & Boys U10 Indoor Soccer:   The Girls are out on Saturday for their first leg of the Journey and the Boys are out for the first time in Galvone this Sunday. We would like to wish both teams well and thanks to Martha for coaching the girls and for Tom O’Shea for coaching the boys.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Talent Competition:    The Closing date for the talent competition is 5^th February so we will be holding the local competition in the hall in Ballingarry on Sunday 26^th January at 2pm the following is a list of competitions that go the National level
- Solo Dance Modern & Disco - U14 (Over 12).   - Solo Music Individual Event - U13 (Over 11).   - Solo Singing - U 14 (over12).                         - Solo Recitation – Individual - U12 (over 10).   - Group Talent (Modern & Disco) - U 14 (over11).   - Group Dance (Max 6 min 2) - U12 (over 9).  - Group Singing (max 6 min 2) - U 14 (over 11).  - Group Drama or Comedy Sketch - U14 (over11).   - Group Music (max 6 min 2) - U14 (over 11).   - Variety - U16 over 10.   There is also a competition of similar events for the U10s that will go to County Level however I'm still waiting for a list of competitions as we go to print.   Anyone wishing to take part in any of these competitions must inform Loraine at 086-0592682 or Kathy at 087-9256150 before Friday 24^th January.                                                                                                                                                                   Cross Country: There are a number of children interested in taking part in the Cross Country running, the County final usually takes place by mid March in Rathkeale, however we need someone with a little experience in athletics to help train the children.   If this event is to go ahead this year training would need to commence by early February, however, if we do not have volunteers we will have to forget about Cross Country for this year.   Volunteers can contact Kathy @ 087-9256150 or Loraine at 086-0592682
Closing Dates:    5^th February - Talent, Variety, Culture Corner & Project.    Anyone wishing to participate in any of these competitions needs to let us know as soon as possible Kathy 087-9256150 or Loraine @ 086-0592682. 

GRANAGH NOTES -4/5 SEPT

GRANAGH UTD. F.C:

Lotto Results: -    Friday 30th Aug : - No Winner this week-end.   Winning Numbers. 5. 9. 26. 27.

Next week's Jackpot €15,050.

Lucky dips: -   Killian/Josh Lynch-Raftery, Ballyagran.   Anne Leahy, Granagh.   Josie Moloney, C/o Hickeys.

Weekly tickets available at O' Gorman's Foodstore Granagh, Hickeys Bar Croom, The Rock Bar, Granagh.

 

FUN  RIDE & WALK:

Once again, Lady Harrington is preparing for the Ride & Walk in aid of the Dialysis Unit, University Hospital, Limerick.   It will take place onSaturday,  14th Sept, 2.00pm beginning at Ballygrennan Farm, Knockfierna.

There will be a loop walk for the walkers, maps provided when registering.    The riders head off for about an hour and a half and it is suitable for lead rein, pony riders.   Adult walkers €10, Children Free.   Adult riders €15. Children €5.   Family ticket €25.   All welcome for refreshments at the Farm, afterwards.

 

REMEMBERING OUR DEPARTED:

On the Bereavement Board in the Church, our dearly departed family and friends are remembered every month.   If you would like to have a loved one remembered, drop their mortuary card into the box provided.   For the month of September we remember : - Johnny Houlihan, Kilmacanearla.   Julia Brosnan, Coolruss.   Liam English, Lees Cross/Rathkeale.   Sean & David Shine, Granagh.   Katherine Martin, Ballyguile.   Arthur O'Leary, Castletown.   Tadhg O'Flynn, Ballingarry.   Nora Herlihy, Kingsland.   Catherine O'Connor, Ballyguile.   Philip Noonan, Kilmore.   Kathleen Hayes and Patrick Power, Pallasgreen.   Jim Curtin, Foynes.

 

GRANAGH  DEV. ASSOC:

 

As we resume for the Autumn, it's time to think about night classes.   If people are interested and we get the required numbers, we can provide training locally in the community centre.   Ballyhoura Development have a number of programmes that might interest both adults and  younger people.    These will be on offer all over the county, so if you are interested, now is the time to get in contact with us, so that we can book the tutors on time.

