Greetings from Ballymore Eustace

2010-05-06T04:29:00.002-07:00

Did you know that you can now access your funds 24/7?
All you have to do is apply for a CU Cash account, and we will issue you with an ATM card and unique PIN.
The CU Cash ATM is conveniently located on the main street in Naas.
Key Benefits:
24 hour access to your cash
No more queueing to withdraw
NO Transaction charges!
About the CU Cash Card
Funds will be debited from a separate balance, known as the CU Cash account. You must ensure that there are sufficient funds in this account, before making ATM withdrawals.
There is a daily withdrawal limit of €350.
You can use the CU Cash Balance to withdraw funds at the counter, as well as from the ATM, provided there is sufficient balance and no arrears on loan balances.
How to apply for a CU Cash Card
Simply complete a CU Cash Card application form available from the Credit Union offices. Alternatively you can download an application form from the website and return to us at 20, North Main St., Naas.

Tim’s Diary

We seem to be coming out of the cold weather at long last. It has been a spell of very extreme weather and it has really taken a toll on the road surfaces. We even have pot holes on Barrack Street! What a state on the Dublin Road.! Two nice size ones are beginning to develop right outside our front door. The daddy of all pot holes is the one just past the cemetery as you head up towards Ardenode Cross. If you drive fast into it will rattle your teeth let alone your suspension.
As always with Cheltenham over thoughts turn to Aintree and Punchestown. The Grand national renewal is stiil a bit hard to decipher but a few bob each way on Jimmy Mangan’s Whinstone Boy should give you a good run for your money. Punchestown seems a long way away yet but keep and eye out for Special Account.
Staying with the nags look out for a BBC Four Storyville programme which follows a year in the life of three horses in Paul Nolan’s stables. A camera crew follwed Joncol, Ardalan and Cuan na Grai for 12 months through thick and thin. If you are of a sensitive nature be ready for some robust language as PN watches his charges.
Michael Lyons was the previous CEO of AMNCH Hospital in Tallaght.

2010-05-06T04:29:00.001-07:00

Profile of Tommy Nugent

Margaret and Tommy

We visited Mr. Tommy Nugent Senior of Ballybought this month - a famous all-round sportsman in years gone by. He was born in Birmingham, England in March 1904 and he was one of a family of four who came to live on the Commons when he was only 4 years old. He went to school in Ballymore and he remembers Miss Hegarty, Miss Kelly, Miss Farrington, Miss Haydon, Miss Byrne and Mr. and Mrs. McBride teaching there at that time. He left school at the age of 13 and went to work for "rich Christy Dunne" in Johnstown Hollywood for 30/= a quarter.

One of the things that stand out in his memory of years ago was the day Tommy Leahy and Mick McDonald held him under the water in the Liffey for "five minutes”. "They left me for dead" he said. "This was the sort of devilment boys got up to in those days".

He loved handball and he remembers Tom and Joe Morrissey building the Ball Alley in 1910. They lived beside the alley where Dr. Purcell now has his stables. The very first Handball Club was formed by Bernard Purcell, Ned O'Rourke, Pat Conner, Blacksmith, Jimmy McGrath, Jim Byrne, Schoolmaster, Jack McGee, Myles McGee, Peter Nugent, and Myles Lawlor. He remembers paying his first 1/= membership fee. The first singles match played there was between Kit Jordan and Patsy Devoy and the first doubles match between Art Doran and Myles Lawlor versus Jimmy McGrath and himself, which the latter pair won. Tommy Leahy was the top player of his time and "I remember playing him for a bet and winning" Tommy recalls gleefully.

As a youngster he carried the newspapers from Harristown station to Ballymore for Graces and McGuires. Jimmy Smith the Blacksmith ran the mail car to Harristown at the same time. On one occasion, he recalls Bernard Purcell having a bet with Jimmy Smith that Tom would beat him in a race to Harristown. Smith drove the car himself as the usual driver, Jim McLoughlin was a pal of his. In spite of all he won the race quite easy.

Football played a big part in his life and he talked of great players like Mickey Dwyer, Tom Donnelly, Myles Lawlor and Winders brothers. He said he won a "Long Kick" competition with a kick of 65 yards from Anthony Nolan and Noel Cullen. Athletics was another sport he enjoyed and he recalls taking part in races with P. Halpin and Jim McLoughlin.

He joined the Fenians in 1917, Frank Driver being a local leader. He worked for some time with the County Council and also on the E.S.B. scheme. He married Margaret Toomey of Ballysize in 1937. He got a house in Bolabeg as he was then employed by Capt. Spencer Freeman and the couple had 6 children. The years passed, times were hard and ill health forced him to retire early. They moved to their present home and he recalls the many friends who saw him through over the years. Mrs. McLoughlin of Tinnycross; Mrs. McGrath, The Commons; Mick McDonald, Mick Maher and Mr and Mrs. Murray of Ardenode.

In later years, his pastime of training donkeys brought him a lot of pleasure and satisfaction. He won many a donkey derby, but when grass got expensive, he had to give this up.

Céilí dancing and old-time waltzing was another great favourite of his, and many was the all-night house dance he attended in the old days.

He is happy to see snobbery gone out of football. He admires to-day’s youth, but blames their parents for over indulging them. He has 5 grandchildren and their eldest son, Pat lives at home with them. He enjoys reading and looks forward to The Echo every month.

(Matt Purcell - Courtesy of Ballymore Echo, November 1977)

2010-05-06T04:28:00.002-07:00

Matt’s Memories

Business
For an hour each Saturday at 10am, RTÉ1 has a programme on business. One of those featured on that programme on Saturday, February 27 was Kevin Keenan (Senior). Kevin is still working a full week even though he is 83 years of age. He has a full truck driver’s license and all safety certificates required to work at sand and gravel.

He talked about loading his first truck in 1950 with a shovel and unloading the same way. The tipper truck, washing and screening equipment emerged in time. His two sons now run the business. His son Tom attended the interview with Kevin (Senior).

The Nugents of Ballybought
Madge Nugent is the only surviving Nugent now. She has one girl, two boys and two grandchildren and is married to Des Tyrrell of Blessington. Joe’s wife Rita, two sons and three grandchildren survive the late Joe.

Tommy died in June 1982, aged 78 and Margaret died in August 1983, aged 68. Two girls died in infancy; Lucy Ann died in November 1975, aged 31 while Pat died in August 2000, aged 60 and Joe who died last year, aged 67.

In his younger days, Tommy was a “dog man”. He used to breed and train sheep dogs and had success at the Wicklow dog trials. Two of his dogs were named ‘Fly’ and ‘Spot’. Fly spent her time between Ballybought and Ballysize, Hollywood. Paddy Toomey had his farm at Ballysize and was Margaret’s brother. Fly used to walk the 4 miles along the road between Ballybought and Ballysize regarding both as her home. For the most part, she stayed where she felt most welcome at any given time.

Tommy used to loan Fly to Paddy to gather the sheep off the mountain as she was a wonderful sheep dog and worked so well on the whistle. She was a great help to Paddy as she did the entire running around the mountain and brought the sheep down. She would spend weeks with Paddy and then come back to Ballybought where Tommy would work her with sheep.

Spot was very loyal to Tommy. He was a great housedog and also excelled at the sheep dog trials.
Handball Michael Dowling, who has been in top handball form lately, won a Leinster Golden Masters Singles Title. Over the years, Michael has performed at the highest level, winning a Senior All-Ireland Hard Doubles title in 1990 with no less a player than Tom O'Rourke . To date, Michael has won four All-Ireland titles. In times past, his namesake and late father won three All-Ireland titles including two at senior level. After taking a break from the game, Michael is again playing top class handball - congratulations to you, Michael.

Another provincial winner was Gerry McGrath. Gerry was playing for Wicklow and won the Emerald Masters "B" Singles title. Gerry plays most of his practice matches in Ballymore Eustace and we have come to regard him as one of our own. Like Michael, his next game is against Mayo on March 20. This time the venue is Coolboy and Gerry's opponent is Joe Neary.

Frances
Having arrived early for Frances O’Donoghue’s funeral I decided to explore my nearby surroundings. This was my first time in Manor-Kilbride. Next door to the Catholic Church was Craul’s Supermarket. In days gone by, Jimmy Craul and his band used to play for the handball club when it was having its Lenten Dances in the Parish Hall in Ballymore Eustace. I believe Jimmy is now deceased.

Next I came to a school and got talking to a man who referred me to his mother. To my surprise, this lady was very familiar with our Bugle and myself. Little by little, I realised I knew her of old. It was Bridget McLoughlin (nee Conway) who used to live near Ballymore Eustace before marrying Tony McLoughlin. The man I met earlier was their son who now lives near Ballymore Eustace. Chatting to Bridget, we recalled the days when Teresa Shannon was caretaker of the old National School in Ballymore Eustace.

Returning to the Church, the first one I met was John Browne who had been at the funeral of the late Jim Dunworth the previous weekend. Next I met Anthony and Mary Campbell and I sat beside them in the Church. In front of us was one of Alice Cullen’s sons and later, I met Alice herself, she being a sister of the late Frances. Then, I met Rose and little Sophie.

I also met Patsy O’Donoghue and his daughter Sarah, both of whom worked with me in South Dublin County Council. I gather the Campbells were in Manor-Kilbride before at funerals including the funeral of a daughter of the McLoughlins who died in a motorbike accident on the dual carriageway. The last one I met was Mary O’Neill (nee Cullen) now of Rathdowney, Co. Laois.

Congratulations
Congratulations to the History Society, the Juvenile GAA and James Kavanagh on their recent Awards successes. Best wishes to all the nominees who have contributed so much to our community.

Deaths
As the funerals of Jim Dunworth and Elizabeth (Lil) Horan (nee Flanagan) were both covered in the February Bugle, I won’t go into them further except to say, Jim is interred in St Mary’s Cemetery while Lil is interred in Burgage Cemetery. Reading the February Bugle, I realise I would have known Jim’s wife Kitty and all his children, who of course are all grown up now. Lil Horan is a grandaunt of Barry Hennessy’s wife, Barry being a son of former local resident, Bren Hennessy.

© Matt Purcell (March 8, 2010).

2010-05-06T04:28:00.001-07:00

Ballymore Eustace GAA Club
Juvenile Football & Hurling
An Báile Mór
The News
As with every year we plan to run a football academy for children who are attending school in senior
and Junior infants. Given the large numbers of boys and girls currently being catered for in the older
age groups we will not be in a position to run the academy this year unless we get extra help. Due to
the age of the children attending the academy we require a ratio of 1 adult to every 5 children. Please
contact any member of the committee if you are interested in helping out. Unfortunately we will not be
in a position to cater for non primary school going children.
The Boys
The boys U14 team have started the Kildare Féile football competition. In the first game away to
Castledermot the lads started with a win by 4-3 to 2-4. This was a good result given that we were short
a number of the older lads and were losing by 2 points at half time. Despite the half time deficit the
lads rallied to win helped by goals from Ross Fennell, following good work by Stephen Doyle, and
Shane Barrett. Dylan Waters and Enda Stewart Byrne also chipped in with points. In the backs Craig
Byrne and Darragh Kelleher marked their men tightly.
The second game was a home game to Naas which ended in defeat. The lads started well and were
leading coming up to half time but allowed Naas to score 2 goals and were 5 points down at the break.
A great start to the second half saw the lads come more into the game and they scored 1-4 without
reply, the goal coming from Patrick Murphy, to lead by 2 points with 10 minutes remaining.
Unfortunately Naas scored a goal against the run of play and went on to win the game. There were
good performances from Darragh Kelleher, Kevin McLoughlin, Adam Murphy and Stephen Piggot.
Next Juvenile GAA primary school disco will be in the resource centre on Friday 26th March at
7.00pm. Admission will be €4 euro per child (max €6 per family)
Punchestown Festival Disco will go ahead – details to follow
The Girls
The U14 girls played Dunlavin in a challenge game in Dunlavin on Saturday with Dunlavin winning
on a scoreline of 1-2 to 1-1. This was a good workout for the girls and everybody got a run out.
The U10 hurlers continue to take part in the South Board Astro Hurling Blitz in Athy on Sunday
mornings. This is proving to be a very successful event and the lads, mostly U9, are acquitting
themselves very well. The training in the handball alley is paying dividend. This Friday, 12th Marchwill
be the last indoor hurling session in the handball alley.
Hurling training returns to the pitch on Mondays from 29th March at 6.30pm.
More information about the club can be found on our website
http://www.kildare.i e/ballymoreeustacegaa/ and the club has a facebook page that you can become a
fan of Ballymore Eustace GAA to get regular updates.
Coaching motto:Children first, Winning second

2010-05-06T04:26:00.002-07:00

Ballymore Eustace GAA Club
Senior GAA
An Báile Mór
Ballymore Eustace GAA Senior Scor Competition.
This is our second consecutive year to be involved in the Kildare finals of Scor Sinsear. The cultural wing of GAA.
Last year we were pipped by much larger clubs like Athy and Maynooth, but we learned valuable lessons from that
experience.
This year 2010, the 40th anniversary of Scor, we entered into three categories, Solo Singing, Instrumental Music and
Ballad Group. These were held in Allenwood GAA on 28th Feb. Of the three categories we came second in Ballad
Group and first in Kildare in Instrumental Music, this to represent not only BME but all the clubs of Kildare in this
category in Leinster Semi-finals.
These were held in the lovely village of Ballymore, Co. Westmeath on Sunday 7 March. There was fierce competition
with teams from Longford, Westmeath, Louth and Dublin, but our five members, K & J. Junker, Concertina and
Guitar; J. Harney, Flute; A. Doyle, Fiddle and P. Cassidy, Mandolin and Banjo have made it through to represent
Kildare in the Leinster finals to be held on 28th March again in the village of Ballymore, Co. Westmeath .
Wishing them the very best of luck in the village that bears our name ‘they also wear the same colour jerseys’ sure
this must be destiny.
Keogh Cup Round 1
Ballymore 1-8 Castledermot 2-7
Ballymore got off to a disappointing start to their Keogh Cup campaign with a two point home defeat against a
determined Castledermot side. Ballymore made a dream start and were 1-2 to 0-0 up inside five minutes thanks to a
fisted Eoin Kavanagh goal and points from Steven Dwyer and Mark McCarville putting the home side in the driving
seat. Castledermot then opened their scoring with a point before two Kavanagh points kept Ballymore in control.
Castledermot responded well to the home side’s pressure resulting in three unanswered points to put them firmly back
in the tie. A point from Paul Browne on the stroke of half time gave Ballymore a 1-5 to 4 points lead. Castledermot
came out for the second half a different team and although it was a tight scrappy game the home side were never able
to go up a gear and as a result lost a game they really should have won. Ballymore only scored 3 second half points
from the boot of the slim looking Tommie Archibald, Keith Fennell and an Eoin Kavanagh free. In a disappointing
affair no one player stood out as Ballymore will look to improve in the coming weeks.
Keogh Cup Round 2
Raheens 1-5 Ballymore 3-7
With Raheens having won their first two games and Ballymore losing their opener only a win would keep Ballymore
with any hope of progressing into the semi-finals of the Keogh Cup. Despite Raheens short of some of their regular
starters Ballymore put in a good performance especially in the first half where at half time Ballymore led by 3-4 to 1
point. A goal from Paul Browne, two Eoin Kavanagh penalties and points from Eoin and Shane Kavanagh, Tommie
Archibald and Mark McCarville put the winners in control while Raheens could only respond with a Ross McMahon
free. Raheens applied plenty of pressure in the second half but Ballymore were able to hold out despite a goal from
Kevin Thompson midway through the second half. Two Eoin Kavanagh frees and a point from from play from the
same player was enough to see off the challenge from the home side and put Ballymore back in contention for the
semi-finals. In a much improved team performance Keith Conway, William O’ Donoghue, Alan Rooney, Shane and
Eoin Kavanagh stood out.
More information about the club can be found on our website http://www.kildare.ie/ballymoreeustacegaa/ and the
club has a facebook page that you can become a fan of Ballymore Eustace GAA to get regular updates.
Coaching motto:Children first, Winning second

2010-05-06T04:26:00.001-07:00

Ballymore Ladies GFC

Awards Night
The Awards night was held on Saturday 6th March in The Thatch. There was a great attendance by the Ladies team, committee, management and also many supporters. It was an enjoyable night with plenty of dancing despite some unfamiliar tunes! John Hubbard was MC for the night and I think all would agree, he did a great job introducing each award winner. (He may be recruited again for next year!). Congratulations to all the award winners. They were well deserved.

Player of the Year: Stacey Balfe
Throughout the year, Stacey proved to be one of the most dedicated and enthusiastic members of the team. Her sense of fun and fearless attitude were always on hand to lift the team’s spirits through long, cold training sessions (sometimes to the dismay of our management team!). Stacey’s commitment and attendance at training was an example to all. This continued to her performances on the pitch. She was unwavering in the full back line, marking some of the best players our team came up against. Stacey’s dedication and attitude has been further rewarded by being voted captain for 2010.

Young Player of the Year: Teresa Gorman
Despite Teresa’s young age, she is a founding member of the team. Her career began at the tender age of 11 but she has not looked back. She has a fearless attitude and is never fazed when she comes up against bigger, stronger and older opponents. Teresa has had much success with both Ballymore and Eadestown underage, already having a number of championship wins under her belt. The future is definitely bright for this young but experienced player.

Most Improved Player: Louise Burke
Louise Burke has always been a quiet but steady presence on the Ballymore team but this year. Her attitude, dedication and skill has seen her progress into a central, dependable and reliable player. During the last year Louise has played in numerous positions on the pitch. She has accepted these changes without complaint and has used the opportunity to prove her adaptability and talent. We look forward to seeing this continued improvement through 2010 and everyone would do well to remember that no matter where you play Louise is competition!

Club Person of the Year: Jackie Smith
We would like to extend a warm welcome to Jackie who has joined the management team as a selector. We’re sure you’ll keep both Simon and Joe on their toes throughout the year! Jackie has been a steadfast member of the club as player, county board delegate, PRO, and is now vice-chairperson as well as selector for the Ladies team and joint manager of the U/12 girl’s team with Lesley Tutty. She is always on hand to help out within the club through fundraising, representing the club at county board level and cheering on the team at matches.

Jackie has great enthusiasm and efficiency for her work within the club and we are confident that her involvement and relationship with the club will be a long-lasting one.

Special Awards
Special awards were also given to out-going committee members Bid Meade, Jacinta O’Rourke and Sharon O’Donoghue, for their invaluable contribution to the club. They have been involved since the Ladies club was started. A special award was then made to John Hubbard himself for his involvement in team management for the last 3 years, as well as supporting underage teams. He was also one of the founding members of the underage girls’ schools team, which provided many of our mature players with their first experience of football. He will be greatly missed by all team members but will continue to be an avid supporter.

Last Man Standing
Another great effort all round for the Last Man Standing Competition with 156 playing. We managed to get 145 people safely over the first hurdle heading for Week 2, which is a far cry from the usual massacre we experience in Week One. As usual, it is only fair to make a show of a select few who did not get their value for money and never managed to get past week one.

Poor Natasha Graham (Ballymore GAA PRO) bowed out after picking West Ham but fear not, there is still some hope with husband Dave still in with a chance to win the €500. Juvenile GAA players Oonagh Deegan and Amy Horan managed to out smart Paul Murphy who picked Wolves on Mick Horan’s sheet...........but that’s hardly surprising, Paul!!!! Aoife O’Toole managed to keep everyone on her sheet after the first week........a nice surprise for her considering she usually never has ANYONE left at that stage!!! Ballymore Ladies would like to thank everyone involved for your continued support. Best of Luck to those who manage to stay in the competition until the next edition of the Bugle, when we will have another update from Lesley.

Bag Packing
Thanks to all those who helped out and supported the bag-packing in Dunnes Stores in
Blessington on Friday and Saturday, February 26th and 27th.

Training
Training continues every Monday and Wednesday. The Ladies have just finished 6 weeks of aerobics on Mondays in Naas with a noticeable improvement in fitness. Monday and Wednesday training starts at 8pm at the pitch, everyone togged out, ready to train and on the pitch at 8 sharp! The Ladies are also doing a run in Punchestown on Saturday mornings at 10am. The club are looking for new players so if you’re 14 or more (we’ve no max age limit!), please call up to a training session or get in touch with a club member.

Deirdre & Michelle
Ballymore Ladies GFC PROs

2010-05-06T04:25:00.000-07:00

Ballymore Eustace Community Games

Art
It's been a busy few weeks for the games. The local art competition took part last month after school and was well attended by a flurry of eager young artists. Results as follows:-

U 8 Girls U 8 Boys
1. Mardi Kinsella 1. Jack Sammon
2. Caitlin Barrett 2. Ryan Duff
3. Laura Gallagher 3. Liam Crowe

U 10 Girls U 10 Boys
1. Tara Ann Murphy 1. Malachy Sammon
2. Orla Clarke 2. Oisin Breslin
3. Sophie Dooley 3. Jack Murphy

U 12 Girls U 12 Boys
1. Kaja Natenek 1. Owen Murphy
2. Rachel Fanning 2. Jordan Deegan
3. Rachel O’ Reilly 3. Aaron Deegan

U 14 Girls U 14 Boys
1. Ellen Carter 1. Patrick Murphy
2. Hazel Stewart-Byrne 2. Tony Og Sheridan
3. Victoria Natanek 3. Zac Kinsella

As usual, the standard was very high and Aileen Murphy, resident artist with the local art group, had an extremely difficult time picking three from each category. Special thanks to Aileen for kindly judging the competition and to all the mums who volunteered to supervise and organise the event on the day. Thanks also to Mairead O' Flynn for allowing the use of the school.

The County Art Final was held in Newbridge early this month and Jack Sammon came first in his category to bring home a gold county medal - well done Jack - a great achievement - and to everyone who took part on the day.

Cross Country

The football pitch was the venue for this event with results as follows:-

Boys U-10 - 400m
1 Tadgh Barrett
2 James O'Brien
3 Conor Gilroy

Girls U-10 - 400m
1 Caoimhe Winders
2 Tara Winders
3 Katie Gilroy

Boys U-13 - 1200m
1 Caolin Halpin
2 Mark Barrett
3 Aaron Deegan

GIRLS U-13 - 1200m
1 Amy Horan
2 Niamh Winders
3 Kim Kelly

Many thanks to Jarlath Gilroy for organising this event.

The Cross Country County Finals took place in Newbridge. Well done to Kim Kelly who came 5th in the U-13 county final and therefore qualified to represent Kildare in the National Finals in Athlone next month. Also, well done to Amy Horan, Caolin Halpin and Aaron Deegan who ran excellent races against very stiff competition.

Political Correspondence:

Deputy Seán Power tabled a parliamentary question to the Minister for the Environment & Local Government seeking an update on the construction of a new waste water treatment plant for Ballymore Eustace, Co Kildare. In his reply, Minister Gormley (dated 23rd February, 2010) confirmed that the Ballymore Eustace Wastewater Treatment Plant was included in the Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 under the serviced land initiative. However, in April 2009, following a review of the serviced land initiative the Department informed all local authorities that this scheme was being discontinued and that all existing scheme approvals were withdrawn. This was due to the economy and in particular, the oversupply of housing in some areas.

Since then, the Minister informed local authorities that where they were of the opinion the continuation of a scheme was necessary for the proper development of an area, it was open to them to make a case to the Department by 29th May 2009 and KCC resubmitted for the Ballymore Eustace scheme; a decision is expected from the Department in the coming weeks.

2010-05-06T04:23:00.000-07:00

Let’s not turn ‘Recession’ into ‘Depression’!
Get out, get active - let’s get Ballymore into better shape

Each year the month of April is set aside for An Taisce National Spring Clean.

The objectives of the National Spring Clean are to:
Encourage clean-ups throughout the whole month of April
Galvanise the practices of recycling and re-use where possible
Increase the number of Events and Participants
Promote personal responsibility for litter
Heighten awareness of litter and waste issues
“Communities all over Ireland have recently been hit hard by the damaging effects of winter flooding, snow and ice as well as the negativities of the current economic climate. The National Spring Clean, Ireland’s largest anti-litter initiative, is urging people to help to revive their community spirit this spring by volunteering some time” said a spokesperson for An Taisce.
Voluntary Impact Cleaned Up!
505,000 volunteers all over Ireland turned out in April 2009 and cleaned up their areas with 1,596 tonnes of rubbish and litter collected. In Ballymore Eustace, the Tidy Towns, pupils from Scoil Mhuire and others take part each year in litter-picking. This year, we would like to get the whole community involved in the Spring Clean.

If you have a few minutes to spare during the month of April why not join the Tidy Towns litter picks or, if you prefer, get out with a friend and clean up around your own area. If your property needs a paint touch up, get the paint brush out (there’s always someone passing by to have a chat with and get the local news and maybe a tip for Punchestown).

It’s great to hear that some of the Ballymore Eustace Punchestown Festival events are being revived. Let’s have the village looking its best for the Races and encourage people to stop and shop. Show that Ballymore Eustace is still a nice place to live and that Ballymore Eustace is still open for business.

Ballymore Eustace Tidy Towns

OFF THE CUTTING EDGE
By Pastor R. Dunlop
EASTER JOY
Among the many controversies in the history of Christianity, one of the most intense and divisive concerned the date of Easter. Ecclesiastical wranglings aside, it is a happy arrangement that in the Western church it
occurs in Spring.
As the natural creation is bursting into new life Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ.
In the immediate aftermath of Christ’s rising we are told that “the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord”. This sense of joyfulness from the living Lord has percolated down through the centuries. While it depends on faith, rather than sight, it is not unreal. In fact it is one of the kingpins of the Christian message. A notable thinker and writer sees it as pivotal.

“Without His Resurrection, the death of Christ would be of no avail, and His grave would be the grave of all our hopes (1 Corinthians 15: 17). A Gospel of a dead Saviour would be a miserable failure and delusion. The Resurrection is the victory of righteousness and life over sin and death” ( P. Schaff).
There is an unbreakable connection between the Risen Lord and the risen life of His followers. In short this means three things:
1. Easter people are formed and transformed by a relationship with the Lord of life and not only by rules and regulations. St Paul comes straight out and says “if anyone is in Chris, the old has gone, the new has come”.
2. Joy is a central ingredient of valid and vital faith. Gospel Choirs are frequently heard in modern Ireland. One of their best numbers is an old hymn, sung with new gusto. It runs like this:
O happy day that fixed my choice,
On Thee my Saviour and my God,
Well may this glowing heart rejoice,
And spread its raptures all abroad.
This leaves little room for gloom.
3. Easter 2010 comes at a time of downturn for most of our population. While it would be unwise and inappropriate to be drawn into artificial giddiness, we should not miss the opportunity to cheer each other up with authentic inner joy which rises out of hearts re-tuned by the Risen Lord.
4.
Happy Easter to one and all.

POULAPHUCA DAM 70th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION

The Wicklow Uplands Council in association with the Blessington & District Forum have organised a commemorative event to mark the seventieth anniversary of the creation of the Poulaphuca reservoir in Wicklow. The leading UCD archaeologist Dr. Chris Corlett and two local historians, Aidan Cruise and Seamus Balfe will present a “walk and talk” event in the Poulaphuca House from 11:00am until 1pm on Saturday 20th March 2010. Admission is free but sturdy footwear is required for the walking section.

Chris Corlett is an archaeologist and the author of the recently published book "Beneath the Poulaphuca Reservoir", an in depth study of the landscape and the people before the flooding of the valley. Aidan Cruise has lectured extensively about the history of the area and has recently published a book “The Dublin and Blessington Steam Tram”. Seamus Balfe, chairperson of the Lakeside Heritage Group, is actively involved in walking tours of the area. Aidan and Seamus will lead a short walk to areas of interest as part of the event.
The day is kindly sponsored by the historic Poulaphuca House Hotel seven kilometers south of Blessington on the N81 via Tallaght. Light refreshments are available.

The Wicklow Uplands Council was established in 1999 to promote the sustainable use and enjoyment of the local environment in partnership with the people who live, work and recreate there, by undertaking projects which benefit the community, environment and users of the Wicklow countryside. The Blessington & District Forum is an umbrella group that represents the social, political and cultural interests of the area through lobbying, organising cultural events and the running of a community theatre.

2010-05-06T04:22:00.000-07:00

A Flight To Venus.
We boarded an Aer Lingus 320 Airbus at Dublin airport bound for Paris. The aircraft seemed to be new, its interior imbuing a sense of freshness, as cheerful staff welcomed us, and guided us through the spacious cream-coloured interior decor to our plush seats, with ample room to stretch our legs and relax until we arrived at our destination. Thoughts of safety or security just did not arise, partly because Aer Lingus had such a terrific safety record over so many decades. This new adventure had such a mollifying benefit on reflections over previous experiences we had elsewhere, when packed into a claustrophobic aluminium cylinder with wings, fastened into bucket seats, we hung on for dear life for the whole journey.

By comparison, it is well to think of really brave men, back to that first navigator of the upper regions to outer space, Icarus, brave soul, who in order to escape from King Minos’ labyrinth in Crete, he donned a pair of wings fashioned by his father Daedalus, and flew off into the sky. Despite warnings to be careful and not to go too close to the Sun, Icarus, being young and adventurous paid no heed. He soared through the air like a bird with wonderful power. Taking advantage of the swirling currents of air he grew in such confidence that nothing now could stop him from landing on the Sun. He soared upwards, flapping his wings harder and harder, flying higher and higher until alas, the Sun melted the glue attaching his wings and poor Icarus fell a long, long way back into the sea.
Think too of another brave man, albeit ultimately unsuccessful, yet he was chief artist and mechanical scientist to Rasselas, the Prince of Abyssinia (a Utopian state, now Ethiopia), whose researches into flight had the sceptical support of Rasselas (‘there may be a danger of too quick a descent’), and whose theories on flight were not so different than those of Icarus. Having devised a pattern of wings similar to those of a Bat as being most suited to the human form, he pleaded successfully on his own condition that ‘I will try the first flight at my own hazard’. On the morning appointed, the artist/scientist appeared in full costume for the inaugural flight. From a high promontory he waved his wings to gather volume, and leaping from his stand on a high promontory, he launched himself into the air and fell straight into the lake below, ‘half dead with terror and vexation’.

We settled ourselves into the comfort and warmth of our spacious aircraft taking in all the wonders of science and technology, amazed at how the world had advanced in such a short time. An air hostess came to us, ensuring we were comfortable. We looked out the port window, surprised at how far below us the runway was, and that if you had to abandon and jump, you’d surely break a leg - poor brave Icarus of short duration. Within a short period of time the rest of the crew arrived on board when the absolutely unimaginable happened.
‘My name is Mary McCarthy. I am your Captain on this aircraft. The flight to Paris will take about two hours. I hope you all have a pleasant journey!…and she was smiling across at me!’
I felt just as Icarus and Rasselas felt, but in lots of different ways. We’re on the way to Venus in more ways than one; total burnout, and just one planet from the Sun
A woman, blonde, age about 26, attractive, 10 stone in weight and 5’6” tall, Captain of such this huge machine I was sitting in and about to take to the air and expecting to stay afloat up there travelling about 400 mph for two hours! A chick, driving a commercial aeroplane! I thought in that instant of the Eiffel Tower toppling into the Seine and Paris in a state of chaos.
I looked across at Bride, my wife, seeking a look of similar fears, but there were none. ‘It’s a woman pilot’ I said. ‘Yes’, she smiled, ‘Isn’t it great!’ I felt sick.
‘Fasten your seat belts, we are ready for take-off’. It was the young woman Captain again. The engines screamed as the plane raced down the tarmac, then with a slight jolt we were airborn. Speeding upwards at a forty five degree angle at two hundred miles an hour, and as this was the most critical part of any adventure like this I wondered if she could hold the joystick in place considering the pressures involved. The knuckles on my hands were now white-boned with tension as they held the seat arms. ‘Look’, my wife beckoned, ‘out the window, see how small Dublin looks from this height’. Like Rassels scientist, I feared the thought of back-tracking along the same angular course we had scaled, silently urging the lady Captain to level out, so that I might live again.
Soon all was calm and I could look out the window, but not down, to see if any other planes or missing Amelia Erharts were close to us; but I suppose as most male drivers tend to stay clear of errant females in charge of even a tractor, most male fliers know their onions too. It’s when they all come back to earth and relate stories of near misses and sightings of flying saucers in the upper regions that the trouble really starts.
Crossing the English Channel, Bride pointed to a trawler in the sea, while at that same time I asked the air hostess to find out at what speed and height we were travelling. When we were told 525 mph at 37,500 feet, Bride’s trawler became an ocean liner as much as our plane was but a cigar to those below us.
As we approached the coast of France, we realised how pleasant the flight had been, how smooth and relaxing, and I thought greatfully of our lady Captain, but still had reservations about Paris, when lo! and behold we flew into a snow shower, and then as we descended through snow clouds, the Captain informed us that we would be landing ‘by wire’.
Charles De Gaulle Airport is very big, very expansive and a very busy place. It was not until we reached close to 100 feet that we could see the ground was covered in snow, and too late to abandon the landing.
Whatever about my initial reservations on female pilots and on Captain Mary McCarthy’s ability to control a large commercial aircraft, she brought that plane down as softly as a Dove might land on your pillow; and by the time we travelled the approximate five kilometres to the terminal building in the plane, the excitement of being in Paris was made all the more glorious. If ever I meet Captain McCarthy again, I will give her one great big hug.
Michael Ward.

Congratulations to Johnny Murphy (LJ) this year’s President.

Fund Raisers..
The annual quiz took place on the 26th February in Paddy’s. There was a nice crowed there, all eager to win the quiz, a spot prize, or something! Tom O’Rourke was quizmaster and delivered a wide range of questions with great humour and know how. The quiz was very competitive – definitely no trading answers..... But trying was fun though. Congrats to the winners; Brendan Daly, Colin Daly and Denis Mahon.

The auction generated a nice few bob and for this a very sincere thanks to all who either sponsored auction items or bought them.

Quiz Master Tom O’Rourke

Next up is Long Johnny’s Classic Golf Outing. There is nothing surer – it is classic. LJ’s Couglanstown is a good day out; golf, soup ‘n rolls and a local social event, with proceeds going to both the Golf Society and Ballymore Senior Citizens, so please support.

The date for this outing has been moved out to 27th and 28th of March. The format has changed slightly in that it will be a shot gun start at 8:30 and 12:30pm. The entry sheet will be up in Paddy’s shortly. All Welcome!

Next Outing 10 April Lutrellstown Castle.

Maureen Doyle Memorial Cup
This year’s outing is being organised by Poulaphuca Golf Society. Timesheets will be up in both Poulaphuca and Paddy’s. The date for your diary is 24th April, Boystown Golf Club. Maureen was very involved in Boystown Golf Club which makes it a very appropriate venue to honour her memory.

Annual Subs
Ita McCarron, Treasurer, is currently collecting annual subscriptions.

2010-05-06T04:21:00.001-07:00

on passing by - again
I don’t know what to make of all these advertisements in the media for gold. They all stress they will take any amount, any condition, and the only stipulation seems to be that you have to be over eighteen to take part. How they are going to check this is beyond me, so basically anyone could send in stuff and get paid. It certainly seems like an almost foolproof get rich scheme for burglars and thieves. Rob some gold, send it off in the insured envelope and get the cash. As the gold is all melted down to make new ingots you don’t even have to worry about the stuff turning up again as evidence. Although most of these companies are only offering about forty per cent of the gold’s market value that is still a lot more than your average thief receives if he tries to “fence” stolen gold so it’s a win-win situation for the thief and the company buying the gold. I just wonder how long its going to be before the burglary rate goes through the roof.

I know Willie O’Dea finally did the right thing and resigned but the whole episode has left a new stench on the Government. O’Dea’s attempts to slither away from the mess were not only embarrassing but totally below the level of conduct we are entitled to from a T.D., never mind a Government Minister. When I heard him portray himself as a victim it was both funny and shocking. His speech in the Dail was riddled with half truths, inaccuracies and lies. The assertion that affidavits’ are routinely changed was rightly rounded on by legal experts but let us not forget that O’Dea is one of these experts so had to know he was indulging in porkies. He used legal niceties to deny perjury and bolster his position. One wonders where the whole sorry saga would have gone if the reporter had not recorded the interview. Then again it wasn’t the first time O’Dea was caught on tape to his detriment. What was almost as bad was the attitude of the Taoiseach and other Ministers. For Brian Cowan to say that lying under oath in a legal document was a “personal matter “brings into question his judgement. When he says it about a serving Government Minister it surely brings into question his attitude towards the laws of the land. Then again the upholders of these same laws don’t seem to mind that O’Dea didn’t see too much wrong with lying and don’t seem to be minded to take any legal sanctions against the ex Minister. So what else is new.

