Tim’s Diary.
Perspective is a funny thing. The old maxim of the glass being half empty/half full has changed to quarter measure. I still prefer to think the glass is a quarter full rather than three-quarters empty. But I suppose a lot of people’s perspective have been skewed with the current financial difficulties.
There seems to be a witch hunt in parts of the media against the public servants. I suppose that I must bear part of the guilt for the current crisis as I kept my money in the Credit Union, not bailing out the banks. Keeping a 2002 car on the road, never investing in a second property, or second home as they are sometimes called. How anyone can have a second home I don’t know! I also try to shop in this country rather than the North which doesn’t help our currency dealing. I have taken any pay rise due to me, unlike all the people who handed back the increases prior to 2008. So I am guilty as charged. I hope to get a reduced sentence in the light of twenty five years service, the increased flexibility demanded under the terms of the last few pay agreements, the fact that I have worked consistently since I left school at sixteen, that I have paid for my one time in hospital, and the character references provided by people that volunteer in the community alongside me. When Brendan O’Connor et al get me charged and convicted promise that you will write to me.
Kildare County finally succumbed to the inevitable just a week into November. When you see the contract shenanigans ongoing with Derry City you would have been hard set to find any bungs in Newbridge. Money was always tight. A pity all the same for the young supporters.
Two young Ireland supporters myself and Kev, have had a great time in Croke Park for the last few years following the exploits of Staunton’s and Trap’s sides.
I, for one would have taken a runner-up’s spot at the start of the campaign. Unbeaten to boot! Stand up, for the Boys in Green. At our last hurrah in Croke Park, we saw them come a cropper to France. The atmosphere was, as they say electric. If we can get seats in the new Aviva, I hope the fun will continue.
Reality Television is very local in Ireland. I have come across a couple of the Apprentice candidates in their past lives. Why anyone would subject themselves to a b*%%*!@ing from Bill Cullen on a regular basis, I’m sure I don’t know. Also if you are watching the X Factor you will have seen the twins. John Grimes, their Da, has worked in the Paging & Radio industry for years and a more down to earth man is hard to meet. I’m sure the attendances that the Rathangan Drama Society audiences will see a big increase in the New Year. Maith an Fear Sean.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Every so often we peruse the World Wide Web so see what delights it contains about Ballymore Eustace and things associated. We hope that some of the following sites will entertain edify and even educate you on some of these long winter nights.
The daddy of them all is www.kildare.ie/BallymoreEustace Ballymore Eustace online under the direction of webmaster Tom O’Keefe will keep you bang up to date with events in the village, things to do and some nice photos of matters local from Chris Dennison.
Our local GAA club is site building at www.kildare.ie/community/easysites/ballymoreeustacegaa/
Another group angling for your visit is www.kildare.ie/ballymoreanglers/ which contains a comprehensive history of the group from 1974.
The Bugle’s own two resources http://ballymore.blogspot.com which contains articles since 2007 and www.flickr.com/photos/ballymorebugle/ which we use a photo depository again from 2007 but with photos that we may not have published in the pages of the magazine.
Two nice bite size documents for download local heritage trail http://www.kildare.ie/ballymoreanglers/docs/-Heritage%20TrailPDF.pdf
And the nature trail
http://www.kildare.ie/ballymoreanglers/docs/Nature%20Trail%20PDF.pdf
Our national school, Scoil Mhuire has a web presence at www.iol.ie/~bmesch/
And the latest tidy towns adjudication report
http://www.tidytowns.ie/u_reports/2004/2004%20COUNTY%20KILDARE%20BALLYMORE%20EUSTACE.pdf
The wonderful Barrettstown Gang Camp is at www.barretstown.org
And some of the commercial sites
www.ardenodehotel.com
www.ballymoreinn.com
www.countrykitchens.com
www.punchestown.com
www.fogartysquikpick.ie
some blogs
http://ballymoresingingfestival.blogspot.com/2009/10/saturday-afternoon-session-in-mick.html photos of the 2009 festival
http://athgarvan.livejournal.com Online blog of Michael Kavanagh, born in Athgarvan, known to many in Ballymore Eustace
and his even more famous sister-in-law Maire http://faighte.livejournal.com
Brian Byrne’s brilliant Kilcullen Blog is http://kilcullenbridge.blogspot.com
Happy Surfing!!!
The daddy of them all is www.kildare.ie/BallymoreEustace Ballymore Eustace online under the direction of webmaster Tom O’Keefe will keep you bang up to date with events in the village, things to do and some nice photos of matters local from Chris Dennison.
Our local GAA club is site building at www.kildare.ie/community/easysites/ballymoreeustacegaa/
Another group angling for your visit is www.kildare.ie/ballymoreanglers/ which contains a comprehensive history of the group from 1974.
The Bugle’s own two resources http://ballymore.blogspot.com which contains articles since 2007 and www.flickr.com/photos/ballymorebugle/ which we use a photo depository again from 2007 but with photos that we may not have published in the pages of the magazine.