1.   Personal Development and Life Skills:    Ten wk course @ €20 pp.    ( nos 12 - 15 people reqd in class.  ) 

2.   Group Development through Gardening:  8 x 2hr sessions @ € 20pp. ( nos 8 - 12 ).   This includes gardening and horticulture training which will benefit our community by enhancing a public green space e.g. designing and physically preparing rockery/ beds etc.( possibly at Chawkes Cross).

3.   Youth Drama:   8 x 2hr sessions @ €16pp.  ( nos -15) .

4.   Youth Art Projects:   6 x 2hr sessions @ €12pp.  ( nos - 15).

5.   Photography for Young People:   6 x 2hr sessions @ €12pp.  ( nos 12 - 15).

6.   Halloween Workshops or Christmas Wreath Making Workshop.    1 day @ €8pp. (nos - 12). 

7.   My Community through Sound:   8 x 3hr sessions @ €25pp.  (nos - 12)   Making audio documentary about local community.

 

We have had enquiries about Yoga Classes - if we have a number of people interested, we can arrange these.    Zumba classes may return, would need about 12 - 15 people.

Anyone interested in the above classes, please e-mail - oreganmb@eircom.net or txt 087-9139902 with your preferences.

Guitar music classes are to resume on Tuesday 17th September - Beginners 6-7pm. Seniors 7-8pm.   Contact Susie, 087 - 9873379.

 

A.G.M.    Monday 23rd September, 8.00pm.   We would invite more parishioners to get involved in the association as some of us are getting past our sell-by date and the same people cannot keep going indefinitely !      

 

Tea Dancing:    Will be resuming on Sunday 20th October, music by the very popular Declan Aungier.  

 

COMPUTER  COURSES:

 

This course teaches the basics of computers such as how to turn on your computer, use the internet, shop and pay bills online, send and receive emails, use online government services, and contact friends and family on Skype etc. The course is completed over 4 x 2 hour classes and costs €20 per person.                                Bruree-based local computer training service, Mobile IT, in association with Ballyhoura Development, will delivering the courses from October to December this year. The courses will be aimed at:                                    · The Farming Community ( Evening Course)            ·    The Active Age groups ( Daytime Course).

·  The general community ( Day or Evening).

To book your place on one of these courses now, please contact David O’Grady at Ballyhoura Development on tel. 063-21003.

GRANAGH NOTES - 21/22ND AUG

GRANAGH UTD. F.C:

As the season is beginning, Registration and Insurance fees are due.

U8s and U10s - €20.    U12s - €20.   U14s - €25.   U16s - €25.   Youths - €40.    Junior - €60.

Managers: -   U8s:  ( 2 Teams ):   Sean Dean, John Ferguson, Liam O'Neill, Niall Clifford.

U10s -  No one at present.   U12s: - Seamus Murphy and Tom Enright.   U14s: - Jimmy Sheehy, Edward Sheehy to train.    U16s: - Daniel Tierney, Niall Clifford.      Juniors and Kennedy Cup Team - Kevin Clifford. 

 

 

COMMUNITY GAMES: 

We had two participants from the parish taking part in the National Finals in Athlone last weekend.          Michael Russell took part in the U10 Hurdles putting in a fine performance coming out of his heat and coming 5^th in the semi final, however he didn’t quiet make it to the final.                                                                               Sean O’Connor took part in the U14 800 M and again Sean put on a wonderful performance coming 2^nd in the Semi Final however he finished just outside of a medal position.                                                                                Well done to both athletes and thanks to all the families and supporters who travelled to Athlone for the weekend.
LAPTOP  APPEAL:
Last year, you may remember, Fr. Michael from Kilcornan was home from Nigeria and issued an appeal for some old working laptops.   Well he received eight which he is now using in the local school and they have made a huge difference to his pupils.   He will gladly accept any others, if you have one available please contact 087 - 7072664. 
DATE FOR DIARY:
Saturday 14th Sept -  Once again, Lady Harrington is organising her Walk and Ride on Knockfierna for the Dialysis Unit.   More details later.

HOSPICE HARVEST FAIR:

Sunday 1st September, Milford Hospice Annual Fair takes place in the U.L.

WHEELCHAIR ASSOC:

The Annual collection for the Irish Wheelchair Assoc will be held in the parish on this coming Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th August. Your support would be much appreciated.

