22-02-2003

Mountmellick firm wins top Irish employer accolade

THE Mill Gandon Logistics was named as one of the country’s elite employers at an awards ceremony hosted by Tanaiste Mary Harney, on Wednesday last, February 12.
The Mountmellick based firm, which is part of Gandon enterprises - the commercial division of Rehab Group - emerged in fourth place in a nationwide competition to find the best companies to work for in Ireland.

The Mill’s achievment in being selected as one of the country’s best employers comes just months after its 96 employees won their own national award for the quality of their work.

They gained the FAS Excellence Through People Award following an intensive assessment procedure with a 90 per cent rating - one of the best achieved by any Irish company in 2002.

What makes the company even more unique is that it is part of the world’s first group of businesses which provide integrated employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

This means that within the plant, people with disabilities and non-disabled employees work side by side in an equal working environment.

The Mill General Manager Deirdre Rogers said: “ I think what makes The Mill such a great place to work is the mutual respect and camaraderie which exists here.

She said they have a policy where every worker is treated as an individual, where their opinions are highly valued and a lot of importance is placed on keeping people informed on important issues.

“We also recognise that it’s people’s ability, not their disability that counts.” she added.
Gandon Enterprises Chief Executive Ashley Balbirnie said: “This award is a tribute to the professionalism and the dedication of workers and management at The Mill.

“But for us its even wider importance lies in demonstrating to employers that people with disabilities can make a real contribution to firms that operate in the most competitive markets.

“According to the most recent statistics, around 80 percent of people with disabilities are out of work even in the wake of the most sustained economic boom in the history of the state.

“We aren’t asking people to create token jobs, just that they aquaint themselves with the benefits their businesses can derive from employing workers with disabilities.”
There are eight other businesses in the Gandon Enterprises Group, Ireland’s biggest single employer of people with disabilities.

They are engaged in activities ranging from recycling to logistics management in plants located around the country.

The competition was sponsored by the Irish independent in association with FAS.

Bonner in Mountmellick for futsal tournament

NEW FAI Technical Director Packie Bonner is to attend a futsal tournament in Mountmellick on Saturday which brings together teams from Ireland, Britain and Moldova.

The first annual Loughnane Sportswear Futsal Cup tournament takes place in Mountmellick and the successor to Brian Kerr will be in attendance at the event that will see the Co Laois town host sides from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Moldova.
Moldovans Camelot FC will become the first professional futsal side to visit Ireland and their presence at the tournament is sure to draw a large crowd to the Mountmellick Community Sports Centre.

Fresh from their recent success at the Penalty Cup futsal tournament in Switzerland, English side Tranmere are likely to be keen contenders for the title.

The last major futsal event in Ireland was the Masita Cup which took place in Dublin last February and was won by the Dublin select, who will be looking to make an impact again this year.

FAI Regional Development Officer Gerard Dunne has helped bring this prestigous event to Laois and recently introduced futsal to the area in the form of the Midlands Futsal League.

“It’s an exciting week for futsal with the UEFA Championships taking place in Italy at the moment and it’s great to think that Mountmellick will be hosting a major event at the same time,” said Dunne.

“Futsal is still very new to Ireland, let alone the Midlands, so we are all just looking to learn off the other sides who’ll have a lot more experience than our guys.”

Futsal is the official FIFA version of five-a-side football and is generally played indoors with a slightly weighted ball, which promotes skilful play.

The Moldovans have been grouped with youthful Lancashire side Santos, the Dublin select and Grimsby team Grainthorpe. In Group B, the Midlands face Tranmere, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Tournament timetable

Game Time Match

1 11.00 A - Camelot v Santos
2 11.25 A - Dublin v Grainthorpe
3 11.50 B - Scotland v Tranmere
4 12.15 B - Midlands v Northern Ireland
5 12.40 A - Camelot v Grainthorpe
6 1.05 A - Dublin v Santos
7 1.30 B - Scotland v Northern Ireland
8 1.55 B - Midlands v Tranmere
9 2.20 A - Camelot v Dublin
10 2.45 A - Santos v Grainthorpe
11 3.10 B - Scotland v Midlands
12 3.35 B - Tranmere v Northern Ireland
13 4.00 7-8 Placing: 4th A v 4th B
14 4.25 Semi-final 1st A v 2nd B
15 4.50 Semi-final 1st B v 2nd A
16 5.15 5-6 Placing: 3rd A v 3rd B
17 5.40 Final

Mountmellick beat Portlaoise but both go through

LFL Midland Women’s League Section Two

Mountmellick 2 ............................................Portlaoise 1

MOUNTMELLICK got the better of local rivals Portlaoise on Sunday in the decisive clash in Section Two of the Midland Women’s League but both teams have made it through to the last four.

Mountmellick go through to meet Longford and Portlaoise will play crack Athlone side, Bealnamulla, in the first ever semi-finals of this new league on March 9.

When the sides last met, Mountmellick edged out Portlaoise 4-3 in a real thriller and in this latest match, both sides looked even at the outset though Mountmellick were finding it difficult to get into the Portlaoise half.

