22/06/2015

 

 

 

Lee Regatta on the Marina in Cork with a strong headwind making life difficult for all crews. Our men's novice quad of Conor McNamara, Craig Leamy, Evan Higgins, Liam De Klein and cox Mark English chalked up their first win of the season with a comprehensive victory over Shandon Boat Club. The conditions got the better of our women's pair of Robyn Fitzgerald and Kate Healy who were unlucky to be drawn on the windswept far shore while Colm Garvey finished third in the final of the men's club 2 sculls. Ewan Gallagher put in a fine performance to finish second in the final of the men's junior 18 sculls behind current international oarsman Sean Lonergan of Clonmel. The final of the men's junior 18 fours was contested by crews from Lee Rowing club, Athlunkard and St. Brendans with the Parish boys of Karl English, Colm Garvey, Kevin Hogan, Ewan Gallagher and cox Philip O'Brien stamping their authority on the race from the start. They were never in danger of losing it and finished strongly for a decisive win. This crew made the journey to Blessington, Co. Wicklow the following week for the Dublin Metropolitan Regatta and contested the junior 18 fours and pairs. With this being one of the more prestigious regattas on the rowing calendar, it followed that the level of competition would be a lot tougher. In contrast to the previous week in Cork, the conditions were perfect with very light winds and brilliant sunshine throughout the day. The junior pair of Kevin Hogan and Ewan Gallagher progressed comfortably through to their final where they were very unfortunate to lose out by just two feet in a highly competitive race. However, they gained ample compensation in the fours  final when they showed their class with a good win over crews from St. Michaels and Colraine. Next up are regattas in Athlone and Cork as the momentum keeps building towards the National Championships in July, so hopefully there will be some more good results to report on over the coming weeks.

 

 

  AA meetings take place in the Town House situated behind our church on Tuesday and Thursday at 8.30 pm every week.

 

  If you’ve experienced a personal setback, long-term illness, have a disability or are an early school leaver one of National Learning Network’s full-time Courses will give you the confidence to open up new opportunities for further training or employment.  

Our FETAC Courses range from Catering to I.T., P.C. Maintenance to Employer Based Training and our Employability Skills Programme is aimed in particular at early school leavers. To find out more: ring Val or Trish at 061 229777 or look up www.nln.ie

Having watched every episode of the comparatively new show ‘Red Rock’ on TV3 of late months, I must admit I am going to miss it for the summer months until its return once again in September`. Being an avid ‘Fair City’ fan in the main, what initially attracted me to ‘Red Rock’ was the actor, Patrick Ryan, who hails from the county. He plays Guard Paudg Brennan. I had seen him act in several of Island Theatre Company’s plays, one of which included the famous ‘Pigtown’ where Pat played one of the schoolboys, along with Myles Breen and a few more and where Richie Ryan was the religious teacher. The last production I had seen him in was last summer when he played the Barrister in the unique production of ‘The Colleen Bawn’ and this was performed over in the Shannon Rowing Club. This venue was most appropriate as to the boat scene etc: as this production was acted both indoors and outdoors. Pat Ryan played a ‘blinder’ in this production and I am not at all surprised that he has been picked to augment the many other fine actors in this captivating, riveting TV series: looks well in the Garda uniform too, but he’d look well otherwise also: excellent presence! He also had a minor part in the TV production of ‘The Whistleblower’ and many more of which I am not presently aware. As a matter of interest, Kathy Belton, who also acted with Island, forms part of the cast. Roll on September!