Two nice bite size documents for download local heritage trail http://www.kildare.ie/ballymoreanglers/docs/-Heritage%20TrailPDF.pdf
And the nature trail
http://www.kildare.ie/ballymoreanglers/docs/Nature%20Trail%20PDF.pdf
Our national school, Scoil Mhuire has a web presence at www.iol.ie/~bmesch/
And the latest tidy towns adjudication report
http://www.tidytowns.ie/u_reports/2004/2004%20COUNTY%20KILDARE%20BALLYMORE%20EUSTACE.pdf
The wonderful Barrettstown Gang Camp is at www.barretstown.org
And some of the commercial sites
www.ardenodehotel.com
www.ballymoreinn.com
www.countrykitchens.com
www.punchestown.com
www.fogartysquikpick.ie
some blogs
http://ballymoresingingfestival.blogspot.com/2009/10/saturday-afternoon-session-in-mick.html photos of the 2009 festival
http://athgarvan.livejournal.com Online blog of Michael Kavanagh, born in Athgarvan, known to many in Ballymore Eustace
and his even more famous sister-in-law Maire http://faighte.livejournal.com
Brian Byrne’s brilliant Kilcullen Blog is http://kilcullenbridge.blogspot.com
Happy Surfing!!!
Profile of Patsy Murphy
(as compiled by Matt Purcell from
The Ballymore Echo, 1977)
“This month our Profile Team took a trip to Newbridge. Here we met Patsy Murphy, well known in mixed farming, football and even horseracing circles. Now retired, Patsy lives with his daughter Frances. Born in Glenree, Valleymount in 1892, Patsy went to school in Granabeg until he was 14 years of age. He remembers lads of 20 years attending school for the winter months and working all summer. In the early years, he worked in Glenree and Coughlanstown mainly with sheep. He drew stones with a horse and dray from the quarry in Ballyknockan to Blessington for the princely sum of 2/6d a day.
In 1920, he married Mai Mahon of Dublin. A sporting man, he often carried the
bag of the shooting Curate in Valleymount - our present Monsignor Browne.
They later moved to "Liffeydale" and reared a large family in difficult times. He recalls the dreadful thirties when ewes were 11/= each. In 1933, he bought 100 ewes for £50. That same year he sold 5 year-old fat heifers in the Dublin Market for £1 a cwt. weight. This was a record price and the talk of the country at that time.
He made many friends, one being Mrs Coonan who introduced him to horse racing. "Cariff Mount" bred from a mare she sold him for £11, won the Tickell Cup in Punchestown. Patsy laughed as he recalls that day going up to collect the Cup to find that his good friend Dinny Sullivan had it gone home. Part of his success he attributes to his good friend and neighbour, Captain Spencer Freeman, who allowed him all facilities for schooling horses.
Things that stand out in his memory of the old days in Ballymore was a great Bowling team. He remembers with nostalgia a famous Tug-O-War team, the
‘lightest’ man being 14 st. Names like Peter Kiely, the Kelly brothers, Dick Brien, Tom Headon, Mick Leahy and Charlie Brien and Joe Murphy of Bishophill, Tom Driver, Dick Hynes and many more. Art Doran who served his time in Coogan's Bar in Laragh was another great friend of his. He recalls helping Art clear up after Pitch & Toss outside the Bar.
Card playing was another favourite past time. He remembers many all night sessions in various houses and people travelled many miles for a good game of Twenty-Five. He bought his first motorcar in 1926 for £27. There were only two other cars in the Parish at the time. He recalled the flooding of the lake before the E.S.B. Power Station was built. One man who refused to leave his home had to be rescued by boat.
Patsy was Chairman of the G.A.A. Club in the good years and he remembers a famous match in Donard. The late Jack Burke of Tipperkevin asked Patsy to introduce him to the new Parish Priest - our present Monsignor Browne. When introduced, Jack said, "You are the first LIVE parish priest I have seen for 40 years in Ballymore!". Larry Stanley was, in Patsy's opinion, the greatest footballer of all times.
His most cherished memories are of Liffeydale and Tom Headon. He says
"Life is wonderful now, not like the old days". His only regret is that he was born 30 years too soon. Patsy and Mai has 57 grandchildren and 7 great-grand children.
(Ballymore Echo July 1977)
Patsy and Mai’s daughter Lil died on January 27, 1949, aged 23. Mai died on January 24, 1975, aged 79 and Patsy died on May 2, 1986, aged 93.
Apart from Lil, Patsy and Mai had 5 girls – Rita Lawlor (who has been in St Vincent’s Hospital, Athy for sometime now), Maureen Burke, Kitty Murray, the late Frances Higgins and Teresa Flood; four sons – the late Paddy, John, the late Michael and Martin, also deceased.
Sadly Monsignor Maurice Browne is now deceased, as is Mrs Coonan of Lugadowden.
While card drives were commonplace in days gone by I never took part in drives involving Twenty-Five. My late parents sometimes went to them. In my growing up years, whist drives were common and I often went to them where no doubt I encountered Patsy and Mai and indeed many others. My recollection is that Hollywood was always well represented on such occasions.
