Weekly News 18th July

18 July 2011

A MISSION APPEAL was made at all masses in the parish last weekend by Maeve Bracken a member of Viatores Christi, a lay catholic organisation which send volunteers to many poverty stricken areas in the world. Maeve gave a first hand account of her experiences working in Haiti when the earthquake struck in 2010 and the effect it had on the community. She asked people for their prayers, financial support and to consider volunteering for their work. She herself volunteered when she retired after 40 years of working in the public sector.


Next weekend there will be a special collection for Trocaire to assist those affected by the crisis in East Africa.


 


THE ANNUAL EVENING OF WELCOME AND CELEBRATING OF FAMILY will take place in the grounds of St. Leonard’s Church, Dunamaggan on Thursday 28th July.  The celebrations will commence with mass at 7.30 p.m. in the outdoors. This will be followed by a picnic, chat, music and chat about the camp fire. All, especially children, are very welcome. It is a great opportunity for new residents to the parish to mingle and get to know other parishioners.


 


A RIDE-ON MOWERS-WORLD RECORD will be set in Dunamaggan on this Sunday 24th July 2011. It is expected that in excess of 500 ride-on-lawnmowers will take part in the event. The event takes place in Dunamaggan on the land of Ned and Shane Kirwan which is beside the hurling field. The planning of the organising committee should ensure that there is sufficient off road parking. All visitors are requested to follow the directions of the stewards. There will be well in excess of 50 stands comprising of Trade Stands, a large variety of children’s and family entertainment and food outlets. Music will be provided for most of the afternoon.


The day begins with an U 9 Hurling Blitz in the Hurling field in honour of the late Thomas O’Shea. This is scheduled to begin at 11.00 a.m. with teams asked to be present from 10.30 a.m.. Patrons are expected to arrive for the Mowers World Record from 1.00 p.m. After the record is established there will be a parade of all the mowers and each participant will receive a certificate of participation. Each mower entered is entered in a draw for many valuable prizes with a first prize of a Husqvarna mower worth €3,300 and 14 other prizes. Each club which has 10 mowers or multiple of 10 mowers entered on its behalf are also entered for a special prize of a field mower valued at over €6,000 and a runner-up prize of 50% off a set of jerseys from O’Neills. The main sponsors of prizes and the event are Husqvarna. In addition there are prizes for the oldest mower and the most attractively dresses driver of a mower.  The day will also include a dog show and puppy dog show at about 2.00 p.m. Certificates will be awarded to all participants in the setting of the World Record. One of the trade stands will provide free sharpening of chain saws on the day. Any purchase of Husqvarna products on the day will have a 15% reduction from the normal retail prise. While the entry fee per mower is €50 each entrant will receive 2 complementary entry tickets worth €10 and 20% off their next service from a Husqvarna dealer.


This is your opportunity to be part of a world record not just an observer.


Ireland’s Strongest Man, James Fennelly, will be in attendance and will welcome challengers to a variety of tasks.


 WOODLAND WALK, DESART WOOD, CALLAN: As part of the Abhainn Ri Festival, Coillte is contributing to the programme of events by hosting a 2 hour woodland walk on Tuesday evening 26th July at 7.00 p.m. All are welcome to join in the story of ash; learn about the lifecycle of the forest; find out why timber is such a valuable natural resource and see the rich biodiversity of your local woodland.  There will be much to hear about the social history of Desart Demesne Wood as we walk around this rich habitat.  Meet at the Hoban monument “Spirit of Place” at 7.00 p.m.  Driving from Callan to Kilkenny, turn left at Ballymack signposted R691.  After 1 km, park at Hoban Monument.  Further information 086 871 8682.


THE ABHAINN RI FESTIVAL COMMITTEE are looking for people of all ages to participate in FREE workshops including giant puppet making and operating, hula hoop and poi skills, animation, drumming, stilts, street arts, aqua tuba instrument making and much more. We also need volunteers to help out with stewarding, invigilating for exhibitions, assisting in workshops, face painting, manning the box office, etc. The festival is from the 22nd  to the 31st of July. For more information or to book a place please contact Aisling on 087 - 9759015, e-mail abhainnrispectacle@gmail.com or visit our website www.abhainnrifestival.com. Thank you.