The first chance fell to Portlaoise when Jessica Curley headed the ball over the bar from a corner.

Then Mountmellick’s Grace Weston made a great run down the right wing and was unlucky not to score.

The Mountmellick defence did very well under pressure and cleared the ball out to Grace Weston to set up Clare Conlon who turned and shot home to put Mountmellick 1-0 up.
Mountmellick kept control of the game for the following few minutes before Sylvia Gee had a great chance for Portlaoise after a pass from Sinead Kelly but her shot went wide.
Mountmellick hounded down the Portlaoise defence and Shona Phelan’s goal-kick went straight to Clare Conlon who hit the ball first time back over the ‘keeper’s head and Mountmellick were in the driving seat.

Portlaoise didn’t drop their heads and put pressure on the Mountmellick defence of Aoife Cleary, Annemarie Hourigan, Nichole Dunphy and Emma McEvoy.

Mountmellick were doing well until a mix up in the box lead to an own goal which made it 2-1 at half-time.

Mountmellick kicked off the second half but were unlucky to lose their ‘keeper Breda Cleary to injury after a fine save.

Rachel Farrell was brought on and Nichole Dunphy replaced Cleary in goals. Minutes later Conlon, Weston and Olwyn Farrell all had chances for Mountmellick after good work by Sarah Baker who did well as a last minute replacement and Sylvia Gee shot over the bar for Portlaoise.

Both teams fought to the very end but Mountmellick held out to take all the points and topped the group.

Best for Mountmellick were Grace Weston, Emma McEvoy, Aoife Cleary and Clare Conlon while for Portlaoise Sylvia Gee, Sinead Kelly and Catherine Stapleton impressed most.

Mountmellick: Breda Cleary, Aoife Cleary, Annemarie Hourigan, Nichole Dunphy, Emma McEvoy, Mandy Bloomer, Aileen O’Loughlin, Grace Weston, Sarah Baker, Clare Conlon, Olwyn Farrell. Sub: Rachel Farrell for Breda Cleary (inj) 55 mins.

Portlaoise: Shona Phelan, Maggie Murphy, Trish Lawlor, Martina Cahill, Richelle O’Neill, Sinead Kelly, Sylvia Gee, Liz Cahill, Ann Marie Lowry, Catherine Stapleton, Jessica Curley. Subs: Claire Casey for Catherine Stapleton 60min, Ann Marie Troy for Ann Marie Lowry.

MOUNTMELLICK branch of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association was described as a “model” branch.

The Chief Executive of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, Padraig Naughton told members that theirs was an example to any branch on how to run affairs. Addressing members at their well attended AGM he said the organisation was needed more than ever nowadays to give support and example.

Mr Naughton said the Association’s head office was getting more and more calls from parents of young people looking for assistance about drugs and alcohol abuse in young people. “Young people are calling out for something in their lives” he said adding that young people need the Pioneer movement more than ever nowadays. Pioneers were there to lead by example he said and as he said just by “being there”.

Parents needed to lead by example, Mr Naughton said. The ever pervasive pub culture was to the detriment of young children. He told about one child he met who told him she had made her First Communion in the pub. That was all the child could remember about her Communion day.

He told members sporting organisations needed to look at their links with alcohol and sponsorship by drink companies. Closer co-operation with the No-Name Clubs was another thing under consideration he said.

Giving his report, Branch President John Dowling outlined some of the year’s events. They competed in the Readoiri Final in Portlaoise. A lapsed branch in Killeagh was revived for the first time since 1975. He said a branch has been set up in Mountmellick Community School and the principal there had offered to facilitate them in what ever way he could.

Treasurer Ollie Kelly presented his report. Income exceeded expenditure by €316 for which he was complimented.

Chief Executive Mr Naughton only took over the post in September last. He was a school principal in Co Dublin for 15 years. He described his role as Chief Executive as meeting and giving support to the ordinary members. He said up to this, parents’ attitude towards alcohol abuse where their children were concerned was “it is only alcohol, he or she is not on drugs”. But this is changing fast as parents find their child, maybe only 14 or 15, or even younger is abusing both.

He said “since the recent Primetime story on alcohol abuse on RTE, parents are very alarmed”. He says there is now huge concern at the apparent widespread abuse of alcohol-indeed the culture of abuse now seemingly apparent. “We now have the Minister for Health saying he may introduce charges for people treated at casualty departments for alcohol related injuries”,he said.

He stated that “parents can themselves be a problem”. It is not even the pub culture, children nowadays see parents bringing home drink from the off-licence or supermarket and drinking at home ,he added. It is bad example not to mention easy availability of drink for the teenagers themselves at times too, he said. “What if a boy or girl is abusing drink at 12, as some are? What will their mental state be by the time they are 20 or so?” he asked.

Mr Naughton agreed that the Pioneers have a certain age profile. The Association certainly needs younger members but Mr Naughton says the Association is addressing this. In some areas of the country he said there are branches made up of entirely young people. The Association has to work more to attract younger people, he agreed.

Some members voiced their thoughts about parents and bad example given by them to their children. One member said his club deliberately organised and held a prizewinning ceremony for an under-age team in the local hall. They wanted to keep it away from the pub and the notion of celebrating the win in a pub.

