- Cabinet ministers stay, hints Kenny
- Kenny defends human rights stance
- Race row ex-mayor loses party whip
- PayPal to hire 1,000 more staff
- Family anger at gun suspect hearing
- U-turn made over cuts to schools
- Bank donates artworks to taxpayers
- Fury at child hospital overcrowding
- 3bn euro in state assets to be sold
- Families 'numb' over farm deaths
- Plea to ban smoking in playgrounds
- Road rage killer offers apology
- Bosses 'should pay for sick leave'
District Notes
Mohill
DIAMOND ANnIVERSARY: We wish to add our congratulations to the many received by Sean & Tess McGuinness,Drumboy Mohill who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family and friends at Lough Rynn Castle Hotel last weekend. It was a momentous occasion thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. Sean and Tess as you celebrated this special milestone in your life’s journey may you always know how much happiness you bring to the lives of those around you and may you always remember how much you are loved. Wishing you all the blessings and happiness you deserve now and for many more years to come.
Ballinalee
MONTHS MIND: The months mind mass for the late Nancy McGivney Kiltyclough will be celebrated at 8pm on Friday 17 Feb in Holy Trinity Church Ballinalee.
Killoe
Fine Gael: The annual General meeting of the Killoe branch will be held in the old Forge on Monday night 20 February at 9pm. All members please attend, new members welcome. Local Councillor will also be present.
Loch Gowna
BLOOD DONORS: There is an opportunity to give blood at the IBTS mobile clinic in St Brigids Community Centre, Loch Gowna Wednesday 14th March 2012 & Thursday 15th March 2012 from 5pm – 8.30pm.Please note days & clinic opening times. Help ensure essential blood supplies are always available by giving blood regularly. For further details please contact our lo-call donor information line 1850- 731137 or John Healy ,area manager at our Ardee Regional office 041 6859994 or www.giveblood.ie.
Finea
CLOTHING COLLECTION: A clothing collection will take place in St Marys NS Finea on Wed 15 Feb next. Anyone wishing to contribute clothing may bring them along anytime during the week please.
Carrigallen
WATER CHARGES: No water charges for well owners. Domestic well owners in county Leitrim can breathe a sigh of relief after the European Commission confirmed that those who use their own wells for their water supply will not have to pay a further water tax. It had been feared that a European Directive would lead to the imposing of a flatrate levy or metered fee on well owners. But this has been averted. However the position in relation to those on private water schemes is not as clear cut. Many householders in rural Leitrim are on such schemes and a significant number pay between 60 euro and 100 euro a year for their water supply. Many people are asking the question are we ruled now by Europe and telling us what we should and not do, the recent case of not allowing the Irish people to cut and win their own turf which has been done for hundreds and if not thousands of years by generations. Many wonder what Irish people would have done if this terrible rule was to be had in the war years when no coal or oils were coming into Ireland . People would die of cold. The government should not stand idly by and let this happen to the Irish people.
Mohill
FEAST OF ST MEL: Tuesday last 7th February was the feast of St Mel. He is said to have been a Briton who came to Ireland with St Patrick,his uncle with whom he worked until he was ordained in Ardagh.He is one of the earliest Irish saints and gave the religious veil to Saint Brigid. He is the patron Saint of our diocese and is commemorated in the name of our cathedral in Longford. He died in 488.
Finea
DEATH: The late Mrs Paricia O’Neill. The death ocurrd onnFRiday Jan 27last oa St Canullas Nursing Home Killiucan of Mrs ParickO’Neill nee Murtagh ‘The farm” Dubbllin Rd castlepollard and a nativee off Williamstown Finnea.patsy as she was affectoanttely known passd away pafeefullly folowing a l;ong illness bravely borne an will be saddly misssd. Of a very pleasant & inoffeensive dispotiion,she was a wondefful caring person who hellpeedouuttinmany paish activvitiies &other eevents reglarly. Heer reemaiins were removedto St Michaels Church,, Castlapollard on Sat evenning at 7.300pm,.Burial took pplace inlocal cemetery followinng requiem mass the nxt mmorrniing at 11.30am.the atndance at bboth remmoval & funneal waas very larrge & wuidely respesenntauve of the esteem in which the late Patsy was held. Deepest sympathy is extended to her loving husband Eugene sons Martin Finbar Joseph & Eoin daughter Claire sisters Mary Margaret Lily & Catherine,grandchildren daughters in law nephews nieces & extended family. May she rest in peace.
