07-12-2002

Mountmellick photo show - the China connection

"I've been using a camera since I was 12 or 13," she revealed. She is Chairperson of Mountmellick Photographic Society.

Its 12th annual exhibition attracted many people to Mountmellick Community School at the weekend (November 22 to 24). Veronica, incidentally, is a clerical officer in the school.
On the front cover of the exhibition catalogue was Brian Callaghan's portrait of a Bedouin woman-and an impressive character study it was.

Internationally-renowned photographer John Minihan, an Athy man, officially opened the exhibition which viewers described as the best ever.

A separate awards function is to be held in The Hollow Bar tonight (Wednesday, December 4), when the Michael Fennelly Perpetual Trophy will be presented for The Photograph of the Year. Given out, too, will be category prizes.

At the exhibition, the work of the participating photographers was clearly delineated because, for the first time, each had a board or stand to himself/herself.

"Every year we try to have some innovations," Veronica said.
On display were 160-plus black and white pictures and transparencies. And film, not the digital system, was the favourite medium.

Among the 10 exhibitors was Pat Haslam, from Pallas, Portlaoise. He unites two loves-photography and motor bikes. So much so that he is a finalist in the competition for the International Motor Sport Picture of The Year. "From April to September, I travel to every motor bike race, north and south," he revealed. He has the photos to prove it. Though not a racer himself, he owns a Kawasaki 600.

In addition to Veronica and Pat, the exhibitors were Kevin Byrne, Brian Callaghan, Kathleen Culliton, Valerie Hall, Alfred Kelly, Paul Lalor, Helen Walsh and Charles White.
John Minihan, a staff photographer with the London Evening Standard for almost 30 years, caught many famous people in his lens, including Princess Diana, Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis, The Rolling Stones, writer Samuel Beckett and actor John Hurt.
Perphaps, though, his most enduring work will transpire to be his book, Shadows from The Pale, a portrait of Athy. Now out of print, it is a collector's item.

At the opening ceremony, John described Mountmellick Photographic Society as a thriving camera club and he hoped it would go from strength to strength. Good photographs would endure like good art, he said

The group Ama Deus-Kathleen Costello, Teresa Larkin and Sheelagh Chadwick-created the appropriate musical atmosphere at the ceremony.

Members of Mountmellick Photographic Society-it was formed in 1989-have won first prizes in the National Shield, Print and Slide Competitions. And they perform a service for posterity be making a picture record of important local events. With this they manage to combine what they call a "social schedule."

Society Secretary is Alfred Kelly, the Treasurer is Charles White, and the PRO is Brian Callaghan.

Ger, master of all trades, retires

If anything needed to be done in the town, the cry was invariably-Send for Ger! And, if he could at all, he would respond.

A man of great courtesy and quiet determination, he is an electrician by trade and a good neighbour and friend by inclination. He is, in short, a gentleman. A Mountmellick gentleman.

People packed into Moloneys' pub recently for a surprise party to mark Ger's retirement from FAS. His colleagues and representatives from many sections of the community paid heartfelt tributes to him, and he was the recipient of presentations.
In all, about 60 people worked with him during his FAS years and he supervised eight different schemes.

To revert for a moment to the pikes and thatched cottage. The former were forged for the 1798 commemoration ceremony, the latter was built for the Famine pageant.
Master of ceremonies at the party was, appropriately, Mountmellick's First Citizen-Town Council Cathaoirleach Michael Gormley.

Representing Mountmellick Employment Resources Ltd were its Chairman John Moloney and Treasurer Helen Hanson.

That organization and scheme employees presented to Ger a Mountmellick lace-framed pencil drawing of his home in The Square. Colette Dunne was the artist.
From Kathleen Cussen, of the Concert Hall Committee, he received a landscape study of The Rock of Dunamaise.

As they say, behind every great man is a woman-or, in Ger's case, women. His Assistant Supervisors, to be precise. Marie Byrne, Sylvia Deegan, Martin Smith, Judy Preston and Celine Dunphy.