GRANAGH NOTES - 7 / 8 AUG.

GRANAGH UTD. F.C:

 

Lotto Results: -     Friday 2nd  Aug : -  No Winner this week-end. Winning Numbers.  1. 8. 12. 22. 

Next week's Jackpot €14,850.

Lucky dips: -     Tom and Mary Lynch, Liskennett.   Catherina Scanlan, Kingsland.   Marian Sheehy, Coolruss.

Weekly tickets available at O' Gorman's Foodstore Granagh, Hickeys Bar Croom, The Rock Bar, Granagh.

 

AGM:    The annual  Annual General Meeting of the Club was held on Thursday 1st Aug in Granagh Community Centre.   Kevin Clifford, welcomed everyone and  before opening the meeting, he asked for a minutes silence as a mark of respect to our deceased friend, player, trainer - Joe Scanlan.

Chairman, Darren O'Hanlon, forwarded a letter of resignation - due to work commitments, he was unable to continue as Chair.      Elected Officers for 2013/14:

Chairman - Jimmy Sheehy.    Secretary - Kevin Clifford.   Treasurer -  Seamus Murphy.   Child Welfare Officer - Theresa Noonan.   P.R.O.   Mary O'Regan.   

             

WEDDING:

Another beautiful wedding in Granagh on Saturday 3rd.   We extend our Congratulations and Best Wishes to Amy Dore and Ger Mullane.    The rain held off and the happy couple, friends and family enjoyed another one of our lovely Summer days.   We wish them a Long, Happy & Healthy Life together. 

 

 

ENGAGEMENT:

News from afar -    Congratulations to Fergal Noonan and Jacqueline Murphy on their engagement in Brisbane.

 

 

DATE FOR DIARY:

Kathleen Toomey is arranging a bus trip to Knock on Tuesday 20th August.   For bookings and further details you can contact Kathleen at 087 - 2833804. 

 

 

REMEMBERING OUR DEPARTED:

On the Bereavement Board in the Church, our dearly departed family and friends are remembered every month. If you would like to have a loved one remembered, drop their mortuary card into the box provided. For the month of August we remember

: -  Bridie Mulcahy, Kingsland.   Michael Dunworth, Kilmore.   Willie Cagney, Granagh.   Dave Reynolds, Kilmore.   Mary Sheahan, Ballyvologue.   Una Scanlan, Birmingham ( late of Liskennett ).   Sean Hayes, Pallasgreen.   James Broderick, Lisduff.   Catherine McCarthy, Foynes.

GRANAGH NOTES - 22/ 23 May.

GRANAGH UTD. F.C:Lotto:    Next week's Jackpot €14,300.

Weekly tickets available at O' Gorman's Foodstore Granagh, Hickeys Bar Croom, The Rock Bar, Granagh, & Bennis' Bar Ballyagran.

CHOMHBHRÓN:

We extend our sympathies to John, Tom & David O' Riordan on the death of their brother, the late Patsy O'Riordan, Howardstown, Bruree.   After requiem Mass at Church of the Immaculate Conception, Bruree, on Friday last, he was laid to rest in Granagh Cemetery.

 

WELL  DONE:

The Eithne Neville Camogie Tournament for West Limerick Schools was held on Thursday 16th May.  On the West panel,                              Granagh/Ballingarry  were represented by Ellen Murphy and Orla Lenihan.    The West beat the South by 4 pts and then went on to beat the East in the Final. 

 

COMMUNITY  GAMES:   

The National Finals takes place in Athlone this coming weekend and we are delighted to have four participants from the club.  So far they have done the club very proud reaching the finals and we would like to wish them all the best for the weekend.
We have Eoin Sheahan who will represent Limerick in the Boys U14 Art competition, Eve Higgins will be swimming in girls U12 competition and Sean O’Connor and Ellen Murphy will be taking part in the U14 Cross Country running.    Safe Journey and best wishes to you all.
The Community games club would like to thank all those who contributed to the Church gate collection which was held last weekend. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

 

DO YOU  KNOW ?

 

As a result of Fr. Dan's quiz recently, I thought I would pass on some of the questions : - 

(1).  According to the stone over the door in Granagh Church, what Bishop dedicated the church in the 1870s ? 

