01-02-2003

Meeting to 'get green' in Mountmellick

They want to "think green" in Mountmellick. To this end Mountmellick Environment Group recently organised an information meeting. The meeting's purpose was to inform people on the successful reduction of waste and eco-friendly disposal of rubbish.

The theme of this meeting was "reduce, reuse, recycle". The meeting was organised in association with Mountmellick Development Association.

Chaired by Sister Imelda Carew of the Mountmellick Environment Group, various speakers outlined how some organisations have begun initiatives to help in waste reduction and recycling. Teresa McCrohan co-ordinator of the green school project in St Josephs Primary school told about they had successfully reduced waste in the school by up to 60 per cent.

Ger Lynch and Helen Hanson of Mountmellick Door Stop Recycling addressed the meeting. They told how they began a pilot project in 2000 and how it has progressed. It began with about 100 homes. However they say it would need to be enlarged in areas of dense population to make it viable.

Christeoir O'Brien of AES explained the new blue bin system. Everyone will be able to get one of these new bins he says and information is on the accompanying leaflet. Kathleen Cussen of Kyletalisha Environment Group spoke and explained the groups work with the council. Frances Brophy, Environmental Awareness Officer and John Ging, Litter Warden of Laois County Council spoke about their roles.

Home composting was one way forward and a demonstration was given at the meeting by Catherine Coleman, a home composter. A large number of subsidised home composters were sold on the night. "We intend to continue to raise awareness among adults and youth of the importance of caring for the environment" says Sister Imelda.

Mountmellick's Environment Group's motto is "By Working together, we can make a difference". The group was formed in late 2001 when a group of people interested in home composting came together. The group work promote good environmental practice throughout Mountmellick. They say new members are always welcome.

Mountmellick Senior Citizens celebrate

Community Care in Mountmellick hosted its annual dance for the local senior citizens last Sunday week. This year’s event was held in the Hazel in Monasterevein. 81 people attended this years event, some 20 down on last year. This is only one of the many events organised by this busy group who provide services for Mounmellick’s senior citizens. By all accounts it was a thoroughly enjoyable event and a great time was had by all.

The oldest person attending this years dance was Madge Whelan at 91. Madge performed the honour of cutting the cake along with James Dooley who would only reveal he was “over 21”. In fact once the music began according to organiser Sheila Kearney, the dancers took to the floor, “they put a lot of us younger ones to shame” said Sheila.

There were over 80 spot prizes given out on the evening and the committee want to thank all those who donated spot prizes. Music was provided by Peter Smith who regularly plays at events run by Community Care. The group wish to thank him for all his work over the years.

Sheila says Community Care is always looking for volunteers. One time it had a quite a large number of people but now only 6 or 7 people carry out all the work. Community Care provides meals, laundry services and organises functions and outings for the senior citizens in the community. However, Meals on Wheels is now provided by the Midland Health Board but Community Care delivers the meals.

Scrooge

The students of Mountmellick Community School present their production of Scrooge for one night only on Thursday, February 6 at 8pm in Mountmellick Community School.
Tickets cost Ä5 and are available from O’Gorman’s shop in Mountmellick or from the cast of the production.

Ladies Football

The juniors continued their winning ways with an impressive victory over Our Lady’s of Drogheda in Leixlip on Tuesday last.

The final score was Mountmellick Community School, 6 - 7, Drogheda 3 - 9.
Team: Colette Dooley, Amy Grehan, Gemma Bergin, Laura Quigley, Julianne Culleton, Patrice Deffew, Cassie Dunne, Jennifer McEvoy, Claire O’Loughlin, Therese Weston, Olwyn Farrell, Emma Hayden, Rachel Mullen, Sarah Williams, Claire Conlon. Subs: Michelle O’Loughlin, Nicole Dowling.

The senior squad face their biggest test to date when they meet St. Michael’s of Navan in the Leinster Senior A semi-final on Tuesday next, February 4.

Enrolment

Enrolment and assessment testing at Mountmellick Community School will take place on Saturday, February 1 at 9am.

