NEWS

BALLINACREE/MOUNTNUGENT - 29/08/06
 

GERALDINE DOLAN CUP
Team spirit and great athletic ability were on display at the recent Inter Schools Cross Country Competition held on the Pitch and Putt grounds of the Gilson Park, Oldcastle. Ballyjamesduff and Oldcastle rose to the challenges with Oldcastle proudly taking victory and winning the very special Geraldine Dolan Cup.
The Schools Cross Country Competition was devised many years ago in memory of Sean and Lila Dolan's daughter, Geraldine who sadly passed away at the tender age of 17 due to an illness. The Grennan lass was a very inspirational athlete and a prominent member of St Brigid's AC of Ballinacree. The Club intend to run the competition annually and hope to encourage more schools to take part.
Congrats and well done to the following athletes: Niamh Plunkett took the honours in the senior girls infront of fellow Oldcastle students, Jessie Shaw, Rachael Foley and Alison Farrelly. In the junior girls, Oldcastle student, Elaine Plunkett placed first ahead of fellow students, Grainne Sheridan and Jemma Galligan.
Ballyjamesduff student, Siniad Gaffney took the honours in the minor girls followed by Brigetta Lynch (Oldcastle), Stephenie Caffrey (Oldcastle), Siniad Coyle (Oldcastle), Elizabeth Boylan, Natasha Fitzsimons, Eimear McEnroe, Donna Smyth, Emma Cullen, Laura Kiernan, Laoise Byrd, Emma Higgins, Becca Flannagan, Lorna Tuite, Emma Nelson, Siobhan Reilly, Karen Ferguson and Jean McClair.
Oldcastle student, Killian Kiernan placed first in the senior boys ahead of fellow students, Barry Curran, Paddy Rahill, John Corrigan, Cian McParkland, Graham Patterson and Matthew Tabram. Paddy Gilsenan of Oldcastle took the honours in the intermediate boys ahead of Johnny Shortt (Oldcastle), Christopher Kiernan (Ballyjamesduff), Mickey Foley (Oldcastle), Ciaran Caffrey, Kevin Foley, Kenny Quinn, Colm Lafferty, Michael Patterson, Stephen Bardon, Aidian Kiernan and Shane Toolan.
Christopher Gaughran took the honours for Oldcastle in the junior boys ahead of Niall McAlarney (Oldcastle), Paul McEvoy (Ballyjamesduff), Connor Plunkett (Oldcastle), Roma Leibchs, Stephen Tierney, Declan Lafferty, Raymond Conaty, Jake Crean, Robert Comey, Niall Farrelly, Connal Robinson, Etuarto and Radu Tuts.
In the minor boys, Shane Grall of Oldcastle placed first followed by Shane Mangan (Oldcastle), Thomas Jordan (Ballyjamesduff), Paul Monaghan (Oldcastle), Sisin Kiernan, Jonathan Reilly, Conor McHugh, Sean Geraghty, Noel Crowe, Sam Murphy, Brian Caffrey, Brian Smyth, John Egan, James Cadden, Sean Coyle, Alan Tierney, Ross Cadden, Ciaran Gibney, Pauric Joyce and James Connelly.


BLOTTO
If you haven't selected your four lucky numbers for the upcoming St Brigid's GFC blotto draw, don't worry because the draw date has been changed to this Tuesday October 10.
The jackpot is a very handy 10,000.  Best of luck to all entered.

SPORTS VOUCHERS
The pupils and staff of Scoil Bhrmde National School of Mountnugent request your help in collecting 'Sport for Schools and Clubs 2006' vouchers from Tesco. These vouchers are very valuable to the school as they can help them gain free sports equipment for the children to enjoy.
Sports vouchers can be handed into the school personally or by posting them to:
The Secretary, Scoil Bhrmde National School, Mountnugent, Co Cavan. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

THE ABBEY
Today Tuesday October 10 is the start of the Solemn Novena in honour of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at the Holy Trinity Abbey, Kilnacrott with rosary at 7.30pm, Novena prayers and petitions at 7.45pm and mass/benediction at 8pm.
On this Friday October 13 there will be a Pioneer Total Abstinence vigil organised by the East Cavan Region from 9pm-1am. Everyone welcome.
Monthly Divine Mercy devotions will take place on Sunday October 15 in the Abbey at 3pm including mass and veneration of the relic of St Faustina.
A very interesting talk will take place on Friday October 20 by Con Diver of Donegal and London who will speak and pray for spiritual healing after 8pm mass. Con received a spiritual healing from alcoholism at a house mass in London. Everyone very welcome.
For further information on regular meetings and upcoming events, please contact the Abbey office on: 049 854 4416.