© Matt Purcell (November 9, 2009)
(as compiled by Matt Purcell from
The Ballymore Echo, 1977)
“This month our Profile Team took a trip to Newbridge. Here we met Patsy Murphy, well known in mixed farming, football and even horseracing circles. Now retired, Patsy lives with his daughter Frances. Born in Glenree, Valleymount in 1892, Patsy went to school in Granabeg until he was 14 years of age. He remembers lads of 20 years attending school for the winter months and working all summer. In the early years, he worked in Glenree and Coughlanstown mainly with sheep. He drew stones with a horse and dray from the quarry in Ballyknockan to Blessington for the princely sum of 2/6d a day.
In 1920, he married Mai Mahon of Dublin. A sporting man, he often carried the
bag of the shooting Curate in Valleymount - our present Monsignor Browne.
They later moved to "Liffeydale" and reared a large family in difficult times. He recalls the dreadful thirties when ewes were 11/= each. In 1933, he bought 100 ewes for £50. That same year he sold 5 year-old fat heifers in the Dublin Market for £1 a cwt. weight. This was a record price and the talk of the country at that time.
He made many friends, one being Mrs Coonan who introduced him to horse racing. "Cariff Mount" bred from a mare she sold him for £11, won the Tickell Cup in Punchestown. Patsy laughed as he recalls that day going up to collect the Cup to find that his good friend Dinny Sullivan had it gone home. Part of his success he attributes to his good friend and neighbour, Captain Spencer Freeman, who allowed him all facilities for schooling horses.
Things that stand out in his memory of the old days in Ballymore was a great Bowling team. He remembers with nostalgia a famous Tug-O-War team, the
‘lightest’ man being 14 st. Names like Peter Kiely, the Kelly brothers, Dick Brien, Tom Headon, Mick Leahy and Charlie Brien and Joe Murphy of Bishophill, Tom Driver, Dick Hynes and many more. Art Doran who served his time in Coogan's Bar in Laragh was another great friend of his. He recalls helping Art clear up after Pitch & Toss outside the Bar.
Card playing was another favourite past time. He remembers many all night sessions in various houses and people travelled many miles for a good game of Twenty-Five. He bought his first motorcar in 1926 for £27. There were only two other cars in the Parish at the time. He recalled the flooding of the lake before the E.S.B. Power Station was built. One man who refused to leave his home had to be rescued by boat.
Patsy was Chairman of the G.A.A. Club in the good years and he remembers a famous match in Donard. The late Jack Burke of Tipperkevin asked Patsy to introduce him to the new Parish Priest - our present Monsignor Browne. When introduced, Jack said, "You are the first LIVE parish priest I have seen for 40 years in Ballymore!". Larry Stanley was, in Patsy's opinion, the greatest footballer of all times.
His most cherished memories are of Liffeydale and Tom Headon. He says
"Life is wonderful now, not like the old days". His only regret is that he was born 30 years too soon. Patsy and Mai has 57 grandchildren and 7 great-grand children.
(Ballymore Echo July 1977)
Patsy and Mai’s daughter Lil died on January 27, 1949, aged 23. Mai died on January 24, 1975, aged 79 and Patsy died on May 2, 1986, aged 93.
Apart from Lil, Patsy and Mai had 5 girls – Rita Lawlor (who has been in St Vincent’s Hospital, Athy for sometime now), Maureen Burke, Kitty Murray, the late Frances Higgins and Teresa Flood; four sons – the late Paddy, John, the late Michael and Martin, also deceased.
Sadly Monsignor Maurice Browne is now deceased, as is Mrs Coonan of Lugadowden.
While card drives were commonplace in days gone by I never took part in drives involving Twenty-Five. My late parents sometimes went to them. In my growing up years, whist drives were common and I often went to them where no doubt I encountered Patsy and Mai and indeed many others. My recollection is that Hollywood was always well represented on such occasions.
© Matt Purcell (November 9, 2009)
Matt’s Memories
Ballymore Echo
In the seventies, the Ballymore Echo ran a successful series called “Profiles”. This involved interviews with people in the area at that time. Jimmy McLoughlin of Bolabeg along with P.J. Rudden (former Engineer with the Filter Beds) did the interviews. The late John Murphy of Longhouse took over from P.J. Rudden when P.J. left the Filter Beds. This month, we have featured Patsy Murphy’s profile in The Bugle
Question
Did Peadar Kearney, writer of the Soldier’s Song, live in the Ballymore Eustace area at one time and, if so, where? It has been suggested to me that he may have lived where the late Paddy Monaghan lived at Bishopland. I can be contacted by email at purmatt@gmail.com
Billy Hillis
While Billy Hillis had no luck this time in the local elections he was nevertheless quite upbeat as he had made a good recovery from his health difficulties. Continued good health to him.
Pat Smith’s Presentation
Pat Smith retired from South Dublin County Council recently. A Presentation to him was made on September 17 and was well attended. Pat is a good Kildare GAA supporter and was originally from Monasterevin.
