09-08-2003

Absent Cllrs sink Mountmellick project

A move to contravene the County Development Plan to facilitate what Cllr Charles Flanagan described as “a first class development” in Mountmellick failed at the Council monthly meeting on Monday—because the necessary number of members was not present.

Owenass Development Ltd was seeking permission to erect a steel framed 20,000 sq feet building, with offices, canteen, toilets, a light industrial and manfacturing area, and external storage and parking facilities at Townpark, Mountmellick.

A material contravention of the County Development Plan requires the support of three-fourths of the Council’s entire 25-strong membership.

That threshold was not reached on Monday. Seventeen Councillors supported the contravention. There was one abstention (Cllr Michael Costello). There were no votes against.

Cllr Flanagan criticized Mayor Joe Digan for the way he had treated such a “very important project.”

Mayor Digan said he couldn’t force Coucillors to remain in the chamber.

Earlier, Co Manager Martin Riordan had described the Owenass project as a “very worthwhile development.” He added: “There is nothing controversial about it.”
Mayor Digan: “It is going to create jobs.”

Cllr Flanagan: “This is a most important development. It is an issue of some importance not only to Mountmellick, but to the county.”

Mountmellick’s mardi

Mountmellick's Mardi Gras had been postponed to facilitate Laois football followers who will be supporting the county side in the All-Ireland Quarter Final against Armagh this Sunday.

The new dates chosen for the festival are Friday, August 8, Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10.

Bikers to tour the country for charity

Bikers from the region plan to cover the 32 counties of Ireland in 24 hours on a sponsored motorcycle charity run in aid of Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin.

Kick starting from Portarlington early on Friday September 5, the plan is to finish up in Carlow on Saturday, September 6, on the last stage of a countrywide tour that has been called ‘Route 32’.

The whole idea came from Portarlington man, Paddy Downey, who was inspired by the staff in Our Lady’s Hospital who were looking after his two-year-old niece, Leona Strong from Emo, who was diagnosed with Leukaemia four months ago.

Mr. Downey said: “Having seen the great work carried out in the hospital - some very good friends and I decided to raise money for the hospital by driving around the 32 counties of Ireland in 24 hours on our motorbikes.”

The riders involved in the marathon fundraiser are; Paddy Downey and Joe Whyte from Portarlington, Larry Dowling and Denis Conroy from Mountmellick, Eddie Dempsey and Derek Connolly from Monasterevin and Pat Arnold from Tullamore.

Frank O’Rourke from the Children’s Medical and Research Foundation said: “To maintian the highest standards, and improve services, supplimentary funding must be raised to purchase high-tech equipment and fund important research projects. It is the generous support of many friends that enables us to do this.”

Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin, is a national referral hospital that caters to the needs of seriously ill children living throughout the country.

All proceeds from ‘Route 32’ will go to Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, and there is a bank account set up at A.I.B. Portarlington, where sponsorship funds can be deposited. The Branch NSC is 933279, the current account number is 08047033 and the reg. number is 30804796.

U/12 Hurling Championships

Mountmellick had a great victory in the division 3 league final recently against Rosenallis in Colt. This was a very close match between two evenly matched teams. Mountmellick managed to pull away in the end with a score line of 4-3 to 1-0.

It was a great performance by all of the boys and girls on the panel and now they are busy training for the championship on Wednesdays at 6.30pm.

Panel: M Dowling, M McDermott, S Christie, K Dunphy, R Williams, E Melia, A Dunphy, D Whelan, K Donoher, J Quigley, S George, P Keating, G Dunne, L Kenny, G Conroy, D Brennan, C Dunne, G Conroy, T Keating and E Hogan.

Special thanks to Shaws, Mountmellick who kindly presented shorts to all of the boys and girls involved.

Mountmellick u/12s reach County final

Wednesday, July 23 saw Mountmellick out in action again against Portlaoise in the Ul2 A Championship football. A very good strong display all round was given by both teams. Mountmel lick centre fields and forwards proved to be the better winning by 1-8 to 1-2.
Scorers: Karl Donoher 0-7, Robert Dowling 1-0 and Ronan Gorry 0-1.

Team: Daryl Malone, James Quigley, Sean George, Gary Donoher, Mark Dowling, Gary Fitzpatrick, Ben Forde, David Whelan, Declan Kenny, Ronan Gory, Eddie Melia, Karl Donoher, Niall Donoher, Robert Dowling, Patrick Keating, Eoin Hogan and Oisin Hanlon.
This now brings Mountmellick in to the u/l2 county final.