Carrigallen
DEATH OF MRS MARY BRIGID MURRAY: There is widespread regret in the area and surrounding parishes at the death of Mrs Mary Brigid Murray,Gortermone Carrigallen which has occurred at the general hospital Cavan following a brief illness with cancer which she kept on the bright side at all time going about her usual work and looking after her beautiful garden of flowers and her beautiful home in which she was so proud of. Known to her numerous friends and neighbours as Mary B. She made friends easily which were to last and made many visits to all her neighbours to see could she do something to help them. She endeared herself to everyone after her marriage to her late husband Noel, the couple emigrated to England for a number of years and returned later to Longford and he was employed by the ESB for a number of years. After his retirement the couple and family returned to Mary Bs native Gortermone for to look after her ageing parents which she adored. Her hobbies included gardening ballroom dancing and bingo in which 4 generations attend namely her late mother Brigid herself daughter Cathleen and granddaughter Cathleen and on Sunday at Carrigallen bingo there was a minutes silence as a mark of respect in her honour. May her gentle soul RIP. She was predeceased by her husband Noel parents and brother Eugene. Sympathy is extended to her daughters Mrs Mary Murray, Manchester England, Mrs Cathleen Curran Corrigan, Mrs Judy Mulligan, Lanesboro Co Longford, brother Mr Tommy McIntyre Wales 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The removal of remains and funeral following requiem mass in Saint Marys church Carrigallen was very large and representative. Very Rev D Murray PP officiated. Burial took place in adjoining cemetery.
Cloone
CLASSES: Pilates classes will take place on Wednesday evening in the Canon Donohoe Hall Mohill from 7pm till 8pm.
Mohill
ST PATRICKS CHURCH: The Ministers of the Eucharist for February 2012 are on Saturday Rose Keegan Irene Reynolds. Sunday Theresa O’Callaghan Roisin Keegan. Readers Saturday Rosalyn McCrann David Logan. Sunday Kathy Keegan Ciara Keegan Collectors Saturday Stephen Flynn Eamonn Connolly Jim Rogers Sylvestor Kivlehan David Gordan Brian Faughnan Peader Flynn. Sunday Gerry Walsh Tim Slevin Tony Feeley Eileen Boyle Michael McGrath Tom Cusack Sean McGowan . The altar Society for February are Helen Faughnan Bridie McIntyre. There are important celebrations this week wednesday 1st February Feast of St Brigid Thursday 2nd feast of the Presentation, candles will be blessed at 10am Mass Eucharistic adoration 10.30am – 10pm. Friday 3rd feast of St Blaise throats will be blessed at the 10am mass. It is also the First Friday. The usual arrangements for Masses and confession. The sick and housebound will be attended. Confessions after 10am mass on Thursday ,Friday mass 10am – 8pm.
Ballinalee
LOTTO: 7,17,18,19. No jackpot winner. 5 X 20 euro Sean McEoin, Patrick Brady Tullybawn; Mary Tully Carron; Eilish Carrigy Seamus Hughes Whitehall. Sellers prize Dessie Lennon. Jackpot 3600 euro.
Killoe
CONDOLENCE: Sincere sympathy is extended to the Miller families Scotland, Bridie Browne and families Treanlawn Killoe, Burke families Clifden, Co Galway on the sad bereavement of Bridie’s sister Mary Miller (nee Burke late of Clifden, Co Galway) who was laid to rest last week. Burial was held in Scotland. May she rest peacefully.
Ballymahon
Community Charity shop: Are looking for any unwanted clothes, shoes, handbags and bric a brac for there shop in ballymahon. We are also pleased to offer an ironing service. Mini Marathon Training now takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Skelly’s in Ballymahon. We are looking for people to take part in the event to raise funds for the local community groups. Sponsor cards are available from Richard in the shop or phone 09064 52615 for more details.
Clondra
CLONDRA VILLAGE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT: The Trails element has now been completed by Matt Burke, Ivo Brett and Humphrey Murphy. Many thanks Matt for organising this. The remaining parts of the plan need to be put together so we are asking everyone involved to come to a meeting in the Old School on Tuesday 7th February at 8.30. It is important that the whole project be completed promptly. Many other issues emerged at the exhibition in November and these will be looked at in the coming months. Hopefully it will be possible to implement as many as possible. Help is always needed so anyone who is free to offer any time would be welcome at our meetings.
Killashee
CONGRATULATIONS: Congratulations to Ciara and Kevin Lyons Sharavogue on the recent birth of their first baby, a bouncing baby boy called Darragh. Congratulations are also extended to the proud grandparents Celine and Gerry O’Rourke.
Kenagh
KILCOMMOCK: Plot holders and committee members are asked to come to the cemetery on Saturday next February 4th at 2pm to share ideas and discuss the future of the cemetery and do a little clean up especially on plots where there is no one left to care for them. Some work has been done on an extension to the existing graveyard. We understand that extra land has been secured for the proposed extension but work seems to have come to a standstill possibly due to lack of funds. Longford County Council don’t appear to be interested in bringing the project any further so it remains for the local community to provide funding and voluntary work to complete the job.