Valleymount
Thanks to my late father who was a GP, I had been in Valleymount on a number of occasions in my youth. In his younger days, our late Parish Priest, Monsignor Maurice Browne, was a Curate in Valleymount. The Byrne sisters, Ellen and Margaret, hailed from Valleymount and both played with Dublin County Council’s soccer team - 11CC. Ellen married Shay Weafer, also of the Council, who sadly died young. While re-visiting old haunts with my brother James, I’m pretty sure I saw Margaret taking a stroll as we went through Valleymount. Shortly after my departure from the Law Department of the South Dublin County Council, Valleymount resident, Carol Barry, joined it. Since then I have had the pleasure of meeting Carol on a number of occasions.
Mary Therese
Before I had my stroke, I used regularly see Mary Therese McEvoy doing her shopping in Ballymore Eustace. Not having seen her of late, I was concern about her state of health but I gather she is still in good form.
Edward Delaney
Reading of the death of Edward Delaney in September 2009, aged 79, reminded me that he designed the World Handball Trophies in 1970 that were played at the then new Croke Park 60 by 30 alley. Pat Kirby playing for America won the singles title beating the reigning champion, Joey Maher, playing for Canada while Dick Lyng and Seamus Buggy of Wexford won the doubles title.
Enda
Tom O'Rourke met Enda Timoney at the recent handball All-Ireland finals and passed on Enda’s good wishes to me. For the benefit of those who may have forgotten, Enda has contributed many photos to Áine Ryan’s handball website referred to in my September article.
Kevin
Having attended the Vigil Mass in Ballymore Eustace, Kevin Keenan snr kindly walked down over the Bridge with me while we chatted before his daughter, Theresa Nugent, gave Kevin a lift back to his car.
Deaths
The death of Mary (Mona) Nugent (nee McLoughlin) of Briencan occurred on September 20 R.I.P. Her husband Patrick and her son Pat predeceased Mona. Pat died three months ago. Having sympathised with Mona’s family, I got talking to her sister Rose who came over from England for the funeral. Rose recalled my late father visiting her family in times past. Maureen Evans, Eileen Gordon and Pat O'Toole were all in the same seat as myself in the Church. Pat, one of my racing friends from the Two-Mile-House direction, gave me a great greeting. I met Madge Tyrrell (nee Nugent) and the late Joe Nugent's wife. This time Madge introduced me to her husband and daughter. Met the O'Rourkes - Rita, Tom and Jacinta, Helen Dreelan's sister and I saw Monsignor John Wilson for the first time as he officiated at the ceremony. Tutsy Holloway was there, along with her sister Phyllis, who came a long way to be present. Renowned horse trainer, Jim Bolger, who used to live on Barrack Street, was there.
The death of my good friend, Elizabeth (Liz) O’Connor-Deegan (at home) of Bushfield Lodge, Bishopsland after a long illness occurred on October 12, 2009 R.I.P. Her husband Eamonn, daughters Eimear and Orlagh, son Eamonn, sisters - Máire, Mairead, Sheila, Sr. Catherine and Christine, brothers - Pat, Seamus, Martin and Leo, grandson Ciarán, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives survive Liz. Her brothers - Eamonn, Charlie and Liam predeceased Liz.
Joining me in the Church were Jim and Kay Nolan of Elverstown. There was a colossal crowd at the reception of the remains as was the case at the Requiem Mass. I met her brother Pat and Eamonn’s brothers, Tommy and Vincent, Vincent’s wife, Julie (nee Lee), sisters Mary, Margaret and Trish Lehart. Earlier in the day, I visited Dr. Anne Early (Ophthalmic Physician) who previously had lived at Poulaphouca and intended going to Liz’s funeral. Afterwards, I met Caroline Deegan (nee Lee).
When Eamonn and Liz got married in 1978 in Valleymount, I had the honour of being there and afterwards, at their reception in Keadeen Hotel. Eamonn had his 50th Birthday Party in Valleymount, which was organised by Liz who also organised all the details of her funeral. At the Requiem Mass, all those present received a lovely leaflet, which included a photo of Liz. Liz was a great cook and gave classes in Cordon Bleu cooking at Bushfield Lodge.
The death of Edward Good (38) occurred skydiving in Canada on Monday, October 12 – Edward was the eldest son of Dr John Good who worked for a time in Ballymore Eustace.
© Matt Purcell (November 9, 2009)
Ballymore Echo
In the seventies, the Ballymore Echo ran a successful series called “Profiles”. This involved interviews with people in the area at that time. Jimmy McLoughlin of Bolabeg along with P.J. Rudden (former Engineer with the Filter Beds) did the interviews. The late John Murphy of Longhouse took over from P.J. Rudden when P.J. left the Filter Beds. This month, we have featured Patsy Murphy’s profile in The Bugle
Question
Did Peadar Kearney, writer of the Soldier’s Song, live in the Ballymore Eustace area at one time and, if so, where? It has been suggested to me that he may have lived where the late Paddy Monaghan lived at Bishopland. I can be contacted by email at purmatt@gmail.com
Billy Hillis
While Billy Hillis had no luck this time in the local elections he was nevertheless quite upbeat as he had made a good recovery from his health difficulties. Continued good health to him.
Pat Smith’s Presentation
Pat Smith retired from South Dublin County Council recently. A Presentation to him was made on September 17 and was well attended. Pat is a good Kildare GAA supporter and was originally from Monasterevin.
