02-10-2004

U-16s win in championship

The under-16s picked up their second brace of points in the championship on Sunday, September 19, when they overcame a spirited Portlaoise outfit 1-8 to 2-4 at Acragar.

Played in wet and blustery conditions, the match was a thriller from beginning to end. Portlaoise had first use of the strong wind but at half time only three points separated the sides. A terrific rearguard action by the Mountmellick defenders, led by Laura Quigley, Jennifer McEvoy and Amy rehan restricted the Portlaoise forwards to a very manageable 1-3 at the break.

With wind advantage in the second half, the odds were on a Sarsfields comeback. Aine McEvoy and Siobhán Fitzpatrick established a stranglehold on midfield and Claire O’Loughlin’s brilliant scoring gradually reduced the lead to all square after 15 minutes.

Then, a brief lapse in concentration in the Sarsfields defence allowed Portlaoise through to notch their only second half scores and go four points up with ten minutes to go. Sarsfields responded in terrific fashion as Siobhán Fitzpatrick, Aine McEvoy, Laura Quigley, Claire O’Loughlin, Johann Scott, Rachel Williams and Amy Grehan all lined up for shots at a beleagured Portlaoise goal.

Frustration increased as the wides mounted up. Claire O’Loughlin narrowed the margin to three and a minute later hammered a blistering shot off the upright which rebounded to Johann Scott who was hauled down in the small square. Aine McEvoy dispatched the resultant penalty into the top righthand corner of the net to tie the match.

It was fitting that Claire O’Loughlin had the final say as she chipped over a 20 metres free and her seventh point to put Sarsfields ahead for the first and crucial time.

Team: Lisa Guinane, Michelle O’Loughlin, Jenny McEvoy, Carol Whelan, Amy Grehan, Laura Quigley, Julieann Culleton, Siobhán Fitzpatrick, Aine McEvoy 1-0, Emma Hayden, Claire O’Loughlin 0-7, Rachel Williams, Rachel Mullen, Johann Scott 0-1, Gemma Bergin, Helena Carroll, Therese Weston, Sarah Williams.

Lourdes

There was a large attendance at the Lourdes Mass of thanksgiving con-celebrated by Fr. Noel Dunphy and Fr. Pat Hennessy on Friday night, September 17. A special word of thanks to the priests, co-workers and those who supplied confectionery, and the choir. This year, the group were privileged to be in Lourdes during the Pope’s visit in August. A number of people have already given their names for next year’s pilgrimage which has been booked for July 21 in the Hotel Solitude, for Mountmellick and Ballyfin parishes.

Special Olympics Fund

Thanks to the parents, pupils and staff of St. Joseph’s NS for their generosity on Friday, September 17, at the non-uniform day and coffee morning. We raised €464.23 towards Ann Conroy’s Special Olympics volunteer fund. Ann is a past pupil of our school and we wish her well on her trip to Japan in February, 2005.

Women’s Group

The group is up and running once again, looking for new ladies to join. Our AGM is coming up soon. The next meeting takes place on Thursday, September 30, at 8.30pm in the Methodist hall beside the town hall. Please bring a friend. Looking forward to outings, courses, talks and information evenings and much, much more.

Comhaltas

Music classes have resumed in the community sports centre behind the community school every Tuesday evening from 7 to 9pm. The musical tutors are Brian and Fiona Ryan. All categories from beginner to advanced are catered for. Existing and new members are welcome. For further information contact secretary Margaret Culliton or assistant secretary Joan Culleton.

Jazz Ballet Classes

Classes are held every Wednesday in Mountmellick Macra hall - under-10s from 5 to 6pm and 10 years and over from 6 to 7pm. Contact Michelle for details.

Citizen’s Info

Is in attendance every Wednesday at MDA, Irishtown, from 10am to noon or may be contacted at the Portlaoise office. Anyone who would like help with tax problems, social welfare entitlements, health, housing or any related problem is welcome to attend.

Grow Group

A Grow Group meets each week in Mountmellick. If you are someone who experienced depression or anxiety attacks or who is simply in need of company 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 take place in the MDA, Irishtown at 3pm every Monday. For further information please contact Harriet.

Late Liam Bloomer

There was deep regret at the news of the death of Liam Bloomer of Cloncannon at St. Vincent’s Hospital on Friday, September 17. Liam will be missed by all who knew him. Removal from St. Vincent’s Chapel of Repose to St. Brigid’s Church, Rosenallis, took place on Saturday evening. Requiem Mass was celebrated at 11am, followed by burial in St. Brigid’s Cemetery. He is mourned by his wife Brigid, daughters Maureen and Geraldine, family, relatives and friends, to whom sympathy is extended.

GAA Fundraiser

No jackpot winner; €50: Maureen Conroy; €20: John Lalor, Mary O’Shea, Amy Clinton, Angela Young.

AFC Fundraiser

No jackpot winner; 15: Ger Walsh, Owen Smith, John Forde, Willie Roche, Frances Davis.

Classes

Mountmellick museum are holding the following classes over the coming months - creative writing, basket making, art, music, Mountmellick work (embroidery). for further details contact MDA, Irishtown.

Soccer

Carlsberg Midland Senior League - Mullingar Town 1 Mountmellick Utd. 1; Div. 2 - Melville Utd. 3 Mountmellick Utd. 0; Div. 3 - Birr Town 3 Mountmellick Utd. 0