Legan
FIRST FRIDAY: This Friday is the first Friday of February and Holy Communion calls to the sick and housebound will take place at the usual times on Thursday and Friday mornings. Friday is also the Feast of St Blaise and blessing of the throat at morning mass at 10am in Legan and St Annes Ballycloghan at 7pm.
Ballinagh
ELECTION FEVER: Sixty four years ago this week the Irish electorate were caught up in a welter of excitement as voters visited their polling station to cast their votes in the country’s general election. The Fianna Fail party led by Eamon de Valera had completed sixteen years in office having been first elected to power in 1932 and returned to office in the general election of 1933 1938 and 1943 and 1944. But shrewd political commentators confidently predicted that a change of government was imminent. They based their prediction of the widely held belief that the recently founded Clann na Poblachta party led by Sean McBride were sweeping the country and receiving massive support in all constituencies. In Ballinagh and surrounding districts there was enormous interest in the campaign mainly due to the fact that three candidates whose names would be on the ballad paper were regarded as local. Outgoing Cavan Fianna Fail Deputy Michael Sheridan - a native of Drumcrow had served the constituency for all of sixteen years having been first elected in 1932. Patrick O’Reilly from Castlepoles representing the Cavan farmers party who was contesting his first election and captain Peader Cowan Solr representing Clann na Poblachta and seeking a seat in a Dublin constituency. The campaign which lasted all of six weeks is generally regarded as the most fiercely contested in the history of the state. Election rallys were held every night in all towns and villages with large gatherings assembled at all venues to hear the candidates of all parties speak. After Mass meeting on Sunday mornings outside churches were fully availed of by candidates. On occasion town candidates of opposing parties would arrive to a church and this could lead to heated exchanges between the speakers with each endeavouring to ‘speak first’. Monthly fairs were held in the majority of towns and villages and here farmers would offer livestock (cattle horses sheep and pigs) for sale and political parts availed of this opportunity to address the agricultural sector. In those days heckling of speakers ad shouting abusive comments often led to ugly scenes among rival supporters. The efforts to secure the very last votes continued up to polling day on Wednesday February 4th with polling stations open from 9am to 9pm. On Thursday morning Cavan courthouse the court centre for the Cavan constituency was a hive of activity as the checking of ballot boxes under the supervision of the returning officer Mr John P Dowd and his staff got under way. Throughout the day there were rumours and counter rumours of candidates ‘doing well’ and of others in difficulty.The approach of midnight saw final results announced in Cavan with the four successful candidates Patrick Smith FF outgoing minister for agriculture Sean Tully (Clann na Pobblachta) Michael Sheridan (FF) and Patrick O’Reilly (Cavan Farmers party). In Ballinagh there were scenes of jubilation and a massive bonfire as news filtered through that the three candidates already described as local had all been elected the 13th Dail. It was the early hours of Sunday before final counts were completed when the new Dail assembled on Wednesdays 18th February the change predicted became a reality as Fine Gael Deputy John A Costelloe was elected Taoiseach with the Labour party leader and Deputy for Carlow Kildare Wiliam Norton named Tanaiste and Minster for Social Welfare. The Cavan constituency did not have a voice at the cabinet table but deputies from our two neighbouring constituencies received ministerial appointments. General Sean MacEoin the legendary blacksmith of Ballinalee and Fine Gael Deputy for Longford Westmeath was named Minister for Justice and Independent Deputy and poll topper in Monaghan James M Dillon appointed Minister for Agriculture. And so the curtain came down on what is generally regarded as the most hard fought general election in the history of Irish Free State
Loch Gowna
WHIST RESULTS: Top score 1st lady Martin Clyne; 2nd lady Phyllis Fegan; 3rd lady Eva Mara; 1st gent Kit Lee; 2nd gent Ned Gaffney; 3rd gent Seamus Keogan; 1st half lady Gerry Leavy; 1st half gent Sean Reilly; Free 13 tricks lady; free 13 tricks gent; Raffle 1st prize Ned Gaffney; 2nd prize Brian Gibson; 3rd prize Geraldine O’Reilly. Next whist on Wednesday 1st February in St Brigids Community Centre at 8.30pm sharp.