Valleymount
Thanks to my late father who was a GP, I had been in Valleymount on a number of occasions in my youth. In his younger days, our late Parish Priest, Monsignor Maurice Browne, was a Curate in Valleymount. The Byrne sisters, Ellen and Margaret, hailed from Valleymount and both played with Dublin County Council’s soccer team - 11CC. Ellen married Shay Weafer, also of the Council, who sadly died young. While re-visiting old haunts with my brother James, I’m pretty sure I saw Margaret taking a stroll as we went through Valleymount. Shortly after my departure from the Law Department of the South Dublin County Council, Valleymount resident, Carol Barry, joined it. Since then I have had the pleasure of meeting Carol on a number of occasions.
Mary Therese
Before I had my stroke, I used regularly see Mary Therese McEvoy doing her shopping in Ballymore Eustace. Not having seen her of late, I was concern about her state of health but I gather she is still in good form.
Edward Delaney
Reading of the death of Edward Delaney in September 2009, aged 79, reminded me that he designed the World Handball Trophies in 1970 that were played at the then new Croke Park 60 by 30 alley. Pat Kirby playing for America won the singles title beating the reigning champion, Joey Maher, playing for Canada while Dick Lyng and Seamus Buggy of Wexford won the doubles title.
Enda
Tom O'Rourke met Enda Timoney at the recent handball All-Ireland finals and passed on Enda’s good wishes to me. For the benefit of those who may have forgotten, Enda has contributed many photos to Áine Ryan’s handball website referred to in my September article.
Kevin
Having attended the Vigil Mass in Ballymore Eustace, Kevin Keenan snr kindly walked down over the Bridge with me while we chatted before his daughter, Theresa Nugent, gave Kevin a lift back to his car.
Deaths
The death of Mary (Mona) Nugent (nee McLoughlin) of Briencan occurred on September 20 R.I.P. Her husband Patrick and her son Pat predeceased Mona. Pat died three months ago. Having sympathised with Mona’s family, I got talking to her sister Rose who came over from England for the funeral. Rose recalled my late father visiting her family in times past. Maureen Evans, Eileen Gordon and Pat O'Toole were all in the same seat as myself in the Church. Pat, one of my racing friends from the Two-Mile-House direction, gave me a great greeting. I met Madge Tyrrell (nee Nugent) and the late Joe Nugent's wife. This time Madge introduced me to her husband and daughter. Met the O'Rourkes - Rita, Tom and Jacinta, Helen Dreelan's sister and I saw Monsignor John Wilson for the first time as he officiated at the ceremony. Tutsy Holloway was there, along with her sister Phyllis, who came a long way to be present. Renowned horse trainer, Jim Bolger, who used to live on Barrack Street, was there.
The death of my good friend, Elizabeth (Liz) O’Connor-Deegan (at home) of Bushfield Lodge, Bishopsland after a long illness occurred on October 12, 2009 R.I.P. Her husband Eamonn, daughters Eimear and Orlagh, son Eamonn, sisters - Máire, Mairead, Sheila, Sr. Catherine and Christine, brothers - Pat, Seamus, Martin and Leo, grandson Ciarán, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives survive Liz. Her brothers - Eamonn, Charlie and Liam predeceased Liz.
Joining me in the Church were Jim and Kay Nolan of Elverstown. There was a colossal crowd at the reception of the remains as was the case at the Requiem Mass. I met her brother Pat and Eamonn’s brothers, Tommy and Vincent, Vincent’s wife, Julie (nee Lee), sisters Mary, Margaret and Trish Lehart. Earlier in the day, I visited Dr. Anne Early (Ophthalmic Physician) who previously had lived at Poulaphouca and intended going to Liz’s funeral. Afterwards, I met Caroline Deegan (nee Lee).
When Eamonn and Liz got married in 1978 in Valleymount, I had the honour of being there and afterwards, at their reception in Keadeen Hotel. Eamonn had his 50th Birthday Party in Valleymount, which was organised by Liz who also organised all the details of her funeral. At the Requiem Mass, all those present received a lovely leaflet, which included a photo of Liz. Liz was a great cook and gave classes in Cordon Bleu cooking at Bushfield Lodge.
The death of Edward Good (38) occurred skydiving in Canada on Monday, October 12 – Edward was the eldest son of Dr John Good who worked for a time in Ballymore Eustace.
© Matt Purcell (November 9, 2009)
Off the Cutting Edge by Pastor R. Dunlop
CONFRONTING OUR DARKNESS
“Never shall I forget the first night in camp, which has turned my life into one long night, seven times cursed and seven times sealed. Never shall I forget that smoke. Never shall I forget the little faces of the children, whose bodies I saw turned into wreaths of smoke beneath a silent blue sky.
Never shall I forget those flames which consumed my faith for ever.
Never shall I forget that nocturnal silence which deprived me, for all eternity of the desire to live. Never shall I forget those moments which murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to dust. Never shall I forget these things, even if I am condemned to live as long as God Himself. Never.”
These words were penned by Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel, describing his first night at Auschwitz.
This painful outcry is a moving reaction to an unbearable sense of inhuman treatment in its most extreme and shameful expression.
