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News Items for 2002
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16-11-2002

Mountmellick centre

"IT resembles the stand on the Curragh racecourse," declared Cllr David Conroy at Mountmellick Town Council monthly meeting last week.

He was referring to a cladded building currently being constructed beside the Mountmellick Development Association (MDA) headquarters at Irishtown.
A Heritage Centre, focusing specially on traditional Mountmellick lacework, is to be located in the new building.

To facilitate its erection, a brick structure, once used as an office, was demolished-a move that, apparently, has annoyed many local people.
Cllr Helen Hanson said the issue was the topic of conversation in the whole town.
Deputy Co Manager Declan Byrne promised to forward the Town Council's concerns on the matter to the County Council planning section.

The MDA headquarters, the former Codd's Mill, is a striking edifice and is an important part of Mountmellick's industrial legacy.

MDA Chairman John Joe Dunne, responding to the TC's comments, said several surveys revealed that the brick structure was in very poor condition, making it unsuitable for conversion into an Heritage Centre.

Other buildings were to be provided on the site, he explained, and he asked people to "bear with us" until the whole project was completed.

At the Town Council meeting, Cllr Marc Connolly asked: "Will it be the future policy to favour modern style buildings over older buildings?" There was, he stated, a lot of concern over the demolition of the brick structure-and he wondered why the planning authority had approved the action.

He cautioned: "This is a dangerous precedent to be starting in the town."
Cllr Conroy: "The (new) building does not at all match in with the skyline or the existing buildings in the area." He thought it was ironic that the "heritage we had" was being done away with to facilitate the provision of a Heritage Centre.

He added: "I think it (new building) is completely out of place. It's ridiculous that a new
building is being provide as a Heritage Centre. It's completely out of tone with the existing buildings in the area."

Cllr Connolly: "How it got through is beyond belief."

Cllr Paddy Bracken: "Certainly it destroys the whole look of the area. I don't care who drew up the plans. It certainly is an eyesore."

Cllr Hanson: "It's an absolutely awful sight."

Cllr Patrick Bowe said Irishtown was the old, traditional part of Mountmellick. He called for a report on the situation for the next TC meeting.

John Joe Dunne said the MDA had to send to the County Council planning department a few different drafts of specifications for the new building.

He stressed the importance of having a suitable centre to store Mountmellick's artifacts, particularly lacework.

On the MDA campus were 185 jobs, stated Mr Dunne, and his organizaiton had recently received from the Dept of Justice an additional allocation of 417,000 euros for the childcare centre which, he hoped, would open in the autumn of 2003. It would have places for 70 children, he revealed.

Roundabouts in Portlaoise, traffic chaos in Mountmellick

ROUNDABOUTS galore in Portlaoise-but Mountmellick couldn't get even one, complained the latter's Town Councillors at their monthly meeting last week.
Cllr Marc Connolly exclaimed: "We're not looking for Nelson's column to be built. It's ridiculous. We're waiting years for a roundabout to deal with traffic in the town."
Cllr Patrick Bowe: "No other town would put up with it. You cannot drive from one end of Mountmellick to the other."

Councillors reiterated their call for the provision of a roundabout at the Patrick Street/O'Moore Street/Emmet Street junction.

A fountain that had been at that location had served as a roundabout, they claimed. But for some inexplicable reason it had been removed.

Deputy Co Manager Declan Byrne said the County Council had given a commitment that it would look at the feasibility of installing a roundabout at the junction, and that was still the position. But, he cautioned, there was going to be no "quick-fix solution" to the town's traffic problems.

The County Council's traffic management section should draw up a comprehensive report on Mountmellick, he recommended.

Chairman Michael Gormley: "How long is that going to take, Manager?"
Manager Byrne: "I will bring it up at management level that the report should be prepared in the short-term."

Chairman Gormley gathered that two or three prospective Mountmellick businesses were encountering planning problems due to the traffic situation.

Cllr Helen Hanson: "We are just looking for one small roundabout in Mountmellick. Everytime I go to Portlaoise there's another roundabout. It's a roundabout town. Like Houdini, they can have roundabouts in Portlaoise overnight. Why cannot we have a small one to solve our problems?"