Macra Panto

Mountmellick Macra's pantomime starts this week. The dates to remember are Wednesday, January 29 to Sunday, February 2 at 8.30 pm nightly, all to be seated by 8.15 pm.

Tickets available from O'Gorman's shop and from any Macra member. Tickets £7. for adults and £5. for children with reductions for students and OAPs. Wednesday is a special night for children and students with tickets priced at £5. on the night. Early booking is advised particularly for the weekend nights.

School Quiz 2003

Mountmellick Credit Union are holding their annual school quiz on Monday, February 3 in St Patrick's BNS, Davitt Road at 8.30 pm. Children 13 years of age and under can enter. Super prizes to be won. For registration forms please contact Ann.

O’Connell Coaches

Due to the increase in traffic going into Dublin we have had to change our departure times from Mountmellick to the following - departing Mountmellick at 6.15 am, 6.45 am and 8 am Monday to Friday Saturday mornings 8.30 am and Sunday evenings 7 pm.

Sports Table Quiz

Mountmellick Juvenile Soccer Club are holding a sports quiz on Wednesday, January 29 at 9.30 pm in The Druid. Table of four is €16. Please support.

Camogie

There will be a general meeting to discuss the future of camogie in this area in Ballyfin Hall on Saturday, February 1 at 6.30 pm. All interested in camogie are welcome to attend.

Parish Draw

The parish draw will be held on Friday, January 31 at 8.30 pm in the sports complex. Monthly payments should be made to the parish office on or before Thursday, January 30.

Clonaghadoo NS

The above would like to thank all who sponsored and helped raise funds for Zambia. € 500 was collected.

The school is also collecting tokens from the Irish Independent's Building for the Future and would greatly appreciate if people would collect and sent these tokens to the school.
Reading With A Mission

Please lend your support to the girls from 1st to 6th classes from St Joseph's GNS in their Readathon in aid of the work of Sr Mary Lucey, a Presentation Sister in Zambia.
To date the girls of 6th class have raised € 700. through the sale of Christmas tags and plants. This had already been forwarded to Zambia. During the ‘Reading With A Mission’, they can read any books they wish and just ask friends, family and neighbours for sponsorship. The reading ends on Friday, February 7.

First Years

The assessment testing for incoming first year students will take place on the morning of Saturday, February 1.

Cub Scouts

The above have resumed meetings on Thursday nights in the Owenass Hall at 7 pm.

Brownies

Brownies have resumed on Wednesday nights at 7 pm in ICA House.

Lourdes

Names and deposits are now being taken for this year's. pilgrimage to Lourdes, from Saturday, July 16 to Thursday, July 31.

Mountmellick Embroidery

Classes have resumed in MDA on Tuesday nights from 8 pm to 10 pm. Beginners and improvers welcome.

Sponsored Slim For Cancer

Volunteers are needed to take part in a sponsored slim for the Cancer Society. If you wish to shape up after Christmas.

Mountmellick G.A.A. A.G.M.

The above will be held on Thursday, January 30 at 8.30 pm in the clubhouse at Acragar. All interested parties welcome to attend, all parents of players. and intending players especially welcome.

P.T.A.A.

The AGM will take place in ICA House on Monday, February 10 at 8 pm. The regional meeting will be held in Portlaoise on Wednesday, January 29 at 8 pm.

Weight Watchers

The meetings have changed venue. Classes are now held in The Druid lounge entrance. Classes start at 5.30 pm and 6.45 pm.

Training For Eucharistic Ministers

Anyone interested in training to become a Eucharistic minister can attend a course at Mount St. Ann's on three consecutive Monday nights, February 3, 10 and 17 at 8.15 pm each night. If you wish to attend this course please contact Carol in the parish office by this Thursday, January 30.

Old School Whist

Results for January 23 were top score, V Hutchinson; ladies., 1; K Molloy; 2, R Cole and R Fitzpatrick; gents; 1, M Kelly; 2, D Con roy; halves., 1, J Delaney; 2, E Moran; best of three, B O'Brien.