While we are on the subjects of Ministers attitudes it would be churlish not to mention Trevor Sargent and present Justice Minister Dermot Ahern. After Mr Sargent made what he called an accidental boo boo he at least had the apparent backbone and morals to tender a swift resignation. Returning to his old form Pat Rabbitte opined that it was too much of a coincidence for the information to come into the public domain so soon after the Greens had forced the resignation of O’Dea. Addressing Minister Ahern he mused that you could only regard it as a coincidence if you believed in the tooth fairy. Rather than laugh and smirk his way through as he had done during the O’Dea vote of no confidence Ahern got the back up. The following day he announced that he had ordered the Garda Commissioner to instigate an investigation into how private Garda documents found their way into an evening newspaper and to provide him with a report on the matter. In a massive break with tradition Ahern then promised that the report would be published as soon as it was ready and hoped that all the people who had smeared him would withdraw their unfounded comments. The decision to publish the report raises two profoundly disturbing issues.
For years and years we have become used to politicians calling for reports any time the brown stuff hits the fan and yet the majority of these reports never see the light of day. Where the reports are eventually published it is normally on foot of public or media pressure and yet we now have a Justice Minister pressurising the Gardai and promising publication because he himself feels under pressure. What about all the other people who were under pressure and were never given the chance to protect their good name, either in public or in a report.
The second problem with publication is the effect on the whole legal process. If an individual is named in the report as the source of the leaked documents then taking legal proceeding at a later stage against the individual would be a waste of time and money as the individual would have no problem convincing a Judge that the publication of the report had prejudiced his chances of a fair trial.
Then again if one was devious enough I suppose if you wanted to clear your name and prevent sanctions against the person who leaked the documents then publication would be the perfect way to go.

On to another Ahern. Isn’t it grand to see how well Bertie is getting on since the ungrateful rabble in Fianna Fail forced him onto the backbenches, especially in light of how he almost singlehandedly brought us the Celtic Tiger, which he knows we would still have if he was still in charge. At least he is in a better position than most to keep the recessionary wolf from the door. Oh how ye all laughed when Bertie won a small sterling fortune betting on the horses. Just to show that the luck was no fluke he recently won ten grand on a lotto in his local, an amount not to be sneezed at but still a mere trifle compared to the taxpayers largesse towards our dear Bertie. Despite the cut in salary announced in the budget Bertie still takes in over ninety six thousand euro a year as a TD. His expenses have probably dropped as he seems to rarely visit the Dail what with all the foreign lecture tours, book signings, pub openings etc but this non attendance does not impact on the big money. Just to ensure that no hardship is endured he is also entitled to a pension as an ex Minister. Fair enough, one would say, sure wouldn’t we all like to look forward to a nice pension. The problem is that the pension is almost ninety nine grand a year, yes, ninety nine grand. To really put the icing on the cake he doesn’t even have to wait for it, it’s paid to him now. And hes not the only one. Other former Ministers, still getting the TDs salary, include Rory O’Hanlon, eighty two grand, Michael Woods, thirty three grand and Michael Noonan, thirty nine grand. It used to be said that the only time the Dail chamber was full for a vote was the same time that the vote was carried unanimously by the House. And the vote was for? Salary and pensions of course. See, they are not as thick as they look.
I am not sure what will happen but at the time of writing Aer Lingus management has finally found some backbone. After four months of negotiations with the unions one group has rejected the plan. The response of the managers?
Good Luck lads and lassies. Finally some sense.
All for now, Mike Edmonds, March 2010.

2010-05-06T04:20:00.000-07:00

NATIONAL HUNT RACE WEEK, PUNCHESTOWN APRIL 20th – 24th Well, Cheltenham is just over so it’s time to look at what Punchestown has to offer.
Considered the grande finale of the jump season with top class horses, trainers and jockeys from both sides of the Irish sea competing for honours and settling scores, this year’s programme includes Grade 1 races and of course, the famous La Touche Cup, always a favourite with the home crowd.
Tuesday, 20th April - Kerrygold Champion Steeplechase
Wednesday, 21st April - Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup
Thursday, 22nd April - Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle
Friday, 23rd April - Rabobank Champion Hurdle
Saturday, 24th April - Ballymore Champion 4 year old Hurdle
Live Entertainment The entertainment package at the Festival is second to none, with the main stage hosting a variety of live music, children's entertainment, fashion shows, best dressed finals and expert betting panels.

As you make your way around the racecourse and through the many restaurants and bars, you will come across live street theatre with jugglers, stilt walkers and mime artists. The après racing music throughout the pavilions, bars and public areas is always a crowd pleaser. You have been warned – bring your dancing shoes! Already, Friday’s corporate bookings are full – not surprising with several excellent group packages available (€29 per person for group of 10 or more)
Best Dressed Ladies Competition
Glamour is an essential element of the Punchestown festival and while the racing superstars go head to head on the track, Ireland’s most stylish ladies will be decked out in daft feathers and sexy summer numbers (even though the weather leans more towards the thermals than the Tropics)

What will The Perfectos be at this year? Jackie O’Neill could set up her own tipster stand, seein’ as she cleaned up last year… and I hear Bill McCormack is locking the gates at 11pm, with strict instructions that no “mad ones from Ballymore are allowed in..”

I thought we leant a bit of class to Mc’s last year but I’m not sure The V Man will take our booking this year!!! More details next in next month’s edition – Rose

Walking Sunday, 2pm on18 April @ Punchestown

Walking Sunday will take place this year on 18 April at Punchestown Racecourse, sponsored by Sherry Fitzgerald O’Reilly, Naas, who are delighted to continue supporting this traditional precursor to National Hunt Raceweek.

Walking The Track
Such is the excitement about the annual Punchestown Festival that, for over 100 years, locals have walked the track to inspect the course and jumps in an effort to predict the form for the races. Attendance had been dwindling until 2007 when Sherry Fitzgerald O’Reilly began their sponsorship and revival of local interest in the event which has grown year on year with over 4,000 people attending in 2009.

The Millbrook Cup
Many businesses and organisations have joined in their support of this great family day out. As well as the 2.2mile walk around the track, the Millbrook Cup cross country race and a fun run, there will be a competition prize draw with great prizes, fun dog show classes, fancy dress competitions, a carnival, goody bags for early starters, children’s walking certificates, doggy rosettes for dogs that walk the course and much, much more.

Family Fun!
Punchestown’s newly refurbished Dobbins Restaurant will open for light refreshments and the Festival Ticket Office also open. The fun kicks off at 2pm, admission is free, and walkers, joggers, runners and dogs of all ages are welcome to come along and join in the fun!

See local press for a full programme of events or contact Sherry Fitzgerald O’Reilly on 045-866466.

In a strip across the bottom:

To celebrate National Hunt Raceweek, The Ballymore Eustace Punchestown Festival Committee will be hosting the following events in conjunction with K Fest:
· Children’s Fancy Dress & Party,
· Art Competition at Soil Mhuire and Scoil Chaoimhín Naofa
· CowGals and Cowboys host a Mega PIG ON A SPIT @ Murphy’s Marquee
(profits in aid of the local Senior Citizen’s Association)
· Local Artist’s Exhibition - Full details in April’s Bugle!

2010-05-06T04:19:00.000-07:00

Begging for Alms.

According to the newspapers the Bishop of Ferns, Dr Dennis Brennan, has called on his parishioners to set up a fund to help his church pay compensation and legal bills arising from child sex abuse claims. 60,000 euro per annum over twenty years is the amount requested. A tidy enough sum one might say and the first question that comes to mind is why should the ordinary parishioner be asked to cough up for something they are not responsible for? Secondly, isn’t his church in ownership of some very valuable property? Couldn’t some of that be cashed? Does the church produce a yearly balance sheet giving financial information such as assets and liabilities, income and expenditure? That sort of information would enable the people of Ferns to assess the Bishops appeal better. I’m sure Bishop that you are aware of that biblical piece of wisdom, “that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of an needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven”. Sell some property Bishop and you’re killing two birds with the one stone. You’ll raise enough to cover the compensation and legal bills, and make the path to heaven easier! Dr Willie Walsh the Catholic Bishop of Killaloe and I are on the same wavelength: he sees no reason why property should not be sold to raise funds, he also thinks the Pope should meet the victims of child clerical sexual abuse. Father Fortune from Ferns paid the ultimate price, a total tragedy, but how many others have even acknowledged the wrong that was brought on these children. Previously when trouble arose the Hierarchy’s answer was to move the culprit on to another diocese. The recent visit by the Irish Bishops to the Pope brought no answer to the question. As far as we were informed the only thing they were instructed to do was to stick together. Could that have been a reprimand to Archbishop Dermuid Martin who sought to have a little light thrown on the matter.
Enough said about the church. We are confronted daily in our newspapers with reports of neglect and abuse of our children. What are our leaders, the HSE, and social services doing about these scandals? Like the church they are acting like the three wise monkeys, see no evil, do no evil, hear no evil’. Only the other day Alan Shatter brought to light the leaked story of Tracey Fay, only 18 yrs. old, who died of a drug overdose, the only way she knew of ending a life of horrendous abuse and neglect since babyhood, and that was eight years ago! How-an-ever, Mr Barry Andrews, Minster of State for children has recently set up a State appointed panel to investigate and report on the death of children in Stare care. A move in the right direction!
We have also heard of another leak, this one about Trevor Sergeant, an honourable man by all accounts, who went to the cops with certain information three years ago. Willie O’Dea also took a dive but continues to be paid for a job he will not be doing, and George Lee was in and out before you could blink. Nobody asked his opinion on matters important it seems. Some time ago we were promised transparency in all matters political. So far the transparency we get is through leaks, and the information is three years old.
St Patrick’s Day is coming up fast and the usual suspects will by heading off to foreign climes. The excuse given for this yearly exodus is that they are off selling Ireland. Humm, do the French leave France on Bastille Day or the Americans immigrate on the Fourth of July? Here at home I suggest that Corporal O’Dea, who is temporary at a loose end, take the salute at the GPO for the march past. Any monies spent on carousing stays at home, or better still, collection boxes be passed around, the proceeds go towards the relief of abused children. In the Celtic tiger years we squandered money like it was confetti, now is the time for a bit of belt tightening but it shouldn’t be at the expense of the needy. Abused children come into that category!
Members of any religious denomination are subject to the laws of the land just the same as lay people, so when, one might ask, will the State prosecute the perpetrators of child sex abuse? Don’t hold your breaths! So far, I can only think of one, Father Brendan Smith, but hope springs eternal!
Should the people of Ferns wish to set up a fund, it should be clearly stated that it is for ‘abused children’. Jeffers.

A GOOD READ

Both books I read this month were set in Israel and interestingly both contrasted how things were there in the forties and now in the present day. “A pigeon and a boy” by Meir Shalev (Paperback: Shocken: 12.00 euro) was originally published in Hebrew and was sent to me as a gift by some Israeli friends. It is a wonderfully evocative novel, revolving around Yair, a disaffected Jewish tour guide who is experiencing a mid- life crisis. Yair’s move to leave his rich and beautiful American wife Liora and strike out on his own is precipitated by the death of his mother, with whom he was very close. His mother leaves him a bequest in order to find “somewhere of his own” and in his quest for home we witness his parallel search for his identity. Juxtaposed with Yair’s engaging story is that of a young boy raised on the kibbutz, over forty years earlier who develops a passion for homing pigeons.

Shalev navigates skilfully between these two characters, their eras and their stories and I found this captivating. I particularly liked the character of Yair as he is reunited with his childhood friend Tirzah, and pursues a search for his identity. He reflects on his upbringing in the well to do home of a Jewish paediatrician and why he always felt like the ugly duckling amidst his beautiful family.

The novel explores what is it to be a parent an d a child and is permeated by a yearning for a sense of belonging – a spiritual as well as a a physical home. Although the book is vividly descriptive of both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv at particular points in their history, it is principally about human relationships, not politics and I found it tremendously moving. It is also a lovely “coming of age” story in terms of the ill-fated young pigeon fancier, so would make good reading for older teenagers.

The second book, “When I lived in modern times” by Linda Grant ( Paperback: Granta: 9.60) was discussed on BBC Radio 4 some time ago and so coincidentally I acquired it just before I received the Shalev! Grant is a British Jew and her book tells the story of Evelyn Sert, a young hairdresser from Soho who (also after her mother’s death) sets out to find a new home in the Palestine of 1946. Having endured the rigours of the London blitz and a slightly precarious upbringing where she never knew her father, Evelyn feels she is tough enough to face the adventures that await her in the brave new world of Tel Aviv. However, after a baptism of fire in the tough, communistic setting of the Kibbutz she eventually finds refuge back in the city, where her vivid impressions of the time and place paint a powerful picture.

Grant describes the burgeoning state and its people very well, and her depictions of the Bauhaus architecture in Tel Aviv, espousing all that is “modern”, epitomise the blossoming post-war spirit of the late 1940s. The author also shows how the Palestine of the time had become a cultural melting pot for people from all over Euroe who were looking for a new place to build a home, some with more success than others.

Evelyn’s adventures are recounted with energy and her relationship with an enigmatic young freedom fighter make for a great plot. I did find the depiction of their relationship a little two-dimensional in places, although Grant’s portrayal of the British ex-pat community in their dying-days is clever and is a homage to the end of imperialism. This writer s does have a very journalistic eye and is a good story teller, but I think I found the characterisation in Shalev’s novel more satisfying and authentic. Both good reads….

I hope to visit my friends in Israel later this year and both these stories were instrumental in deepening my understanding of that troubled and fascinating part of the world.

Angie Ruane

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2010-05-06T04:17:00.000-07:00

Bits ‘N Bobs with Rose

Lotta Luck for Ballymore Winners!
Congratulations to Noeleen O’Connor who won the Bingo Jackpot in Ballymore recently and to Martin Deegan, who had a major win - €3,800 – in the Kilcullen GAA weekly lotto. Well done, Martin – and to Bobby Walker, who sold the winning ticket.

A Mighty Woman
Mother’s Day fell last Sunday and for me, it was a sad day, what with the recent death of my mother in law, Frances. My mother, Ivy, died almost four years younger than I am now – Peter was only 11 years old, Laura 13 and David, aged 18. Over the years, we looked to Auntie May in Galway as the substitute mother figure and to Nannie Frances on the ‘other side’.

Despite separating from her son, Paul, Nannie maintained a close and affectionate relationship with me over the years, as she did with all her sons and daughters in law. She was a marvellous character; big hearted to a fault but bright as a button with it. Everything interested her – politics, current news, celebrity gossip – she followed everything on the radio and television. As for sports, snooker and tennis especially, she became an addict. Many years ago, she found a little white owl with a broken wing and took it to a vet in Naas, hoping to save the injured bird. The surgeon said there was nothing could be done, the little bird required an amputation urgently but would survive on one wing if kept indoors and fed.

Living in a granny flat next to her son Billy’s house, that didn’t bother Nannie; so home Snowy came, minus a wing and the O’Donoghue sons where charged with killing small animals such as mice and rabbits and freezing their inner organs for Nannie’s latest best friend. And best friends they became, much to the disgust of Bingo, her cockatiel who was not impressed and the pair had an on-off-on again friendship over their lifetime!

It was hilarious to see Snowy perched on the back of Nannie’s sofa, watching TV intently. Current affairs didn’t grab her, neither did the soaps but sports, Snowy loved sports – football yes, but snooker was ‘her thing’! She’d scuttle up near the screen and watch the break of balls, and then her neck would do that weird flick rotation thing that owls do, as she followed the path of a particular ball. When the competitors would take a break, Snowy would head back down the sofa again (to tease Bingo) before the game resumed. Hilarious!

We will miss Nannie so much – she was a great story-teller and a devil to put a good spin on a yarn; all her grandchildren were familiar with her buddies and activities in Crooksling where she was ‘Director of Operations’. In delivering her eulogy, one of her sons noted that her late husband, Willie, had warned her that smoking would kill her; Willie was a pioneer, a fit man who dropped dead 26 years prior to Frances, who continued to heap sugar into tea, smoked like a trooper and had the occasional whiskey or sherry. As Patsy said “Just as well my father was a farmer, not a doctor…”

Sadly, her latest cockatiel, Sooty, predeceased his owner by 24 hours – and the grandchildren maintained that, as Nannie had been in hospital for 3-4 weeks prior to her death, the bird died from sudden nicotine withdrawal… God bless you, Nannie Frances, you were the liveliest ‘bird’ I knew. X

More Mighty Women
And, speaking of mighty women, I popped into the post office the other day and bumped into Eileen Conway, Eithne Daly, Bridget Clarke, Eileen Gordon, Maggie Dowling, Evie Horan and Eileen Murphy. Later that day, I called into Rita O’Rourke and had a good chat that evening with Barbara O’Neill. Visiting Barbara was Bernie Clarke of Hollywood. Now I know some of the afore mentioned ladies may ‘only’ be in their seventies but my God, they put me to shame with their energy. What vitamins are they on? I’m pushing fifty and I haven’t half their vitality! Bernie Clarke looks like a Spring lamb, hard to believe she has children my age and older.

And I’m not forgetting you, Nellie Carroll – Nellie had us all in stitches recently in Langan Butchers, she is pure dynamite.

Confessions Online?
I took a week’s work experience with The Right Hook programme recently and was amused to be researching a new pay telephone line service, “Confessions Online”, a service for French Catholics to confess their sins over the phone... Whatever next!

The service works like most of those (irritating) automated answering services:
“For advice on confessing, press 1. To confess, press 2. To listen to some confessions, press 3,' says a soothing male voice, welcoming the caller to 'Le Fil du Seigneur', or 'The Line of the Lord' service”.
'In case of serious or mortal sins, the service advises you that you must confide in a priest - and all for the excellent value of 35 cent minute! There you are, no panic at all, go out and set fire to your neighbour’s house, have an affair, rob your local bank and then call 'The Line of the Lord' and you can relieve yourself of all guilt. What’s the phone number? Find it yourself!
Devout churchgoers will be delighted to note that it is not approved in any way by the Catholic Church in France. It wouldn’t get past Kathleen Lawlor in Ballymore anyway.

CLUB NOTES & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Ballymore Eustace History SocietyThe committee would like to thank the co-editors of The Bugle and members of the CDA for the wonderful night of the Ballymore Awards. We were delighted to be joint winners with the Juvenile GAA. It gives us great heart to know that our work is appreciated by the members of the Community. Again, thank you very much for "The Person of the Year Award" – The History Society.

Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Day
A date for your diary - there will be a coffee morning held on Daffodil Day, Friday 26th March in The Thatch, Ballymore. A very enjoyable morning is guaranteed and all support would be appreciated.
Russborough House
Russborough will reopen for guided tours on Sunday next, 14 March 2010 and subsequently, every Sunday and bank holiday in March/April 2010, and every day from 1st May to 30th September inclusive. See www.russborough.ie for additional information.

Mother and Toddler Group
All are welcome to join in the fun and chat at the Ballymore Eustace Parent and Toddler Group. We meet Tuesday mornings from 10.30am to 12 noon at the Village Resourse Centre. However every first Tuesday of the month the group meet up instead at the Fun Factory in the M7 Business Park. For further information please contact Una Bagge on 085 7581600.

Fifth String at St John’s
“Fifth String”, a collaboration of five fine musicians - harpist, Mary Keenan; Jeanette Bean on the flute; violinist Lisa Dowling; Paul Flood on guitar and vocals, with singer, Angela O’Toole – will perform at St John’s Church on 16th April @ 8pm.

The concert in April is being organised in aid of St John’s and Breast Cancer Research; tickets are €20 each – with complimentary wine served on the night. As St John’s is relatively small, please book your seats early - contact Janet on 087 629 0278 or Hilary on 087 650 7195 to order tickets. If you’d like to hear excerpts from the group’s debut CD “Secret Chords”, check out www.myspace.com/fifth5string

Leinster Leader Local Notes
For inclusion in the local notes section of the Leinster Leader newspaper, please forward any club notes, fundraising events or local news
Alternatively, drop the note into Rose’s home letterbox; all notes must be received by 6pm on Sundays to secure inclusion.

SHOP LOCAL - SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL TRADERSYour local business community gives local employment
and supports local clubs and intiativesBut they, in turn, need your continued support to survive.
Let's keep them in business....
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CLUB NOTES & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Church of Immaculate Conception Restoration Committee
Thanks to all who supported the Christmas Fair, especially those who helped out on the day or supported in any way.

Christmas Hamper Winners:
Eileen Murphy, Amy Horan, Monsignor J Wilson, Mary Browne, Mary Murphy, Donna Barrett and Claire Doyle.

The Village Calendar in aid of church roof, stairs and safety glass in the gallery was also a great success.

A sincere thanks to all the sponsors, to our local shops and parish office for sales, not forgetting parishioners for their generosity in purchasing! A total profit of €,6500 was raised from the above and put towards outstanding restoration loan.

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Scoil Chaoimhín Naofa, Hollywood
Seachtain na Gaeilge was in full swing last week at Scoil Chaoimhin Naofa in Hollywood.
Mass was celebrated on Thursday, with the school choir singing all the hymns in Irish.
The Ceolchoirm (Concert) was held on Monday and, as the children are singing "Ireland's Call" in Irish, Phil Coulter will be a guest as he has never heard his song translated to Irish before. The Armagh Rhymers performed on Tuesday, followed by the Céilí Mór and closing of the Seachtaine.

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SHOP LOCAL - SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL TRADERSYour local business community gives local employment
and supports local clubs and intiativesBut they, in turn, need your continued support to survive.
Let's keep them in business....
__________________________________________________________________

2010-05-06T04:16:00.001-07:00

Big Win for Noeleen
Congratulations to Noeleen O’Connor who won last month’s bingo jackpot in The Resource Centre. Noeleen bagged a big win: €6,000, much to the delight of the attendance and bingo master, Gus Kavanagh. Bingo continues every Wednesday night at 8.30pm, profits in aid of the Resource Centre. It’s not often Gus Kavanagh is pleased to hand over money but on this occasion, he was delighted

Wedding bells:
Congratulations to Kim Hughes, Dublin and Michael Glesson, Barrack Street, who recently celebrated their marriage.

Bugle birthday role:
Birthday wishes to Nicola Piggott, whose 40th we missed earlier this year.
Young Paddy Barrett who will be 6 on St Patrick’s Day and to Uncle Pat Barrett who celebrates a much bigger birthday…..and to Pat’s daughter, Hayley who celebrates her 20th. To Annie Messitt, how will celebrate her 100th in April (see bottom of this page); to Barbara O’Neill whose 81st I missed last month; Mark Darker, Bugler photographer who is 19 this month and studying ferociously…To hairdresser, Elizabeth Deegan, who was out on the razz a few weeks ago celebrating another birthday - sure, she could pass for a child (she cuts my hair – I have to be nice, Rose). And to Ciaran next door and fellow hairstylist, Edrina Browne; to Frank Sammon, Joe Murphy and to mother and daughter, Mary Murphy and Maria Shaw. Also to Kathryn Kavanagh of Hollywood, to ‘young’ Thomas O’Rourke and to all our Bugle readers celebrating a birthday!

Get Well Wishes
To Mrs Lila Curley.
Good Luck in Your New Home
Wishing Gerald and Christine Gough all the best in their new house in Camolin, Co. Wexford.
It was a day out with The Perfectos last year that drove Christine away…

All the best
All the best to Colm O’Driscoll who is off to the States for 7 months.

Tragedy and Joy
It was great to see Breda and Max Piper home last week, along with Danielle and young Tato. Sad to say that once again, Breda’s family have been hit with tragedy; Breda’s 34 year old nephew, Keith Henderson, died after crashing his car en route to show his delighted mum, Kathleen, photos of his first born child. What a dreadful tragedy for the family to have both a christening and funeral held on the one day. We extend our sympathy to his wife, parents, brother and sister and the extended family.

Baby joy
On the return of the Piper family to England, there was, at least, some good news in store as Eoin’s partner, Katrina gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Makaile, a whopping great 9lbs 13ozs.

CONGRATULATIONS
To all the boys and girls in 5th and 6th class, who are receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.
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Condolences
The Editors extend our deepest condolences to the families of the following, who are recently deceased:

The late Mary Fay (nee Doran), late of Athlone, Co Westmeath and formerly, Ballymore Eustace. A daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Art Doran, the latter having been principal teacher in Ballymore girl’s national school. Mary is survived by her husband, Danny; son John; grandchildren Catriona and Lugh, in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Mary kept in touch with former friends and neighbours in Ballymore and will be sadly missed, may she rest in peace, amen.

The late Paddy Magee, Glebe East, Blessington, sadly missed by his loving wife, Mona, brother John, sister Theresa, brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces, relatives and a large circle of friends. May he rest in peace

The late Catherine ‘Kitty’ Finn, Slieverua, Ballymore Eustace, who died in the tender care of the nursing staff of Beechpark Nursing Home, Kildare Town. Deeply regretted by her sister, Mrs Sammon of Tipperkevin, brother and sister-in-law, life-long friend Joe, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May she rest in peace, amen.

The late William (Willie) Headon of Athgarett. Oldest of the Headons of Sillagh, he is survived by his wife Irene, children Gene,Yvonne, David, Bernadette & William. Brothers Denis, Gerard and Noel family and many friends. Willie was an active man taking great interest in farming and business in general. He was a very active member of the Curragh Golf Club until a few years ago. Ar dhies De go raibh a anam.

Across the bottom of the page, in a strip, must be prominent:

ANNIE TO CELEBRATE 100th BIRTHDAY!
Annie Messitt, former housekeeper to the late Monignor Browne and Fr. Kelly will celebrate her 100th birthday on April 10th April. What a pet she used to be, an absolute lady and there are many of her friends here in the village who still keep in touch and visit her regularly.

If any of you who knew her would like to send her greetings, her address is: Shannagh Bay Nursing Home, Seafront, Bray, Co. Wicklow. Annie is in good health and remembers all her old friends here; her family are having a party for her and Mag MacD has promised loads of photos for The Bugle.
If she doesn’t come up with the pics, I suggest someone loan her a pair of crutches…. R

2010-05-06T04:11:00.001-07:00

Tim’s Diary.

Well the snow and ice has finally gone away. We were hit very badly by water shortages in work, at one stage the centre was without water for twenty two hours. Thankfully it returned and we were able to maintain a service. Looking at the difficulties that South Dublin County Council experienced makes me appreciate our own local authority. The workers in Kildare County Council are deserving of praise, the way that they kept the Naas- Ballymore – N81 route clear was excellent. Well done to you all.

Contrary to previous reports Willie (Bill) Ryan has not retired! He had simply got very lazy in the last few months. I am pleased to report that he is now back at work. We have made a donation to the sick & indigent (or should that back indignant) carpenters fund in recompense.

Finally got racing again in Punchestown on the last day of January. “Big Zeb” looks the part. H s jumping has come on a lot since the last fence loss to Master Minded. Whilst Inoma James took the National Trial I think that he only has an outside chance at Aintree, if he goes.

As far as Irish Cheltenham prospects, surely our bankers will be Solwhit and Dunguib. Will Go Native handle Punjabi? And maybe Voler La Vedette in the David Nicholson. The Champion Bumper is always a bit of a lottery; I oppose all the Mullins clan to go for a horse of DK’s who won pulling up in Leopardstown, Hidden Universe. Our exchange friends Betfair have him at twenties at the moment. And don’t write off Weapons Amnesty to put one over on Pandorama and give Mr. O’Leary some of his sponsorship money back.

Coverage of the People of the year elsewhere. Colette & I went to the Ballymore Inn to see one of the nominees Liam Lawler performing at a fundraiser for Haiti. Well done to all concerned.

What about George Lee, the shortest political career that I can ever remember. It will be interesting to see if the Chief Blueshirt comes out of it OK. Is George U.S. bound to take over from the homesick Bird?

2010-05-06T04:10:00.000-07:00

Waste Not Want Not.

“Wilful waste makes woeful want”, write that out five hundred times and I promise that you’ll never forget it. I haven’t! It all took place many years ago in boarding school. The headmaster had access to the school from his residence through the school dining room. Coming down to breakfast one morning he spotted a piece of lumpy porridge on the top plate of plates stacked. Eleven others and I sat at that table. He stopped, viewed the scene, and enquired who had left the lump of porridge. No one owned up, hence all twelve were instructed to write out “wilful waste makes woeful want” five hundred times. It was wartime and there was food rationing, so I guess he had logic on his side. It was a lesson well learned!
But how are we as a nation vis a vie waste? So so I’d say. A small item caught my eye in the daily paper t’other day: Farmleigh that pile of bricks and mortar above in the Park that the taxpayer maintains, had two dignitaries staying in it in the year gone out. It must surely qualify as the most expensive B@ B in the whole world never mind the country. Have we not got some top quality hotels in the city that could look after the needs of said dignitaries? How come we never see or hear what it costs to maintain that place the round of the year? And how come we never hear about those electronic voting machines. Remember them? At the time they were supposed to be the last word in getting out election results pronto, and saving the electorate endless time and energy. Last we heard of them was they were shoved into a cupboard somewhere costing a mint in storage chargers. 50 million was the last figure I heard mention of. Today we have a medical scanner installed for the last six months but can’t afford to pay someone to operate it apparently. Would you buy a car if you couldn’t afford a driving licence? It only cost four million, let it lie there for a while, something or someone will turn up At present we have floods everywhere and a water shortage. Ask someone in charge how come, and the blame will be laid at the cold snap we’ve had. Our cold snaps come in ten year cycles we’re told, so there should be lots of time for both private householder and those in charge of our waterworks to be ready for the next time, and have all those pipes buried good and proper! Dream on.
But commodities are not the only forms of waste; we have waste of time for example. Sitting gazing at some mindless soap on TV, and there’s no scarcity, is a great time waster. Listening to some politician as to how he/she is about to save the nation is another prime example of time wasted. Someone gazing out the window is not necessary time wasting, he/she could be hatching up some great plan. Could be described as time well spent! There is an inordinate amount of time wasted both on radio and TV, and in our daily papers on giving us news, especially on TV. First the newsreader tells us about some breath taking event, then immediately refers us to our ‘special correspondent’ in such and such a place where the event has or is taking place who gives us the same news.
There is discussion going on at present about the involvement or influence of church, specifically the Catholic Church in our schools but it applies to all denominations. Since the formation of the state all faiths have had an interest in our primary schools, and the resident priest or parson has played his part in promoting his particular faith. But times they are a changing and we are becoming multi cultural as a nation. The catholic numbers in some primary schools are being outnumbered by other faiths or no faith at all. What’s a man to do except open his prayer book and carry on. Isn’t that what our missionaries did years ago in foreign lands and they ran the risk of being put in a pot and stewed for lunch. There are some who would suggest that attempting to spread the gospel in this day and age is wasted effort, others would differ, and that’s what makes the world go round. But the biggest waste of time and money has surely got to be the amount spent, since the formation of the state, on the restoration of the Irish language. Making it compulsory in our schools and collages killed it right from the start, for we Irish don’t like to be compelled, and unless one got a job in the civil service it was of no use in finding work at home or abroad, and over the years a lot of us had to find work abroad. Unless one uses a language in our daily work it’s as dead as the Do Do.
I’d better not waste any more time on this article! Jeffers.

2010-05-06T04:09:00.002-07:00

OFF THE CUTTING EDGE
By Pastor R. Dunlop

THE POWER OF RECONCILIATION
Those who endure the trial of dissension or dissolution find that the word reconciliation is music to their ears. It impinges on all life’s relationships, especially when they break down.
There are many situations that require the kind of healing which reconciliation provides.
It is somewhat surprising how many people meander through life balanced only by tolerating chips on both shoulders, staying out of sorts with colleagues, relatives and neighbours.
It is well to remember that reconciliation carries a heavy price tag, especially in situations of prolonged brokenness.
“In the words of Desmond Tutu “some people think reconciliation is a soft option, that it means papering over the cracks. But the Biblical meaning means looking facts in the face and it can be very costly; it cost God the death of His own Son.”
FACING FACTS IN THE FACE
1. A primary requirement is to look at things as they really are. While it may be natural to fall out and fall in again, we are often under pressure to settle for something less than healed relationships.
2. Archbishop Tutu helpfully points to the Divine model and suggests that for reconciliation to be real and lasting it needs to be spiritually induced.
3. The contribution of a skilled mediator is often central to a long and complex process. Whether on the personal or societal front an important factor is hearing both (or more) sides of the story. This facilitates fact-finding, which creates neutral ground for negotiation. A question – would the Good Friday Agreement have been possible without the skills of President Bill Clinton and others?
4. Historical hurts and divisions often leave a legacy of hatred and suspicion which demands hard work and great intensity of purpose to change.
5. Reconciliation is usually a long, delicate and difficult process. It is vital to keep the desire for healing at the top of the agenda and at the centre of life’s relationships. While division is a powerful weapon when wielded with psychological and emotional force, reconciliation is positively powerful and is worth chasing with every ounce of energy we possess.

SCOIL MHUIRE IN ACTION

"Friendship Week" was held in January to focus on importance of making good friends and not getting involved in bullying. During the week the focus was on all aspects of friendship and how to avoid bullying. Patricia Kennedy of "Sticks and Stones" anti-bullying theatre company gave workshops to 5th and 6th where they explored the issues of cyber-bullying and text-bullying through discussion and role-play. Patricia also hosted an information talk for parents and all parents were invited to come to the school for the talk where Patricia addressed these issues and answered questions from concerned parents.

Raising Funds
Senior pupils read thousands of books before Christmas and raised a whopping €5,000 for the Multiple Schlerosis of Ireland. Pupils also raised €800 through their annual Talent Show and proceeds this year were given to the Ballymore Chamber of St. Vincent de Paul, who always support our school so generously.

Attendance Certificates
Attendance award certificates were presented to 48 pupils who did not miss a day since September. These pupils are working towards achieving a gold medal at the end of the year, if they still have a perfect attendance record.

Our mathematics whizzkid, Mark Daly 5th class who won 1st prize at the recent Maths and Science test in St. Kevin's Community College, Dunlavin. Well done Kevin

As Gaielge!
This picture of nine pupils includes those awarded with "Cainteoir na Miosa" for January. These are the pupils who make the greatest effort at using their Gaeilge to communicate outside the classroom. We work on phrases on a weekly basis and the teachers pick out the pupil in each class who has made the supreme effort to use their new phrases to communiciate as Gaeilge. (Tá sibh ar fheabhas! – Tim agus Rose).

Mairead O'Flynn, Scoil Mhuire, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare

2010-05-06T04:09:00.001-07:00

Ballymore Ladies GFC

AGM
Ballymore Ladies held their Annual General Meeting in January. Outgoing Chairperson Jacinta O’Rourke opened the meeting by thanking Caroline for the Agenda and welcoming everyone who came along.
Jacinta then thanked John Hubbard for his contribution and hard work as part of the management team over the last few years. John has decided that it is time to freshen things up (on the team, not himself!) and it will also give his 4 girls a break! John said he had enjoyed his 3 years with the club and felt the best football had been played in the last year. John will stay involved with the juveniles. He thanked Simon and Joe for their support and said the future would be bright for the Ladies.
Jacinta O’Rourke (Chairperson) and Bid Meade (Treasurer) were also thanked for everything they’ve done for the club over the years. Jacinta said they’d enjoyed their time with the Ladies and wished the club all the best for the coming season.
Johnny Murphy, Chairperson of Ballymore GFC, thanked Caroline Deegan for making the last Bag Packing fundraising event such a success. He explained that they had elected a new senior committee with 3 of the ladies (Dawn, Lesley and Aisling) being a part of it. He hopes that all the clubs will work together and is planning to organise a monthly meeting to ensure this happens. He wished the girls well in the new season and hopes the silverware will come for the Ladies.
Although there was no cup brought home last season, there were many improvements on and off the pitch. Congratulations were offered to all involved in the Camel Night, where the proceeds went to Crumlin Children’s Hospital. It is hoped to have another one during 2010.
Ballymore Ladies Committee 2010
Chairperson Aisling Rigney
Vice-Chairperson Jackie Smith
Treasurer(s) Anne-Marie Gorman and Aisling Hubbard
Secretary Caroline Deegan
Vice-Secretary\Registrar Stacey Balfe
PRO(s) Deirdre Hackett and Michelle Hubbard
County Board Delegates Louise Tutty and Jackie Smith
Fundraising Committee Aisling, Lesley, Anne-Marie, Sheena, Dawn, Steph and Stacey
Management Team Simon Murphy and Joe Piggott

Awards Night
The Awards night will be held on Saturday 6th March in the Thatch starting at 9pm. The Ladies who have been nominated for awards will be presented with them and there will be a dj. With no matches for another while we look forward to seeing all you all there for a good night.

Last Man Standing
Last Man Standing is returning. It will start on the weekend of March 5th. Contact any team or committee members before this date to participate. It is 10euro to enter with the possibility of winning 500euro.

Training
Training is every Monday and Wednesday. The Ladies will be improving their fitness with 6 weeks of aerobics on Monday’s at 9pm in Naas. Wednesday training is at 8pm up on the pitch. The Ladies are also doing a run in Punchestown on Saturday mornings at 10am. The club are looking for new players so if you’re 14 or more (we’ve no max age limit!) please call up to a training session or get in touch with a club member.

A number of the team are also playing college football. Michelle Hubbard is playing for Froebal College Senior Ladies Team, Marilena Norton is playing for Waterford IT and Fran and Louise Burke are playing for Tallaght IT. Best of luck to all.

Thanks
Thank you to all out going committee members for your invaluable contribution to the club. Best wishes to the new committee and to those remaining on. We know you will carry on the hard work of last year’s committee. Thanks to our out-going PRO Sharon O’Donoghue for extending her PRO duties into this year. We really appreciate your contribution!

Deirdre & Michelle
Ballymore Ladies GFC PROs

2010-05-06T04:07:00.000-07:00

KILDARE STEINER SCHOOL- OUR KINDERGARTEN

The kindergarten or “child’s garden” gives children a little safe space, all of their own. Created to inspire a sense of peace and harmony there is a lovely atmosphere as soon as you cross the threshold….The colours are muted and beautiful and the toys are usually made of natural materials , with lots of wood, baskets of stones, wool and pinecones. Children enjoy singing together, cooking each day and of course lots of creative work involving paint and pastel crayons. A big part of the Steiner Kindergarten is also the child’s interaction with nature, and everyday sees small adventures in the outdoors, in our lovely play area, or on walks into the woods. If you would like to come along and see our magical place, call Angie on 086 4005211 and she will arrange a visit.