SET DANCING

Calling all set dancing enthusiasts, for a evening of fun and lots of dancing come along to Ballinacree community centre every Wednesday evening at 8.30pm. New members very welcome.

ST BRIGID'S AC
St Brigid's AC will host day two of the Meath Cross Country Championships in Loughcrew on Sunday October 15 commencing at 12 noon. The local athletes are wished the very best of luck in their chosen event.
Juvenile training takes place every Wednesday in Ballinacree Park at 6.30pm with another training session for athletes aged ten and older on Saturdays at 9.30am alternating between Mullaghmeen Forest and the Park. For further information, please contact: Martin J Heery on 086 856 4160 or Pat Plunkett on 087 265 7051.
Senior training takes place every Sunday in Mullaghmeen Forest at 11am. For further information please contact: Gerard Heery on 086 249 9886.

REMINDER
Don't forget that enrolment for art classes takes place on Monday October 16 at 9pm in Mountnugent community centre. Local artist, Tina Quinn will teach students sketching and watercolours in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
This six-week course will begin on Tuesday October 24 in the community centre at 8-10pm at a cost of 55 euro with materials extra.

FOOTBALL FINAL VICTORY
Well folks, Ballinacree football supporters were jumping for joy when the St Brigid's lads delighted the community with a well-deserved victory in the Junior B Football Championship Final against Clonard in Pairc Tailteann recently.
The atmosphere was electric in the stands when the navy and blue jerseys ran unto the pitch, flags flew and cheers could be held back in the Co Meath parish. The weather might have turned wet and gloomy during the match but St Brigid's were determined to to one better than last year and won the match with a score of 1-7 to 0-6.  Captain, Donal Fanning proudly raised the Larry Kearns Memorial Cup which was presented to Coiste na Mm by Slane GFC in memory of Larry's outstanding service to the club. Emotions were high and the lads as well as their supporters couldn't hold back the tears.
From Malones Garage of Navan the panel and supporters gathered into a three mile long convoy for the victorious journey home.  The panel received a fantastic welcome home to Ballinacree community centre where the ICA ladies treated everyone to a celebration treat especially the children of the parish. More celebrations followed with a meal in the Naper Arms Hotel where the victory cup overflowing with lots of amber nectar.  The St Brigid's club and supporters then blazed a trail to their main sponsors, publican, T P Fox where they celebrated daily and caused a drought which left the Mountain
Dew being renamed the Mountain Dry. The magic of St Brigid's travels countries and the panel were delighted to be joined by ex-players who travelled especially for the match: Paul Farrelly - Liverpool; Eunan Timmins - Isle of Man; Thomas Briody - Holland and David Manley - Galway.  Club member, Martin Blake began his athletic training in style with a challenge sprint around Oldcastle Square against team member, Jerome Hussey.  Jerome felt he had youth on his side but Martin's determination won out. What was in that cup! Voices may be lost but the lads have finished the season on a high and
can hang up their boots knowing they have this lovely piece of silverware was well worth all the training which began on November 7 2005. The U'21's are still in the League, so best of luck to all involved.
The club wish to thank all their sponsors especially their main sponsor, T P Fox, all their supporters; all the businesses and local clubs for their good wishes; coach Gerry Farrelly; Michael Browne and Eamonn Tuite selectors; Patricia McCormack,
pupils and staff at St Fiach's National School, Ballinacree ICA Guild and Noel Leavy at the Naper Arms Hotel.
A special mention must go to, physio Orla Tuite for all her great rubdowns, Jane Browne, Edel Browne and Eimear Tuite and especially Osisin Kiernan who was a very dedicated waterboy on the pitch despite the wet conditions.
Congrats and well done to everyone involved: Gerry Farrelly; Michael Browne; Eamonn Tuite; Donal Fanning (captain); Tomas Blake (vice-captain); Declan Masterson (goalie); Domhall Reynolds; Jerome Hussey; Hugh Fanning; Leonard and
Philip Tuite; David Tighe; Rober, AJ and Eugene Gilsenan; Diarmuid Fanning; Rory and Shane Geraghty; Dermott Mullally; Peter Clerkin; Brendan, Brian, Michael and Martin Briody; Peter Skelly; Ian Browne; Brendan Gibson; Fergal and Niall
Hennessey; Ollie Timmins; Killian Kiernan; Conor and Stephen Farrelly; Peter Moore; Nicholas Smyth and Shane Connell.