Carrigallen
THE MONTH OF JANUARY RENOWNED FOR SEVERE WIND STORMS: The night of the “big wind” occurred on Sunday 6th January 1839 and because it caused more widespread damage in Ireland than any storm on record. This storm has become part of Irish history of its severeness and the damage it caused all over Ireland. Houses blown down ,families had to sleep out in barns if they came off safe. This was due to winds that reached 20 miles per hour. The only storm which came close to this also occurred in the,month of January. This was on the night of 11th January 1974 when terrible winds which reached 124 mph in a number of places which uprooted trees many falling on cars and houses which also disrupted electricity supplies to 150,000 homes but this storm was only light in comparison with the night of the ”big wind” on 5th Jan 1839 which gave no warning of what was to come. On the night there was a heavy fall of snow across the country. Strong winds and heavy winds followed by midnight.The winds reached hurricane force across the lands killing hundreds tearing down buildngs and frightening the entire population. It is estimated that up to 30 people lost their lives and a large number of homes in Ireland suffered damage including churches. Historic ruins of castles monuments in cemeteries were knocked down and broken. The west of Ireland was also badly hit. In Westport Co Mayo fifteen hundred trees were blown down (uprooted). Farmers were badly hit not only had they to contend with damage to their homes and outbuildings their animals were scattered by the storm. Stacks of corn and hay were also blown away leaving no fodder for their animals. All who survived this terrible storm were wiped out in 7 years later with the great Famine which followed. So the thing is we should not complain.
Mohill
ROSALEEN REYNOLDS: There was deep regret in the community on hearing of the death of Rosaleen Reynolds Clarasminagh Mohill who died in the tender care of the doctors, nurses and staff at Sligo General Hospital on the 18th January 2012. Rosaleen was a very gentle lovely lady, a caring wife mother sister and obliging neighbour who will be sadly missed by the many friends she made down through the years. The very large attendance at her requiem Mass here in St Patricks Church at which Fr Pat Murphy PP paid tributes to Rosaleen and the lovely music song added to the solemnity of this very occasion, was indeed testimony to the high esteem in which she and her family were held by the whole community and to whom we offer our sincere sympathy. May her dear soul rest in peace.
Loch Gowna
ENGAGEMENT: Congratulations to Trina Smith,Portanure Loch Gowna and Brendan Shovlin Dunkineely Co Donegal on their recent engagement. We wish them health and happiness in their future life.
Ballinagh
MUSIC: Tin whistle lessons have resumed and take place on Saturday mornigs at the usual time. For further information talk to Ann 086 8154407.
Ballymahon
Community Alert: The next Community Alert Meeting for the Gurteen Area will take place next Wednesday 25 th January in the GAA Clubhouse, Ballymahon @8:30pm. During the previous Meeeting; our Committee was elected.
Clondra
COMMUNITY COLLEGE ENROLMENT: Enrolment takes place on Tuesday 31st January 2012 from 7 to 9pm. All sixth class students from the locality will be brought to an open morning in the school earlier that day. So a big cead mile failte to sixth class students and to both students and parents at enrolment that evening. Ar aghaidh le cheile.
Killashee
CONGRATULATIONS: Congratulations and very best wishes are extended to Peter and Maura Loftus Ballinakill who celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary on 24th January. We join with Peter and Maura’s family in wishing them many more years of happiness.
Kenagh
LANESBORO COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Community College Enrolment. Enrolment takes place on Tuesday 31st January 2012 from 7 to 9pm. All sixth class students from the locality will be brought to an open morning in the school earlier that day. So a big “cead mile failte” to all sixth class students and to both students and parents at enrolment that evening. Ar aghaidh le cheile”.
Ballinalee
GOLF :The local Golf Society are holding their AGM this Friday evening in Rawles Lounge at 10pm. All members are asked to attend.
Ardagh
Guides, Brownies and Ladybirds: The Ardagh IGG units are Ladybirds from 6-7pm, girls aged 5-6 years; Brownies at 6:15-7:30, girls aged 7-10 years and Guides 7:40-9pm, girls aged 11-14 years. Registration is currently taking place for new members, however places and limited - any girls interested in joining us please contact Joanna, 08 237 2616 for further information. Please note that the annual membership and insurance of €36 is due now, payable before the end of January. Ladies - due to the Ardagh Baby Boom our Leader numbers are dwindling - if any lady from 18 years up could help out give an hour of her time a week for a great fun and rewarding evening do give us a call, 086 237 2616.
Killoe
Meeting: The monthly meeting of Longford Mother to Mother Breastfeeding Support Group will take please Wednesday 1st February at 1030am-1230pm in Ballinalee Health Centre, Granard Rd, Ballinalee. Mums & their nurslings & Mums to be from all areas are welcome. Come along for a cuppa & a chat. Contact Michelle 087 7805873 or Caroline 087 6418083 for further details. We are also seeking preloved pregnancy & parenting books to start a small library for our group. If you have some you longer want call us or drop them into the health centre. Thank you.
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Weather for Longford, Ireland
Wednesday 22 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 10 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 7 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South west