The services provided to members take care of most of the financial requirements year by year.

The best way to utilize the credit union is to arrange a loan with them.

Loans represent some of the best value in the market. We have the following loan products available to members
What are the interest rates on loans with Naas Credit Union?
Motor Loans – 6.9% APR
Standard Personal Loans – 9.25% APR
Home Improvements Loans – 7.75% APR
Student ‘Bright Spark’ Loans – 7.75% APR

What are the benefits of borrowing from Naas Credit Union?
Interest is charged on the reducing balance of the loan, that way you pay less interest as the loan decreases.
No “Hidden Costs” There are no documentation, completion or other arrangement fees.
No penalties for early loan repayment.
Free Loan Protection Insurance –your loan is paid off in the event of your death or permanent disability (Terms and conditions apply).
We can support flexible repayment options, additional repayments can be made at any time to your loan without penalty.
We are not affected by the European Central Bank rate, so unlike many other institutions, there is no need to worry about the ECB interest rate increases with the Credit Union.
Competitive Repayment Protection Insurance product is available.
Top up loans are available.
The difference between Inclusive and Reducing repayment options
Inclusive repayments give the members a flat repayment for the life of the loan. initial repayments will be cheaper at the start but more interest is repaid by the member.
Reducing repayments are more expensive at the start however the member pays less interest overall
The Credit Union was set up to lend to members for productive means and we must also ensure the safety of our members savings. It is therefore necessary to establish a members repayment capacity prior to granting a loan. To help establish this we will request the following documentation from our members in support of their loan application
Income verification
3 months Bank statements

2010-05-06T04:04:00.002-07:00

COGHLANSTOWN; By Ronald F. Eustice
COGHLANSTOWN, pronounced Cocklanstown, (also called Ballycotelan) is a townland in the Parish of Ballymore-Eustace, and lies on the northern bank of the River Liffey, near Harristown Station in County Kildare, Ireland. The name has in the course of centuries, undergone various changes; it appears in ancient documents under the following forms: Ballycotelan, Ballicutland, Bally-cutlane, Cotlanston, and finally Coghlanstown. As the sept of MacCoghlan or Coghlan, belonged to the western portion of the King’s County, we may conclude that this townland took its name from an Anglo-Norman resident probably of the name of Cotlan; at which period a castle was erected, and a church built, dedicated to St. James, as a Blessed Well, dedicated to him, is still pointed out close to the old churchyard.
The Eustaces of Ballycotelan were a very early branch of the family. For five generations the FitzEustaces (later Eustace) held the Castle of Ballymore. The castle at Ballymore, situated at a vital crossing of the River Liffey, it was considered to be one of the most important forts on the English Pale. The fortress protected the territory from intrusions by the native Irish septs that lived in the vastness of the Wicklow Mountains, whom the Eustaces and other Anglo-Normans had dispossessed in the 12th and early 13th centuries.

As early as 1355, Geoffrey FitzEustace and the Sheriff of Kildare had been ordered to inspect and report upon Ballymore Castle and other defenses of the Pale. Major General Sir Eustace Tickell in an article titled “The Eustace Family and Their Lands in County Kildare” published in the Journal of the Kildare County Archaeological Society, Volume XIII, Number 6 (1955) speculates that Sir Maurice of Ballycotelan, Thomas FitzOliver, Constable of Ballymore Castle in 1373, and Roland FitzOliver of Castlemartin were brothers. He states, “If so, this would afford the link between the FitzEustaces of Castlemartin and the powerful Ballycotlan branch.”

The Churchyard of Coghlanstown, containing extensive ruins of a Church dedicated to St. James, lies near the Stonebrook demesne, on the opposite side of the public road, and four miles from Kilcullen bridge in the Ballymore-Eustace direction. The Church ruins are in a very fair state of preservation. Internally they measure 50 feet in length by 17 feet in breadth; the walls are 3 1/2 feet thick.

In the West Wall there is a built-up doorway with a window above it; the gable is surmounted by a little belfry.
In the North Wall there is an arched entrance leading into the Church, with a small, square niche on either side of it. Close to this entrance, inside the Church, there is a doorway leading to a flight of steps which wind up to another doorway in the wall about seven feet from the ground. Externally there is a square projection where this staircase is placed. This peculiar and unusual feature in ecclesiastical architecture was connected with a pulpit, which was reached from the staircase. Between “the pulpit stairs” and the east wall is an ogee-headed window, and near the latter a square niche known as ‘‘a Locker,” which was placed to the left of the altar.

In the East Wall there is a handsome little ogee-headed window of two lights; there is also a square niche to the right of where the high altar stood.

In the South Wall, near the east end, is a niche called “a Piscina,” out of which the perforated saucer-like stone has been removed; two more ogee-headed windows in good preservation are pierced in this wall; and then opposite to the entrance in the north wall there is a wide, arched recess, lit by a narrow round-headed window, causing a projection in the wall on the outside; this recess probably served as a Baptistery. The head of a rude, square font, pierced in the middle, lies sunk in the ground near the recess; it is formed out of a rough block of granite about 2 feet square.

There are two objects of special interest—a granite cross base and a seventeenth-century limestone cross-shaft. The cross-base is situated in the north-eastern portion of the burial-ground; it consists of a roughly squared granite boulder, 32 inches by 21 inches, having a socket in it 10 inches deep, with sides measuring 15 inches by 9 1/2 inches; the cross itself is not to be found inside the churchyard and is likely the cross erected in the ditch a few hundred yards in the Ballymore Eustace direction. The limestone cross-shaft in the church was erected to the memory of one of Roland Fitz Eustace in the seventeenth century. In its present fractured condition it is 2 1/2 feet in length, with sides of 10 and 7 inches; at the upper end it is encircled by a projecting portion which contains the socket (5 1/2 by 2 1/2 inches) in which the head of the cross was fixed. Along the projecting band ran an inscription in Roman capitals, 1 3/4 inches high, of which only a few letters are now traceable.

The sides of this cross shaft each bear a sculpted shield above a fluted panel; the designs on them are: -
1. In incised letters: “Euftace Lord Portlester” with the date 1462. This refers to Sir Roland FitzEustace, Knight, (son of Edward FitzEustace, Lord Justice of Ireland who died in 1454). Sir Roland was created Baron Portlester, County Meath in 1462 and was the founder of New Abbey, near Kilcullen Bridge in 1486. He was buried at New Abbey ten years later in 1496. His daughter Joan married Maurice FitzEustace of Coghlanstown, constable of Ballymore Eustace, who died 1520. Their son Christopher Eustace of Coghlanstown joined with his cousins and others during the Silken Thomas Rebellion and was executed;
2. Two fleurs-de-lis, the coat of arms of a family that has not been identified;
3. The FitzEustace Coat of Arms: “Or , a saltire gules,” above which is an Earl’s coronet and which should have been a Baron’s if correctly cut;
4. A serpent, probably representing the arms of the town of Naas.

Half mile to the east of the Coghlanstown churchyard on the road to Ballymore Eustace (almost directly across from Hazel House Bed & Breakfast), there is a small plain unringed granite cross set up in the ditch by the roadside in the Stonebrook demesne. The cross stands 4 1/2 feet above the ground, and measures 31 inches across the arms; the sides are 14 inches and nine inches in width. There is a tradition passed down through generations that the cross was being conveyed from Tipperkevin to Coghlanstown and when the cart on which it was carried broke down, the cross was erected on that spot.

Sources: The Eustace Family and Their Lands in County Kildare” published in the Journal of the Kildare County Archaeological Society, Volume XIII, Number 6 (1955).
Photos by the author.

2010-05-06T04:04:00.001-07:00

on passing by- aga

I warned some time ago that the Labour party were starting to go back towards their old socialist utopian ideals and were in danger of getting into a position where people would start to regard them as being as loopy as the Green Party. As if to confirm my suspicions a Labour councillor on Dublin City Council proposed a 30 kilometre speed limit in the centre of Dublin. With the backing of Labour colleagues, and Fine Gael councillors, the motion was passed. And the result? Havoc. The only people to see any benefit from the measure appear to be the coffers of the Government from all the speeding fines handed out by Gardai.
The Labour councillor in question, Andrew Montague, has come up with some strange reasons for the change. He admits he is a committed cyclist and says the measure should make the roads safer for his fellow cyclists and yet the statistics show that most of the cyclists killed in the city centre are actually killed by heavy goods vehicles taking corners. As most of this traffic is now effectively banned from the city centre cyclists are automatically safer. He says the slower limits should leave more space between traffic thus allowing pedestrians to cross the roads in a safer manner. Does the Councillor not know that the areas in question are festooned with pedestrian crossings and that these are the correct places to cross the road, or is he advocating jay walking?.
He also tells us that the Council are going to arrange the traffic lights so that people who observe the limit will always arrive at a green light, creating what he called a green wave. I don’t care how much you play around with the timing of the lights but there is no way that you can ensure constant green lights unless you leave all the lights on green, all of the time. Imagine the congestion then.
Happily the public backlash has brought Mr Montague’s boss into the picture and Party headquarters has instructed him to get rid of the limit at the earliest. Not wishing to be associated with the public fury, his fellow councillors, both Labour and Fine Gael, have swiftly backtracked on their support. All fine and good but what kind of intelligence levels are at work in the City Council when they appear unable to form any views on the likely consequences of motions presented to the chamber and instead blunder into fiasco after fiasco. I am not singling out Dublin City Council for any particular reason. As we all know only too well our own beloved Kildare County Council is not above reproach for crazy ideas, nor other county councils. It just makes you wonder how much of the real world these people are actually aware of.

While I am on the political rant it would seem churlish not to mention ex T.D. George Lee. What a difference a few months make. Mr Lee was fairly quick getting onto all the talk programmes the day he resigned to give his opinions and the reasons for his resignation and yet I can’t help feeling that some of them rang fairly hollow. In an interview soon after he was elected Mr Lee told us that he had been given no particular guarantees as to what position or responsibilities he was to be given when he joined the Dail. To my astonishment he then told us that up he had not even spoken to Enda Kenny since accepting the nomination. It struck me as a bit peculiar at the time that here was a national figure who was giving up a well paid job to enter politics and he had not even discussed what his responsibilities would be, nor even met his new boss. His whole campaign was run on the lines that the economy was heading for the fan and that he wouldn’t be able to face his grandchildren if he sat back and did nothing and yet he appeared to think it was all right to embark on a campaign without being told if he would be allowed to do anything about the situation if he won.
On resignation day he told us that no one in Fine Gael had asked his opinion or sought him out to see what he thought. Did he really expect to be handed everything on a plate or should he not have known that to make any difference to the political status quo he was going to have to fight his corner and make his ideas heard.
Mr Lee told us for years about how slow the pace of change was in the Dail and yet he could only stick it for nine months before throwing a hissy fit. Contrast this with Brian Lenihan, who spent years in the wilderness before being admitted to the inner fold.
It’s hard not to compare Mr Lee with Mr Bird. Poor Charlie decided he was going to become a reporting star in America, just as he thought he was at home. Only half way into his contract he has now decided that its not for him. At least he made some contribution to the nation by doing his two part comedy special telling us why he wants to come back. George on the other hand has given the job nine months, and given all the Dail holidays since then, has probably only worked for four months. Mr Bird and Mr Lee were quite large fish in a small RTE pond who thought they could be quite large fish in a bigger pond. Isn’t it surprising that it never occurred to them that the new pond might already have its own big fish.

While I am on the subject of RTE I may as well get something else off my chest. Most evenings on the way home I listen to Drivetime on RTE 1 radio. For many years this programme was presented by Rachel English and I always found her to be a clever and incisive interviewer who never seemed overawed by whomever she was interviewing and who was loath to give up until she got a proper answer to her questions. A few years ago RTE decided to hand the programme over to Mary Wilson and the difference is unreal. Wilson never seems to have read up on her subjects and while her diction is more than adequate she seems biologically incapable of uttering one whole sentence without repeating a word, or more than one. She constantly appears to strive to get her mouth to go at the same speed as her brain. One recent evening the following sentence nearly had me putting something through the radio “ do you think that that that the Minister will have to to to to to to to respond, in in in in some way”. Over a hundred grand a year to come out with this drivel. Charlie Bird will be in good company when he gets back

Last month’s piece on the sad demise of Common Sense has probably elicited more comments than anything I have written for years. It seemed to strike a chord with people over a certain age, probably because when we were growing up that was the way things operated, and it never did us any harm. Lack of space last month meant I couldn’t thank the Ballincollig Newsletter, or Brian McNaughton for bringing it to my attention.
All for now. Mike Edmonds Jan 2010.

2010-05-06T04:03:00.001-07:00

Ballymore Person of the Year 2010.

It was a night of firsts for the annual awards ceremony held in Ballymore on Saturday February 6th. The first year of sponsorship by Naas Credit Union, The first year that regular co-host Rose Barrett O’Donoghue was unable to attend, and the first time a nominee, Laura Barrett, was absent. Illness had devastated the O’Donoughue/Barrett families meant that the sisters, putting the community first, regrettably, stayed away. It was also the first time that a special sporting achievement award, named in memory of Des Kennedy, community activist and Credit Union director was presented.
Commenting that this was my first time flying solo, bemoaned the cost of a video link to Rose’s home. The packed resource Centre heard of the work regular co-host Rose puts in each year.
Jimmy Pearse on behalf of the CDA welcomed the nominees, their families, past winners of the award, representatives of Naas Credit Union, elected representatives and the good people of the village. The political community was as usual well represented. T.D’s Jack Wall and Sean Power were joined by Cllrs. Mark Wall, Martin Heydon, Richard Daly and past Cllrs, Billy Hillis and Mary Glennon. Cecil Doyle, Treasurer of Naas Credit Union was joined by General Manager Sean Murray and newly appointed director Tim, who asked the assembled to be kind to the politicians who turn out each year to support us.
The Nominees, Laura Barrett, Liam Lawler, the Juvenile GAA Club, Chris Dennison, Janet McDermott and Aileen Murphy and The Ballymore Historical Society, were joined by family members and well wishers.
Rose in a brief note, (an unusual occurrence) congratulated all the nominees and offered a revolutionary new weight loss programme to anyone who visited her. For 10 euro she will guarantee a shapely new you. Tim paid tribute to the sponsors, Naas Credit Union, who have supported the village in many ways through the years and he looked forward to their continued involvement. The continued support of local Gallery & Gifts, through John & Irene, meant that the award winner’s citations and copies of the bridge, by local artist Fiona Barrett, were beautifully presented and would be treasured by all recipients.
Speaking of Laura Barrett Tim outlined her work as founder of Ballymore Badminton Club some six years ago. From small beginnings it now provides much needed sporting activities to over seventy children each Thursday. The club tournament, held in Ryston every year is based on a round robin system where each participant is awarded regardless of their level of skill. Laura’s nomination is well deserved for her time given to such a large group for over four hours each Thursday. Julie Molloy and Mary Campbell accepted the award from Jimmy Pearse and Billy Hillis, on Laura’s behalf and passed along her thanks and bitter disappointment at missing such an honour. Laura had planned a pre- and after show party and will carry through on her promise to all her friends as soon as he is fully recovered.
Liam & Geraldine Lawler stared their life in Ballymore in the second greenest house, Peter Keogh’s cottage in Coughlanstown. Their move to Barrack Street, on the day of Frank Driver’s funeral, when Gus Kavanagh who had provided a horse box for transportation reassured a worried Liam that their possessions were very safe due to the amount of Gardai and detectives present on the day. Tim outlined the circumstances, fictionally, of the reason for the demolition of their house in recent years. Where all Barrack Street residents never complained about the wild parties that took place. When the foundations failed it brought about the construction of what is now the greenest house in the village. Liam, teacher in Scoil Mhuire for many years is of course, the cornerstone of the church choir, accompanying no less than Red Hurley during the Breener's Funeral Mass last year. He is involved in many aspects of village life, meals on wheels, golf and is available to perform 9 even in drag0 for any concerts or fund raising activities. Liam was brief and gracious in his acceptance speech. His awards presented by Eric Firth and Martin Heydon
The Juvenile GAA club was ably represented by Eoin Barrett & Steve Deegan. Eoin outlined the clubs achievements during the past twelve months. The highlight was of course, the Feile held in summer, where teams from Clonmel and New York joined with local youngsters for a feat of sport and craic. He re-iterated the clubs motto of “Children First and winning second.” This year though they had a bit of the latter with success for many teams Boys and Girls both. Eoin, never missing an opportunity, called on all the local politicians to ensure that the community would be provided with the necessary ground to facilitate the expansion of the club so that the one hundred plus, young locals would have decent playing pitches. Presented by Margaret McDonald and Sean Power the entire club accepted a framed copy of the bridge and a voucher. Letting the assembled in on some inside information, Tim said that Steve and Janet were nominated but within minutes a nomination came in FROM Steve nomination the Juves, Rose and Tim had citation ready for the Posh & Becks of the village, which is stored for later use perhaps!

Chris Dennison received a warm reception as Tim told a few funny yarns about his double life as chief altar boy by day, to amateur explosives operative, with his brother Dotsy, by night. He kept the community moving, working on all the cars in the village and particularly a red Toyota Starlet that was always in dry dock. This car, of course belonged to Maire and at their wedding Jimmy McLoughlin said that the GAA had “made a man” of Chris. Loath to contradict a personage such as Jimmy, Tim reassured the audience that Chris was a man long before he joined the GAA. He recounted all of Chris’s local involvement from CDA, ABCD, GAA clubman of the Year, Punchestown festival Committee, Videographer and photographer, indeed there was hardly an aspect of village life he was not involved in. Mentioning the delight that both his Mam, May and his mother-in-law Maire Snr. took in all his exploits, it was pity that they were not alive to see him recognised by his community. Chris in accepting the award from Mary Deegan and Mark Wall, paid tribute to all the Chairpersons he has worked under, he felt proud and honoured to be nominated in the midst of such a worthy group of fellow nominees.
Janet McDermott and Aileen Murphy were urged by Tim not to speak for any longer that fifteen minutes each, by Tim, in his citation for these two wonder women. Knowing them and how private and quiet they were made it even more extraordinary their drive and determination not alone to overcome illness but to have such an impact in raising funds and indeed, awareness of the Breast Cancer Research programme. Through many events, Art and Cookery exhibitions, their work was a beacon of joy and hope for the women of Ballymore, Tim urged the assembled gathering to taste Janet’s “Sunshine Shortbread” and to give Aileen commissions for her wonderful artwork. And of course the two ladies were, as usual, very gracious and humble in their acceptance speech, thanking the people of Ballymore for their generosity, which has helped raise over 5,500 euro. Citing Ballymore as a magical place, Janet said that she and her husband, ????? were delighted to have moved here. Aileen said that she too was delighted that Janet had moved here! She paid great tribute to Janet and indeed all the wonderful community of the village. Presenting the awards were sisters and CDA stalwarts, Mary Deegan and Margaret McDonald together with Jack Wall T.D.
Speaking of the last group to be nominated, Ballymore Historical Society, Tim said that he felt sure that they had received many congratulations from everyone present and all the people of Ballymore. The Bugle had sent some copies to ex-pats and recounted that Eddie and Mai Whelan said they had visitors the day that the book arrived, and couldn’t wait for them to go to read, what was, a magnificent production!! “Ballymore, portrait of a village” was also complimented by Des & Brigid Byrne, who, in their will, were leaving a copy to all of their children! The last word was left to Finbarr Gallagher., who, in an email in the New Year, lavished fulsome praise on the works of the group. Complimenting the group, he described how Rose had tried to find herself in the many photos but had come to the conclusion that she was too young to have been included!! Michael Kelly and Margaret Pearse accepted on behalf of the group their awards, presented by the two young captains from the Juvenile GAA teams.
In a break from the awards there were a few small presentations, Rose had, in dressing gown, received a bouquet earlier in the day. Margaret McDonald accepted flowers as representing the CDA, the umbrella body under which the Ballymore Bugle operates. Presenting Colette Hempenstall with flowers, she was praised for allowing the use of almost all of her house for Bugle activities and for clocking up miles delivering copies. Hoping that the presentation might also serve as a Valentines day gift, Tim was urged by the Sean’s , Power and Murray to break into his Credit Union account and maybe even take her out to dinner. Recounting his few short months in the Credit Union Tim said that all this talk of millions was thirsty work and presenting, tongue in cheek, Sean Murray with a small hamper containing tea, coffee and other ingredients including mugs “I’d rather be in credit”
The Des Kennedy Memorial Award was presented to James Kavanagh, by Cecil Doyle, Treasurer Naas Credit Union and Mrs. Jo Kennedy. Sean Murray spoke of his delight to be associated with such a wonderful, fun night; it was of course tinged with sadness at the Des’s passing. He spoke of his dedication to the Credit Union cause, right from the start, providing hours of selfless dedication. Rose, by letter, spoke of the man, always interested in sports at local and national level, of the guiding light in her earlier political career and the peacemaker in all aspects of his local involvement. Cecil was delighted to be revisiting Ballymore and told of his pride in working and enjoying the friendship that Des provided to everyone that know him.
There followed a short ad for Naas Credit Union by Tim. Since the demise of the banking service provided each Thursday (in Clare Doyle’s house) the Credit Union was the only financial institution providing a service in the village. Urging people to support, he told of the work done at local level on behalf of some 2000 members. Highlighted was the recent donation of 5000 euro to assist victims of the flooding in Sallins. The high dividend of 2% paid last year and the extensive loan service available to the local community.
Holding James up as a role model for the youngsters of the village, Tim felt the waves of pride coming up from the hall. The pride of the local GAA, Senior and Juvenile, of his brothers, of parents Vincent and Oonagh, of Linda who was unable to be present and the community in general.
To rapturous applause, James accepted, telling the gathering of being able to source Croke Park tickets from Des, before he could source them in his own right!! James Kavanagh, talented, young and handsome recipient of the inaugural Naas Credit Union Des Kennedy Award, presented for sporting achievement in 2010.
With Rose stuck in Spain for a good part of December /January and onerous work commitments attended to by Tim, this year’s process of selecting the Ballymore person of the Year commenced by email and text. Suggestions and reasons flew through space until the co-editors of the Ballymore Bugle managed to be in the same place for a few hours to decide the outcome. All the nominees are winners, everyone gets the same prizes, there is only bragging rights and the permission to graze your sheep any where in the village for the winner!! In the end, Tim, saying that he hated draws even more than James Kavanagh, told the hushed and expectant audience that there were Joint winners, in the Ballymore Historical Society and the Juvenile GAA. Citing the reasons as said on the winner’s scrolls, that they bridged the gap between the past and the future complimented both groups on a wonderful twelve months. He praised their commitment and their effect on having made real difference in the community. Sean Murray, General Manager of Naas Credit Union and Tim presented a delighted group of young players and eminent historians.

Ballymore People of the Year awards had many firsts this year but as always was first for entertainment, first for fun and first for getting to community together to honour all the nominees who go the extra distance in their work and activities that make Ballymore such a wonderful vibrant community. Next year normal service will be resumed, we promise. Rose will not eat anything in the week leading up to the Awards in 2011.

Tim Ryan.

2010-05-06T04:02:00.001-07:00

BALLYMORE EUSTACE COMMUNITY GAMES It’s hard to believe a year has passed already and it’s time once more to get ourselves into gear for this year’s events. Those up and coming are as follows:- Art Competition The children’s art competition will take part in Scoil Mhuire after school from 3-4pm on Tuesday, 23rd February. The theme will be Community Games which covers a wide variety of events including track and field (athletics, high jump, long jump, shot put, ball throw, football, hurling, soccer, rugby, hockey, etc), basketball, badminton, swimming, table tennis, drafts, chess, table quiz, talent competition, choir, project and gymnastics - so there’s something to suit everyone! Paper and paint will be supplied and children can bring along their own colours as well. Age categories are U8, U10, U12, U14 and each child must put their name and date of birth on the back of their pictures. Entry is €2 per child. Cross CountryBallymore Eustace Cross Country Finals will take place at the GAA pitch at 3pm on Saturday, 27th February for U8, 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15. Entry is €2 per child.Athletics With track events due to be run off in April, training will commence around mid-March – firm date will be confirmed in the near future.Here’s hoping for a healthy, sporting year.For further enquiries you can contact Jarlath Gilroy, Chairperson, ), Ann Murphy Secretary () or Eithne Carter ().

2010-05-06T03:57:00.000-07:00

Tim’s Diary

Happy New Year to you all. What a start to 2010! It started to snow as soon as we got to Punchestown Races on New Year’s Eve. Still we had a great day. My fellow punters brother Mick and Wicklow Joe and myself were well anaesthetised by the time that racing finally finished and someone came to bring us home. Dick O’Sullivan himself was handing out hot punch on the way in and was looking forward (already) to a bumper festival or maybe it was a festival bumper! Other hardy folk were Tom Nugent, Dan Byrne, Tony (Hop-a-long) Hanlon, and a rake of Murphys, Aileen, John, Rena and loads more that I didn’t meet up with. We were talking to both Ollie Brady, who still recalls some of the Breener’s high jinks, and Willie Mullins who gave us a winner for the future. More of that in a month or two.
Staying with racing the weather wreaked havoc with all the decent meetings over the holiday period. I wouldn’t put a huge amount of store in any results as the conditions were so horrible, the one exception though was Kauto. Ruby is blessed with such a choice on both sides of the pond but it would be hard to pass a jaunt on him. People talk about “Desert Orchid” but I think this fella is streets ahead.
We travelled south to Colette’s sister for Christmas. The roads of Limerick were in a dreadful condition. They must have been the first local authority to run out of salt. Coming back home on St. Stephen’s day was a bit easier. It must be only a short time before we see normal trading on Christmas Day. The advent of St. Stephen’s day opening in the bigger stores, bring it ever closer.
As we turn into 2010, the Bugle is in a reasonable state. We lost money last year, a combination of a drop in sales and the difficulty in getting money in. We will be reducing our print runs in the new year and trying to tighten costs. The cover price of 1.50 will stay the same for this year. Any “specials” we have like at Punchestown & Christmas will also stay at the regular cover price. My thanks to co-editor Rose, our wonderful printer Frances, our contributors, advertisers, folding crew, subscribers and you, our loyal readers.
I am grateful to local people who contribute photographs at various times during the year. These are a welcome edition to the Bugle and make true the saying of a picture being worth etc. Thank you all.
Corner
Naas Credit Union opening Hours:
Monday 09:30 to 17:00Tuesday 09:30 to 17:00Wednesday 11:00 to 17:00Thursday 09:30 to 17:00Friday 09:30 to 17:00Saturday 09:30 to 17:00
Our sub office in Ballymore Eustace opens on Saturday mornings from 10:00-12:30.
Joining Naas Credit Union is simple. To become a member simply call into any of our offices and complete a membership application with a member of staff. You will need the following three documents:
Photo ID, e.g. Passport, Drivers License
Verification of Address e.g. ESB Bill, Utility Bill, Bank Statement
PPS Number or Tax Identification Number (on an official document/card).

· Minors (under 16) can open accounts with Naas Credit Union. We will require the same identification as for an adult member.
· Minors under the age of 7 years can have an account opened on their behalf by a Parent / Guardian or Third Party. The minor must live within the common bond with either the Parent / Guardian. Until the Minor reaches their 7th Birthday the nominated Parent / Guardian named is the only person permitted to operate the account. Information required
· · Birth Certificate of Child. · Passport or Parent/Guardian who is named the Nominee. · Household bill or Bank Statement ( where minor resides in Parent/Guardians name) · Documentation of Minors PPS number.

2010-05-06T03:53:00.002-07:00

Matt’s Memories
Bugle Christmas Party
The Bugle Committee held its second Annual Christmas Party on December 11 at The Thatch. Most of the Bugle contributors and some members of The CDA were present. A cheque was presented to the Senior Citizens Committee who were represented by Kathleen Lawlor. A good time was had by all present and on the night, The Thatch was full. In addition to The Bugle function, the Bowling Club were there on a Christmas night out and the Dooley family to celebrate Matt’s 50th birthday.

Senior Citizens Dinner
The Senior Citizens Dinner 2009 was held at Poulaphouca House on December 13. Most of those whom I have come to consider as regulars were there including Jack and Nancy Boylan – Jack was in a wheelchair and had travelled from Athy. At our table, were Nan Kane, Mr and Mrs Paddy Dreelan, Tommy Deegan, Mary Deegan and my brother James who accompanied me.

At the next table, we had Marie Wolfe who had visited Nancy Graham at Kiltipper Woods Care Centre, Tallaght the previous day. I gather Joe Wolfe and his wife now have a B & B on the Aran Islands. Nan Kane enquired diligently about Joe Quinn who was originally from Coughlanstown. The Ballymore Eustace History Book is receiving much favourable comment and I spoke briefly to Nellie Carroll. As we have come to expect, the Organising Committee did a great job.

Modern Technology
Thanks to modern technology, I was able to catch a radio programme that I had originally missed. This was a Liveline programme in which Joe Duffy interviewed Marcus Henry of Sligo for about ten minutes. Seemingly, Marcus was stopped from entering America to take part in the world handball championships.

Marcus was a great handball player who won All-Ireland minor softball singles titles in 1963 and 1964. In 1962, Kerry’s Murt McEllistrim in the corresponding singles final narrowly beat him. In 1967, John Gaffney and Marcus won the All-Ireland junior softball doubles title.

Sadly, Marcus was also an alcoholic and this plagued both his academic and handball careers. The last time I met Marcus was at 40 x 20 handball matches in Ballymore in Spring 2007. He had been off the drink for two years and was playing handball. From the radio programme, he has been off the drink for a further three years.

His eldest brother, Len, died in England on October 18. In 1960, I played his older brother, Justin, in three All-Ireland handball semi-finals. At one stage, Justin worked with the late Paddy O’Neill. Marcus’s other brother, Dermot, was a good singer and was successful here before going to America.

In the course of the programme with Marcus, I learned that his former handball partner, John Gaffney, had died in December 2008. John was also a good musician and was present at the World Masters 40 x 20 Championship games in Clare in 1984.
I also learned that Mickey Walsh of Charlestown, Co. Mayo died in April of this year. I recall him having a great game with Kilkenny’s Joe Delaney in Taghmon in the 1962 All-Ireland senior soft singles final. Mickey was only recently home after spending a long time in England. Everyone who saw that game was impressed by Mickey’s performance but Joe’s grit and determination saw him score a narrow win. In 1966, Mickey won the All-Ireland senior soft doubles with Peter McGee.
Cairns ’97
In 1997, I spent a week in Cairns with Phil and Betty Rodney. All the time I was there, a cyclone was out at sea and threatened to come inland. Naturally, my hosts were very concerned about this but I thought nothing of it. My views were radically changed when I saw pictures of the damage caused by Cyclone Tracy to Darwin on Christmas Day 1974 when I visited Darwin Airport in 2000. (All this came back to me recently when I saw a Discovery TV Programme on cyclones).

Fr Sinnott
We heard the good news of the release of Fr Sinnott who had been kidnapped in The Philippines. One of those who commented on Fr Sinnott’s lot was Fr Donie Hogan, who like Fr Sinnott, was a Columban Father and had been in The Philippines. Nowadays, Fr Hogan, who hailed from Tramore, is a regional director of the Columban Missionaries. Donie took part in the first handball tournament I ever took part in - won by Dec Halligan and Tony Kelly. We used meet Donie when he was home on holidays and sadly, one of his sisters, Mrs Dorothy Kennedy, died in early November.

Deaths
I saw in the November Bugle that Mary Carroll had died aged 95. Mary was very much a life-affirming person. She lived in Ballymore Eustace with her Garda husband, Tom. On Tom’s retirement, the couple moved to Ballylinan. The couple did up a house and lived there. In the early eighties, Tom passed away. Mary was a regular at the Punchestown Festival where she used to meet the late Jack Lawler and myself. Former Ballymore resident, Bobbie Grattan (Athy), was a regular visitor to Mary while Peter McKnight and Seamie Brien occasionally visited also. Mary was a good friend of Nancy Fitzgerald, Naas whose late husband was also a Garda. Only a while ago, Mary went off on holidays to Poland.

Recently, Irish music suffered a double blow with the deaths of Liam Clancy and Ciaran Mac Mathuna. Liam’s death represented the end of an era, as he was the last of the well-known Clancy Brothers and the duo of Clancy and Makem. In the sixties, the Clancy Brothers popularised folk music and dominated the scene in America. Subsequently, Liam teamed up with Tommy Makem and achieved an equally high regard with him. For years, Ciaran Mac Mathuna had a popular radio programme and did great work for folk music even though he was not a musician himself.

© Matt Purcell (January 11, 2010

Profile of Thomas Lynch

Still within the folds of our village, we called on Mr. Thomas Lynch who is happy to spend his days with his daughter-in-law Kathleen at Tinnycross. He was born in 1894 in New Jersey. He came to Ireland as a baby and lived in Drogheda where he spent a happy childhood, hunting and racing. Leaving school in 1910 he entered the Pawnbroker business. Valuation and stock keeping was really his game and he worked his way up. He is proud to say that he had the distinction of never being a receiver of stolen property.

After 14 years, economic conditions became impossible, and the business was lost. He was lucky to get a job with a London firm, named Tiller and Smyth. Rail was the only means of transport and he covered the greater parts of the Country. He loved every bit of it. He loved Mayo especially, it was his favourite County and its people were so friendly. After a few years he was again out of a job through Government intervention. This time he went into insurance.

He loved horse racing and started betting at an early age and continued until his eyesight failed. Betting Offices were illegal in his early days and no ante post. Bets were sent to Topping and Spindle in Holland. He had some great winners, one being Christmas Daisy in 1910, another being Charlie's Mount, I00-1 shot in 1924. He joined the United Irish League in 1915. He says he was opposed to Sinn Fein in the 1918 election. Later joining the Labour movement, he found himself embroiled in the big munitions strike and remained active with them up until 1926. He was a trade Unionist all his life, paying his first fee in 1914 and his last in July 1963.

He married in 1935 and had 4 children. As time passed, he turned to gardening, a job he loved. The saddest day of his life was when his wife died leaving him with the small children. His sister-in-law took the youngest child and cared for him, and to her credit, he is now a Quantity Surveyor. His sister Mrs. Wisely who lived in Ballymore encouraged him to move here where there was a gardening job in Stonebrook in 1947.

This was a good move as his sister helped to rear the rest of his family. He had numerous ups and downs, moving on to The County Council and eventually, to The Forestry. Here he remained, until he was forced to slow down through ill health. They kept his job open until he was 70.

He loves Ballymore and finds the people very friendly. He had no great interest in games but had a great love for music. He played the violin and the accordion and could play a tune on the piano.

He was bitterly opposed to the Irish Language; having studied Latin and Greek, he said it was a dying language. Thomas did his best for his family with the help of his sister and sister-in-law. He gave them a good knowledge of the English language so that they could travel the world.

Two of his sons married Ballymore girls; unfortunately it was a great sadness when one died at a relatively young age some years back. He thinks young people are wonderful today and the happiest day of his life was his wedding.

Now in his eighties, Thomas "thanks God he has done his duty" in the immortal words of Nelson.

(Ballymore Echo, September 1977)

Tommy and his wife had four children – Ray, Dessie, Jerome and Val and they lived on Chapel Street, near Glancy’s. Dessie married Sheila Connolly who originally lived across the road from him in Weaver’s Row, Ballymore Eustace while Jerome married another Ballymore Eustace girl in Kathleen McLoughlin.

Sadly Jerome died on March 19, 1974 when he was only 34. After his death, Kathleen cared for Tommy. When Kathleen married Tony Jordan in 1978 and went to live in Poulaphouca, her mother, Katy McLoughlin, cared for Tommy. Tommy died on March 9, 1985 aged 91.

In days gone by, Tommy was the Leader Correspondent for Ballymore Eustace. He also regularly gave me handball cuttings from the Irish Times – some of which survive to the present time. Tony Jordan died on November 27, 2001 and is survived by Kathleen and their wo sons, Mark and Jonathan.

Katy McLoughlin herself died on December 15, 1989 aged 84. She was pre-deceased by her husband John who died in 1965 aged 69. Her family consisted of Mary (Garrigan), Kathleen (Jordan), Joe, Sean and Seamus.

© Matt Purcell (January 11, 2010

2010-05-06T03:53:00.001-07:00

AGM
The golfing year ended with an upbeat and positive AGM on the 29th Dec in the Resourse Centre. Outgoing Captain, Michael Horan spoke of highlights of his year and thanked all for making it such a good one. All told, it was a great year and credit is due to Michael and his committee.

Michael’s successor as Captain is Gavin Daly – the young fella, with a huge appetite for golf and craic! Needless to say, we have a very interesting golfing year ahead under Gavin’s captaincy – he has booked some really impressive golf courses and plans to negotiate great deals on green fees as well! Already he has instilled a sense of fun and optimism for the year ahead. He will be well supported by Vice Captain, Paul Murphy.
Best of luck to both Gavin and Paul in the year ahead!

Outings 2010

Mar 13th: LJ Murphy’s Country Club
Apr 10th: Lutrellstown Castle
May 8th: New Forest
June 5th: Tulfarris
June 25-27th: Knightsbrook Golf Resort
July 23rd: Naas (Friday evening)
Aug 28th: Laytown & Bettystown
Sept 18th: The Heritage (Captains Prize)
Oct 16th: Mt Wolseley (Presidents Prize)
Nov 6th: Rathsallagh

FUNDING
The golf society has always relied on generous sponsorship and monies raised from our main fund-raising events. It will be no different this year and we would therefore ask that members support the annual Table Quiz in Paddy’s at the end of February and the St. Patrick’s Weekend Outing to LJ Murphy’s. Full details of these events will be posted in the usual places shortly.