Pride of place, of course, goes to his wife Sheila. Apparently, she has lots of jobs lined up for Ger now that he has retired. She'll be the Supervisor, thus turning the tables.
At the party, too, were Ger's son Conor, and daughters Criona, Fiona, Niamh and Aoife.

Fr Francis McNamara PP was there for the parish; for FAS, Mazzarela Gavin; for Mountmellick Development Association, John Joe Dunne; and for the Supervisors, Paddy Quinn.

Also at the party was Ger's successor Paddy Conroy who, under a reorganized system, will supervise FAS operations in Mountmellick and Rosenallis. He has a hard act to follow.

Mountmellick CU continues to prosper

She thanked the staff of the Credit Union for the efficient manner in which they dealt with the Euro changeover, and said that the changeover caused the least amount of disruption to business. She also thanked the members for their continued support and stated that the members of the Credit Union had a very important role to play, and that with their continued co-operation they could all work together to face any challenges that may lie ahead.

"Our growth is continuing steadily, and we are pleased to maintain a satisfactory dividend and particularly interest rebate, in apprecitation of our borrowers", she said.
She also mentioned the issue of taxation in Credit Unions and the competition from other financial institutions, saying that while the Mountmellick Credit Union has many opportunities to avail of, they are still continuing to explore additional options which may improve the services to their customers.

In regards to the Treasurer's Report, Rita Kelly, Treasurer, stated that this had yet again been a very successful year for the Mountmellick Credit Union. The Board of Directors, she said, have proposed a three per cent dividend on shares, and a ten per cent rebate on loan interest paid.

Loans to members increased from €9,224,661 to €9,948,787 this year, while Member Shares/ S.S.I.A and Deposit Balances increased from €13,033,940 to €15,521,541, a rise of 19.1 per cent.

A total of 2,180 loans were approved this year, amounting to €5,309,939.72, according to the Credit Committee Report 2001/2002. These loans were for various purposes, the most popular being car loans, home improvements and holidays.

Also, on the Membership Committee Report for the year ending September 30, a total of 4,965 members was recorded. The Membership Committee also thanked the Manager, fellow Directors and staff for their co-operation throughout this busy year.

Christmas Tree Committee

The above group will hold their Church gate collection this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8. Due to unfortunate circumstances last year the committee were unable to hold this collection and so they hope for generous subscriptions this year.
They will also hold their annual flag day on Saturday, December 14 and would appreciate your support for this also.

Santa Claus

Santa Claus will come to Mountmellick on Sunday, December 22 and will be in the Concert Hall from 3 pm to see all the girls and boys.

Christmas Carol Service

Mountmellick Community School will host a Christmas carol service in St Joseph's Church on Tuesday, December 10, starting at 8.30 pm. All members of the local community are invited to attend this event.

Christmas Concert

A Christmas concert in aid of St Vincent's Hospital Patients' Benefit Fund will be held in the hospital on Thursday, December 19, starting at 8 pm. This will feature Dr Larry Fullam and the Portarlington Singers.

Admission is £10. with cheese and wine served at the interval. Tickets are available from the hospital.

Christmas Shop

A Christmas craft fair will be opening from Tuesday, December 10 to Sunday, December 22 in the premises vacated by Lifestyle Mobility in Sarsfield Street opposite St Joseph's Church. This fair will include many beautiful seasonal crafts including candle arrangements, centre pieces, table arrangements, Christmas garlands and Christmas cards as well as paintings and pottery.

All of the crafts are handmade by the clients of Aras Eoghain in Portlaoise. Aras Eoghain is a centre for people with sensory and physical disabilities and is attended by people from both Laois and Offaly.

The fair will be officially opened at 3.30 pm on Tuesday, December 10 and will. be open then on a daily basis from 11 am to 5 pm and will. be staffed by the clients of Aras Eoghain.

Christmas Bingo

This takes place in the Owenass Hall on Sunday nights at 8.30 pm. Prizes include hamper, turkeys and hams and £1620 guaranteed every Sunday.

Parish Christmas Draw

The annual Christmas parish draw takes place on Sunday, December 22. Tickets are now on sale from the parish office.

St. Vincent De Paul

The above thank all who supported their annual. Church gate collection on Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1.