Festival Fun

Mountmellick is really getting into festive mood this weekend with the annual mardi gras
being held in the town from Friday, August 1 to Sunday, August 3. The committee have been working quietly but energetically behind the scenes for some time now to bring an even bigger and better festival to the town.

The first big announcement of the weekend will be the winner in the lord mayor competition. This is an important part of each year's mardi gras and the winner offidally opens the festival.

The mayor this year will be one of two candidates - Aileen O'Loughlin who is fund raising for Sarsfield's Ladies Football Club or Kevin Conroy who is fund raising for Mountmellick Soccer Club.

The new lord mayor will be unveiled on Friday evening and will receive his/her chain of office from outgoing lord mayor James Le Blanc (who won on behalf of St. Vincent's Hospital Patients Benefit Fund last year).

The opening parade on Friday evening will feature the Mitchell family, the amazing Johnny Houdini, local entrants in the fancy dress competition, children's favourite TV characters such as Bob the Builder, dmmmers, stilt walkers and fire eaters and will be led by the Maverick bikers and the new lord mayor.

The evening will provide more entertainment with a waiter's race and a disco in O'Connell Square. The highlight of the evening will be after dusk when the festivities move to the MDA car park in lrishtown where a magnificent fireworks display will feature.

Each year this has been a most impressive and enjoyable spectacle.

Sports fans are not forgotten and on both Friday and Sunday evening they can enjoy an indoor soccer tournament in the Mountmellick Community Sports Centre in the grounds of Mountmellick Community School. All spectators welcome.

On Saturday the emphasis in on the children of the town with the entertainment in the afternoon and early evening chosen with them specially in mind. First up in the Concert Hall is a free show featuring the amazing and spectacular Johnny Houdini from 2 pm to 4 pm.

Once the show is over all should proceed along to O'Connell Square to meet the face painters and try some art of their own in the pavement painting competition. Bring along your coloured chalks and let your imagination run wild and see what prizes you can collect. The competition starts at 4 pm and concludes at 6 pm.

Time for a short break them before live music begins in O'Connell Square from 8.30 pm to 10.30 pm with The Jury. A highlight of the night will be the finals of the air guitar competition at 9.30pm.

The winner of this competition will travel to Finland for the World Championships. Last year winner Avril Hannon of Debbicot travelled and greatly enjoyed her stay.

On Sunday morning treasure hunters are invited to gather at 11 am for the annual treasure hunt organised this year by Cllr. David Conroy. Just bring a carload of friends and try your hand at the clues to be in with a chance to win a prize.

An exhibition of Mountmellick work will be open in the Community Sports Complex from 2 pm to 6 pm so why not call into view this intricate historic needlework.

A plethora of entertainment will be on offer in Smith's field on Sunday afternoon from 2 pm to 6 pm with family fun day. With bouncing castles, gladiator arena, face painting, boxo, fun stalls, glamourous granny, bonny baby and races, there is something for everyone in the family. The big draw of the afternoon - the tug-c-war - will take place at 4 pm so why not come along and cheer your favourite team.

There is live music in O'Connell Square on Sunday evening from 7.30 pm to 9 pm to close the festival with The Closkey Hopkins Band featuring Mike Henry, Bob Hunt and the Chris Barber Band. For those who like a gamble don't forget bingo takes place in the Owenass Hall at 8 pm on Sunday night.

Portnahinch

The annual Mass in Portnahinch cemetery will be held on Wednesday, August 6 at 8 pm and all are welcome along.

Lord Mayor

The annual lord mayor campaign is well underway in the town. This year there are two contenders. Aileen O'Loughlin is running on behalf of Sarsfields ladies football club while Kevin Conroy is Mountmellick United Soccer Club's candidate.

Both will be out and about with their supporters looking for your support.

Aileen is fund raising to develop underage ladies football while Kevin's fund raising will contribute to the development of the Soccer Club's new grounds at Bay Road which will be named Conor Davis Park in memory of the late Conor Davis.

Graigue Mass

The annual Mass in Graigue cemetery will be held on Friday, August 8 at 7.30 pm. The cemetery is in very good condition and is a credit to the committee. All are welcome to attend this Mass.