HOSPICE DAY
Winnie Moynagh of Tonagh would like to thank everyone who contributed so generously at her Hospice Coffee Day which raised 700 euro for the National Hospice Foundation. Well done to everyone.

WALK IN THE WOODS
The weather conditions was not ideal but that did not stop over seventy walkers and supporters of Mountnugent GFC take part in their sponsored walk in the beautiful Mullaghmeen Forest.  The club were delighted with such a great turnout and everyone enjoyed their scenic walk and wonderful giant picnic afterwards. Megan McCabe of Mountnugent
won the sports goodie bag. Congratulations, Megan.  The club wish to thank everyone who supported, contributed and sponsored the walk especially the children who worked hard raising sponsorship money. The monies raised will go towards much needed sports equipment and sports outings for the juvenile club.  Next on the cards for the juveniles will be a fun outing to Croke Park on Sunday November 5 for the International Rules game with Ireland versus Australia.
The walk was so successful that the club hope to hold the walk next year with even more surprises up their jerseys! Well done to all involved.

BEREAVED
Sympathy is extended to Josie Hussey and family of Ross on the death of her mother, Mary Culligan of Lower Fennor, Oldcastle. May she rest in peace.

SCHOOL SUCCESS
Scoil Bhrmde National School were recently presented with the Boylan Cup for receiving the most points at the Oldcastle Agricultural Show in the schools section.  Congratulations the successful pupils: Ian Duncan; Sarah McCarthy; Desree
Craddock; Mark and Adam Reihill; Caroline Harrington; Zackary Nelson; Niamh McCabe; Aisling Duffy; Siniad Clavin; Joanne Harten; Glen Smith; Lucy O'Sullivan; Leah Williams and Julia Quinn. Well done to you all.

COLLECTION
The Irish Cancer Society would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to their church-gate collections at Ballinacree and Mountnugent churches recently. The total amount raised was 1,227 euro.

ATHLETICS SUCCESS
Athletes from St Brigid's AC took part in day one of the Meath Cross Country Championships hosted by Fr Murphy's AC in Athboy recently.  Congrats and well done to: Lisa Brennan, Emma Dolan, Eimear Delaney and Helen Flood who ran well in the girls U'9. Kevin Gilsenan took the honours in a big field followed by Joseph Blake who placed seventh with their team mates Matthew McGowan and Alan Moore running well. The boys finished third in the team event, taking home bronze medals. Well done lads.  Cliona Plunkett, Erin Kevin, Mairead Blake and Aine Plunkett ran a good race in the girls U'11 with Conor Delaney running strongly in the boys U'11. Ciara Delaney, Gillian Hawdon and Siniad Gilsenan ran a strong race in the girls U'13. Michael Flood, Karl Kiernan, Padraig Plunkett and Stephen Browne featured well in the boys U'13
all placing in the top twenty which saw them finish third in the team event and taking home bronze medals. Great run, lads.
Elaine Plunkett ran a great race and took the honours in the girls U'15 race with Lucy Chapman featuring strongly in the girls U'19 placing third.  The Morrissey brothers also had a good days running with Tadhg placing tenth in the boys U'15 and Johnny placing sixth in the novice men.  For further details on joining this fun and active club please contact:
Martin J Heery on 086 856 4160 or Pat Plunkett on 087 265 7051.

