Notes 02/09/2013 - Newtowncashel - Co. Longford

VANDALISIM
Residents in Newtowncashel awoke on Tuesday to find two iconic wooden sculptures in the heart of the village had been destroyed by vandals.
A number of carefully hand crafted bird-like figures and floral displays were targeted by the vandals who struck the village under the cover of darkness.
Newtowncashel is a former All-Ireland-winning Tidy Towns village and the committee had high hopes for this year’s awards. That the incident occured just one week before the announcement of this year’s Tidy Towns Awards has exacerbated anger in the locality.  John Farrell, liaison officer between the Tidy Towns committee and the FÁS workers in the village, described the incident as “disgusting”.
“It is just wanton vandalism,” he told the Leader. “They (sculptures) had stood the test of time and now this has happened.”
It was too early to count the cost of repairing the damage but he added that “we’re tight on funds, the same as every other Tidy Towns committee.”
Its chairman Michael Murray was just as incensed, describing the scenes witnessed yesterday (Tuesday) morning as nothing more than “a mindless piece of vandalism”.
Local sculptor Michael Casey, and the man who helped commission one of the artefacts along with FÁS scheme workers, said villagers had been left devastated.
“The group of birds would have been there for 20 years or more and the other, a drinking bird at the National School was made by local man Jimmy Fallon and would be there since around 1980,” he said.
“They have never been touched in all that time. It makes you wonder how anyone can do this when so much effort has been put in. It’s just heartbreaking.”
Gardaí attended the scene yesterday (Tuesday) and confirmed an investigation into the incident was now underway.
As such, they have appealed for witnesses who may have noticed anything suspicious late on Monday and during the early hours of Tuesday morning to contact them at Lanesboro (043 3321102) or Longford (043 3350570) Garda Stations.

HARVEST FESTIVAL SUCCESS
Last Sunday's Harvest Festival,which took place in the Village of Newtowncashel,was a resounding success.With the fine weather and so many attractions,the day was very enjoyable for all who attended.Thanks to all those who organised,attended and helped out in any other capacity.Proceeds go to St.Christopher's Services.


TIDY TOWNS
The monthly Tidy Towns meeting will be held in The Hill this Wednesday the 4th of September at 8.30 p.m.

RETIREMENT.
Teresa Victory Farrell has retired after five years as principal of Ballymahon Vocational school.During her term,Teresa took the Ballymahon School to the forefront of second level education in Co.Longford. We wish her many years happiness for the future.

LONGFORD TOASTMASTERS
Would you like to improve your communication skills and be more confident at speaking in public?  Longford Toastmasters' new season begins this coming Thursday, 05 Sep, in The Longford Arms Hotel at 8.20pm.  All are welcome to join us for an enjoyable and sociable evening.  No experience required!  For further information please contact Mary on 086 1219281 or Terrie on 086 1706367.

G.A.A.
Well done to the Cashel Intermediate Football Team,who beat Sean Connolly's last Sunday in Pearse Park, in what was a very important relegation semi-final.Final score 1-9 to 0-5.

PATTERN DAY
Pattern Day will be celebrated at Lady Well,Derrydarragh,on this Saturday the 7th of September.Mass follows the recitation of the Rosary at 6.00 p.m.This Mass will replace the Saturday evening Mass in the Church.
Pattern Day parking will be available in Barney Casey's field for those approaching from Carrodger.Parking in John Mulvihill's field for those arriving via the Wood Road.Only through traffic will have road access past the field entrances.People attending the Pattern are requested to co-operate with the stewards.

PASTORAL COUNCIL
The Parish Pastoral Council will meet in The Hill on Tuesday the 10th of September at 8.30 p.m.

CEMETERIES COLLECTION
The collections for the upkeep ofthe cemeteries at both Saint's Island and Cashel realised €3057.00.Thank you to all those who contributed so generously.