15-03-2003

New Ireland star Conlon shoots Mountmellick into final
LFL Midlands Women's League semi-final

Mountmellick Utd 4 .................Longford Town 3

CLARE Conlon's two-goal display shot Mountmellick United into the first ever final of the Midland Women's League last Sunday.

Conlon celebrated her call-up to the Ireland Under 17 squad for the forthcoming match in Belgium with a super performance which had Mountmellick 4-0 up before Longford conjured a great comeback.

Mountmellick got the game underway and both teams were evenly matched in the opening minutes.

Mountmellick started to apply the pressure which Lonford did well to deal with until they made a mistake which allowed Clare Conlon run down the right wing and cross a perfect ball for Olwyn Farrell to head home.

Mountmellick kept pressuring Longford and both teams had equal opportunities and shot narrowly wide, including one from Grace Weston which hit the side netting and another from Mags McEvoy. The wind had a strong bearing on the game and conditions were not favourable and made it hard for both teams. Mountmellick seemed to be the more physical side and went into the break 1-0 up.

Mountmellick came out the stronger team and dominated the opening of the second half. After a slip up in the Longford defence Clare Conlon was alone in front of the goals with only the 'keeper to beat and put the ball over her head and though the 'keepr got a hand to the ball, it still reached the net.

Minutes later a clearance fell to Clare Conlon and she made no mistake and put the ball across the post past the 'keeper and Mountmellick were 3-0 in front.

The lead was then increased to 4-0 when Grace Weston whipped in a corner to the box and Aoife Cleary was waiting to put a head to it to score the fourth.

Mountmellick then let their lead slip when a free kick from 25 metres beat Breda Cleary at the far post.

Five minutes later Lonford were awarded a penalty after a Mountmellick player handled the ball. Longford made no mistake and blasted the ball home.

A mix-up in the Mountmellick defence when trying to clear the ball lead to a shot from ten metres which went in during injury time.

After the kick-off referee Eddie O'Riordan blew up the match which put Mountmellick in the final against either Portlaoise or Bealnamulla.

The second semi-final is fixed for this Sunday and the final is to be played on March 23.
Mountmellick: Breda Cleary, Nichole Dunphy, Aoife Cleary, Aileen O'Loughlin, Annemarie Hourigan, Mandy Bloomer, Rachel Farrell, Grace Weston, Mags McEvoy, Clare Conlon, Olwyn Farrell. Subs: Mary Hyland for Nichole Dunphy (50 mins) Sarah Baker, Emma McEvoy.

Mountmellick's Clare on course for Ireland cap

MOUNTMELLICK girl Clare Conlon looks set to follow in the footsteps of her clubmate Aileen O'Loughlin by playing soccer for Ireland.

Clare has been selected for the Ireland Under 17 squad which flies to Belgium for an international match at the end of this month.

Clare plays for Mountmellick Under 16s in the Midland Schoolboys/girls League and for Mountmellick United in the LFL Midland Women's League.

Just last Sunday a spectacular brace of goals from her against Longford helped Mountmellick into the final of the Midland Women's League.

She has played with Mountmellick since she was 12 years of age and always showed great potential.

The club are delighted that all her work and commitment are now reaping benefits. The Ireland Under 17s are also scheduled to play the United States of America in April.

Clare Conlon will be joined on the trip to play Belgium by Athlone girl Aisling Egan, who plays with the Bealnamulla club in the Midland Schoolboys/girls League.

Meanwhile, Aileen O'Loughlin, who has already been capped at Under 19 level for Ireland, travels to Scotland this weekend for another international game.

She is in the squad for the Under 19 match against Scotland which will be played in the ground of Scottish Premier League side Linvingston.

Another study as Mountmellick awaits relief road

"HERE we are six or seven years on, or eight years, waiting to find out what we know already," exclaimed Cllr Marc Connolly at Mountmellick Town Council monthly meeting last week.

He had noted that a traffic management study was to be done in the town. There'd been similar reports in 1996 and '97, he recalled.

Cllr Paddy Bracken: "There's funding to do the study but no funding to sort out many of the problems. The County Council made no effort down through the years to provide off-street parking."

Cllr David Conroy: "Nothing seems to have happened in 2002 as regards funding the inner relief road, apart from some surveying of land. I was told it was at the CPO stage. It appears now that that is not true. I think the thing has been put on the back burner. Where has the money gone in the meantime?"

Chairman Michael Gormley: "I think the money (for the relief road) will be provided."

Cllr Patrick Bowe was "a little bit perturbed" about studies.

Deputy Co Manager Declan Byrne: "I can fully understand your frustrations. In any progessive towns, you are going to have needs.

"The relief road is still on the NRA (National Roads Authority) list and has got a small allocation to enable the local authority to prepare CPOs. That work has been ongoing in 2002. The local authority is now preparing the CPO maps. They then go to the NRA for approval."