Cllr Connolly opposed designating O'Moore Street as a no-parking area.
Cllr Bowe: "It (roundabout) would seem to be to be the most logical way of dealing with the situation. If the roundabout was there you would not need to restrict parking in O'Moore Street. Traffic in Patrick Street and The Square is disastrous."

Cllr David Conroy: "A roundabout should be tried out at least on a temporary basis. There are four or five roundabouts within 200 yards at the church in Portlaoise."

Chairman Gormley: "I feel we've been neglected as regards off-street parking and traffic management. We're talking about this meeting after meeting, and we will come back again next year and nothing will be done. The Co Council should have provided off-street parking. It's a disgrace that they have not done so. Should we send a deputation to the County Manager on this?"

Cllr Hanson: "I think that's fruitless."

Cllr Paddy Bracken: "Surely it would not take thousands (of euros) to put in temporary roundabout and see would it work?" He said some people who were now crying "crocodile tears" about traffic problems had not so long ago opposed the inner relief road project.

Ladies football

The seniors advanced to the Leinster Vocational Schools Final by virtue of a huge win over Ballymahon C.S. in the semi-final played on Wednesday last in Mullingar. Mountmellick were never seriously threatened after the first five minutes and ran out easy winners by 4-14 to 0-3.

They now meet Bridgetown Vocational School in the Leinster final which is fixed for Carlow today, Wednesday November 13 at 1 p.m. The Community School have suffered successive defeats in the provincial finals of 2000 and 2001, but hopes are high that this team will come through successfully. If they pull off a victory on Wednesday, the team faces the prospect of an All-Ireland semi-final on Saturday against the Munster Champions.

Team: Caroline Bermingham, Nichole Dunphy, Deirdre Halley, Laura Quigley, Patrice Deffew, Grace Weston, Emma McEvoy, Rachel Farrell (1-1), Aoife Cleary (0-3), Olwyn Farrell (0-4), Claire O'Loughlin, Claire Conlon (1-2), Aileen O'Loughlin (2-3), Lucy O'Loughlin (0-1). Subs: Emma Hayden, Julieann Culleton, Therese Weston, Rachel Mullen, Sarah Williams and Collette Dooley.

Sarsfields Ladies Football

The U-14 squad went down to Shanahoe in the League on Sunday last iin Abbeyleix after a terrific fightback. Playing against the wind in the first half, they started the second half nine points in arrears. Despite this deficit however, the team staged a marvellous comeback to leave just three points in it at the final whistle. Great credit is due to this team which made such progress since starting training under Aileen O'Loughlin, Grace Weston and Emma McEvoy back in March.

Team: Therese Weston, Amy Grehan, Laura Quigley, Jenny McEvoy, Julieann Culleton, Siobhan Fitzpatrick, Collette Dooley, Aine McEvoy, Claire O'Loughlin, Emma Hayden, Rachel Mullen, Johanne Scott, Sarah Williams, Rosemary Bermingham, Michelle O'Loughlin and Rachel Williams.

In the Minor Championship, the semi-final are scheduled for Sunday November 24 with the final down for the following weekend. Sarsfields, with victories over R & C Gaels, Crettyard and Park/Ratheniska have qualified for a showdown against Timahoe in one side of the draw, while Shanahoe play Crettyard in the second semi-final.

Sports Complex

This year, bookings in the Complex are up considerably on the previous years with a big increase in the numbers playing all indoor sports. The main sports catered for are basketball, five-a-side soccer, indoor hurling, indoor Tug-o-War, Volleyball and a new version of soccer known as futsal. This is also five-a-side game but is played on a confined area about the size of a basketball court.

Every Thursday evening between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Futsal is on show in the Complex and it is hoped that a Midland area League will develop from the present exploratory process.
On Sunday last the Complex played host to the Leinster Indoor Tug-o-war group as they staged an Open Tournament with teams from as far away as Donegal and Armagh. Teams pull against each other using the usual rope on special mats.

The Mountmellick Sports Complex Board would like to thank all those who purchased tickets in the recent draw run in conjunction with the parish. The proceeds will go some way towards meeting the huge overdraft still standing.

Laois Football Manager to visit Glanbia

Mick O'Dwyer Manager of Laois county footballers will be in attendance at Glanbia Mountmellick from 2 p.m. next Friday 15th November 15.

Cemetery Committee

Annual Church Gate collection takes place this weekend November 16/17.
The public's generosity would be gratefully appreciated.