Thankfully, there are positive things to be said about humanity and all is not total or permanent darkness. Wiesel, whose parents and sister died in the extermination camps, became a prolific writer and Professor in Humanities in Boston University. As a Jew, his belief in God was gradually restored, but not without a long inward struggle.
All who face the terror of inhuman cruelty find it difficult to hold on to faith in the goodness and providence of God. We have to keep on living with questions while looking for answers.
Thousands of thinkers through the centuries have grappled with these issues and have largely failed to come up with definitive answers.
This is reflected in a contemporary quotation from the writing of a struggling soul to his friend:
I have to look in cracks and crevices.
Don’t tell me how God’s mercy is as wide as the ocean, as deep as the sea.
I already believe it, but that infinite prospect
gets farther away the more we mouth it.
I thank you for lamenting His absences-
from marriages going mad,
from the deaths of your son and mine,
From the inescapable terrors of history: Treblinka, Viet Nam, September Eleven.
It’s hard to celebrate His invisible Presence in the sacrament while seeing His visible absence from the world.
This must be why mystics and poets record the slender incursions of splintered light, echoes, fragments, odd words and phrases like flashes through darkened hallways.
These stabs remind me that the proud and portly old church is really only that cut green slip grafted into a tiny nick that merciful God Himself slit into the stem of His chosen Judah.
The thin and tenuous thread we hang by, so astonishing, is the metaphor I need at the shoreline of all those immeasurable oceans of love. (From correspondence in 2002 between Rod Jellema and Lewis Smedes)
November has arrived and the days are getting darker and shorter.
We, in the Steiner School, celebrate this time with a wonderful festival.
One Friday night, when the sun has set and the stars and the moon come out to brighten the night sky, all the children and parents will come to school.
Together they will make their way into the building, stepping quietly, quietly...
Inside the room candles are lit and they will transform the room.
A puppet-show is starting where a young girl finds a bright lantern and walks through the world sharing her light with those in need.
After the story all children will get a lantern themselves and the girl from the story will light every single one.
When all the lights are lit we all will walk through the night, the stars shining above and us shining on the ground.
Singing special lantern songs we arrive in the school again where we will share some lovely sweet bread and enjoy the lights in the night.
Winter time is a magical time.
Village Green Garden Club The Garden Club is back and running since the summer. We had Jimi Blake in September talking about' Woody Plants,' and Anne Lindfield on' Winter Flowering Plants & Colour in the Garden' in October. This month Billy Moore from the Alpine Garden Society of Ireland will be giving a talk. As always new members are very welcome. Garden Club meetings are on the last Thursday of each month ( except January, June , July, and August ), in the Resource Centre at 7. 30. It's always a lovely opportunity to hear something new about plants and gardening, and enjoy tea, chat and home cooking afterwards. So make a date in your diary for Thursday November 26th in the Resource Centre.
CONFRONTING OUR DARKNESS
“Never shall I forget the first night in camp, which has turned my life into one long night, seven times cursed and seven times sealed. Never shall I forget that smoke. Never shall I forget the little faces of the children, whose bodies I saw turned into wreaths of smoke beneath a silent blue sky.
Never shall I forget those flames which consumed my faith for ever.
Never shall I forget that nocturnal silence which deprived me, for all eternity of the desire to live. Never shall I forget those moments which murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to dust. Never shall I forget these things, even if I am condemned to live as long as God Himself. Never.”
These words were penned by Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel, describing his first night at Auschwitz.
This painful outcry is a moving reaction to an unbearable sense of inhuman treatment in its most extreme and shameful expression.
Thankfully, there are positive things to be said about humanity and all is not total or permanent darkness. Wiesel, whose parents and sister died in the extermination camps, became a prolific writer and Professor in Humanities in Boston University. As a Jew, his belief in God was gradually restored, but not without a long inward struggle.
All who face the terror of inhuman cruelty find it difficult to hold on to faith in the goodness and providence of God. We have to keep on living with questions while looking for answers.
Thousands of thinkers through the centuries have grappled with these issues and have largely failed to come up with definitive answers.
This is reflected in a contemporary quotation from the writing of a struggling soul to his friend:
I have to look in cracks and crevices.
Don’t tell me how God’s mercy is as wide as the ocean, as deep as the sea.
I already believe it, but that infinite prospect
gets farther away the more we mouth it.
I thank you for lamenting His absences-
from marriages going mad,
from the deaths of your son and mine,
From the inescapable terrors of history: Treblinka, Viet Nam, September Eleven.
It’s hard to celebrate His invisible Presence in the sacrament while seeing His visible absence from the world.
This must be why mystics and poets record the slender incursions of splintered light, echoes, fragments, odd words and phrases like flashes through darkened hallways.
These stabs remind me that the proud and portly old church is really only that cut green slip grafted into a tiny nick that merciful God Himself slit into the stem of His chosen Judah.
The thin and tenuous thread we hang by, so astonishing, is the metaphor I need at the shoreline of all those immeasurable oceans of love. (From correspondence in 2002 between Rod Jellema and Lewis Smedes)
November has arrived and the days are getting darker and shorter.
We, in the Steiner School, celebrate this time with a wonderful festival.
