NEWS

BALLINACREE/MOUNTNUGENT


BANGKOK TO BURMA

The community are delighted with the news that Fr Alo Connaughton has been successful with his visa application to return to Burma via Bangkok. He is back in his teaching post in Myanmar (Burma) where he teaches philosophy to the young seminarians of the Little Way Mission Institute.  Fr Alo's visa was granted for only three months, so in September he will return to Bangkok to apply again for another visa, this is due to the many restrictions and difficulties put in place by the dictatorship government in Burma.
The whole community wish him well and hope that he will be allowed to continue his good work for the foreseeable future.

WHISTERIA LANE

Congratulations to all the winners of the most recent whist drive night in Ballinacree community centre: Val Goldrick first gent; Jimmy Smith second gent; Peter Diffley third gent; Kitty Smith first lady; Teresa Keogan second lady; Olive Reilly third lady; Maura Gibney, Peggy McGlynn, Anne Briody and Johnie Farrelly half-time (tie); Myrtle Neill and Brendan Smith thirteen tricks. Margaret Crowe, Sean Keogan, Tom Ryan, Freda Leahy and Myrtle Neill were all delighted raffle winners. Well done to everyone involved and best of luck for next week.  Remember, new members are always welcome, just come along on Thursday nights at
9 o'clock.

THE ABBEY

For information on regular meetings or upcoming events, please contact Kilnacrott Abbey office on: 049 854 4416.

ATHLETIC SUCCESS

Athletes from St Brigid's AC travelled recently to Cushinstown to take part in the Meath 'B' Track and Field Championships.
Siniad Connell was in great form finishing fifth and fourth in the girls U10 60m and long jump. Joseph Blake was in impressive form taking the honours in the boys U9 ball throw and finishing fifth in the 60m.  Matthew McGowan featured strongly finishing fifth in the boys U9 200m and ball throw. Alan Moore was in fine form finishing fourth in the boys U9 ball throw and eight in the 200m.  Conor Delaney gave a strong performance in the boys U10 ball throw, finishing second. Congrats and well done to you all and best of luck to all the St Brigid's athletes in upcoming events.

BEREAVED

Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Monica Martin nee Lynch formally of Greeve who passed away in England. May she rest in peace.

LOURDES PILGRIMAGE

Diocese of Meath Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from September 12 - 17, if you are interested in travelling please contact: Theresa McCabe on 086 167 5889; Michael Smith on 087 940 9600 or Brigid Heery on 049 854 1449.

REMINDER

Don't forget all you Abba fans, Abba Esque will be performing tonight Tuesday July 4 in Crover House Hotel, Mountnugent at 8pm. Tickets cost 15 euro.  For further details contact the hotel on 049 854 0206 or ring Vanessa on 086 055 9271.

COMMUNITY GAMES

St Brigid's AC had four athletes representing the Oldcastle area on County teams at the National Cross Country Finals held in Mosney recently.  Congratulations and well done to Violet Foley; Gillian Hawdon; Michael Flood and Elaine Plunkett.

KATE'S JOURNEY

Ballinacree Historical Society were delighted to welcome renowned Australian author, Graham Wilson, his wife, Dell and daughter, Margaret to the area. Graham launched his book, 'Kate's Journey' in Oldcastle recently and was invited by the society to talk about this fascinating read.  'Kate's Journey' is an extraordinary tale of ordinary background about his grandmother, Catherine McCann (1858 - 1937), who was born in Fennor, Oldcastle, travelled to New York and then Charters Towers, Australia.  Graham spoke about his book very passionately, recalling alot of the stories his mother told him about his grandmother. He only remembers his grandmother in her later years on her deathbed as he was only eight when she died.  He researched the book in great detail, and has included accurate historical happenings of the time adding some fiction to fill the gaps. The book is full of adventure, romance, epic journeys and personal conflict.  There was a great atmosphere at the talk with many saying they found the story very refreshing. One character said, "Irish people always prayed for a happy death but never a happy life". 'Kate's Journey' brings the reader through the oppression, rebellion and recurring famine times of Ireland, exciting period of American history to the unsung pioneers of Charters Towers.
Graham was very grateful to be invited to the area and thanked locals, Sean McCabe, Moate and Joe Moynagh, Tonagh for all their help with local historical information and photos. 'Kate's Journey' is a wonderful tale written by a very inspired author and makes great reading. Graham, Dell and Margaret have returned home with Graham already busy working hard on his next book based on Australian Aboroginas.  The community were delighted to meet him and his family and hope they will visit the area again very soon.

A HELPING HAND

Cruse Bereavement Care run a free and confidential service for anyone who is finding it difficult to come to terms with a loss and would like to talk to a bereavement support worker.  To book an appointment in Cavan, Bailieborough, Carrickmacross, Clones or Monaghan, please phone: 049 437 2999 between 11am - 3pm, Monday to Friday.

GIRL GUIDE COOK-OFF

Mountnugent community centre was full of aroma for the recent cooking competition held by Mountnugent Girl Guides under the guidance of their captain, Michelle Cahalan and assistant, Deirdre Duffy.  This fun and active group formed four teams with each team creating very different and creative menus. The girls were allotted three hours to cook up a storm, and they didn't disappoint with their wonderful sea of delights set out on beautifully decorated tables.  Judges Vanessa Woodfull, Chrissie Murray, Antoinette Knowd, Una Darcy and Mary Clarke were all very impressed with the girls high standard of cooking skills and with their awareness of hygiene.  The girl guides tickled the judges taste-buds with melon/strawberry couli, prawn cocktail, vegetable soup, egg salad then beef tacos, chicken stir-fry, bacon/cabbage/ potatoes, beef curry finishing off with ice-cream/chocolate sauce, fruit salad, fruit merginue and mixed jelly with ice-cream.  All the teams received medals for their great work with the winning team of Rachael Caffrey, Denise Cahalan, Sarah McCarthy and Izzy Quinn (who was unable to attend on the night) receiving a beautiful trophy. Congrats and well done to everyone involved.
Mountnugent Girl Guides would like to thank their sponsors, Arthur Smyth for the medals and the McCarthy family for the trophy. A special thanks from the girls to the judges and eveyone who supported them.

FOOTBALL BLITZ

The St Brigid's U10 team travelled recently to Carlanstown to take part in the Kilbeg football blitz. This was a first blitz for many of the players who were commended for their great determination on the pitch which saw them into the semi-finals against St Michaels.  Congratulations and well done to: Charlene Halpin, Joseph Blake, Siniad Connell, Arsn Kiernan, Shane Barkey, Csnan Smyth, Dylan Tighe, Kevin Gilsenan (Captain), Jack Tighe, Alan Moore, Natasha Clarke, Donna Barkey, Allan Clarke, Mairiad Blake, Kian Tully, Shane Moore, Edward Devereaux, Anthony O'Sullivan, Aisling Tully, Darragh Keelaghan and Dylan Scully.  The team and coaches were delighted for Arsn Kiernan who was presented with the Player of the Tournament trophy. Well done, Arsn.
 

Mary Clarke