03-12-2004
Ivy leaguers show their skills in Mountmellick
Scoil Phadraig Boys School in Mountmellick has always promoted sporting activities, particularly Gaelic Games. The boys have taken part in Cumann na mBunscol competitions since their inception and have had many successful teams over the years.
While great emphasis is placed on participation in Cumann na mBunscol competitions, it was apparent that only a small percentage of the school population could get onto the team to represent the school. In order to create a forum where all the boys could have a chance to develop their football (or hurling) skills, it was decided in 2001, to put in place an ‘in-school’ league which would fulfil this function. This league has been running success-fully since then and is becoming more and more popular with the pupils every year.
The league was devised by Mrs Deirdre Challoner, sports co-ordinator, and Mr John Murrell, Principal and it was decided to have as its theme Mountmellick and its locality. It is called ‘The Ivy League’, which is a reference to The Ivy Chapel, located near the school - an ancient chapel of great historical significance to Mountmellick. It is also a reminder of the pursuit of excellence which the ‘Ivy League’ universities in America promoted.
The names of the teams are taken mainly from place names and street names of Mountmellick. The aims of the league are to develop the skills of Gaelic games, to encourage participation, fair play and good behaviour and to engender in the boys a pride in their own place and a respect for the traditions of their home-town and area.
This year, all the boys who took part received certificates and the winners and runners-up received plaques or medals, which were provided by the Parents Council. Mr Brendan McEvoy, chairman of the Parent’s Council and Mr Murrell made the presentations in the school recently. The school is very appreciative of the support of the Parents Council for this project.
Some of the difficulties associated with running the league is the weather and having help with refereeing. Neither Mr Murrell nor Mrs Challoner could do anything about the weather, but they were lucky to have the help of teachers. Eamonn Raill and Kevin Gorman, who provided cheerful assistance when it was required. Their help is gratefully acknowledged. Of course, the main thing to point out is that the boys of Scoil Phadraig had a great time playing football - which is what it was all about in the first place!
Presentation to sisters
The community came together in Mountmellick on Friday night, November 19, to celebrate with the Presentation Sisters in recognition of their work in the schools and the community in the town for the past 150 years.
The evening began with the celebration of Mass by Bishop James Moriarty assisted by Fr Francis MacNamara, Fr Noel Dunphy, Fr Conor O’Reilly and invited priests including Fr Joseph Whittle, Fr Hennessy and Fr Denise Hartnett.
In his sermon Bishop Moriarty recounted the history of the Sisters in Mountmellick and paid tribute to their work in many areas, beginning with education and now in wider fields including social justice and the environment.
Following Mass the congregation adjourned to the Owenass Hall. Michael Gormley MC for the evening, introduced representatives from each of the parish groups, from the primary schools and the secondary school, from Mountmellick Town Council all of whom paid tribute to the sisters and presented them with mementoes.
St Elizabeth Maxwell and Sr Ann Walsh thanked everyone on behalf of the Presentation Sisters. The presentations culminated with the presentation of Mountmellick work by Bishop James Moriarty. The official proceedings ended with the cutting of the cake and then the young people from Mountmellick CCE provided musical entertainment.
The entire evening was a great celebration with people enjoying a chat, the music and the refreshments.
Awareness Group
The next meeting of the Mountmellick (Dis)ability aware-ness group will take place in the MDA offices on Wednesday, December 1 at 8 pm. Everybody is welcome. For further information contact Storm Powell at MDA.
Carers Support Group
The next meeting of the above group will take place in the MDA offices on Tuesday, December 7 at 8 pm. Everybody is welcome. For further information contact Storm Powell at MDA.
Lourdes
Next years pilgrimage to Lourdes has been booked from July 21 to July 26. Deposits are now being accepted. Those wishing to treat a family member or friend for Christmas may do so by paying a deposit to any member of the committee.
ICA
Members please note the change of date of the next guild meeting. It will be on Tuesday, December 7 with the Christmas party.
Sinn Fein News
The monthly meeting of the Willie Cumann took place on Wednesday night, November 17 in the Town Hall. Members of the Cumann would like to thank all those who supported their national draw.
On Sunday, November 21 members travelled to Birr to take part in the Manchester Martyrs Commemoration. The parade assembled outside the Sinn Fein office in Green Street in Birr and proceeded to the monument led by a colour party and a flute band. At the monument they laid a wreath. The speaker on the occasion was Aengus O’Snodaigh TD.
The 2005 Republican Resistance Calendar is now available and as 2005 is the 100th anniversary of the founding of Sinn Fein, this year’s calendar contains both historical and topical illustrations. Anyone interested please contact John Nelson
Community Care Whist
November 10 top score, Breda Cooley. Ladies 1, Tina Lalor; 2, Babs Hipwell. Gents 1, Tom Gowing and Jim Delaney. Halves 1, Nellie Thompson and Mary Gowing; 2, Angela Walshe.
Old School Whist
November 18 - Top score, L Pierce. Ladies 1, P Dowling; 2, S Duff. Gents 1, M Ryan; 2, T Gowing. Halves 1, M Gorman; 2, B Coffey. Best of three games, T Kearns; hatching D Byrne, lowest score F Conroy.
Your support is appreciated every Thursday night in the Old School, Pearse Street.
Mountmellick Athletic Club
Training has resumed on Tuesdays at 7 pm in the sports complex. Anyone interested in joining the club or who would like to help out in any way is welcome to attend.
Comhaltas Musical Instruments Wanted
Mountmellick branch of CCE would like to ask anyone who has unwanted musical instruments if the would consider donating them to the branch for the use of the children who are beginning music lessons.
Also adult classes are beginning on Tuesday November 23 from 9 pm to 9.45 pm in the Community Sports Complex.
Parish Draw
Annual parish draw in aid of parish funds will take place on Sunday, December 19. Tickets are now available from the parish office in St Josephs Church or from any committee member.
Jazz Ballet Classes
The above classes are being held every Wednesday in Mountmellick Macra Hall. Under 10s from 5 pm to 6 pm and 10 years and over from 6 pm to 7 pm. Contact Michelle for details.
Laois Citizens Information Centre
The above is in attendance every Wednesday at MDA Irishtown from 10 am to noon or else may be contacted at the Portlaoise office. Anyone who would like to help with tax problems, social welfare entitlements, health, housing or any related problem are welcome to attend.
Grow Group
A grow group meets each week in Mountmellick. If you are someone who experiences depression or anxiety attacks or who is simply in need of company do come along.
Meetings take place in the MDA, Irishtown at 3 pm on Monday. For further information please contact Harriet
Operation Christmas Child
The parents council of St Joseph’s GNS would like to congratulate the pupils, families and staff who took part in this project. A fantastic 191 boxes were collected.
Fine Gael
The local branch congratulate Ciara Delaney on her appointment as Leinster organiser for Young Fine Gael. The branch will hold its Christmas party on Friday, December 17 in The Mellick Inn. Tickets are €10.
Thanks
The Dyslexia Support Group wish to thank all those who supported their recent table quiz in The Hollow Bar. The workshop caters for sixty dyslexic children between the ages of 8 and 16 and meets weekly in the MDA. Your support is much appreciated.