LADYBIRDS
Mountnugent Ladybirds Unit would like to welcome new members to their fun group. All girls aged between 4-7 years can come and join the group who meet every Thursday at 4-5pm in the community centre. For further details please contact Vanessa Woodfull on 049 854 0005 or 086 055 9271.

BLOTTO
Well believe it or not, everyone is still in with a chance to strike it lucky in the St Brigid's GFC blotto. There was no winner of the recent jackpot which now stands at a very handy 10,150 and the draw take place on Tuesday October 24. Best of luck to all entered. Remember, it could be you.

DAY PROGRAMME
Sports is becoming a very important aspect of every community and GAA is where most young people start. GAA involves all the generations of a parish and effects a community past, present and future. St Brigid's GFC are taking part in a Club
Day Programme devised by GAA president, Sean O'Kelly.  The club are calling out to all members and non-members to support them by coming to the programme days on Monday October 23 and 30 at 8pm in Ballinacree community centre. These are educational and discussion days headed by two trained and independent outside faciliators.
Taking part in this programme will help your club and parish move forward in this sport and by taking part you will help your club move forward in a positive way and successful plan for a better future which will effect all the generations to come.
Your involvement is welcomed and appreciated by all the volunteers in the club. Please support.

VOLUNTEERS
Mountnugent Altar Society would welcome new members to join them in helping keep the church and altar linen clean and tidy. Also, lay readers are urgently needed for both churches. If you are interested and would like to help your parish, please contact Barbara Paterson on 049 854 0039 or Tess Brady on 049 854 0030.

THE ABBEY
An afternoon of prayer will be held in the Holy Trinity Abbey of Kilnacrott led by Joe Dalton on Sunday October 22 at 2.30-6pm. Everyone welcome. On Sunday November 5 there will be a day of Eucharistic Renewal organised by the Direction for our Times.  For further information on regular meetings and upcoming events please contact the Abbey office on: 049 854 4416.

SHOE BOX APPEAL
Can you believe it's nine weeks to Christmas and what a wonderful time it can be but lets not forget the poorest children around the world that need our help. Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan's Purse who are an international Christian charity dedicated to the relief of suffering people in almost 100 countries worldwide.
Last Christmas over 300,000 excited and happy children in Belarus, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Ukraine, Armenia, Swaziland and Mozambique received a shoe box from Ireland. Children in hospitals or orphanages, street children and children from desperate needy neighbourhoods have nothing but to receive a Christmas shoe box brings them
such joy as it's their only Christmas present. For the first time ever, shoe boxes will also be sent to Lesotho and Nepal.
Last year local organiser, Antoinette Blake of Ballinacree received a great response from the community. If you would like an instruction booklet or give a donation, please contact Antoinette on 086 867 6514. Remember, the power of a
simple gift can bring such smiles of joy to these most needy children. All boxes will need to be ready by November 10th or sooner. Please support this Christmas project.

FLY-FISHING
A record 190 anglers from all over Ireland travelled to Lough Sheelin to take part in the first annual fly-fishing competition hosted by the Lough Sheelin Trout Protection Association (LSTPA). The lake was a sea of 95 fishing boats but weather conditions was not suitable for fishing as it was very bright and calm with no wind on the day.
This didn't dampen the anglers spirits with some delighted with their great catches, congrats and well done to the winner Joe Creane of Connemara who caught a 4.86 lbs trout followed by John Murray of Tubbercurry who caught a 2.62 lbs
trout; Terry Keegan of Butlersbridge who caught a 2.52 lbs trout and Eddie Harte of Ballisodare, Sligo who caught a 2.48 lbs trout.  Winner Joe is now the proud owner of a 19ft Sheelin lake boat presented by Michael McCabe of Sheelin Boats at the celebrations which took place in Crover House Hotel. The first ten winners received very valuable fishing prizes.
The LSTPA would like to thank all their sponsors, spectators and anyone who helped out on the day. The Association were delighted with the great success of the competition, all proceeds will go towards stream enhancement and rehabilitation. The LSTPA have a wonderful hatchery facility where they breed trout and then release them as unfeed frie at three months old, it takes two years for a trout to reach a l lb weigh.  The Protection Association rear around 100,000 trout a year with a five per cent success rate. Now that's some food for thought.  Congrats to LSTPA member, Thomas Lynch of Kilnaleck who recently won the McIntyre Guider Cup hosted by The Cavan Anglers on Lough Sheelin with a trout weighing in at 2.25 lbs. Well done, Thomas.