(2).  Fr. Dermot McCarthy died on 10th August, in what year ?    1993.   1995.   1996.

(3).  Behind the Alter in Granagh Church are three stained glass windows, depicting St. Joseph, Our Lady and the Sacred Heart -                    But which one occupies the centre window ?

GRANAGH NOTES- 15 / 16 MAY

GRANAGH UTD. F.C:Lotto Results: - Friday 10th May : -  No Winner this week-end.  Winning Nos. 3. 7. 13. 18.   Next week's Jackpot €14,250.

Lucky dips: -  Padraig Murphy, Kingsland.   Seamus & Mary Sheehan, Croom.   Mairead Cagney, Castletown.

Next week's draw to be held in Hickey's Bar.

Weekly tickets available at O' Gorman's Foodstore Granagh, Hickeys Bar Croom, The Rock Bar, Granagh, & Bennis' Bar Ballyagran.

 

BALLYHOURA  NEWS:

Ballyhoura Rural Services (BRS) is now operating a ‘Community Phone Link’ service, in addition to our existing visitation service. ‘Community Phone Link’ consists of a friendly phone call once or twice a week from a trained member of staff and is available to anybody in the Ballyhoura area who would appreciate a regular call, particularly elderly people.    The service is free of charge and operates Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. If you would like to register for this service, or if you know somebody who may be interested in receiving a friendly call, please contact Kay Kennedy at Ballyhoura Rural Services on tel. 061-383666.  http://ballyhouraruralservices.weekly.com/

 

Mobile IT, Bruree, a computer training company are running the following Summer camps for Children.   Camp 1 -  July 1, 2, 3, in Newcastle West.   Camp 2 - July 9, 10, 11, in Hospital.    Camp 3 - July 16, 17, 18th in Bruree.   Camp 4 -  August 7, 8, 9th in Bruff.   The following is a guideline of what the camps will cover : -  Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Educational & Fun Internet Games, Scratch, Mavis Beacon, Downloading Music & Digital Photography.   Cost is € 50 per child, but if you register before June 15th you will get a €10 reduction.    For more information or booking please contact 063 - 90952.

COMMUNITY  GAMES:
Our annual Church gate collection takes place this weekend, Granagh 7.00pm Saturday evening and Ballingarry 10.30am Sunday morning, your support is always greatly appreciated.
So many of our young parishioners have competed in the games over the last year, we have Draughts, Soccer, Cross Country Running, Athletics, Swimming, Art and Talent competitions to mention but a few . So far this year we have four young parishioners taking part in national competitions in Athlone later this month -  Sean O’Connor, Ellen Murphy will take part in the cross country running, Eve Higgins will be swimming and Eoin Sheahan will be taking part in the Art competition.
EXAMS:
Before students can relax and enjoy Summer holidays, there are a few exams to be done first.   Wishing all those doing the Junior, Leaving Cert and College exams, the very best of luck.   A little Prayer for you: -                                                                                                   May the Good Lord bless and keep you, each hour of every day.   And be the light that guides you, each step along life's way.                      May He comfort and sustain you, when things perplex your mind.  May He be your inspiration, your lofty goals to find.                               May He be with you in spirit, and help your burdens bear.   May He ever find you worthy of His tender love and care. 
DEVELOPMENT ASSOC:
Guitar  Concert:   Unfortunately I missed it, but I heard Susie and her students presented an excellent and very entertaining concert again this year and were given a standing ovation.   Photos can be seen on -  www.facebook.com/MusicalFusionSummerCamp .  
Music Camp:   Just a reminder of the details for our first Summer Music Camp in the Community Centre.    It will be held from 8th to 12th July, catering for Juniors , 5-7yrs, Primary, 8-12yrs and Secondary students, 12-16yrs.   Students will have an assortment of instruments to try out - drums, double basses, electric basses, keyboards, cellos, electric guitars, mandolins etc.  Musical games, musical theatre, mime as well as learning about costume, set design, P.A. systems, amps and lighting.   Will be a busy and noisy week.    Places filling up fast  .     You will be amazed at how much they learn and you will have the pleasure of watching them perform in the concert at the end of the week.             For more info and booking - musicafusioncamp@gmail.com or call Susie on 087-9873379.  
Fr. Dan's  Do !:  Fr. Dan treated over one hundred parish volunteers, to a lovely meal in the community centre, last Friday night to show his appreciation for all their voluntary work as regards church activities.   Then he and his team of six, arranged an Ecclesiastical Quiz which had us racking our brains trying to remember the answers in our Catechism !   It came as no surprise that the winning team had Mairead Chawke on their side, who could remember the answers to all those questions.  The team came away with a prize of €60 worth of Lotto tickets.   Finally everyone in the Hall was entered into a draw for a place on the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, in June.   Mairead did the honours and she pulled out Kathleen Toomey's ticket.!!    Everyone was delighted for Kathleen as she is a marvelous Sacristan and deserves this treat.   She will definitely avail of the trip and was just after returning from a pilgrimage to Garabandal.   Many thanks to Fr. Dan and his committee for arranging this unexpected treat, it was very much appreciated.
THE  GATHERING:                                                                                                                                                                       The Croom/Ballingarry Gathering event takes place June 13th - 15th.    We will have a mini event in Granagh, taking in Shanavotha graveyard & visiting the Cagney/Noonan connections i.e. Molly Noonan's  and the homestead in Ballyelan.    The visiting Americans will call to the community centre for a cuppa and chat and if anyone has any relevant historical information - artifacts, newspaper articles, photos etc, it would be lovely to have these on display for them.    
TEA DANCE:                                                                                                                                                                            Bealtaíne Celebration -  Dancing in Freemount Community Hall on Sunday 19th May, 2.30pm, music by Billy O' Brien. Adm. €5.