We hope to see all members as often as possible throughout the year both on the golf course and back in Paddy’s for a bit of craic afterwards. Anyone wishing to join in the fun of the golf society is more than welcome, please contact Gavin Daly (Contact Details in Paddy’s)

Gavin Daly - Captain 2010

2010-05-06T03:52:00.001-07:00

Ballymore Ladies GFC

Ballymore Ladies “Last Man Standing”
Competition starts again on 20th Feb 2010
Pick a winning team each week from the Premiership League weekend games to avoid being knocked out of the competition
Register with a member of the Ladies team and the last person remaining in the competition wins 500 euro
Only 10 euro to enter

Deirdre & Sharon
Ballymore Ladies GFC PROs

Ballymore Eustace GAA Club
Senior GAA
An Báile Mór
A.G.M
The Ballymore Eustace A.G.M was held on Thursday the 10th of December at 7.30 p.m in the resource centre. This
year attracted the largest attendance seen for a good few years and the meeting generated quite a bit of lively
discussion especially in relation to the finances and the resignation of the 2009 chairman during the year.
It was recognised that outgoing Chairman Tim Gorman gave a massive contribution to Ballymore Eustace GAA over
many many years. It was a pity his resignation occurred the way it did. It was hoped that Tim one one day again get
involved with the Ballymore Club.
The group in attendance, it must be said, was up for change and in that regard there was significant change to the
committee during the elections. Johnny Murphy took over as Chariman and he later outlined his vision for the club,
not least increasing the club membership significantly and setting up a fundraising committee.
Chairman - Johnny Murphy
Vice Chairman - Tom O Rourke
Presidents - Jim Clarke & Eddie Hubbard
Vice Presidents - Mrs Daly, Eugene Gilroy, Tom Quinn & Nuala Hubbard
Secretary - Mark McCarville
Treasurer - Tim Duggan
PRO - Michelle Waters / Natasha Halpin Graham
County Board Delegates - Eoghan Barrett, Tom O Rourke & Mark McCarville
Delegates to Convention - Tom O Rourke, Tadhg Grace & Steve Deegan
Players Representative - Tadhg Grace.
Bag Packing
Well Done to all those who volunteered for Bag Packing duty in Dunnes Stores before Christmas 2009 - a fantastic
€3,000 was raised.
Golf Classic
A golf classic is planned for May. This event will be held in Tulfarris - details will follow.
Oxegen
Volunteers will be needed to do stewarding at Oxegen again this year. Oxegen 2010 will be held in early June s0 try
to keep this time free - more details to follow.
Membership
Membership for 2010 has been set at €30 for adults, €20 for students and OAPs and €80 for a family. A major
objective for 2010 is to increase the membership numbers significantly and a list of all members will be published
later in the year. Also people that use the facilities eg for walking and tennis, are encouraged to become members. By
increasing our membership and encouraging people to take pride in our facilities / club we can reinvest in the club at
all levels going forward.
Race Night
There will be a race night on the 6th of Feburary in the thatch pub Ballymore Eustace. The club will be selling horses
during the coming weeks and also there will be a tote on the night.
Coaching motto:Children first, Winning second
Ballymore Eustace GAA Club
Senior GAA
An Báile Mór
Vodafone support your club
The GAA have teamed up with Vodafone Ireland as an official "Give Back Partner". This alliance with Vodafone
Ireland provides Clubs with a terrific new opportunity to raise funds. With the Vodafone Support Your GAA Club
programme 5% of a Vodafone Ireland customer’s mobile phone Pay Monthly bill or Top Up will go to a customer’s
nominated GAA Club once a Club and customer has registered, without costing Vodafone Ireland customers a cent
extra. Funds can be used by Clubs for facility improvements, training gear, jerseys and expenses that assist in
improving the day to day running of the Club. Customers can nominate Ballymore Eustace GAA Club then Vodafone
Ireland will donate 5% of their Pay Monthly bill or Top Up to the customer’s chosen Club, whether the customer is a
club member or not. The more people that sign up, the more money Clubs receive. There will be additional incentives
for each Club whose members or supporters switch from their current network to Vodafone Ireland.
So how does it work?
Signing up couldn't be easier - simply visit Vodafone's dedicated Support Your GAA Club site and enter your details
http://www.supportyourgaaclub.ie/SignUp.aspx. Once you've registered, we'll automatically donate 5% of your Pay
Monthly bill or Top Up to your Ballymore Eustace GAA club – without charging you a cent extra!
What's more, your club will automatically receive an additional once-off switching bonus every time a supporter
switches to Vodafone to sign up. To switch to Vodafone, simply choose a Prepay phone or Pay Monthly phone from
our Online Store.
The Club and committee members would like to wish all our players and supporters a happy and prosperous New
Year for 2010.
Coaching motto:Children first, Winning second

To Fly or Not To Fly….

Spain in December, 15-16 degrees by day, 12 degrees by night. Don and I walked in the sea daily, a picture of summer tourists in t-shirts and shorts. Unbelievably good weather whist the rest of ye froze at home, under a blanket of snow.
We were to return on Wednesday, 6th January, cleaned out the apartment and gave the contents of the fridge to a delighted neighbour. Off we went to the airport and a few hours later, Ryanair announced that all flights were cancelled and to re-book an alternative flight at their enquiries desk.
We were one of the first up to the desk and the earliest flights available were Saturday. Home we came to an empty fridge but delighted with the thought of three more sun-soaked days.
It rained all day Thursday and I mean, Irish rain. Friday, the temperatures dropped to 3 degrees and somehow, tiled floors and aesthetically white walls are not as cosy when you feel cold. Saturday, Ryanair’s website told us the flight was cancelled but we could make alternative arrangements online; failing that, their reception staff at the airport would accommodate us. The website would not allow re-booking of flights so we legged it out to the airport, to be told that the flight was running after all. Picture Rose and Don legging it back to the apartment, a quick pack and another speedy rush to airport to make boarding deadlines. And we did, only just! On return to Don’s house, a pipe had burst and you can imagine the scene.
So you see, Readers, God punished me for gloating about our summer weather to those of you who had received Bugle reminders via email from me. Yes, I had ten glorious days of sunshine but the extended time and the return home was chilly. So the last laugh was yours.

Rose

2010-05-06T03:46:00.000-07:00

More Bits ‘n Bobs with Rose
THE BALLYMORE EUSTACE HISTORY SOCIETYThe Committee Would like to thank all the local businesses who helped in the sale of our history book. Their help is very much appreciated and we are delighted with the sale of the book to date; as we have very few books left, we may have to order a re-run.Also, we repeat our request for photographs for an exhibition that we will be holding shortly. We will take great care of them and return them in good condition. We are sure that most people have some old and interesting photographs in boxes or in the attic which could be recorded for future books.THE EUROPEAN TRANSPLANT AND DIALYSIS GAMES 2010

The European Transplant and Dialysis Games, under the auspices of The Irish Kidney Association, will take place in Dublin from 8th - 15th August, 2010. This is the first time the games have come to Ireland. Over 400 athletes from 20 countries are expected to participate and they will be accommodated at DCU where activities will be held and at designated sports’ venues throughout North Dublin including the National Aquatic Centre.

As lots of help is needed, a meeting will be held at 8pm in Kilcullen Parish Centre on Tuesday 2nd February which will be addressed by Colin White, National Organiser for the Games. Volunteers and sponsors are sought - we appeal to all organizations to send representatives as all support is welcome. Further information - Colin White: 087-684 3644 and Phena Bermingham: 045 485 232 or 087-976 7531

Shirley Keogh, REHAB Kildare Award Winner 2009
And speaking of the Irish Kidney Association, I must mention a remarkable woman I met at last November’s Rehab Kildare Awards. Shirley Keogh of Kilmeade could best be described as a little ‘dynamo on wheels’. On legs or wheels, Shirley believes every person deserves equal opportunities in life, sporting and social activities. Having coped with Spina Bifida, Shirley joined the Spinal Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association in 1996 and helped start “Club 2000”, where members enjoy basketball, javelin, shot putt, discus and wheelchair activities plus annual sports’ days and weekend trips. In recent years, Shirley has had to undergo dialysis treatment three times a week and horrendous restrictions thereby imposed on her diet and lifestyle. Despite this, she tries to make club meetings with husband, Brendan attending in her absence.

In 1986, Shirley and Brendan were married and they have one son, Brendan Jnr. When her son was aged eight, Shirley reluctantly conceded to using a wheelchair but feels angry about the different way people treated her when she was ‘on wheels’. “I found people addressed family members when I was present eg. asking my son in a shop what I required. My legs gave way, not my mind….”

Through her experience as a wheelchair user and her history of coping with Spina Bifida and kidney dialysis, she understands both the frustration of youth coping with disability and the concerns of anxious parents. “People in wheelchairs should be encouraged to partake in all aspects of life and not be impeded by the physical restrictions of a wheelchair”.

2008 was a bad year health-wise for Shirley but it didnn’t stop her keeping house, gardening, pet minding nor partaking in fundraising and events with the association. A woman who has refused to allow the wheelchair to dictate her lifestyle and instead, the wheels go where Shirley takes them – I’d like to thank KTK Sand & Gravel for sponsoring Shirley’s award this year. It’s not easy in the current economic climate to secure sponsorship and KTK have been on board for the past three years – much appreciated.

_____________________________

A BAD BREAK… The year before last, I went to work at McCarthy’s, The Elms Antique Furniture Showrooms. Aubrey and Fergal, sons of the late Geraldine and Denis, are exceptionally ‘decent’ people – very spiritual, kind and supporters of several organisations. One of those organisations is Teen Challenge’ rehabilitation centre at Tiglin, Co Wicklow which was opened officially by President McAleese last year. Originally, the building was pretty derelict but through good will, determination and the generosity of free labour and goods, the building was transformed into a modern, functional rehabilitation centre coping with adult males battling drink and drugs’ addiction.

As yet, the group have not secured any state funding (their sister centre for females in recovery, Shechem House in Newbridge, has been in operation for longer and is state funded) but Aubrey and members of Teen Challenge continue to raise funds and keep the centre in Wicklow going.
Laura from House of James is just one of the many benefactors who donated delph, cutlery and furnishings and organised further donations through her suppliers, sourcing discontinued lines etc.

There’s another article in the Tiglin history – and anyone who visits the centre is impressed by the ‘feel-good’ factor of staff and residents; indeed, it’s a real lesson, Readers – we think of addicts as those living on the streets or connected with the sleazy criminal underworld… But when you take the addict away from that environment and start to see the real person, you see them as they were before addiction sunk it’s tentacles; intelligent, articulate and talented individuals who made bad choices at a vulnerable time in their lives… It’s scary really because ‘there for the Grace of God…’

Anyway, all that is for a future article and I hope that Tiglin can continue to maintain its services because there are at least a dozen men who’ve completed the first year of recovery successfully and as many more beginning their recovery.

But back to Aubrey, he’s the big fellow, the tall auctioneer with the gift of the gab, still single and badly in need of a strong, bossy wife. On New Year’s Day, he was at the centre when someone jokingly pushed him forward in the snow. Aubrey, alas, is not ‘flexible’ and a simple fall resulted in his breaking his leg in four places. Ouch.

Not the best start to the New Year but who knows, he might meet a single nurse in there or secure some generous benefactors for the facility. For now, Aubrey, I hope the cast is set at last (surgeon couldn’t operate for at least two weeks, until swelling went down) and that you’ve found a knitting needle long enough to reach the itchiest part.
Anyone wishing to check out the work carried out by Teen Challenge, check out www.teenchallenge.ie

Ballymore Eustace GAA Club
Juvenile Football & Hurling
An Báile Mór
The Juvenile GAA Medal Night and Disco held on 11/12/09 in the resource centre was a huge success. Medals
were presented to all participants with special presentations made to the Under 14 Boys, Under 13 Girls, Under
12 Girls, under 12 Boys and Under 10 team. A very appreciative thanks goes to James Kavanagh and Leslie
Tutty, our two Senior County Players, for doing the medal presentation on the night. Also thanks to Janet
Deegan for organising the DJ and to all the committee and parents who helped out on the night.
Caolan & Conor James & Lesley
Harry & Tony Og David & Shane
Natasha, Aoife & Grace Shannon, Beth, Oonagh and Ciara
Coaching motto:Children first, Winning second
Ballymore Eustace GAA Club
Juvenile Football & Hurling
An Báile Mór
Frank, Cody Heather and Mick. Johnny, Stephen D, Stephen P & Dillon
You can see more photos of the night on the Ballymore Eustace Gaa
website.http://www.kildare.ie/ballymoreeustacegaa
St. Oliver Plunketts U15 Div.3 League
(Eadestown and Ballymore Eustace combined) played in the U15 league which commenced in early Oct.
Sallins, Kilcullen, St. Laurences, St Kevins, Castledermot and Monasterevin were the opposition in this group.
The lads had a very good win away against St. Laurences but were unable to repeat this in their other games.
With a promising panel on paper, injuries etc. left the squad struggling to get the minimum number of 13 players
out for the games.
A special word of thanks to Paul Woods and Mary Fitzsimons for co-coordinating and training
the squad.
Ballymore Players: Stephen Murphy, David Murphy, Robbie Boland, Patrick Langan, Mark Slevin, Conor
Davis, Michael Stewart Byrne. Thanks to Garry Mahon, Dylan Waters and Jake Meehan for togging out for the
Shield semi final and making it possible for this game to go ahead.
Membership
Membership for 2010 has been set at €30 for adults, €20 for students and OAPs and €80 for a family. A major
objective for 2010 is to increase the membership numbers significantly and a list of all members will be
published later in the year. Also people that use the facilities eg for walking and tennis, are encouraged to
become members. By increasing our membership and encouraging people to take pride in our facilities / club
we can reinvest in the club at all levels going forward.
Finally, we would like to wish all our players, families, supporters a happy and prosperous New Year and we
hope that 2010 will be as good to us this year as it was last (on the playing field!).
BME Juvenile Committee.
Coaching motto:Children first, Winning second

2010-05-06T03:44:00.000-07:00

Ballymore Eustace Tidy Town 3 Year Plan
Your Suggestions, Please!

The Ballymore Eustace Tidy Town Committee must draw up a new 3 year plan for inclusion in the 2010 National Tidy Towns Competition. So far, our request for suggestions from the greater Ballymore Eustace public as to how we can improve our appearance and environment has not yielded even one suggestion. We wish the Tidy Town’s Adjudicators also felt that there was no need for improvements but alas, that’s not the case!

Residents’ Association and Organisations – Have Your Say
As the plan must be completed shortly we are again appealing for you to let your voice be heard on what improvements you would like to see in our village and approach roads. Also, we would welcome the plans that the various residents’ associations have for their estates, so that these can also be included in the overall plan for the village. This includes the various clubs/organisations/associations with premises in the village. Without a co-ordinated and co-operative approach, we cannot progress further in the Tidy Towns Competition. (Ballymore Eustace has improved a massive 35 points in the last three years.)

Local Shops & Business Premises
Some items appear regularly as black spots in the Adjudicator’s Reports such as overhead lines, cluttered shop signage, goods and street furniture blocking footpaths, weeds, black bollards and street lights etc. The Tidy Town Committee cannot rectify these problems without the help of the various Departments in Kildare County Council and local business people. We have highlighted the problems and asked Kildare County Council’s, Environment, Water Services, Roads, Heritage Departments etc for their plans for Ballymore Eustace and we have asked the Garda Siochana Superintendent if some maintenance could be carried out to the Garda Barracks (particularly the windows).

Derelict Sites
We have also requested the ESB to tidy up around Golden Falls Power Station. We would particularly like to hear what plans the owners of derelict sites have for their property in the village, while being acutely aware that many of their plans are being held up by the lack of any semblance of sewage treatment in the village.

A Clean Welcome!
The Tidy Town Committee would dearly like to revive an old Ballymore custom, where everyone in the village and surrounds gives their property a tidy up and perhaps a touch up of paint for the Punchestown Racing Festival at the end of April each year i.e. a bit like putting on our Sunday best for the feel-good factor it creates, before greeting all our visitors. (Were we not all proud and delighted to see how well Weaver’s Row looked on telly last autumn in the Vodafone advertisement?)

Street Signs still ‘Ladies In Waiting’
We wish to thank all the property owners who early last year gave us permission to erect Street Name signage. Also, our native Irish speakers who helped us with the Irish names and SD Signs who made the Street Name signs free of charge. The signs have been ready for erecting for many months, but due to Planning Permission requirements, the Tidy Town Committee is awaiting Kildare County Council to erect the signs.

The Tidy Town Committee wishes to thank all our supporters including moral, material and financial. We especially want to thank all the foot soldiers who carry out the not-so-pleasant work of cleaning up after others. We cannot survive without your continued help and support and hereby extend New Year greetings to you and your families.

We hope to keep you up to date regarding outstanding necessary repairs to the Liffey Bridge Wall and River Liffey Walk. Meanwhile, why not take a minute to write down your suggestion(s) for the Ballymore Eustace Tidy Town 3 Year Plan and give them to any member of the Committee: Tommy Deegan, Mary and Eric Firth, Jimmy Pearse, Gary Deegan, Maeve Cummins and Mary Deegan.

A GOOD READ

I read two completely different novels over the holidays and both left a lasting impression. I was given Ernest Hemingway’s “A farewell to arms” ( Paperback : Vintage: 9.99) as a gift last summer and decided to settle in to it over Christmas- it was over 20 years since I had read any Hemingway. Based on the author’s own experiences as a volunteer in the last months of World War One, the novel is set in a war torn but still beautiful Italy, as they battle it out in the mountains against the Austrians. I enjoy the fiction of this era, but Hemingway’s account was different to other books I have read by Pat Barker, Sebastian Faulks and Sebastian Barry, as they had not actually been there, in the seat of the action. Hemingway is a gritty writer and tells the story from a very sensory viewpoint. His central character, ambulance driver Frederic Henry narrates his experiences with an almost visceral reality. In places the story reads more like a journalistic report, it is factual and preoccupied with a lot of the small details of Henry’s daily life and conversations. We do not see a lot of his inner thoughts and reflections, although the interactions he has with his fellow soldiers and the priest are revealing.

Henry embarks upon a relationship with Catherine Barkley, a British nurse at the military hospital and as the novel unfolds the story of their love runs alongside the victories and defeats of the war effort. Historically it is a very engaging and convincing book – it gives an authentic feel for the twin monotonies and white- knuckle drama of what military life was like in that era. In terms of the love story, I found Hemingway’s economic style a little two dimensional in places- I wasn’t sure what was going on for either of the characters in their inner world. It was as though they were just clinging together for sanity’s sake amidst a seemingly endless time of chaos. And maybe that’s perfectly legitimate, because that’s probably what a lot of relationships were like back then? There is a continuously fine balance between hope and despair, which Hemingway delineates with great precision. So, it was a great war book and a moving and tragic love story- I enjoyed it and loved that I was given it as a gift- books are always the best presents as far as I am concerned…..

My second book was more of a long short story really, but an extremely powerful one. I first read “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (Paperback: Virago Modern Classics: 5.99) over twenty years ago, and by chance just happened to pull it out again for another look. Written by a countrywoman and contemporary of Hemingway’s Gilman’s perspective as one of the leading American intellectuals and feminists of her day is probably antithetical to his very masculine voice. The novella tells the story of a well educated middle class woman who as she suffers a bout of post natal depression, begins to withdraw more and more into herself.

Incarcerated in an upstairs bedroom, the narrator becomes fascinated by the ugly yellow wallpaper in the room. Based on Gilman’s own experience, the story is brilliantly told and has an increasingly claustrophobic feel to it, which is gothic in its intensity. The irony of the story is that the narrator’s husband is a doctor who has failed to understand the nature of her illness. It poignantly depicts how stigmatised mental illness was at that point in history, particularly in women. Its feminist tone reminded me of some of the Bronte’s work, and had resonances of Mrs Rochester, shut up in her own attic, hated and feared by all, and above all not discussed. Gilman’s style is understated yet tremendously powerful. Interestingly the voice of the narrator also had a strangely contemporary ring for me, in a time when women’s mental health problems still seem to carry a host of social stigmas. A fascinating and psychological read.

ANGIE RUANE

BOOTS and LANGAN’s
A+ for Customer Service

Has everybody forgotten to say “Happy New Year!” or “Happy Christmas!”? Is it the recession, do you think? Have we cut back on seasonal greetings too? Good Lord, it was abysmal even up to Christmas Eve – I went around, as always, smiling cheerily and extending greetings to everybody with little or no response. Even in local stores, I’m afraid, there seemed to be no instruction or inclination to smile and give a cheery wish.

I was in Jervis Street Shopping Centre two weeks before Christmas – I don’t know why they bothered with seasonal décor and lights because, apart from the queues, staff in general were just adapting an attitude of survival. I wish TV cameras would ‘sneak’ in and film staff in operation. Worse still, many of them wear silly headgear – reindeer horns or Santa hats but that’s where the Christmas cheer ends.

With the exception of Boots in Naas and Langan’s here in Ballymore. I received a Gift Voucher for Boots of €100 and when I was in Jervis Street SC, I selected my favourite fragrance and a few items to use the full value of the voucher. When I returned home, I noticed there was an item missing from the charged goods. I tried ringing the telephone number listed on the receipt to no avail and again, the following morning with no success. I dropped into Boots of Naas and asked the manager to log or pass on my complaint.

I wasn’t prepared to drive to Jervis Street for an item which cost under €12 and as it wasn’t I who packed the goods into the bag, I felt entitled to the goods or value thereof on my next visit to the Dublin shop. The manager in Naas came back and instructed the girl dealing with my complaint to give me the product there, free of charge, and they would be reimbursed by their sister store in Dublin.

So, Boots of Naas, for extending me a little Christmas cheer – thank you!

Langan’s on Christmas Eve was a treat; the whole family were busy out – Brendan, as always, threw in a few insults and jokes, free of charge; Ciaran was busy drawing turkeys and hams with young Patrick now learning the process; Mary Kate and Ciara handed out calenders, sweets and pens. Now in recessionary times, those little extra gifts are usually cut but fair play to the Langan Team, they were full of Christmas cheer and I’ve no doubt, exhausted by the end of the day.

Happy Birthday to young Ciara who celebrated her birthday last week.

2010-05-06T03:32:00.000-07:00

on passing by- again

As most regular readers will know I have lost all respect for both the Green Party and its leader, John Gormley. Here is a leader and a party who espoused high ideals before the last election and told us they would put manners on Fianna Fail and act as our watchdog. And what has happened? Like all junior parties in Fianna Fail governments they have been subsumed into the Fainna Fail way of doing things. Where we were promised light we now have darkness. Where we were promised accountability we now have buck passing. Where we were promised ethical conduct we now have back room deals and subterfuge.
There appears to be a willingness to accept anything, and do anything, to remain in power. I suppose the fact that they are going to be extinct after the next election means they have decided to forget about their promises and stay as long as possible to maximise their pensions and entitlements. Even in light of this some of Mr Gormleys recent conduct has been surreal. In the last budget we were told that a carbon tax was to be introduced to combat global warming and to help us meet our responsibilities under the Kyoto Agreement. Mr Gormley was quick to point out that this extra tax was at his party’s behest and was another way of encouraging people to use less fossil fuels. He announced that some of the money raised was to be used to insulate thousands of homes across the country. So far it sounds like exactly what you would do with the proceeds of a tax but why did he then tell us that the money raised would also allow the Government to reduce taxes in other areas, including VAT and PRSI. So in effect large swathes of the environmental carbon tax are to be used as general revenue by the Government and not as much as a squeal from the Greens.
Further evidence of Mr Gormleys changed attitude was obvious in an interview he gave to RTE Six One News during the recent arctic weather. Brian Dobson was asking the Minister about the emergency committee the Government had eventually set up and asked him why the Minister for Transport was not dealing with the problems. When he was asked directly where Mr Dempsey was Mr. Gormley got snotty with Dobson and replied “ I don’t know where he is, I don’t know”. In light of the fact that the whole country knew that Mr Dempsey was on holiday in Malta I find it impossible to believe that one Government minister was unaware of the whereabouts of another Government minister so what we were treated to was the spectacle of a Minister of the Irish Government telling a barefaced lie on the national broadcaster. That this was from the leader of a party that promised to bring a new honesty into politics just shows how far down into the mire the Greens have gone.

At the time of writing the weather seems to be improving somewhat. Many parts of the country have seen a thaw. Unfortunately the melting snow has nowhere to go because the fields are already waterlogged in most parts of the country because of the downpours we endured before Christmas. Having been down in the Cork area earlier this week I am only too well aware of the problems. On the road outside Mallow rain and melting snow was literally gushing out of the fields and across the road. One stretch of the road, which is the national primary route between Limerick and Cork, has potholes which are seven or eight inches deep. I am sure this will be repeated countrywide so Noel Dempsey’s assertion that there is no money for repairs had better turn out to be a non runner.

Today I would like to mourn the passing of a very dear old friend, who has been with us for a long number of years, and was known by one and all as Common Sense. No one knows for sure exactly how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He will be much remembered by all as having cultivated numerous valuable lessons including “ know when to come in out of the rain”, “ why the early bird gets the worm”, “ life isn’t always fair” and “ maybe it was my fault”.
Common Sense lived by a very simple, sound ,financial policy. The essence of this policy was don’t spend more than you can earn. He also had some very reliable strategies, such as adults, not children, are in charge. Unfortunately his health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. He could not understand why schools required a teacher to get permission from a parent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student but was barred from telling parents if the same student became pregnant and wanted to have a termination.
When He heard reports of a six year old being charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate, teenagers suspended from school for using a mouthwash after lunch and a teacher sacked for reprimanding an unruly student His condition rapidly worsened. He could not understand why parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their children.
Common Sense started to lose the will to live when he started to see religious organisations becoming businesses and forgetting about their original reasons for existence. He recoiled further when criminals started to receive better treatment than their victims. . He certainly took a backward step when he found that you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and that if you had the temerity to tackle the burglar he could have you charged with assault, and he would be backed up by the Gardai and the Judiciary. He finally gave up the ghost when a woman failed to realise that a steaming cup of coffee might be hot. Having spilled some on her lap she promptly took legal action and was awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his spouse, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.
Unfortunately he has been survived by four stepbrothers, commonly known as I know my rights, I want it now, Someone else is to blame, and I am a victim.
Attendance at the removal and burial was quite sparse but this may have been due to the fact that so few people realised he was actually gone. If you still remember him pass it on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.

All for now. Mike Edmonds Jan 2010.

Art and Anecdote

The past is turned to stone and all is still. The walls uphold a door of time, half opened, half closed; the artist, veiled in pensive mood to future’s eye, yielding, but there was no key.
Yet, in melancholy mind the viewer looks upon the scene, ostensibly of rack and ruin, but in truth sees the value of a foregone age; memories to the greatness of people who in their time erected Temples, Villas, Mills and Basilicas which far out-lived their society and being redundant, were abandoned to the elements of nature; but by the quality of the craftsmanship employed, they remained standing and nature itself respected their presence, sometimes for thousands of years. What remains then of the structure of the great Woollen Mill in Ballymore Eustace, is that to which nature has genuflected and is captured and depicted by the wonderful artistry of Fiona Barrett.

In this drawing titled The Old Woolen Mill, Ballymore Eustace, published in the November issue of the Ballymore Bugle, so full and strong in symbolisms, replicating the ethos and pathos of a community through ages of time – the strength and structure of the pillars, as shoulders, upholding the upper hinged half of one of the two great wooden doors which once hung there, and supporting the loaded weight of the overhead archway; and above that, the pediment, over which a window opens to the sky, just as one might see a shaft of morning light shine through when the Sun rises over Newgrange, an unknown phenomena when this mill was built.
Building stones, loosened by weathering, are strewn in the immediate foreground, and through the gates the eye is drawn perceptibly along a pathway bordered by wild bushes, entering another time and space to a dark place, as though Lucy had walked into the wardrobe put there by C.S. Lewis on her way into the unknown, to meet the Witch and the Lion; a dark place within ones mind, puzzling and enigmatic, as yet unexplained, where may be found a foreboding will, and trembling to penetrate this darkness, resolved to reveal and understand the mystery within, so reducing it to a mere secret; or as Dante, lost in a dark wood, was guided by Virgil through a wood to the sign on the gates of Hell where he read with dread – “Lay down all hope, you that go in by me.” These are awesome journeys.
But there is hope here, for the artist opens the soul through mists of melancholy as light appears above the dark place – Elysium, seen
through a scattering of scarcely-leaved tree-branches in the new season of Spring; Dante’s Garden of Earthly Paradise in Canto 28, that final terrace of purification in Purgatory where the ecstasies of beauty and love abound, illustrated by Botticelli and Wm. Blake, before Paradise itself is gained.

The drawing is intense, powerful, and a profound expression in shadow of light and dark, contrasted by deep cross-hatching and lightly shaded line; of life and of the stillness of time, but more so in the message of hope; for while the door may be half closed to the past, it surely is half open to the future, and in this mosaic of past and present, echoes of sound are ever present in both spheres of time – of a millrace rushing to a millwheel and splashing onward to rejoin the mother river, Anna Livia
It is not so easy to draw parallels to work such as this, but reminiscence calls upon Francis Wey’s truly monumental book, Rome, (1865), for the excellence of the illustrations (and perfection of the literary content), and of Samuel Rogers’ Italy, (1830) for the illustrations of Wm. Turner.
It is by these standards that we can appreciate the importance and real value of our artists, and the Ballymore Bugle is extremely fortunate in being favoured by people of the calibre of Fiona Barrett, and before her, the equally memorable drawings of Bill Delaney, each in their own way giving emphasis not only to the physical characteristics of Ballymore through their art work, but exceptionally, managing at the same time to reflect the ethos of its society, mentioned earlier, as inclusive and inherent.
Michael Ward.

2010-05-06T03:30:00.000-07:00

The Big Freeze.

The big topic of talk on radio and TV and between people, as I write, is the weather. Lets hope that by the time you read this things will be back to normal, rain and possibly more rain! We can handle rain, but a fall of snow puts us in a real spin literally and metaphorically speaking. The ‘blame game’ is uppermost on everyone’s lips. “What’s the local government officials doing about it, what’s the government doing about it”? “When is my road going to be gritted or some salt spread”? Hold your patience folk, Ireland has more miles for its size than any other European country and it’s just not possible to cover all of them. Comparing us with other countries such as Sweden say is a useless exercise. They get lots of snow in winter, every winter, and are equipped to handle it with snowploughs, snow blowers, and graders. If we can keep our main arteries open depending on the amount that has fallen we’re lucky. So far, what has fallen is not a major problem, though the forecast for the weekend is dire. The big danger, and what everyone fears, is snow falling with a high wind. This causes drifts, and drifts bring everything to a standstill.
I’m sure we can all recall our own snowfall. One that is stamped on our memory for all time. I can remember two. One a long time ago, and one a long long time ago! The first one took place sometime in the mid thirties; it’s so long ago that I can’t recall the exact year. The second one took place late fifties or early sixties. I’ll deal with the second one first. It was the time when the Tullow bus was running which had replaced the Naas to Tullow rail line. Every morning it left Tullow and headed for Dublin and returned every evening. On this particular occasion we awoke to a heavy snowfall, and when I had the farm animals seen to I set about clearing our avenue of snowdrifts with the front loader. It was slow work. Pausing to take a breather I spotted a lone person approaching from the road. He was dressed as if he was out for a morning stroll; he certainly wasn’t equipped for the weather we were having. Turned out he was the driver of the Tullow bus and had got as far as our back gate where snowdrifts put a halt to progress. To this day I don’t now how he had got so far, but there he was, and wondering if I could move some drifts from off the road to allow him proceed. As I was making such slow progress we came to the conclusion that it would be black dark before I would have him out of his hobble. There was only one solution; reverse the bus to Brannockstown, a mile or more of road, as there was no possible way he could turn around. This he proceeded to do and I went before him with the jeep, in case of oncoming traffic. There was none! He had one passenger, a woman. I can only assume that they both arrived in the Big Smoke safely.
And so to the thirties. As I can’t recall the exact date I can’t recall my exact age; possibly eight but not more than ten. It was the time when the Dublin Cattle Market was in full swing facing onto the North Circular Road. It is now ‘flatland’. The Market started every Thursday morning round about 5 am. Cattle and sheep were kept in nearby paddocks the day before, though some from nearby were driven in on the morning of sale. It was the premium sale in Ireland at the time and stock came from all over. On this particular morning my father was there, possible selling stock. He left the market early for snowflakes were drifting down but got no further than Blackchurch were he got stuck in a drift. He left the car and walked across the fields to my Uncles place at Kill. My aunt gave him a welcome meal and he borrowed a horse from my Uncle and set off for home arriving about midnight.
The snow came hard and heavy that day and drifts piled up all over. No staff arrived and there was a shed full of cattle tied up by the neck, as was the custom at the time. They were called “stall-feds”. They were hand fed a basket full of turnips plus meal twice a day per animal; hay ad-lib, being fattened up for the Dublin market. The only staff to attend to these animals: a slip of a lassie about twenty years old and myself. A mother’s help was the term used to describe this girl. A certain snobbery ruled downstairs as well as upstairs in those times. Doris was her name. On the day that was in it she and I were the only staff to feed these animals. First we had to slice the turnips. A turnip slicer is a simple tool and a good way to raise a sweat on the best of men. You raised the handle, dropped in a turnip into a v-shaped box with cutter blades on either side, slammed down the handle and the slices dropped into a basket underneath. Doris must have been a farm girl for she had no fear of walking up between twelve hundredweight bullocks straining on their chains awaiting their meals. They mightn’t have got their full complement but at least we took the hunger off them and when father came home he was well pleased

So that’s my memory of one Big Freeze. The present one is on the way out as I write, and good riddance. Once is enough to grow from a gossoon into a man in one day. At least that’s the way I saw it all those years ago.
A Happy New Year to all readers Jeffers.

Bits ‘n Bobs with Rose
A Scandalous Affair

Imagine a scriptwriter proposing a new political soap drama “The Corridors of Power”…
The wife of the First Minister is a stunning mature women, great figure, high cheek bones – you could see Joan Collins or Stephanie Beacham trying for the part, albeit the character is seen as somewhat of a ‘bible-thumping Holy-Jo’. Not much scope for the dramatics then; but she’s going through a late mid-life crisis and who knows, maybe bored with marriage to her similarly good-livin’ husband. The script writer is proposing she has a fling with a nineteen year old (and she pushing 60) – there’s even a hint of romance with his dad first - and then she organises funding for her teenage lover. Anyway, everything goes belly-up (no pun intended); sooner or later, the guilt weighs on her conscience or fear of exposure.

She becomes depressed, unable to carry out her own duties as a member of Parliament and attempts suicide and invariably, tells her husband before it goes public as you can be sure it will…

In the opposing party, the scriptwriter pens a story about disclosures of child abuse within the family of a particularly strong political leader, a man who has courted and played the media to perfection throughout his career. There’s no insinuation of wrong-doing on his part, non whatsoever, just the tragically sad story of a family torn apart by revelations of abuse spanning two generations. The political leader’s brother is accused by a daughter of abuse and has ‘gone to ground’. In a touching interview, the elected MP appeals to his brother to come forward and face charges….and admits to being shocked decades ago to accepting another member of the family was guilty of child abuse.

Then we have a strong figure in a neighbouring state who has just delivered the toughest budget in living memory amidst months of a ‘hostile’ media claiming his own government pretty much made an ass of managing the economy over the previous decade. Despite all this, the Minister in question is popular with the press and becomes even more so when a TV station breaks the news that he is battling a serious illness. It’s holiday time, family time and the said TV station claims to have given the Minister 48 hours to notify family and friends before going live with the news.

This was pitched to a reputable TV production company but they turned it down on the grounds that the first scenario was just too ridiculous. Scenario Number 2 – a non runner too; it’s too sensitive in light of the recent Murphy Report and the many child abuse cases revealed over the past few years.

Scenario Number 3 – Outrageous, no decent media producer would intrude on an individual’s private life like that, after all, the man has a wife and young children, a large extended family. What TV station would broadcast his illness and possible diagnosis when it is likely to be seen by his immediate family, his children even.

Disappointed, Johnny Murdoch closes the file, marks a big “X” across the folder and fires it into the corner pile behind him, another proposed TV drama bites the dust, too farcical even for Soapland.
You couldn’t invent this, could you?
______________________________________________

“Under A Bit of Suspicion”
I love mass on Christmas Eve - the choir, the church crib, the décor and none more so, than this year when the choir excelled and truly exuded joy at mass on Christmas Eve. Mary Campbell and Co had an abundance of holly and greenery draped over windows and doors, themed with burgundy candles and trimmings. Families attended with members who’ve maybe been abroad, at college or living down the country. It’s a real warm, happy family occasion.

I didn’t feel warm nor happy leaving the Church that night. I listened intently to Fr Wilson’s homily and when he referred to “institutions, banks, the government even… and the Church… falling a bit under suspicion…a disappointing year… a lack of confidence”, I was horrified. “A bit of suspicion” implies rumour, un-substantiated facts, un-proven deeds.

