Wed 26th Aug 2026
Fr. Tom O’Connor R.I.P:
It is with sadness we record the passing of Fr. Tom O’Connor, popularly known as “Tom” which occurred on Sat last August 22nd aged 92.
His priestly duties brought him firstly to Nigeria and later to a number of parishes in Ireland. Those of a certain vintage will have fond memories of his time in Cashel as curate from 1969 to 1974, indeed he was the final curate to serve our parish.
A man of simple means who devoted his time in helping others and demanded little in return.
During his time in Cashel, the Hill was newly opened, and he was very active in working down the debt and facilitating all groups and encouraging all to use what was then seen as a wonderful facility. The annual bazaar which ran for many years was a must for all parishioners and helped in no small way to pay off debt and fund ongoing costs.
My father was appointed caretaker, and I remember scrubbing floors etc on a regular basis as the place was so busy, which was in no small way down to his work and encouragement.
He was a man beating the drum of rural decline before it became popular, while in the parish of Geevagh he overseen the renovation of the church, parochial house and built a new school, when the Post office was threatened with closure, he moved it to his house until a family took it over, a man before his time who seemed happier to serve rather than to be served.
Fr. Toms funeral mass took place yesterday Tuesday in St Patricks Chapel, Kiltegan at 12 noon followed by burial in the society cemetery.
May his gentle spirit rest easy.
Leaving Cert Results:
Friday last seen many young parishioners receive their Leaving Cert results and we hope they are happy with their achievements and what lies ahead in further education and life in general.
It’s important to remember that it is but a small step in life and not the be all and end all.
In time when you look back on it, it will appear as a mere blip on the screen on life.
Many very successful people either bailed out of college or never went in the first place, so take comfort in that.
Those who will take up an apprenticeship will, when qualified be well rewarded in their chosen profession.
For those who will go on to college, don’t let any pressure get to you and remember the best advice in life would be to talk out your issues with others, remember, an problem shared is a problem halved.
The world is your oyster, enjoy it.
Cemetery Sunday:
Last Sunday we were blessed with weather for Cemetery Sunday in Saints Island with a good crowd in attendance, this Sunday we hope we will be as lucky as its Cashel Cemeterys’ turn and Mass will be celebrated at 12.30pm (please note change of time) followed by the blessing of the graves.
A collection will be taken up for the ongoing upkeep and maintenance of the cemetery, and we hope all will give generously, it’s a credit to those involved as to how the place is kept.
Newtowncashel After-School Facility Fundraiser:
Please note change of date for the Ball Run, this is, I believe because of Cemetery Sunday and Cashel involved in an afternoon match this Sunday. Please keep in mind new date please.
25 Card Drive Results:
Results from Monday nights 25 card drive as follows:
Winners: Barney Donlon and Brendan Rattigan.
Joint Runners Up: John Greene and James Walsh, Ger and Padraig Hand.
A Great turnout with 30 players and a few new faces who are very welcome.
Thanks to Fiona and staff at The Local for hosting and refreshments served.
GAA Lotto Results:
Lotto draw held on Monday 24th August 2026
No's drawn: 02-10-20-24 No jackpot winner.
Draw winners:
€30 €5 envelopes to Eoin, Cormac and Ferghal Bannon.
€30 to Tony Garvey.
€20 each to Anthony Bannon and Rachel Flanagan & Sean Mulvihill.
Next weeks draw will be held in The Local on Monday 31st August and the Jackpot is €3,900.
You can play Cashel GAA weekly lotto for as little as €2 per week in the following link. You can also set it up as a recurring weekly ticket.
https://member.clubspot.app/club/cashel-gaa/fundraiser/tickets
Lotto team on next week's draw is Bernard Casey, Brid Hanley and Linda Merrigan
Thanks for your support.
Road Closure:
Longford County Council has made an order to close the L-1139 Ledwithstown to Derrycolumb road for five days up until Friday, August 28.
This in reality means diversions from Forthill Cross (Buggan Cross) to Foigha for those wishing to travel to Ballymahon, Athlone or further afield. Diversion via Askey Road which is not a big deal, we have to be grateful this section of road from Derrycloumb to Ledwithstown is being repaired/resurfaced as it was in a very bad state with major bumps and dips. Work being carried out following local representation.
## Note: I’ve driven up and down the road this evening, it seems finished and if so it’s ridiculous beyond words.
The section that was repaired contained 2 very severe bumps/dips, thankfully they are now kinda fixed, but on the Ledwithstown side for about 80 metres there are at least three more bumps/dips and nothing done with them.
Mind blowing would be a description that comes to mind, Reilly the builder in Fawlty Towers would have done better.
We need better standards as the cost is a pretty sum.
Bereaved:
We express our sincere sympathy with the extended Fallon family, Lightfield on the passing of Jimmys sister Kathleen which occurred on Sat last August 22nd in Mullingar. Her funeral mass took place yesterday, Tuesday in St Marys Newtowncashel with burial afterwards in Cashel Cemetery. May her gentle spirit rest easy.
Newtowncashel ICA Guild:
Newtowncashel ICA Guild meetings will recommence on Tuesday 1st September at 8pm in the Hill.
Looking forward to catching up with our members. We plan to start our scrap book which will capture our guild history down through the years. Come along and meet our ladies for a chat and a cuppa.
Words of the Wise:
“Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens” (Jimi Hendrix) and “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing” (Socrates).
Schools Reopening:
As the fine summer flew by, it’s that time of year again as the schools reopen.
Cashel Primary school reopens tomorrow and I see the new bollards/safety markers in place, whoever thought of the design of these was brilliant, in the shape of pencils with eraser on top. Hopefully they add to safety around the School as drop off and pickup can be a bit hectic.
BTW the school grounds are looking in perfect condition, all thanks to Paul whos’ appointment as caretaker was announced prior to summer holidays.
Secondary Schools in Lanesboro and Ballymahon reopen on a phased basis with first years having a day all by themselves.
Best of luck to all, enjoy.
Cashel GAA:
Best of luck to our Intermediate team in the championship this Sunday as they take on Mostrim in round 3, throw-in at 4.30pm. Leo Casey Park.
Liam Finnegan.