A Gold Pin was presented to Des Masterson for 50 years membership. A Silver Pin was presented to John Geoghegan for 25 years membership.

Most of the Branch’s officers were re-elected. Sheila Kearney stepped down as Secretary at her own request after several years service. Stephanie Gorman was elected new Secretary.

Officers:- President : John Dowling; Vice-President: Leon De Barra; Secretary: Stephanie Gorman; Treasurer: Ollie Kelly; PRO Sheila Kearney.
Committee: Eamon Conroy, Cathleen Cussen, Michael Burke, Des Masterson, Ollie Dempsey, Jack Cussen, Molly Dempsey, John Deegan, Moira Conroy,
Spiritual Director: Fr Noel Dunphy.

Enrolment

Enrolment of new pupils for September 2003 for St Joseph’s GNS will take place from Monday, February 24 to Friday, February 28 from 9 am to 2.45 pm each day.

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.

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.

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.

Community Care

There will be a social in ICA House for senior citizens on Thursday, February 20. There will be a meeting beforehand at the same venue at 7.30 pm.

Hospital Table Quiz

A table quiz in aid of St. Vincent’s Hospital Patients Benefit Fund will be held on Wednesday, February 26 at 9.30pm in The Mellick Inn. Table of four - €20. The quiz master will be Michael Linehan.

PTAA

The AGM was held in ICA House on Monday, February 10. It was a very successful meeting.

The guest of honour was Mr Pauric Naughton, chief executive from central office. His talk was mainly on the awful abuse of alcohol in the very young age groups at the moment He urged all parents to be aware of where their children are, particularly at week ends. He also would like the schools in the parish to enlighten the pupils about the misuse of alcohol and in the event of reaching 18 years if they wish to take a drink, to do so in moderation.

Congratulations to Shane Furlong on reaching the All Ireland in Castlebar on February 22.
The quiz for the late Fr. Crowley Shield will be held in the Owenass Hall on Friday, March 7. It is hoped we will have a good turn out from all schools in the parish.

For the third successive year the centre had won the Gradam award for the best run centre. The presentation of this award will take place in St Francis Xaviour Churoh in Dublin on Saturday, March22.

The regional meeting will be held in the Fr. Shortall Room in Clonaslee on Wednesday, February 19.

Officers for 2003 president - John Dowling; vice president - Leo de Barra; secretary - Stephanie Gorman; assistant secretary - Sheila Kearney; treasurer - Ollie Kelly; assistant treasurer - John Turner; PRO - Sheila Kearney.

Maniax Foroige Club

The club would like to thank all those who attended the launch of our report on “Accessibility of Mountmellick for people with disabilities” . A copy of our report is available to all those interested from any club leader or member.

The club meets each Wednesday might from 7.30pm to 9pm in the Owenass Hall. There is no club meeting on Wednesday, February 19 (tonight) due to the mid term break.

Art Classes

Art classes commencing on Friday, March 7 and will continue each Friday from 10 am to noon. For more information please contact Mary or Catherine.

Juvenile GAA

Sunday, February 16 saw the conclusion of the ten a side catch and kick competition organised by Bord na nOg under Ciaran Muldowney. This very successful competition allowed u/12 players grasp the essential skills of the game. There were no winners or losers in this event which spanned the last three Sundays.

Mountmellick played three games against St. Joseph’s, Kilcotton and Graiguecullen. The fifteen enthusiastic players from Mountmellick braved the artic elements last Sunday and all fifteen gave a very good account of themselves.

The innovative catch and kick competition proved to Mountmellick coaches the value of fast free flowing direct football and gave all the players an excellent opportunity to grasp the fundamental skills of the game.

Anglers AGM

Mountmellick Angling Association are holding their A.G.M. on Thursday, February 27 at 8.30pm in the town hall. All members and anyone wishing to join are asked to attend.
All anglers please note that the trout and salmon season commences on March 17 in accordance with the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources Angling bye-law No. C.S. 266 1998 which covers the Barrow the Nore and the Suir.

With the new season approaching all those who use the rivers either for angling or walking are asked to observe all the rules of the Association and keep a watchful eye on pollution and illegal dumping along the rivers. Anyone with information can contact the water keeper.

Camogie

The newly launched O’Moores Camogie Club took off at ground level at the weekend with training sessions for the u/14s and juniors.

The u/14s net in Ballyfin at 4.30pm on Saturday and will meet again same time and venue on Saturday next.

A junior panel was assembled in Ballyfin on Sunday morning and will meet again in Acragar on Thursday evening at 7.30pm.

Ladies Football

The big interest this week in the schools Leinster Senior A semi-final in which Mountmellick CS meet St. Michael’s of Navan on Friday at 1pm in Clane, Co. Kildare.
The Community School lost to Navan at the same stage last year by a single point buty are hopeful of making the breakthrough this year. The winners will meet Ballyfin in the final.

Reminder

Mountmellick Door Stop Recycling final collection takes place on Wednesday, February 19. Please have bins ready for collection.