Notes 17/12/2012 - Newtowncashel - Co. Longford

CASHEL G.A.A.
The Cashel G.A.A. A.G.M.,has been postponed until Saturday the 5th of January 2013. Thanks to Mick Casey,for his hard work over the past year,who stepped down as Chairman,at the weekend.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS
We welcome home all who have returned to Newtowncashel for the Christmas period.  We wish a very Happy Christmas to all the readers of the Notes and we hope you enjoy a peaceful and safe Christmas.

SCHOOL CONCERT THIS WEEK
The teachers and pupils of St Mary’s National School present their biennial Christmas Concert in "The Hill" on Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th December.  Doors open 6.30pm. Curtain 7.00pm sharp.  Admission Adults €6.00, Students €3.00.  Seats MUST be pre-booked.  Contact Mary Skelly to book, on (086) 169 0773.  A very limited number are available for Wednesday’s performance with greater availability on Thursday.  A great night’s entertainment is assured!

NEW BABY
Congratulations to Síle and Gary Mulvihill, Carrowbeg, on the birth of their new baby girl recently.

SENIOR CHOIR
Preparations are well under way for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.  The senior choir holds its next practice in the Church on Tuesday evening December 18th at 8.45pm.

JUNIOR CHOIR
Our last rehearsal for the Christmas Day Children’s Mass will be held on Saturday December 22nd from 5.00pm – 6.30pm. Please note, this last rehearsal is longer than our usual hour-long rehearsal.  Can those doing readings please ensure they have their readings/prayers them, thank you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Congratulations to Mary Healy nee Smyth, Drumnee and Tipper, who celebrated her 90th birthday on 12/12/12, born on December 12th, 1922.  Mary continues to enjoy the blessings of a healthy life. We wish her many more years of happiness and wellbeing.

ANNUAL MS CHRISTMAS DAY RUN
The Annual Christmas Day Run from Newtowncashel to Lanesborough in aid of the Longford branch of MS Ireland is being organised again for the 22nd year. As a result of this event approximately €160,000 has been raised for Multiple Sclerosis. All are welcome, walkers start from the Hill at 11.45 am and runners at 12.15, finish at the Hall in Lanesborough where refreshments are available. Further details and sponsorship cards are available from Michael Flood, Newtowncashel (Tel: 086-0880855); Brigid Mullooly, Lanesborough (Tel: 04333-21019); L and K's Village Shop in Newtowncashel or O’Brien’s Corner Shop, Lanesborough. All participants will receive a free t-shirt kindly sponsored by Peter Hanley Motors. We would greatly appreciate your support as this is in aid of a very worthy cause. Longford MS has come to depend on this event over the past 21 years and would like to extend their appreciation for the effort given.

CASHEL GAA LOTTO
Cashel GAA’s Lotto still stands at €10,000.  There are weekly, monthly and yearly options to play your numbers.  You’ve got to be in it to win it.  Don’t forget to play your numbers every week.

NEWTOWNCASHEL TODDLER GROUP
Newtowncashel Toddler Group will take a break over Christmas and will resume on Tuesday January 8th, from 9.45am – 12.00 noon.  See you there!

COLLECTION ENVELOPES FOR 2013
Offertory Collection Envelopes for 2013 are currently being distributed by members of the Parish Pastoral Council.  Thanks to all who help in this process.  Anyone who has been omitted but wishes to receive envelopes should contact the Parochial House.

ST CHRISTOPHER’S “POP UP” CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOP
St Christopher’s “Pop-Up” Christmas Craft Shop will be located in Longford Shopping Centre from Monday December 10th to Thursday December 20th.  It is an opportunity to buy Christmas gifts all made in Longford.  

NEWTOWNCASHEL DRAMA GROUP
Rehearsals for this season’s production, “Callaghan’s Place” by John McDwyer, are well under way.  Performances are scheduled for Friday 8th, Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th of February 2013 in "The Hill". The group invite all to enjoy three entertaining evenings, delivered in the fine tradition of amateur drama.

SKILLS COURSE
A course in Traditional Skills and the Conservation of Masonry commences in January, 2013, at the EDI Centre Longford.  This full time course will run for 40weeks and is aimed at people who are interested in conservation, extending their craft and attaining a new skill.  Application forms are available from The EDI Centre, 11A2 Mastertech Business Park, Athlone Road, Longford, (043) 334 2480, email ursula@edilongford.ie.  The closing date for applications is Friday December 21st.

SOCIAL DANCE CLASSES
Social Dance Classes continue in the Longford Arms Hotel on Thursdays at 8.00pm – jive, waltz, quickstep and foxtrot. €10.00 per class. Contact Padraig Munroe (087) 181 2248.

COUNTY LONGFORD RURAL TRANSPORT.
Longford Community Resources Ltd (LCRL) manages and administer the Rural Transport Programme, which covers the rural regions of County Longford.
Spaces are still available for this “door to door” service in your area, please contact your Local Provider or to Seamus (Co-ordinator) at 043-3345555.  All Age-Groups welcome!  We would encourage people from that area to avail of the services to keep it activated in that region. The Services are Flexible and Demand Responsive. “If you don’t use it – you lose it”. Fares are: Single €3. Return €5. ALL Age Groups are welcome to travel and the Free Travel Pass is accepted.
Once weekly O/W Service No.13&13A (Tuesday & Saturday) to LONGFORD is provided by Bernie Hackett: 087-2502186.
Once weekly O/W Service No.19 (Friday) to LANESBORO, provided by Farrelly’s Coaches: 043-3322222.
Once fortnightly O/F Service (No.17) (FRIDAY) to BALLYMAHON is provided by Anthony O’Haire: 087-9004876. This route comes from Portnaure-Pollagh-Newtowncashel direction into Ballymahon, BUT can deviate, to facilitate any passenger who wish to travel to Ballymahon for shopping or on business (Banking etc).  Note: The Once fortnightly O/F Service No.17  to Ballymahon on Friday has spaces available and does need support and a greater uptake. The Service is “Flexible” and “Demand Responsive”.
Many thanks to all the passengers and stakeholders who have supported, and indeed campaigned for the continuation of the Programme throughout the year.
ALL routes for 2012 will be completed by Saturday 29th  December. Services for 2013 will  resume on Wednesday 2nd January.
Longford Community Resources would like to wish All Passengers and everyone who supports the Rural Transport Programme, “A Very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and Good Wishes for the New Year”.

DATES FOR YOUR 2013 CALENDAR
First Confessions on Thursday March 7th 2013.
First Holy Communion on Sunday May 19th at 12.00 noon.

CONFESSIONS
Confessions, in preparation for Christmas, will be heard in the Church on Tuesday 18th at 8.00pm.  Visiting confessors will attend.  Those who wish to go to Confession for Christmas are encouraged to avail of the opportunity.
Confessions will be heard in St Mary’s Church, Lanesboro, on Friday December 21st, at 7.30pm.
Confessions of pupils attending Cloontagh National School will be heard in the school on Tuesday December 18th at 2.15pm.