REMEMBERING OUR DEPARTED:

On the Bereavement Board in the Church, our dearly departed family and friends are remembered every month.

If you would like to have a loved one remembered, drop their mortuary card into the box provided.  The May List includes: - May Houlihan, Bridie Broderick, Dan Hynes, Christina Chawke, Fr. Martin Bennett, Maurice J. Sheehy, Mick O'Carroll, Theresa Twomey, Kilatal, Sheila Conway, Killoughty, Sr. Rosa Power & Edmond Kinnane PP, Pallasgreen. 

GRANAGH NOTES - 13/14 March

GRANAGH UTD. F.C:Lotto: - There was no winner of the week-end Lotto of the 8th March.  The Jackpot next week-end will be € 13,850.00. 

Weekly tickets available at O' Gorman's Foodstore Granagh, Hickeys Bar Croom, The Rock Bar, Granagh, & Bennis' Bar Ballyagran.

 

PARENTS ASSOC - Clothes Collection:

Wednesday 13th:  -  Granagh National School Parent's Assoc have been asked to hold another Clothes Collection as some people missed the last one, so another chance to de-clutter!!   Collection on Thursday 14th March.  The school will be available for drop-offs on Wednesday 13th, 3.00pm to 7.00pm or first thing Thursday morning.  Items accepted - worn clothes, paired shoes, handbags, belts, curtains, bedding and towels.  The last collection was a great success and thanks to everyone who supported it.

 

TEA DANCING:

Our next Afternoon Tea Dance will be held on the coming Sunday 17th March, St. Patrick's Day, with music by Pakie Moloney & Seamus Sheehy.   2.30pm to 5.30pm.  Adm €5 pp.