One Friday night, when the sun has set and the stars and the moon come out to brighten the night sky, all the children and parents will come to school.
Together they will make their way into the building, stepping quietly, quietly...
Inside the room candles are lit and they will transform the room.
A puppet-show is starting where a young girl finds a bright lantern and walks through the world sharing her light with those in need.
After the story all children will get a lantern themselves and the girl from the story will light every single one.
When all the lights are lit we all will walk through the night, the stars shining above and us shining on the ground.
Singing special lantern songs we arrive in the school again where we will share some lovely sweet bread and enjoy the lights in the night.
Winter time is a magical time.
Village Green Garden Club The Garden Club is back and running since the summer. We had Jimi Blake in September talking about' Woody Plants,' and Anne Lindfield on' Winter Flowering Plants & Colour in the Garden' in October. This month Billy Moore from the Alpine Garden Society of Ireland will be giving a talk. As always new members are very welcome. Garden Club meetings are on the last Thursday of each month ( except January, June , July, and August ), in the Resource Centre at 7. 30. It's always a lovely opportunity to hear something new about plants and gardening, and enjoy tea, chat and home cooking afterwards. So make a date in your diary for Thursday November 26th in the Resource Centre.
Ballymore Ladies GFC
Last Man Standing
Congratulations to the 4 people who made it to the last weekend of the last man standing; Simon Murphy, Jordan Deegan, Niall Brosnan and Billy Tutty. Billy, Jordan and Simon all went for Man City which knocked them out leaving Niall Brosnan with Arsenal and eventually winning the €500 prize money. Thanks to all who got involved and we hope everyone will be back in the competition in the New Year!!
Under 15’s Girls
Ballymore vs Kilcullen
Ballymore u15 girls played at home against Kilcullen on October 10th. It was a very close game with the teams being evenly matched. Ballymore had a great first half and were ahead at half time with Karen Archibold, Shannon Brown, Fiona Field and Heather Sammon all contributing to the score. Kilcullen came back strongly in the second half. A point from Molly and goals from Amy Mahon, Lucy Field and Siobhan Murphy led to a high scoring game but unfortunately Kilcullen won by 2 points. Cody Behan had a good game making some great saves. Emily Mahon cleared a lot from the half backs and made some good passes into the forwards.
Kilcullen 6-5 Ballymore 5-6
Ballymore vs Round Towers
Ballymore u15 girls played at home against Round Towers on October 17th. With a number of players missing some of the girls were playing in new positions. Despite this the team played well together and proved tough opposition for Round Towers. Sofia O’Sullivan started the scoring for Ballymore with a well taken point followed soon after by a point by Hazel. A well timed pass by Siobhan led to the first of 2 goals by Hazel. Siobhan and Molly both scored goals in the first half and Heather scored a point. This gave Ballymore a good lead at half time. Round Towers made some changes at half time and came out strongly in the second half. Ballymore had some great runs of play in the second half. A free taken by Heather from the sideline was caught by Amy Mahon who put it straight over the bar. Congratulations and well done to Shannon Doyle for making her debut in goals as Cody was carrying an injury. The backs had a great game coordinating well making it very difficult for Round Towers to move forward.
Ballymore 6-5 Round Towers 2-7
Rathangan vs Ballymore
Ballymore u15 girls played away against Rathangan on October 26th. Despite illness a strong team travelled to Rathangan on a bank holiday Monday. Ballymore made a strong start with a quick goal and a point from Karen Archibold. A great run of play starting with a pass from Hazel to Karen and then to Fiona Field resulted in a goal. Towards the end of the first half Shannon Brown made a run from the half forward line and under pressure passed to Siobhan Murphy who made a quick pass to Karen who scored another goal. Ballymore were ahead at half time. Rathangan made some changes at half time and started strongly. They kept up a fast pace and despite some great defending by all the Ballymore backs and scores by Karen and Shannon Rathangan were victorious. The girls in the centre of the field had great games against good opposition with Joanna and Amy covering the every inch of the pitch many times!
Rathangan 6-10 Ballymore 3-6
Deirdre & Sharon
Ballymore Ladies GFC PROs
Last Man Standing
Congratulations to the 4 people who made it to the last weekend of the last man standing; Simon Murphy, Jordan Deegan, Niall Brosnan and Billy Tutty. Billy, Jordan and Simon all went for Man City which knocked them out leaving Niall Brosnan with Arsenal and eventually winning the €500 prize money. Thanks to all who got involved and we hope everyone will be back in the competition in the New Year!!
Under 15’s Girls
Ballymore vs Kilcullen
Ballymore u15 girls played at home against Kilcullen on October 10th. It was a very close game with the teams being evenly matched. Ballymore had a great first half and were ahead at half time with Karen Archibold, Shannon Brown, Fiona Field and Heather Sammon all contributing to the score. Kilcullen came back strongly in the second half. A point from Molly and goals from Amy Mahon, Lucy Field and Siobhan Murphy led to a high scoring game but unfortunately Kilcullen won by 2 points. Cody Behan had a good game making some great saves. Emily Mahon cleared a lot from the half backs and made some good passes into the forwards.