I didn’t think the Murphy Report and the many paedophile charges taken against members of the clergy were only ‘under a bit of suspicion’. I assume when Fr referred to a need to have ‘scapegoats’, he meant high ranking bishops who were all tarred with the same brush, when some were not as guilty of others as covering up cases of abuse and hoping the problem would go away.

It has to soul destroying for genuine priests and bishops dedicated to the service of God and their parishioners to feel they are, by association, linked to the crimes carried out by paedophiles wearing the collar.

Politicians “under a bit of suspicion” will face the ballot box in the next election; developers are fighting bankruptcy in the courts and bankers have been slightly curtailed (but not enough) by the Minister for Finance and the terms of NAMA. The Church must now be seen as a transparent body; to build and re-coup its caring image, it should adapt an apologetic stand because here in Ireland, it has been found lacking. There are generations of victims of clerical abuse who need to know they were wronged and in no way at fault.

There are generations of future church-goers who will be lost to the Catholic Church if it doesn’t accept its mistakes and adapt a compassionate, caring and transparent policy.

____________________________________________________

Happy 40th Birthday to the little wee man. Isn’t he so cute? Well, you’d want a JCB to do that now ‘cos he is a big fellow and the Mrs wouldn’t like it. She’s a lamb by nature and by no means porky in build, but Kilcullen women can be tough so I wouldn’t squeeze him too hard.
Who is he? Ah, come on, he is one of our leading lights in the GAA, both on the field and in management. As a youth, he excelled at the shot putt, athletics and of course, football. A Lilywhite all round.
Just look at the big, broad smile and look at the quality of the little suit he is wearing – that was probably from the Mammy’s shop. Anyway, this little tyke has reached The Big 40. If you know who it is, give him a cheer the next time you see him or toot the horn.
The Bugle salutes you, Birthday Boy!

Rose

2010-05-06T03:24:00.000-07:00

The Ballymore Eustace People of the Year Awards 2010
“And the Nominees are….”

It’s this time of year again – and this year, we closed the nominations a few weeks early as we had received the six below and some of these had several individual nominations. We’ve held two over until next year. So get in early, Folks, next year if you really want your Hero/Heroine to be entered! See here a brief on our six nominations – the length of submission printed here is irrelevant; additional information will be discussed and available to the judging panel. Tim and Rose would like to reiterate that it really doesn’t matter who wins the overall award, they are all winners as far as Ballymore Eustace is concerned. The Award Night will be held in the Resource Centre on Saturday, 6th February after 7pm mass, doors open at 7.30pm so come early if you want a seat ‘cos its definitely going to be a full house!

Congratulations to all our nominees, well deserved and long overdue for many of you.

Liam Lawlor
Choir, Children’s Choir, Scoil Mhuire, Meals on Wheels, etc
Retired school teacher, Liam Lawlor, has been nominated for the love of music he instilledinto the children of Scoil Mhuire.

For years, Liam accompanied the Children’s Choir at mass and it didn’t matter where the family were, Liam travelled back to Ballymore to join them. He is involved with Meals-on-Wheels, the local golf society and supports the Ballymore Eustace Singing Festival; you’ll always find Geraldine and Liam out supporting table quizzes and local fundraising events.

“Liam continues to sing and play the guitar with the adult church choir; he is always willing to sing at funerals and never asks for anything in return. While choir members come and go - Liam is alwaysavailable, our most consistent member. There are only some of the reasons I am nominating Liam but also because he’s ‘an absolute pet’ (we know Geraldine loves cats) and this nomination is long overdue”

The Ballymore Eustace Historical Society
In recognition of “Ballymore Eustace – Portrait of a Village”
“I would like to put the Historical Society forward for the People of the Year Award. The launch of the wonderful book they put together deserves a nomination. The amount of time and work that went into this was unbelievable. I think they were working on it for 2-3 years, at least; to put so much together, with wonderful photos and so much history, was fantastic.

I’m not ‘native-born’ but I can imagine how much pleasure locals derived from the publication – going back over generations of photographs and so many residents who’ve long since passed away.
I just thought that I should send in a nomination this year and hope that they get recognition for their wonderful achievement. Throughout the year, they also have visiting lecturers, high profile historians available to local enthusiasts at minimal cost”

Chris Dennison
Work with CDA, ABCD, Festival Committee, Bugle Photographer, etc
“I would like to nominate Christopher Dennison for the People of the Year Award. Over the years, he has served on several committees – the Community Development Association (CDA); the planning group, the Association for Ballymore Controlled Development (ABCD) which brought several appeals to An Bord Pleanála; the Punchestown Festival Committee and he has used his talents as a photographer and videographer to capture the sights and events in Ballymore, many of which have appeared in The Bugle and on The Bugle website.

In preparing for the Emirates Race and Punchestown Festival Week, he gave of his free time and erected flag poles and fencing around the village. I think this nomination is long overdue for someone who has given up so much of his time for the betterment of Ballymore Eustace.”

James Kavanagh
The Des Kennedy Memorial Award for Outstanding Sporting Achievement
It is very fitting that James Kavanagh is the recipient of this, our first ever Sporting Award sponsored by Naas Credit Union and dedicated to the memory of the late Des Kennedy who served as a member of the board at Naas CU for many years.

When Des was ill earlier this year, he appeared at one stage to have slipped into a coma; Kildare were playing a Championship match that weekend and when Des surprised family and medical staff by wakening up, he enquired how Kildare got on and “How did our man (meaning James) get on?”

Last year was a phenomenal year for young Garda, James. Not only was he one of the top scorers from play in the Championship but he was also shortlisted for the All-Star and GPA awards. In Kildare’s campaign against Offaly, Laois, Tyrone, Wicklow and Dublin, James made his mark and especially so against Wexford, when he was voted RTÉ’s Man of the Match.

James’ county selection was no surprise after a culmination of several underage club titles at all ages plus three league and two champ’ titles at minor level. James also won an All-Ireland School’s title with St Jarlath’s of Galway; won Senior League Division 2 with Ballymore and has played with Kildare at all age levels and won a Leinster U/21 title. Congratulations to James Kavanagh, Kildare’s high scoring left half forward and one of the most tenacious mid-fielders to wear the green and gold of Ballymore.

Laura Barrett, Juvenile Badminton Club
“Regarding your Person of the Year Award, we would like to nominate Laura Barrett for the time, dedication and weekly commitment she gives every Thursday afternoon to the Badminton Club.
She is a very genuine, caring person and the children love her. Our own daughter would not have started playing but for Laura, and now, she wouldn’t miss a Thursday!

Laura organises club competitions and gives out awards, not only to the best players, but also to some of the other children for attendance, enthusiasm, etc She further involves the children in the sale of Bandanas in aid of Barrettstown Camp, a very worthy cause and it is good to see the members raise money for something in support of children experiencing health problems.

We think Laura would be a deserving recipient as there are not too many people who would take on 70 children for four hours every week – that’s some achievement, in this day and age, and it’s all voluntary. We would also like to acknowledge the other helpers who volunteer – without them and Laura, there would be no badminton club”.

Aileen Murphy and Janet MacDermott
Fundraising in aid of Breast Cancer Research“We would like to nominate Janet MacDermott and Aileen Murphy as Ballymore Eustace Persons of the Year. These are two very private and reserved ladies, who have catapulted themselves into the public eye in the role of fundraisers. Both ladies have undergone illness and subsequent treatment and then set about collecting funds for Mr Geraghty’s Research Programme in Tallaght Hospital which investigates genetic factors that may cause Breast Cancer.
Janet is a consummate example of a Christian person who glides through this community doing an amazing amount of charitable work, which most people know nothing about. Give this busy lady something to do and you can consider it done – and, it’s a certainty that she will do another good deed in the course of doing the first good deed! A member of the St Vincent de Paul Society, Meals on Wheels, The Garden Club, University of 3rd Life in Blessington and an active member of St John’s Church congregation - there are many other strings to this lady's ‘bow’ which I can’t discuss in this nomination.
Aileen a quiet lady, a mum and active participant in the arts community in Ballymore, has an amazing talent, with camera, easel and brush. She is a member of Cruthú, an organisation which promotes arts in the West Wicklow Area and whose works were on display at the Art Exhibition in The Ballymore Inn and Russborough recently, to great acclaim. She recently donated a beautiful painting to St John’s Church. You will see her at GAA matches supporting local teams and generally, supporting most local endeavours and events.

Together, they organized a cookery demonstration in County Kitchens which was so oversubscribed it had to be scheduled for a second night. The two nights were fantastic fun, entertaining and informative and raised considerable funds. They went on then, to fundraise at the opening of the Art Exhibition in the Ballymore Inn. All these efforts add to the "Big Picture" of what is needed to sustain the research into the genetic causes into Breast Cancer”

Ballymore Eustace Juvenile GFC
“I wish to nominate the Juvenile GAA Club as people of the year 2009. I am involved myself with the club but I make no apology for my bias on this occasion. My nomination acknowledges the valuable input made by everyone associated with the Juvenile Club and the club’s achievements in 2009.

Under normal circumstance, it would be relatively easy to pick out those in the GAA whose efforts made Ballymore Eustace a better place to live by way of their achievements. Not in 2009 - rather than selecting a few individuals, this nomination is for everyone associated with the club.

2009 was a huge year for all clubs in Kildare with Féile coming to the county for the first time in 20 years. A boys’ team from Clonmel and a girls’ from New York were hosted for the weekend in Ballymore whilst we welcomed teams from Clane, Warwickshire and Hertfordshire to play here. Ballymore Eustace was shown internationally as a great, welcoming place.

This was a huge community effort and special acknowledgement to the parents who accommodated visiting children and catered for the other teams; to the Sponsors who contributed to the Ballymore gear, boys and girls teams; to the Féile co-ordinators for the huge effort in making everything run smoothly; to the fundraising bungee jumpers, to the venues where we entertained our guests, and to the committee who prepared the village and pitch.

And a week later came Oxegen! Over ninety brave souls did stewarding over the four nights of Oxegen and raised over €15,000 to help pay off some of the club’s debt. This huge effort was co-ordinated by the juvenile club and it was great to see the juvenile committee and parents working with the senior ladies and mens’ teams as volunteers. Thanks also to the businesses who helped with catering.

Competitive ‘blitzes’ with visiting juvenile teams, children’s discos in the Resource Centre, the girls bag-packing at Dunne’s went ahead as usual but these were hardly noticed with all the “big stuff” going on - and that was just the adults.

The real focus of this nomination is testament to the phrase “you get out what you put in”. We are a small community – but we have juvenile boys football teams from U 7 to U 14; girls teams from U 10 to U 15 and Hurling Teams U 8, 10, 12 and U 14. Dedicated mentors, trainers and coaches look after these teams all year, each discipline is well looked after and it shows in the results with history being made by the boys’ hurling team and the girls’ football team.

Ballymore Eustace crowned U 14 League Champions
U 12 Girls bring first ever League Cup to Ballymore after only 18 months established
Ballymore Girls make U12 County team
School Hurling Team bring first ever hurling honours to Ballymore
Under 12 Boys Team beaten in League Final in County Grounds, Newbridge
Under 10 Team win League Final against Castlemitchell in a tight fought game
Under 13 Girls reach final in highly competitive league

This nomination is for the committee, the parents, the sponsors, the mentors, trainers and coaches, the fundraisers, the coordinators, anyone who helps out and most especially to the juvenile players who it must be said played their hearts out in 2009. I’ve said it before and its worth saying again – the juvenile GAA club is a shining light in what is currently a very tough economic time and the excitement, pride and fun these young players bring to the community is enormous.

The Ballymore Eustace People of the Year Awards 2010
Sponsored by Naas Credit Union
At The Resource Centre on Saturday 6th February @ 8pm.
Doors open at 7.30pm – All Welcome – Rose and Tim

2010-05-06T03:10:00.000-07:00

Come on, we would be delighted to print your family’s special photo – wedding, graduation, school pic, family celebrations, baby photo etc.
Don’t forget to send greetings to family member overseas

JANUARY Birthdays -
Happy birthday to Sarah Tracey of Assumpta Terrace who – at 94 - must be Ballymore’s most senior citizen

Special Birthday wishes to Ann Murphy (Peacocke) – is this a big occasion, Ann?
To Ballymore Gaa’s Ace man, Jarlath Gilroy who similarly celebrates a ‘special’ birthday…. And ladies GAA diamond, Gemma Swords who has reached a ‘mature’ hallmark birthday
To Ballymore’s reigning Person of the Year, Tommy Dwyer and wife, Bernie who both celebrate birthdays in January; to glamorous Hilary Pallister of Boleybeg; Paul O’Kelly of Coughlanstown; Lynsey Reilly of Mullaboden; Owen ‘Soprano’ Clarke of Poulaphouca and Betty Cremins, Truce Road – birthday greetings to you all!

wedding bells
Congratulations to Tommy Hudson and Elisha Devine, Kildare Town who were married on 29th December and to P J McGrath who married Natalie Farrell, Ballyfermot and afterwards, celebrated in Moyvalley House Hotel.

Welcome home
Welcome home to Claire Moylan of Dowdenstown who returned home this week from Australia

Congratulations
To Lorraine O’Brien, Briencan and Pat McNamara who got engaged on Christmas Eve – that’s so putting it up to you, Finola and Sharon – thank God, you got the ring already, Kerrie…..

Get well wishes
To Barbara O’Neill who had a bad fall before Christmas; Barbara has a great memory
and is always an interesting person to chat to.

Congratulations
To Andrea Langan and partner, Brendan on the birth of a baby girl last week – Congratulations to Ciaran too, you’re a Granda!
_______________________

Recent Bereavements (in reverse):

The Late Anne O’Rourke, Grangemore, Kilcullen
We extend our sympathy to Chris Douglas on the death of her sister, Anne O’Rourke, who died recently. Anne is pre-deceased by her husband, Paddy and is survived by her two daughters and four sons and the extended members of the Doran and O’Rourke families. May she rest in peace, amen.

The late Justin Keating A former TD and Minister for Industry & Commerce, Justin died suddenly at home in Bishophill, just a week short of his 80th birthday. He is survived by his Barbara Hussey; his children Carla, Eilis and David; their partners Bill, Paddy and Kay; his former wife Loretta (Laura) Kleanthous; grandchildren Wendy, Danielle, Jonah, Jonathan and Sean and by his great grandchildren. We extend our sympathy to the family –

The late Jim O’Neill, Donard
We extend our sympathy to Margaret Reilly, Mullaboden whose father, Jim, died last weekend. Approaching his 95th birthday, Jim had enjoyed relatively good health up to his 90s and was a remarkably cheerful man. He is predeceased by his wife, Margaret and survived by his daughter and sons, Des, Ger and Shay; his brother and sister and members of the extended family. The late Jim O’Neill, may he rest in peace, amen.

The Michael Gleeson
To Joan Gilroy and members of the Gilroy and Gleeson families, we extend our sympathy on the death of Joan’s brother, Michael Gleeson who died recently. May he rest in peace, amen.

The Late Teresa Whyte of Naas
I missed mentioning the sad passing of Teresa Whyte (nee Jordan) in our October edition. A sister of the late Tony Jordan, I met Kathleen and her friend, Ann Murphy in Spain last year when Kathleen had received the sad news. Teresa had many acquaintances here in Ballymore Eustace through her career as a chiropodist. She had fought a serious illness for some time and is survived by her sons and extended family. May she rest in peace, amen.

2010-02-12T01:04:00.001-08:00

Tim’s Diary.

Ballymore People of the Year 2010.

In these days of doom & gloom it is heartening to announce that Naas Credit Union will sponsor the People of the Year Awards for this year.
We are delighted with their support.
A special award will be presented on the night in memory of the late
Des Kennedy, community activist & Credit Union director.
The awards will take place in the Resource Centre
on Saturday February 6th 2010 at 8 pm sharp.

Our Christmas wishes are shown elsewhere in this edition. I would personally like to send good wishes to anyone on duty over the festive season. Gardai, the Fire Service, Hospital personnel and other public servants. I hope that whenever you get your festive fare that you will enjoy it all the more.

A special thank you to everyone who does any sort of voluntary work in our community. A lot of these unsung hero’s and heroines go about their tasks with little fuss or acclaim. SVP, meals on wheels, church groups and many, many others. Thank you all.

Jeepers, what about Tiger Woods. A holier than thou image comes a cropper.

What a wonderful production of Ballymore Eustace - Portrait of a Village. Everyone I know is wallowing in nostalgia. The photo’s are brilliant. I think the History Society will have to publish a book every year.

And finally, to the Student Princess…. Happy Christmas and a New Year filled with Distinction(s)

2010-02-12T01:02:00.000-08:00

The village Green Garden Club Notes

At the November Club night our guest speaker was Billy Moore from the Alpine Garden Society of Ireland. Billy has travelled extensively throughout the world studying, lecturing and searching for Alpines. Billy brought us on a tour of Turkey and its vast range of wonderful plants. We travelled with him from the eastern city of Trabzon on the coast of the Black Sea exploring the wonderful landscape and its flora. We then moved to the interior, down through the mountains to Sivas, where some of the rarest of all Alpines such as the orchid Epipactis veratrifolia, and the Phynchocoris stricta, an even rarer plant are found. Their whereabouts is a closely guarded secret amongst the plant people population. Members of the club went home with a list of plants all native of Turkey, most of which can be grown very successfully in this climate. Many of these plants are closely related to our own native species found in the Burren. The next Club night is on Dec 17th 2009 when our guest speaker will be Enda Carmody from Mimosa Flowers in Blessington. This demonstration will take place upstairs in the Ballymore Inn commencing at 7.30.sharp. Happy Christmas to all our club members past and present. As usual, there will be no Club night in January 2010. The next Club night will be on Thursday 25th Feb 2010. New members welcome
THANK YOU!!The Memorial Concert for Hughie Byrne, late of "Wellfield",
which was held in the Ardenode Country House Hotel
on 3rd December was a huge success!
At time of going to print, we have raised over €20,000 for "Aware"
- far exceeding our wildest expectations.
- We couldn't have done it without the tremendous support of our neighbours and friends and all those who helped sell tickets and who donated wonderful raffle prizes.
-
Please accept this ad as a token of our eternal gratitude,
and we wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas.Mairead MasonTom ByrneEllie Dundon

2010-02-12T01:00:00.002-08:00

Profile of Mrs. Margaret Doyle

Photo of Margaret (on right) taken on October 26, 1968 with her sister, Katie O’Byrne, on left and her sister-in-law, Nan McGee, in the centre

This month our team visited one of our well-known ladies in the parish, Mrs. Margaret Doyle (nee McGee) of Ivy House. She was born in Bishophill in 1904 and attended Ballymore National School until she was 14 years of age. Lord Roberts was the teacher at that time, and the earliest priest she can remember was Father McCarthy. The Church floor as she recalls was made up of 2 ft. square slabs. When Canon Curran died, he left a sum of money to the Archbishop of Dublin, and some of this money was returned to the parish for a new floor.

She recalls her father curing pigs in the yard and McGee's bacon was well known. In her day, knitting socks for the British Soldiers was an enforced rule for schoolgirls. She was 12 years old at the time of the 1916 rising, which came in the midst of the 1914 -1918 War. She remembers Redmond's Volunteer's drilling in what we know today as, St. Brigid's Park. With the coming of the "Big 'Flu" in the following years, the death toll was great. Many of her closest friends were victims.

Margaret was one of the youngest to join Cuman Na mBan. Other members who joined with her were Bridie Nugent, Margaret Whelan, Brigid Miley, Elizabeth Doran and Agnes McGrath. She said she would never forget the morning her brother Paddy was arrested by the British Army and taken to Hair Park - the first internment camp on the Curragh – and later transferred to Roath Camp. On visiting various prisoners, smuggling was part of her game; on one occasion, she managed to get in a bottle of Whiskey to Nicholas Toomey of Ballysize!

Food was scarce and she remembers selling eggs for 5/ - a dozen. She married John Doyle in 1930, who was lucky to have a job in Dublin that paid 30/- per week. In 1933, they moved into Ivy House, her present home. Here she farmed for many years with her husband and together they built the first dairy in the area. She sold milk to all the people in the village and many of them also bought a turnip or two for a penny. One of our team can remember getting his can of milk in the mornings over 25 years ago. When milk was plentiful her homemade butter was much in demand.

She remembers the first gardai in Ballymore staying in the old Factory, as the Barracks was damaged as was the Court House (now Greg Byrne's Garage). The streets were in a terrible state and on Fair Days, on the first Tuesday of every month, the people put boxes outside their doors to keep the cattle and dirt away. She remembers Padraig 0'Connaire, the famous poet strolling down Bishophill smoking his pipe. He lived in the back lodge at Russborough. She recalls the second Parochial House, where our new P.P. now resides, being donated by Keoghs of Lugadowden.

Conditions improved all around with the coming of the E.S.B. in 1939. The Poulaphuca scheme then got under way giving more employment to the locals. The pubs never closed while the job lasted. The locals hadn't time to sow their gardens.

When asked for her opinion on her life, and times, she said, "instead of fighting for Ireland people should get out and work for it". To her the biggest disappointment was the closing of the woollen factory in the mid-twenties.

She says that she never travelled herself but her children went everywhere. She said that "young people of today are too well off and don't appreciate anything. Give me a book anytime instead of television. People don't read enough". This woman has worked hard all her life and is still content to do so. She has seen the two sides of life.

(Ballymore Echo August 1977)

Jack and Margaret were big figures in the Ballymore Eustace of my growing up years. Here we all got our milk. Jack died on October 21, 1969 aged 68 while Margaret died on October 22, 1987, aged 83. Their family consisted of one boy and six girls namely the late Jim, Kathleen, Joan, Clare, Gay, Ann and the late Patricia.

Margaret loved and never forgot her grandchildren and always remembered to give them presents on special occasions.

I gather Padraig O'Conaire lived for about six months (about 1921) in Dragoon Hill in John Farrington's house, which was owned by Dinny Farrington when Hollywood published its history in 1990. In response to my recent query regarding Peader Kearney, Clare Doyle told me that Padraig O’Conaire once lived at Bishopland where the late Paddy Monaghan lived.

© Matt Purcell (December 8, 2009)

Matt’s Memories

Anniversaries

The Anniversaries for the weekend of September 27 included Maisie Deegan (mother of the Deegans of Oliver Plunkett Road), Paddy Clarke (Foylaree), John O’Brien (Horsepasstown – for many years Jack was one of our Postmen), Mary Murphy (Coughlanstown – Mary was the wife of the late John and lived where Johnny now lives), Tom and Ellen Slattery, Peter Flanagan (Peter was very much involved in our CDA), Daniel Finn and Paddy McGlynn (Month’s Mind).

On the weekend of October 25, the following were remembered: Kathleen Grace (wife of the late Mick of Ballybough); Michael O’Sullivan; Patrick Corrigan; Alice Flood; Mona Nugent (Month’s Mind), Patrick Wolfe (Paddy was in England for a long time, returning home he worked with Kildare County Council and he was our Sacristan); Tom Marshall (like Paddy, Tom was in England for a long time before retiring and returning to Ireland); Madge Bowden and Thomas and Catherine Lawlor.

Ullard Cottages Dog Kennels
Aisling Redmond, daughter of George Redmond, runs a dog kennels just outside Monasterevin. While I knew George for a long time, I only discovered Aisling’s interest in dogs recently.

Who Was He?

For twenty minutes or so he stood around Ballymore Eustace and nobody knew him. That’s not quite correct; Ann Burke (Ann McGuire – to use her married name) recognised him. Claire Doyle also recognised him. Eventually he joined our group consisting of my brother James, Pat and Olive Hilliard, John O’Donnell (Moone) and myself and I called him Jackie. It wasn’t actually Jackie, but his brother, Declan. Declan is the second youngest of the Byrne family and has lived outside Ballymore Eustace for a long time now. He was an excellent musician and a dental technician. Recently, Jackie visited family in America. On a more serious note, Declan had a quadruple bye-pass a few years ago but despite that, he was looking very well but has given up playing music.

Cecil

Cecil O’Neill works with Martin Kelleher of Kelleher Trees. Cecil was the youngest of the late Arthur O’Neill’s nine children. Because of Martin’s involvement in hurling, I assumed he had Kilkenny roots only to discover he had, in fact, Cork connections.

The People I meet….

Recently I met Mark Doyle for the first time since his wife, Maureen died. I saw a familiar couple at Mass recently but just couldn’t place them. Afterwards the couple came over to me and the lady kindly said her name was Betty and straightaway, I realised I was talking to Betty Nugent and her German husband who were attending the Month’s Mind of Betty’s mother, Mona. Betty had a lovely verse in the November Bugle in memory of Mona.

Harvest Festival

Everyone was loud in their praise of Mary Campbell and her team of helpers for the great job they did to the Catholic Church for the Harvest Festival on October 24 and 25.
On the same weekend, Claire Doyle and her sister Gay, were busy collecting for REHAB at the Church Gate.

Bowman

In a recent article on The Embankment I referred to Mick McCarthy whom it seems hailed from Listowel as the Radio Programme “Bowman” on Sunday October 4 interviewed Mick’s brother in a dedicated programme to Brian McMahon, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Brian’s birth. (Brian lived to be 89).

Presentations

Kieran Pyne, Senior Executive Solicitor with South Dublin County Council, received a Presentation on October 8 to mark his retirement, which took place on September 4. Adrian O’Gorman, the Law Agent with South Dublin County Council, received a Presentation on October 28 to mark his retirement.

One To One

Watched the One To One TV Programme on October 19 in which Mary Wilson interviewed the writer, Joseph O’Connor. Joseph is a brother of the singer, Sinead. His best-known work is called “Star of the Sea”, a book I haven’t got around to reading yet.

Deaths

Al Byrne who was a Broadcaster in Canada died recently and I recall him being interviewed by Marion Finucane a while ago. Al was the eldest brother of Gay who compered the “Late, Late Show” for so long.

Johnny Murray of Wexford and late of Ardenode died on November 12, 2009 aged 87 R.I.P. Johnny was a bookmaker and spent most of his life in Ballymore Eustace. His wife Kitty, his family, grandchildren and relatives survive Johnny. Johnny’s remains are interred in Hollywood Cemetery.

Johnny was a good hardball player and contemporary of Bobby Grattan, late Jim Bolger, late Bill Lawlor, Liam Evans and late Paddy Monaghan. Those I met at Johnny’s funeral included John Lynam who took over from the Murrays at Ardenode and Dinny Toomey and his wife both of who used to help out at the Ardenode.

Ballymore Eustace Market House

When was the Ballymore Eustace Market House demolished and by whom?

Christmas 2009

With Christmas 2009 approaching, I would like to wish all the best for the festive season to our readers and I would like to thank all those who helped me with my articles during the past year.

© Matt Purcell (December 8, 2009)

2010-02-12T01:00:00.001-08:00

*All Good Things Come to an End; A Brief History of the Eustaces of Ballymore:* *Part I; By Ronald F. Eustice in Savage, Minnesota*
For nearly five centuries the Eustace family --- after the FitzGeralds --- was the second most powerful in Kildare. Eustace lands were scattered from Confey in the north, southward to the townlands of Castlemore and Newstown near Tullow in Carlow, and from the Dublin and Wicklow mountains in the east to Athy and Newbridge in the west. The triangle which included Naas, Ballymore Eustace and Old Kilcullen was almost one large family estate ; * Criche-Eustace* or *Cry-Eustace* it was called.
Eustace castles, especially those at Ballymore Eustace, Harristown, Castlemartin and Clongowes Wood, guarded the Pale for several centuries, and only fell at last to the guns of Ormonde and Cromwell. It was rare for a jury of county gentlemen to contain no Eustace, and on at least one occasion in 1537, Eustaces formed a majority of seven upon a panel of twelve1. The family produced many of the great men of Kildare and several held the highest positions in the Government of Ireland. There were two Lords Deputy named Eustace, three Lords Chancellor, two Lords Treasurer and the High Sheriff of Kildare on at least forty-five occasions. We will meet several of the most notable Eustaces in future issues. In Archbishop Allen’s Register2 it is recorded for the period 1256-66, that “Eustace, son of Godfrey” paid wax rent, with a note by the Archbishop “*perhaps for Barrettstown*.” If this person is a member of the family he is the earliest family member identified in records. The Justiciary Rolls3 of Edward I and II, in items dealing with Cos. Kildare and Meath, contain references to the names Eustace and FitzEustace. These include: Richard, a Burgess of Kells, 1291 ; Richard and John, son of John, 1305; Richard, a Juror, 1306; Geoffrey and John concerned in events near Castlemartin, 1308 and 1310; Sir Richard, a Juror, 1310/12; and Thomas murdered by Nicholas Aunsell, tried at Naas, 1313. * * *Sir Eustace LePoer*, Baron of Kells was Justice Itinerant in 1285, and invaded Scotland in 1296, 1301 and 1303. According to the Book of Howth4, he entered Scotland with a great power of men. The Book of Howth states that the *Eustacys* descended lineally of the second son of the foresaid L. Eustas which were very noble men in those days of Knighthood and ability. He died in 1311, and his son Arnold, seems to have assumed the name FitzEustace which was borne by his descendants until changed to Eustace soon after the introduction of surnames in 1465. By 1317, *Arnold FitzEustace LePoer* owned Castlemartin and the neighboring townlands of Kilcullen, Brannockstown and Nicholastown, all just south of the Liffey5.
In 1326, *John Fitz Eustace* held from the Archbishop two carcurates6 in Dowdenstown. John FitzEustace founded the Dominican Priory at Naas in 1356, with its church being dedicated to St. Eustachius. The priory served as a house of worship until all Irish monasteries were surpressed by order of Henry VIII during in 15407. Four years later John, his eldest son had custody of Cradockstown during a minority. In 1373, Nicholas probably a younger son, was granted by John Halle, the lands of Donore; northwest of Naas, and Blakestown, County Wicklow. Sometime before 1330, a FitzEustace (perhaps Robert FitzEustace who was Lord Treasurer of Ireland in 1327 or Oliver, son of Robert), was settled at Castlemartin. Roland FitzOliver, of the next generation was living at Castlemartin in 1383. It is possible that Thomas FitzOliver of Ballycotelan who was appointed Constable of Ballymore Eustace in 1373, was his brother8. In 1355, Geoffrey FitzEustace and the Sheriff of Kildare were ordered to inspect and report upon Ballymore Castle and other defenses of the Pale. The castle at Ballymore was situated at a vital crossing of the Liffey and thus considered to be one of the most important forts on the English Pale. In 1361, the head rents of Dowdenstown and Tipperkevin were granted by the Archbishop to William Greuett, who sold them in 1401 to Nicholas Eustace of Dublin who had connections in Confey. At that time the lands were held by Richard, grandson of John FitzEustace 9. As early as 137310, we find *Thomas, son of Almaric (Oliver?) FitzEustace*, appointed by Thomas, Lord Archbishop of Dublin, constable of the castle of Ballymore, with a salary of *£*10 per annum, provided he live there with his family. For the next five generations the FitzEustaces (later Eustace) held the Castle of Ballymore which protected the territory from intrusions by the native Irish septs that lived in the vastness of the Wicklow Mountains, who had been dispossessed in the 12th and early 13th centuries. The sons and grandsons of the Castlemartin FitzEustaces gradually spread north, south and east, for we soon find the following prominent members of the family well established on their various estates11: *Robert of Craddockstown*, High Sheriff of Kildare in 1375, · *John of Newland*, alive in 1377 and High Sheriff in 1434, · *Sir Maurice of Ballycotelan* (Coghlanstown), High Sheriff of Kildare · and of Dublin, and died about 1402, *Sir John of Blackhall* · (Calverstown), High Sheriff of Kildare and died in 1405.

Attempts to link these and other known FitzEustaces living in the fourteenth Century, with the main Castlemartin branch would be largely conjectural, therefore in future issues we shall treat the families as separate branches, but of a common stock 12. With a few notable exceptions the Eustaces have nearly disappeared from Kildare, and their name has become somewhat rare in Ireland itself. In future issues, I will recap some of the events that caused the departure of this once great family from County Kildare. Notes & Citations: 1. An Inquisition was held in Dublin in the year 1537, to ascertain what the heirs-general of the Earl of Ormonde held of the King in the Kildare Manors of Castelwarnyng (Castlewarden), Owghterad, and Clinton’s Court. The twelve jurors belonged to the County Kildare and out of that number just over half of them were Eustaces. Their names are given thus ; William Eustace, of Moone, Gent, Maurice Eustace, of Castlemartin Gent, John Eustace, of Newlande, Gent, Roland Eustace of Molaghcashe, Gent ; Richard Eustace, of Cradockstown, Gent , Richard Eustace, of Kerdeston, Gent, Richard Wogan, of Rathcoffee Gent, James ffitzGerald, of Ballysonan, Gent, Gerald ffitzGerald, of Clane, Gent, Edmund Eustace, of Miloteston,Gent, James fitzMoryshe, of Blackhall, Gent, Patrick Whit, of Miloteston, Gent. [Dublin Exchequer Inquisition, No. 80 of Henry VIII., Dublin, August, Henry VIII., 29th Year; W. FITZGerald. 2. Tickell, Sir Eustace F; Journal of the Kildare Archeological Society; Vol. XIII, No 8 (1958), Page 388. 3. Tickell, Sir Eustace F; Journal of the Kildare Archeological Society; Vol. XIII, No 7 (1958), Page 307. 4. Tickell, Sir Eustace F; Journal of the Kildare Archeological Society; Vol. XIII, No 6 (1955), Page 272. There are many references which link Eustace LePoer to the Power family of County Waterford. *Note that Y-chromosome DNA testing of male members of both the Eustace and Powers families do not show similar profiles. Perhaps the connection between Eustace and LePoer is from a marriage of a LePoer daughter to a Eustace who is believed to have been among the original Norman Knights who came with Henry II in 1182.* 5. Tickell, Sir Eustace F; Journal of the Kildare Archeological Society; Vol. XIII, No 6 (1955), Page 273. 6. A carcurate was 100-120 acres (say 160-200 statute), but excluded woodland, pasture, and bog. The Dowdenstown townlands are now 447 acres statute and Tipperkevin is 280 acres. Head-rents were 10/- in 1326 and 57/- in 1361. 7. We shall learn in future articles, Thomas Eustace, (1480-1549) 1st Viscount Baltinglass benefited greatly from Henry’s dissolution of the monasteries and was granted New Abbey as well as Baltinglass Abbey in Wicklow. It is reported that upon his death he owned half the lands in Wicklow. 8. Tickell, Sir Eustace F; Journal of the Kildare Archeological Society; Vol. XIII, No 6 (1955), Page 273- 275.
9. Ibid 10. Murphy, Reverend Denis, S.J; Journal of the Kildare Archeological Society; Vol I, (1893), Page 117. 11. Tickell, Sir Eustace F; Journal of the Kildare Archeological Society; Vol. XIII, No 6 (1955), Page 273. 12. Ibid, Page 274; Tickell states that it is very probable that Sir Maurice of Ballycotelan, Thomas FitzOliver (Constable of Ballymore in 1373) and Roland FitzOliver of Castlemartin were brothers. If correct, this would provide the link between the FitzEustaces of Castlemartin and the powerful Ballycotelan family.

2010-02-12T00:58:00.000-08:00

Ballymore Ladies GFC
Happy Christmas from Ballymore Ladies
Ballymore Ladies would like to wish all their supporters and sponsors throughout the year a very Happy Christmas. A Big Thank You to the committee members and management team for the work put in during 2009.Here’s hoping that 2010 will be a successful year for all involved.
Merry Christmas!
Deirdre & Sharon
Ballymore Ladies GFC PROs

A.G.M

The A.G.M was held on the 10th December in the Resource Centre. One of the best turn-outs in recent years gave a good indication that the club will be a success in 2010 and beyond. There was big change in personnel for the running of the club with plenty of fresh faces which can only mean good things for everyone associated with Ballymore Eustace GAA in 2010. Our new officers for 2010 are:
Chairman: Johnny Murphy
Vice Chairman: Tom O’ Rourke
Presidents: Jim Clarke & Eddie Hubbard
Vice Presidents: Mrs Daly, Eugene Gilroy, Tom Quinn & Nuala Hubbard
Patron: Fr. Walters
Secretary: Mark McCarville
Treasurer: Tim Duggan
PRO’s: Michelle Water’s & Natasha Halpin Graham
County Board Delegates: Tom O’ Rourke, Eoin Barrett & Mark McCarville
Delegates to Convention: Tom O Rourke & Tadhg Grace
Player Representative: Tadhg Grace
There were thirteen members nominated to the committee and on behalf of everyone within the club id like to wish Johnny and his team the best of luck for 2010. Also special thanks to the out-going officers and everyone who contributed and supported the club throughout 2009

Club Winners for 2009

Congratulations to our club winners for 2009. The Senior Player of the Year went to Eoin Kavanagh who was prolific in front of goal this year. Our Young Player of the Year winner was Steven Dwyer who improved immensely as the year went on. Finally our Clubman of the Year went to Jarleth Gilroy. Jarleth got the senior team back on track this year and has been an incredible clubman throughout his playing and coaching days. Well done to our three winners.

Membership

Membership has been set at €30 for adults and €20 for Students and O.A.P’s. Family membership is also available at €80. Ballymore has one of the lowest membership numbers in the county and this has to change for the benefit of the club. Anyone who uses the pitch facilities for any reason is urged to become a member while players who do not pay membership will not be allowed to tog out for the club.

Birthday

A special presentation was made at the A.G.M to our golden girl Mrs Daly who turned 30 no sorry 40 no sorry she turned 50 recently give or take a few years. Happy Birthday to you and don’t forget to wash the jerseys!!!

