15-02-2003

€3m price tag on Town centre site

The former maltings site off the Mountmellick Road is up for sale and the estate agents are accepting offers in excess of €3 million.

The six and a half acre site which is suitable for a mixed scheme of residential and commercial units, only recently came on the market.

Estate Agents Donal O Buachalla are the company negotiating the sale.
The Dublin based property advisors said that it was only early yet but that some people had already enquired about the site that boasts fronting onto both Coote Street and Harper's Lane.

Viewing can be made by appointment.

Tullamore pay penalty as Mountmellick march on

LFL Whiteley Cup, fifth round
Tullamore 0 ....................................Mountmellick Utd 2
Mountmellick have made it into the last eight of the Whiteley Cup as a result of last Sunday’s win over Tullamore.

Early on Paul Lee and Dinny Lynch both shot wide from long range and Tullamore were closing the visitors down well and refusing them space to move the ball quickly.
After 30 minutes the deadline was broken when a long clearance from John Kerry found Robbie Hibbitts who rounded the Tullamore sweeper and put the ball in the net with aplomb.

Tullamore rose their game and on half-time a long, high ball into the Mountmellick box led to a tangle of legs and a penalty was awarded.
Larry Molloy’s spot-kick was saved by a super dive from Martin Forde who flung himself to his right to push the strong shot away.

Mountmellick started the second half in control but were unable to get a second goal. Tullamore kept probing but the opposing defence of John Kerry, Alan Reddin, Kevin Conroy and Turner limited the home side to few shots on target in the half.
Ten minutes from time a pin-point pass from Niall Lynch saw the smallest player on the field, Robbie Hibbitts, rise highest to score a delightful second goal.
Best for the winners were Alan Reddin, Ray Farrell, Mark Parkinson and man of the match Robbie Hibbitts.

Mountmellick relief road ‘going ahead’ – Gormley

“DON’T mind the rumours. I am saying the road is going ahead,” declared Chairman Michael Gormley at Mountmellick Town Council monthly meeting last week.
Cllr David Conroy had said rumours were “abundant” to the effect that the local inner relief road project would be delayed.

Deputy Co Manager said the County Council had received no official documentation on the matter. He cautioned: “It’s wrong to be adding fuel to the fire.”

Chairman Gormley said a special meeting to consider traffic management proposals for Mountmellick would take place on March 3 and would be attended by senior engineers, Town Councillors and Co Councillors for the area.

“Mountmellick is a town that’s almost impossible to get through,” noted the Chairman, who disclosed that he’d discussed the traffic problems with traders and with senior management in County Hall.

Mr Byrne said the Co Council expected to be notified of its funding allocation for roads within a week. “People are well aware of the (traffic) problems in Mountmellick,” he added.

Cllr Patrick Bowe: “What we have been saying has not been listened to.”
Experts advise on Mountmellick Courthouse project

ITEMS of importance in the Courthouse would be preserved, promised Deputy Co Manager Declan Byrne at Mountmellick Town Council monthly meeting last week.
The County Council had formally approved the €255,420 refurbishment project for the building, he explained. Contract documents and bills of quantity were being prepared with a view to going to tender. He hoped the work could be completed this year.

On the ground floor of the Courthouse would be an office and toilets, and, on the second floor, a boardroom and kitchen, Mr Byrne said. The rear section of the building would be developed in the longer term, he added.

Cllr Marc Connolly: “I am delighted that we are proceeding with this at last. I would hope the old courtroom, which is of historical importance, will be retained rather than modernized.”

Mr Byrne said experts were advising the Co Council on the issue and would report on the items of value that were in the Courthouse.

Cllr Helen Hanson: “It would be lovely to retain the court setting.”

Mr Byrne: “This development is encroaching into the courtroom.”

Cllr David Conroy: “I would hope that the outside facade of the Courthouse would not be interfered with because it has characteristics of its own.”

Cllr Patrick Bowe: “The Courthouse is going to be a great asset to the Town Council and people of Mountmellick.”

Cllr Paddy Bracken: “We have all been lobbying for this for a long time.” He suggested that, perhaps, a museum for local artefacts could be incorporated into the building.
Chairman Michael Gormley praised Mr Byrne for promoting the project.