Mr Byrne acknowledged that there'd been a certain amount of delay with the project, but, he claimed, that was normal with any relief road going through a town. And, he explained, a commitment had been given that public representatives wold continue to lobby the NRA for extra money for the development.

There was also a commitment that the County Council would, in the meantime, "look at a number of sites and the feasibility of short-term measures," he added.

Cllr Bracken: "We're after hearing promises for many years."

'Nobody listens to Mountmellick Town Council'

"DID you expect us to catch them by the throat or what?" riposted Cllr Paddy Bracken at Mountmellick Town Council monthly meeting last week.

Chairman Michael Gormley had claimed that County Council officials had "got away very lightly" a few days previously during a meeting with Town Councillors.

Cllr Helen Hanson thought Councillors were "very timid" in the discussions with the officials. She added: "What's the point? Nobody listened to us."

Cllr Patrick Bowe: "That wasn't a meeting to show any aggression."

Cllr Bracken: "As far as I can see it's a stalling operation. The reality is that the Council Council have put nothing into the infrastructure of Mountmellick."

Cllr David Conroy was very disappointed with the "niggardly funds" being provided for development in the town.

Cllr Bowe: "We are still talking about the same problems we were talking about 20 years ago. We can get nothing done."

Cllr Bracken: "It's like the fellow training the donkey to live without food-and it died before it finished training."

Deputy Co Manager Declan Byrne said he'd got a "very positive message" from the meeting with officials.

Cllr Bowe expressed disappointment with the allocation for footpath repairs in Mountmellick.

Cllr Bracken: "As far as I can see all development charges are not going into Mountmellick.

Cllr Marc Connolly: "I could not believe it when we heard the programme of works for Mountmellick and the bad value for money, especially when you see the (Co Council) crew from Mountmellick working in Portlaoise."

Cllr Conroy depicted an Irishtown footpath "as one of the worst in the town."

Cllr Hanson: "It's not good enough in this day and age. The footpaths in O'Moore Street are an absolute disgrace, and the street. Somebody is going to come out of the pub or greengrocers and be rolled over."

Cllr Bracken: "We're talking about a few thousand euros for paths all over the town. We're not getting any further. I am totally disappointed with the response in financial terms. I want to know where the development money is going."

Cllr Conroy said plenty of small jobs could be funded by, for example, the 500,000 euros the Health Minister was allegedly spending on refurbishing his office.

Cllr Connolly: "Party political broadcasts are not going to solve the problems in Mountmellick."

Auction

The parents council of Mountmellick Community School and the committee of the sports centre are organising a fund raising auction on Sunday, March 16 from 2 pm to 5.30 pm in the sports centre at the school. Proceeds are in aid of Mountmellick Community School, the sports complex and St. Vincent's Hospital.

Viewing for the auction takes place from noon to 2 pm that morning. The auction will include items to suit all budgets, from a little as £5. to £500. There will be a very great variety of items auctioned including fuel, portable TVs, microwave, hampers, DVD player, weekends away, meals and many more interesting items too numerous to mention.

While you are bargain hunting there will also be fun for the rest of the family with face painting, jaunting car rides, sports events, a kiddie's disco (2 pm to 3.30 pm), a jumble sale, bric-a-brac, a wheel of fortune and a cake sale.

Midlands Radio 3 will broadcast from the school from noon to 2 pm interviewing many local guests and featuring local talent. Why not call down for a chat.

If you would like to donate any item e.g. farm produce, fuel, vouchers, magazines, books, furniture, potted plants, toys, unwanted gifts, cakes, jams, chutneys or breads please contact a member of the parents council or the sports centre committee. Items both large and small can also be left into the school during the week or all day on Saturday, March 15.

Parents council members are: Mary O'Loughlin, Rosenallis; Edward Gaffney, Emo; Michael Moloney, Emo; Gerry O'Flaherty, Upper Forest; Ann Deering, Emo; Maura Williams, Acragar; Philip White, Acragar; Betty Conroy, Barkmills; Deirdre Lowry, Ballyfin; Sally Lawlor, Garoon; Alice McEniry, Acragar; Siobhan Clinton, Ballymacrossan; Ber Kearney, Harbour St.; Esther de Barra, Sarsfield St.; Tom Gorry, Pattison's Est.; PJ Campbell, Garoon; Conor Glynn, Bay Rd.; Maire Quinn, Pattison's Est.; Fionnuala McDermott, Barnashrone; Bernadette Clear, Garoon; Catherine Dunne, Strahard; Paschal O'Brien, O'Moore Forest; Goretti Whelan, Debbicott and John Deegan, Bornass.

Sports centre - Maura Reddin, Emmett St.; Charlotte Griffin, Davitt Rd. and Una Bloomer, St. Joseph's Tce.

Admission : adults - €2; second level students - €1; under 12's - free. Free catalogue on admission.

Third World Table Quiz

There will be a table quiz in the Mellick Inn on tonight, Wednesday, March 12 in aid of the Third World Project. Quiz master - Michael Lenihan. Table of four - €20.