Monthly Draw Winners

Monthy Draw Winners for November: Barry Ward €150, Sadhbh Gilroy €50, Nancy Clarke €50, Simon Murphy €20. Congratulations to all

Walkers

A reminder to the walkers to drop a few euros into the box just off the track beside the dressing room for the use of the track, its signposted……. Thank you!!!

Ballymore GAA On-line

Check out the club website on http://www.kildare.ie/ballymoreeustacegaa or become a fan of Ballymore GAA on Facebook for all the latest news and events.

The Club would like to wish everyone associated with the club near and far a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

William O’ Donoghue
Out-going PRO

2010-02-12T00:55:00.000-08:00

Ballymore Singing Festival

Where else would you find such richness in music as Ballymore? Singers from all over the country and even outside the country singing such a variety of songs about love, betrayal, war, emigration, chariot races, financial recessions, unionist politicians, Napoleon, birds, animals, washerwomen and lots more.
This was the 8th year of the Ballymore Singing Festival, the most low key (pun intended) festival you could imagine. It usually takes place in the middle of October a few weeks after the Music under the Mountains Festival in Hollywood. Ballymore’s festival concentrates on traditional singing and is spread around some of the pubs with Mick Murphy’s being the principal standard bearer. It was great to see Headon’s open again for the weekend. In the early years we were graced with the singing as well as the wisdom and stories of the late great Frank Harte. This year traditional singers came from all over, from Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales and France and beyond to sing songs whose great value is in their words and music and not in the slickness of their arrangement and backing accompaniment. The songs may be old or new but the style is traditional. All over Ireland there are traditional singing clubs where such songs are kept alive or, in the case of new songs, given their first outing. We have a group of such enthusiasts in Ballymore who meet in Mick Murphy’s once a month. Someone said that if songs are not sung they will die. For that reason singing festivals and singing clubs exist. This year the visitors included Rosie Stewart, formerly singer of the year with TG4. She launched her latest CD on the Sunday at a lively session which included George Henderson and Alan Stout of the Bray Singers. Over the 3 days we were entertained by regular visitors Jerry O Reilly, Ron Kavana, Annie Armstrong, Phil Brennan, Mick Scanlon, Dick Hogan, Barry Gleeson, Tommy Mc Carthy and Mick Fowler. Among the local singers who contributed were Phil Callery, Larry Roddy, Ita Roddy, C J Darby, Denis and Deirdre Doyle, Siobhan Murphy, Brenda Lyons Liam Lawler, Liam and Maureen Downey. And there were many others who just sang and whose names passed me by. Songs were exchanged, explained and their origins examined. Occasionally, in good natured banter, singers also had their own origins questioned. Both singers and listeners moved between the various venues. The organisers were delighted with the turnout and with the local support. I can hardly wait until next year.

Liam Lawler

Breast Cancer Research Fund The organizers of the recent Breast Cancer Research fundraising events wish to sincerely thank everyone for their support. We are very grateful to Ger & Kay O'Rourke of Country Kitchens for allowing us to use their beautiful showrooms and to Karen Finnerty of Kal Ireland for her amazing cookery demonstrations. We are also very grateful to the local Art Group for their generous support and to Barry & Georgina O'Sullivan and their staff at the Ballymore Inn for all their help to us in running the raffle and auction at the recent exhibition. Finally, we want to say a huge thank you to the people of Ballymore Eustace for coming out and supporting these events. Unfortunately, breast Cancer is all too common in our area, and all funds generated are being used to research into the genes responsible for breast cancer, particularly in younger women. This is an ongoing research project being coordinated by Mr. James Geraghty, Breast Cancer Consultant at St. Vincent's Hospital in Dublin which will directly impact on women in Ballymore Eustace and Co. Kildare. Unfortunately there is no government funding for this vital research so we are sincerely grateful for your support in helping us raise Euros 4,910 so far towards keeping this vital work going.

Aileen and Janet

Billy Hillis Presentation.

I went along to the presentation to Billy Hillis in Pet Murphy’s this month.
Tim Dooley praised Billy for his dedication to public office and his service to the people of Ballymore. Tom Carberry was fulsome in praise for Billy’s dealings with Council officials. Bernard Durkan paid tribute to Joise and Billy’s family as the unsung supporters of public representatives. Mark Headon spoke of his difficulties in filling Billy Hillis shoes as he succeeded him on the council. I made a presenation on behalf of the Bugle.
If it was a retirement do it was a “Frank Sinatra” party as I think Billy Hillis will be making a comeback before too much longer.

TR

Wine tasting at Fogarty’s Quikpick in aid of Barrettstown Gang Camp.

It was a p%^&ing wet night when ace snapper, Mark Darker and myself darted in to cover this novel event. Mark Funston of Barrack Street with Niall Tubridy showed a selection of mainly new World Wines. Beneath the canopies and surrounded by Christmas trees if we had snow instead of rain it would have been perfect. Host, Sean Fogarty is building up his expertise in the wine field according to his sister Phil O’Brien. We also met genial Damien Reynor of Hampton Property Lettings who was upbeat about an upturn in the country for 2010. Sean has a fine selection of wines available. MD & myself could not partake but WE WILL be back

TR

2010-02-12T00:54:00.000-08:00

Suffer Little Children…..

These are extracts from the Murphy Report into Clerical child sex abuse in the Dublin Dicoese.
There are reproduced without comment.
The full report is available for download at http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PB09000504

The commission received information about 172 named priests. They concluded that 102 were within their remit.
Statistican ( Dr. Theresa Brannick of UCD) compiled a list of 47 spread over three decades.
Documentary research reduced this number by one to 46.
Of these 46,11 are/were members of religious organizations 4 of these are dead.1 belongs to a UK diocese.
34 priests in Dublin Diocese. 10 are dead, twenty are out of ministry and four continue to minister.
Of the twenty out of ministry 11 are supported by the diocese.
Of these 46 only 11 had pleaded guilty or were convicted.
One clear case of false accusation. Two where no complaints were received.
The ratio in the 320 complaints is 2.3 boy to 1.0 girl.

The following were the main people who dealt with complaints of child abuse.

Archbishops.
McQuaid. 1940 -1972 Dead.
Ryan 1972-1984 Dead.
McNamara 1985-1987 Dead.
Connell 1998-2004. Retired. Made Cardinal in 2001
Martin 2004 – present.

Auxilary Bishops.
Carroll. 1968-1989. Dead. Two periods as administrator, 1984/85 & 1987/88.
Comiskey 1980-1984. Ferns 1984. Resigned 2002.
Drennan. 1997-2005 Currently Bishop Galway.
Dunne 1946-1984. Dead.
Field. 1997- present
Forristal 1980-1981. Ossory1981. retired 2007.
Kavanagh 1972.1988. Dead
Moriarity. 1991-2002. Currently Kildare & Leighlin.
Murray 1982-1996. Currently Limerick
O’Mahony 1975-1996. Retired 1996. Also Chancellor 1975 – 1981.
O’Ceallaigh 1994-present
Walsh 1990-present Dean Clonliffe 1977 – 1985, Priest Sec. to A/Bishop 1985-1990, Administrator 2002 – 2006.

Chancellors.
Sheehy. O’Mahony ( as above) Stenson & Dolan.

Director of Child Protection Service.
Garland. 2003-present.

A number of others obviously held in high regard by McQuaid and asked to investigate allegations include.
Glennon, McMahon, Curtin & O’Regan, all Monsignors.

The treatment centres used were organizations of Church authorities.
Eight were treated in Stroud by the Servants of the Paracletes.
Twenty five by the Granada Institute. ( Hospitallier Order of St. John of God)

The List.

James McNamee.
1917- 2002. Ordained 1946. Retired 1979. 21 complaints. Rolestown. Arran Quay. Harrington Street. Crumlin.

Edmondus.
1931 - . Ordained 1957. Faculties withdrawn 1997. Number of complaints.
Chaplain to our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children. Crumlin. & various other appointments.

Phineas.
Served in the diocese in the 1960’s/1970’s.

Vidal.
Ordained in the 1960’s. Seved in the diocese in the 1960’s/1970’s.
Laicised in. Died 2004.

Patrick Maguire. 1936- . Ordained 1960. Convicted Child abuser.
In 1997. admitted the following abuses:
1963-1966. Abused 3 boys in Japan.
1967. 6 or 7 boys in Ireland.
1968-1972 2 boys.
1973. 10 boys in Japan. 10 boys in Ireland.
1974-1975. 8 boys in Ireland.
1976-1979. 8 boys and 1 girl. Set up network of victims he could abuse.
1984. 3 boys.
1984-1989. 2 boys. Continued with network.
1992-1994. 1 vulnerable adult.
1996. Grooming.
He told the Commission that this list is not complete.

Ioannes
1927 - . Ordained 1953.
Various locations in the diocese 1953-1988. USA 1988-1993. No ministry since 1993.

Tyrus.
Ordained in 1960’s. Laicized in 1978.

UnNamed.
Served in Pro Cathedral. Brought altar boys to Eadestown or Punchestown for beagling.
The details are mostly blank. Monsignor John Wilson recalled a conversation between the then Archbishop Ryan with Bishop Mark Hurley of Santa Rosa California as to Fr. ‘s personal difficulties. An exemplary Garda enquiry was stifled by senior interference. It came to an end in 1988 when it was established that this man was no longer in the country.

Horatio.
Born in the 1940’s Ordained in the 1960’s. Served in a number of parishes and eventually as Parish Priest. Canonical precept imposed October 2005.

Donal Gallagher.
1936 – 1994. ordained 1962. Vincentian.
Phibsborough 1975 – 1979. Teacher/Chaplain 1980 – 1983. Phibsborough 1983 - 1994. chaplain to School for the deaf.

Hugo.
1909 – 1988. Ordained in 1935.
Various appointments including Drimnagh promoted to Parish priest in Blessington

Ivan Payne.
1942 - . Ordained 1967.
Unofficial chaplain to Our Ladys Hospital Crumlin 1968 – 1974. Dublin Regional Marriage Tribunal 1976 – 1995. Conviceted serial child sex abuser. 31 accusations. Bishop O’Mahony had a big role in the investigation. Laicized in 2002. Moved to UK in 2003.

Donato.
1940 - . Ordained in 1970 for foreign diocese. Due to gambling problems returned to Ireland 1977. Married in 1998 without being laicized. Laicized in 2007.

Harry Moore.
1936 - . Ordained in 1960. Chaplain Artane 1960 – 1967. Ringsend, Kilquade, Assistant priest in a Catholic youth organization. Admitted to John of God for alcohol treatment 1977. Edenmore 1977. Glasthule 1980. Bayside 1983. Francis St. 1985. Chaplain Boys school 1986.

Septimus.
Ordained in 1950’s. Number of parishes in the diocese.

William Carney.
1950 - . Ordained 1974. Various postings until 1899. Dismissed from clerical stae in 1992. Serial sexual abuser of children, male and female. Ballyfermot Vocational school 1974. Wanted to foster children in 1977.

Tom Naughton.
Ordained 1963 for Kiltegan fathers. Returned home and appinted to Aughrim Street 1976. Valleymount 1980. Donnycarney 1984. Ringsend 1996.

Cicero.
1939 – 2002. Ordained 1963 for Ossory. 1970’s appointed to Dublin Regional Marriage Tribunal.

Clemens.
Born in 1960’s. Ordained in 1980’s.

Dominic Savio (John) Boland
1930 - . Ordained 1966. Teacher, school chaplain and hospital chaplain. Convicted serial child sex abuser.

Quinton.
1935 - . Ordained 1960.

Marius.
Ordained 1950’s. Number of postings in the Diocese.

Noel Reynolds.
Ordained 1959. Chaplain girls Schools. Kilmore Road. East Wall. Island parish in the diocese of Tuam. Bonnybrook. Saggart. Glendalough. Chaplain National Rehabilitation Hospital.

Daryus.
Ordained in 1950’s Died 1990’s. Various postings in Dublin.

Terentius.
Born in 1930’s. Ordained 1960’s.

John Kinsella.
Born 1948. Ordained 1973. Enniskerry.

Laurentius.
Born 1935. Ordained 1966. Chaplain to a vocational school in Dublin 1973 – 1983. Not allowed any public ministry since 1996.

Klaudius.
1957 - 2005. Ordained 1985. Hospital & prison chaplain. Teacher and assigned to parish.

Francis McCarthy.
Born 1950. Ordained 1974. Dunlavin, Enniskerry, London, Ballyfermot and Howth.
Classmate of Bill Carney.

Sergius.
Ministered in 1970’s, 1980’s, 1990’s.

Dante.
Born 1946. Ordained 1973. Several appointments in diocese.

Cassius.
1910 – 1975. Ordained 1934.

Giraldus
Born 1940. Ordained 1970. Incardinated to Diocese 1980.

Aquila.
Ordained 1960’s.

Blaise. Unindentified by Gardai.

Benito.
Born 1960’s. Ordained 1980’s.

Magnus.
Inappropriate behaviour towards a vulnerable young adult on a Lourdes pilgrimage.

Jacobus.
1916 – 2006. Ordained 1944. Member of religious order served in Diocese from 1970 to 1983.

Guido.
Ordained 1990’s. No allegations of abuse but suspicions and concerns.

Rufus.
1898 – 1974. Harold’s Cross, High Street, Arran Quay. Died before complaints could be investigated.

Ignatio.
1914 – ordained 1941. Member of religious order.

Cornelius.
1913 - . Ordained 1937. Various postings in diocese.

Ricardus.
Ordained in 1960’s. Falsely accused and complainant charged.

Agustus.
Difficulty with vow of celibacy. Laicized.

Ezio.
1893 – 1977. Ordained 1921.

“The Church failed us. They failed us as Catholics. They failed me as a human being. They took my soul. “

This was how one of the complainants who gave evidence to the Commission described his viewpoint some 32 years after the event about which he had complained took place.

Tim Ryan. December 2009.

2010-02-12T00:53:00.000-08:00

on passing by- again

I am indebted to Tom O’Keeffe for the bones of the following, which I thought was too good not to share.
Derivative Markets: an easy explanation.
Sean owns a pub in Naas. As time goes on he realises that virtually all of his customers are unemployed alcoholics, and as such are no longer able to afford to patronise his bar with the frequency he would like. In an effort to safeguard his business Sean comes up with a new marketing plan that will allow his customers to have their drink now, buy pay later. He keeps track of the drinks consumed in a ledger, thereby in effect granting loans to all his customers.
It doesn’t take long for word to get around about Sean’s “ drink now, pay later” marketing strategy and as a result increasing numbers of customers flood into Sean’s pub.
Very soon Sean has the largest sales volume of any pub in Naas. By providing his customers with freedom from immediate payment demands, Sean gets absolutely no resistance from customers when, at regular intervals, he substantially increases his prices for wine and beer, the most consumed beverages. As a result of these increases Sean’s gross sales volume increases massively.
A young and dynamic manager at Sean’s local bank branch recognises that these customer debts now constitute valuable future assets and offers to increase Sean’s borrowing limit. The bank manager sees no reason for any undue concern as he has the debts of the unemployed alcoholics as collateral.
At the banks corporate headquarters notice is taken of Sean’s position and expert traders transform the customer loans into DRINKBONDS, ALKIBONDS and PUKEBONDS. These bonds, or as they now are, securities, are bundled and then traded on international security markets. Naive investors don’t really understand that the securities they are spending their money on are actually the debts of all Sean’s unemployed alcoholics. Nevertheless, the price of the bonds continues to climb, and as well as attracting ordinary investors they soon become the hottest selling items for some of the countries leading brokerage houses.
One day, however, even though the bond prices are still climbing nicely, a risk manager at the original bank branch decides that the time has come to demand payment on the debts incurred by the drinkers at Sean’s bar. He so informs Sean. Faced with this demand Sean is forced to demand payment from his alcoholic customers, but being unemployed alcoholics they are not in a position to pay back their debts. As Sean cannot now fulfil his loan obligations the bank forces him into bankruptcy. The pub closes and the eleven employees lose their jobs.
When this happens the value of the original DRINKBONDS, ALKIBONDS and PUKEBONDS drop in value by over ninety per cent overnight. The collapsed bond asset value destroys the liquidity of the bank, thus preventing it from issuing new loans, thus freezing credit and economic activity in Naas. Because Sean’s business had been going so well his suppliers had all given him generous payment extensions. Not only that but some of them had even invested their firms pension funds in the bonds. Now they suddenly find themselves faced with having to write off all Sean’s bad debts, and with losing over ninety percent of the presumed value of the bonds. Sean’s wine supplier is also forced into bankruptcy, closing the doors on a family business that had endured for three generations. Sean’s beer supplier, now also facing ruin, is taken over by a competitor who promptly closes the local plant and lets go 150 workers.
So, disaster all round. Well not quite all round. Fortunately enough the bank, the brokerage houses and all their high flying executives are saved and bailed out by a multi billion euro, almost no strings attached, loan from their dear friends in Government. Ah, I hear you ask, how can we afford all this. It’s actually quite simple. The Government will obtain the funds for the bailout from new taxes levied on employed, middle class, non drinkers who have never even been in Sean’s pub.
See, it’s really really easy to understand.

I had intended to bring you an update on the KTK committee after the meeting on December 9th. Unfortunately I have nothing new to report as the meeting has been, yes you’ve guessed it, postponed.
However there is one thing I wanted to point out. I haven’t seen the minutes of the CDA AGM but one item in last month’s Bugle report referred to the non movement on KTK funds and said that funds which had been promised had not been forthcoming despite a lot of effort being made. As a member of the Liaison Committee and having attended all the meetings I am unaware of funds ever having been promised for this application. I do know that there was a lot of toing and froing over many months trying to get proper costings etc and there were some delays due to a change of personnel on the CDA. Earlier in the year I wrote to a member of the CDA after they had contacted the Council saying they had been told that getting the funding was a formality to assure them that I was not aware of this. Hopefully the new year should see some progress on their application.

I haven’t really had time to properly digest the Budget but I was definitely expecting it to be a lot worse then it appears on the surface. Most of what was in it seems to have been well flagged in advance. I am at a loss to understand how FAS need more millions considering the amount of money they were able to waste when we had full employment. As per usual the devil will be in the detail and I am sure there will be a few little surprise stealth taxes in the small print. My main worry would be that Mr Lenihan hasn’t gone far enough and we will have an even bigger problem this time next year. People had geared themselves up for a really hard hitting budget with the expectation that we would take this one massive hit and then we would start to see some progress but if this is not enough what happens then. His assertions that we are on the way out of recession ring a bit false to those who have lost their jobs, or are looking at large drops in their earnings, especially as most of these people had little or nothing to do with the reasons for our current troubles
Finally I would just like to wish all of our readers, contributors and advertisers a very Happy Christmas and a better New Year.

All for now. Mike Edmonds Dec 09.

2010-02-12T00:52:00.000-08:00

News from over seas . . .

Sprouts!

‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas – everywhere you go!’ Yes, folks! Once again we find ourselves enmeshed in the Holiday Season, that very special time of year when we join with our loved ones in sharing centuries-old traditions such as trying to find a parking space at the shopping centre. We traditionally do this in my family by driving around the car park until we see a shopper emerge from the shopping centre, then we follow her, in very much the same spirit as the Three Wise Men, who 2,000 years ago followed a star, week after week, until it led them to a parking space.
But don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love Christmas. I love everything about it. I love getting together with family, decorating the house like I’m hosting the Blackpool illuminations, giving and receiving Christmas cards, wrapping and unwrapping Christmas presents - the list is endless. One thing I especially love about Christmas, though, is brussels sprouts. Lovely green, round, soft sprouts in a big pile on my plate with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, Yummm!
Sprouts are a funny vegetable, because you either love them or hate them. For every person who loves them there’s probably ten others who think Ughhh! When I was little boy everybody had to have at least one brussels sprout with their Christmas dinner in our house. It was usually the last thing rolling around your plate or, if you were very clever, you would hide it under a bit of leftover mash. “You’ve got to eat your greens and you’ll grow up tall and strong and it’ll keep you regular!” my mum would say. Strong! Maybe? But tall? I’m not sure it worked mum! And regular – well, no comment!
Some things in life you either love or hate. I love Marmite but you may not. I love butter but you might love margarine. I love chocolate but I have a 5 year old who doesn’t (how weird is that!) We all have different tastes. Sometimes, Christmas can be like that too. I love getting last minute bargains but some people I know have already bought and wrapped all their Christmas presents by the end of June. I hate writing Christmas cards at the last minute but Catherine hates writing them to early. One Christmas we forgot to write Christmas cards so at the last minute we rushed round to the supermarket and bought the last two packs on the shelf. We quickly signed them and posted them three days before Christmas only to find out, after we posted them all, that the message inside the card said, “This is just to say a gift is on its way!”
However we celebrate Christmas, I hope we remember that Jesus came into the world, not to be an afterthought, like a brussels sprout that gets a look in only after we’ve enjoyed the turkey and potatoes on our Christmas dinner. Jesus came to give us hope in a hopeless and hurting world. The Bible says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
Well, better go. I’ve got some last minute Christmas cards to write and 3kgs of sprouts to peel. It may be a windy Christmas at the Vicarage this year!!!

Catherine, Joshua, Amelia, Bethany and Madeline join me in wishing you
all our friends a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

With love, Kesh x

Off The Cutting Edge
By Pastor Robert Dunlop

LIGHT AT THE TURN OF THE YEAR
It is a happy arrangement that New Year comes immediately after Christmas.
Traditionally New Year is a time for making resolutions and looking for fresh beginnings. These aspirations are easier made in the light of the revelation disclosed at Bethlehem. Christ is the Light of the world, Christians are the light lighted.
Crossing into a fresh year with the assurance that Emmanuel (“God is with us”) is more than empty sentiment makes the transition more attractive. While it means serious business it does not have to be gloomy or desolate.
The renowned parliamentarian and social reformer, William Wilberforce was noted for his sense of inner joy. He worked for the abolition of the slave trade and eventually for the abolition of slavery.
The poet Robert Southey said “I never saw any other man enjoy such a perpetual serenity and sunshine of spirit. In conversing with him you feel assured that there is no guile in him, that if ever there was a good man and happy man on earth, he was one”.
In 1818 Dorothy Wordsworth, sister of the romantic poet, William, concurred..”Though shattered in constitution and feeble in body, he is a lively and animated man…his sense of humour and delight in all that was good was unmistakable”.
Although we may feel called to make more modest resolutions than Wilberforce, if we approach our tasks with his disposition then the future will be better than the past. Light will come not only at the turn of the year but illuminate every nook and cranny of our ongoing pilgrimage. This will enable us to journey in gladness and with an irrepressible hope.

Christmas Message from Leonard.My name is Rev. Leonard Ruddock and I am the Rector of St. John’s Church, Ballymore Eustace. I am delighted to have this opportunity to extend best wishes and Seasons Greetings to you all from everyone in St. John’s. As a parish we greatly appreciate the support and help that is so generously given to us by everyone in Ballymore Eustace.
When you pick up a Newspaper or listen to some T.V. programmes these days you could be forgiven for thinking that you had woken up in a different country, and that you now lived in a secular society, where matters of faith and trust in God were a thing of the past. It seems to me though, that now, more than ever, a faith and trust in God would be a help and comfort to people. We are about to enter the season of Advent when we prepare to welcome the Christ child. Lets try to focus on what is meaningful and lasting this Christmas, for our families, and our Community. Long ago the Prophet Isaiah said ‘The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness- on them light has shined.’ May the light and peace of the Christ child shine in all our hearts this Christmas.

2010-02-12T00:51:00.002-08:00

A Christmas Present

With the festive season coming up fast its time to drop all talk of recession and other matters gloomy! Children small, and not so small, will not be thinking about the coming budget, but thinking about what they might get for Christmas, especially those who are still small enough to expect a visit from Santa. One of these presents, very often requested, comes in the shape of a small lively kitten that from day one demands your constant attention. The following tale concerns one such animal. We didn’t get him for Christmas and he wasn’t a present: he was more or less a rescue operation. I first wrote briefly about him twelve years ago and how he became one of us, a very small bundle of yellow fur deserted by his mother Sitting in a doorway in the yard he was yowling his head off letting all and sundry know that he was cold, hungry, and deserted. The Missus introduced him to a saucer of milk, which he dispatched with gusto then settled down for a sleep.
Perhaps at this stage I should explain as to how we chose his name. When picking a name for a pet we have always tried to pick one that corresponds to some world event, that way it’s easy to remember their age. Hurricane Floyd had raged across the southern States at the time we got Tyson, so Floyd was the first choice though we didn’t like it much. As a small kitten he spent a lot of his time on my shoulder if I was at the computer. He would sleep there for ages then wake up and start playing with my ear lobe; then one day he bit it, hence the name Tyson after the boxer. Tyson Floyd seemed to run smoothly, so we settled on that!
We had another house pet at the time, a Jack Russell called Scud, and it was obvious that introductions would have to be done with great care for Jack Russell’s are snappy little animals and don’t take prisoners if annoyed, especially by nosy little kittens, so I cobbled up a wire door on a tea chest, put in a piece of blanket plus scratch tray and feed dish, and it became Tyson’s abode. He took to it like a duck to water and when it became time to leave the door open he would retire into it for a sleep, which was often. Scud usually slept in an armchair! They quickly became acquainted and when Tyson was big enough to jump into a chair he usually chose the one that Scud occupied. There they would curl up together until the next feed time! It was an unusual acquaintanceship to say the least.
Scud reached the ripe old age of seventeen before he passed on to his happy hunting ground: Tyson was now on his own. All cats and dogs in their wild state are pack animals and so it is with domesticated ones, and if they cannot hook up with their own kind they’ll settle for the next best thing, humans. It was at this stage that Tyson became family; in short, he adopted us on his terms. He would have nothing to do with the cats in the yard, treating them with utter distain and contempt. Independent creatures that they are he laid down the ground rules, but nevertheless we always thought of him as a programmed creature, or put another way he followed a routine. When we got up he got up, same at bedtime, and he followed us everywhere. If the Missus was gardening he sat nearby watching her every move. When very small she made a pouch for him, popped him in it, and slung it round her neck. From time to time he would take a peek just checking on his whereabouts. If I was doing something in the workshop he hopped up on the workbench and watched proceedings, except when operating the angle grinder or welder. As a young animal he had a passion for tree climbing. Like all cats he was adept at climbing, but coming down was a different matter and many’s the time a ladder and me had to come to his rescue. I fitter a cat flap for him in a window and he caught on in double quick time using it at night time when he went hunting. In the small hours we would sometimes hear it go clip clap, and a few seconds later wet whiskers would be pushed into your face seeking the warmth and comfort of a warm bed. Once he brought in a live mouse and let it go on the bed. There was all Hell to pay! He was a timid little cat and hardly ever meowed; if he wanted something such as grub in his dish he just sat beside it and gazed at you hoping you’d get the message. He was not a lap cat, and if picked up would wriggle free and settle on your shoulder, or the back of the chair you sat in; independence personified.
Exactly a year ago was the first signs of trouble; he was finding it difficult to pass urine. We took him to the vet who was very honest and told us that an operation was about 50/50 chance of success. We gave him the go ahead to operate, but as time passed it became clear that the vet was fighting a losing battle, and we were holding on for our own selfish reasons. It was time to think of Tyson and his welfare. Last month we made the big decision and Edward his vet took him out of his misery. He is buried beside his pal Scud, and if perchance there’s a happy hereafter for animals I’ve no doubt they have got together and are making up for lost time!
To conclude, I would appeal to all parents to impress on their kids that all small furry animals be they puppies or kittens will grow into full grown adult animals but nevertheless will require the same care and attention for the duration of their lives. Cats or dogs, if properly cared, for will leave paw prints on our hearts! Jeffers.

2010-02-12T00:51:00.001-08:00

A GOOD CHRISTMAS READ

As ever there are so many marvellous books out they’re this Christmas and there is nothing like browsing around a bookshop, I find it really relaxes the mind. I am sure everyone will be delighted to know that in Naas, Joan, formerly of Nas na Riogh bookshop has just reopened a small and friendly shop on Friary Place. She has a super stock and will try and get hold of anything she doesn’t have for you, if you ask. It is actually such a refreshing change to browse in there from the often frenetic atmosphere I n the larger stores- you can sort of absorb the passion for books that the owner brings? Anyway check it out, either for Christmas presents or f to spend your book tokens…..All the books features in this review were found in Joan’s shop.

Lot of people seem to like to get a new cookery book for Christmas and I spotted two really charming and old-fashioned ones amidst all the glamour of Jamie and Nigella. “Brother Anselm’s Glenstal Cookbook” (12.99) looked wonderful, as does the old favourite, republished form many decades ago: “Full and Plenty- Classic Irish cooking” by Maura Laverty (14.99). Just beside them I spotted a beautiful tome I had heard discussed on the radio back in October – “Echoes of Memory” by John O’Donohue (13.99)- some of his poetry form here was read out on air by his brother and it was tremendously moving- a lovely present for any poetry lovers.

Nest I spotted another one of my old favourites: “Love of the world- Essays” by John McGahern (20.99). I am a great follower of his, although I did hear from a reliable source that this particular new publication is a little “heavy”, so be warned…In a more biographical but possible lighter form I noticed the Mitch Alblom ( famous author of the wonderful “Tuesdays with Morrie”) had his new autobiography on the shelf : “Have a little faith” (14.99)- I haven’t had chance to read it yet, but I am pretty sure that like Alblom’s other work it will be thought-provoking and authentic.

There were seemingly shelves and shelves full of thrillers, but Joan reckoned the read of the year was porobabaly”The girl with the dragon tattoo”, by Steig Larson- (8.99) first part of a trilogy which is really gripping and well written. Nearby I saw “The Lyrics of Leonard Cohen” (15.60), a must for either poetry or music lovers, and another interesting source of escape was beside it: “The road less travelled” edited by Bill Bryson (27.99), which was a sumptuously illustrated book of less common travel destinations)

The b Naas bookshop has a great collection of children’s books, as it always did and the gorgeous hardback “The Usborne Book of Poetry” (23.99) would make a lovely keepsake present for a child. The Irish illustrator PJ Lynch always draws me to a book and I saw “The Snow Queen” (7.99) and “The Gift of the Magi “ by O’Henry (3.20), both good gift ideas. Fr older kids Joan has the whole series of the “Twilight “ books by Stephanie Meyer and as an alternative to the classic Guinness Book of Records I saw “Ripley’s believe it or not” (20.99), which looked like a good read, especially for reluctant young male readers.

The sports section was huge and Joan’s son Oisin helped me focus on one or two books that might be more interesting (as I don’t have a clue about sport….) “Working on a dream- a year on the road with the Waterford footballers” by Damian Lawlor, (16.99) actually looked temptinf- I liked the title…I also think Dinal Og Cusack’s autobiography looked very interesting: “Come what may “ (15.99).

Phew, only a tiny selection forms a lovely shop and SO many to choose from! Enjoy your Christmas reading by the fire!

ANGIE RUANE

2010-02-12T00:49:00.000-08:00

Page 4
FULL HOUSE FOR HISTORY BOOK LAUNCH

The X Factor wouldn’t have filled the function room in Poulaphouca as much as the recent launch of “Ballymore Eustace - Portrait of a Village”. It was great to see a full attendance and feel the anticipation as people waited to buy their copy. I’m leaving it to the expert, Ger McCarthy to give a full review on the book but if you haven’t already got a copy, then you should. This publication should be on every local kitchen dresser and taken down every now and then as a reference or simply, to see if you can identify any “AN Others” featured within.

When I arrived home with the book, my daughter Sharon and I ‘dived’ into it, dying to see which of the family, if any, was included. Well, initially we were disappointed – but as we went through it, and again the following morning, and after the X Factor Saturday night, we spotted my late mother, Ivy, in an ICA photo; Uncle Gerry with the handballers; Auntie Marie in a school photo and Paul in a GAA photo.

The only one of us no longer living in Ballymore and he gets a half page photo… My sister in law, Frances Kavanagh, nee O’Donoghue, is in two photos with the accordion band and I am in one of them… spot the shine of glasses and Ivy-Butchered Fringe…just a glimpse, I think I could be Margaret Cowley (P 85). And look at Biddy Sammon (Meade) in the same photo on the right, so cute – isn’t Cian a ringer for her!

We spotted Ken in a First Holy Communion Photo (dated 1981, he would have been 19!); then Nanny Frances as a child in a school photo taken in the 1930s (P 109). Every time I go through the book, I recognise someone else, Kathleen O’Rourke and Mary Edgeworth, the Marshall sisters in the Irish dancing photos and a very young Tommy Dwyer, no wonder he went on to be a cobbler.

As for some of the handball and sporting photos from Chapter 8 – definitely the ‘hairy era’, dig those sideburns and heavy mops of hair. (Jedward, all is forgiven). As for the picture of F-Troop on page 91, isn’t Jimmy Pearse a ‘babe’ and what about John Kelly and Eamonn Deegan, hot stuff…

I think Clare Doyle and Marie Marshall will have to fight it out as for the female babe title – weren’t they gorgeous? Wasn’t the late Paddy Monaghan handsome? No comment, Tom O’Rourke, on your matching vest and shorts, p 138…

Readers, on a serious note, this is a first-class publication. I keep picking it up again and again, with something new to find or learn every time. Margaret Pearse asked me to note that some date and name changes were missed in the second proofing of the book. If you haven’t bought the book yet, do so before Christmas. When all the film repeats are on, you can escape to a quiet corner and enjoy ‘people spotting’or reading the excellent editorials.

If you didn’t make this edition, don’t worry, you’re just too young – you’ll make the next one!

Rose B O’Donoghue.

GER McCARTHY - “PORTRAIT OF A VILLAGE”
“I feel honoured to be asked here tonight to launch your book and I thank Margaret and the committee for extending me the honour. The title of the book “Portrait of a Village” is most appropriate because the book is an historical canvas of your village, in pictures, historical articles and stories.
When I got home after collecting a copy from Margaret, my brother Damian called in and thumbed through the book while I was making tea. He commented this was a smashing book and a credit to all involved. And that, it surely is. Photographs such as Mona Nugent with children, p 31; back of Byrnes Hotel, c 1880,s p 40; Jimmy Gregory’s waste disposal transport system, 1940s-50s, p 45 and Poulaphuca Bridge and Waterfall, p 60 are excellent.
When driving in the area some years ago, I spotted a Bench Mark cut into the parapet of the bridge. I had intended to return with my camera to photograph same but I never got the chance to - a week later, a truck crashed into the bridge and the Bench Mark finished up in the Liffey river below!”

Other photos Ger noted were John Kelly & the Texas Showband, p 89; Art Doran’s pub (Paddy Murphy’s) with the windows shot out by the Black & Tans, 1922, champion handballers, Mick Leahy and Tom O’Rourke, p137; GS & W railway poster re 8th&14th Hussars Regimental Steeplechase over Mullaboden Course - the Train leaves Kingsbridge at 11.15am and arrives at Harristown Station at 12.20pm, p144.
Of further interest were: Shake Hands with the Devil, p 93, with James Cagney and our own Noel Purcell; Race Cards for Ballymore Eustace Gymkhana, p143; Tug of War Team c. 1915 – look at the size of the rope - p149; Rev. Boulter, Rector of Ballymore Eustace & Hollywood, p171; history of Wolfe Tone Brass & Reed Band founded 1875; heritage objects from the area including the Old Forge at Tipperkevin – “Thank God, they have survived the Celtic Tiger” noted Ger.
“The Roll of Honour of locals who fell in the Great War including members of the Deegan family, is an important chapter; Sir John De Robeck commanded the ill-fated Dardannells fiasco in WWI; Sir Brian Mahon who led the relief of Mafeking during the Boer War and the wonderful McGee collection of photographs.

The directory of Ballymore Eustace under the headings of House, Present and Previous Occupiers is important, as is the front cover sketch by Gabriel Beranger of Ballymore Castle, although no evidence remains of its existence

Your book, “Portrait of a Village” is a record of the social and photographic history of Ballymore Eustace from the closing years of 19th century through the 20th century. It is so timely in this, the opening decade of the 21st century, as so many of the names of people in the book are still in living memory. Their names and faces are now recorded for future generations. I congratulate all involved; I’m sure every house in Ballymore Eustace and indeed, far beyond will have one”.

- Ger McCarthy

FAMILIAR FACES AT HISTORY BOOK LAUNCH - Matt
The local History Society had a very successful launch of its book on November 27. Professor Jim Lydon was to perform the official launch but could not do so due to illness (not too serious, we were assured) so Ger McCarthy from Naas ably took his place. Our own Mick Kelly, Briencan, did an excellent job on opening the launch.

Those I recall being present were: Eamonn Deegan; Noel, Kay and Lynda Headon; Anthony and Mary Campbell; the Doyles (formerly of Ivy House); Margaret McDonald and her daughter Cheryl; Anne and Paul Dennison; John Queally; Tim Grace; Billy Hillis; Jack Wall, TD; Rose B. O’Donoghue; Tim Ryan and Colette Hempenstall; Michael Ward; Bernie and Fergal Toomey and John and Simon Murphy. Peter Kavanagh, his wife Marie and brother Michael all came from Wexford to attend the launch while Patsy Feeney and her brother, Tommy Conway travelled from Dublin.

Denis Doyle kindly helped me to bring my copies to my car. Denis previously lived at Barrack Street but now resides on Truce Road where Mrs Loughnane used to live.
I met Fr John Wilson, our new P.P. and spoke with former P.P., Fr McGowan and Fr Prenderville of Hollywood, who were also present. Rita Malone, proprietor, was there to ensure everything ran smoothly.