Maniax Fóroige Club

Fóroige held their A.G.M. on Wednesday October 23. The following were elected: Chairperson: Ellen Comerford; Assistant Chairperson: Lisa Dunne; Secretary: Áine Mortimer; Assistant Secretary: Aoife Dempsey; Treasurer: Dearbhail McEniry; Assistant Treasurer: Karen Joyce; PRO: Denise Turner; Assistant PRO: Megan Kearney.

GAA News

Mountmellick U/17 football: Mountmellick got this year's U/17 championship off to a good start as they had a comprehensive win over Ballyfin on a score of 6-17 to 1-5. Mountmellick got off to a great start and never let up as their forwards ran in the scores. They play the next round at the weekend possibly, check fixtures.

Scorers: Oliver Dickson 1-8; Declan Conroy 2-4; Cormac Hannon 2-2, Patrick Gorry 1-1, Lee Collins 0-1 and Michael Holland 0-1.

Team: Stephen Morrissey, Garry Colton, David McKane, Lee Collins, Conor Dormer, Paul Hibbits, Michael Bermingham, Patrick Gorry, Bernard Rochford, Michael Holland, Declan Conroy, Anthony Ward, Paul Stapleton, Oliver Dickson, Cormac Hannon, David Tynan and Keith Culliton.

Mountmellick GAA club would like to congratulate Oliver Dickson on being part of the Laois U-16 football team that won the Leinster Tournament.

Footballers meeting: A meeting of all footballers will be held in the Clubhouse in Acragar on Friday night next at 8.30 p.m. All players are expected to attend.

Macra na Feirme

Congratulations is extended to Claire Burns, Patrick Culleton, Donna Le Blanc & Kieran McEvoy who successfully went through to the semi-finals of Impromptu and Public Speaking respectively last weekend. Well done to all involved.
During the coming weeks Macra members will be selling tickets in order to find the extension to the existing Macra Hall. Your support would be appreciated. Contact any member for further details.

Door-Stop Recycling

Final Collection takes place on Wednesday November 13. Please have bins ready for collection.

P.T.A.A. Dinner Dance

The annual PTAA dinner dance is being held on Friday, November 15 in The Hazel Hotel, Monasterevin. Tickets at €18. each are available from any member.

Laois Writers

The Laois writers group will meet in County Hall, Portlaoise on Tuesday, November 19 from 7 pm to 9 pm. New members are always welcome.

Embroidery Classes

Mountmellick embroidery classes continue every Tuesday night from 8 pm to 10 pm in the MDA offices, lrishtown. All are welcome. To learn more about Mountmellick Embroidery click here

Special Services

Mountmellick Methodist Church are holding a week long series of special services which commenced on Sunday, November 10 at 7 pm and is continuing each week night at 8 pm.

The speaker is Mr Michael Williams whose work with the Stauros Foundation involves dealing with people who have addiction problems. His topic for the week will be 'The Work of the Holy Spirit'. Everyone will be made most welcome.

St. Paul's Parish

There will be a sale of work in the old school, Pearse Street on Saturday, November 16 from 11 am to 4 pm. There will be all the usual stalls and your support would be welcomed.

Community Care Whist

October 23: top score, Kathleen McHugh; ladies, 1, Vera Hutchinson; 2, Francis Gleeson; gents, 1, Denny Kelly; 2, Fran Tobin; halves, ladies, 1, Mrs L Cleary and B O'Brien; 2, Rita Fitzpatrick; gents, 1, Mick Kelly, 2, John Bracken.
October 30: top score, Elizabeth Fletcher; ladies 1, Rita Fitzpatrick; 2, Nellie Thompson; gents, 1, Tom Kearns and Cecil Thompson; halves, ladies, 1, Kit Molloy and B O'Brien; 2, Jane Brennan; gents, 1, Paddy Dolan and Alice McRedmond; 2, John Bracken.
Old School Whist

November 7: top score, F Gleeson; ladies, 1, E Moran; 2, B O'Brien; gents, 1, C Thompson; 2, V Kearns; halves, 1, B Thompson; 2, P Dolan; best of three games, J Clooney.

The committee appreciate your continued support every Thursday night.