Mountmellick Tennis Club

Coaching on Saturday is cancelled. Competitions will be run on Tuesday from 3.15 pm for Mini Tennis and 4.30 pm for Teenagers Tennis. The third summer camp will be run from Monday, August 18 until Friday, August 22. Anyone interested contact Bryan.

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, lrishtown at 3 pm every Monday. For further information please contact Harriet.

Laois Citizens’ Information Advice

The above is in attendance every Wednesday at MDA lrishtown 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.

Thanks

Mountmellick cub scouts thank all who supported their annual church gate last weekend.
Your support was greatly appreciated.

Knock

The Legion of Mary will have a bus travelling to Knock on Sunday, September 14.
Names are being taken for those wishing to travel, all are welcome to come along.

Old School Whist

Results, August 24: top score, P Dowling; ladies, 1, V Bryan; 2, V Hutchinson; gents, 1, M Gowing; 2, F Conroy and J Delaney; halves, 1, Sr. Madeline; 2, B Keegan; free pass, J Clooney; Best of three games, A Mahon. The committee appreciate your continued support every Thursday night.

Slieve Bloom Walking

This weekend there will be a grade B walk on Sunday, August 3 covering a distance of eight miles which should take approximately five hours. This walk will be led by Ger Moss and all should assemble at Kinnitty Castle car park at 2 pm.

As this is a grade B walk it is only suitable for those who walk on a regular basis and have a reasonable level of fitness. Strong waterproof footwear and protective outdoor clothing is recommended.

Registration will take place in the car park prior to the walk and cost €5 per person if not a member. Membership for a year cost only €15 single or €20 for a family.

The Rock GAA

Laois senior footballers will play all Ireland champions Armagh this weekend in the All Ireland quarter final. Laois who defeated Arinagh by three points in the League semi final will be hoping for more of the same at the weekend.

Best of luck to Derek Con roy and Tom McDonald and the entire panel. Best wishes also to the minors who will be hoping to bounce back following their Leinster final defeat to Dublin when they take on Ulster champions Tyrone in the All Ireland quarter final also this weekend.

Mountmellick P.T.A.A.

Mountmellick P.T.A.A. wish to thank al the Girls and Boys who participated in the Leinster Sports Finals in Ballinabranna, Carlow on Saturday June 25. Special word of congratulations is due to the boys under 12 Gaelic Football and Soccer teams who contested and won both Leinster titles, hey have now qualified for the All-Ireland Finals in St. Mel’s College, Longford on Saturday September 13.

Mountmellick P.T.A.A. wish them the best of luck in the All-Ireland finals.
The Gaelic Football team was; Daryl Malone, Robert Dowling, Gary Fitzpatrick, Sean Grorge, Eddie melia, Cian Hyland, Michael Horan.

The soccer team was; Daryl Malone, Gary Fitzpatrick, Robert Dowling, Sean George, Eddie Melia, Cian Hyland.

Ladies Football News

The Laois Ladies failed in their bid to add another Leinster title to the county’s 2003 collection when they went down by six points to Dublin in Carlow on Sunday.
Four Sarsfields players featured in the Laois panel. Grace Weston operated as a wing back while Emma McEvoy and Aileen O’Loughlin played as corner forward and half forward respectively.

Unfortunately they were unable to hold back the Dubliners, but all is not lost, Laois are now into the quarter final via the famous ‘back door’ system. This match is scheduled for the last weekend of August.

There’s no rest for the county players however as Sarsfields have some unfinished business in last year’s minor championship. The final of the 2002 competition against Shanahoe was originally fixed for December 14 but was postponed due to the tragic death of Conor Davis.

When the sides eventually met in February, it ended all square at 0 - 7 each. So the rematch is down for Wednesday evening, July 30 at 7.30pm in O’Moore Park.

Camogie

O’Moores Camogie Club, an amalgation of Ballyfin and Mountmellick have qualified for the County Junior final against either Camross or Harps.

it is a terrific achievement for the new Club in their first year to make it through to the final.
In the matches so far, the team has accounted for St. Brigids, The Harps and Mountrath. Hopes are high that they can make it a historic first for Camogie in North Laois.
Training for u/14 and u/16 takes place in Ballyfin on Wednesdays at 6pm and on Saturdays at 4pm. All those interested in playing are welcome to come along.