21-06-2003

Mountmellick Special Olympics

The Peruvian delegation of 41 people are staying in Mountmellick form Sunday, June 15 last to this Friday, June 20. The arrival of torch run and the official reoeption will take place in O’Connell Square, Mountmellick at 11.45am approximately on Thursday, June 19 followed by entertainment in the square until 3pm. We are asking as many people as possible to turn out for this historic occasion.

Mountmellick Work (Embroidery)

The new museum at the MDA is due to open shortly and the main focus of the museum is to conserve and display old pieces of Mountmellick work (embroidery) and to develop a training centre to perpetuate the craft.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a trainer of Mountmellick work is asked to please attend a meeting in the MDA on Monday, June 23 at 7.30pm. For further information please contact Storm Powell at MDA.

Computer training for 1st to 6th class pupils

MDA are running computer training classes for pupils from 1st to 6th class during July and August. Places will be limited so early booking is advisable.

They will learn desktop publishing and will create brochures, cards, banners, newsletters and certificates. During the course each child will receive internet and mail training under strict supervision. The children will be able use interactive picture dictionaries, encydopaedias and use English, Maths, Irish, creative writing, literacy, numeracy and typing games.

The course fee is 170 for the first child and 160 for second child. Application forms which are available from MDA and from the schools must be returned with a 120 deposit before this Friday, June 20 to ensure a place. Notification of exact dates and times will be issued to parents when courses are finalised.

ESB Environmental Award for St. Paul’s NS

Pupils and staff of St. Paul’s NS, Irishtown attended a presentation of the ESB Primary Schools Environmental Awareness Awards 2003 in the Dolmen Hotel, Carlow on Tuesday, June 12. They were presented with a cheque and certificate as winners of Best First Time Entry by Geri Maye, presenter of The Den.

It was very encouraging to see so many young people from so many different provinces so totally involved in environmental events. St. Paul’s are looking forward to next year’s competition.

Open Day at St. Paul’s NS

St. Paul’s NS open day takes place on Wednesday, June 25 at 2pm. The children will perform Irish dancing, singsongs and partake in short sketches. All are welcome and refreshments will be served on the day.

Mountmellick u/12 hurlers

In a league game played last week between Rathdowney-Errill and Mountmellick in Errill, the home team came away with a victory in a very exciting game. Score 2-5, 1-5.
This young team is preparing for the championship and any u/12 boys/girls interested please come along on Wednesdays at 6.30pm in Acragar. All are welcome.
Team: M Dowling, Gemma conroy, S Christy, C Dunne, L Reidy, E Melia, R. Williams, K Donoher, D Whelan, A Dunphy, J Quigley, P Keating, T KEating, D. McGuirke, G Conroy and E Dempsey.

Bridge

Mountmellick Bridge Club held their AGM recently in the Town Hall. Officers elected for the coming year are: president - Peg Storey; vice-president - Kitty Dowling; treasurer and PRO - Ann Rochford.

Committee members- Sr. Rosari, Sr. Madeleine, Agnes Conroy and Anna Bergin.
Bridge will resume on Thursday, September 18 after the summer recess.

Community Care Whist

Top score, Sister Madeleine; ladies, 1, Angela Walshe; 2, Babs Hipwell; gents, 1, Tom Kearns; 2, Jim Delaney; halves, ladies, 1 Mary Gowing; 2, Veronica Kearns; gents, 1, Denny Kelly; 2, Fran Tobin; juvenile, Eoin Scully.

Lough Derg

A three day pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 4, 5 and 6. For further details please contact Maura. A deposit is required.

Mountmellick Tennis Club

An adult and child tournament is being held on Monday at 7.15pm. We are running two summer camps form June 30 to July 4 and from July 7 to July 11. These will be open to members and non-members. Children must be aged between 6 and 12. The cost will be 138 for members and 140 for non-members. Qualified coaches will run the camps. Numbers are limited so book early. Adults tennis takes place every Monday and Wednesday from 7.30pm. For more details on joining the club or the activities in our Junior Tennis Academy contact Bryan.

Laois Citizens’ Information Service

The above will be in attendance every Wednesday at MDA lrishtown from 10am to 12.30pm or else may be contacted at the Portlaoise office at 0502 21425. Anyone who would like help with tax problems, social welfare entitlements, health, housing or any related problem are welcome to attend.

ICA

The AGM took place on Tuesday, June 10 and the guest of honour was Mrs Brid Malone, who is appointed by the Federation to oversee the election of the officers.

A full meeting heard the secretary read minutes, correspondence etc. for the year 2002 to 2003. The ladies who attended An Grianan gave a full report on their week.

It is planned to have an outing to Mount Usher Gardens in Wicklow on Wednesday, July 9 which is open to non-members.

The cup for the year’s competitions is to be shared between Rita Conroy and Elsie McDonald.

The hall is situated in a very nice area of the town and is available to rent to any group who requires it.

The president, in her address, thanked all the officers for all their help and the Guild members who, when asked to help, were always at hand - Federation meetings, Conquer Cancer collection, Heart Foundation and many other things that had to be done.

During the year we took part in the Federation dram but were not on the winner’s list. We attended all Federation meetings.

The officers for the coming year are: president - Carmel Fitzpatrick; vice-president - Carmel Dunphy; secretary - Elsie McDonald; treasurer - Kay Cullen; assistant treasurer - Rena McEvoy; assistant secretary - Kathleen Westman; PRO - Sheila Kearney; An Grianan representative - Mary B Culliton; crafts promoter - Carmel Gorman.

There will be a committee meeting on Tuesday, July 1 and the final preparations for the outing will be made.

Votes of sympathy were passed with Carmel Dunphy on her sister’s death and also with Carmel Fitzpatrick on her father-in-law’s death and the Dowling family of Lord Edward St. on the death of Ralph.

Community Care

The monthly social has been postponed to Thursday, June 26 due to the Special Olympics in town. There will be a meeting beforehand at 7 pm.

PTAA

The regional open air Mass was held in the day care centre, Portlaoise on Sunday, June 8. Fr. Gahan SD was the celebrant. Most centres were represented and gold and silver pins were distributed. It was nice to see all the centres with their flags hanging around the free area of the green.

Thanks to Portlaoise centre for the lovely refreshments afterwards in the day care centre. The next meeting will be held in Mountrath on Wednesday, July 2. All tickets and cash to be with the secretary or treasurer before Saturday, June 28.

St. Josepsh’s Young Priests Society

Could all members of St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society please attend Mass on Friday, June 27 due to the Feast of the Sacred Heart.

Wanted

Clean children’s clothes are required for children in Ecuador, from babies to 12 years of age.

Grow Group Starting Soon

Grow World Community Mental Health Movement are starting a new Grow Group in Mountmellick on Monday, June 30. People who experience depression, anxiety attacks or who are simply in need of company are welcome to come along to Mountmellick Development Association, Irishtown, Mountmellick at 3pm every Monday.