A lovely photo of Patsy and Mai (Mary) Murphy and their surviving family at the time of Patsy and Mai’s Golden Wedding Anniversary appears on p 44 of the book.

Aidan Cruise, his wife Tina and relatives attended. The night before Aidan had launched his book: “The Dublin and Blessington Steam Tram” at the Tallaght Civic Offices Library. In 1895, that line was extended to Poulaphouca before the line was discontinued at the end of 1932. In one of Aidan’s chapters, the views of our own late Monsignor Maurice Browne, on the tram are set forth. Monsignor Browne had previously served as a curate in Valleymount. © Matt Purcell

THANK YOU
The Committee of the Society would like to thank all who attended the launch of our publication "Ballymore Eustace - Portrait of a Village" in Poulaphuca House Hotel.We were delighted with the turnout and the interest shown in our historical collection. Sales to date have exceeded our expectations, and makes all the work producing the book worthwhile. We would like to thank The Malone Family for facilitating the event and their attentive service on the night. Our thanks also to Ger McCarthy for performing the official launch and to Kildare County Council KTK Community Fund for helping with sponsorship.
Thank you all again and may we wish you a very Happy Christmas and New Year.While the interest is still to the fore we would be delighted, if over the Christmas period, you could look up old photos as we plan to have another photographic and artefacts exhibition in the future. We will scan these photos and return them immediately as we appreciate the value to people of their treasured photographs. Everybody must have lots of photos in the "Shoebox on the Dresser".- Margaret Pearse, Secretary

2010-02-12T00:48:00.000-08:00

Bits ‘n Bobs with Rose
Who Invented “Assignments”?
Assignments is the ugliest word in the English language. As a full-time student, my life revolves around assignments – assessing the brief, research time, writing up - I’ve forgotten what spare time was. And my time management needs a good shake-up. It was never my strongest point, but too many nights at 2am printing out a final draft only to find the cartridge has run out of ink, is not good for blood pressure.

As for housekeeping… what housekeeping? The time I used to spend on ironing and cleaning is consumed by assignments. My window boxes are gone to seed. My dogs have an accusatory stare: “You used to play with us…” My partner thinks I’ve gone mad… My children know I’m mad so there’s no issue there, just a smug, “Now you know what it’s like, Ma!”

But you know what, it’s great! The energy and cockiness of my fellow students keeps me going; their gut reaction and opinion has not been stunted by life’s responsibilities or experience – I feel like I’ve been locked in a stuffy room for years and I’ve just stepped out into fresh air.

Mind you, there’s no hair, beauty or dining out allowance within the student budget. I’m horsing garlic tablets and cod liver oil into me – beats the hideous, orange-flavoured tonic my late mother dosed into me as a child and I don’t have to go through the daily – and very painful – hair-brushing ritual that resulted in two pigtails and white bows!

With the healthy diet, you’d expect there to be weight loss; alas, no - not when I’m horsing Tayto and snacks into me whilst working on assignments. New Year Resolutions: Eat less, Budget Better, Always Carry a Student Card and Keep a Spare Ink Cartridge in the computer room.

De Perfectos in Pirate’s Cove
Seein’ as we had a quiet Punchestown, De Perfectos decided to head off to Jackie and John O’Neill’s bed and breakfast, “Pirate’s Cove”, for a ‘Night of Networking and Informative Exchange of Issues Facing the Modern Woman”.
Would you believe it, they had a confidentiality clause written out for me to sign on my arrival. The good news, Readers, is that I didn’t sign it; the bad news is: rather than be thrown over the cliffs into the sea on my next visit, I’d better not tell you what passed between De Perfectos that weekend, they’re a sweet bunch but vicious as scorpions when riled. I can tell you though that a product called “For Her” will cure everything and anything that’s wrong with you – if the Two Brians had been taken that for the past year, think what a brilliant budget we’d have. (Alternatively, two bottles of wine will make you forget creakin’ knees and all your other ailments albeit the effect is shortlived). O’Neill’s B&B has the most fabulous views, overlooking the beaches of Brittas Bay, spectacular location.

Happy Christmas Ladies, and I look forward to the next “Networking” event.

Eilís on the Money
Speaking of perfect women, isn’t Eilis Quinlan playing a blinder lately?
We’ve had Eddie Hobbs, David McWilliams and George Lee all make their name in recent years as financial advisors. Only Jill Kerby has been flying the female flag but now our own Eilís is becoming something of a money-talkin’ media star. More luck to her, write a book, Eilís and make a killing.
Eilís has been a longtime supporter of Kildare Network Women in Business, Business Networking Ireland (BNI) and is now chairperson of ISME, the organisation representing small businesses in Ireland.

Political Correspondence
Apologies to Bugle Readers but I’ve mislaid 2 communications from Sean Power TD, one which was in answer to a query on the bollards along the Church Wall and the second, confirmation of monies allocated to Brannockstown Primary School. Sean further wished his constituents in Ballymore Eustace a Very Happy and Safe Christmas. Hopefully, I will find the correspondence relating to bollards and include in January edition.

Season’s Greetings from Jack Wall, TD, and Cllr Mark Wall to the residents of Ballymore Eustace and environs. Jack complimented the quality of “Ballymore Eustace – Portrait of A Village” and stated that it was a superb production and vital for small communities to record the social and economic changes experienced over several decades.

Cllr Willie Callaghan has placed an advert wishing his constituents a Happy Christmas elsewhere in this edition but Willie reminds readers that he is available by appointment and also, if any persons or groups wish to enquire about the KCC KTK Community Levy Fund, contact him at 086 234 1009.

Cllr Martin Heydon is delighted to be nominated and confirmed as a Fine Gael candidate for the next general election; if successful, then Billy Hillis would come back out of ‘semi-retirement’ and contest the seat won by Heydon in the last council election.

Bond Wit
I heard veteran Roger Moore interviewed on the Ryan Tubridy Programme recently and here’s a couple of gem replies the former 007 delivered, much to the delight of the interviewer and audience:

Ryan: “What age are you, Roger?”
Roger: “82.”
Ryan: “Gosh, you don’t look it! How old do you feel?”
Roger: “82”.

And another:
Ryan “At 82, are you likely to act again?”
Roger: “Did I ever?”

2010-02-12T00:45:00.000-08:00

PAGE 2
Direct Bugle email -
for acknowledgements, births, anniversaries, wedding photos, birthdays etc, send them to:
ballymorebugle@eircom.net

DECEMBER Birthdays -
Happy birthday to Bugle folders, Mary and Julie Ann, Bugle editor, Tim H R, who dazzled us with an Irish rendition of “Deliliah” at our Christmas Party (didn’t match Tom Jones for the pivotal hip movements) - maith an fear, mo cheol thú, Tim! Birthday greetings also to Mrs Lila Curley, Rita O’Rourke, Laura Barrett and Gill Dwyer.

BIG Birthdays
Happy 21st Birthday to Shane Kavanagh; 50th Birthday Wishes to Noel Thompson and Matt Dooley but biggest birthday of all goes to Eithne Daly, who celebrated her 90th this month. A special presentation was made to Ethna at the recent GAA AGM, as Mrs Daly has been washing the club’s jerseys for over forty years and is one of their most loyal supporters, on the sidelines for underage, ladies and gents football. She’d give Kim a run for her money in “I’m in the Jungle – Get me Outta Here!”

(Photo Mrs Daly)

Congratulations to Gemma Swords who was conferred with a Qualification in Higher Diploma in Arts in Primary Education ecently. Gemma will be departing from Kildare County Council shortly.

Greetings overseas
Best wishes to some overseas’ residents: Michael Fitz in Vancouver, Canada; Lizzie O’Loughlin in Germany; Jason McDonald and family, Thomas O’Rourke, Daragh Meade and Tim Gorman “Down Under”. To the Piper Family in Somerset and especially to Danielle who got married recently. And to all our friend across many seas: Des & Brigid Byrne, Finn Gallagher, Betty Morris, Eddie & Mai Whelan,,
Ron Eustice, Kesh & Catherine and all the elves, all the BME Aussie Kavanaghs, and, recently retired, Bill Ryan.

Welcome home to Lynsey O’Reilly, due back the week before Christmas

BABY NEWS Double Celebrations in the Gill family with baby Tara, born to Sarah (Hudson) and Brian Gill christened alongside first cousin, baby Mary Kate, daughter of Amanda (Nolan) and Michael Gill.

And another ‘babe’ to ‘come out of the woods’ in the past week was baby, Nuadha Caoilte, born to Fiona (Woods) and Chris Breslin – no relation to the Tiger fella who has eclipsed Jedward in the tabloids recently

baby Holly, born Dec 8th at 7lb 5oz daughter to Conor and Rachel Cullen (nee Swords). Brother to Ryan and Grandaughter to Liz Swords.

All in boxed adverts:
PANTO TIME!
Snow White
& The Seven Dwarfs
What do you get when you put
Carmel Moylan, Gaye Stephens, Sean Murphy,
Marcus Bradshaw and Larry Burke Hayes
on stage together?
Yes, you got it – a pantomime!

Thank God, lovely Jenna Laming is taking
the lead role this year to put
a bit of style into them…

Coming to you in February 2010
Children interested in joining are welcome
For group and village scenes
___________________________________
Josephine Hardiman
Artist and Calligrapher
Punchestown, Naas

Original Art
& Edition Prints
- the ideal Christmas Gift

On sale at Puchestown Studio,
Inniscara Gallery, Rathcoole And River Café, Lucan

Or by appointment in December
_______________________
With a Christmas Pudding graphic?
NAAS COUNTRY MARKET
Town Hall, Naas
Every Friday, 9.45am-12pm

Christmas Market
Tuesday 22nd December
9.45am-12pm

See Full Range of
Delicious Christmas Fayre,
Home Cooked and locally prepared,
Local Crafts and Giftware
Come Early!
Season’s Greetings from your
Market Traders and Thank You
For your Continued Support

2009-12-30T06:36:00.000-08:00

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.

2009-12-30T06:35:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2009-12-30T06:34:00.000-08:00

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)

2009-12-30T06:26:00.000-08:00

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)

2009-12-30T06:24:00.000-08:00

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.

2009-12-30T06:23:00.002-08:00

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

2009-12-30T06:23:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-30T06:22:00.001-08:00

Ballymore Eustace Garda Station

Eamonn Whelan & Tom O’Donoghue
Are the two FULL TIME Gardai based in the village.

They can be contacted by ringing

045 864163

The phone will be transferred to them if they are not in the station.
If neither of the Gardai are on duty the phone will transfer to the Garda Station in Naas

If you need to contact the Gardai in an emergency
Ring 999 or 112 and ask for Gardai Naas.

2009-12-30T06:20:00.000-08:00

CATNAPS
My cat likes to laze
On my lap.
Does so for hours
Sleeps over if allowed.
He purrs, I snore.
It's a really close
Relationship.
03/11/09 SFG

2009-12-30T06:17:00.000-08:00

Acknowledgement

We, the family of the late Mary (Mona) Nugent of Briencan, Ballymore Eustace, would like to thank most sincerely all who svmpathised with us on the sad loss of our dear mother.

To all who sent mass cards, perpetual enrolments, letters of sympathy or floral tributes. Sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses of Naas Hospital for their kindness and attention to our mother. To the Matron and staff of St Vincent’s Hospital, Athv; Monsignor Wilson and the alter servers, Shay and Margaret Eustace for making the final Mass so special for Mammy.

To Hughes Funeral Directors who carried out the funeral arrangements in such a professional and caring manner. To Chris Douglas - her care and love over the past few years was so much appreciated by all of us. To Anne Jennings, her kindness to Mam and visits to the hospital will be remembered always. Heartfelt thanks to all our wonderful neighbours on the Naas Road, to Dr O’Brien and the nurses at the Health Centre, Bme, the Senior Citizen’s Committee and Naas Care of the Aged.

A sincere thanks to close relatives, neighbours and friends who helped and supported us during our difficult days and to those who travelled long distances to attend the Removal, Funeral Mass and Burial.

It would be impossible to thank everyone individually. Please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our genuine appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of The Mass will be offered for your intentions – The Nugent Family.

Ballymore Bugle.

Some dates for your diary.
On Sunday the 29th of November (Advent Sunday) we are having a Service of Advent Carols by candle light in St. Kevin’s Church , Hollywood at 4.30pm.
On Sunday the 20th of December our morning service will be a selection of Christmas Readings and Carols at 10.00am.
On Christmas Eve there will be a Celebration of Holy Communion at 11.00pm.
You are very welcome to attend these or any of our services.

Rev. Leonard Ruddock.

CHRISTMAS AT RUSSBOROUGH CRUTHU WEST WICKLOW CRAFT FESTIVAL 5TH & 6TH DECEMBER 10.00AM TO 5.00PM, ADMISSION FREE. JAZZ BRUNCH WITH ROY TAYLOR SINGING CHRISTMAS CLASSICS AND JAZZ TUNES 6TH DECEMBER FROM 2.OOPM TO 4.00PM IN THE KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE. SATURDAY THE 12TH DECEMBER 'KEEP UP THE CLASSICS'. BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND BRENDAN MACQUAILE WITH SPECIAL GUESTS. ENJOY AN EVENING OF CLASSIC CHRISTMAS SONGS AND ARIAS IN THE CANDLELIT SETTING OF THE SALOON. MULLED WINE RECEPTION 7.30PM CONCERT AT 8.00PM

Coffee Morning

Heartfelt thanks to all the people of Ballymore and surrounding areas who so generously supported the Annual Coffee Morning for St. Brigid’s Hospice held in The Thatch recently.
Thanks to Darren for the use of the Thatch. Thanks to everyone who baked cakes, scones, apple tarts, lemon cakes and carrot cakes. Thanks to everyone who supported the raffle, both on the morning and later on at the Bingo, by giving prizes, selling and buying tickets.
A total of 1335 euro was raised and donated to the Hospice. Be assured that the monies raised will be put to good use.

The friends of St. Brigid’s Hospice.

Children’s Mass

The children of Scoil Mhuire, particularly those preparing for First Holy Communion have already enjoyed two Children’s Masses. Thanks to Monsignor Wilson for his help and patience in celebrating these special masses. Thanks also to Larry for leading the singing with his harmonious guitar playing.
The Children’s Mass will be during Saturday evening mass for the 2009/2010 school year. The masses are scheduled for the following dates:
Saturday, 23 January 2010
Saturday, 13 February 2010
Saturday, 6 March 2010
Saturday, 31 March 2010
Saturday, 17 April 2010
Saturday, 5 June 2010

These masses help the children of 2nd class to prepare for the sacrament of First Holy Communion with the encouragement of their whole community.
We welcome children of all ages to create a Choir for the Children’s Masses.

Marjorie Ronaldson.
We extend our sympathy to the family of the late Marjorie Ronaldson whose funeral took place on the 13th Oct 2009. She lived in the Ballymore area for over 50 years and in that time was well known for her kindness and generosity. She gave freely of her time, shopping for friends, visiting sick folk, raising her family, and most dear to her babysitting her grandchildren. Gardening was her hobby and passion.
Her tennis parties were famous not so much for the tennis, but for the magnificent teas she always produced, especially her chocolate and sponge cakes that had an inch of cream separating the layers. The tea trolley was always set when anyone paid her a visit!
Underneath her sunny disposition lay a tough streak as witnessed by two burglars who attempted to pay her a visit. Living on her own and recently recovering from a hip operation she gave them quick dispatch armed only with her walking stick.
She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. May she rest in Peace.

2009-12-30T06:16:00.000-08:00

*County Awards for St Brigid's Park!* Congratulations to the residents of St Brigid's Park, Ballymore Eustace - the estate won first prize in the Small Estate Section of Kildare County Council's Pride of Place, 2009 See here Martine Rigney and Celine Lipsett at the awards night in Áras Cill Dara. Billy Lennon recieved a Highly Commended Award for his garden in the Best Garden Category. The competition was judged in June of this year and the judges were very complimentary about the estate. Well Done!

“Nan”

Sitting in the lonely cottage of my late Nan’s appeared surreal, performing the same task that I had just organized twelve weeks to the day, for my late uncle Pat. The purpose was to find a suitable photograph that would represent her, so that when family members, neighbours and friends paid their respects in the local church, they could also be reminded of how they liked to remember her.

As I searched through many albums I couldn’t help but find myself drifting away into the past memories as each photograph portrayed a picture to me, giving me a sense of what kind of joyful events that she had participated in throughout her life.

I noticed only some of the albums appeared in sequence, so I assumed Nan had most of the photos randomly situated to her taste. Weddings, dances, local field days and family portraits dating from the 1930s to recent years, presented themselves constantly to me.

I studied the body languages, and the never-ending, long-ago smiles from people I recognised and some I didn’t The photos almost became real to me, I could hear the old record player belting out favourite céili songs that she loved so much, and how she would waltz me around the kitchen floor. By the time I was seven, Nanny introduced me to Irish dancing, she bought me my first dancing costume which still hangs in her wardrobe.

Never a lonely woman, she had so many good friends visiting her regularly. Nobody was allowed to leave her home without a cup of tea with a choice of biscuits or cakes, her cupboard was always full of goodies, extra bags of sweets hidden in her bedroom for the unexpected visits of children.
Suddenly the most suitable photograph popped up at me.

Nanny in the garden with a beaming smile, sitting on her chair smoking a cigarette.
Her scarf and handbag were also items I couldn’t forget to bring along as a mark of
her commemoration, along with one of the many silver cups she won for waltzing.

It was time to go, I looked around at all the pictures on the wall, the overcrowded glass cabinet of dolls, ornaments on the mantle and the remainder of my sweet memories, now only in the company of the lonely tick of the clock.

I couldn’t say goodbye, because Nan has only moved on to a place where I will one day reunite with her.

Deborah Reynolds Hameed.
_____________________________

“Memories”
We accompany Mammy on her
final journey today.

Tom, Sheila, Martin and I must
Now live with our memories of her.

We think of Mam with love today,
But that is nothing new.
We thought about her yesterday
And days before that, too.
We think of her in silence,
We often speak her name.
Now all we have are memories,
And her picture in a frame.
Mam’ s memory is our keepsake,
With which we’ll never part.
God has her in his keeping-
We have Mammy in our hearts.

Elizabeth (Betty) Hassler nee Nugent
September 24th 2009

You’re Home Now

It’s fair to say today marks the end of an era. Mary Nugent – better known as Mona - was loved and respected by family members, neighbours, and friends. Today her family and the local community of Ballymore Eustace say our goodbyes to one of the original pillars in the village.

Hardened by the tough paths in her life that she mostly walked alone, after losing her husband Paddy at an early stage, she might have at times appeared tough. But the people who knew her well, noticed Mona always favoured the vulnerable who needed a helping hand - and therefore was respected in the community of a village she kept close to her heart.

Being a hard worker most of her life, she found time to enjoy herself too, as she loved to waltz to her favourite music - a dance she taught many others in her time. Some of us would say she was made strong hut then many would say she had no choice, as life was hard in her early days but yet she managed to accomplish a lot.

Winning achievements from dancing to running in the married women’s race in Quinn’s field where she was once awarded a prize from the famous Ronnie Delaney she also won trophies, medals and prizes from other events that she so proudly displayed in her home. Mona’s love for prizes led her to bingo halls and the local field days and if she didn’t win, God help the person who awarded the prize to someone else!

Mona’s love and respect for Ballymore remained in her heart till her dying day, her memories will stay with us forever but her respect in Ballymore will be eternal
Today is a sad day but we know she’s with her husband, Paddy; her sons, William and recently deceased, Pat.

Nanny, you’re home now.
And may you dance with the angels forever.
We all love you.

Your family

2009-12-30T06:15:00.000-08:00

There was a small select gathering for the Annual Community Development Association AGM which was held on Thursday November 12th 2009 in the Resource Centre.
The committee of Margaret McDonald, Chairperson & Treasurer, Kay Nolan, Secretary and Eric Firth & Mary Evans.
Margaret welcomed everyone. She congratulated Ballymore Person of the Year, Tommy Dwyer. Whilst there was no Punchestown Festival this year, a fancy dress party, sponsored By Elizabeth’s Hair Salon and an art competition took place during Festival week. A Raffle in aid of Tidy towns was held and indeed great praise was due to the Tidy Towns Committee for an overall increase in marks during this year’s competition. A Tiglin building was erected on the old library site and it provides storage and a changing room for the CES team.

The minutes were read and adopted. Chris Dennison praised the dedication of the Meals on Wheels team especially around providing a service to the late Jack Kaine. Indeed one of the volunteers sustained damage to their car due to the bad state of the roads in the Kilmalum area. There was no progress report available on the development of the Sewage Treatment Plant.
The Financial report was given and showed a turnover of almost 99,000 euro an overall loss almost 4,000 euro was sustained.

Eric gave a report on the Tidy Towns Committee activity during the year. There were many highs
Increase in overall marks
Show of trees and flowers at the Boat at the bridge, on the Naas Road, at the square and at the entrance to Hillcrest.
The wonderful display provided by the hanging baskets
New tubs at the Garda Station, the Square and on Oliver Plunkett Road.
Native species trees from KCC were planted on the Mountcashel Road.
Two Trail walks have been developed. A heritage and a nature walk. They are available for download from the TSAA website. Links will be published in the next Bugle.
The co-operation with the Scoil Mhuire Green Flag group.
The many clean up sessions which kept the village almost litter free.
There were not as many lows but,
The poor state of the river walk following damaged sustained during the Waste Water survey. This has yet to be rectified.
The flood water damage to the front end of the walk. Cova properties have re-instated the bank on the Park side, and hopefully KCC will repair the Assumpta Terrace side.
The non movement on the KTK Funds. Funds promised have not been forthcoming despite a lot of effort being made.
The continued vandalism of trees and beds and the damage to the wall of the bridge. The delay on repairs is due to KCC restrictions on the type of contractor.
The hopes for 2010 are,
That KCC will erect the street signs that were purchased by the CDA.
That a bottle bank will be established somewhere in the village.
That the wider community will put forward ideas for the TT Five Year Plan.
Eric concluded with thanks to a number of people,
To all the traders for their contributions and support.
To the CDA and the Ballymore Bugle for donations and continued support.
To KCC environment section for continued help.
Special thanks to Jimmy Pearse for his commitment, especially in the provision of the store changing area for the CES team. His unstinting help and organization.
To Martin Deegan without whom a lot of the activities carried out by the Tidy Towns Committee would just not happen.
To the committee
To the CES team who brave the elements week in, week out to carry out the great work.

Percy Donnelly reported that the Community Alert Scheme is “ticking over.” Local residents are urged to keep watch for suspicious activity or illegal dumping in their own area. A very active local group in the Dowdenstown area has thwarted a number of potential crimes.

Tim spoke about the Bugle’s activity in the past year. Sales remain steady with a bit of a dip in advertising revenue. Two donations of 1000 euro made to the Tidy Towns and the Senior Citizens Committees. The Bugle continues to organize the Ballymore People of the Year Awards for which Nominations will be limited to six and three have been received so far. The nominations will close on December 31st and an announcement about a new sponsor will be made shortly. The Awards will take place on February 6th 2010. Tim paid tribute to co-editor, the driving force and talent behind the Bugle, Rose Barrett O’Donoghue. He thanked everyone who helped with the folding each month.

There was no response to the call for members of the CDA Committee but the Chairperson would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in helping in any way.

Chris Dennison gave an update on planning matters. The KCC Development Plan for 2011 – 2015 is now in pre-draft stage and a close watch should be kept on delisting motions on particular buildings. The new plans for the Cova site at the Park were circulated for viewing. The sale of the Woolen Mill site, known as the factory, was discussed and Chris reiterated that a watch should be kept on development to preserve the buildings, the trees and the views. \Eric said that he had contacted the OPW and the Heritage Authority to voice the TT’s concerns around the various issues.

Garda Tom O’Donoughue addressed the meeting. He introduced himself and stressed that both himself and Garda Eamonn Whelan were attached to Ballymore Garda Station on a full time basis. Generally they are on duty each day for a minimum of eight hours. The best way of contacting either of the Garda is by ringing 045 864163. The phone is connected to a mobile in the patrol car, or in rare cases the Garda Station in Naas. He outlined the need for increased vigilance coming up to Christmas and urged people to ring the station if they had concerns of any sort no matter how trivial these may seem.
Garda Eamonn Whelan said there were some concerns about the continuance of the Garda Station in its current location. He wanted to reassure the community that there were no plans to move or close the station in the foreseeable future.

The meeting closed with refreshments and a chance for people to meet and greet.

TR

2009-12-30T06:14:00.000-08:00

A GOOD READ

I was in with Janet Hawkins in the Blessington Bookstore last month, asking her for a good read that f did not involve romance or families etc etc…spot on as always she recommended “Dissolution” by CJ Sansom (Paperback: Pan: 9.80) It was perfect escapism, a great historical page turner, set at the time of the Tudors as Thomas Cromwell is attempting to dissolve the monasteries on behalf of his master, Henry VIII. The central character of the story is Matthew Shardlake, the hunchbacked lawyer, who initially seems like a somewhat unlikely hero, but his character grows and grows on you as the novel progresses.

Set in one of the monasteries that are set for dissolution, the story centres upon a murder of another commissioner of the king, and Shardlake is sent in to solve the mystery. Sansom is a masterful historical writer and his evocations of the Tudor age are almost visceral. He takes the reader into the sights, sounds and smells of the era and in a very evenhanded way he shows us the corruption of both church and state at the time. Stories of periods of great upheaval are always interesting to me and I have always loved this particular stage in history. What I liked about this book too is that King Henry is kept in the background- powerful and shaping, as ever, but not really a main player in his own right, which I am sure is tough when talking about this fascinating time.

I am not going to say anything else at all about the plot, as it is a super murder mystery- not that I am usually a fan of this genre, but I did enjoy this story. For anyone who does like this kind of story there is also more to pursue, as Sansom has written sequels…again I will probably not be reading them as I find that series can be formulaic (I know, I am notoriously hard top please when it comes to books…) but a set may be a good idea for Christmas for mystery lover?

The other novel I read was completely different and also not the kind of thing I might typically go for. My friend Lorna lent t me “Angels in my Hair” by Lorna Byrne (Paperback: Century: 12.50) It is dubbed as the true story of a modern day Irish mystic and the narrator has a very normal, homespun voice with no airs or graces. From a very young age Lorna sees and experiences angels as part of her daily life. Interestingly, she is able to depict how this both enhances her life, but also sets her apart as different and potentially often very lovely. Interspersed with the general story of growing up, falling in love and marrying are episodes of insight and knowledge imparted by her angel companions- it’s almost like two parallel universes existing side by side.

Many people may be sceptical about this story of everyday angels, particularly in the light of the current controversy surrounding the apparitions in Knock. I would probably be as sceptical as the next person about this- however there was something in the humility of Lorna’s voice as she tells her story that made me believe her account. I feel the angels are her reality and all they do is good- she is clearly a person of great faith and hope, and in these times we live in her story is inspirational in its own quiet way.

By the way booklovers….new treats are on the way as Janet is relocating across the road into the old Gift Annexe in Blessington, and together with a coffee shop books will be sold from “Food For Thought” from this month onwards. Check it out….!

ANGIE RUANE

MORE MAGICAL MUISIC AT RUSSBOROUGH

Moya Brennan’s harp playing and singing in September were another perfect combination for the Russborough saloon, but I must admit the return of the RTÈ Vanbrugh quartet on November 6th was really memorable. I saw them last year too, but this time around got closer to the front and could see the musicians up close playing their instruments, which was great….the four musicians play so harmoniously together – you can feel they have become almost synbiotic over the years.

They played some lovely pieces by Haydn and later Borodin- the latter being my favourite. I am not a classical music buff, so rarely recognise melodies on hearing them, but the pieces they played were called “Les Vendredis” or the Fridays, from where musicians used to gather and play together. So, as it was taking place on a Friday evening it seemed highly appropriate! The energy and liveliness of the tunes the quartet played sounded, as my companion said “Like a conversation between old friends”.

As ever the magical setting of the saloon has a charm all of its own- it has become one of my favourite settings in which to hear live music, because the acoustic and atmosphere are so unique, especially on cosy winter evenings. The Christmas concerts are always wonderful too, so book up early for them! As a musical experience it is truly transporting!

Angie Ruane

2009-12-30T06:08:00.001-08:00

Back To The Future
(A Fund Raiser for The Senior Citizens Committee)
Ask any Chinaman. Everybody knows, that when cooked, the dirty little pig that was out in the yard becomes superior to itself, in which state it becomes worthy of royal praise. Having sacrificed itself unbeknowingly, it is served on silver platters, its head complete with eyes, tongue and ears prominent, as the centre-piece on the banqueting table; and on varying silver platters as delicious Ham for the King, as succulent Pork for the Queen, as Bacon and Cabbage for the Princes, and as Spare Ribs and Bits of Rasher, fun dishes for the Courtiers and Ladies in Waiting.
It is a wonder too, that it took a writer by the name of Charles Lamb to identify the values of that forsaken creature in his essay, A Dissertation on a Roast Pig, but not even a whisper of one-up-manship from its namesake, the more famous, Francis Bacon.
So, it was in Ballymore one Saturday during late October, in the Brunelleschi designed Piazza della Signoria at Paddy Murphys became a hive of industry, which occurance is already a legendary tale, and a truthful one at that, unlike the alternative history provided by the late fork-tongued Geraldus Cambrensis (1152) who, as inferred by the late and loved Professor F.X.Martin, gilded the Papal Bull ‘Laudabiliter’, on the rights of King Henry 11 to conquer Ireland.
Now, legend has it that when Cuchulin burnt his thumb on the scales of a monster fish which he found in the dying coal of a fire, that on putting his thumb into his mouth to soothe it , he magically acquired the gift of a prophet, and evermore was known as Frank (Salmon) and that when….
Finn MacCumhal, Prince of Glenmalure, while out hunting in that well-known valley, aimed his deadly spear at a giant Irish Elk, and having launched his missile, realised too late that a gust of wind had caught its flight and the spear had pierced the flesh of Queen Maeve’s favourite Bull, An Bo Donn; which is why so vast an error made it a wise thing for him to be known henceforth as Brendan (Clarke) and ………
Strange are the wonders of life, and stranger still, though it may seem so through the mists of time from a distant land, that the shadow of Hiawatha should arise. Hiawatha, Lord of Tir na nOg, magic land between Ireland and horizon’s western wave; Lord of its rivers and lakes, Master of the Four Winds and of the forests, built his canoe by their graces: ‘Give me of your boughs O Cedar/Of your strong and pliant branches/My canoe to make more steady/Make more strong and firm beneath me’, (so conceiving the idea of the Ballymore Eustace Canoe Club) ….and perchance, hunger and cold came with Winter when Hiawatha spied a Buffalo, bigger and stronger than Queen Maeve’s bull ever was, with a coat so warm and so much suited to Minehaha’s wigwam, that he stretched his bow, shot his unerring arrow through the pristine air when, presto, a huge screeching pig loomed up in front of the Buffalo……..
Ken Barrett awoke from his dream, Hiawat…Mineha…his ruddy complexion a testament to his love of outdoor life, startled at the noises being rattled out by his friends Frank and Brendan, like fearless men of a bye-gone age, real men who to this very day still use cobwebs of the Aranea Miraculum to repair punctures on their ancient BSA and Norton motorcycles – “get up, where’s the Pig - nine hours on the spit for The Senior Citizens Fundraiser at Paddy Murphys…..ha ha me boyos.”
By 11.30 that morning, the 250lb pig-on-the-spit was spinning above the fiery pit (from Ken’s coal mine) below at one revolution per leg, its colour changing ever so gradually from pink to pale bronze. Never in living memory was pig so well cared-for nor kept so warm, but before long it proved necessary to call on the services of an internationally experienced cook, Gary Ablett from Australia, who dressed the pig in fragrant balm, which aroma wafted luxuriously through the evening air to the senses and tummies of those who had come like pilgrims to peep at the pigs progress through chinks in the woodwork, watching in awe at the workload of Ken, Frank and Brendan, captains of industry, gone black from work, with sweat rolling in beads down their lithe bodies during this process of purification in purgatorial profession of unfinished business, and the rewards that are to come in paradise - a ‘pint o’ plain’.
The Ham, the Pork and the Bacon were devoured as one creature by the hungry and adventurous, and those who opted excitedly for Spare Rib and Bits O’ Rasher got aperitifs of more to come, tongue-tasters to a merry night. But prize of the night went to brave Niall thing-a-me-bob, who for a wager opted for the pig’s ear as an entrée to the world of heroes and the valiant. However, however, well, however anyway, when he noted (assiduously) that the pig’s ear had not been shaved of its rough hairy roots he balked a little, but with the surety of his own powers of persuasion, went abroad ‘to have the thing deep-fat-fried’, that like the bear’s sausage it might change its nature. He returned disjointed, the ear still dangling between his thumb and forefinger as fresh as ever, and being urged to fulfil the deed, raised it to his lips with a sincere miserere nobis, and as he did, his stomach reacted with Vesuvian vengeance. Every Chinaman knows that you can’t make a purse out of a pig’s ear!
Well as that may be, the occasion was fabulously enjoyable, with all the expenditure taken up by the Canoe Club and the donations given to the Senior Citizens Committee. Whatever about Francis Bacon, Charles Lamb’s friends have their eyes on the real thing for Punchestown Week next Spring.

At the end, all that was left for late-comers were pigs trotters, a tasty little dish for those who had to leave their cars behind and walk home. When asked about the left-over waste carcass Gary replied, outback style; ‘Waste, what waste? The bones are the soup for tomorrow!’
Michael Ward.

2009-12-30T06:06:00.000-08:00

on passing by- again

I am really beginning to think that certain Government workers, and the union leaders representing them, are living in some sort of parallel universe. In this other world the public finances are something that, although they give rise to some concern, are not things that need to be tackled with any sort of aggression. I am sick to the back teeth hearing the head of this or that union being interviewed and all they can say is that no matter what the solution it must not affect their members pay, conditions or terms of employment. Once this is understood then they are quite prepared to talk to the Government and to discuss the myriad options which they say are available to get us out of the current difficulties. They say that their members have already taken a seven per cent pay cut when in reality all the Government has done is to ensure that they are actually making some sort of contribution to the pension and lump sum which are so generously awarded to them. Workers in the private sector do not have the luxury of a guaranteed pension unless they contribute to it themselves so why should anyone else be featherbedded for their old age.
Another favourite solution is to keep borrowing to keep the country going. This would probably be a fairly safe bet if the sums needed were fairly small but we are currently borrowing in the order of 400 million euro a week. How long do they think we can keep this up because eventually the people lending the money are going to say enough is enough. If you cant, or wont, sort out your own financial affairs why should we risk our money by lending it to you.
When this home truth is pointed out they grudgingly accept that there may well be a bit of a small problem of that nature but that the option needs to be further explored before it is dismissed out of hand. Another option is to extend the period of time required to get our borrowing down to agreed EU limits. We have already saddled our children with a debt of massive proportions and the unions solution is to make sure that our grandchildren and their children suffer as well.
When all this stupidity is finally brushed away and they are asked how they would save the four billion euro needed to get us back to some semblance of normality you would think it was Hans Christian Anderson who had been asked the question. The usual first off is that they have already saved the country countless millions by agreeing to an embargo on staff recruitment but surely they can see that this is not a real saving but rather a cost that we will now not have to bear, which is a totally different thing. Next up we have the old chestnut, tax the rich. This coming from a union leader, some of whom earn up to one hundred and seventy thousand a year, is rich indeed. The leaders know full well that at the moment the top four per cent of workers pay forty five per cent of the tax. A large amount of the wealth that the four per cent have is extremely mobile and can be moved to another jurisdiction quite easily and quite rapidly. If this were to happen where would we make up the loss of tax revenue? How would we replace the thousands of jobs lost if these people decided to take their factories with them? In all the interviews I have heard with union leaders I have never heard a satisfactory answer to these simple questions. Is it because they haven’t worked out the answers or because to admit to the proper answers would undermine their argument?. Yes, exactly.
I am not advocating that the public or civil service should have to take all the pain but equally they cannot expect to be left untouched when every other section of society has been affected, or is to be affected. We cannot afford ever lengthening dole queues as this will drag us further into the mire. I accept that thousand of public servants are at or below the average industrial wage. It is also a fact that over nine thousand of them earn over one hundred and twenty thousand a year, which is almost an obscene amount in relation to that same industrial average. In effect we have nine thousand people costing over a billion euro a year. Surely a ten per cent cut on these people would not be too onerous considering their salary, job security and undoubtedly massive pensions.
I am sure there are other areas of the sector which could yield similar savings if the Government looked hard enough but they still seem to be in thrall to the unions.
A recent development underscores the “don’t hit me” attitude. Civil servants have said that substantial savings could be made if all the different types of allowance were examined and cut back. This would of course save money and the reason the civil service has brought it up is because most of them are in nine to five desk jobs and as such don’t qualify for allowances so its basically a case of I’m all right jack. So much for the vaunted solidarity between the brothers. The nurses, the guards and the fire services will lose money and the nine to fivers will escape unscathed. I am at a loss to understand how a Garda could be entitled to avail of up to fifty seven different allowances, especially the one to compensate for the loss of allowances while on holiday, but even I can see that implementing something like that would be totally unfair.
Unfortunately I cannot see a way out of the current situation until every one accepts that the economy is knackered, that we cannot afford a public service that costs over twenty three billion euro and that we have to do everything possible to keep people in work. The private sector has accepted this months ago, and private sector workers have made sacrifices to ensure the continuation where possible of their employment. Those that have been unfortunate are now trying to exist on benefits which could be only a third of their recent wage. In contrast the only people who have gone from the public sector have done so of their own accord to ensure that their pension entitlement will not be compromised by mooted measures in next months budget. Back to the I’m all right Jack.
Just before I go can I ask if anyone else is getting sick and tired of the way the Government Opposition is carrying on it business. In what all party leaders agree is the worst financial crisis in the history of the State we are constantly treated to opposition deputies automatically decrying anything the Government says. I am not a great supporter of the Government but I can see the need for action. Despite being constantly asked to forward suggestions to alleviate our position Mr Kenny and Mr Gilmore seem more interested in scoring points and gaining headlines. Enough is enough lads.