Mountmellick calls for more Gardai

TWO thousand people on the streets on Saturday nights—and only one Garda on duty.
Chairman Michael Gormley painted that scenario of Mountmellick at the Town Council monthly meeting last week.

Cllr Gerard Doody had complained of increasing violence in the town. He called on the Chairman to raise with the Superintendent the issue of Garda manpower in Mountmellick.

Cllr Marc Connolly: “We have one Garda for every thousand people in the town. We have had two retirements. There was an incident a few years ago and it was three hours before a Garda car could get to it.”

Cllr David Conroy led Councillors in paying tribute to Tom Flynn who retired from the Gardai recently.

Cll Helen Hanson: “We should write to the local sergeant and find out if the manpower is going to be increased.”

Cllr Patrick Bowe: “The Garda force should be living in the town. Then they would have their finger on the pulse.”

Cllr Connolly: “I don’t think beggars can be choosers on this. If a Garda is stationed in an area he knows what’s going on in the area.”

Cllr Bowe believed there was a better service when Gardai lived in Mountmellick.

Mountmellick on song for Fleadh

The County Fleadh Cheoil would, next June, take place in Mountmellick for the first time ever, Town Councillors heard at their monthly meeting last week.

Predicted Cllr Paddy Bracken: “It will be a great boost for the town.” He called on the TC to make some contribution to the event.

Chairman Michael Gormley: “I am absolutely delighted that it is coming here.”

Cllr Patrick Bowe also called for TC financial support for the Fleadh. He enthused: “It is going to be good for business. It is going to bring a bit of life to the town.”

He was “100% in favour” of having at the Fleadh Cheoil a trophy in memory of the late Tomás Culliton.

Cllr David Conroy: “It is going to be another great opportunity for Mountmellick to display our wares and make an impact.”

Cllr Marc Connolly: “We should all get totally behind it.”
All Councillors praised Mountmellick Comhaltas for having succeeded in attracting the Fleadh to the town.

Scrooge

The students of Mountmellick Community School presented ‘Scrooge’ last Thursday night. It was a most engrossing performance with admirable performances from all the cast

Narrator Aine O’Neill introduced each scene. There were two actors in the title role, playing Scrooge as a young boy and as a man. Eoghan O’Neill was most impressive in the senior role, perfectly portraying the crotchety old miser, complete with stoop and limp and later again most credible in Scrooge's transformation.

As Scrooge junior Eoghan Dunne evoked great sympathy as the lonely child. The humble Bob Cratchit was adeptly played by CoIm Ryan, with a strong performance from Hazel Conroy as Mrs Cratchit.

Adrian McEvoy took on two roles, that of Tiny Tim and also Scrooge’s nephew Fred. In both he gave his all, a most plausible jovial Fred and a a very brave invalided Tiny Tim.
Annie GIynn had three parts, that of Scrooge's girlfriend Belle Fezziwig, Tiny Tim’s sister Martha Cratchit and an errand girl in the final scene. To each she brought very convincing talented performances.

Of course the four ghostly visitors each had their own definite presence. Firstly, Shane Carter as Scrooge’s old partner Marley, then Maeve Dunne as the ghost of Christmas past, Maria White as the ghost of Christmas present and finally Brent Hughes as the ghost of Christmas yet to come.

The supporting roles were played as follows: Peter Cratchit - Ronan Walsh; Belinda Cratchit - Nicola Dease; Fran (Scrooge's sister) - Grainne Doyle; Elizabeth (Fred's wife) - Lorraine Curham; Mr Fezziwig - Brent Hughes; Mrs Fezziwig - Alma MuIhall; Topper (Fred's best friend) - Ronan Farrell; Joyce (Topper's wife) - Sarah Kearney; Ted (Scrooge junior's best friend) - Daniel Rankin; Old Joe - Colum Deegan; charwoman - Carly O'Brien; laundress - Sarah Kearney; Mrs Dibber - Nicola Dease; Caroline (Scrooge's tenant) - Ciara Walsh; schoolmaster - Daniel Rankin; charity gentleman - Ronan Farrell; wealthy townspeople - Roseanne Dempsey, Grainne Doyle, Claire Furlong and Alma MuIhall.