Laois Citizens Information Service

The above will be in attendance every Wednesday at MDA lrishtown from 10 am to 12.30 pm or else may be contacted at the Portlaoise office.

Drama Festival

Mountmellick can look forward to a wonderful eight nights of dramatic entertainment beginning on Tuesday, March 18 in the CYMS Concert Hall. The drama festival committee have been working hard in preparation and officially launch this year's festival on Thursday, March 13 in the Credit Union Offices. Mountmellick Credit Union are the main sponsors of this annual event.

The varied programme brings theatre groups to Mountmellick from Kilkenny, Wexford, Carlow, Kildare, Dublin, Waterford and Tipperary.

The full programme: Tuesday, March 18 - Moondharrig Players, Kilkenny present 'A Crucial Week in the Life of a Grocer's Assistant'. Wednesday, March 19 - Bridge Drama Group from Wexford with 'Breezeblock Park'. Thursday, March 20 - Carlow Little Theatre - 'A View from the Bridge'. Friday, March 21 - Silken Thomas Players, Kildare - 'The Borstal Boy'. Saturday, March 22 - Crossbridge Drama Group, Dublin - 'A Delicate Balance'. Sunday, March 23 - Ballyduff Drama Group from Waterford - 'Antigone'. Monday, March 24 - Holycross / Ballycahill Drama Group, Tipperary - 'Absent Friends'. Tuesday, Marc 25 - Classic Revival, Dublin - 'Steel Magnolias'.

Each performance will be staged at 8.30 pm nightly. Nightly tickets - €5 and season tickets - €20. Group bookings available.

Mountmellick Juvenile G.A.A.

Training has resumed for u lO and u 12 on Saturdays from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm in Parc Acragar. Training for u 16 has begun on Sunday mornings at 11.45 pm. All new players welcome.

Due to the large numbers attending hurling training at u 12 and u 14, parental assistance is urgently required. Those willing to assist please contact Michael Hyland.

Carers Course

The Carers Association is holding a course for family carers and home support personnel in mid March at the Carers Resource Centre at Kellyville Court, Portlaoise.

The course - 'Care in the home' - will be on Wednesdays from 10 am to 1 pm for 12 weeks. Please contact the Carers Association.

Laois Youth Theatre

Laois Youth Theatre restarted 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.

Community School News

There will be an information evening for third year students and their parents on Tuesday, March 25 at 7.30 pm. This presentation will focus on preparations for the Junior Certificate examinations and senior cycle options.

This will be the final opportunity before the Junior Certificate itself, for the school to liaise with parents as regards the importance of taking the appropriate levels in June, completing all the work given by teachers, attending school every day, studying etc. Plans for the Leaving Certificate will also be discussed and re-enroLment forms will be given out on the night. All parents are asked to make a special effort to attend.

Community Care Whist Results

Top score, Veronica Kearns; ladies, 1, Breda Cooley; 2, Rita Fitzpatrick and Kathleen McHugh; gents, 1, Dennis Kelly; 2, Betty Coffey; halves, ladies, 1, Francis Gleeson; 2, Ann Mahon; gents, 1, Tom Kearns and Alice McRedmond; 2, Mick Kelly.

Top score, John Bracken; ladies, 1, Mrs L Cleary; 2, Angela Walshe; 2, Denny Kelly and Donal Conroy; halves, ladies, 1, Maura Conroy; 1, Mary Gowing; gents, 1 Paddy Dolan; 2, Mikie Scully.

Mountmellick Juvenile G.A.A.

Registration of all juveniles took place on Sunday, March 9 at Parc Acragar. Anyone that is not registered has another chance to register on Saturday, March 15 between 4.30 pm and 6.30 pm at Parc Acragar.

Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann

Mountmellick branch CCE wishes to thank most sincerely all who supported the Church gate collection last weekend at Mountmellick and Clonaghadoo. Thanks to all the collectors who were on duty in spite of the inclement weather. The money subscribed will be a big help in putting facilities in place for the Laois Fleadh which this year will be held in Mountmellick for the first time. The date - the June bank holiday weekend.

Torch Run

The Torch Run sub committee of the Special Olympics committee met on Wednesday night. The organisation of the Torch Run on June 19 through Mountmellick is under way and the preferred route was under discussion. The committee will be in touch with the schools in the locality to inform them of what is happening and to see in what way schools can participate. If any other club / organisation in the town would like to participate in any way contact the committee through MDA. Next meeting is on Wednesday, March 13.

Mountmellick G.A.A. News

Football:
Mountmellick intermediate football match v Park Ratheniska fell through at the weekend due to weather.

Trip to Cavan:
There are still a few places left on the Mountmellick GAA trip to Cavan on the week after next, March 22 / 23. With Laois undefeated in the league a good match in in prospect. Contact Teddy O'Shea if you are interested in travelling.