COMMUNITY  GAMES:
Cross Country Running:   Last Sunday we travelled to Rathkeale to compete in the Community Games Cross Country Competition. Despite the hazardous weather conditions we had thirty five children take part and were all a credit to themselves and to their parents.       First up we had Nicole McNamara, Laura McMahon, Mai Griffin and Jane O’Connell in the Girls U9 300m.  All girls ran a great race with Nicole finishing very comfortably in 2^nd place her team mates finished not too far behind securing their bronze medal for the team.           Boys U9 300m next, here we had Eoin Lynch, Cian McGoey, Paddy Frawley and Niall Sheahan running their hearts out and were rewarded with Silver Medals for the team.                                                                                                                                                         Molly Cagney, Ciara Sheehy and Sinead Griffin lined out for the Girls U/12 400m all three ran great races but unfortunately did not feature in medal positions.                                                                                                                                                                                   Boys U/12 400m followed, Adam Long fought hard all the way and crossed the finishing line in 4^th place unfortunately Mark finished outside medal position.    Sean Murphy ran a brilliant race in the Boys U/12 600m but did not feature in the medal position.                                       Next up the Girls U/11 600m all four girls Aisling Irwin, Ellen McMahon, Ciara O’Connor and Molly O’Connell ran great races and brought home a bronze medal for the team.                                                                                                                                                       We had eight boys running in the U/11 600m -  Brian Sheehy was the first of the team home followed by TJ Tierney, Michael Russell and Darragh Casey winning silver medals for the team.  Well done to the four other boys, David Bennett, Padraig Murphy, Eoin Herlihy and Michael Sheahan.                                                                                                                                                                               Girls U14 600m Ellen Murphy finished comfortably in 3^rd place swiftly followed in 4^th place by Olivia Bennett.    Anna Griffin and Orla Lenihan ran great races but finished outside medal position.   As well as Ellen receiving a bronze medal she now goes forward to the National Finals in Athlone in May.                                                                                                                                                                              Luke Flynn, Eoin Sheahan and Jeremy O’Connor competed in the Boys U/14 600m and all ran brilliantly.                                                  Our only runner in the Boys U14 800m was Sean O’Connor and he was delighted to finish in 3^rd position , he too goes forward to the National Finals in May.                                                                                                                                                                                   Finally the last race of the day we had Aoife McInerney in the Girls U/17 1000m.   Aoife ran a fantastic race and brought home a silver medal.  Well done to all the children that competed and to their parents for helping out with the training every week and on the day.
Special thanks to Granagh/Ballingarry Camogie Club and GAA Club for the use of their facilities.   Best of luck to Ellen and Sean who will be representing us at the National Finals in May in Athlone.   Thanks to all the dedicated parents who helped coach the team and brought their children to the training and to the competition in Rathkeale.   Anyone that has a singlet (team vest) after the day please return to Anne Higgins.  

Registration Dates Approaching (27^th March):    If you are interested in coaching a team for Gaelic Football U10,  Girls Gaelic Football U12, Girls Soccer U 12 or Hurling U 11, please contact Anne Higgins at 087 9274241.   Registration dates for all of the above is 27^th March

COLÁISTE NA TROCAIRE:

The English department are appealing for donations of good quality secondhand books, suitable for teenagers.

The next Parent's Association meeting will be held in Rathkeale House Hotel on this Wednesday 13th at 8.00pm.

     

HEEL  PRICK  CARD:

After March 31st, the HSE plans to destroy the blood samples of a whole generation of Irish children born between 1984 and 2002.   These samples were taken by pricking the heel of every baby born in this country.   They are used to screen newborn infants for a variety of diseases.   The decision to destroy a store of almost twenty years of samples on ' data protection' grounds is a disgrace.   If your child is aged between ten and thirty it is possible to have their Heel Prick Card rescued from destruction and sent to you.   You can obtain a form at www.newbornscreening.ie or phone the HSE at 1850 24 1850.   You need to have the forms, copies of birth certs etc sent in before the end of March. 

 

ST. PATRICK'S  DAY:

Sending ' Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig ' to all our parishioners.   A special mention for relations and neighbours who may be in hospital and in nursing homes.    We also think of family members who are away from home and scattered all over the world.   A lovely Blessing, I came across -   " May the Irish Hills caress You.   May her Lakes & Rivers Bless you.    May the Luck of the Irish enfold you .   May the Blessings of Patrick behold you. " 

COMMUNITY  GARDENS:                                                                                                                                                                    The Environment Department of Limerick County Council in association with the Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival and Eco - Unesco are delighted to announce that a “Free Community Garden Training Workshop” will be held at the Dooradoyle Library, Dooradoyle, County Limerick on Wednesday 20th March 2013. The workshop is suitable for anyone involved in Community / Youth work / Tidy Towns etc.

PLACES ARE LIMITED AND BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL.   Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.   
• Wednesday 20th March 2013.  • Time: 9.30 am – 3.15pm .   • Venue: Exhibition Space, Dooradoyle Library (beside The Crescent ).              • Training will be provided by ECO UNESCO.   • Tea/coffee will be provided.   • A light lunch will also be provided.
Please contact Helen Keays on 061-496192 as soon as possible or email hkeays@limerickcoco.ie to book your place.