 When in the environs of Kilkee it is most gratifying to have the immediate luxury of being in a position to purchase the weekend edition of the ‘Limerick Leader’ on Thursday before noon in the local shops. Particularly if a spell of bad weather sets in I can think of nothing better than to enjoy a hot mug of coffee or whatever suits your fancy while perusing the ‘news from home!’ The distribution team of this popular newspaper are to be highly commended in this regard, as little things mean a lot

SHANNON AGM 1948: C The following is an extract from the Secretary’s report and was published in the Centenary Book, 1984. “Mr Price, Hon Secretary, in reviewing the activities of the Season 1948/49, said that the club had started the season heavily in debt and it was due to the hard-working committee that the club was now out of debt and solvent. This was due in no small way to Mr C Quilligan for the manner in which he had arranged our Christmas fixture. To Mr Stephen Fitzgerald, also, was due thanks of the club. He had taken upon himself the task of providing sideline seating for two matches and as a result the club had gained much needed revenue. The procurement of this seating, the transport of same to and from Thomond Park, the laying out of same on the ground, had all been carried out by Stephen Fitzgerald at a very insignificant cost to the club. Mr Fitzgerald had also acted as team Secretary during the Season, doing a very capable job. The club was very fortunate in possessing two such able men as C. Quilligan and S. Fitzgerald. Thankfully, Stephen is still with us and continuing his work on the New grounds Committee.” (What a piece of rugby nostalgia! Can’t you just see the transportation in action and Stephen as lively as a bee? They seemed to be grasping at straws to keep the club afloat but oh, how loyal these men were. Another day now, and a much improved Thomond Park, but we must never forget the men who steadily steered a rocky rugby ship to an eventual safe haven) 1984.

Our Parish Office is situated behind the church in the parish priest’s house. It is open three days a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 3.00-5.00pm. Even though it closes for the summer months you can still contact the following number 061-416300. The King’s Island Primary Care Centre is situated near roundabout just before you enter the Island Road proper. The facilities here are legion and are excellent. A chiropodist is in attendance on the first Friday of every month and with a medical card the cost is only €10. O’Sullivan’s Chemist shop is annexed to this Centre and is open six days a week but closes at 2.00pm on Saturdays. The contact number for the Centre is as follows: 061-483020. The contact number for the chemist shop is 061-445050.

 Mass is celebrated in our church every weekday morning at 10.00am. Mass and Novena for the Sick takes place on Saturday mornings at ten, and this is followed by Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament and Confession.  There is Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament from 9.00 - 10.00 am on Saturday mornings. There is the Vigil Mass at 7.30 pm on Saturday evening. On Sunday, Masses are at 9.30 am and 11.00 am. The parents Folk Choir, led by Helen Flanagan, sing at the Vigil Mass on Saturday evening at 7.30pm. Our Senior Choir sing at the 11.00 am Mass every Sunday under their Director, Jim Graham and the organist is Brendan Frawley. Both choirs are a joy to listen to. Soon these choirs will be taking their well deserved vacation but we greatly look forward to their return in the Autumn. We thank them for their dedication on a weekly basis to both the clergy and the congregation.

 

A traveller told a customs official that his luggage contained nothing but personal clothing. The official, however, opened one of the suitcases and found a bottle of whiskey. “What kind of clothing is this?” “That,” said the traveller,” is a nightcap.”

“Is iomaí fear fada a bhíonn lag ina lár.” “Many a tall man has a weak middle.” “Is maith an scathán cara dílis.” “A true friend is a good mirror.”

SHANNON RFC SHOP: C  Please keep in mind for Birthdays and special occasions we have a great selection of Shannon RFC clubwear available from the club shop. Now in Stock: Windbreakers, Club Gearbags and small size club jerseys and shorts. The shop is open in Coonagh every Sunday from 10am to 12pm. Anyone who wishes to order any items please contact Audrey Yeoman on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 087 6293002   

 

 A free home repair service is available to people in the area of St Mary’s who are over 65 years of age. For more information or to get the job done, phone Warren at 061-318106.

 

A Daily Service of Meals on Wheels, Monday to Friday, mornings and afternoons is currently being provided by St Mary’s AID which operates out of the old Alms Houses. Enquiries regarding this service should be made to John Gilligan at St Mary’s AID. Telephone 061-318106. Of late months this excellent home delivery service has extended well outside the parish and enquiries would be most welcome. One thing for sure is you will get a great deal and even better food.

 

A complete source of information regarding Welfare Rights is available from St Mary’s AID. Contact Mary Quane or Mary Kenny at 410737.