BON VOYAGE
St Brigid's GFC would like to wish a safe and enjoyable journey to club members Brian Briody who is jetting off to Australia for a year and Peter Skelly who is jetting off to tour Liberia for six months. Bon voyage, lads.

FROM MIZEN TO MALIN
Congratulations and well done to Mountnugent bikers, Johnny Brady and Stephen Brunton who took part in The Pedals and Petrol Charity Run from Mizen Head to Malin Head in aid of St Luke's Cancer Research.
The total amount raised was 117,569 and approximately 60,000 coming from Cavan and neighbouring counties. The lads would like to thank everyone who contributed so generously. Well done to everyone involved in this great bike-tastic event.

WHISTERIA LANE
Congratulations to all the winners of the most recent whist drive night in Ballinacree community centre: Johnny McEnroe first gent; Martin Clyne second gent; Val Goldrick third gent; Anne Briody first lady; Eva Mara second lady; Rose White third lady; Mary Carolan half-time lady; Michael Glennon half-time gent; Bella Henry last four games lady and Seamus Clarke last four games gent.  Jimmy Smith, Paddy Browne, Ned Gaffney and Michael Glennon 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.

ST BRIGID'S AC
St Brigid's AC of Ballinacree are delighted to welcome the newly formed Ballyjamesduff AC who will visit the club tomorrow evening Wednesday October 25 at their training grounds in the football pitch.  The athletes from both clubs will take part in an inter-club fun challenge, so best of luck to everyone taking part. If you are interested in joining the Ballinacree
club please contact Martin J Heery on 086 856 4160 or Pat Plunkett on 087 265 7051.
Juvenile training take place every Wednesday at 6.30pm in Ballinacree Part with extra Saturday sessions for the over 10's at 9.30am alternating between the Park and Mullaghmeen Forest.  Senior training take place every Sunday in the Forest at 11am. For further details please contact Gerard Heery on 049 854 1449 or 086 249 9886.

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS
Ivan Clarke of Cullentra, Mountnugent will celebrate his third birthday tomorrow Wednesday October 25, birthday greetings come from all his family. Happy birthday, Ivan.
Chloe Coyle of Tubrid is wished a very happy twelfth birthday from all her family and friends at St Fiach's National School, Ballinacree. Have a lovely day, Chloe.

THE ABBEY
A Day of Eucharistic Renewal organised by Direction for our Times will take place on Sunday November 5 at the Holy Trinity Abbey, Kilnacrott at 1-6pm, enquiries to:042 969 4947.  On Sunday November 12 the Holy Souls Association will host mass and prayers for the faithful departed at the Abbey at 2.30-4pm. All welcome. Contact Fr Cathal Stanley.
A healing mass of the Family Tree will take place on Friday November 17 at 8pm. For further details on regular meetings or upcoming events, please contact the Abbey office on 049 854 4416.

MUSIC AND DANCE
Ballinacree community centre is full of beautiful traditional Irish music and dancing. Senior set dancing take place every Wednesday at 8.30pm, this fun and active group would welcome new members to join them.
Irish music classes takes place every Saturday from 6.30pm in tin whistle, keyboards, accordian, fiddle, bango and bodhran for adults and children of all age groups and abilities. New members are very welcome.

REMINDER
Don't forget that art classes in sketching and watercolours by Tina Quinn will begin this evening, Tuesday October 24 at 8-10pm in Mountnugent community centre. This is a six-week course at a cost of 55 euro with materials extra.  To book your place please ring Tess Brady on 049 854 0030.
Also, remember to get your four lucky numbers in for the St Brigid's GFC blotto draw which takes place tonight, Tuesday October 24. The jackpot stands at a very handy 10,150 euro.