Old School Whist

Please note our Christmas whist drive will be held on Saturday night, December 21. All. welcome.

Mountmellick Ladies Basketball

The next fixture is Mountmellick A v Mountmellick B on Saturday, December 7 at 6.45 pm.

Concern Fast

The annual. fast and street collection for Concern will. be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, December 5, 6 and 7. Your generous response will be gratefully received on behalf of the Third World.

P.T.A.A.

The first round of the Readori competitions are being held in St Paul's in Portlaoise on this Friday evening, December 6.

Irish Wheelchair Craft Sale

The above craft sale is being held in ICA House, Davitt Road on Sunday, December 8 from 12.30 pm. All crafts are made locally in the Irish Wheelchair Association centres. Your support would be appreciated.

Carol Service

A carol service is being held on Sunday, December 15 in St Joseph's Church at 7 pm featuring the Deanery choir. The Deanery consists of ten parishes including Mountmellick and the choir was formed for the Bishop's recent visit to Mountmellick.

Mountmellick Macra

Best wishes is extended to Kieran McEvoy, Donna Le Blanc, Patrick Culliton and Claire Burns who are competing in the All Ireland Finals of Public Speaking and Impromptu this weekend in Navan. Best of luck is extended to them all.

Congratulations is extended to the Capers team who are through to the semi-finals of the competition in two weeks time. Well done to all involved.

Macra members are currently selling raffle tickets around the town. All funds raised go towards the extension of the Macra Hall. The extension is a huge task for any club to take on. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Player Benefit Fund

The footballers of Laois and Westmeath took to the field in Pairc Acragar, Mountmellick as part of the player benefit fund raiser. A big crowd turned up to see the first game for Laois under Mick O'Dwyer despite the atrocious weather conditions.

The organising committee would like to thank all who contributed on the day as well as all the helpers who braved the elements. A special thanks to the players, managers and officials for their services.

Inter county referee John Bannon and his officials added to the occasion. All were warmed up with refreshments in Dempsey's Bar afterwards. On the night a packed house enjoyed the cabaret in the Mellick Inn with music provided by Tom Coopers Band and Double L disco.

The organising group would like to thank the overwhelming support for this cause. Thanks to all who sold tickets, made contributions, donated spot prizes etc.

All outstanding ticket money should be returned to the organisers as soon as possible and any further donations would be welcome.

A special thank you to Vincent and the staff of the Mellick Inn for all their help.

Sarsfields L.F.C.

The club wishes to congratulate Mountmellick Community School senior football team on their victory in the All Ireland Vocational Schools senior A final last week.

Their win is a reflection on the work done in the school and in the club with young players over the past five years. All except one player is attached to Sarsfields club.

The clubs new sponsorship deal with Mountmellick Credit Union was also launched last week at a function in the Union offices in Sarsfield Street. A number of club officials and players attended the launch at which Credit Union chairperson Mary Culleton announced a three year deal with the club. Also present representing the Union were manager Michael Feeley and director Brian Lynch.

Sarsfields were represented by chairman Jim Halley, treasurer Mick Cleary, PRO Michael O'Loughlin and players Fionnuala Cleary, Emer O'Loughlin, Emma McEvoy, Grace Weston and Aileen O'Loughlin.

The annual Church gate collection by Sarsfields will be held on the weekend of December 15 / 16 at all Masses.

Camogie

A number of meetings have been held recently to discuss the clubs future. As the club did not take part in any competitions during 2002 there is serious concern about the future direction of the club.

A general meeting of all members past and present will be held on Friday, December 14 in the Town Hall to allow everyone contribute to the ongoing debate 'where do we go from here'.

Silver President's Award

A STUDENT of Mountmellick Community School recently received the Silver President's Award in Trinity College, Dublin.

Barry Kelly was presented the silver Gaisce award in October last by the Tainiste Mary Harney, T.D. The silver medal is given when the participant completes four sections of the award: personal skill, community involvement, physical recreation and an adventurous activity.

Barry completed the different sections over the last 12 months and the adventurous activity section involved three days, or two over-night adventure events. Pictured with him are his family and Mairin Hyland, council member of the President's Award, Gaisce.