06-09-2003
Mountmellick United to name ground after Conor Davis
Mountmellick United soccer club will name their new ground Conor Davis Park in memory of the 18-year-old player who tragically died last year from cancer.
Conor Davis, a promising soccer player and Gaelic footballer, passed away late last year and his memory will be perpetuated on Friday evening (6pm) when members of his family will join with the soccer club and local dignitaries for a naming ceremony on the new ground at Bay Road.
Mountmellick United, who are providing soccer for scores of players from underage up to Youths, juniors and women, have already seeded their new pitch and will be playing there next season.
Founded in 1970, the club is currently based at the nearby Smith’s Field but it has long been their ambition to have a permanent home.
To that end, they purchased five acres from Laois County Council and embarked on a €150,000 development project which when complete, will ensure Mountmellick United has one of the finest grounds in the region.
“The council have been very good to us and we have to thank them for that. Laois Sports Partnership helped us too and we got between €40,000 and €50,000 from the Department of Sport through the Lottery,” said Ron Lalor, a former longserving official of the club who is involved in the Conor Davis Park project.
The club have planning permission to erect dressingrooms at the ground and this work will take place once the first phase is complete.
The ground will be officially named at a ceremony on Friday evening and afterwards there will be a celebration buffet in the Mellick Inn.
Action call on ‘chaotic’ Mountmellick traffic
“WE are not talking Manhattan. We are talking Mountmellick,” noted Deputy John Moloney at a County Council area meeting on Monday.
He was supporting Cllr David Goodwin’s call for immediate action to improve traffic flow in Mountmellick.
On a lighter note, Deputy Moloney said there were problems in O’Moore Street on Saturdays because Cllr Goodwin’s clinics were causing extra traffic.
Cllr Goodwin: “Nothing has happened except that the town has got further congested. We are going to have to do something.”
Deputy Moloney said moves were afoot that could take up to 250 cars off the street. But in the interim they were asking the Co Council to do something, he stressed.
Mountmellick Town Council Chairman Paddy Bracken: “The Co Council has made no great effort over the years to facilitate off-street parking. It’s chaotic at the moment. In the short-term we need some sort of measures to keep business in the town.”
Cllr Seamus McDonald: “The sooner the inner relief road is done the better.”
Cllr Goodwin: “The very people who are contributing to the rates are being impeded from making a living.”
Deputy Co Manager Declan Byrne: “It is acknowledged that there is a problem. There is a LUTS (land use and transportation study) going to start this year. It will be looking at the whole situation in Mountmellick with a view to coming up with a recommendation.”
He added: “In the short-term we are going to look at the suggestions put forward by public representatives. I will report back in the shortest possible time.”
Congratulations
Congratulations to Ann Kavanagh of Mountmellick Athletic Club on winning the Longford half marathon on Sunday, June 23. Well done Ann from all in Mountmellick Athletic Club.
Mountmellick Tennis Club
The coaching programme for the autumn will start on Wednesday, September 10. This will consist of an 8 lesson course to be held on a Wednesday afternoon or Sunday morning. Adults tennis will now take place on Saturday mornings during September.
The Club is mnning an introduction to tennis coaching course for 6 to 18 year olds with little tennis experience. This will be a 5 lesson course costing only e10. Anyone interested contact Bryan.
Old School Whist
Results, August 28: top score, A Walsh; ladies, 1, 8 Thompson; 2, V Bryan; gents, 1, K McHugh; 2, J Culliton and M Buggy; halves, 1, A Mahon; 2, M Gorman; best of three games, B O'Brien; free pass,A Walsh.
The committee appreciate you continued support every Thursday night.
Knock
The Legion of Mary will have a bus travelling to Knock on Sunday, September 14.
Names of those wishing to travel to be given to any Legion of Mary member, all are welcome to come along.
Irish Dancing
Irish dancing classes will restart on Friday, September 5 in the Owenass Hall. Beginners - 5 pm to 6 pm; advanced group 1-6 pm to 7 pm; advanced group 2-7 pm to 8 pm.
Contact Leona for information.
Lourdes
A Mass of thanksgiving will be celebrated in St. Joseph's GNS on Monday, September 8 at 8 pm for those who travelled on pilgrimage to Lourdes in July. Those interested in joining next year's pilgrimage are also welcome to attend.
Grow Group
A Grow Group has begun in Mountmellick. If you are someone who experiences depression, anxiety attacks or who is simply in need of company do come along.
You will have an opportunity to meet others, share your problems in confidence, get support and make new friends. All are welcome.
Meetings will take place in the MDA, Irishtown at 3 pm every Monday.
For further information please contact Harriet.
Laois Citizen Information Service
The above is in attendance every Wednesday at MDA Irishtown from 10 am to 12.30 pm or else may be contacted at the Portlaoise office.
Anyone who would like help with tax problems, social welfare entitlements, health, housing or any related problem are welcome to attend.
Mother and Toddler
Mother & Toddler Group starts on Thursday Sept. 11 at 10 o’clock in The Methodist Church Hall. Parents and Toddlerrs welcome.
Community Care Whist Results
Top: John Bracken. 1st lady: B. O’Brien, 2nd Lady: Violet Bryan. 1st Gent: Cecil Thompson, 2nd Gent; Jim Delaney. 1st Half Lady: Kathleen McHugh, 2nd Half Lady: Vera Hutchinson. 1st Half Gent: Mick Buggie, 2nd Half Gent: Danny Kelly.
Rock GAA
The Seniors had to settle for a draw in their second round championship game against Ballyroan Rovers at O’Moore Park on Wednesday August 27.
The Rock had much the better of the opening quarter and lead five points to no score. Ballyroan got their opening score on the eighteenth minute and added three more before The Rock finished the half strongly with three points from Mark and Paul Dunne and David Murphy. Halftime score The Rock 0-8, Ballyroan Rovers 0-4. The crucial score of the second half was a goal eight minutes from time by Ballyroan Rovers, which levelled the match.
Two minutes later they took the lead for the first time with a point. The Rock however had the final say and levelled the match with three minutes remaining, which proved to be the final score of the game. Final score The Rock 0-13, Ballyroan Gaels 1-10.
Most prominent for The Rock were Tom McDonald, Mick and Martin Buggy in defence Mark Dunne at midfield while up front Stephen McDonald and David Murphy wre best.
The Rock team was; Pio Wall, James McDonald, Mick Buggy, Tom McDonald, Paddy Dunne, Derek Conroy, Martin Buggy, Brian Fitzpatrick, Mark Dunne, Stephen McDonald, Paul Dunne, John McDonald, P.J. Harding, James Murphy, David Murphy. The Rock now play Stradbally this weekend with the winners going through to the quarter finals.
Mountmellick Macra
Congratulations to Kieran McEvoy who competed in the Annual Summer Sun Competition in Moate last weekend. A great weekend was had by all.
Can members please note that the Clubs A.G.M. will be held on the Sept. 19 at 8pm sharp. Can all members please attend. New members are always welcome.
Ladies Basketball Club
Mountmellick Ladies Basketball Club will hold a pre-season meeting in the Mountmellick Sports Complex on Friday evening, September 5 at 9pm.
Church Gate Collection
The annual church gate collection for Concern will be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 6 and 7. Generous support would be greatly appreciated.