Lorcan O'Flaherty provided musical accompaniment on the piano with Mairead Furlong on the violin. The choir members were Amanda Murray, Sarah Davis, Denika McEvoy, Joanne Westman, Pauline Coss, Danielle Malone, Niamh Furlong, Sarah Dempsey, April Maher, Jessica Coss and Ciara Connolly.

Family Day

The parents council of Mountmellick Community School and the committee of the sports centre are organising a family day / fund raising auction on Sunday, March 16. Anyone who would like to contribute to the event by advertising or donating a product are asked to please contact the principal.

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.

Laois Youth Theatre

Laois Youth Theatre re-started on Saturdays in the Owenass Hall. There are still a number of places available for 13 to 18 years old to join the group. Time 11 am to 1 pm every Saturday. For enquiries please contact the Arts Office.

Summer Madness

This summer camp takes place in Mountmellick community sports centre from Monday, June 30 to Friday, July 4, 9.30 am to 3 pm daily.

Children can participate in many sports and co-operative games and arts and crafts and will be divided into age groups, 4 to 6 years, 7 to 9 years and 10 and over. Application forms are available from the primary schools or contact Frances Deverell.

Special Olympics

There is a meeting in the MDA on tonight, Wednesday, February 12 at 8 pm. If interested we are still looking for volunteers.

Thanks to all who supported the recent table quiz and the other events run by other clubs.

Primary School Enrolments

Enrolments continue until 3 pm on Thursday, February 13 in St Joseph's GNS and Clonaghadoo NS and until 3 pm on Friday, February 14 in Scoil Phadraig Naofa and the Rock Ns. Please bring birth certificate and baptismal certificate with you.

Dinner Dance

Once again there was a big turn out for the Mountmellick GAA dinner dance on Saturday night last at the Montague Hotel. A great night was had by all with excellent food and good music from ‘Double L’ and the dancing went on till late. Guests on the night included Joe Dwyer, Chairman of Laois Football Board, Donal Deegan, Chairman of Laois Hurling Board, John Maloney TD and Fr. McNamara P.P.

The annual player awards were presented as follows: Intermediate Hurling - Kenneth Young; Intermediate Football - Michael Lawlor; Junior Football - Niall Molloy; Young Player - Mark Turner.

Sarsfields ladies footballers were all present and both groups united to form a very successful function.

G.A.A. Weekend Away

Mountmellick GAA Road Show takes them to Cavan on March 22 - 23 to take in the Laois v Cavan NFL game. As most of the players are booked it is important that anyone interested should contact Teddy O’Shea as soon as possible.

The Rock G.A.A.

The club would like to thank all those who supported the Laois All County GAA club members draw. Support is very much appreciated as the money raised by the club from this draw will help fund the on going development of the grounds and clubhouse.

The draw for the Laois 2003 championships were held recently. The seniors play in group A along with Stradbally, Ballyroan Rovers and O’Dempsey’s. The top two teams in the group qualify for the quarter finals. The seniors will again be playing in Division 1 of the ACFL. The junior B team will play in Division 3 and meet Camross in the first round of the championship. The junior C team plays The Heath in the first round and play in Division 5 of the ACFL.

The juvenile championship draws for 2003 are as follows: U 12s play Graiguecullen, U 14s play Portlaoise B and U 16s play Park Ratheniska. The leagues are expected to begin in early March. Training for U 10s, U 12s, U 14s and U 16s re-commences this Saturday, February 15 at 5 pm in the Rock. New players would be very welcome for all age groups. Players wishing to join the club can do so by arriving at the Rock grounds at 5 pm this Saturday or contacting John at 24828 or 086 3264102 for more details.

Well done to the third and fourth class pupils from the Rock National School who competed in an indoor hurling blitz in Portlaoise recently. The players were Anthony Mullen, Rory Doyle, Kieran Dooley, Jonathan Allen, David Allen, Dylan Baxter, Justin Ryan, Clodagh Dunne and Liam Flanagan. Best of luck to the school hurling team in the Cuman na Mbunscoil competition in March.

Camogie News

An important camogie registration evening will take place in Ballyfin Community Centre on Saturday, February 15 at 4.30 pm. It is vital that anyone interested in playing underage camogie with O’Moore’s Camogie Club (North Laois Club) be in attendance. Parents are also encouraged to attend. Any queries contact Caroline.