The organisers. appreciate your continued support every Thursday night.
Juvenile Presentation

GAA

Players, team mentors, members, of Mountmellick GAA club, family, friends and invited guests gathered in the Old Mill Restaurant last Saturday evening, January 25 to celebrate the U/14 Mountmellick footballers great achievement. In 2002 they won the A county football championship for the second year in a row.

The guest of honour on the night was Laois county football manager Mick O'Dwyer who presented the team with their medals. Among the invited guests. were Andrew Broderick and Dorothy Heams. of Bord na nOg, Rev. Fr. Francis MacNamara PP, Fr. Joseph Whittle CC, Fr. Noel Dunphy CC, John Moloney TD, Cis Geoghan of Mountmellick Credit Union and chairperson of Mountmellick Town Council Michael Gormley.

Andrew Broderick, Fr. MacNamara, team mentor Gerry O'Flaherty and John Moloney TD spoke in turn complimenting the team on their achievement.

MC for the evening Teddy O'Shea then introduced Mick O'Dwyer who gave an encouraging and inspiring talk to the boys. The evening concluded with everyone enjoying the refreshments.

Those receiving medals were Conor O'Shea, Darren McDermott, Gearoid Hanrahan, Sam Barraclough, Jason Hogan, John O'Loughlin, Eoghan O'Neill, David Tynan, Ciaran Rochford, CoIm Coss, Diarmuid O'Flaherty, Gary Kirwan, Brian Whelan, Sean Culleton, Kevin Donogher, Donnacha Hanlon, CoIm Hanlon, Daniel O'Riordan, Shane Carter, Patrick Joyce and Gary Dowling.

The Juvenile Club extend their gratitude to all involved and to the management staff of the Old Mill.

Ladies Football / Camogie

The postponed Laois minor football final is down for decision on Saturday next at 2 pm in Ratheniska when Sarsfields take on Shanahoe in a repeat of the 2000 and 2001 finals.
Sarsfields are going for a three in a row of minor titles and the players are very determined to achieve this feat. Most of last years squad are still eligible so hopes are high that the club can capture at least a county title for 2002.

Again the team will be led by Grace Weston, the McEvoy’s, Aileen O’Loughlin, Caroline Bermingham, Fiona Whelan, Mary Hyland plus the Cleary’s and the Fennell’s.
In the camogie scene a general meeting will be held Saturday next to discuss the whole future of the game in the area. As Mountmellick failed to field in 2002 championships the club has negotiated with Ballyfin with the aim of forming a single unit for the entire area.
Saturday’s meeting in Ballyfin Hall, 6.30, will decide the future. Everyone interested in camogie is welcome to attend.

G.A.A. Weekend

The planned GAA trip has been cancelled as it clashed with Valentine’s weekend bookings at hotels. The trip has been re-scheduled to take in the league game versus Cavan on March 22 and 23 so book your place now.

Dinner Dance Mountmellick GAA Club

Mountmellick camogie club and Sarsfields ladies football club will hold their annual dinner dance on Saturday, February 8 in the Montague Hotel. Tickets at £25. are available from the clubs.

Places still available for Mountmellick drama workshop

Laois Youth Theatre’s ever popular workshops have started up again around Laois and once more, places are being snapped up as quickly as they appear. The Portlaoise workshops are already full and trail a waiting list of hopeful applicants, but there is good news in the fact that the Mountmellick classes still have a number of places available.

The workshops began in the Owenass Hall in Mountmellick on Saturday, January 11 and will run for 12 weeks, every Saturday, from 11 am to 1 pm. As well as the weekly workshops, members will have the opportunity to meet with other Youth Theatre groups nationwide, through exchanges and festivals. The Co-ordinator is Helen Cullen, who has worked very successfully with Laois Youth Theatre for a number of years.

As the places still available are likely to be filled quickly, applicants should contact the Arts Officer, Laois County Council.