All for now. Mike Edmonds Nov 09.

2009-12-30T05:57:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Michelle Ellis, Hillcrest, Ballymore Eustace who was conferred with an Honours Degree in Commerce at the N.U.I.G. recently. She has returned to Galway to do a Masters Degree in Human Resources.

Leadership Required!

In the Oct issue of the Bugle I wrote about the earnings of the top brass in the civil service, which had been published in the daily papers and wondered what the top brass in the trade unions were earning. Lo and behold in the Irish Times Oct 24th was a list of some of the top earners; some of them, for reasons best known to themselves would not disclose their incomes. All were earning top dollar, and most important, secure in the knowledge that they won’t be out of a job in these times of recession like some of the workers they represent. Some were earning handy nixers by being attached to State boards. And we mustn’t forget sick leave; some in the HSE are on paid sick leave for more than six months. I don’t know the reasons for these payments perhaps they are genuine enough, but they’re costing the State more than €11million. Sick leave has almost doubled since the eighties and is twice that of the private sector. I read in the paper t’other day that Dr Drumm, head honcho in the HSE, has received a bonus of €70,000 and in the same paper the story of anxious parents whose child is dying for want of a heart operation and is on a waiting list for a bed. Another man is waiting five months for a knee operation. Go figure!!!
However it’s not all bad news, I read that Peter McLoone leader of the public sector union Impact has decided not to accept a substantial pay rise. More power to his elbow. Will others follow suit? But as I write there’s a threat of ‘a walk out strike’ to take place next week. ‘Taking action in a coordinated way’, and the need to ‘provide best practice’, whatever the hell that means, is how one trade union leader describes it: probably means go on strike if we don’t get our way. By the time you read this all will be settled we hope.
Another topic making news these days is the call by Enda Kenny for the abolition of the Seanad. Some time ago I wrote in the Bugle making the exact same call. If I remember correctly I described it as a home for aspiring and retiring politicians or words to that effect. So have I changed my mind? As it stands at the moment no, but properly run it has its uses. It is in urgent need of radical reform. The idea of a Senate or Upper House goes back a long time, back to Roman times, and its function basically is to keep an eye on the government and to peruse legislation sent to it by whatever parliament is in power. It can initiate and revise legislation or make recommendations, but that’s as far as it can go. In short, it has limited powers. It costs 25 million euro to run, and that’s a lot of dough for an outfit with little or no clout. The salary of a senator is €70,000 plus, with expenses averaging €45,000. A handy number if you can get it! The number of senators is 60, and 11 of those are nominated by the Taoiseach of the day, 43 are elected by incoming Dáil, outgoing Seanad, and various panels representing other interests. The two universities get to elect 3 apiece. So tell me, how can a Seanad so politically weighted act independently of government? Do turkeys vote for Christmas?
Apparently reform of the Seanad has been talked about for the last thirty years. Various schemes were proposed, talked about, but never acted on. I must admit it has been all over my head and therein lies the problem; nobody cared, nobody shouted Stop. But times have changed and times are tough, and people are beginning to ask awkward questions of our elected representatives, whether in government or Seanad. Do we get value for money spent? In 2008 our senators sat for 93 days. What did they achieve? Can anyone remember? The only way we can have a completely independent Seanad is to have it elected by the electorate only, with no government interference. If this miracle were to take place then I do believe that the Seanad has a place in Irish politics, but as it stands at the moment it is just another expense we could do without. Some of our European neighbours have abolished their upper house and seem to be managing just fine. In these lean times a radical overhaul is needed, starting at the top! Social partnership and benchmarking need a reality check. I said at the time of its introduction that it only worked when things were on the up and up. A palsy walsy arrangement that suited Bertie's idea of management won’t work in the situation we now find ourselves in.
Over to you Taoiseach, leadership is required. Jeffers.

2009-12-30T05:56:00.001-08:00

Colette sent me off to the Italian Grand Prix in Monza as part of my fiftieth birthday present. We flew into Milan and stayed in a place called Breschia, where they make Beretta pistols. The Monza Grand Prix is staged in a big park, similar to the Phoenix Park. I have followed motor racing through the turbo years of John Watson, through the Professor Prost era, the Senna tragedy, the Schumacher year’s right up to the present day. It was brilliant to be able to witness a full Grand Prix. A truly memorable trip.
Elsewhere I am very happy that we have a bit of Coverage of Arthur’s day. The lovely pics are courtesy of Anna Ward. It was a day to forget about recession and the general mood of depression that pervades the land. Indeed the only mention of NAMA was when someone toasted “to Nama” I was in two places (not at the same time) the Ballymore Inn & Pat Murphy’s. Perhaps Cowan & co. (or whoever follows next) will consider making September 24th a public holiday.
Some of you may have noticed the rivalry between Vodafone and Eircom has hit new heights with the two ads running on TV at the moment. The Vodafone one was shot along Weaver’s Row, but they didn’t paint all the doors red.
“See the Stars” certainly has some set of gears. Just looking at Michael Kinane in the Arc, he didn’t really seem under any pressure as he knows what he had underneath him. Just pushed the button and way he went.
Roy Keane must be on really dodgy ground with Ipswich. All the summer talk about endurance courses and killing pigs etc. is a far cry from some of their recent performances. Closer to home it looks as if the Hoops could win the league in their first year at home in Tallaght. What an achievement that would be and a just reward for all their fans who stuck with them through thick and thin. Kildare County however remain in the doldrums, really struggling at every level. The one positive outcome from Kildare’s first team in the League is the amount of interested generated in underage and schoolboy levels.
Going onto the other code, Kerry had everyone fooled. They came good at just the right time of the year and exacted the ultimate revenge on Cork. Good to see Meath, Wicklow and our own lads doing so well in ’09. The Kildare performance was capped with an all star nomination for James Kavanagh. Vincent is so confident that, when I spoke to him in the Ballymore Inn recently, he had just had a bet of 200 euro at 10/1 on the son getting the award!
Congratulations to Richard Gleeson who wins a Kildare jersey, (for next year’s All- Ireland Final!), for correctly telling us that the Year of the Field Day was 1970! Big Will O’Donoghue says he has more teasers up coming in the next few months. I remember that field day well. Mick Davoren (I think) wrote a song based around “All Kinds of Everything” which Margaret Gordon sang as “Quare Times” paraded around. Correct me if I’m wrong guys!
Poor oul’ Bernard Dunne as on the wrong side of a bad beating from the little Thai fella in the O2. Bernard was accepted into the Fire Service Panel at the end of last year and could be called up for training if he doesn’t go up a weight and make a comeback. The fight aftermath also gave way to some awful jokes, possibly the worst was; what do Michael Jackson and Bernard Dunne have in common? They both wore gloves with no purpose. Come on now, Bernard deserves better.

As the Festive Season fast approaches don’t forget Touch Ireland. A charity shop is set up in O’Keefes Home & Garden on the Naas Road, so give them your support. Whilst on the subject of support, go along to the best one man show in the village. Gus Kavanagh’s Bingo. I always said you’d have to be paid to listen to Gus and that’s what you could be. Monster Jackpots and I’m sure getting near to Christmas there will probably be at turkey or two.

2009-12-30T05:54:00.000-08:00

Communications from our local representatives:

Dear Editors,

I would be grateful if you would publish the following in the next edition of The Ballymore Bugle:

The Kildare County Council KTK Community Levy Project

“The saga goes on; I have requested that we discuss it at our next meeting on the 20th October,
I am sorry to hear that Rose has resigned from the Committee - best of luck with your studies, Rose!

If there are any community groups that want to make an application for KTK Funding, please feel free to contact me directly to discuss: email wcallaghan@eircom.net or phone 086 234 1009.

I was very pleased that the Lisbon Treaty was passed Friday week as I firmly believe it will be good for the Country.
Over the years, Ireland has received a lot of financial support from the EU and I hope that we will continue to do so in the future.”

Cllr Willie Callaghan, FF
_____________________________________________________

South Kildare Community Transport Services

"Following on his motion to call on the Minister to protect the services offered by South Kildare Community Transport in light of recent announcements, Cllr Mark Wall has welcomed the decision of the Council to back the motion.

South Kildare Community Transport offers a comprehensive transport service for the people of Ballymore, Dunshane and surrounding townslands; the service has recently being altered and the company are more than willing to talk to local people in the Ballymore area who would like to discuss the service. They can be contacted on 045 871916.

The company ensures that the people of Ballymore can access the town of Naas and we must ensure that such an important service is protected for the sake of those who use the service and for those that may have to use the service in the future.

I welcome welcomed the decisive ‘Yes’ vote in the recent Lisbon referendum, the input of the Business Community was particularly welcome as we must encourage every possible potential employer into this country and into our county in particular. It is my opinion that this can be best achieved as part of a European Union and the reaction to the decisive ‘Yes’ vote throughout Europe was very encouraging"

Cllr Mark Wall, Labour

Wolfe Tone Cumann
Tributes were paid to the late Des Kennedy, former Chairperson at last month’s cumann meeting. The late Des was acting chairperson at the time of his death and one of the cumann’s hardest workers, having been local Director of Elections for several elections. He will be sadly missed by friends and local representatives. Pat Browne, vice chairperson, was elected to assume the role of Chairman until the next annual general meeting.
The cumann also discussed a fitting feature to be made as a memoriam to Des, plans to be discussed further at the next meeting.
Cumann members are reminded that the Annual Wolfe Tone Commemoration Day will take place in Bodenstown at 12pm on Sunday, October 18th – all welcome to attend.
Scoil Mhuire

Works being done at the moment are part of the Summer Works 2008 scheme. The school was initially turned down for this work for the Summer of 2008 due to budgetary concerns in the Department of Education and Science but were surprised to be included for a grant just prior to summer 2009.

We hold yearly consultation meetings between Principal and 6th class pupils and between the Board of Management and 6th class pupils regarding general school policy and facilities to get their opinions. At the consultation meeting in June 2007, 6th class pupils highlighted clearly for the Board the difficulties they experienced having to enter and exit on the pedestrian path as it is too narrow for the volume of pedestrian traffic at peak times. The board explored their proposals and decided to apply for a grant to put a wider footpath on the town side of the gate and to increase the staff car-parking from 12 spaces, as there is now a daily staff of 15 and 248 pupils.

Ideally we would prefer to carry out this work when the school is closed but that was not possible so it is hoped that the works will be finished by the end of Hallowe'en week.While it is an inconvenience to have works during term time, the board believes that anything which will increase pupil-safety is well worth the effort. In relation to the "Suaimhneas" garden, this is a project we hope to carry out in the inner courtyard. We applied in March '08 for a grant for this under the KTK scheme and will consider this work if we are successful in obtaining this grant.Mairead O'Flynn, Scoil Mhuire, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare. 18055B
NB Scoil Mhuire was passed for €6,000 earlier this year by the KTK Kildare Co Council Levy Committee but no further meetings have been scheduled and there was no monies in the fund at the end of August 2009. KTK themselves estimate they owe €60,000 approximately. The Bandhall Committee, Scoil Mhuire and the CDA/TIDY Towns can not have their funding released under further monies are paid by KTK. (Tidy Towns project on the Old Library has not been discussed property nor yet approved as the committee has not met for at least 5 months.) I, Rose Barrett, have since stepped down from the committee due to education commitments and frustration......................

2009-12-30T05:52:00.000-08:00

To OFF TH CUTTING EDGE
By Pastor Robert Dunlop
STAYING THE COURSE
It is easy to fall into the temptation to hobble through life in fits and starts. Constancy is an attractive attribute, well worth pursuing.
It needs to be nurtured, even amongst the most optimistic people.
There are many situations which produce a burst of enthusiasm, followed by complacency.
In the realm of relationships we have all met “fair weather friends”, who disappear when the going gets tough.
To cultivate consistency is a major challenge. One of the reasons why it is not healthy to become too individualistic is to create momentum for growing
together. When we hold each other up we encourage consistency in running the race. This is something deeper than meddling in the affairs of others but it is also to be distinguished from aloofness and detachment.
“Although each of us is fashioned in careful incompletion, we were created to long for each other. Huge differences may separate us, yet they are exactly what draw us to each other. It is as though forged together we form one presence, for each of us has half of a language that the other seeks.” ( From Divine Beauty by John O’Donohue, (page 153).
Those who draw on Divine support will discover that the words of the prophet Isaiah are not only true, but relevant –
“They who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint”.
It is hard to think of a better recipe for staying the course.

DUBLIN THEATRE FESTIVAL…..

Combined pressures of work and study have kept me from my reading this month…couldn’t manage to finish anything in time for the review. However I was lucky enough to be treated to two trips to the Dublin Theatre Festival by a friend who loves a good drama.

A reliable source (who attends just about everything in the festival) had previously tipped me off about Enda Walsh’s “New Electric Ballroom” (At the Peacock), so I suppose I had quite high expectations of this play. Set in the claustrophobic kitchen of an Irish fishing village , we are introduced to three sisters who seem to be living a kind of groundhog day. Events of the past, which originally took place in the eponymous ballroom, form the central plank of the drama. The sister’s seemingly unconnected dialogue takes place in a series of set pieces which have a strong sense of repetition and are quite powerful lyrically and dramatically.

The unfolding story of the three women is punctuated by the appearance of the local fisherman, who enters noisily and gradually merges with the romantic male figure from the elder sister’s past. Although the language was clever and the actors undoubtedly gifted, I felt strangely at odds with the plight of the characters and couldn’t really engage with them emotionally. Perhaps it was the force of the dialogue which put me off- in places it was reminiscent of Beckett and that could have turned me off. It was a powerful production, commensurate with what an audience can expect from Druid Theatre Company. I wasn’t really moved though – so I am afraid I wouldn’t recommend it ….

Conversely “Tales of Ballycumber”, by Sebastian Barry (The Abbey) was devastating it its simplicity and power. Barry examines the impact of loss on a community and how judgements are often formed about people based on their ability to connect with others. Nicholas Farquhar is an ageing protestant bachelor, living alone and basing his life on the premise that he has become a better farmer than his father ever was. His simple life is disrupted by tragedy and leads him to call into question his view of himself and the perception of others - that he has become (that awful word) a loner.

Stephen Rea is mesmerising as the troubled Farquhar and the rest of the cast revolve around his star. The set is fantastic and the whole play is one of the most touching expositions of loneliness I have ever seen. There was a palpable sense of emotion in the theatre when the play was ending.

I was doubly privileged at the performance I attended, as Sebastian Barry spoke about his writing before the performance. He has a singular humility for such a gifted writer. I have always loved his novels and now I am a confirmed fan of his drama also. Highly recommended.

ANGIE RUANE

Matt’s Memories

Mick

He was chatting to John Ryan when I first saw him. For the second time in quick succession, I met Mick Kelly of Bolabeg. He was attending the Vigil Mass in Ballymore Eustace on Saturday, August 8 and this time he was accompanied by his wife, Bridie. Bridie was formerly a Wilson of Hollywood. Chatting to them, we recalled Dinny Toomey working in Headon’s Butcher Shop, the Downshire House Hotel and most recently in Wilson’s Butcher Shop in Rathfarnham. It turned out that the Wilsons of Rathfarnham were related to Bridie. Mick had one brother and five sisters. Sadly, one of his sisters, Lillian, died when she was 48. Mick had two sisters who used to work in Clerys and occasionally, I used to meet one of them in Parnell Square in Dublin.

Brass and Reed Band

I gather from an Article by Rose Barrett O’Donoghue in the Leinster Leader on September 9, 2004 that the Brass and Reed Band came into existence in 1875. This article coincided with the building of the replacement Bandhall. The article contained five separate photos of the band highlighting different features in the band’s time. Over the years, Tom O’Rourke (Senior) was one of its stalwarts. Another was the late John Headon and, in mentioning those two, one also thinks of Mick Kelly (Briencan). The Band was not the only community involvement Tom had. He was also Chairman of the Handball Development Committee before he became the Supervisor of the Fas Group that built the 40 by 20 alley. In earlier times, Tom was also very much involved in the Ballymore Eustace Tidy Town’s effort.

St Mary’s Cemetery

When the Annual St Mary’s Cemetery Mass was held this year, I was in Tramore at the time. I gather it was a great success. An Alter was built in the left corner (as you look into the cemetery) of the older part of the cemetery so that the Mass accommodated both those in the older part of the cemetery and also the new part. Talking to Jimmy McLoughlin, I gather a New Cemetery Committee has been set up and a Fas Worker employed. Noel Deegan is our Fas Worker. He was formerly of Dowdenstown and now of Liffey Heights and returned home from England some six years ago. Noel has done great work at the cemetery re-establishing the footpaths and cutting the grass and doing other necessary jobs. (Mary Campbell told Rose the entire committee under Pat Griffin were working well together – well done to all of you).
Luke Kelly
Over the years I was a fan of Luke Kelly who died in 1984 aged 44. All this was brought back to me when RTE ran a tribute show to him. I saw about half of this show that reminded me of the glory days at The Embankment in Tallaght. At the time, the late Mick McCarthy (not the soccer man) who specialised in folk music managed the Embankment. Mick died in April 2004. Luke has done great versions of “Raglan Road” and Phil Coulter’s “Scorn Not His Simplicity”. One of Luke’s most famous songs was recorded at the Embankment. All the top folk singers and groups performed at the Embankment at one time or another.
Anne’s Wedding
On August 14, Anne Winder married Mark Doyle in the local Catholic Church and her reception was held in the Ardenode Hotel. Anne is a daughter of Jim “Bumps” Winder and Mary Winder (nee Browne). I gather Jim underwent a heart by-pass operation recently and is presently recuperating from it. Her famous handballing Uncles, Cecil and Pious, were both in attendance. I gather Tess Sammon was also there and her good wishes were duly passed on to me.
Another Wedding
I see from the September Bugle that Emma Marshall and Roy Clarke also got married. Emma is a daughter of Willie and Carmel while Roy is noted for his singing ability and his parents are Peter and Anne.
Good-Bye
Fr Jimmy Kelly I see has left us. In the short six months he was with us, he endeared himself to the people of Ballymore Eustace.
Leinster Leader

The Leinster Leader of August 13 contained an Acknowledgment by the family of the late Pat Nugent. In the August 20 issue of the Leinster Leader a photo of Frank Sammon and Brendan Clarke appeared. It also contained a photo of Mac Sully and the Organising Committee of the Kilcullen Vintage Rally. The same issue of the Leinster Leader also referred to a re-union of the Langan Family. The Leinster Leader of September 3 deals with the Bishopsland Hoard that was found in 1942 during work on the Poulaphouca Hydro- Electric Scheme. The same issue of the Leader indicates that Martina Reilly has a new book called “The Wish List”. Some years ago, Martina worked with South Dublin County Council.

Vincent

Vincent Kavanagh called to pass on a message to me recently. As our readers will know Vincent retired as our local Garda sometime ago. What I did not know was that Vincent had a heart by-pass operation last year and has made a good recovery from it.

Eddie (Junior)

I call him Eddie (Junior) because his late father was also called Eddie – the surname being Gordon. While I often saw Eddie (Junior) up the village, this time his two daughters accompanied him and we exchanged greetings.

Garrett

He was out strolling and came over to talk to me. Surprise! Surprise! I did not know who he was. Anyway, it was Garrett Keenaghan, Celine’s husband and Barbara O’Neill’s son-in-law.

Brian

There I was getting ready to leave Ballymore Eustace when a 4 by 4 gave me a welcoming blow of its horn. It was Brian Fennan on his way up the village.

Anniversaries

On July 18 the Anniversaries of John and Elizabeth McGlynn were celebrated. On the same date, the Anniversary of Seamus Mahon, the Month’s Mind of Louie Murphy and the 38th Wedding Anniversary of Michael (earlier referred to as Mick) and Joy Kelly were remembered. On August 8 the Anniversaries of Judy Kelly, Patrick Kerr (who reached 100 years of age), Brendan and Betty Headon and Michael and Margaret Cregg were celebrated. The following day, the Anniversaries of Michael Conway and Catherine Daly were remembered. On August 22, the Anniversary of Dr. Malachy Dignan was celebrated. The following day Karen Lewis, Emily Norton and Michael Grace Senior were remembered.

Deaths

The death occurred of Jack Kaine of Kilmallum, Blessington on July 18, 2009. His wife Rhona predeceased Jack (John). His son James, daughter Elizabeth, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, son-in-law Alan, grandchildren Roger, Alison, Cheyenne and Glenn, nieces, nephews and extended family survive Jack. Jack is interred in the adjoining cemetery to St. Mary's Church of Ireland, Blessington. He was a brother of two of Ballymore Eustace’s leading ladies of former times the late Nellie Kaine and the late Dorrie Talbot. As readers will recall I sat beside the late Jack at the 2008 Senior Citizens Party.

The death occurred of Manzie Kelly of Barrack Street, Ballymore Eustace at St. Vincent's Hospital, Athy on August 13. Marie and Billy Murphy and their children - Frank, Henry and Mariea (and their families) - and relatives survive Manzie (Patrick) R.I.P. He was a brother of the late James and the late Alice. Alice worked in Joe Headon’s for a long time. Manzie is interred at St Mary’s Cemetery, Ballymore Eustace. He was a good football player and featured on the good Ballymore Eustace teams of the fifties. In 1956 he was on the Ballymore Eustace Team that reached the County Senior Final. In the final they were beaten by the Military College one of the finest teams ever to play in the Kildare Championships. Manzie played on the Brass and Reed Band. He was a great construction worker and left many legacies of this around the Ballymore Eustace and surrounding areas.

I was shocked to learn from the September Bugle of the sudden death of Frank Slattery. Frank died on August 16 and was the eldest brother of Barry. Barry did Trojan work for the community and handball when the 40 by 20 alley was being built. He was Treasurer of the Development Committee for the three years involved.
Kennedys
Joe Kennedy (Senior) hoped one of his sons might become President of America one day. Sadly his eldest son, Joe Kennedy (Junior), was killed in a plane crash in the Second World War. In 1960, his son Jack became the first Catholic to hold the position of President when he narrowly defeated Richard Nixon in the vote. Jack was a great Orator and “wowed” the Irish when he came to visit his ancestral home in Wexford in 1963. A few months later he was assassinated. In 1967 Jack’s brother Robert ran for President and he too was assassinated when doing well in his campaign. The youngest brother Ted ran for President in 1980 but was beaten and essentially this was the end of the Kennedys as a Presidential force in America. For the remainder of his life Ted Kennedy concentrated on his role as Senator. In that role he was a great help to Irish politicians especially in regard to matters relating to the North. Ted died on August 25 aged 77.
Only two weeks earlier, his sister Eunice Shriver died aged 88. Eunice was a founder member of the Special Olympics, which have been going from strength to strength.
Rob
Rob Mullally was previously from Assumpta Terrace but now lives in California after a spell in Jamaica. Recently Rob went to the races and had one good place bet. Additionally, he went to Pine Peak, Colorado as our photo shows and enjoyed the occasion even if it turned out to be 14,ooo ft., freezing cold, snow on the summit, and 40% less oxygen than at sea level. The scenery was spectacular and the rocks and waterfalls were amazing. Rob appears in the 1952 Corpus Christi Procession in Ballymore Eustace on the shoulders of his late father, Bertie, as the Procession approached Nellie Carroll’s house - then owned by Jimmy Gregory.
© Matt Purcell (September 21, 2009)

2009-12-30T05:51:00.000-08:00

On bulb planting

First of all, note that all spring-bulbs need to be planted now, so they can settle in and root before the onset of winter. But, to let the danger of the Tulip Fine disease pass, plant tulips in November.

When choosing your bulbs, make sure they are firm and have no holes, splits or other damage in the skin. Loose bulbs tend to be of better quality and have plenty of air circulating around them which will keep them clean and fresh.. The other advantage of loose bulbs is that you can pick them yourself and the bigger the better.

When planting your bulbs, note they like good drainage. So if your soil is clay or another sticky
mix, put some grit or sand into the planting hole first. Plant bulbs at twice or trice their size, thus a daffodil measuring 2” will have to be planted at a depth of 6”. For a natural effect scatter the bulbs by hand and plant them where they fall (nothing worse than regimental lines of daffs and crocuses, avoid at all cost).

If you are planting in borders, try to place the bulbs where their dying foliage will be hidden by plants that emerge in late spring.
Planting bulbs in lawns can give a lovely natural effect. To do this dig a U-shape with your spade/lawn edger and lift the sod at the bottom of the U. Plant regarding the size/depth of the bulb and replace the sod.
Choose early flowering species like Snowdrops, Crocus or an early Narcissus because you can’t mow the lawn there until the foliage dies back!
When planting bulbs in pots use any pot as long as they have good drainage and a depth of at least 8”-10”. First, empty and clean the pot, place stones over the drainage hole(s) and put a layer of compost in. Then place the larger bulbs, their pointy bits up and cover them with some more compost. A next layer of smaller bulbs comes in on top of that and cover again. On this the smallest bulbs, cover with compost, and then a layer of (possibly nice) grit. Water in well and wait…

Suggestion: bottom layer: Tulips; middle layer: Hyacinths; top layer: dwarf Narcissi.
Last but not least ensure that there is a succession of color from January to mid June. Have a look at the table below. Enjoy your bulbs!
Catriona Taylor
Flowering Times

Jan Snowdrops
Feb Crocus, Early Daffss
May Chinodoxa, Iris, Mid Daffs
Apr Bluebells, Hyacinths, Late Daffs
May Tulips, Hyacinths
Jun Allium / Freesia / Lilium

Planting plants and bulbs brings out the optimist in us all so heres hoping for a dry autumn and wonrerful spring.

Blessington Lakes Garden Centre

Good advice, great plants!

Available now
6 packs Pansies, Wallflowers, Bellis and Cyclamen
Repotting Service
We will repot all your baskets and pots with winter flowering plants which last!

2009-12-30T05:50:00.002-08:00

All-Star Nomination

Congrats to our own James Kavanagh on his nomination for an All-Star after a very impressive year with Kildare. James was in formidable form with the county and is Ballymore’s first All-Star nominee. Well done again James.

Table Quiz

The club is holding a table quiz on Friday 23rd October at 9.30pm in Paddy Murphy’s. Tables are €20. There are plenty of spot prizes to be won along with a raffle so support for the club is welcome. Also James Kavanagh and some of the county stars will be attending if you want to see them in the flesh!!

Monthly Draw

The monthly draw takes place on the last Thursday of this month. Only 100 tickets are available. This month’s prizes will be 1st €150, 2nd and 3rd €50. Tickets are €10 each so don’t be shy!! Winners for September were 1st Tommie Archibald 2nd Mary Clarke 3rd Paul O’ Donoghue and 4th Paddy Nolan.

Flag Day

The Club will be holding a Flag Day on the weekend of the 7th-8th of November so be prepared!!

Website

Don’t forget to check out the club website on:
http://www.kildare.ie/ballymoreeustacegaa

Championship News

Intermediate Football Championship semi-final

Ballymore 2-07 Maynooth 3-10

Ballymore’s championship ambitions came to a disappointing end with a defeat to a strong and fancied Maynooth side. It was the winners who kicked on late with the game in the balance until the last few minutes. Ballymore opened the scoring with Tommie Archibald pointing after 16 seconds but parity was soon returned when Pierre Ennis converted a free. The first goal of the game soon followed with Mark McCarville’s clever pass found Archibald who made no mistake. Steven Dwyer then extended the lead to four but Maynooth rallied back with 1-01 in quick succession to leave the score 1-2 a piece. Pieere Ennis then pointed twice to put Maynooth two up but Keith Conway somehow found himself with only the keeper to beat and he slotted home as the lead switched once more. Ballymore then took over and in a five minute spell points from Mark McCarville James and Eoin Kavanagh had Ballymore 2-05 to 1-04 as the game went into first half injury time. A good run from Karl Ennis resulted in a goal right at the end of the half to leave one between the teams 2-05 to 2-04 at half time.
After the turnaround Ballymore extended their lead to two when Eoin Kavanagh fired over seconds in but it took Ballymore 23 minutes to register their next score. Hugh Purcell burst through the Ballymore defence before firing to the back of the net and from then until the end Maynooth never fell behind. Karl Ennis pointed twice and along with points from his brother Pierre and Bennett the winners had some breathing space with Ballymore only able to respond with a Tommie Archiblad effort. As the game petered out Pieere Ennis pointed twice to give Maynooth a six point win. Best for Ballymore on a disappointing day were James Kavanagh, Tommie Archibald and William O’ Donoghue.
Ballymore: Maurice Murray, Keith Fennell, Pat Browne, Jamie Balfe, Gerry Fennell, Colin Clarke, William O’ Donoghue, Tadhg Grace, James Kavanagh, Steven Dwyer, Peter Lawlor, Keith Conway, Tommie Archibald, Eoin Kavanagh, Mark McCarville. Subs: Shane Kavanagh, Kieran Doyle

Senior Reserve C Championship semi-final

Ballymore 0-6 St Kevins 2-6

Two goals in a golden ten minute spell for St. Kevins put paid to Ballymore’s challenge for the Championship title of 2009. The scoreline however disguises an excellent display by Ballymore who really pushed St. Kevins right up to the finish-line. Considering that St. Kevins already beat Ballymore by a scoreline of 0-17 to 0-1 in the league, they were correctly quoted as red hot favourites. Kevins started the brighter and with two frees went into an early lead. Ballymore were defending well against an onslaught and Paul Browne brought some hope with an excellently taken long range point from near the right sideline. St. Kevins responded and repeatedly attacked the Ballymore goal with little return however apart from a string of wides and a further point from a free. At this stage the standard of tackling by the Ballymore backs was extremely high with no St. Kevins player being allowed a free shot on goal. Séamus Browne then attacked from deep with a mazy solo-run and point before another long-range point from Paul Browne made it 0-3 each at half time.
Ballymore introduced Hugh Keogh at half time and he made an immediate impact. Ballymore were gaining the upper hand in midfield where Alan Rooney was a tower of strength. Paul Browne got two further points and Ballymore went into a two point lead with ten minutes of the second half gone.
Cracks however were starting to appear in the defence as Kevins had a goal bound shot deflected narrowly wide of the upright. This spurred them on and when their corner forward found himself one on one with Kevin McNally the Ballymore keeper, he chipped the ball nicely over the top for the first goal of the match.
St. Kevins were spurred on by this and a nicely weighted pass left 2 St. Kevins forwards facing one defender and they duly converted for the second goal.
Ballymore rallied, but time was running out and they concentrated in getting an all important goal. St. Kevins retreated, bringing all their players into their own half and Ballymore added a Jarlath Gilroy point before a daisy cutter heading for the corner was stopped by the goalie. At this stage, the chance was gone and the ref blew up the game to end another championship campaign for Ballymore.
It has been a stirring championship performance this year by the Ballymore second team. Ballymore team was:
Kevin McNally, Stephen Fisher, Alan Gilroy, Brian Moore, Darren Gorman, Ciarán Doyle, Ciarán Conway, Alan Rooney, Kevin Murphy, Dean Fisher, Paul Browne, Ódhrán Kennedy, Séamus Browne, Brian Fisher, Glen Browne. Subs: Christy Browne, Jarleth Gilroy, Hugh Keogh and T.J Gilroy

Player Profile

This month we have the honour of interviewing the man of the moment, a man who men look up to, women fantasies about and kids want to be: YE RIGHT!! Step up James Kavanagh:

Favourite Player: Like watching Daniel Goulding for Cork.
Player you would most like to have on BME team: Timmy Gorman!
Best Player ever played against: Mark O’ Shea (Kerry)
Career High: Winning the Hogan Cup.
Best advice ever given or received: Practice with both feet (Dad)
The biggest influence on you as a player: Geezer
The best Kildare player you played with: Dermot Earley
Favourite meal before a match: Beans and scrambled eggs
Worst dressed on the team: Nobody really stands out; Timmy’s jeans can be Gippo-esk!
Laziest trainer on the team: the man that prepared these questions Woddy (What a Lie)
Biggest poser on the team: Don’t even have to answer this! We all know and so do you; Timmy
Who would you most like to go on a date with: Linda Mullahy (She’s sitting right beside me!)
If you could be anyone for a day: Cristiano Ronaldo playing against Barcelona.
What you would like to see in your lifetime: Kildare winning the All Ireland.
If you couldn’t play football what would you do? I’d be travelling the world... with Linda (still sitting beside me!)
Favourite Drink: Guinness, if you mean alcoholic drink.
Favourite Film: Gladiators
Favourite song: Caledonia.
Who eats the most around the Kavanagh dinner table? Contrasting figures but its close between Dad and me.
Hopes for next year: The dream has to be the Sam Maguire.
Do you like signing autographs: Of Course!!

2009-12-30T05:50:00.001-08:00

Ballymore Ladies GFC

Junior C Championship

Eadestown vs Ballymore
It was a lovely warm Sunday morning on the 13th of September when Ballymore travelled to Eadestown for the local derby. Traditionally this has always been one of Ballymore’s most challenging fixtures with Eadestown’s experience and higher division status.
Eadestown had the better first half notching up 2 goals, disappointing for the Ballymore backs who had done well soaking up a lot of the pressure. Ballymore did have a good ten minute spell but the whistle-happy referee and some poor decisions when playing the final ball left the girls trailing 2-4 to 0-3.
The 2nd half saw some better movement from the Ballymore Ladies. The Ballymore backs were providing some lovely ball into the midfield and forwards. Move of the match for Ballymore started from a Megan O’Neill free, moving through Fran Burke before Lesley Tutty was brought down. From the free Dawn Murray passed the ball back into Lesley for a point – she was unlucky not to get a goal. The girls kept fighting, in particular Aisling Hubbard but the experience of Eadestown showed with some great blocks and defending. Without goals Ballymore couldn’t pull back the scoreline but the fact they were competitive and on top for parts of the game shows a massive improvement.

Eadestown 3-8 Ballymore 0-9

Scorers for Ballymore
Aisling Hubbard 0-3
Lesley Tutty 0-2
Dawn Murray 0-2
Louise Burke 0-1
Teresa Gorman 0-1

Carbury vs Ballymore
Ballymore travelled to Derrinturn on All Ireland football final day September 20th. Many supporters travelled down on the day. Ballymore were expecting a challenging game and Carbury played very well on the day.
Ballymore started well with the mid field and half forwards moving the ball forward. Tracey was awarded 2 frees in good positions in the first 15 minutes and Dawn kicked both of them over the bar easily. Carbury took a few minutes to settle after Ballymore’s quick start but soon got into the game and the teams were evenly matched in the first half. Carbury were the stronger team in the second half and were victorious on the day. Ballymore played a great game with the whole team putting in a good performance. Despite Carbury being the better team on the day Ballymore gave one of the best performances of the year and moved the ball well in all positions.

Carbury 2-8 Ballymore 0-8

Scorers for Ballymore
Dawn Murray 0-4
Aisling Hubbard 0-2
Lesley Tutty 0-1
Stephanie Harney 0-1

Remaining Fixtures
At time of going to press there was only one remaining fixture in the championship.

Day
Date
Time
Home

Away
Sunday
11/10/2009
2pm
Ballymore
v
Robert Emmets

U15
Ballymore girls have been gradually increasing over the last year and now have teams as far as under 15. John Hubbard is the manager of the under 15’s with input from some of the ladies team and the other girls team managers. Over the last few weeks the girls have been put through their paces and can be proud of themselves for all the work they have put in on their fitness and skills.

Robert Emmets vs Ballymore
Ballymore girls played their first competitive u15 match against Robert Emmets on a beautiful September Saturday. It was a very close game with the teams being evenly matched. Cody made 2 great saves in the first half. Their goalkeeper also made a good save denying Gemma Garvey a goal. Karen Archbold, Fiona Field and Lucy Field all contributed to the final score. The backs also played well with Aoife Murphy clearing a lot of ball. Watch out Stacey Balfe-looks like you have competition!
Congratulations to the girls on their first u15 competitive game. The future looks bright for Ballymore Ladies.
Robert Emmets 2-5 Ballymore 2-4

Last Man Standing
The Ladies "Last Man Standing Premiership Competition" is down to the final 37 people with Week 5 seeing 67 knocked out, and both Stacey and Dawn having their sheet down to zero. It was the "sure things" of Everton, Man Utd and even Wolves that caused most of the casualties! Both Mick Horan and Simon Murphy had the largest losses with 11 knocked out each. Simon’s sheet remains a family affair with Siobhan tipped to beat the rest by surviving the longest on that sheet!! Thanks to everyone for keeping the numbers updated and best of luck to the final survivors!!

General
Thanks to Simon for solving the problem of all the ladies ‘lost’ footballs. The nettle stings were well worth it!

Training for the ladies team is over for the season. Thanks to everyone who contributed so much to the club and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year. New players of all age groups are very welcome to join next year. Details of training will be in the Bugle in the New Year.

Deirdre & Sharon
Ballymore Ladies GFC PROs