Kilcullen 6-5 Ballymore 5-6
Ballymore vs Round Towers
Ballymore u15 girls played at home against Round Towers on October 17th. With a number of players missing some of the girls were playing in new positions. Despite this the team played well together and proved tough opposition for Round Towers. Sofia O’Sullivan started the scoring for Ballymore with a well taken point followed soon after by a point by Hazel. A well timed pass by Siobhan led to the first of 2 goals by Hazel. Siobhan and Molly both scored goals in the first half and Heather scored a point. This gave Ballymore a good lead at half time. Round Towers made some changes at half time and came out strongly in the second half. Ballymore had some great runs of play in the second half. A free taken by Heather from the sideline was caught by Amy Mahon who put it straight over the bar. Congratulations and well done to Shannon Doyle for making her debut in goals as Cody was carrying an injury. The backs had a great game coordinating well making it very difficult for Round Towers to move forward.
Ballymore 6-5 Round Towers 2-7
Rathangan vs Ballymore
Ballymore u15 girls played away against Rathangan on October 26th. Despite illness a strong team travelled to Rathangan on a bank holiday Monday. Ballymore made a strong start with a quick goal and a point from Karen Archibold. A great run of play starting with a pass from Hazel to Karen and then to Fiona Field resulted in a goal. Towards the end of the first half Shannon Brown made a run from the half forward line and under pressure passed to Siobhan Murphy who made a quick pass to Karen who scored another goal. Ballymore were ahead at half time. Rathangan made some changes at half time and started strongly. They kept up a fast pace and despite some great defending by all the Ballymore backs and scores by Karen and Shannon Rathangan were victorious. The girls in the centre of the field had great games against good opposition with Joanna and Amy covering the every inch of the pitch many times!
Rathangan 6-10 Ballymore 3-6
Deirdre & Sharon
Ballymore Ladies GFC PROs
Portarlington
It was a lovely bright, dewy day, with autumn leaves all over the place. Very picturesque, but a nightmare when following a little white golf ball.... The top performers must have had some kind of radar to keep track of theirs... Tony Hannon and Liam Kelly both had a very impressive score of 42 points, with Tony winning it on the back nine.
Winner Tony Hannon
Runner up Liam Kelly
Best Gross Ciaran Curley
Third John Flynn
Catagory 1 Niall Carroll
Catagory 2 Simon Murphy
Catagory 3 Eoghan Barrett
Catagory 4 Andy Hickey
Back 9 Mick Dowling
Front 9 Dick Shaw
Golfer of the Year – Dick Shaw
Portarlington was the final outing for this competition. Contenders were Micheal McGrath, Gavin Daly, Michael Murphy, Dick Shaw. I had the great privilege of playing with Dick Shaw and Pat Curley. Both played very well, lots of pars and birdies, whilst never mentioning GOTY! It was a real pleasure to see how it should be done!
Match Play Winner – Johnny Murphy
The final was a great contest between Johnny and Gavin Daly. According to Johnny, lady luck was on his side throughout this competition, but we all know it takes more than a bit of luck to consistently win. Well done to all who took part, particularly runner up, Gavin, semi finalists Simon Murphy and Jay Curley.
Next outing Sat Nov 21st Mountrath -
Timesheet in Paddy’s
Tim Grace, Dick Shaw
A very sincere THANK YOU to our sponsors for their support and generosity this year:
BALLYMORE OIL, Dermot & Mag O’Reilly
BME Senior Citizens
“PADDY’S ” – Pat Murphy
Niall Carroll
It was a lovely bright, dewy day, with autumn leaves all over the place. Very picturesque, but a nightmare when following a little white golf ball.... The top performers must have had some kind of radar to keep track of theirs... Tony Hannon and Liam Kelly both had a very impressive score of 42 points, with Tony winning it on the back nine.
Winner Tony Hannon
Runner up Liam Kelly
Best Gross Ciaran Curley
Third John Flynn
Catagory 1 Niall Carroll
Catagory 2 Simon Murphy
Catagory 3 Eoghan Barrett
Catagory 4 Andy Hickey
Back 9 Mick Dowling
Front 9 Dick Shaw
Golfer of the Year – Dick Shaw
Portarlington was the final outing for this competition. Contenders were Micheal McGrath, Gavin Daly, Michael Murphy, Dick Shaw. I had the great privilege of playing with Dick Shaw and Pat Curley. Both played very well, lots of pars and birdies, whilst never mentioning GOTY! It was a real pleasure to see how it should be done!
Match Play Winner – Johnny Murphy
The final was a great contest between Johnny and Gavin Daly. According to Johnny, lady luck was on his side throughout this competition, but we all know it takes more than a bit of luck to consistently win. Well done to all who took part, particularly runner up, Gavin, semi finalists Simon Murphy and Jay Curley.
Next outing Sat Nov 21st Mountrath -
Timesheet in Paddy’s
Tim Grace, Dick Shaw
A very sincere THANK YOU to our sponsors for their support and generosity this year:
BALLYMORE OIL, Dermot & Mag O’Reilly
BME Senior Citizens
“PADDY’S ” – Pat Murphy
Niall Carroll
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