Bridge

Free sub night: October 17- winners - Sr Madeline and Sr Rosari; 2nd on the night - Tina Lalor and Bronagh Shiels.
October 24: sponsored prizes: N/S, 1, Joan Sheedy and Ann Rochford; 2, Ann Flynn and Leo Poole; E/W 1, Sr Rosari and Sr Madeline; 2, Bridie Flanagan and Maureen McCabe.
October 31: N/S, 1, Kathleen Booth and Elizabeth Earley; 2, Jenny Brennan and Anne Higgins; E/W, 1, Mai Flanagan and Betty Meredith; joint 2, Ann Rochford and Valerie Turley and Breda Hogan and Ann Marie McHugh.

Retirement Group

The above will hold a sale of work in the Town Hall on Sunday, November 24 from 2 pm to 4.30 pm. Proceeds in aid of St Vincent de Paul Society.

Mountmellick Ladies Basketball

Mountmellick ladies basketball club would like to thank the following for their generous sponsorship for the 2002 / 2003 season: Gerry and Caroline, The Druid and Gerry Lawlor, electrician.

Both teams were in action this weekend, the B team put up a brave performance against Portlaoise, with Portlaoise pulling away in the final quarter.
The A team had a comfortable victory after league newcomers Mullingar.
Upcoming fixtures: Mountmellick B v Rathangan, Saturday, November 23 at 6.45 pm and Mountmellick A v Clonaslee B on Saturday, November 23 at 8.15 pm, both in Mountmellick community sports centre.

The club would like to thank all who contributed to their recent Church gate collection.

Community Care

The above will hold their Christmas party in the Hazel Hotel on Sunday, January 21, 2003.

I.F.A. A.G.M.

The AGM of Mountmellick IFA will be held in the ICA Hall on Thursday, November 14 at 8pm. Mr Joe Coleman, District Inspector with the Department of Agriculture, will address the meeting on Department inspection procedures., compliance checks with the CMMS system, and details of the penalty system. All are welcome to attend.

Glanbia Agribusiness & Hardware

Yes, Christmas 2002 starts in Mountmellick on 15th November next with our launch of our new Toy & Christmas 2002 range of products. Be there and join with us in thie great Celebration Sale with a Monster Raffle over €1,000 in prizes.

In-store demonstrations, free offers, bargains galore, a specially erected Marquee for refreshments and so much more.

Mick O'Dwyer, Laois GAA County Manager, will be in attendance on Friday, 15th at 2 p.m.

With over 10,000 products from animal feed, fertilisers, veterinary and dairy to household, building materials, paints, toys, etc, we try to provide as much a selection for the home and the farm as possible.

Just some of our products:

And if we don't have what you want just tell us and we will do our best to oblige.
Yes come on down this week to our store in Mountmellick and pick up some of the many BARGAINS on offer.

Many FREE OFFERS will be also available this week so don't miss out there are plenty for everyone.

This is the time of year when you invariably turn your attention to all those odd jobs you've been threatening to do before Christmas. So come on in and help us help you to finish those jobs in style, be it painting the living room, planting those spring bulbs, putting down timber flooring, putting in central heating, changing that old bathroom suite, Iooking at changing that electric cooker, changing that old gate, getting the dairy painted, washing down the yard, or just keeping up to date with D.I.Y.
About the Branch

Mountmellick branch is situated in the centre of the town of Mountmellick between Portlaoise and Tullamore, Emo and Birr. The branch is servicing a large hinterland of mixed farming and general hardware needs. The branch has a full and comprehensive range of products with technical back up service to the highest level with a helpful and understanding staff.

The aim of Mountmellick staff is to please our customer. We believe shopping in Glanbia Mountmellick should be and is a pleasurable experience - we will try our best, that's our promise.

The branch also has a Builder's Merchants/Hardware Retail Shop, supplying a comprehensive range of household, electrical appliances, building, plumbing, gardening and DIY products, you're looking for. Paul Hogan is Retail Manager and John Carroll is Branch Manager, both will assist you with your enquiries. Why not call in to see us the next time you are in the area. Our friendly staff will assist you with any queries you might have.

As a member of one of Ireland's largest hardware groups (Topline Hardware) we can offer you the customer many outstanding offers and competitive prices on a wide range of materials both from price, service and quality.

Glanbia Mountmellick offers a wide range of products and services:


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